Cilostazol: reduced restenosis vs standard therapy alone

The addition of the phosphodiesterase III inhibitor cilostazol [Pletal] reduces the incidence of restenosis in patients undergoing coronary stent implantation compared with the standard regimen of clopidogrel plus aspirin, according to results from a placebo-controlled study presented at the 76th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association [Orlando, US; November 2003]. In this study, a significant 39.5% reduction in the relative risk of restenosis was achieved in cilostazol recipients, compared with patients given clopidogrel plus aspirin alone. Furthermore, the incidences of coronary stent blockage in subgroups of patients with diabetes mellitus and with small blood vessels were also reduced in cilostazol-treated patients.