Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with end-stage renal disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) are effective and safe as adjunctive therapy for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1966-June 2004), EMBASE (1980-June 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970June 2004) were searched, in addition to a manual bibliographic search. DATA SYNTHESIS: Even though GPIs have an established role as adjunctive therapy in PCI, little is known about their use in patients with ESRD. We found 3 reports describing experience with abciximab in this population. Based on the limited information from registries and a retrospective chart review, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the utility of GPIs in ESRD. The decision to use abciximab in this population must be made on an individual case basis. CONCLUSIONS: Studies are needed to evaluate the benefit versus risk of GPI therapy in ESRD.