Therapeutic potential of GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists in acute myocardial infarction

The management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has changed dramatically over the last two decades, with the addition of fibrinolytic agents and primary coronary intervention (PCI). The more recent development of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa antagonists, a new class of potent antiplatelet drugs, has the potential to considerably enhance the treatment of AMI patients. A number of recent studies have highlighted the potential incremental benefits with adjunctive IIb/IIIa-targeted therapy. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI), the physiology and role of platelets in thrombosis and describe the currently available drugs. We will briefly summarise the results of recent clinical trials, discuss some key forthcoming trials and attempt to describe how GP IIb/IIIa antagonists may directly impact the immediate and near future day-to-day care of patients with AMI.