Incidence of restenosis and cardiac events after coronary angioplasty in diabetic patients: Reduction by systemic pharmacological approaches

Various systemic pharmacological approaches have been evaluated to reduce the risk of restenosis after coronary angioplasty, with or without stent, in the general population and in diabetic patients who are at increased risk for such complication. The aim of the present paper is to describe the effects of the main pharmacological classes on the risk of restenosis, the need for new revascularisation procedures and the incidence of major clinical events (MACE : death, myocardial infarction, revascularisation). We will analyse the role of antiplatelet agents, omega-3 fatty acids, statins, anti-inflammatory compounds, immunomodulators, anti-oxidants, glitazones and, finally, classical antidiabetic drugs such as metformin and insulin. Whenever possible, we will focus our attention on the results obtained in the diabetic population.