MRI-guided, open trial of abciximab for ischemic stroke within a 3- to 24-hour window

We read with interest the article by Mitsias et al.1 providing MRI evidence for early benefit of abciximab on stroke progression. This report joins others exploring abciximab in the acute stroke setting,2 including ours.3 The purpose of this letter is to compare these protocols, explain the rationale for differences, and report interim results. A common finding of the AbESTT trial2 and Mitsias et al.1 is the uncertain long-term benefits. We hypothesized that efficacy would be improved with concomitant use of heparin based on reports of enhanced thrombolytic activity with this combination and that a lower …