What are the adjunctive tx for fibrinolysis or PCI?

What are the adjunctive tx for fibrinolysis or PCI?

• A. Antiplatelets (ASA, clopidogrel) and anticoagulants (UFH, LMWH, DTI, direct factor Xa inhibitors)
• B. Only anticoagulants
• C. Only antiplatelets
• D. Thrombolytics and nitrates

Answer: (A)

During fibrinolysis or PCI, you add therapies that target both platelets and the coagulation cascade to prevent rethrombosis and maintain reperfusion. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor (for example, clopidogrel) reduce platelet aggregation, a key driver of arterial thrombus. Anticoagulants like unfractionated heparin, LMWH, direct thrombin inhibitors, or direct factor Xa inhibitors prevent further clot formation by inhibiting the coagulation cascade. Together, these two arms provide effective adjunct antithrombotic protection. Thrombolytics and nitrates aren’t adjuncts to reperfusion in this context: thrombolytics are the reperfusion therapy themselves, and nitrates mainly relieve chest pain without addressing thrombosis.

During fibrinolysis or PCI, you add therapies that target both platelets and the coagulation cascade to prevent rethrombosis and maintain reperfusion. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor (for example, clopidogrel) reduce platelet aggregation, a key driver of arterial thrombus. Anticoagulants like unfractionated heparin, LMWH, direct thrombin inhibitors, or direct factor Xa inhibitors prevent further clot formation by inhibiting the coagulation cascade. Together, these two arms provide effective adjunct antithrombotic protection. Thrombolytics and nitrates aren’t adjuncts to reperfusion in this context: thrombolytics are the reperfusion therapy themselves, and nitrates mainly relieve chest pain without addressing thrombosis.