Does abciximab combined with thrombolytics improve TIMI 3 flow?
Abciximab combined with half-dose alteplase improves reperfusion rates without increasing major bleeding risk, whereas its combination with streptokinase increases bleeding.
Abciximab facilitates the rate and extent of thrombolysis, producing early, marked increases in TIMI 3 flow when combined with half the usual dose of alteplase. This improvement in reperfusion with alteplase occurred without an increase in the risk of major bleeding. Substantial reductions in heparin dosing may reduce the risk of bleeding even further. Modest improvements in TIMI 3 flow were seen when abciximab was combined with streptokinase, but there was an increased risk of bleeding.
Antman et al. (Tue,) studied this question.