Warfarin After Anterior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

• Combined death, MI, embolic event (TIA, stroke, non-cns emboli), Major Bleeding, and LVT (as determined by echocardiography) at 3 months [ Time Frame: 3 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Individual endpoints of LVT at discharge and at 3 months (determined by echocardiography), death, MI, stroke, TIA, non-CNS emboli, and minor bleeding [ Time Frame: 3 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Rationale:

Left ventricular mural thrombus (LVT) remains a common complication after anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with a reported incidence ranging from 12- 17%. Previous studies from the pre-thrombolytic era have shown that warfarin therapy significantly reduces the incidence of LVT and embolic events in patients post anterior STEMI. However, the risk/benefit ratio of warfarin therapy in the setting of early revascularization and dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel remains unknown.

Purpose:

To compare the incidence of death, MI, stroke, embolic events, LVT, and bleeding complications at 3 months in patients with an anterior STEMI and ejection fraction less than 40% treated with ASA and clopidogrel alone versus those treated with aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin (triple therapy group).

Sample Size:

This is a pilot project to help establish the feasibility of conducting a full scale externally funded study. As such sample size calculations are not applicable. The primary aim of the study is to determine the safety and feasibility of conducting a large-scale trial, and this pilot project in not expected to reveal a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups.

Design/Methodology:

All patients will be randomized to either aspirin and clopidogrel alone or to triple therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin. The randomization process will be centralized and computer generated. Patients with a clear indication for oral anticoagulation such as atrial fibrillation, LV thrombus, mechanical heart valve, or DVT/PE will not undergo randomization but will be followed as part of a registry of patients on triple therapy. All patients will remain on the allocated therapy for 3 months at which time outcomes will be determined.

Study interventions:

Patients will be treated with either ASA and clopidogrel alone (dual therapy) or with aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin (triple therapy) in combination for 3 months. Patients in the triple therapy arm will be bridged with intravenous unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or fondaparinux until their INR is therapeutic, and will be followed by the thrombosis service for the duration of the study.