The use of enoxaparin during coronary angioplasty: study of clinical security

Objective

To evaluate hemorrhagic and ischemic complications with the use of enoxaparin as anticoagulant during angioplasty.

Methods

From June 2001 to December 2002, we selected 273 patients who had undergone coronary angioplasty, and divided them into two groups. Group I consisted of 173 patients who used subcutaneous or intravenous enoxaparin, following a protocol. Group II consisted of 130 patients who used intravenous heparin during angioplasty. The protocol of enoxaparin consisted of administering intravenous enoxiparin (after insertion of a catheter) to patients who were not using subcutaneous enoxaparin and those patients who used enoxaparin more than 6 hours before the angioplasty. To the patients whose last dose of subcutaneous enoxaparin had been administered in the 6 hour interval, no anticoagulant needed to be added.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to age, sex, risk factors, drugs in use and obstructive coronary arteries.

In 30 days the great bleeding was less in group I (1.7%) compared with group II (3.1%). The incidence of death and myocardial infarction was not different between the two groups within 30 days.

Conclusion

The use of enoxaparin as an anticoagulant during PTCA did not increase ischemic or hemorrhagic complications after coronary angioplasty.