The use of antiplatelet agents after an acute coronary syndrome in a large community Italian setting of more than 12 million subjects

Background:Antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone of medical treatment in acute coronary syndromes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical epidemiology of patients after an acute coronary syndrome treated with different antiplatelet agent regimens in a large real community setting.Methods:The ARCO database, including more than 12 million inhabitants, was evaluated. Antiplatelet agent prescriptions were analysed as follows: aspirin, clopidogrel, other antiplatelet agents used alone; the free and fixed combination of clopidogrel and aspirin; the free combination of aspirin with other antiplatelet agents. Healthcare costs included drug prescriptions (prices reimbursed by the Italian National Health System), outpatient specialist services and hospitalisations (Italian national tariffs).Results:From 1 January to 31 December 2014, 26,834 patients were discharged after an acute coronary syndrome. Of these, 19,333 (77%) were prescribed with an antiplatelet agent. Among patients undergoing a revascula...