Comparison of intracoronary versus intravenous tirofiban in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of intracoronary (IC) tirofiban compared to intravenously administered tirofiban in STEMI patients treated with PPCI. METHODS: This study included 180 STEMI patients who were underwent PPCI. Patients were randomized into an IC group ( n = 90) and intravenous (IV) group ( n = 90). During the procedure, the both groups were administered IC or IV injections of tirofiban, respectively, followed by an IV infusion of tirofiban for 24 hours. Changes in TIMI flow grading, TMP grade 3, Sum-STR two hours after the operation, the number of thrombus aspirations during the operation, myocardial enzyme, inflammatory factors,cardiac functional parameters, MACE and bleeding were investigated. RESULTS: Following treatment, TIMI flow grading and TMP grade 3 were improved in the IC tirofiban compared to the IV group ( P = 0.022 and P = 0.014, respectively). Additionally, the Sum-STR two hours after operation, the incidence of MACEs, levels of AST, CRP, ESR, and TNI in the IC group was improved, compared with the IV group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore. Cardiac function including CO and LVEF were significantly improved in the IC group 6 months after discharge. CONCLUSION: This study found that IC administration of tirofiban in patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI improved TIMI, TMP flow and cardiac function 6 months after discharge, and reduced CRP, ESR, and TNI. However, the incidence of bleeding between the two groups was comparable. These findings suggest that IC administration should be applied in certain acute STEMI patients.