Expert consensus document: World Heart Federation expert consensus statement on antiplatelet therapy in East Asian
Glenn N Levine1, Young-Hoon Jeong2, Shinya Goto3
1Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Insights
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) guidelines need adjustment for East Asian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This review examines optimal antiplatelet strategies considering unique East Asian risk profiles and the
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Current dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) guidelines by ACC/AHA and ESC are based on trials with limited East Asian representation.
- East Asian populations exhibit distinct thrombophilia and bleeding risk profiles compared to white populations.
- The 'East Asian paradox' suggests similar ischemic event rates post-PCI despite higher on-treatment platelet reactivity during DAPT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence and provide expert consensus on optimal antiplatelet strategies for East Asian patients.
- To address the specific needs of East Asian individuals undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and with acute coronary syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Evidence-based review of randomized controlled trials and observational data.
- Expert consensus development by the World Heart Federation.
- Analysis of P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) efficacy and safety in diverse populations.
Main Results:
- Existing DAPT trial data inadequately represents East Asian patient populations.
- Pharmacogenetic differences may influence P2Y12 inhibitor response and outcomes in East Asians.
- A potentially different therapeutic window for platelet reactivity may be appropriate for East Asian patients.
Conclusions:
- Current DAPT recommendations may not be universally applicable to East Asian patients.
- Further research and tailored antiplatelet strategies are warranted for this demographic.
- This consensus statement aims to guide appropriate antiplatelet treatment for East Asian patients.
Abstract:
Guideline recommendations on the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute coronary syndromes and in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been formulated by both the ACC/AHA and the ESC. These recommendations are based primarily on large, phase III, randomized, controlled trials of the P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. However, few East Asian patients have been included in the trials to assess the use of these agents, particularly the newer agents prasugrel and ticagrelor. Additionally, an increasing body of data suggests that East Asian patients have differing risk profiles for both thrombophilia and bleeding compared with white patients, and that a different 'therapeutic window' of on-treatment platelet reactivity might be appropriate in East Asian patients. Furthermore, a phenomenon referred to as the 'East Asian paradox' has been described, in which East Asian patients have a similar or even a lower rate of ischaemic events after PCI compared with white patients, despite a higher level of platelet reactivity during DAPT. Recognizing these concerns, the World Heart Federation has undertaken this evidence-based review and produced this expert consensus statement to determine the antiplatelet treatment strategies that are most appropriate for East Asian patients.
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