Abciximab Safe in Renal Insufficiency
Abciximab (ReoPro®, Centocor), a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor that keeps platelets from sticking together, can safely be given to patients with chronic renal insufficiency who are undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty, according to a Mayo Clinic study. That’s good news, because these patients face a high risk of failure associated with the procedure, at least a fivefold increase in major adverse drug events (ADEs), and a 10-fold increase in mortality during hospitalization. Even if the PCI succeeds, the mortality rate on long-term follow-up in these patients is nearly four times that for patients with a baseline creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dl or lower.
zetia online
Athough glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists already have a successful record in reducing periprocedural thrombotic events and long-term mortality, they have not been used aggressively in renally impaired patients. Little is known about their safety or efficacy in patients with significant chronic renal insufficiency who are at risk for both platelet and coagulation problems.
