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Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Ticagrelor and prasugrel in acute coronary syndrome: a single-arm crossover platelet reactivity study
Monica Verdoia1, Patrizia Pergolini2, Matteo Nardin1
1Department of Translational Medicine.
Insights
Ticagrelor and prasugrel show similar platelet inhibition in acute coronary syndrome patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. Switching between these antiplatelet medications is safe and effective for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requires potent antiplatelet therapy.
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common treatment for ACS.
- Ticagrelor and prasugrel are P2Y12 inhibitors used in ACS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare platelet inhibition between ticagrelor and prasugrel.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of switching between ticagrelor and prasugrel.
Main Methods:
- Platelet function assessed by impedance aggregometry.
- Patients received aspirin and ticagrelor, then switched to prasugrel.
- High-on-treatment platelet reactivity (HRPR) defined by ADP test results.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mean platelet reactivity or HRPR prevalence between ticagrelor and prasugrel.
- Switching between agents was safe and well-tolerated in over 95% of patients.
- Only 3.8% showed ineffective response to both drugs.
Conclusions:
- Ticagrelor and prasugrel demonstrate comparable platelet inhibition.
- Switching between ticagrelor and prasugrel is a safe and effective strategy.
Aim:
To compare the degree of platelet inhibition between ticagrelor and prasugrel in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome.
Methods:
Platelet function was assessed by impedance aggregometry after 30-90 days of therapy with acetylsalicylic acid and ticagrelor and over 15 days after switching to prasugrel. High-on-treatment platelet reactivity (HRPR) was defined for ADP test results above the upper limit of normal.
Results:
A total of 105 patients were included, 81.9% males and 33.3% people with diabetes, with a mean age of 60.8 ± 8.1 years. Mean platelet reactivity was not significantly different between the two antiplatelet strategies, as the prevalence of HRPR (8.6 vs 12.3%, P = 0.50). Switching between the two antiplatelet agents was safe and well tolerated, and effectively reduced platelet reactivity in over 95% of the patients (only 3.8% of the study population displaying ineffective response to both drugs).
Conclusion:
Ticagrelor and prasugrel have a similar effect on platelet reactivity. Switching between the two drugs can be safely done.
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