Abciximab administration and clinical outcomes after percutaneous intervention for in-stent restenosis

Abciximab therapy improves clinical outcomes after percutaneous interventions for de novo coronary artery disease. We sought to determine whether clinical outcomes after percutaneous intervention for in-stent restenosis are affected by abciximab administration. Between January 1996 and July 1999, 322 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous intervention for in-stent restenosis; 157 patients received abciximab and 165 patients were treated without abciximab based on operator discretion. Baseline clinical and angiographic variables and type of percutaneous intervention were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained and clinical endpoints were recorded. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent variables associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Baseline clinical and angiographic variables were similar in both groups. Patients who received abciximab were more likely to be treated with rotational atherectomy and less likely to have only balloon angioplasty or repeat stenting. Mean follow-up duration was 19 ± 12 months. There were no significant differences in the incidence of angina/myocardial infarction (29% vs. 30%; P = 0.9), target vessel revascularization (18% vs. 21%; P = 0.5), death (8% vs. 7%; P = 0.4), or major adverse cardiovascular events (38% vs. 39%; P = 0.9) in both groups. Abciximab administration was not an independent variable associated with adverse outcomes. In this observational study, clinical outcomes after percutaneous intervention for in-stent restenosis did not seem to be affected by abciximab administration. Randomized trials are needed to identify the role of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in the management of in-stent restenosis.