3 Review(s)

This book provides a definitive basis of knowledge of the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for the treatment of cardiac diseases and for the prevention of ischemic complications after percutaneous coronary intervention. The first section concentrates on the basic pathophysiology underlying the theoretical usefulness and development of this class of agents. It covers the role of thrombosis and platelet activity as well as cell surface adhesion molecules. The second section concentrates on the GP IIb/IIIa blockade following percutaneous coronary revascularization. Three agents are reviewed for this indication (abciximab Integrilin and tirofiban) with a focus on the data derived from the major Phase III trials. This section concludes with a key summary integrating the results of the major trials of GP IIb/IIIa during coronary intervention comparing and contrasting the different agents and providing practical guidelines for clinical use. The third section focuses on the emerging indication of GP IIb/IIIa blockade during the acute coronary ischemic syndromes: unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction discussing the major Phase II trials and ongoing studies in the filed.The fourth and final section provides a vision of the future development and application of these agents for the treatment of vascular disease including the new frontier of chronic antiplatelet therapy with oral GP IIb/IIIa agents and the potential role of these agents in non-coronary (peripheral and cerebral) vascular disease.