Should Antithrombotic Treatment Strategies in East Asians Differ from Caucasians?

With over 1.5 billion people, East Asians are the most populous race in the world. Health status in this population is an important global issue. In the contemporary trials of antithrombotic treatment, East Asian patients have a lower risk for atherothrombotic diseases (especially, Coronary Artery Disease [CAD]) and a higher risk for bleeding (especially, gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke). Despite these observations, antithrombotic treatment strategies in East Asian patients are mainly based on the American or European guidelines that are derived from randomized, controlled trials including mostly Caucasians. Despite a low response to clopidogrel, East Asian patients with CAD show a similar or even a lower rate of ischemic event occurrence and higher bleeding risk compared with Caucasian patients. The latter is referred to as the "East Asian Paradox", suggesting a dissimilar therapeutic window for antiplatelet therapy than Caucasians. In addition, different net clinical benefits have been observed between the races with potent P2Y12 inhibitors that may be related to racial differences in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Furthermore, there is emerging concern regarding differences between East Asian vs. Western patients in pharmacodynamic and clinical efficacies of anticoagulant agents. We now summarize experimental and clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic agents in the East Asian population. We suggest the concept of "race-tailored antithrombotic treatment" in CAD patients and/or in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Erratum to clinical efficacy of high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannula in patients with acute heart failure

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2019.01.51.].

2018 update of expert consensus statement on antiplatelet therapy in East Asian patients with ACS or undergoing PCI

East Asians are the most populous race in the world and their health status is an important global issue. Compared with Caucasian populations, East Asian patients have a different benefit/risk ratio when using antithrombotic treatment. Despite this observation, treatment strategies in East Asian patients are mostly based on the American and European guidelines. Despite a lower platelet inhibitory response to clopidogrel, East Asian patients show a similar or even a lower rate of ischemic event occurrence and higher bleeding risk compared with Caucasian patients. For potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors (ticagrelor and prasugrel), East Asian patients have shown less favorable net clinical benefits compared with Caucasian patients, which may be related to differences in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles and therapeutic zone of antiplatelet effect. This updated consensus mainly focuses on state-of-the-art and current controversies in the East Asian population. In addition, when East Asian patients are administered potent P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors, the strategies and ongoing trials to overcome the related hurdles are discussed.

Abstract P4-01-11: Genomic alterations of cell-free DNA in early breast cancer patients with recurrence

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as a non-invasive strategy, provides substantial benefit to overcome tumor heterogeneity. Surveillance of recurrence after standard treatment in early breast cancer (BC) using cfDNA, enables to detect minimal residual disease (MRD), also to identify genomic alterations driving recurrences. We aimed to assess the role of cfDNA in detecting MRD by investigating genomic alterations of 1)primary, recurred tumor and 2)cfDNA at time of recurrence using deep targeted sequencing. Fifty-four early BC patients were enrolled prospectively between 2014 and 2017 at time of recurrence. Median disease free interval was 28.5 months (rage 6.2-49.8). 62.7% (32/51) were hormone receptor (HR) positive (28 HRpos/HER2neg, 4 HRpos/HER2pos), 11.8% (6/51) were HRneg/HER2pos and 25.5% (13/51) were triple negative BCs. 59.3% (32/54) patients developed loco-regional recurrence (15 local recurrence only, 13 regional only, 4 with both) and distant metastasis was observed among 40.7% (22/54) patients. Cell-free DNA was extracted from 5cc blood at time of recurrence. Deep targeted sequencing was performed using customized NGS panel –encompassing 426 cancer-related target coding region, 242 fusion and amplification-related region- of cfDNA and FFPE(formalin fixed paraffin embedded) tumor samples archived from surgical resection or biopsy. Deep targeted sequencing data was successfully performed in 72.1% (31/43) plasma samples and sequencing yield was significantly lower when stored for more than 2yrs (46.2% vs 83.3%).

Mutations of cfDNA and tumor (primary, recurred) were analyzed. Mean sequencing depth of cfDNA and FFPE were x425.7 and x777.6 respectively. Median number of pathogenic mutations found in primary tumor, cfDNA and recurred tumor were 27(range 12-99), 25(range 8-85) and 9(range 0-23). Among mutations found in primary tumor, 27.4% were shared mutations (range 8.1%-72.7%) with recurred tumor and 26.1% were shared mutations (range 4.7%-69.2%) observed in cfDNA sample. Among mutations found in recurred tumor, 40.9% were observed in cfDNA (range 17.7-87.5%). In primary tumor, median number of mutations with allelic fraction (MAF)>10% were 12 (range 4-21) and at least one mutation was found in cfDNA at time of recurrence. Among mutations with MAF>10%, 59.4% and 69.1% were found in cfDNA and recurred tumor. Known oncogenic mutations of PIK3CA, TP53, GATA3, AKT1, ESR1, RELN, ERBB2, ERBB3, BRCA1 mutation were found. PIK3CA gene (p.H1047R) was found in two cases both in primary tumor and cfDNA at recurrence (MAF 11.4% vs 5.3% and 12.3% vs 15.4%) suggesting de novo driver mutation. One patient developed regional recurrence during adjuvant aromatase inhibitor with ESR1 V392I mutation in both cfDNA and recurred tumor (MAF 48.1 and 54.5%), while another patient's recurred tumor during aromatase inhibitor harbored ESR1 D538G mutation exclusively in recurred tumor with MAF <1%. Both patients had no ESR1 hotpot mutation in primary tumor.

Our data showed sequencing yield of 83.3% in plasma samples within 2yr. Pathogenic mutations in primary tumor, especially when MAF>10%, half of them was observed in cfDNA at time of recurrence. ESR1 mutation should be included in cfDNA surveillance for patients undergoing endocrine therapy even absent in primary tumor.

Citation Format: Kim J, Jo WK, Kim KY, Kim BJ, Lee SB, Lee HJ, Yu JH, Kim HJ, Chung IY, Ko BS, Kim S-B, Jung KH, Ahn JH, Chang S, Lee JW, Son BH, Ahn SH. Genomic alterations of cell-free DNA in early breast cancer patients with recurrence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-11.

Clinical efficacy of high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannula in patients with acute heart failure

Background

High-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannula (HFNC) could reduce intubation rate and mortality rate among patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the physiological responses and clinical outcomes of HFNC in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed in single medical tertiary center. Patients with AHF who had a progressive hypoxemia after oxygenation via facemask were divided into intubation group and HFNC group. We analyzed the physiological responses and in-hospital clinical outcomes between two groups.

Results

Seventy-three patients of intubation group and 76 patients of HFNC group were included. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between two groups. There were no differences in changes of mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and pulse oxygen saturation during the first 6 hours. Among HFNC group, 66 of 76 patients (86.8%) were successfully recovered from progressive hypoxemia without endotracheal intubation, and there were no differences in in-hospital clinical outcomes between two groups.

Conclusions

This study showed HFNC group had a similar result of improvement of oxygen saturation and in-hospital clinical outcomes compared with intubation group in AHF. Present study supported HFNC could be considered as initial choice of oxygen therapy in selected patients of AHF.

Influence of Amlodipine on Haemostatic Measurements during Clopidogrel Treatment in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Amlodipine has a potential to reduce clopidogrel bioactivation through the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme in vivo, but the clinical impact of this interaction remains controversial. This randomized, open-label, two-period, crossover study was performed to evaluate the influence of amlodipine on the haemostatic profiles of high-risk patients during clopidogrel treatment. We recruited 40 Asian patients (Male/Female: n = 36/4) receiving clopidogrel (75 mg/day), aspirin (100 mg/day) and rosuvastatin for at least 6 months following percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5 mg daily amlodipine or not for 2 weeks, and then were crossed over to the other treatment for 2 weeks. Haemostatic measurements were conducted with the VerifyNow assay and thromboelastography (TEG). Primary endpoint was P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU) during on- versus off-amlodipine treatment. The on-amlodipine strategy showed higher level of PRU compared with the off-amlodipine strategy (176.8 ± 75.4 vs. 150.7 ± 65.5 PRU; ∆mean: 26.1 PRU; ∆95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.5–47.7 PRU; p = 0.019). Platelet-fibrin clot strength measured by TEG was lower during on- versus off-amlodipine treatment (7,712 ± 1,889 vs. 8,559 ± 2,174 dyne/cm2; ∆mean: –847 dyne/cm2; ∆95% CI: –1,632 to –62 dyne/cm2; p = 0.035). After amlodipine discontinuation, 27 patients (67.5%) showed a decrease in PRU, which was associated with ‘PRU ≥ 160 on-amlodipine’ in multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 62.014; 95% CI: 2.302–1670.328; p = 0.014). In conclusion, amlodipine increases platelet reactivity and decreases platelet-fibrin clot strength during clopidogrel treatment. In addition, the effect of amlodipine discontinuation on clopidogrel responsiveness is associated with on-amlodipine platelet reactivity.

Endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke related to tandem occlusion: comparison of occlusion and severe stenosis of the proximal cervical internal carotid artery

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular treatment for tandem lesions between January 2011 and April 2017. After dividing the patients into two groups according to lesion type of the proximal cervical ICA (complete occlusion and severe stenosis), we analyzed demographic data, angiographic findings and clinical outcomes. A modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 was defined as a favorable clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Of 42 patients, 27 patients (64.3%) had complete occlusion of the cervical ICA, and the remaining 15 had high-grade stenosis. Successful stenting was performed in all patients with favorable clinical outcomes (27/42, 64.3%). Successful reperfusion score (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b) was 78.6%; occlusion group (18/27, 66.7%) vs stenosis group (15/15, 100%) of cases. Mean modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days was 2.36 ± 1.83. The rate of favorable clinical outcome was higher in stenosis group (11/15, 73.3%) than that of occlusion group (16/27, 59.3%) with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.506).

CONCLUSION

Acute endovascular treatment of carotid artery tandem lesions is a technically feasible and clinically effective intervention regardless of the lesion type in proximal cervical ICA.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Our study supports the results of previous studies in which endovascular therapy has a favorable clinical outcome in carotid artery tandem occlusion.

Transoesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of central venous catheter positioning using Peres' formula or a radiological landmark-based approach: a prospective randomized single-centre study

BACKGROUND

The lower superior vena cava (SVC), near its junction with the right atrium (RA), is considered the ideal location for the central venous catheter tip to ensure proper function and prevent injuries. We determined catheter insertion depth with a new formula using the sternoclavicular joint and the carina as radiological landmarks, with a 1.5 cm safety margin. The accuracy of tip positioning with the radiological landmark-based technique (R) and Peres' formula (P) was compared using transoesophageal echocardiography.

METHODS

Real-time ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion was done through the right internal jugular or subclavian vein. Patients were randomly assigned to either the P group (n=93) or the R group (n=95). Optimal catheter tip position was considered to be within 2 cm above and 1 cm below the RA-SVC junction. Catheter tip position, abutment, angle to the vascular wall, and flow stream were evaluated on a bicaval view.

RESULTS

The distance from the skin insertion point to the RA-SVC junction and determined depth of catheter insertion were more strongly correlated in the R group [17.4 (1.2) and 16.7 (1.5) cm; r=0.821, P<0.001] than in the P group [17.3 (1.2) and 16.4 (1.1) cm; r=0.517, P<0.001], with z=3.96 (P<0.001). More tips were correctly positioned in the R group than in the P group (74 vs 93%, P=0.001). Abutment, tip angle to the lateral wall >40°, and disrupted flow stream were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter tip position was more accurate with a radiological landmark-based technique than with Peres' formula.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry of Korea: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp KCT0001937.

Impact of Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion Location on Long-term Survival After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Limited data are available on the clinical outcomes of optimal medical therapy (OMT) compared with revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) of the proximal or middle left anterior descending artery (pmLAD). Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with pmLAD CTO who were treated with a PCI strategy with those of patients treated with an OMT strategy.

METHODS

Between March 2003 and February 2012, 2024 patients with CTO were enrolled in a single-center registry. Among this patient group, we excluded CTO patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. After the exclusion, a total of 1547 patients remained. They were stratified according to classification of coronary segments (pmLAD or non-pmLAD CTO) and the initial treatment strategy (OMT or PCI). Propensity score matching was performed. The primary outcome was cardiac death.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 45.9 (interquartile range, 22.9-71.1) months. After propensity score matching, the incidence of cardiac death (HR, 0.54; 95%C, 0.31-0.94, P=.029) was significantly lower in the PCI with pmLAD CTO group than in the OMT group. In contrast, no significant difference was found in the rate of cardiac death between the PCI and OMT groups with non-pmLAD CTO (HR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.27-1.42, P=.26).

CONCLUSIONS

As an initial treatment strategy, PCI of pmLAD CTO, but not PCI of non-pmLAD, is associated with improved long-term survival.

Rational Design of Low Cost and High Energy Lithium Batteries through Tailored Fluorine-free Electrolyte and Nanostructured S/C Composite

We report a new Li-S cell concept based on an optimized F-free catholyte solution and a high loading nanostructured C/S composite cathode. The Li₂ S₈ present in the electrolyte ensures both buffering against active material dissolution and Li⁺ conduction. The high S loading is obtained by confining elemental S (≈80 %) in the pores of a highly ordered mesopores carbon (CMK3). With this concept we demonstrate stabilization of a high energy density and excellent cycling performance over 500 cycles. This Li-S cell has a specific capacity that reaches over 1000 mA h g^-1 , with an overall S loading of 3.6 mg cm^-2 and low electrolyte volume (i.e., 10 μL cm^-2 ), resulting in a practical energy density of 365 Wh kg^-1 . The Li-S system proposed thus meets the requirements for large scale energy storage systems and is expected to be environmentally friendly and have lower cost compared with the commercial Li-ion battery thanks to the removal of both Co and F from the overall formulation.

Extended Clopidogrel Therapy Beyond 12 Months and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Receiving Coronary Arterial Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents

We investigated the associations between extended clopidogrel therapy and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) after second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Landmark analysis was performed in 1,600 patients who received second-generation DES and were event-free at 12 months after the index procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) at 5 years after the index procedure. After inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, the risk of all-cause death, or nonfatal MI was significantly lower in patients receiving clopidogrel >12 months than in those receiving clopidogrel ≤12 months in diabetic patients (13.9% vs 8.4%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33 to 0.99, p = 0.046). However, no significant difference was observed in all-cause death or nonfatal MI between the two groups of patients without DM (5.0% vs 8.1%, HR 1.63, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.96, p = 0.11). Extended clopidogrel therapy beyond 12 months was associated with decreased risk of all-cause death or nonfatal MI in patients with DM after second-generation DES implantation. In conclusion, our data suggest that the benefits of extended clopidogrel therapy are more prominent in diabetic patients receiving second-generation DES implantation compared with nondiabetic patients.

Preparedness of Young Male Physicians for Biological Terrorism and Warfare in South Korea

Introduction

The events of 11th September 2001, and the subsequent anthrax attacks in the United States brought the threat of bioterrorism to the forefront of concern for public health departments. Moreover, the rising confrontation between North and South Korea emphasizes the possibility of aggression with biological weapons and our vulnerability to bioterrorism. While the importance of physicians' interests and management ability is becoming more critical, no studies have yet been undertaken in Korea to assess whether primary care physicians are well informed and capable of managing bioterrorism. This study evaluates the awareness and response of young male physicians to potential bioterrorism in South Korea.

Method

A total of 692 young male physicians completed the knowledge and awareness survey during the education period of military service on 9th April 2005.

Results

Forty-five percent of the participants responded that the possibility of biological warfare in Korea was high. The level of bioterrorism knowledge, however, was low. Eighty-seven percent acknowledged the necessity of education and training for bioterrorism, and 69.9% were willing to accept education and training in bioterrorism preparedness.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that young physicians should receive continuous education and training to improve preparedness for biological terrorism and warfare in South Korea.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Pseudo-Subarachnoid Haemorrhage who were Successfully Resuscitated from Out-of-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest

Introduction

Pseudo-subarachnoid haemorrhage (PSAH) is a rare neuroradiological finding seen in patients with diffuse cerebral edemas. We investigated clinical characteristics and risk factors for the development of PSAH.

Method

The successfully resuscitated patients in emergency department were classified into two groups: those with pseudo-SAH [PSAH (+)] and those without pseudo-SAH [PSAH (-)]. Clinical variables were analysed.

Results

Pseudo-SAH was found in 31.6% of patients. PSAH was more common in males (p=0.042). The mean age was 39.9±10.3 years in the PSAH (+) group and 54.4±22.0 years in the PSAH (-) group (p=0.038). Outcomes measured by Cerebral Performance Category score were also significantly different between the two groups (p=0.037). Logistic regression analysis found that serum lactate concentration and duration of anoxia were associated with the development of PSAH (with odds ratios and p values of 1.92, p=0.01 and 1.13, p=0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

PSAH itself is a phenomenon that could be seen in post-resuscitation encephalopathy as a consequence of severe anoxic insult.

Influence of platelet reactivity on BARC classification in East Asian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

An increasing body of data suggests that East Asian patients have differing risk profiles for both thrombophilia and bleeding compared with Western population. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of bleeding to platelet function in East Asians undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients who had undergone uneventful PCI (n= 301) were prospectively enrolled and bleeding events were evaluated during dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel. Platelet function was measured during hospitalisation and at 30-day follow-up by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP-P) assay. During 30-day follow-up, 29.2 % of patients (n=88) experienced post-discharge Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) complications (24.6 % and 7.0 % of BARC type 1 and 2, respectively). Patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction had fewer episodes of type 1 BARC bleeding (odds ratio: 0.41; 95 % confidence interval: 0.22 to 0.76; p= 0.005). The cut-off of low platelet reactivity (LPR) (20 μM ADP-induced platelet aggregation ≤ 46.1 %; platelet reactivity index ≤ 45.1 %) was the independent determinant of type 2 BARC bleeding (odds ratio: 3.55 and 4.44; p= 0.009 and 0.002, respectively). The first 30-day BARC bleeding episodes were associated with an increased rate of subsequent premature DAPT discontinuation during one-year follow-up (4.7 % vs 11.4 %; odds ratio: 2.60; 95 % confidence interval: 1.04 to 6.50; p= 0.035). In conclusion, among East Asians, mild bleeding episodes are common early after PCI and are associated with premature DAPT discontinuation. Type 2 BARC bleeding episodes are associated with LPR cut-offs measured at 30 days post-discharge.

Bilateral simultaneous unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus unilateral total knee arthroplasty: A comparison of the amount of blood loss and transfusion, perioperative complications, hospital stay, and functional recovery

BACKGROUND

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a good alternative treatment option to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for single compartment knee osteoarthritis. Several recent reports suggest that UKA results in more rapid functional recovery than TKA, together with fewer complications. Few performed a comparison of bilateral simultaneous UKA and unilateral TKA.

HYPOTHESIS

Bilateral simultaneous UKA would result in fewer perioperative complications, less blood loss, less transfusion and faster recovery of short-term clinical outcomes, compared with unilateral TKA patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a retrospective trial, the bilateral simultaneous UKA (bUKA) cases were matched one to one with a cohort of unilateral TKA (uTKA) cases according to age, body mass index, gender, Kellgren-Lawrence grade of knee osteoarthritis and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. In bilateral simultaneous UKA group, patients had KL grade 4 of bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and in unilateral TKA group, patients had KL grade 4 of unilateral knee osteoarthritis. The transfusion requirements, estimated blood loss (EBL), duration of hospital stay, incidence of complications, and knee clinical scores of the bUKA and uTKA groups were compared at the 6-month short-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Patients were categorized into the bUKA group (n=52) and uTKA group (n=52). The number of patients requiring transfusion and the amount of EBL was smaller in the bUKA group (P<0.001 for transfusion and P=0.043 for EBL). The duration of hospital stay was shorter and the number of complications was smaller in the bUKA group (P<0.001 for hospital stay and P=0.028 for complications). The clinical outcomes were also superior in the bUKA group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral simultaneous UKA shows fewer perioperative complications, less blood loss, less transfusion, and better functional outcomes at 6 months postoperatively than unilateral TKA. The data suggest that bilateral simultaneous UKA can be performed safely, and results in acceptable clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, case-control study.

Antiplatelet Therapy Combinations and Thrombogenicity in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Combination antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of ischemic stroke compared with aspirin monotherapy in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. The underlying mechanism, however, remains unclear. In addition, the association between platelet inhibition and thrombogenicity in NVAF has not been evaluated.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We randomized 60 patients with NVAF that were taking 100 mg of aspirin daily (>1 month) to adding 75 mg of clopidogrel daily (CLPD group), 100 mg of cilostazol twice daily (CILO group), or 1000 mg of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid twice daily (PUFA group). Biomarkers (von Willebrand factor antigen [vWF:Ag], fibrinogen, D-dimer, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) and platelet reactivity (PR), which were the levels stimulated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thrombin-receptor agonist peptide, collagen, and arachidonic acid, were measured at baseline and 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

Combination antiplatelet therapy significantly reduced vWF:Ag and fibrinogen levels (7.7 IU/dL, p=0.015 and 15.7 mg/dL, p=0.005, respectively), but no changes were found in D-dimer and hs-CRP levels. The CLPD and CILO groups showed fibrinogen and vWF:Ag level reductions (24.9 mg/dL, p=0.015 and 9.3 IU/dL, p=0.044, respectively), whereas the PUFA group did not show any differences in biomarkers. Irrespective of regimen, the changes in fibrinogen and vWF:Ag levels were mainly associated with the change in ADP-mediated PR (r=0.339, p=0.008 and r=0.322, p=0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In patients with NVAF, combination antiplatelet therapy showed reductions for vWF:Ag and fibrinogen levels, which may be associated with the inhibitory levels of ADP-mediated PR. The clinical implications of these findings need to be evaluated in future trials.