Protocol for an observational study to assess the impact of pharmacogenetics on outcomes in vascular surgery

Kerry Anne Burke1,2, Selman Mirza3, Stuart Wright4

  • 1Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK kerry.burke@nhs.net.

BMJ Open
|May 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates how CYP2C19 gene variations affect clopidogrel effectiveness in chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients. Pharmacogenetics may personalize treatment to improve outcomes and reduce adverse events.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) often receive clopidogrel to prevent adverse limb and cardiovascular events.
  • Clopidogrel metabolism is influenced by CYP2C19 enzyme genetic variations, affecting its efficacy.
  • Limited research exists on genotype-outcome relationships in vascular surgery patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the relationship between patient genotype and outcomes following revascularization in CLTI patients on clopidogrel.
  • To explore the potential of pharmacogenetics in optimizing medication selection for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Observational cohort study of patients undergoing lower limb revascularization for CLTI.
  • Recruitment of patients prescribed clopidogrel or alternative medications post-procedure.
  • CYP2C19 genotyping and follow-up via online records; primary outcomes include amputation and major adverse limb events (MALE) or death at 1 year.

Main Results:

  • Analysis of primary outcomes (amputation, MALE/death) using Cox models.
  • Secondary outcomes (MACE/death, re-interventions, bleeding) analyzed using negative binomial models.
  • Comparison of outcomes between patients on clopidogrel and non-clopidogrel regimens.

Conclusions:

  • The study aims to establish genotype-outcome correlations in CLTI patients.
  • Findings may inform personalized pharmacogenetic approaches to optimize antiplatelet therapy.
  • Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
Abstract

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