Clopidogrel resistance

Ernesto Oqueli1, Martin Hiscock, Ronald Dick

  • 1Epworth Hospital, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ernestoo@epworth.org.au

Insights

Clopidogrel resistance, defined as low platelet inhibition, is inconsistently characterized. Emerging evidence suggests it may indicate a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events post-intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Clopidogrel resistance describes reduced platelet inhibition after administration.
  • Inconsistent definitions and characterization complicate research.
  • Underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the concept and implications of clopidogrel resistance.
  • To highlight the association between clopidogrel resistance and adverse cardiovascular events.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies defining and investigating clopidogrel resistance.
  • Analysis of reported associations between platelet inhibition levels and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Diverse nomenclature and definitions exist for clopidogrel resistance.
  • Recent studies suggest a link between reduced platelet inhibition and increased adverse events after percutaneous coronary interventions.
  • No large prospective studies confirm this direct relationship.

Conclusions:

  • Clopidogrel resistance may serve as a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Further large-scale investigations are necessary to validate these findings.

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