Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:22
Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Rapid oral desensitisation procedure in clopidogrel hypersensitivity.
B Oppedijk1, D A M Odekerken, J J van der Wildt
1Department of Cardiology, Spaarne Hospital, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.
Summary
A patient experienced a clopidogrel hypersensitivity reaction after coronary stent implantation. Oral desensitization successfully enabled continued use of clopidogrel, preventing stent thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Clopidogrel is a crucial antiplatelet medication used after coronary stent implantation.
- Hypersensitivity reactions to clopidogrel can necessitate alternative treatment strategies.
- Coronary stent thrombosis remains a significant risk in patients unable to tolerate clopidogrel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of clopidogrel hypersensitivity following coronary stent implantation.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rapid oral desensitization for clopidogrel hypersensitivity.
- To assess the long-term outcome of maintaining clopidogrel therapy via desensitization.
Main Methods:
- A patient presented with generalized pruritus, edema, and rash two weeks post-clopidogrel initiation.
- Diagnosis of probable clopidogrel hypersensitivity was made in the absence of other causes.
- A rapid oral desensitization procedure was performed, followed by maintenance on 75 mg daily clopidogrel.
Main Results:
- The patient tolerated the daily 75 mg dose of clopidogrel well after the desensitization procedure.
- No major adverse events were observed during an eight-month follow-up period.
- The patient remained free from coronary stent thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- Rapid oral desensitization appears to be a safe and effective method for managing clopidogrel hypersensitivity.
- Desensitization allows for continued use of clopidogrel, thereby reducing the risk of coronary stent thrombosis.
- This approach offers a viable alternative for patients who develop hypersensitivity to clopidogrel.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Tachyphylaxis is described as a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated or continuous administration of the same drug dose. It is a phenomenon where the body becomes less responsive to a particular substance or intervention over time, requiring higher doses or stronger interventions to achieve the same effect. It results from adaptive changes in the body's receptors, signaling pathways, or physiological processes that occur in response to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.
Several...
Several...
01:29Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
01:12GPCR Desensitization
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
01:19Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...