Combination reperfusion therapy with eptifibatide and reduced-dose tenecteplase for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: results of the integrilin and tenecteplase in acute myocardial infarction (INTEGRITI) Phase II Angiographic Trial

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate combinations of eptifibatide with reduced-dose tenecteplase (TNK) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors enhance thrombolysis. The role of combination therapy in clinical practice remains to be established. Methods Patients (n = 438) with STEMI Results In dose-finding, TIMI grade 3 flow rates were similar across groups (64% to 68%). Arterial patency was highest for eptifibatide 180/2/180 plus half-dose TNK (96%, p = 0.02 vs. eptifibatide 180/2/90 plus half-dose TNK). In dose-confirmation, this combination, compared with TNK monotherapy, tended to achieve more TIMI 3 flow (59% vs. 49%, p = 0.15), arterial patency (85% vs. 77%, p = 0.17), and ST-segment resolution (median 71% vs. 61%, p = 0.08) but was associated with more major hemorrhage (7.6% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.14) and transfusions (13.4% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.02). Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 1.0%, 0.6%, and 1.7% of patients treated with any combination, eptifibatide 180/2/180 and half-dose TNK, and TNK monotherapy, respectively. Conclusions Double-bolus eptifibatide (180/2/180) plus half-dose TNK tended to improve angiographic flow and ST-segment resolution compared with TNK monotherapy but was associated with more transfusions and non-cerebral bleeding. Further study is needed before this combination can be recommended for general use.