Enoxaparin versus tinzaparin in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: The EVET trial

Background Low-molecular weight heparins have different pharmacokinetic and phamacodynamic characteristics and may vary in efficacy. We compared the efficacy of enoxaparin with that of tinzaparin in the management of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTACS). Methods A total of 438 patients with NSTACS were randomized to receive subcutaneous treatment with enoxaparin, 100 IU/kg twice daily (equivalent to 1 mg/kg twice daily; n = 220), or tinzaparin, 175 IU/kg once daily, (n = 218) for as long as 7 days. The primary composite end point was recurrent angina, myocardial infarction (or reinfarction), or death at day 7. Secondary end points were the primary end point at day 30 and the occurrence of individual events at days 7 and 30. Results The incidence of the primary end point was 12.3% in the enoxaparin group and 21.1% in the tinzaparin group (P, =.015). At day 7, the rate of recurrent angina was lower with enoxaparin than with tinzaparin (11.8% vs 19.3%). At day 30, the incidences of the composite end point, recurrent angina, and myocardial infarction were also lower with enoxaparin, 17.7% vs 28.0% (P =.0 12), 17.3% vs 26.1% and 0.5% vs 2.8%, respectively. The rate of revascularization was lower in the enoxaparin group, 8.6% vs 17.9% (P = .010) at day 7 and 16.4% vs 26.1% (P=.019) at day 30. Rates of bleeding complications were similar in the 2 treatment groups. Conclusions This study indicates a benefit of enoxaparin (100 IU/kg twice daily) as compared with tinzaparin (1175 IU/kg once daily) in the treatment of patients with NSTACS, which is sustained for at least 30 days.