Optimizing adjunctive antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy in primary PCI for STEMI.

The pharmacological management of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) poses a significant challenge to the clinician. While mechanical reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has proved its superiority over fibrinolysis, the best antithrombotic strategy surrounding the procedure remains a matter of debate. Due to the high risk of bleeding induced by antithrombotic drugs, the pharmacological management of STEMI needs to focus on an optimal strategy that reduces the rate of coronary thrombotic events without leading to excess bleeding. Intravenous anticoagulants are recommended for all patients presenting with STEMI. Low molecular heparin may be preferred over unfractionated heparin in the setting of PPCI. Recent data suggest that anticoagulation with bivalirudin can be utilized as an alternative strategy to heparin and Gp2b3a but this should be limited to patients at high risk of bleeding. Dual antiplatelet therapy comprising aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor represents the cornerstone treatment for STEMI. New P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel and ticagrelor) have restricted clopidogrel use to situations where these potent agents are contraindicated. Whilst all oral antiplatelet agents have been used with an initial loading dose in STEMI, the time of their administration remains a controversial issue. In everyday practice, intravenous antiplatelet agents appear less consensual. While Gp2b3a receptor inhibitors use has been restricted to bailout situations, the place of cangrelor is not yet defined in real life daily practice.