PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A PROSTACYCLIN-SPARING ASPIRIN FORMULATION AND HEPARIN WARFARIN IN ASPIRIN USERS WITH UNSTABLE ANGINA OR NON-Q-WAVE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION AT REST

The aim of this trial was to compare the efficacy of combination antithrombotic therapy with a prostacyclin-sparing aspirin plus anticoagulation versus conventional aspirin plus anticoagulation, when added to antianginal therapy, in patients with unstable angina or non-Q wave myocardial infarction already being treated with aspirin. In a double-blind (for the aspirin) study, 144 prior aspirin users were randomized; 72 patients received controiled-release, prostacyclin-sparing aspirin 75 mg daily plus anticoagulation (intravenous heparin followed by warfarin to maintain the international normalized ratio at 2-3), and 72 patients received conventional aspirin 75 mg daily plus the same anticoagulation. Controlled-release aspirin was formulated to preserve endothelial cell prostacyclin synthesis. Trial therapy was begun by 13.2 ± 12.3 h of qualifying pain, and continued for 12 weeks.The frequency of recurrent angina with electrocardiographic changes, myocardial infarction, or death, was analysed by intention to treat. At 12 weeks, events were. © 1994 The European Society of Cardiology.