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BACKGROUND: Prophylactic carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an effective strategy to reduce perioperative stroke in patients with severe carotid stenosis who require cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). Staging both procedures (CAS-CTS) during a single hospitalization presents conflicting demands for antiplatelet therapy and the optimal pharmacologic strategy between procedures is not established. The purpose of this study is to present our initial experience with a bridging protocol for staged CAS-CTS. METHODS: A retrospective review of staged CAS-CTS procedures at a single referral center was performed. All patients had multivessel coronary and/or valvular disease and severe carotid stenosis (>70%). Patients not previously on aspirin were also started on aspirin prior to surgery, followed by eptifibatide during CAS (intraprocedural bolus followed by post-procedural infusion which was continued until the morning of surgery). Pre- and perioperative (30 days) neurologic morbidity and mortality was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: 11 CAS procedures were performed in 10 patients using the protocol. The median duration of eptifibatide bridge therapy was 36 h (range 24-288 h). There was one minor bleeding complication (1/11, 9.1%) and no major bleeding complications during the bridging and post-operative period. There was one post-operative, non-neurologic death and zero perioperative ischemic strokes. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing staged CAS-CTS, Eptifibatide bridging therapy is a viable temporary antiplatelet strategy with a favorable safety profile. This strategy enables a flexible range of time-intervals between procedures.

Simple Summary: Patients with ovarian cancer often have higher levels of platelets in their blood than are normally found in healthy individuals. Ovarian cancer cells form clumps called spheroids that travel throughout the abdomen in a fluid that contains platelets. Previously, we showed that platelets cause ovarian cancer spheroids to become smaller and denser. In this study, we found that an antiplatelet inhibitor called eptifibatide can prevent this effect of platelets on ovarian cancer spheroids. We also discovered that the molecule called liver X receptor appears to be involved in how platelets affect ovarian cancer spheroids and how eptifibatide can prevent this. These findings suggest that eptifibatide could be repurposed to treat ovarian cancer, and that drugs that affect the liver X receptor could be developed to enhance the anti-cancer activity of eptifibatide. Background: Platelets have been shown to promote ovarian cancer; however, the mechanism is poorly understood. Previously, we demonstrated that platelets reduce the size and increase the density of multi-cellular ovarian cancer spheroids in cell cultures. The objectives of this study were to determine if platelet inhibitors could counteract these effects, and to explore the mechanisms involved. Methods: FDA-approved platelet inhibitors were screened for their abilities to alter platelet effects on ovarian cancer spheroids. Mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins significantly altered in cancer cells upon exposure to platelets. The effects of platelets and/or liver x receptor agonists or antagonists on LXR activity were measured using ES-2 ovarian cancer cells transduced with an LXR-reporter vector. Results: Eptifibatide, a GPIIB-IIIA integrin inhibitor, and dipyridamole, an adenosine reuptake inhibitor, reduced and enhanced platelet effects on ovarian cancer spheroids, respectively. Proteomic studies identified the LXR/RXR and integrin pathways as mediators of platelet effects on ovarian cancer, and downstream effectors of eptifibatide. Conclusions: Integrin pathways and their downstream LXR/RXR effectors are implicated in how platelets alter ovarian cancer spheroid morphology. These results support studying eptifibatide and LXR/RXR agonists as candidate drugs for repurposing as therapeutic strategies to counteract platelet promotion of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current guidelines recommend that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) and manual aspiration thrombectomy should not be routinely used in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), although there is a lack of dedicated studies. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of combined usage of a potent P2Y12 inhibitor, GPI, and manual aspiration thrombectomy on long-term survival after STEMI. Methods: All STEMI patients treated by pPCI in a tertiary center who have been included prospectively in the local PCI registry between January 2016 and December 2022 were analyzed in this study. Patients were excluded if they required oral anticoagulation or bridging between clopidogrel or ticagrelor during hospitalization. Results: A total of 1,210 patients were included in the present study, with a median follow-up of 2.78 (1.00-4.88) years. Ticagrelor significantly reduced all-cause and cardiovascular-cause mortality [HR = 0.27 (0.21-0.34), p < 0.0001 and HR = 0.23 (0.17-0.30), p < 0.0001, respectively]. Eptifibatide significantly reduced allcause and cardiovascular-cause mortality [HR = 0.72 (0.57-0.92), p = 0.002, and HR = 0.68 (0.52-0.89), p = 0.001, respectively]. Manual thrombus aspiration had no significant effect on both all-cause and cardiovascular-cause mortality. In multivariate Cox regression, all-cause mortality was reduced by ticagrelor, while eptifibatide or manual thrombus aspiration had no significant effect. However, cardiovascular-cause mortality was reduced by both ticagrelor and eptifibatide, while manual thrombus aspiration had no significant effect. Conclusion: Ticagrelor consistently reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, while eptifibatide reduced only cardiovascular mortality. Manual thrombus aspiration provided no long-term benefit. Our findings support the current guideline recommendation that GPI and manual aspiration thrombectomy should not be routinely used in treatment of STEMI with pPCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a nano polymer was fabricated via the molecular imprinted polymer (MINP) method to transport and control the release of the drug eptifibatide. N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAM), N-vinylidene (NVP), and EGDMA have been used as a temperature-sensitive monomers and cross-linker, respectively. Moreover, by changing the percentage composition of monomers, the drug's potential adsorption, and temperature sensitivity were evaluated and optimized. The sample was examined and confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results related to the in vitro drug eptifibatide demonstrated that the optimization of the nanopolymer composition percentage (MINP4) with has a direct impact on some characteristics such as proper response to ambient temperature, the ability to control response time, adequate size, critical dissolution temperature (LCST), and hydrophilicity of the polymer network. Therefore, due to increasing the half-life of eptifibatide, it could be a suitable carrier to deliver the drug molecules to the desired tissue. also, target selection, mastery of drug distribution control, and sensitivity to temperature are the main factors to enhance the efficiency of nano polymer for drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug‐induced thrombocytopenia (DIT) deserves both clinical and research attention for the serious clinical consequences and high prevalence of the condition. The current study aimed to perform a comprehensive pharmacovigilance analysis of DIT reported in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, with a particular focus on drugs associated with thrombocytopenia events. A disproportionality analysis of DIT was conducted using reports submitted to FARES from January 2004 to December 2022. Both the information component (IC) and reporting odds ratio (ROR) algorithms were applied to identify an association between target drugs and DIT events. A total of 15,940,383 cases were gathered in FAERS, 168,657 of which were related to DIT events. The top 50 drugs ranked by number of cases and ranked by signal strength were documented. The top 5 drugs ranked by number of cases were lenalidomide (10,601 cases), niraparib (3726 cases), ruxolitinib (3624 cases), eltrombopag (3483 cases), and heparin (3478 cases). The top 5 drugs ranked by signal strength were danaparoid (ROR 37.61, 95%CI 30.46‐46.45), eptifibatide (ROR 34.75, 95%CI 30.65‐39.4), inotersen (ROR 34.00, 95%CI 29.47‐39.23), niraparib (ROR 30.53, 95%CI 29.42‐31.69), and heparin (ROR 28.84, 95%CI 27.76‐29.97). The top 3 involved drug groups were protein kinase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and monoclonal antibodies and antibody‐drug conjugates. The current comprehensive pharmacovigilance study identified more drugs associated with thrombocytopenia. Although the mechanisms of DIT have been elucidated for some drugs, others still require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eptifibatide, a GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, has shown its efficacy and safety in patients with high clot burden in their coronary vessels. It is widely used in patients with this condition. However, this medication use is accompanied by complications in some cases. Thrombocytopenia which is a relatively common condition in patients admitted to the hospital, especially in the acute setting, can be caused by medications. This condition can occur as an antibody or non‐antibody‐mediated process, caused by medications, such as heparin, clopidogrel, and eptifibatide. In this case, we present a woman with acute coronary syndrome and a complex lesion with a clot in her coronary vessel who was treated with eptifibatide. It led to asymptomatic thrombocytopenia. Once detected in laboratory data, the infusion was held, and the platelet count recovered in less than 5 days without additional treatment for this adverse effect. Eptifibatide is a medication used to treat acute coronary syndrome patients with a large thrombus in their coronary vessels. The mechanism of inducing thrombocytopenia by eptifibatide has not been proven yet, but it might be related to IgG antibodies. The severity of the disease can vary significantly, and the treatment is based on this factor. However, the main pillar of the treatment is the cessation of eptifibatide as soon as possible. This case draws the attention of physicians to one of the infrequent adverse effects of a commonly used medication in cardiology patients. Thrombocytopenia and its manifestations should be investigated and considered in patients who receive eptifibatide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prophylactic carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an effective strategy to reduce perioperative stroke in patients with severe carotid stenosis who require cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). Staging both procedures (CAS-CTS) during a single hospitalization presents conflicting demands for antiplatelet therapy and the optimal pharmacologic strategy between procedures is not established. The purpose of this study is to present our initial experience with a "bridging" protocol for staged CAS-CTS. Methods: A retrospective review of staged CAS-CTS procedures at a single referral center was performed. All patients had multivessel coronary and/or valvular disease and severe carotid stenosis (>70%). Patients not previously on aspirin were also started on aspirin prior to surgery, followed by eptifibatide during CAS (intraprocedural bolus followed by post-procedural infusion which was continued until the morning of surgery). Pre- and perioperative (30 days) neurologic morbidity and mortality was the primary endpoint. Results: 11 CAS procedures were performed in 10 patients using the protocol. The median duration of eptifibatide bridge therapy was 36 h (range 24–288 h). There was one minor bleeding complication (1/11, 9.1%) and no major bleeding complications during the bridging and post-operative period. There was one post-operative, non-neurologic death and zero perioperative ischemic strokes. Conclusions: For patients undergoing staged CAS-CTS, Eptifibatide bridging therapy is a viable temporary antiplatelet strategy with a favorable safety profile. This strategy enables a flexible range of time-intervals between procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Thromboembolism complication is considered the most common complication associated with the treatment of endovascular. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the studies investigating the effect of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor agents on thromboembolic complications during endovascular aneurysm coiling. Materials and Methods: This systematic review investigated the outcome of the use of three glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor agents (ie abciximab, tirofiban, and eptifibatide) on the thromboembolic complications during endovascular aneurysm coiling. The electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline were searched up to 25 June 2021, using the keywords "Abciximab," "Tirofiban," and "Eptifibatide" incombination with "Thromboembolism Complication," "Aneurysms," and "Endovascular Aneurysm Coiling." Results: A total of 21 articles were found to be eligible and included in this review. The rates of complete and partial recanalization were estimated to be 56% and 92% in patients who underwent abciximab and tirofiban therapy, respectively. Rupture aneurysms were found in the majority of patients. In general, the mortality rate of the patients treated for thromboembolic complications during endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors was found to be 4.8% (CI 95%:0.027–0.067; p <.005). The average remission rate in studies investigating thromboembolism was 91% (CI 95%:0.88–0.95, I2 : 65.65/ p <.001). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, a higher mean rate of complete recanalization by eptifibatide was found in studies in which abciximab or tirofiban were used, compared to other mentioned agents. Moreover, the amount of hemorrhage was reported to be less after using tirofiban rather than abciximab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current guidelines recommend that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) and manual aspiration thrombectomy should not be routinely used in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), although there is a lack of dedicated studies. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of combined usage of a potent P2Y12 inhibitor, GPI, and manual aspiration thrombectomy on long-term survival after STEMI.Methods: All STEMI patients treated by pPCI in a tertiary center who have been included prospectively in the local PCI registry between January 2016 and December 2022 were analyzed in this study. Patients were excluded if they required oral anticoagulation or bridging between clopidogrel or ticagrelor during hospitalization.Results: A total of 1,210 patients were included in the present study, with a median follow-up of 2.78 (1.00–4.88) years. Ticagrelor significantly reduced all-cause and cardiovascular-cause mortality [HR = 0.27 (0.21–0.34), p < 0.0001 and HR = 0.23 (0.17–0.30), p < 0.0001, respectively]. Eptifibatide significantly reduced all-cause and cardiovascular-cause mortality [HR = 0.72 (0.57–0.92), p = 0.002, and HR = 0.68 (0.52–0.89), p = 0.001, respectively]. Manual thrombus aspiration had no significant effect on both all-cause and cardiovascular-cause mortality. In multivariate Cox regression, all-cause mortality was reduced by ticagrelor, while eptifibatide or manual thrombus aspiration had no significant effect. However, cardiovascular-cause mortality was reduced by both ticagrelor and eptifibatide, while manual thrombus aspiration had no significant effect.Conclusion: Ticagrelor consistently reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, while eptifibatide reduced only cardiovascular mortality. Manual thrombus aspiration provided no long-term benefit. Our findings support the current guideline recommendation that GPI and manual aspiration thrombectomy should not be routinely used in treatment of STEMI with pPCI.

Purpose We present a unique case of delayed-onset, profound eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia that occurred 5 days after initiation of the drug. Summary Eptifibatide is a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor with indications for use in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia is uncommon but well studied and typically occurs within 24 hours of initiation of the drug. In the case described here, a 62-year-old male with a past history of coronary artery disease (including percutaneous coronary intervention within the past 12 months) was started on eptifibatide at a dosage of 2 µg/kg per minute for management of significant thrombus burden prior to a planned cardiac revascularization procedure; heparin for anticoagulation was also initiated. About 5 days after initiation of eptifibatide, the patient developed severe thrombocytopenia, with the platelet count dropping precipitously from 249 × 103/µL on admission to less than 1 × 103/µL. After eptifibatide and heparin therapy were discontinued and the patient was switched to argatroban, the platelet count recovered to 38 × 103/µL over the next 2 days. An eptifibatide platelet antibody assay was positive for IgG-mediated reactions consistent with eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia. Scoring of this case with the Naranjo scale yielded a score of 4, suggesting a possible adverse reaction to eptifibatide. Conclusion This is the first published case report of profound eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia occurring more than 24 hours after eptifibatide initiation and serves to bring awareness that a delayed reaction can occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Eptifibatide, a GPIIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, has shown its efficacy and safety in patients with high clot burden in their coronary vessels. It is widely used in patients with this condition. However, this medication use is accompanied by complications in some cases. Thrombocytopenia which is a relatively common condition in patients admitted to the hospital, especially in the acute setting, can be caused by medications. This condition can occur as an antibody or non‐antibody‐mediated process, caused by medications, such as heparin, clopidogrel, and eptifibatide. In this case, we present a woman with acute coronary syndrome and a complex lesion with a clot in her coronary vessel who was treated with eptifibatide. It led to asymptomatic thrombocytopenia. Once detected in laboratory data, the infusion was held, and the platelet count recovered in less than 5 days without additional treatment for this adverse effect. Eptifibatide is a medication used to treat acute coronary syndrome patients with a large thrombus in their coronary vessels. The mechanism of inducing thrombocytopenia by eptifibatide has not been proven yet, but it might be related to IgG antibodies. The severity of the disease can vary significantly, and the treatment is based on this factor. However, the main pillar of the treatment is the cessation of eptifibatide as soon as possible. This case draws the attention of physicians to one of the infrequent adverse effects of a commonly used medication in cardiology patients. Thrombocytopenia and its manifestations should be investigated and considered in patients who receive eptifibatide.

Thrombocytopenia is a rare but serious complication of the intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa; integrin αIIbβ3) receptor inhibitors (GPIs), abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. The thrombocytopenia ranges from mild (50 000–100 000 platelets/μL), to severe (20 000 to

Background Flow diversion treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms remains challenging due to the need for double- antiplatelet therapy. We report our experience with flow- diverter stent (FDS) reconstruction with singleantiplatelet therapy of ruptured cerebral blood blister and dissecting aneurysms. Methods In this case series we performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms who were treated with a phosphoryl- bonded FDS between 2019 and 2022 in a single center. Periprocedurally, all patients received weight- adapted eptifibatide IV and heparin IV. After 6-24 hours, eptifibatide was switched to oral prasugrel as monotherapy. We analyzed the rate of bleeding complications, thromboembolic events, occlusion rate and clinical outcome. Results Nine patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were treated, eight within 24 hours of symptom onset. Seven patients were treated with one FDS and two patients received two FDS in a telescopic fashion. Two aneurysms were additionally coil embolized. Fatal re- rupture occurred in one case; eight patients survived and had no adverse events associated with the FDS. Six patients showed complete occlusion of the aneurysm after 3 months (n=2) and 1 year (n=4), respectively. Two patients showed subtotal occlusion of the aneurysm at the last follow- up after 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Favorable clinical outcome was achieved in five patients. Conclusions Peri- interventional single- antiplatelet therapy with eptifibatide followed by prasugrel was sufficient to prevent thromboembolic events and reduce re- bleeding using an anti- thrombogenic FDS. FDS with single- antiplatelet therapy might be a viable option for ruptured blood blister and dissecting cerebral aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is usually caused by a rupture in the atherosclerotic plaque, followed by platelet aggregation which ultimately leads to acute coronary artery occlusion. So far, few studies have investigated the effect of maintenance dose of Eptifibatide (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor) in STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of maintenance dose of Eptifibatide in patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI. 264 patients who had acute chest pain suggestive of STEMI were entered in the study. All patients received the same dose of bolus dose of Eptifibatide in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Then the patients were randomly divided into two groups, one group (n = 147) received a maintenance dose of intravenous Eptifibatide (infusion of 2 μg/kg/min) and the other group (n = 117) did not receive this treatment. Standard medical treatment of STEMI after PPCI was performed based on guidelines and the same in both groups. All patients were evaluated 1, 2, and 3 months after the start of treatment in terms of predicted outcomes. Results The occurrence of 3-month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between the case and control groups did not have a statistically significant difference (28.6% versus 35.0%; P value: 0.286). Also, investigations showed that the rate of re-infarction (P value: 0.024) and target lesion revascularization (P value: 0.003) was significantly lower in the group that received Eptifibatide infusion. Conclusions Eptifibatide maintenance dose infusion in patients who undergo PPCI in the context of STEMI, does not significantly reduce MACE, although it does significantly reduce re-infarction and target lesion revascularization. It also does not increase the risk of bleeding and cerebrovascular events.

Aim. To study the safety and efficacy of Angipure in acute ST-segment elevation coronary syndrome (STE-ACS) and high-risk percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) compared with eptifibatide.Material and methods. The study included 157 patients with STE-ACS. High-risk PTCA included massive or total coronary artery thrombosis, noreflow/slow-reflow phenomenon, and acute stent thrombosis. Fifty-five people received Angipure at a dose of 0,72 mg/kg, 52 — at a dose of 0,40 mg/kg, while 50 patients received eptifibatide (Integrilin). We conducted clinical and laboratory studies, electrocardiography (ECG), coronary angiography.Results. According to the criteria "Frequency and severity of hemorrhagic events, including hemorrhagic stroke", "Frequency, severity of other adverse events", there were no differences in safety between Angipure at doses of 0,40 and 0,72 mg/kg and eptifibatide. Complaints, clinical symptoms, vital signs, complete blood count, biochemical and coagulation tests, ECG in patients of different groups were similar and had unidirectional dynamics. The use of Angipure or eptifibatide was considered effective if no adverse outcomes (death, recurrent acute ischemic event, need for urgent revascularization) were observed within 30 days. There were no lethal outcomes. One repeated acute ischemic event was registered in each group. In groups of patients receiving Angipure 0,40 mg/kg and eptifibatide, urgent revascularization was required once each.Conclusion. Angipure and eptifibatide have similar safety and efficacy.

Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is usually caused by a rupture in the atherosclerotic plaque, followed by platelet aggregation which ultimately leads to acute coronary artery occlusion. So far, few studies have investigated the effect of maintenance dose of Eptifibatide (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor) in STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of maintenance dose of Eptifibatide in patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI. 264 patients who had acute chest pain suggestive of STEMI were entered in the study. All patients received the same dose of bolus dose of Eptifibatide in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Then the patients were randomly divided into two groups, one group (n = 147) received a maintenance dose of intravenous Eptifibatide (infusion of 2 μg/kg/min) and the other group (n = 117) did not receive this treatment. Standard medical treatment of STEMI after PPCI was performed based on guidelines and the same in both groups. All patients were evaluated 1, 2, and 3 months after the start of treatment in terms of predicted outcomes. Results: The occurrence of 3-month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between the case and control groups did not have a statistically significant difference (28.6% versus 35.0%; P value: 0.286). Also, investigations showed that the rate of re-infarction (P value: 0.024) and target lesion revascularization (P value: 0.003) was significantly lower in the group that received Eptifibatide infusion. Conclusions: Eptifibatide maintenance dose infusion in patients who undergo PPCI in the context of STEMI, does not significantly reduce MACE, although it does significantly reduce re-infarction and target lesion revascularization. It also does not increase the risk of bleeding and cerebrovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the treatment effectiveness and safety of eptifibatide injection in the treatment of acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease （ICVD）. Methods Clinical data of 34 ICVD patients treated with eptifibatide injection were retrospectively analyzed. The indexes of blood rheology, blood coagulation and blood lipid before and after treatment were detected. The dose-effect relationship between the cumulative injection dose and each index was established, and the effective cumulative dose was predicted by the normal index values. The effectiveness were verified by comparing National Institute of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS） and digital subtraction angiography（DSA） score before and after treatment, and the safety were evaluated after treatment. Results The indexes of blood rheology, blood coagulation and blood lipid were improved to different degree before and after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant （all P < 0.05）. The blood rheology index could be simulated as a quadratic equation of one variable, and R2 was greater than 0.95; in the simulation of blood coagulation indexes, the amount of eptifibatide exerted mild effect on thrombin time. Hence, the corresponding equation could not be simulated, and the remaining indexes could be simulated with a quadratic equation with one variable, and all R2 were greater than 0.95. All patients did not develop symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after administration. The scores of NIHSS were significantly decreased after one week of treatment （P < 0.05）. Conclusion It is safe and effective to strengthen the anti-platelet aggregation therapy with eptifibatide injection in ICVD patients.

Abstract Background Current guidelines indicate we can consider a bridging strategy that uses intravenous, reversible glycoprotein inhibitors for patients that required surgery following recent stent implantation. However, no strong clinical evidence exists that demonstrates the efficacy and safety of this treatment. Therefore, in this study, the efficacy and safety of a bridging strategy that uses intravenous platelet glycoprotein receptor inhibitors will be evaluated. Methods A meta-analysis was performed on preoperative bridging studies in patients undergoing coronary stent surgery. The primary outcome was the success rate of no major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes were the success rate of no reoperations to stop bleeding. Results A total of 10 studies that included 382 patients were used in this meta-analysis. For the primary endpoint, the success rate was 97.7% (95% CI 94.4–98.0%) for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, 98.8% (95% CI 96.0–100%) for tirofiban (6 studies) and 95.8% (95% CI 90.4–99.4%) for eptifibatide (4 studies). For secondary endpoints, the success rate was 98.0% (95% CI 94.8–99.9%) for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, 99.7% (95% CI 97.1–100%) for tirofiban (5 studies), and 95.3% (95% CI 88.5–99.4%) for eptifibatide (4 studies). Conclusion The results of this study showed that the use of intravenous platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors as a bridging strategy might be safe and effective for patients undergoing coronary stent implantation that require surgery soon after.

Eptifibatide is an αIIbβ3 inhibitor that is currently used in the clinic. More than 10 scientific communications indicate that eptifibatide has a Lys-Gly-Asp or Arg-Gly-Asp sequence, while it actually has a hArg-Gly-Asp sequence. We aimed to unravel the importance of the homoarginine residue in eptifibatide in platelet activation and aggregation. Arg- and Lys-eptifibatide were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and measured in light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry and whole blood thrombus formation under flow. Interactions of eptifibatide and its variants with αIIbβ3 integrin were studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Eptifibatide showed inhibition of collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, while Arg- and Lys-eptifibatide did not. Multiparameter assessment of thrombus formation showed suppressed platelet aggregate and fibrin formation upon eptifibatide treatment, in contrast to the other variants. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the hArg residue in eptifibatide is crucial to its activity, since the substitution of the hArg to Arg or Lys resulted in the inability to form double H-bonds with Asp224 in the αIIb chain of the αIIbβ3 receptor. The hArg is pivotal for the interaction of eptifibatide for the αIIbβ3 receptor and efficient inhibition of platelet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors play a key role in the treatment of patients who have acute coronary syndromes and undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its serious complication is diffused alveolar hemorrhage. A 73-year-old diabetic woman presented with chest pain and dynamic ST elevation in ECG and positive troponin. She had occlusion in two coronary arteries and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The eptifibatide was administered. After hours, she showed respiratory symptoms, as well as drop of blood pressure and hemoglobin. All differential diagnoses suggested for her clinical presentation were evaluated, and finally, on the sixth day diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was diagnosed. Although respiratory symptoms such as hemoptysis and dyspnea may occur as complications of pulmonary edema and/or pneumonia, assumed clinical suspicion for pulmonary hemorrhage leading to early detection of it. Moreover, there is no definitive guideline for decreased bleeding complications and treatment of alveolar hemorrhage caused by glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Delayed-Onset Eptifibatide-Induced Thrombocytopenia," by Travis Huffman and colleagues that was previously published in the February 15, 2024 is presented.

To review the literature for randomized control trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies investigating the safety and efficacy of tirofiban and eptifibatide in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched for available papers published up to September 2021. The efficacy was evaluated based on the 3-month favorable outcome [modified Rankin scale (mRS) = 0–1], functional outcome (mRS = 0–2), and the last available National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score measured in each study. Twelve studies (two RCTs and 10 prospective cohorts) and 2926 patients were included. Treatment with tirofiban or eptifibatide had no effects on the favorable outcome (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.89–1.35, P = 0.411), functional outcome (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.98–1.28, P = 0.010), and last available NIHSS (WMD = − 2.32, 95% CI − 5.14 to 0.50, P = 0.106), but might increase mortality (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.99, P = 0.121). The sensitivity analyses showed that the meta-analyses were robust. There was no significant publication bias. Tirofiban did not increase the risk of ICH (P = 0. 423) and sICH (P = 0. 990) but increased the risk of fatal ICH (RR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.62–7.96, P = 0.002). Thrombolysis/thrombectomy did not influence any of the outcomes. Adding tirofiban or eptifibatide to thrombolysis/thrombectomy was not significantly associated with a favorable outcome (mRS = 0–1) nor functional outcome (mRS = 0–2) in patients with AIS at 3 months, but might be associated with mortality, possibly due to fatal ICH. The NIHSS was also not significantly different between the intervention and control groups after treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current guidelines indicate we can consider a bridging strategy that uses intravenous, reversible glycoprotein inhibitors for patients that required surgery following recent stent implantation. However, no strong clinical evidence exists that demonstrates the efficacy and safety of this treatment. Therefore, in this study, the efficacy and safety of a bridging strategy that uses intravenous platelet glycoprotein receptor inhibitors will be evaluated. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed on preoperative bridging studies in patients undergoing coronary stent surgery. The primary outcome was the success rate of no major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes were the success rate of no reoperations to stop bleeding. Results: A total of 10 studies that included 382 patients were used in this meta-analysis. For the primary endpoint, the success rate was 97.7% (95% CI 94.4–98.0%) for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, 98.8% (95% CI 96.0–100%) for tirofiban (6 studies) and 95.8% (95% CI 90.4–99.4%) for eptifibatide (4 studies). For secondary endpoints, the success rate was 98.0% (95% CI 94.8–99.9%) for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, 99.7% (95% CI 97.1–100%) for tirofiban (5 studies), and 95.3% (95% CI 88.5–99.4%) for eptifibatide (4 studies). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the use of intravenous platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors as a bridging strategy might be safe and effective for patients undergoing coronary stent implantation that require surgery soon after. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Last few decades in medical retina have encountered significant development in the field of pharmacotherapy. With better understanding of molecular mechanisms and disease pathophysiology, alternate pathways are being targeted in various clinical trials. In this review, a comprehensive list of newer therapeutic agents in various retinal conditions like diabetic macular edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) have been elucidated. The review highlights alternate pathways involved in pathogenesis of DME and ARMD, and gives a brief summary of several phase I and phase II trials targeting these pathways. The review also briefly highlights the advancements in the field of gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, neuro-protection and retinal implants in IRDs. Lastly, available treatment options for NAION have been discussed. Evidence based medicine has allowed researches and vision scientists to explore newer drugs and target alternate disease pathways. Promising results with initial clinical trials will pave the pathway for larger studies and allow clinicians to overcome treatment burden presently associated with available treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eptifibatide is used in acute coronary syndromes to reversibly block platelet aggregation by inhibiting the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. A serious adverse effect of eptifibatide is a profound drop in platelet count, termed eptifibatide-induced thrombocytopenia (EIT). Objective: To provide insight into the types of complications and management of EIT. Methods: Cases of EIT submitted to the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system were evaluated. Data analyses included management of EIT, complications of thrombocytopenia, initial platelets, and platelet nadir following eptifibatide. Results: 103 cases of EIT were reported from January 2010 to 2019; 57 cases met the Naranjo scale and were included. Only 37 of those cases contained information on how EIT was managed. Eptifibatide administration was withheld in all 37 of those cases. Platelet transfusions were administered in 20 cases (54%). Two cases were managed with steroids (5.4%), and 1 case used intravenous immunoglobulin G to reverse EIT (2%). The median initial platelet count prior to administration of eptifibatide was 207 000 cells/mm3 (SD = 69 000; n = 27), and median platelet nadir was 9000 cells/mm3 (SD = 19 000; n = 35) The majority of complications of EIT included bleeding events (16/28, 57%). Delayed procedures, prolonged stay, allergic reactions, and thrombosis were each reported in 3 patients (10.75%). Conclusion and Relevance: Most cases of EIT were managed by withholding eptifibatide with platelet transfusion if necessary. The majority of complications included bleeding. However, significant procedure delays, prolonged hospital stay, thrombosis, and allergic reactions were also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the infarct-related artery (IRA) in a non-ST-segment-elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) can be very challenging, particularly in a hospital that cannot perform intracoronary imaging due to certain limitations. This is because, by angiography, most patients present with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), diffuse disease, or non-significant CAD. We present a case of a 60-year-old female patient presented with substernal chest pain and palpitations of 6 h duration. The first hospital contact 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ventricular tachycardia (VT) with unstable hemodynamics, after stabilization patient was transported to the catheterization laboratory for immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). With a clue of VT morphology, post-converted ECG, and coronary angiography, the patient successfully underwent PCI in the left circumflex artery., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2024 Saudi Heart Association.)