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Published on: March 15, 2022
Aspirin sensitivity and coronary artery disease: implications for the practicing cardiologist
Debendra Pattanaik1, Phil Lieberman, Pranab Das
1Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy & Immunology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 956 Court Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA.
Insights
Aspirin desensitization is crucial for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with aspirin hypersensitivity. Rapid desensitization protocols offer a more effective alternative to older methods for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aspirin is a primary antiplatelet therapy for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Aspirin or NSAID hypersensitivity presents diverse reactions, from skin to respiratory issues.
- Clinicians often avoid aspirin in hypersensitive CAD patients, despite its importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To underscore the significance of aspirin desensitization in CAD patients.
- To elucidate the mechanisms and procedures of aspirin desensitization.
- To introduce and evaluate recent rapid desensitization protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on aspirin desensitization.
- Description of the immunological mechanisms underlying hypersensitivity reactions.
- Explanation of traditional and novel rapid desensitization protocols.
Main Results:
- Aspirin desensitization is a viable option for CAD patients with hypersensitivity.
- Rapid desensitization protocols show promise for improved efficacy and patient management.
- Understanding the mechanism aids in managing hypersensitivity reactions.
Conclusions:
- Aspirin desensitization is essential for CAD patients unable to tolerate aspirin.
- Rapid desensitization protocols represent an advancement over older methods.
- Further research into desensitization protocols can optimize CAD patient care.
Abstract:
Aspirin is the most commonly used antiplatelet agent in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It continues to play a key role as an antiplatelet agent given its long-term safety, efficacy and low cost. Aspirin or NSAID hypersensitivity is not an uncommon occurrence and can vary from generalized urticaria and angioedema to exacerbation of upper and lower respiratory tract reactions. It is not uncommon for clinicians to avoid using aspirin and alternative agents when encountering aspirin hypersensitivity among CAD patients. However, given the critical role of aspirin in CAD patients, particularly among those who receive the drug-eluting stents, aspirin desensitization can be useful. This article highlights the importance of aspirin desensitization, the mechanism and the process involved. We draw attention to recently described rapid desensitization protocols and how they can be more useful than the old procedure.
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