Optimal timing of coronary stenting in unstable angina patients

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of intracoronary stenting in th e acute phase of unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Methods Fifty-five patients with UAP were randomized to early (Group I, n = 29) and delayed interventional treatment (Group II, n = 26). Coronary angi ography and stenting were performed within 48 hours in Group I and 7-10 day s later in Group II. Procedural success rate, time interval from admission to angina relief and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Cardiac eve nts within 30 days were observed as well. Results Clinical characteristics and angiographic features were similar bet ween the two groups. There was no significant difference in the procedural success rate (93% versus 96%), but the cardiac event rate within 30 days wa s significantly lower in Group I than in Group II: (0% versus 9.2%, P < 0.0 5). The time interval from admission to angina relief (4.4 +/- 3.1 days ver sus 5.7 +/- 2.9 days) and the duration of hospitalization (8.8 +/- 3.2 days versus 13.5 +/- 3.1 clays) were significantly reduced in Group I (both P < 0.05). Conclusions Intracoronary stent implantation is effective and safe in the a cute phase of UAP. Early percutaneous coronary intervention results in rapi d improvement in symptomatology and a shorter hospitalization. Its long-ter m effect has to be confirmed in a future randomized study.