Monitoring of Platelet Function in the Setting of GPIIa/IIIb Inhibitor Therapy

The recognition of the critical importance of platelets in acute coronary syndromes and interventional procedure outcomes has resulted in a growing armementarium of antiplatelet therapies. These medications offer the ability to achieve complete inhibition, which may be accompanied by hemorrhagic risks. Measurement of platelet function may improve dosing of these medications by optimization of clinical benefit and limitation of bleeding risks. A number of current assays can be used to assess platelet function.