Defining the role of abciximab for acute coronary syndromes: Lessons from CADILLAC, ADMIRAL, GUSTO IV, GUSTO V, and TARGET

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including those associated with or without ST-segment elevation, share a common pathophysiology mediated by activated platelets and thrombin. It is becoming increasingly appreciated that reperfusion therapies using primary mechanical or pharmacologic strategies result in suboptimal reperfusion at the myocardial tissue level. Complete reperfusion of the coronary microvasculature has recently been shown to be an important predictor for survival following myocardial infarction. Abciximab has well-established clinical benefits in numerous interventional trials. Through its anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activities, abciximab reduces thrombus formation and hence minimizes risk of thrombotic microvascular embolization and improves tissue-level reperfusion. Several recent landmark trials have evaluated the clinical efficacy of adjunctive abciximab during mechanical or pharmacologic reperfusion therapy in the setting of ACS. This article provides an update of the role of abciximab in the treatment for ACS based on the results of these clinical trials.