Skip Navigation



European Heart Journal Advance Access published online on October 21, 2008

European Heart Journal, doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehn467
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow FREE Full Text (PDF) Freely available
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
29/24/2972    most recent
ehn467v1
Right arrow E-letters: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when E-letters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Right arrow Disclaimer
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Marzocchi, A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Marzocchi, A.
Social Bookmarking
 Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us  
What's this?

Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2008. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Randomized comparison between tirofiban and abciximab to promote complete ST-resolution in primary angioplasty: results of the facilitated angioplasty with tirofiban or abciximab (FATA) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction trial

Antonio Marzocchi1, Antonio Manari2, Giancarlo Piovaccari3, Cinzia Marrozzini1, Sebastiano Marra4, Paolo Magnavacchi5, Pietro Sangiorgio6, Lucia Marinucci7, Nevio Taglieri1, Giovanni Gordini8, Nicola Binetti9, Vincenzo Guiducci2, Nicoletta Franco3, Maria Letizia-Bacchi Reggiani1, Francesco Saia1,* on behalf of the FATA Investigators

1 Istituto di Cardiologia, Università di Bologna, Policlinico S Orsola-Malpighi (Pad 21), Via Massarenti, 9, Bologna 40138, Italy
2 Unità Operativa di Cardiologia Interventistica, Ospedale S Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
3 Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rimini, Italy
4 Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Azienda Ospedaliera S, Giovanni Battista, Torino, Italy
5 Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, Modena, Italy
6 Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
7 Servizio di Cardiologia Invasiva, Ospedale di Pesaro, Italy
8 Servizio Emergenza territoriale 118 di Bologna, Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
9 U.O. di Pronto Soccorso ed Emergenza Territoriale, Azienda USL Bologna ‘Area Nord’, Bologna, Italy

Received 9 June 2008; revised 4 September 2008; accepted 29 September 2008.

* Corresponding author. Tel: +39 (0) 51 6364477, Fax: +39 (0) 51 344859, Email: francescosaia{at}hotmail.com


    Abstract
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Aims: To test the equivalence of high-dose bolus (HDB) tirofiban vs. abciximab during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in terms of ST-segment resolution (STR).

Methods and results: The FATA trial (Facilitated Angioplasty with Tirofiban or Abciximab) was a prospective, multicentre, open-label trial that enrolled 692 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PPCI. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive abciximab (n = 341) or HDB tirofiban (n = 351). Primary endpoint was the rate of complete (≥70%) STR 90 min after first balloon inflation. Thirty-day incidence of major bleedings, death, re-infarction and new revascularizations was also evaluated. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well-balanced, with the exception of previous MI rates (tirofiban 6% vs. abciximab 2.6%, P = 0.03). The procedure was successful in 96.7% of the abciximab and in 96.6% of the tirofiban cohort (P = 0.94). Complete STR was obtained in 67.05% of the tirofiban and 70.45% of the abciximab group ({Delta} –3.4%, 95% confidence interval –10.35 to +3.56), which falls beyond the predefined {Delta} ± 10% equivalence boundaries. Rates of secondary endpoints were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion: This study failed to show the equivalence of HBD of tirofiban and abciximab as adjunctive therapy to PPCI.

Key Words: Angioplasty • Acute myocardial infarction • Reperfusion • Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors • ST-resolution


    Introduction
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) with stenting by providing high rate of early and adequate revascularization of the infarct-related artery (IRA), is the treatment of choice for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).13 However, despite the optimal recanalization of the epicardial artery, microvascular damage may occur.46 It has been consistently shown that microvascular impairment is associated with an adverse prognosis, even if good epicardial flow has been restored. Several invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tools have been proposed to evaluate the microvascular effects of recanalization of the IRA, though the simplest indirect method remains to be the criterion of ST-segment resolution (STR) on surface electrocardiogram. STR is a reliable marker of effective myocardial reperfusion and its analysis yields prognostic information distinct from that provided by coronary angiography.710

In order to improve myocardial tissue reperfusion, powerful platelet inhibition with glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa inhibitors has been proposed as adjunctive therapy to mechanical reperfusion during PPCI. Abciximab, a monoclonal antibody fragment Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitor, ameliorates myocardial perfusion and left ventricular (LV) recovery after pPCI,11,12 thus improving both early and late clinical outcomes.1316

Tirofiban, a small-molecule Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitor, has been largely investigated in the setting of acute coronary syndromes without ST-elevation.17,18 In patients undergoing PCI, tirofiban reduces the incidence of early adverse ischaemic events.19 Importantly however, in a head-to-head comparison with abciximab, tirofiban was associated with a higher rate of the composite endpoint of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and urgent target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 30 days.20 This unfavourable result was ascribed to the suboptimal platelet inhibition obtained with the standard low-dose bolus (10 µg/kg) regimen of tirofiban.21 Subsequent dose-ranging studies showed that a HBD (25 µg/kg) of tirofiban can achieve >90% platelet aggregation inhibition 10 min after infusion,22 which is comparable or even better than obtained with the standard dose of abciximab.23

The present study was designed to evaluate whether the HDB regimen of tirofiban has an equivalent effect to the standard dose of abciximab for patients undergoing PPCI in terms of effective myocardial tissue reperfusion, as measured by STR.


    Methods
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
Study design and population
The Facilitated Angioplasty with Tirofiban or Abciximab (FATA) study is a randomized controlled multicenter open-label trial in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. Patients were enrolled from November 2004 through August 2007. They were eligible for the study if all the following criteria were met: age >18 years, chest pain persisting more than 20 min associated with ST-segment elevation of at least 0.1 mV in two or more contiguous echocardiogram (ECG) leads, admission within 6 h from symptom-onset, release of written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were: complete left bundle branch block (LBBB), previous MI in the same territory, bleeding diathesis, administration of fibrinolytic agents for the current episode, postanoxic coma, known thrombocytopenia or leucopenia, severe hepatic dysfunction, known severe renal failure (serum creatinine >3 mg/dL), known contraindication to aspirin, thienopyridines, or heparin, a limited life-expectancy (<1 year), child-bearing potential, recent major surgery (within 3 months), uncontrolled hypertension, history of stroke within the previous 30 days, history of intracranial disease (aneurysm, arterovenous malformation), major trauma within the previous six weeks, oral anticoagulant therapy, participation in other studies in progress. There were no angiographic selection criteria. The study protocol complies with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the ethics committees of all participant centres.

Study protocol and randomization
All patients who met inclusion criteria received aspirin (250 mg i.v.) and a bolus of heparin (70 IU/kg) before the procedure and were randomly assigned 1:1 to treatment with either abciximab or tirofiban. Randomization was performed using a centralized computerized automatic system using short messaging service messages sent through ordinary mobile phones. Randomization schedule was generated by a standard automatic algorithm, without stratification, in blocks of 10 per centre. Study medication was administered as soon as possible after randomization either in the emergency ambulance, in the emergency room, or in the catheterization laboratory. Enrolment of a patient and randomization in the ambulance or in the emergency room had to be performed by a study investigator following a telephone conversation with the physician on-site, and after the diagnosis of STEMI had been confirmed by a cardiologist in the coronary care unit (with ECG transmission and telephone consultation). In all cases, study medication had to be administered before coronary angiography. Patients received either abciximab as a bolus of 0.25 mg/kg of body weight, followed by 12 h infusion of 0.125 µg/kg/min, or tirofiban as bolus of 25 µg/kg of body weight, followed by 18 h infusion of 0.15 µg/kg/min. In the event of coronary obstruction or stenosis >50% at angiography, PPCI was performed and stent implantation was recommended. Revascularization of the IRA with PCI and stenting was always attempted, even when there was left main involvement and severe three-vessel disease. Decision to proceed with further revascularization procedures (either PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting) was demanded for subsequent evaluation. Cardiogenic shock at admission was defined as persistent systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, or the need of inotropes or intra-aortic balloon pumping required to maintain blood pressure >90 mmHg. The procedure was considered successful when a final residual stenosis <30% and TIMI flow 2 or 3 were achieved.

In case of stent placement, a bolus of clopidogrel 300 mg was administered orally during or immediately after the procedure, followed by 75 mg/day for at least 30 days, or ticlopidine 500 mg orally during or immediately after the procedure, followed by 250 mg twice a day for at least 30 days. All patients were advised to continue aspirin lifelong. Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors were administered according to current guidelines, unless contraindicated.

In all patients, a 12-lead ECG was recorded at the time of the first medical contact and 90 min after the PCI. A standard two-dimensional echocardiogram was performed within 48 h in all patients. Creatine kinase (CK) and CKMB isoform values were assessed 8, 16, 24, and 48 h after the PCI procedure.

Follow-up data were prospectively collected from hospital records, and during outpatient clinic visits or telephone interviews performed at 30-day.

Endpoints and definitions
The primary endpoint was the rate of complete STR 90 min after first balloon inflation. The absolute level of ST-elevation was measured 20 ms after the end of QRS complex with the PR segment as reference baseline. Summed STE was calculated as follows: for anterior MI, the sum of ST-elevation in V1–V6, I, aVL; for inferior MI the sum of STE in leads II, III, aVF. STR was calculated as summed STR ({sum}STR), i.e. the percentage reduction in the summed ST-elevation score between the pre- and the postprocedure ECG. STR was considered complete when ≥70%. Patients with incomplete STR were further divided in two subgroups: absent STR (<30%), and partial STR (30–70%). All ECG assessments were done in a core laboratory by two skilled readers blinded to the treatment. In addition, as primary safety endpoint, we assessed the in-hospital incidence of major and minor bleedings. Major bleedings were defined by a combination of the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) definitions:24 requiring transfusion or surgery, reduction in haemoglobin of more than 5 g/dL, and intracranial haemorrhage. Minor bleedings were defined as local haematoma and any other clinically relevant bleeding that did not meet criteria for severity.

The clinical secondary endpoints comprised the incidence of death, re-infarction, and TVR at 30 days. Angiographic secondary endpoints were pre- and postprocedural TIMI flow 3 rates, and postprocedure myocardial blush grade,25 and they were also assessed in a core laboratory by clinicians blinded to study treatment. Re-infarction was defined as the recurrence of typical clinical symptoms and new ECG changes with a new elevation of the CKMB levels >2 times the upper limit of normal. TVR was defined any revascularization, either surgical or percutaneous, to treat the IRA. TVR was defined ‘urgent’ when performed within 24 h from the index procedure.

Statistical analysis
The primary hypothesis was that tirofiban would be equivalent to abciximab in achieving complete STR. Before starting the trial, we performed a pilot study on 100 unselected STEMI patients undergoing PPCI with abciximab, and we observed a 71% complete STR according to our criterion of ≥70% STR at 90 min. On the basis of a 50% expected rate of complete STR in patients treated with PPCI without Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors (51% in the Zwolle experience),9 the margin of clinical equivalence between the two drugs was fixed at {Delta} (difference between rates of patients with STR) ± 10%. In fact, in order to meet the definition of equivalence, the boundaries of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the comparison of tirofiban with abciximab had to be within ± 10%, consistent with the preservation of a difference of at least 50% of the effect of abciximab as compared with that of placebo.20 Using the method described by Jones et al.26 and assuming that the same proportion of patients with complete STR in both the study groups, 660 patients were required to have 80% power and {alpha} = 0.05. Primary analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis, with the exclusion of patients in which the primary endpoint was not assessable (Figure 1). To account for possible cross-over, a per treatment analysis was also performed, following the indications of the International Conference on Harmonisation E9 (Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials), which stated that in equivalence study, both analyses play an equal role.27


Figure 1
View larger version (22K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PowerPoint slide]
 
Figure 1 Study flow. NSTEMI, non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction; LBBB, left bundle branch block; AIVT, accelerated idioventricular tachycardia.

 
Continuous variables are presented as means ± SD and compared with Student's t-test. Categorical variables were expressed as counts and percentages, and {chi}2 test was used for comparison. Time delays and {sum}ST-elevation are presented as medians and compared with Mann–Whitney U test. To identify independent predictors of the primary endpoint we performed a multivariable logistic regression, using the following variables: age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anterior location, pain onset-to-balloon, TIMI flow >0 at first angiography, study drug, previous MI, number of vessel disease, smoking status. All statistical tests were two-sided. A P-value<0.05 was considered significant. All analyses were performed with the SPSS 15.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).


    Results
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
During the study period, 738 patients were assessed for eligibility. Among them, 46 did not meet inclusion criteria and were therefore excluded, and 692 were randomized to study treatment (abciximab, n = 341; tirofiban, n = 351). Percentage of patients enrolled vs. overall number of STEMI patients undergoing PPCI within 6 h from symptom-onset at participating centres during the study period was 23.7% (range 7.1–42.6%). The flow of the study is shown in Figure 1. Baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics are summarized in Table 1. As a result of randomization, only minor differences between study groups were observed. Specifically, the incidence of previous MI was higher in the tirofiban cohort (6% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.03). Importantly, age, rates of diabetes mellitus, presentation with cardiogenic shock, anterior location, and multivessel disease were comparable between the abciximab and the tirofiban groups, as well as time-to-Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration, time from administration of the drug-to-balloon, and overall ischaemic time (pain-to-balloon). TIMI 3 flow rate at first angiography was slightly higher, although not significantly, in tirofiban-treated patients (16.5% tirofiban vs. 13.5% abciximab). The procedure was successful in 96.7% of the abciximab and in 96.6% of the tirofiban cohort (P = 0.94). Postprocedural LV ejection fraction was on average around 50% and similar in both the groups.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

 
Table 1 Clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics

 
STR between baseline and 90 min ECG was evaluated in 681 patients (98.4%) (Figure 1). Overall, 67.05% of the patients treated with tirofiban met the primary endpoint of complete STR at 90 min when compared with 70.45% of the patients treated with abciximab ({Delta} –3.4%, 95% CI –10.35 to +3.56), which is beyond the predefined equivalence threshold (Figures 2 and 3). A few patients did not receive the drug resulted from randomization and crossed-over to the other treatment group (three in the abciximab and five in the tirofiban group). Therefore, we also performed a per treatment analysis, which confirmed the results of the intention-to-treat analysis for 90 min complete STR (tirofiban 67.15%, abciximab 70.33%, {Delta} –3.18%, 95% CI –10.13 to +3.78). In a post hoc confirmatory analysis, we assessed the rates of >50% STR, which is an alternative criterion used by some authors to define effective microvascular reperfusion. With this threshold, the difference between the two study drugs appeared to be increased and statistically significant in favour of abciximab (tirofiban 76.59%, abciximab 84.78%, {Delta} –8.19, 95% CI –14.08 to –2.30).


Figure 2
View larger version (13K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PowerPoint slide]
 
Figure 2 Primary endpoint: absolute difference and 95% confidence interval in the rates of complete ST-segment resolution between abciximab and tirofiban at the intention-to-treat analysis. Result of the per-treatment analysis is also illustrated. The prespecified equivalence boundary is reported on top of the figure.

 

Figure 3
View larger version (20K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PowerPoint slide]
 
Figure 3 Rates of complete (≥70%), partial (30–70%), and absent (<30%) ST-segment resolution 90 min after primary angioplasty in both the study groups.

 
The clinical outcome is reported in Table 2. The primary safety endpoint was similar in both the groups (major bleeding 1.8% abciximab vs. 1.4% tirofiban, P = 0.73). No significant differences were detected in terms of mortality, re-infarction, need for urgent or any revascularization both in-hospital and at 30-day follow-up.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

 
Table 2 Clinical outcomes

 
At multivariable analysis (Table 3), the factors independently associated with complete STR were anterior MI, pain-to-balloon, baseline TIMI flow >0, and hypertension.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

 
Table 3 Logistic regression: predictors of complete ST-segment resolution

 

    Discussion
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
This study failed to show the equivalence of HDB tirofiban when compared with standard abciximab to achieve complete STR in the setting of PPCI.

PPCI with stent implantation is considered the preferred reperfusion strategy for STEMI because it is associated with higher rates of successful IRA recanalization, a reduction of the progression of ischaemic myocardial damage and, most importantly, a reduction of mortality.1,2 Administration of abciximab during PPCI is recommended by current guidelines (class IIa),1,2 based on the results of several studies showing enhanced microvascular protection and improved early and late clinical outcomes.1116 Tirofiban is a highly specific competitive inhibitor of the Gp IIb/IIIa complex with rapidly reversible pharmacodynamics and short plasma half-lives which has been proposed as a possible alternative to abciximab in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.28 Preliminary studies using a HBD of tirofiban demonstrated early platelet inhibition similar or even higher than abciximab.22,23 Promising clinical results have also been reported to support this hypothesis,29 together with preliminary evidence of similar efficacy of HDB tirofiban compared with abciximab on LV recovery22 and clinical outcomes.28 Tirofiban and eptifibatide, another small molecule and competitive inhibitor of the Gp IIb/IIIa, are mentioned in the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines as possibly useful therapy to support PPCI for STEMI (Class IIb recommendation).2 The promising results of observational studies22,30 have provided the background for an increasing utilization of these two molecules during PPCI. In addition, the high cost of abciximab might have a substantial impact on financial resources, and alternative and less expensive treatment are certainly appealing for the medical community and the health-care administrators. In fact, at current market prices, treatment with tirofiban and eptifibatide would cost around one-third of treatment with abciximab. Unfortunately, the results of our study do not allow drawing definitive conclusions. Several randomized trials and observational studies have consistently shown a strong relationship between STR, LV recovery, and short- and long-term mortality.6,7,9,10,31,32 However, the absolute difference in rates of complete STR observed between abciximab and tirofiban in the FATA trial was indeed quite small (3.4%), and the question whether this could translate into a different clinical benefit is legitimate. Indeed, residual ST-segment elevation, another important predictor of outcome, as a continuous variable was not different between the groups. A further note of caution should be raised after the recent publication of the results of the Multicentre Evaluation of Single High-Dose Bolus Tirofiban vs. Abciximab With Sirolimus-Eluting Stent or Bare Metal Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (MULTISTRATEGY).33 In a very similar group of patients, this study showed that HDB tirofiban compared with abciximab was associated with non-inferior STR (≥50%) at 90 min following coronary intervention (83.6% abciximab vs. 85.3% tirofiban; RR 1.020, 95% CI 0.958–1.086). On the other hand, the equivalence boundaries of our study were broad enough (± 10%) to allow good likelihood of proving the primary hypothesis to be true. Besides, the difference between the study drugs was enhanced by considering 50% STR as cut-off value for good reperfusion. The reason for these conflicting results is unclear, and this highlights once again that clinical trials with surrogate endpoints can be very important to generate hypothesis, but they cannot replace clinical trials powered to detect clinical differences between different therapeutic options.


    Limitations
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
In the FATA trial, administration of study drug was not blind. However, it is extremely unlikely that the subsequent in-lab treatment of patients differed as a result of knowledge of the assigned drug, and evaluation of the primary endpoint was performed blindly in a core laboratory. Secondly, although patients were assigned on a randomized basis, some imbalance in the distribution of the characteristics such as proportion of patients with prior MI, smoking status, and female gender may have influenced the results, considering a narrow difference in the primary endpoint. However, results of the multivariable analysis did not show these factors to be among the independent predictors of the primary endpoint in our study, thus corroborating the reliability of our findings. Finally, rates of short-term mortality and bleeding complications were quite low when compared with most of those reported in the medical literature. Noteworthily, radial approach was used in a good proportion of patients. Low-mortality rates could be ascribed to an evident, though not planned, patient selection. Despite the broad inclusion criteria, in fact, it remains quite difficult to collect written informed consent in an emergency scenario. Besides, some operators could be less willing to screen and enrol very seriously ill patients in clinical trials. Perhaps, most importantly, routine administration of abciximab in the ambulance had previously been implemented in all participating centres, and several patients had already received abciximab before being evaluated for eligibility. The number of patients who were not even screened confirmed the former hypotheses (Figure 1). However, it should be highlighted that all participating centres are high-volume catheterization laboratories with good territorial networks for STEMI, as showed by the relatively short total ischaemic time (<3 h) in both groups (Table 1). This is reflected also in a very short time from study drug to angiography (13 min), suggesting that in most of the cases administration was done in the catheterization laboratory or in ambulances enabled to ECG transmission and direct transportation of the patient in the catheterization laboratory (bypassing the emergency room and the coronary care unit).34 In this perspective, the FATA cannot be considered a study on facilitation of PCI.


    Conclusion
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
This trial failed to demonstrate the equivalence of HBD tirofiban and abciximab as adjunctive therapy to primary PCI for achieving effective microvascular reperfusion as measured by the incidence of complete STR. Further investigation is necessary to assess whether the small difference of STR observed between the two study drugs could have a sizeable impact on LV recovery and clinical outcomes, although it seems quite unlikely.


    Funding
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
The FATA trial was a spontaneous, non-company promoted study almost entirely funded by each participating centre and from the Fondazione Fanti-Melloni, a charitable institution linked to the University of Bologna. The study was partially supported by a research grant from Merck & Co. Inc. The company had no role in the study design, analysis, and interpretation of the data, or the drafting or revision of the final manuscript.


    APPENDIX
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
The FATA Trial Investigators
Principal Investigators: Antonio Marzocchi, Antonio Manari, Giancarlo Piovaccari.

Clinical Management: Cinzia Marrozzini.

Steering Committee: Antonio Marzocchi, Antonio Manari, Giancarlo Piovaccari, Giovanni Gordini, Nicola Binetti, Pietro Sangiorgio.

Writing Committee: Francesco Saia, Antonio Marzocchi, Antonio Manari, Giancarlo Piovaccari, Cinzia Marrozzini, Nevio Taglieri.

Data monitoring: Barbara Petri.

ECG core laboratory: Nevio Taglieri, Valentina Ovi.

Angiographic core laboratory: Nevio Taglieri, Simona Silenzi, Santo Virzì.

Statistical analysis: Maria Letizia Bacchi-Reggiani, Anna Schembari, Paolo Guastaroba.

Participating Centers and Physicians: Istituto di Cardiologia, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna: Antonio Marzocchi, Cinzia Marrozzini, Paolo Ortolani, Tullio Palmerini, Francesco Saia, Nevio Taglieri, Simona Silenzi, Santo Virzì, Angelo Branzi. Unità Operativa di Cardiologia Interventistica, Ospedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia: Antonio Manari, Vincenzo Guiducci, Paola Giacometti, Gianluca Pignatelli, Umberto Guiducci. Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale degli Infermi, Rimini: Giancarlo Piovaccari, Andrea Santarelli, Nicoletta Franco, Domenico Santoro, Samuela Carigi. Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale Molinette, Torino: Sebastiano Marra, Federico Conrotto, Paolo Scacciatella. Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, Modena: Stefano Tondi, Paolo Magnavacchi, Giandomenico Tosoni, Giulietto Romeo Zennaro. Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna: Pietro Sangiorgio, Gianni Casella, Andrea Rubboli, Giampiero Nobile, Giuseppe Di Pasquale. Servizio di Cardiologia Invasiva, Ospedale di Pesaro: Giorgio Binetti, Lucia Uguccioni, Lucia Marinucci.


    Acknowledgements
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 
We are indebted to Anna Schembari for monitoring data quality. Schembari received a research grant from the Institute of Cardiology, University of Bologna.

Conflict of interest: none declared.


    Footnotes
 
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00383136 [ClinicalTrials.gov]


    References
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 Limitations
 Conclusion
 Funding
 APPENDIX
 Acknowledgements
 References
 

  1. Van de Werf F, Ardissino D, Betriu A, Cokkinos DV, Falk E, Fox KA, Julian D, Lengyel M, Neumann FJ, Ruzyllo W, Thygesen C, Underwood SR, Vahanian A, Verheugt FW, Wijns W. Management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation. The Task Force on the Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J (2003) 24:28–66.[Free Full Text]
  2. Antman EM, Anbe DT, Armstrong PW, Bates ER, Green LA, Hand M, Hochman JS, Krumholz HM, Kushner FG, Lamas GA, Mullany CJ, Ornato JP, Pearle DL, Sloan MA, Smith SC Jr, Alpert JS, Anderson JL, Faxon DP, Fuster V, Gibbons RJ, Gregoratos G, Halperin JL, Hiratzka LF, Hunt SA, Jacobs AK, Ornato JP. ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee to Revise the 1999 Guidelines for the Management of patients with acute myocardial infarction). J Am Coll Cardiol (2004) 44:E1–E211.[CrossRef][Medline]
  3. Keeley EC, Boura JA, Grines CL. Primary angioplasty versus intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction: a quantitative review of 23 randomised trials. Lancet (2003) 361:13–20.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  4. Kloner RA, Ganote CE, Jennings RB. The ‘no-reflow’ phenomenon after temporary coronary occlusion in the dog. J Clin Invest (1974) 54:1496–1508.[Web of Science][Medline]
  5. Ito H, Maruyama A, Iwakura K, Takiuchi S, Masuyama T, Hori M, Higashino Y, Fujii K, Minamino T. Clinical implications of the ‘no reflow’ phenomenon. A predictor of complications and left ventricular remodeling in reperfused anterior wall myocardial infarction. Circulation (1996) 93:223–228.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  6. Ito H, Tomooka T, Sakai N, Yu H, Higashino Y, Fujii K, Masuyama T, Kitabatake A, Minamino T. Lack of myocardial perfusion immediately after successful thrombolysis. A predictor of poor recovery of left ventricular function in anterior myocardial infarction. Circulation (1992) 85:1699–1705.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  7. Schroder R, Dissmann R, Bruggemann T, Wegscheider K, Linderer T, Tebbe U, Neuhaus KL. Extent of early ST segment elevation resolution: a simple but strong predictor of outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol (1994) 24:384–391.[Abstract]
  8. de Lemos JA, Braunwald E. ST segment resolution as a tool for assessing the efficacy of reperfusion therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol (2001) 38:1283–1294.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  9. van ‘t Hof AW, Liem A, de Boer MJ, Zijlstra F. Clinical value of 12-lead electrocardiogram after successful reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Zwolle Myocardial infarction Study Group. Lancet (1997) 350:615–619.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  10. Claeys MJ, Bosmans J, Veenstra L, Jorens P, De Raedt H, Vrints CJ. Determinants and prognostic implications of persistent ST-segment elevation after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: importance of microvascular reperfusion injury on clinical outcome. Circulation (1999) 99:1972–1977.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  11. Neumann FJ, Blasini R, Schmitt C, Alt E, Dirschinger J, Gawaz M, Kastrati A, Schomig A. Effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockade on recovery of coronary flow and left ventricular function after the placement of coronary-artery stents in acute myocardial infarction. Circulation (1998) 98:2695–2701.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  12. Petronio AS, Rovai D, Musumeci G, Baglini R, Nardi C, Limbruno U, Palagi C, Volterrani D, Mariani M. Effects of abciximab on microvascular integrity and left ventricular functional recovery in patients with acute infarction treated by primary coronary angioplasty. Eur Heart J (2003) 24:67–76.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  13. Montalescot G, Barragan P, Wittenberg O, Ecollan P, Elhadad S, Villain P, Boulenc JM, Morice MC, Maillard L, Pansieri M, Choussat R, Pinton P. Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition with coronary stenting for acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med (2001) 344:1895–1903.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  14. Antoniucci D, Migliorini A, Parodi G, Valenti R, Rodriguez A, Hempel A, Memisha G, Santoro GM. Abciximab-supported infarct artery stent implantation for acute myocardial infarction and long-term survival: a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial comparing infarct artery stenting plus abciximab with stenting alone. Circulation (2004) 109:1704–1706.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  15. De Luca G, Suryapranata H, Stone GW, Antoniucci D, Tcheng JE, Neumann FJ, Van de Werf F, Antman EM, Topol EJ. Abciximab as adjunctive therapy to reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Jama (2005) 293:1759–1765.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  16. Montalescot G, Antoniucci D, Kastrati A, Neumann FJ, Borentain M, Migliorini A, Boutron C, Collet JP, Vicaut E. Abciximab in primary coronary stenting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a European meta-analysis on individual patients’ data with long-term follow-up. Eur Heart J (2007) 28:443–449.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  17. A comparison of aspirin plus tirofiban with aspirin plus heparin for unstable angina. Platelet Receptor Inhibition in Ischemic Syndrome Management (PRISM) Study Investigators. N Engl J Med (1998) 338:1498–1505.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  18. Inhibition of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor with tirofiban in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. Platelet Receptor Inhibition in Ischemic Syndrome Management in Patients Limited by Unstable Signs and Symptoms (PRISM-PLUS) Study Investigators. N Engl J Med (1998) 338:1488–1497.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  19. Effects of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade with tirofiban on adverse cardiac events in patients with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction undergoing coronary angioplasty. The RESTORE Investigators. Randomized Efficacy Study of Tirofiban for Outcomes and REstenosis. Circulation (1997) 96:1445–1453.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  20. Topol EJ, Moliterno DJ, Herrmann HC, Powers ER, Grines CL, Cohen DJ, Cohen EA, Bertrand M, Neumann FJ, Stone GW, DiBattiste PM, Demopoulos L. Comparison of two platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, tirofiban and abciximab, for the prevention of ischemic events with percutaneous coronary revascularization. N Engl J Med (2001) 344:1888–1894.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  21. Kabbani SS, Aggarwal A, Terrien EF, DiBattiste PM, Sobel BE, Schneider DJ. Suboptimal early inhibition of platelets by treatment with tirofiban and implications for coronary interventions. Am J Cardiol (2002) 89:647–650.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  22. Danzi GB, Capuano C, Sesana M, Baglini R. Preliminary experience with a high bolus dose of tirofiban during percutaneous coronary intervention. Curr Med Res Opin (2003) 19:28–33.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  23. Ernst NM, Suryapranata H, Miedema K, Slingerland RJ, Ottervanger JP, Hoorntje JC, Gosselink AT, Dambrink JH, de Boer MJ, Zijlstra F, van ‘t Hof AW. Achieved platelet aggregation inhibition after different antiplatelet regimens during percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol (2004) 44:1187–1193.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  24. Rao SV, O'Grady K, Pieper KS, Granger CB, Newby LK, Mahaffey KW, Moliterno DJ, Lincoff AM, Armstrong PW, Van de Werf F, Califf RM, Harrington RA. A comparison of the clinical impact of bleeding measured by two different classifications among patients with acute coronary syndromes. J Am Coll Cardiol (2006) 47:809–816.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  25. van ‘t Hof AW, Liem A, Suryapranata H, Hoorntje JC, de Boer MJ, Zijlstra F. Angiographic assessment of myocardial reperfusion in patients treated with primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: myocardial blush grade. Zwolle Myocardial Infarction Study Group. Circulation (1998) 97:2302–2306.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  26. Jones B, Jarvis P, Lewis JA, Ebbutt AF. Trials to assess equivalence: the importance of rigorous methods. Bmj (1996) 313:36–39.[Free Full Text]
  27. ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline. Statistical principles for clinical trials. International Conference on Harmonisation E9 Expert Working Group. Stat Med (1999) 18:1905–1942.[Web of Science][Medline]
  28. Valgimigli M, Percoco G, Malagutti P, Campo G, Ferrari F, Barbieri D, Cicchitelli G, McFadden EP, Merlini F, Ansani L, Guardigli G, Bettini A, Parrinello G, Boersma E, Ferrari R. Tirofiban and sirolimus-eluting stent vs abciximab and bare-metal stent for acute myocardial infarction: a randomized trial. Jama (2005) 293:2109–2117.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  29. Lee DP, Herity NA, Hiatt BL, Fearon WF, Rezaee M, Carter AJ, Huston M, Schreiber D, DiBattiste PM, Yeung AC. Adjunctive platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition with tirofiban before primary angioplasty improves angiographic outcomes: results of the TIrofiban Given in the Emergency Room before Primary Angioplasty (TIGER-PA) pilot trial. Circulation (2003) 107:1497–1501.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  30. Raveendran G, Ting HH, Best PJ, Holmes DR Jr, Lennon RJ, Singh M, Bell MR, Long KH, Rihal CS. Eptifibatide vs abciximab as adjunctive therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. Mayo Clin Proc (2007) 82:196–202.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  31. Matetzky S, Novikov M, Gruberg L, Freimark D, Feinberg M, Elian D, Novikov I, Di Segni E, Agranat O, Har-Zahav Y, Rabinowitz B, Kaplinsky E, Hod H. The significance of persistent ST elevation versus early resolution of ST segment elevation after primary PTCA. J Am Coll Cardiol (1999) 34:1932–1938.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  32. Marso SP, Miller T, Rutherford BD, Gibbons RJ, Qureshi M, Kalynych A, Turco M, Schultheiss HP, Mehran R, Krucoff MW, Lansky AJ, Stone GW. Comparison of myocardial reperfusion in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction with versus without diabetes mellitus (from the EMERALD Trial). Am J Cardiol (2007) 100:206–210.[CrossRef][Web of Science][Medline]
  33. Valgimigli M, Campo G, Percoco G, Bolognese L, Vassanelli C, Colangelo S, de Cesare N, Rodriguez AE, Ferrario M, Moreno R, Piva T, Sheiban I, Pasquetto G, Prati F, Nazzaro MS, Parrinello G, Ferrari R. Comparison of angioplasty with infusion of tirofiban or abciximab and with implantation of sirolimus-eluting or uncoated stents for acute myocardial infarction: the MULTISTRATEGY randomized trial. Jama (2008) 299:1788–1799.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  34. Ortolani P, Marzocchi A, Marrozzini C, Palmerini T, Saia F, Serantoni C, Aquilina M, Silenzi S, Baldazzi F, Grosseto D, Taglieri N, Cooke RM, Bacchi-Reggiani ML, Branzi A. Clinical impact of direct referral to primary percutaneous coronary intervention following pre-hospital diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Eur Heart J (2006) 27:1550–1557.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Add to CiteULike CiteULike   Add to Connotea Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us Del.icio.us    What's this?


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
M. Valgimigli, G. Biondi-Zoccai, M. Tebaldi, A. W.J. van 't Hof, G. Campo, C. Hamm, J. ten Berg, L. Bolognese, F. Saia, G. B. Danzi, et al.
Tirofiban as adjunctive therapy for acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Eur. Heart J., September 14, 2009; (2009) ehp376v1.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ Cardiovasc IntervHome page
H. S. Gurm, U. Tamhane, P. Meier, P. M. Grossman, S. Chetcuti, and E. R. Bates
A Comparison of Abciximab and Small-Molecule Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Randomized Controlled Trials
Circ Cardiovasc Interv, June 1, 2009; 2(3): 230 - 236.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
G. De Luca, G. Ucci, E. Cassetti, and P. Marino
Benefits from small molecule administration as compared with abciximab among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty: a meta-analysis.
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 5, 2009; 53(18): 1668 - 1673.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow FREE Full Text (PDF) Freely available
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
29/24/2972    most recent
ehn467v1
Right arrow E-letters: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when E-letters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Right arrow Disclaimer
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Marzocchi, A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Marzocchi, A.
Social Bookmarking
 Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us  
What's this?