[Oral spiramycin for prevention of restenosis in coronary arteries]

Restenosis is the main problem of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated influence of oral Spiramycin (oral 16- cyclic macrolide antibiotic) on restenosis rate after uncovered metal stents implantation. 73 patients with acute myocardial infarction (1month) and one vessel lesion were divided into two groups. The first group composed of 42 patients, were treated with 100 mg aspirin +75 mg clopidogrel per day. The second group composed of 31 patients (12 patients were diabetic and 14 had long stenosis) received aspirin+clopidogrel+ spiramycin (one tablet - 3.000.000 IU per day during 6 weeks). Mean vessel diameter in first group patients was 3,2+0,4 millimeters; in second group patients was 3,1+0,3 millimeters. Angiography was performed twice: after six months of stent implantation and after an year of stent implantation. At 12-month follow up there were no major adverse cardiac events in both groups. Restenosis rate was significantly higher in the first group of patients (14,3% vs 6,4%; p<0,001; 4,8% vs 3,2% p<0,01). Oral administration of spiramycin for prevention of restenosis is safe and cost-effective in case of uncovered metal stents.