Background: Enoxaparin use in PCI has been investigated, however its role in primary PCI is less known.
Objective: To evaluate the role of combination IV + SC enoxaparin in primary PCI in STEMI.
Methods: 83 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI between January 1, 2005 and January 15, 2008 were included. Anticoagulation was based on our institution's STEMI protocol; either IV + SC enoxaparin, or IV unfractionated heparin (UFH). Clinical endpoints included MACE, bleeding and net adverse cardiac events (NACE).
Results: 45 patients received UFH and 37 received IV + SC enoxaparin. There was no difference in the rate of mortality, MACE, or NACE. There was a trend toward more TIMI major and GUSTO moderate and severe bleeding in the UFH group.
Conclusions: Application of IV + SC enoxaparin strategy for primary PCI in STEMI appears both safe and efficacious. A prospective randomized trial will be necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy more thoroughly.