Use Of Tirofiban Research Articles

Periprocedural use of tirofiban in elective percutaneous coronary intervention for long coronary lesions in stable patients with overlapping drug-eluting stents--the PETITION study: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.

Patients are at risk of developing periprocedural myonecrosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated whether the use of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor tirofiban could reduce periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective PCI with overlapping stent implantation for long lesions. A total of 748 stable angina patients with long lesions (≥ 40 mm in length) treated with overlapping stent implantation were randomly assigned to receive tirofiban (tirofiban group; n = 373) or conventional therapy (control group; n = 375). Intravenous tirofiban was initiated before PCI and maintained for 12 hr after the procedure. The primary endpoint was PMI, defined as an elevation in CK-MB > 3 times the upper limit of normal 12 hr after the index procedure. The secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, and recurrent MI (re-MI), at one-year of clinical follow-up. The safety end-points included Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major bleeding and stent thrombosis. Despite comparable angiographic and procedural characteristics, in the intention-to-treatment analysis, the primary endpoint was significantly reduced in the tirofiban group (4.0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the adjunctive use of tirofiban was the only negative predictor of PMI (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.81, P < 0.01). At one-year of clinical follow-up, the overall occurrence of MACE was significantly lower in the tirofiban group (13.4% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.001). The rate of TIMI major bleeding and stent thrombosis did not differ significantly between the two groups. Our results show that the adjunctive use of tirofiban reduces the occurrence of PMI and MACE at one year in stable coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective PCI for long lesions with overlapping stent implantation.

Analysis of the Best Timing for Applying Tirofiban in PCI Operation for the Patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

This study is a comparative analysis of the best timing for applying tirofiban in the PCI emergency treatment for STEMI patients. We selected 109 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction from October 2013 to October 2014 and divided them into two groups, the early treatment group (53 cases) received tirofiban during the operation and the later treatment group (56 cases) received tirofiban after operation. The analysis was then conducted. Results: The proportion of IRA forward flow in TIMI2-3 for the 1st group during the radiography was higher than 2nd group, 50 cases with TIMI3 blood flow and 52 cases with TIMI3 blood flow in later treatment group. Comparing the TIMI3 flow of both groups, the difference was not statistically significant; for the CK-MB 4h and 8h after operation as well as the LVEF after operation, the differences are were not statistically significant. The occurrence rate of hemorrhage complication was low for both groups. The early use of tirofiban can make the thrombus fully dissolve and coronary blood flow remains in a good state, which is not only beneficial for myocardial perfusion but also helpful for deciding the length and side branch situation of coronary artery pathological changes.

Desenlaces clínicos en una cohorte de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo y administración intracoronaria de tirofiban

IntroductionGlycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome. ObjectiveTo determine the major adverse cardiovascular events and safety of intracoronary and intravenous tirofiban in patients with acute coronary syndrome with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to a group of patients without this medication. Material and methodsProspective cohort. Adults with acute coronary syndrome from January 2010 to December 2012 were included. A proportional hazard regression model after 1 month of follow up where the risk of MACE and the interest variable was intracoronary and intravenous tirofiban were assessed. Results382 patients were included. 46% (174 patients) received intracoronary tirofiban. The average age was 65 years vs. 60 years in the group of non-tirofiban users (p=0.00). The rate of MACE at the first month was od 13/1000 events and 15/1000 events respectively in the group tirofiban and non-tirofiban (log rank test 0,935). The tirofiban use was neither related to a lower incidence of MACE (HR 1.09 95% IC 0.72 1.65) nor to major bleeding after the first month of follow up (1.72% vs. 2.88% respectively, p=0.456). ConclusionsIntracoronary and intravenous tirofiban in patients with acute coronary syndrome was neither related to lower incidence of MACE nor to bleeding events; however, it should be taken into account that other clinical variables and the severity of unquantified coronary events might influence the results.

Related factors analysis of peripheral vascular complications after percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly patients with coronary heart disease

Objective To understand the situation of the incidence of peripheral vascular complications after pereutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） in elderly patients with coronary heart disease, and to explore its related factors. Methods One hundred and three elderly patients with coronary heart disease after PCI were chosen according to the convenient sampling through the cross-sectional study, and were surveyed by the self- designed demographic tables and disease-related tables, and the data were collected and analyzed. Results The incidence of peripheral vascular complications was 21.4% in the elderly patients with coronary heart disease after PCI, and the incidence of local oozing bleeding was the most （ 13.6% ）, followed by 4.9% of the hematoma, 2. 9% of subcutaneous ecchymosis around puncture point, 2. 9% of forearm swelling. The occurrence of peripheral vascular complications was different in the patients with different age, marital status, combined with hyperlipidemia, puncture site, surgical time, duration of surgery, number of diseased vessels, the use of heparin during operation, postoperative use of Tirofiban and Plavix, and the differences were statistically significant （P 〈 0. 05）. Logistic regression analysis showed that the related factors of peripheral vascular complications after PCI included the marital status, puncture site, number of diseased vessels, intraoperative use of heparin, postoperative use of Tirofiban and Plavix. Conclusions The patients with older, non-marriage, emergency surgery, long time of surgery, puncture through the femoral artery, many diseased vessels, severe anterior descending artery stenosis, intraoperative use of large heparin, postoperative use of Tirofiban and Plavix are more susceptible to peripheral vascular complications, which suggests that we should put these patients as the focus of nursing in the future work. Key words: Elderly; Coronary heart disease; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Peripheral vascular complication; Related factors

Acute Serious Thrombocytopenia Associated with Intracoronary Tirofiban Use for Primary Angioplasty

Tirofiban, a specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, may cause extensive thrombocytopenia with an incidence of 0.2% to 0.5%. We report the case of a 50-year-old man who developed thrombocytopenia after tirofiban use (both intracoronary and peripheral) over hours and the successful management of this complication after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Effects of Upstream Administration of Tirofiban Before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Spontaneous Reperfusion and Clinical Outcomes in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

We assessed the effects of upstream administration of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on spontaneous reperfusion (SR) of infarct-related artery (IRA) and the clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The incidence of SR of the IRA was significantly higher in the tirofiban group than in the no-tirofiban group (141 [36.5%] vs 21 [17.2%], P < .001). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, use of tirofiban (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.25-4.31, P = .008) independently predicted the occurrence of SR. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that major adverse cardiovascular event-free survival was significantly higher in patients treated with tirofiban than in patients without tirofiban at 30-day (log rank = 11.65, P = .001) and 90-day follow-up (log rank = 16.79, P < .001). Upstream administration of tirofiban is significantly associated with increased SR of the IRA and favorable clinical prognosis in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI.

Comparative effectiveness of upstream glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with moderate- and high-risk acute coronary syndromes: An Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy (ACUITY) substudy

Tirofiban and eptifibatide are both small-molecule, competitive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (GPIs) that are guideline-supported for upstream therapy in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This study sought to compare the efficacy and safety of tirofiban and eptifibatide in patients with ACS. Within the ACUITY trial, 4,323 patients with moderate- and high-risk ACS received upstream, adjunctive GPI (tirofiban or eptifibatide) in addition to an antithrombin. Primary outcomes included 30-day rates of composite major adverse cardiac events (MACE), major bleeding (not related to coronary artery bypass grafting), and composite net adverse clinical events (NACE). The outcomes were compared based on the upstream GPI administered. There were significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients treated with tirofiban vs eptifibatide, particularly related to country/region. In unadjusted analyses, treatment with upstream tirofiban vs eptifibatide was associated with similar rates of major bleeding (5.8% vs 6.5%, P = .39) and nonsignificantly lower rates of MACE (6.1% vs 7.6%, P = .06) and NACE (10.6% vs 12.6%, P = .06). After propensity-based multivariable adjustment, there were no significant differences between tirofiban and eptifibatide with respect to 30-day major bleeding, MACE, or NACE. Among more than 4,000 patients with moderate- and high-risk ACS treated with upstream GPI as part of an early invasive management strategy, the use of tirofiban and eptifibatide resulted in similar clinical outcomes. These data suggest equivalence of these 2 agents for upstream use, while highlighting some of the difficulties of nonrandomized comparative effectiveness analyses, specifically the difficulty in addressing geographic differences in the use of nonrandomized treatments.

Effects of Tirofiban Maintenance Duration on Myocardial Perfusion Defect Severity in Anterior Myocardial Infarction

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not often produce optimal results, despite restoration of coronary blood flow at myocardial recovery, because of impaired microvascular perfusion. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate with (99m)Tc-sestamibi scan whether the results of PCI can be changed by maintenance infusion of tirofiban for 24 or 48 h in patients presenting with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study included 84 patients with anterior STEMI who were candidates for primary PCI and whose occlusion was in the proximal or mid-left anterior descending artery. Patients were given 25 μg/kg/3 min tirofiban and randomized to receive maintenance infusion at 0.15 μg/kg/min for 24 or 48 h. A resting (99m)Tc sestamibi scan was performed on the 5th day post-procedure before discharge. The primary efficacy endpoint was a patient's score on a 5-point scoring system for perfusion defect severity. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as death from any cause, re-infarction, and clinically driven target-vessel revascularization within the first 6 months. Baseline characteristics of the patients were similar in the two infusion groups (n = 42 per group). There was no significant difference in the symptom onset-to-presentation time or door-to-balloon time between the two groups. With the exception of basal anteroseptal and basal anterior segments, significant reductions were obtained on the 5-point scoring system for perfusion defect severity in segments and in the summed rest scores. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the incidence of MACE at 6 months. The safety profile did not differ between 24 and 48 h infusions of tirofiban. The use of tirofiban, when administered at a high bolus dose and maintained for 48 h, was safe and significantly reduced perfusion defect severity in patients with anterior STEMI presenting early after symptom onset and undergoing primary PCI.

GW24-e2385 Tirofiban improves spontaneous reperfusion and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

ObjectivesSpontaneous reperfusion (SR) occurs in 7–27% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and improves clinical prognosis. Our objective was to assess whether the glycoprotein...

Intra-Arterial Infusion of a Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antagonist for the Treatment of Thromboembolism During Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysm: A Comparison of Abciximab and Tirofiban

Abciximab and tirofiban are commonly used for the treatment of thromboembolisms that form during coiling of intracranial aneurysms; however, it is not known which of these inhibitors is safer and more effective. We report the safety and the recanalization rates for intra-arterial abciximab and intra-arterial tirofiban infusion for the treatment of thromboembolisms that form during coiling. Between March 2004 and April 2011, 346 intracranial aneurysms were treated with coiling. Thromboembolisms developed in 22 of these patients and were treated by use of intra-arterial tirofiban (n = 11) or abciximab (n = 11) infusion. In the abciximab group, the thromboembolisms were completely (n = 1) or partially (n = 7) resolved in 8 cases (72.7%) at the time of the final control angiography. Complete (n = 9) or partial (n = 2) resolution was achieved in all cases at the time of follow-up angiography (<3 days after the procedure). In the tirofiban group, thromboembolisms were completely (n = 4) or partially (n = 6) resolved in 10 cases (90.9%) at the time of the final control angiography. Complete (n = 9) or partial (n = 2) resolution was observed in all cases at the time of the follow-up angiography. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to thrombus resolution (final angiography, P = .311; follow-up angiography, P = .707). No hemorrhagic complications developed in either group. These results suggest that tirofiban is more effective than abciximab for the immediate resolution of thromboembolisms, with no statistical significance. Both intra-arterial tirofiban and abciximab exhibited similar safety and recanalization rates.

Improved outcomes from transradial over transfemoral access in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and upstream use of tirofiban

Background Transradial access has been increasingly used during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in last decade. Clinical benefits of upstream use of tirfiban therapy in STEMI patients treated by primary PCI have been reported. We investigated the merits of transradial vs. transfemoral access in primary PCI for STEMI patients with upstream use of tirofiban. Methods Patients with STEMI treated with tirofiban between December 2006 and October 2012 then by primary PCI were compared between transradial (n=298) and transfemoral (n=314) access. Baseline demographics, angiographic and PCI features and primary endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30-day clinical follow-up were recorded. Results Baseline and procedural characteristics were comparable between the two groups, apart from more patients in transradial group had hypertension and were treated by thrombus aspiration during primary PCI. Significantly fewer MACE occurred in the transradial group (5.4%) compared with the transfemoral group (9.9%) at 30-day clinical follow-up. Major bleeding events at 30-day clinical follow-up were 0 in transradial group and in 2.9% of transfemoral group. Multivariate analysis confirmed transradial approach as an independent negative predictor of 30-day MACE (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.35-0.91; P=0.03). Conclusions Using transradial approach in primary PCI for acute STEMI infarction patients treated with tirofiban was clearly beneficial in reducing bleeding complications and improving 30-day clinical outcomes.

Effect of intracoronary tirofiban on coronary slow flow patients with acute myocardial infarction during primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective To investigate the effect of intracoronary application of tirofiban on coronary slow flow patients with acute myocardial infarction during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPC1).Method It was a retrospective analysis of 187 patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with PPCI in the emergency department of Beijing Anzhen Hospital enrolled in this study from January,2008 through January,2011.The patients divided into 2 groups in terms of intra-coronary administration of tirofiban (tirofiban group) and intra-coronary use of nitroglycerol (control group).Data were statistically analyzed by using SPSS 13.0 software.Categorical variables were analyzed using x2 test and continuous variables were compared by t test.Results Between two groups,there were no differences in preoperative systolic pressure (P =0.245),the rate of TIMI flow 3 (P =0.568) after PPCI and ST segment resolution (P =0.824),LVEF (P =0.275) and in-hospital mortality (P =0.502).Compared with tirofiban group,the systolic pressure was lower and the rate of using intra-aortic counter-pulsation was higher in control group.Although the incidence of slight bleeding in the control group was lower than that in the tirofiban group,no severe bleeding was observed in both groups.Conclusions The effect of intracoronary use of tirofiban was similar to that of nitroglycerol in terms of improving slow flow of coronary artery.It could safely and effectively reduce the incidence of the coronary slow flow in the patients after PPCI,but it produced a little impact on systolic pressure.It may be a better method of choice for AMI patient with low blood pressure. Key words: Intracoronary; Tirofiban; Slow flow; Primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Prognostic Value of Total Bilirubin in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Coronary Intervention

Previous studies have shown that the serum total bilirubin (TB) concentration was inversely related with stable coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and metabolic syndromes. The relation between TB levels and in-hospital and long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not known. Data from 1,624 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI were evaluated. TB was measured after primary PCI, and the study population was divided into tertiles. The high TB group (n=450) was defined as a value in the upper third tertile (>0.9 mg/dl) and the low TB group (n= 1,174) as any value in the lower 2 tertiles (≤0.9 mg/dl). The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly greater in the high TB group than in the low TB group (4% vs 1.5%, p= 0.003). In the multivariate analyses, a significant association was noted between high TB levels and the adjusted risk of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio 3.24, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 8.27, p= 0.014). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, TB >0.90 mg/dl was identified as an effective cutpoint in patients with STEMI for in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (area under the curve 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.55 to 0.76, p= 0.001). The mean follow-up period was 26.2 months. No differences wereseen in the long-term mortality rates between the 2 groups. In conclusion, high TBisindependently associated with in-hospital adverse outcomes in patients with STEMIwhoundergo primary PCI. However, no association was found with long-term mortality.

Severe thrombocytopenia and alveolar hemorrhage represent two types of bleeding tendency during tirofiban treatment: case report and literature review

Tirofiban is a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thrombocytopenia is a well-known complication of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. Life-threatening complications such as alveolar and gastrointestinal system hemorrhages may occur in the course of thrombocytopenia. Platelet count should be monitored closely, including during the first few hours of the infusion. Adverse events may be prevented by prompt discontinuation of the therapy. Herein we present two cases of profound and sudden thrombocytopenia associated with tirofiban use in the treatment of ACS together with a review of the literature.

Comparison of short- and long-term haemostatic compression after transradial procedures

Background: Rates of transradial coronary procedures are increasing due to substantial benefits compared with the transfemoral approach. There is no standard in type or length of compression of the puncture site. The aim of the study was to compare two different schemes of haemostatic compression using the TR Band with regard to bleeding complications, vessel occlusion and early patient discharge. Methods: We compared two successive all-comer groups (n=331 and n=324) of patients after transradial coronary procedures between 1 October 2010 and 31 March 2011. The first group underwent compression of the puncture site for 1 hour before pressure was gradually released whereas pressure was maintained for 4 hours in the second group. Results: No major access site complications occurred in either group. The rate of minor bleeding was higher after short compression compared with prolonged compression (34 (10.3%) vs 16 (4.9%), P=0.015). Short compression, female sex and use of tirofiban were associated with bleeding complications. Rates of patent pulse of the radial artery and oxygen saturation of the ipsilateral thumb were high, without any difference between the two groups. Discharge of elective outpatients was postponed by 3 hours using the longer compression scheme. Conclusions: Maintenance of high compression pressure over 4 hours leads to a lower frequency of bleeding.

A novel treatment for embolising carotid dissection

INTRODUCTIONA rare but significant cause for stroke is sub-intimal carotid dissection and this mechanism accounts for approximately 2.5% of all strokes.1 Dissection of the carotid artery is often caused by trauma to the face or neck.2 Under 45 years old, it is the second leading cause of stroke.3 Neurological symptoms can be lacking or subtle, therefore the condition may be overlooked but the pathological processed is believed to be attributed to thromboembolism.4 Microemboli in the middle cerebral artery, are known as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke following a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and can be detected by transcranial Doppler examination (TCD).5 The established treatment regime is antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation or both along with supportive therapy.6 Current evidence suggests managing microemboli in both crescendo TIA's and post carotid endarterectomy improves outcome.7 We have found the use of Tirofiban, a potent intravenous antiplatelet agent currently licensed for use in acute coronary syndrome, effective in the treatment of microemboli in this manner.7 CASE PRESENTATIONWe report a case of symptomatic carotid artery dissection post radical neck dissection, causing TCD detected microemboli and successfully treated with Tirofiban. CONCLUSIONWe believe further study into the use of Tirofiban in the treatment of microemboli after carotid dissection is indicated.

Preventive effects of intracoronary administration of Anisodamine on myocardial microcirculation perfusion after primary PCI in STEMI patients

ObjectiveTo explore preventive effects of intracoronary administration of Anisodamine on myocardial microcirculation perfusion after primary PCI in STEMI patients.MethodsFrom March 2009 to August 2010, a total of 86 consecutive patients...

Intra-arterial adjuvant tirofiban after unsuccessful intra-arterial thrombolysis of acute ischemic stroke: preliminary experience in 16 patients

Intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis with plasminogen activator is well-known, but the use of IA tirofiban as an adjuvant for IA thrombolysis is not well-known. We investigated the feasibility of IA tirofiban as an adjuvant after unsuccessful IA recanalization with urokinase (UK) for acute ischemic stroke. We retrospectively analyzed all 16 consecutive patients (11 men and five women; mean age, 61.3years; range, 36-85years) who were treated with IA tirofiban after isolated IA thrombolysis with UK or bridging therapy with systemic recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA; 0.6mg/Kg) and IA UK for acute ischemic stroke. Outcome measures included angiographic recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, TICI), symptomatic and asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), mortality, and functional independence at 3months (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2). Among the 16 patients treated with IA tirofiban as an adjuvant, 10 patients had conventional dose (<25ug/kg, bolus) and six patients had high dose (≥25ug/kg, bolus) of IA tirofiban after unsuccessful IA thrombolysis whether systemic rt-PA used or not. Successful angiographic recanalization (TICI grade2b or 3) was achieved in 13 patients (13/16) and a functional independence at 3months in eight patients (8/16). Three months after therapy, three patients had died. There were two patients of symptomatic ICH and four asymptomatic ICH. Conventional dose of IA tirofiban as an adjuvant during IA thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke seems feasible. However, further dose escalation studies should be performed regarding the IA use of tirofiban for acute ischemic stroke.

Traumatic dissection of a coronary artery: Detection by multislice computed tomography and use of tirofiban as a reversible platelet inhibitor

We report on a trauma victim without history of or risk factors for cardiac disease, who suffered coronary artery dissection caused by blunt chest injury (BCI). Myocardial ischaemia was detected by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) promptly after trauma centre admission and managed by immediate revascularisation.Thoracic trauma may cause myocardial ischaemia in the absence of a specific risk profile. MSCT, as part of initial work-up in severely injured patients, may support differential diagnosis after BCI. Tirofiban and unfractionated heparin as short-acting anticoagulants warrant stent patency and concurrently offer the possibility of quick recovery of haemostasis in case of haemorrhage.

A comparison between upfront high-dose tirofiban versus provisional use in the real-world of non-selected STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI: Insights from the Zwolle acute myocardial infarction registry.

Despite the proven benefit of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), there is still debate on the timing of administration of these drugs and whether all or only a selection of patients should be treated. We evaluated the effect of routine upfront versus provisional use of high-dose tirofiban (HDT) in a large real-world population of non-selected STEMI patients. Consecutive STEMI patients were registered in a single-centre dedicated database. Patients with upfront HDT therapy before first balloon inflation were compared with patients who received the drug on a provisional basis, after first balloon inflation. Initial TIMI flow of the infarct-related vessel and enzymatic infarct size and 30-day clinical outcome were assessed. Out of 2679 primary PCI patients HDT was given upfront in 885 (33.0%) and provisionally in 812 (45.3%). Upfront as compared with provisional HDT showed higher initial patency (22.3 vs. 17.9%, p=0.006), smaller infarct size (1401 IU/l (IQR 609 to 2948) vs. 1620 (753 to 3132), p=0.03) and a lower incidence of death or recurrent MI at 30 days (3.3 vs. 5.1%, p=0.04) without an increase in TIMI bleeding (p=0.24). Upfront HDT independently predicted initial patency (odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.88, p=0.02), enzymatic infarct size (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86, p=0.001) and 30-day death or recurrent MI (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.95, p=0.03). Our findings support the use of upfront potent antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy in STEMI patients and encourage further clinical investigations in this field. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:592-7.).