The Effects of Two-Month Combination Therapy of Cilostazol and Aspirin after Intracoronary Stenting

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is well known that anti-platlet agents decrease the rate of subacute thrombosis after intracoronary stenting significantly. The aim of this study is to assess the antithrombotic effect and safety of 2-month combined regimen of cilostazol and aspirin on intracoronary stenting. METHODS: The study population consisted of 78 lesions of 57 patients (age 58.1+/-10.3, male 47, female 10) with ischemic heart disease who were underwent successful intracoronary stenting. They were received cilostazol(200mg/day) and aspirin(100mg/day) two days before intracoronary stenting and continued for 8 weeks, and then aspirin was medicated continuously during the study. The laboratory and clinical findings were evaluated before cilostazol administration, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months after intervention. The excercise treadmill test was done at 6 months after intervention. RESULTS: Subacute thrombosis occurred in 2 patients(3.5%). Target lesion revascularization(TLR) was done in 4 patients(7.3%). Clinical restenosis (symptomatic or positive stress test, subacute thrombosis and TLR) occurred in 15 patients(26.3%). There was no granulocytopenia, or severe liver dysfunction. HDL-cholesterol was increased significantly at 2 months(36.6+/-7.4 mg/dl versus 41.6+/-9.3 mg/dl. p<0.01) and 6 months(36.6+/-7.4 mg/dl versus 42.4+/-10.6 mg/dl. p<0.01) follow up. CONCLUSION: Two-month combined regimen of cilostazol and aspirin was effective and safe after intracoronary stenting. Subacute thrombosis and clinical restenosis rate were comparable with pervious reports. Further large randomized trials are needed for the evaluation of favorable effect of cilostazol on lipid metabolism.