Role of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. From athero-inflammation to athero-thrombosis

Coronary thrombosis is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality and the most severe manifestation of atherosclerosis. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of atheroma formation and the causes of atheroma accidents have allowed the development of new therapeutic measures for reducing thrombotic events after a coronary episode. Treating the thrombosis after plaque rupture is useful, but a late measure once coronary flow is disturbed. Therefore, treatment at an earlier stage, which we call athero-inflammation, a central event in atheroma progression leading to atherothrombosis, seems wise. There is evidence of an inflammatory component in the pathogenesis of atheroma rupture in acute coronary events. Earlier studies of anti-inflammatory medication have not demonstrated a reduction in thrombotic complications after an acute coronary episode. However, there are pathophysiological arguments and clinical findings that suggest that it would be advisable to include anti-inflammatory medications, especially those that inhibit preferentially COX-2, in the therapeutic arsenal for this pathology. We postulated that blocking athero-inflammation could prevent thrombosis. A pilot study was carried out in 120 patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation in which 60 patients were treated with meloxicam, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor. All patients received heparin and aspirin. During the stay in the coronary care unit, as well as after 90 days, meloxicam lowered composite outcomes (myocardial infarction, death and revascularization procedures) compared with the control group. These results and available pathophysiological and clinical evidence support the hypothesis of potential benefits of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with preferential inhibitory activity on COX-2 in patients with acute coronary syndromes. More trials are needed to confirm their preventive effect.