Accelerated plasminogen activator inhibitor may prevent late restenosis after coronary stenting in acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Although acceleration of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PA-1) level after emergent coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been documented, its pathophysiologic role is still unknown.

Hypothesis: This study was designed to elucidate the role of PAI-1 in the development of restenosis after primary coronary stenting in AMI.

Methods: We selected for this study 66 patients with AMI, who underwent primary coronary stenting for infarct-related coronary artery lesions in an emergent situation.

Randomized comparison of cilostazol versus ticlopidine hydrochloride for antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent implantation for prevention of late restenosis.

Background: Cilostazol is a newly developed antiplatelet drug that has been widely applied for clinical use. Its antiplatelet action appears to be mainly related to inhibition of intracellular phosphodiesterase activity. Recently, cilostazol has been used for antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent implantation.

Early recanalization and plasma brain natriuretic peptide as an indicator of left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Although plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels have been widely measured in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it is still uncertain whether the early recanalization modulates the levels and whether the levels can predict chronic stage left ventricular function. This study was designed to elucidate these issues.

Methods: In 80 consecutive patients with AMI, plasma BNP levels were measured at admission and at 4 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 month after admission.