Abstract

Non-ST elevation (NSTE) myocardial infarction and unstable angina are the most common clinical presentations of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Platelet activation is central to the pathogenesis of NSTE-ACS and consensus guidelines that advocate early revascularization supported by intensive antiplatelet therapy. This review examines the drugs used concurrently with aspirin as dual antiplatelet therapy in the NSTE-ACS setting. Clopidogrel represented an important therapeutic advance. However, variations in platelet response and a relatively slow onset of action compromise outcomes with clopidogrel. Evidence reviewed in this article shows that in NSTE-ACS patients, ticagrelor and prasugrel are more effective than clopidogrel and are relatively well tolerated, with an acceptable and manageable bleeding risk. The literature suggests several differences between ticagrelor and prasugrel that should allow clinicians to better tailor treatment to the patient. Head-to-head comparisons are now needed to compare directly the risks and benefits of ticagrelor and prasugrel in NSTE-ACS. Further studies also need to address other outstanding issues such as the benefits and risks of prasugrel pre-treatment and to stratify efficacy and tolerability according to diabetes mellitus (DM) and other co-morbidities. In the meantime, the issues discussed in this review should enhance clinicians' ability to optimize and individualize NSTE-ACS treatment, thereby further reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this common cardiovascular condition.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Cayla G, Silvain J, O'Connor SA, Collet JP, Montalescot G

Institution

Institut de Cardiologie, Bureau 236, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, 47-83, Bld de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.

Source

QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians 105:10 2012 Oct pg 935-48

MeSH

Acute Coronary Syndrome
Adenosine
Aspirin
Biological Availability
Comparative Effectiveness Research
Drug Monitoring
Drug Synergism
Drug Therapy, Combination
Electrocardiography
Humans
Pharmacovigilance
Piperazines
Platelet Activation
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Receptors, Purinergic P2Y
Risk Assessment
Thiophenes
Ticlopidine
Treatment Outcome

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22543683