In-hospital outcome of elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes treated with platelet glycoprotein Ilb/IIIa blockers

Background and objective The safety of intravenous glycoprotein Ilh/llla inhibitors (GPI) in elderly patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of GPI in elderly patients with ACS. Methods Ninety consecutive patients >7I) years of age admitted to a county hospital between 1999-2004 were included. All patients had typical ACS symptoms along with high-risk markers. Results There was no difference in the TIMI risk score between patients who received GPI (n=47) and those who did not (n=43). Patients who received GPI had a lower creatinine clearance (40 cc/min vs. 47cc/min, p= 0.04). Patients who received GPI had a lower incidence of death, rcinfarction or major bleeding (199f vs. 4%, p=0.()3). There was no significant difference in major bleeding between the 2 groups. None of the patients in cither group developed thrombocytopcnia. Conclusion This retrospective small study suggests that the use of GPI in a selected group of elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome may be safe.