Effect of nitroglycerin on radial artery spasm and occlusion in transradial catheterizations performed in women

Background: The benefit of transradial catheterization is well established in female patients. Women undergoing transradial catheterization exams present with unique challenges. The occurrence of radial artery spasm and occlusion after the procedure is higher in women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefit of nitroglycerin in reducing radial artery spasm and occlusion in women undergoing transradial catheterization. Methods: This was a 2x2 factorial randomized, multicenter, prospective, double-blinded study. Participants were randomized to nitroglycerin 500mcg or placebo at two time points: after placement of the hemostatic introducer and before its removal. The evaluation of the radial artery spasm was clinical, using a pain scale The evaluation of the radial artery occlusion was performed with Doppler, in the first 12 hours. Results: A total of 2,040 patients were included, of which 774 (37.5%) were female. Mean age was similar between sexes (62.2 years versus 61.5 years; p=0.27). The incidence of radial artery spasm was higher in women (21.2% versus 6.6%; p<0.01), as well as the incidence of radial artery occlusion (3.4% versus 1.8%; p=0.03). The use of nitroglycerin at the beginning of the procedure did not reduce the incidence of radial artery spasm in women when compared with placebo (19.7% versus 22.6%; p=0.34), nor did the rates of radial artery occlusion (4.3% versus 2.5%; p=0.17). The use of nitroglycerin at the end of the procedure did not reduce the incidence of artery occlusion in women (2.8% versus 3.9%; p=0.37). Conclusions: Radial artery spasm and occlusion are more frequent in women undergoing transradial catheterization when compared to men. The use of nitroglycerin does not have a beneficial effect in reducing these incidences.