Prehospital versus periprocedural abciximab in ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objective: To investigate the potential benefit of an earliest possible out-of-hospital start of abciximab (ReoPro) therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; Lilly, Bad Homburg, Germany) and planned primary percutaneous intervention compared with periprocedural abciximab treatment on reperfusion and clinical outcome.

Methods: Randomization of one hundred and one patients with STEMI to prehospital or periprocedural abciximab treatment. Evaluation of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, ST-segment resolution, myocardial blush grade, and maximal creatine kinase release before and after as well as clinical follow-up until 6 months after the index event.

Results: Prehospital abciximab (group 1) was initiated a median of 101 min (37-165 min) earlier compared with periprocedural treatment (group 2). Initial TIMI 3 flow (24 vs. 15%, P=NS), ST-segment resolution before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (<30%: 33 vs. 46%, P=NS; >70%: 38 vs. 33%, P=NS), post-PCI myocardial blush grade 2 and 3 (72 vs. 75%, P=NS), maximal cardiac enzyme release (creatinine kinase MB median 77 U/l; range 33-137 vs. 74 U/l; range 39-143 U/l, P=NS), and 6 months follow-up (recurrent myocardial infarction or repeat coronary intervention, and PCI, need for coronary bypass surgery) did not differ significantly between both treatment groups.

Conclusion: Prehospital intravenous administration of abciximab, although safe and feasible in a trained surrounding, does not add angiographic or clinical benefit to patients with STEMI.