Readministration of abciximab: Interim report of the ReoPro Readministration Registry

Even with continued improvements in the technology of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), approximately 10% to 20% of patients undergoing PCI wi ll require repeal procedures within 1 year. Furthermore, because of the chr onic nature of coronary artery disease, many patients will require addition al treatment with PCI well after an initial episode of care. Abciximab (Reo Pro), a chimeric (murine/human) monoclonal antibody fragment (c7E3 Fab), ha s been shown to significantly improve periprocedural and long-term outcomes associated with PCI and to reduce the need for repeat target vessel revasc ularization. However, because the structure of abciximab is derived from an antibody, concern has been raised about subsequent repeat administration. To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of abciximab readministra tion, we established the ReoPro Readministration Registry with the intent t o determine the efficacy, human antichimeric antibody response and rates. o f thrombocytopenia, bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and anaphylaxis in a t least 500 patients being retreated with abciximab. The study was conducte d at 19 centers beginning in March 1997. This article details interim data that are based on the first 329 patients. Data to date indicate that readmi nistration with abciximab is safe and efficacious and that the same indicat ions for first-time use should apply to subsequent readministration.