Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) seems to be one of the most powerful factors associated with the proliferative process that occurs after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and leads to restenosis. Trapidil (Triazolopyrimidine), a potent inhibitor of PDGF, was shown to decrease restenosis after experimental balloon angioplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of trapidil, on intimal hyperplasia, following coronary artery stenting, using volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis.

The patients were divided in 2 groups; Group I (n=14, age=53±8, male=11) received trapidil (600 mg) for 6 months, aspirin (200 mg) indefinitely and ticlopidine (250 mg) for 4 weeks, Group 2 (n=15, age=55±2, male=9) received aspirin (200mg) indefinitely and ticlopidine (500 mg) for 4 weeks, starting at least 3 days before the angioplasty. A serial IVUS study was performed post-stenting, with a 6 month follow up period. Both the stent (SA) and lumen areas (LA) were measured, and the stent (SV), lumen (LV) and intimal hyperplasia volumes (IHV) were calculated using Simpson's rule.

The reference (RD), pre minimal luminal (MLD) and post minimal luminal diameters, as measured by quantitative coronary angiographic analysis (QCA), were not different between the two groups. Using serial IVUS measurements, SV and LV were not different between the two groups. Also, the IHV was not different between the two groups (51.9±26.1 and 61.3±25.3 mm³, respectively, p=NS).

Trapidil failed to reduce intimal hyperplasia following coronary stenting compared with the controls.