Please note a change for NHSScotland to a recommendation in NICE (Multiple) Technology Appraisal Guidance No 80 “Clopidogrel in the treatment of non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS)” published in July 2004.
NICE (Multiple) Technology Appraisal Guidance No 80
The NICE appraisal recommended that treatment with clopidogrel in combination with low-dose aspirin should be continued for up to 12 months after the most recent episode of non-ST-segment-elevation ACS.
In February 2007 SIGN published guideline 93 on “Acute coronary syndromes” and it recommends on page 21, section 7.1.2 that “In addition to long term aspirin, clopidogrel therapy should be continued for three months in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome”. This recommendation was made after SIGN reviewed both the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness evidence and consequently this particular SIGN recommendation supersedes the previous NHS QIS validated NICE appraisal.
NHSScotland should note that:
- NHS Quality Improvement Scotland advice represents the evidence-based view of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.
- This advice does not override or replace the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of their individual patients, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
- Whilst this email alert is distributed widely in NHSScotland, I would appreciate if Medical Directors could highlight this communication to relevant health professionals in their Board.
- Hard copies of the NICE appraisals are available from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (contact Shonagh Buchanan, tel 0141 225 6993 or email shonagh.buchanan@nhshealthquality.org).
- Copies of SIGN guidelines are available at www.sign.ac.uk.
