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(Stroke. 2002;33:725.)
© 2002 American Heart Association, Inc.

Original Contributions

Abciximab Bolus Injection Does Not Reduce Cerebral Ischemic Complications of Elective Carotid Artery Stenting

A Randomized Study

Robert Hofmann, MD; Klaus Kerschner, MD; Clemens Steinwender, MD; Alexander Kypta, MD; Dietmar Bibl, MD Franz Leisch, MD

From the Cardiovascular Division (R.H., K.K., C.S., A.K., F.L.) and Neurologic Department (D.B.), City Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria.

Correspondence to Dr Robert Hofmann, Cardiovascular Division, City Hospital Linz, Krankenhausstrasse 9, A-4020 Linz, Austria. E-mail robert.hofmann{at}akh.linz.at

Background and Purpose— Abciximab has been shown to significantly reduce thromboembolic complications of coronary artery stenting. A prospective, randomized study was performed to test whether abciximab has comparable beneficial effects in carotid artery stenting.

Methods— Seventy-four consecutive patients undergoing elective stenting of the carotid artery were included in the study. Standard antithrombotic medication consisted of aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin. In addition, half of the patients received an abciximab bolus of 0.25 mg/kg body weight given prophylactically before the intervention.

Results— The procedure was successful in all but 1 patient. In patients receiving abciximab, ischemic complications consisted of 4 transient ischemic attacks, 1 minor stroke, 1 nonfatal major stroke, and 1 fatal stroke caused by cerebral hemorrhage. In the control group, 2 transient ischemic attacks and 1 major nonfatal stroke occurred. In summary, the total number of periprocedural ischemic events was 7 (19%) in the abciximab group and 3 (8%) in the control group. Nonischemic complications consisted of 1 inguinal hematoma requiring blood transfusions in each group.

Conclusions— Abciximab bolus given prophylactically before elective carotid artery stenting does not reduce ischemic complications.

Key Words: abciximab • carotid arteries • cerebral ischemia • complications • stents

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