Regadenoson versus Dipyridamole: A Comparison of the Frequency of Adverse Events in Patients Undergoing Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Pharmacotherapy. 2017 Jun;37(6):657-661. doi: 10.1002/phar.1940. Epub 2017 May 26.

Abstract

Study objective: To compare the frequency of adverse events in patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with either regadenoson or dipyridamole.

Design: Single-center, retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Large community teaching hospital.

Patients: A total of 568 adults who underwent single-photon emission tomography MPI with either regadenoson (284 patients) or dipyridamole (284 patients) as a vasodilator agent, following an institution conversion from regadenoson to dipyridamole in the MPI protocol on July 15, 2013, for cost-saving purposes.

Measurements and main results: Data were collected from the patients' electronic medical records. The primary endpoint was the composite occurrence of any documented adverse event in each group. Secondary endpoints were individual components of the primary endpoint, reason for termination of the MPI examination (protocol completion or premature end due to an adverse event), use of an interventional agent to an treat adverse event, and cost-related outcomes. A higher proportion of patients in the regadenoson group experienced an adverse event than those who received dipyridamole (84.9% vs 56.7%, p<0.0001). None of the patients in either group required early MPI study termination due to an adverse event. No significant differences were noted between groups regarding use of aminophylline or other interventions to treat adverse events. The overall drug cost savings in the postconversion dipyridamole group was $51,526.

Conclusion: Dipyridamole was associated with fewer adverse events than regadenoson in patients undergoing MPI. Dipyridamole offers a safe and cost-effective alternative to regadenoson for cardiac imaging studies.

Keywords: cardiac stress test; dipyridamole; myocardial perfusion imaging; regadenoson.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine A2 Receptor Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Adenosine A2 Receptor Agonists / economics
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis / methods
  • Dipyridamole / adverse effects*
  • Dipyridamole / economics
  • Dyspnea / chemically induced
  • Dyspnea / economics
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / chemically induced
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / economics
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases / economics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / adverse effects*
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / economics
  • Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / methods
  • Purines / adverse effects*
  • Purines / economics
  • Pyrazoles / adverse effects*
  • Pyrazoles / economics
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vasodilator Agents / adverse effects*
  • Vasodilator Agents / economics

Substances

  • Adenosine A2 Receptor Agonists
  • Purines
  • Pyrazoles
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • regadenoson
  • Dipyridamole