Description

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of Apixaban vs. placebo in the prevention of LV thrombus formation in patients with acute anterior myocardial and severe LV dysfunction following primary PCI in an open label, randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Inclusion Criteria .Patients aged 18-65 years, presenting with acute anterior STEMI and severe LV dysfunction (EF<35%) with antero-apical akinesis, dyskinesis, or aneurysm.

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients with previous myocardial infarction or revascularization procedures.
• Patients with cardiogenic shock
• Patients with advanced CKD (Cr < 2 and those on hemodialysis)
• Recent ICH or major bleed requiring transfusion, low platelet counts<100,000
• History of CVA
• Patients with atrial fibrillation or other indications for chronic anticoagulation
• Pregnant patients and those with hematological disorders

Eligible patients will be enrolled after informed consent. Randomization will be undertaken once post PCI echocardiography is done and LV function is recorded. Patients randomized to the treatment arm will be given Apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily and DAPT for two weeks in addition to other guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT). After two weeks of triple therapy (DOAC+DAPT), aspirin will be dropped in the study arm. The control arm will be of standard care. After 4 weeks, treatment group will be switched to DAPT.

Follow up The primary endpoint will be the incidence of LV thrombus formation recorded at 4-week follow-up echocardiography. Patients' clinical status, side effects, and medication compliance will be recorded.

At 2-week: patients will be contacted via phone call to assess their clinical status, ensure drug compliance, discuss any necessary changes in drug regimen for those in the treatment group already prescribed on discharge, and inquire about any side effects.

At 4-week: patients will undergo an in-person follow-up where echocardiography will be conducted alongside a comprehensive assessment In case of any cardiac complaints, patients will be advised to visit the hospital or cardiologist promptly to complete a comprehensive clinical and laboratory workup. Primary endpoint

. Incidence of LV thrombus formation in the treatment arm vs. placebo at 4 week follow up echocardiography.

Secondary endpoints

• composite of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and heart failure hospitalization in experimental arm vs. control group.
• Major and minor bleeding in experimental arm vs. control group
• Discontinuation of the drug due to side effects in experimental arm vs. control group A clinical events committee whose members are unaware of study-group assignments will independently adjudicate all potential endpoints.