Measurement of antiplatelet inhibition during neurointerventional procedures: the effect of antithrombotic duration

D J Pandya1, B F M Fitzsimmons, T J Wolfe

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.

Insights

Clopidogrel often fails to achieve adequate platelet inhibition in neurointerventional patients, unlike aspirin. Same-day loading doses may be insufficient, highlighting the need for careful antiplatelet regimen selection to prevent thromboembolic events.

Area of Science:

  • Neurointerventional procedures
  • Cardiovascular pharmacology
  • Thrombosis and hemostasis

Background:

  • Symptomatic thromboembolic events are common complications of neurointerventional procedures like aneurysm coiling and stenting.
  • Optimal antiplatelet therapy is crucial for preventing these adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of aspirin (ASA) and clopidogrel dosage and duration on platelet inhibition.
  • To assess platelet inhibition using a point-of-care assay within the neurointerventional suite.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection on clopidogrel and aspirin therapy doses and durations.
  • Utilized a point-of-care platelet function assay to measure platelet inhibition.
  • Defined inadequate inhibition for ASA as >=550 ASA reaction units (ARU) and for clopidogrel as <=50% P2Y12/ADP receptor inhibition.

Main Results:

  • 13% of patients on aspirin and 66% on clopidogrel exhibited inadequate platelet inhibition (P < .0001).
  • Clopidogrel regimens showed varying mean P2Y12/ADP inhibition: 45% for 75 mg daily for >=7 days, 35% for 300 mg for 24 hours, and 16% for a 600 mg same-day load.
  • Aspirin therapy demonstrated higher rates of adequate platelet inhibition compared to clopidogrel.

Conclusions:

  • Clopidogrel frequently fails to achieve adequate platelet inhibition in neurointerventional patients, unlike aspirin.
  • Same-day antiplatelet loading with clopidogrel may be insufficient for effective platelet inhibition.
  • Avoidance of same-day loading, if clinically feasible, is recommended to ensure adequate platelet inhibition and reduce complication risks.
Abstract