Efficacy and safety of enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in the contemporary management of percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Project summary

CONTEXT

The increasing use of percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTA) has reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Anticoagulant treatment is necessary to antagonize the prothrombotic cascade and reduce procedure-related complications. However, it is accompanied by an increased risk of bleeding, directly associated with the prognosis. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and enoxaparin are the two anticoagulants most used in routine practice, often in an operator and/or center-dependent manner. European recommendations recommend using UFH with a higher recommendation grade. However, enoxaparin has more predictable and stable pharmacokinetics and therefore a dose-dependent response.

GOALS

assess whether enoxaparin is superior to UFH on hospital net clinical benefit after ATL

METHODOLOGY

Comparison of patients treated with UFH or enoxaparin on all demographic, coronary and procedural characteristics.