Detection of clopidogrel resistance using ADP induced aggregometry with specific inhibitor PGE1

Clinical Laboratory
|October 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA) with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is effective for identifying clopidogrel low-responders in cardiovascular disease patients. This method shows significant correlation, unlike tests without PGE1, aiding personalized antiplatelet therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Laboratory Science

Background:

  • Antiplatelet therapy is standard for preventing thrombotic events in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
  • A significant number of patients exhibit high residual platelet aggregation, indicating suboptimal response to therapy.
  • Current laboratory methods for detecting clopidogrel resistance include monitoring residual platelet aggregation or vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA) for monitoring clopidogrel resistance.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of ADP induction with and without prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in these assays.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 84 cardiovascular disease patients undergoing clopidogrel therapy.
  • Compared LTA and MEA using 20 micromol/L ADP, with and without PGE1.
  • Analyzed data using Spearman's nonparametric correlation.

Main Results:

  • Clopidogrel resistance was identified in 11.9% (MEA) and 10.7% (LTA) of patients when using ADP with PGE1.
  • Significant positive correlation (p = 0.003) was observed between LTA and MEA when using PGE1.
  • No significant correlation was found between LTA and MEA without PGE1 (p = 0.732).

Conclusions:

  • The sensitivity of detecting clopidogrel resistance varies (5%-30%) based on the platelet function assay used.
  • The ADP test with PGE1, particularly by MEA, is favored for identifying clopidogrel low-responders.
  • Findings support the implementation of specific assays for personalized antiplatelet treatment strategies.
Abstract