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Topics in Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice
9/15/2010: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Implantation of Drug-Eluting Stents: How Long Is Too Long?
Theresa Castillo
Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
Tina Lopez
Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
Excerpt:"More than 1 million people in the United States undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) each year.1 Drug-eluting stents (DES) are frequently used during this procedure since they are associated with significant reductions in the risks of restenosis and need for target-lesion revascularization compared to bare metal stents. Following a PCI procedure, patients receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) using aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent acute stent thrombosis. Guidelines recommend DAT for at least 12 months following a PCI with a drug-eluting stent.3 However, there is concern that prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy increases bleeding risk. The benefits and risks of the use of DAT beyond a 12-month period have not been established and continue to be controversial. ..."
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