Downstream cangrelor versus upstream ticagrelor in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND: inhibitor may be considered in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Intravenous cangrelor is an alternative in this setting, where oral absorption can be hindered. The aim of this study was to compare cangrelor administered after coronary angiography (i.e., "downstream") and ticagrelor pretreatment (i.e., "upstream"). METHODS: STEMI patients undergoing PCI from October 2019 to June 2023 were included. The primary outcome was the composite of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome and in-hospital major bleeding. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed in unmatched and propensity-matched cohorts. RESULTS: Of 6086 patients enrolled in the prospective CAST registry, 761 were included: 383 (50.3 %) received downstream cangrelor and 378 (49.7 %) upstream ticagrelor. In the matched population, no between-group differences were observed in MACE (odds ratio OR 1.30; 95 % confidence interval CI 0.79-2.17; P 0.308), all-cause death (OR 1.91; 95 % CI 0.87-4.54; P 0.124), myocardial infarction (OR 2.64; 95 % CI 0.76-12.14; P 0.154), stent thrombosis (OR 0.38; 95 % CI 0.06-1.80; P 0.255), unplanned repeat revascularization (OR 1.22; 95 % CI 0.32-4.98; P 0.766) and major bleeding (OR 0.98; 95 % CI 0.50-1.93; P 0.955). Cardiogenic shock and bailout administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were independent predictors of MACE, while radial access showed an inverse association with the primary outc. CONCLUSIONS: -naïve STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, no significant differences were noted in the risk of in-hospital ischemic and bleeding events between downstream cangrelor and upstream ticagrelor.