Probucol therapy improves long-term (>10-year) survival after complete revascularization: a propensity analysis

Probucol has anti-atherosclerotic properties and has been shown to reduce post-angioplasty coronary restenosis. However, the effect of probucol therapy on long-term (>10 years) outcome following coronary revascularization is less well established. Accordingly, we sought to determine if probucol therapy at the time of complete coronary revascularization reduces mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

We collected data from 1694 consecutive patients who underwent complete revascularization (PCI and/or bypass surgery). Mortality data were compared between patients administered probucol and those not administered probucol at the time of revascularization. A propensity score (PS) was calculated to evaluate the effects of variables related to decisions regarding probucol administration. The association of probucol use and mortality was assessed using 3 Cox regression models, namely, conventional adjustment, covariate adjustment using PS, and matching patients in the probucol and no-probucol groups using PS.

In the pre-match patients, 231 patients were administered probucol (13.6%). During follow-up [10.2 (SD, 3.2) years], 352 patients died (including 113 patients who died of cardiac-related issues). Probucol use was associated with significant decrease in all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; P=0.036 [conventional adjustment model] and HR, 0.57; P=0.008 [PS adjusted model]). In post-match patients (N=450, 225 matched pair), the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the probucol group than in the no-probucol group (HR, 0.45; P=0.002).

In CAD patients who had undergone complete revascularization, probucol therapy was associated with a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality.