The Clinical Effects of Tranilast on Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Background and Objectives:Tranilast is an anti-allergic drug that suppresses the release of cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-1β. It has recently become known to be effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Subjects and Methods:One hundred forty two consecutive patients with angina who underwent PTCA between Jan 1999 and Jul 2000 at Chonnam National University Hospital were analyzed prospectively. Thirty patients (Tranilast group:60.8±7.7 years, M:F=22:8, 41 lesions out of 48 who received 300 mg tranilast for 3 months following PTCA and who underwent follow-up CAG (coronary angiogram, were com- pared with 61 patients (Control group:58.1±11.0 years, M:F=52:9, 82 lesions out of 94, 94 who did not receive tranilast but did undergo follow-up CAG. Results:The restenosis rate per lesion was significantly lower in the Tranilast group than in the Control group on the 6-month follow-up CAG (Tranilast vs. Control group:19.5% vs. 40.2%, p=0.021. The minimal luminal diameter was significantly larger in the Tranilast group as compared to the Control group (1.99±0.76 vs. 1.50±0.83 mm p=0.002. One patient of the Tran- ilast group suffered from liver dysfunction and stopped medication. Conclusion:The oral administration of tranilast is safe and effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA in patients with angina. ( ( ( (Korean Circulation J 2001;31( ( ((12 :1274-1280