Adding clopidogrel to standard treatment for acute myocardial infarction

Report by: Kate Rotheray, Visiting Scholar

Search checked by: Giles Cattermole, Assistant Professor

Institution: Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.

A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether adding clopidogrel to standard treatment reduces morbidity and mortality from acute myocardial infarction. Three studies were directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that clopidogrel should be part of the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

Three-part question

In [patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction] is [clopidogrel plus aspirin better than aspirin alone] at [reducing morbidity and mortality]?

Clinical scenario

A 60-year-old man presents to the emergency department (ED) …