Relationship between post-treatment platelet reactivity and ischemic and bleeding events at 1-year follow-up in patients receiving prasugrel

Racial differences in P2Y12 inhibitor responsiveness in patients undergoing neuro-endovascular procedures: A cohort from the Middle East

BACKGROUND

Data on P2Y12 inhibitors responsiveness from the middle east is scarce. We sought to investigate patient responsiveness to P2Y12 inhibitors within a cohort of major races that characterize the UAE population. The secondary objective was to assess risk factors for hyper and hypo-responsiveness in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on adults who received either clopidogrel or ticagrelor treatments and had platelet responsiveness testing before undergoing neuro-endovascular interventions at our quaternary care hospital between March 2015 and April 2019.

RESULTS

During the study period, 249 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 17.3 % were hyper-responsive and 25.7 % were hypo-responsive to P2Y12 inhibitors. When comparing between the P2Y12 inhibitors, rates of hyper-responsiveness were significantly higher to ticagrelor when compared to clopidogrel (11 versus 6 %, p = 0.02 respectively). Contrarily, hypo-responsiveness rates were significantly higher in clopidogrel treated patients compared to their ticagrelor treated counterparts (23 versus 2 %, p < .001 respectively). Patients of Middle-Eastern origin showed a significantly higher rate of hypo-responsiveness to both clopidogrel and ticagrelor when compared to other races (41.1 % and 26.7 %, P < 0.001 respectively). Asians showed the highest rates of hyper-responsiveness for both agents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors and statin combination, (OR: 6.39, 95 %CI [1.60, 25.392]), and Middle East vs. Indian subcontinent patients (OR: 4.67, 95 %CI [1.79-12.14]) were independent predictors of hypo-responsiveness to both P2Y12 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a high rate of hypo-responsiveness to P2Y12 inhibitors in a UAE cohort of patients undergoing neuro-endovascular procedures. In addition, therapeutic responsiveness to P2Y12 inhibitors varied markedly based on the racial background. Future larger studies are needed to evaluate genetic variations that may contribute to this rate of hypo-responsiveness in our population.

Advances and Perspectives in methods for identifying high platelet reactivity

Antiplatelet therapy is the foundational treatment for the prevention and treatment of coronary and cerebrovascular ischemic events in patients with coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, with more and more studies reporting an increased risk of thrombosis in some patients due to poor response to therapeutic agents, the selection of appropriate P2Y12 inhibitors has become a major challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. Currently, commonly used oral P2Y12 inhibitors include clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel. Assessing patients' risk factors before the development of treatment regimens by effectively predicting the risk of high platelet reactivity with specific P2Y12 inhibitors in advance to avert the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) is the key point to the problem. Up to now, methods available for predicting platelet reactivity include genetic testing, platelet function testing, and risk scores. This review provides a summarization of the existent available identification methods and analyzes the advantages and drawbacks of different methods in specific clinical settings, intending to guide the rational clinical application of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors.

Platelet Reactivity and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk in the LURIC Study

BACKGROUND

The clinical and prognostic implications of platelet reactivity (PR) testing in a P2Y₁₂-inhibitor naïve population are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

This explorative study aims to assess the role of PR and explore factors that may modify elevated mortality risk in patients with altered PR.

METHODS

Platelet ADP-induced CD62P and CD63 expression were measured by flow-cytometry in 1520 patients who were referred for coronary angiography in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study (LURIC).

RESULTS

High- and Low-platelet reactivity to ADP were strong predictors of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and risk equivalent to the presence of coronary artery disease. (High platelet reactivity 1.4 [95% CI 1.1-1.9]; Low platelet reactivity: 1.4 [95% CI 1.0-2.0]). Relative weight analysis indicated glucose control (HbA1c), renal function ([eGFR]), inflammation (high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) and antiplatelet therapy by Aspirin as consistent mortality risk modifiers in patients with Low- and High-platelet reactivity. Pre-specified stratification of patients by risk modifiers HbA1c (<7.0%), eGFR (>60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and CRP (<3 mg/L) was associated with a lower mortality risk, however irrespective of platelet reactivity. Aspirin treatment was associated with reduced mortality in patients with high platelet reactivity only (p for interaction: 0.02 for CV-death [<0.01 for all-cause mortality].

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular mortality risk in patients with High- and Low platelet reactivity is equivalent to the presence of coronary artery disease. Targeted glucose control, improved kidney function and lower inflammation are associated with reduced mortality risk, however independent of platelet reactivity. In contrast, only in patients with High-platelet reactivity was Aspirin treatment associated with lower mortality.

Resistance on the Latest Oral and Intravenous P2Y12 ADP Receptor Blockers in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes: Fact or Myth?

Novel P2Y12 ADP receptor blockers (ADPRB) should be preferred in dual-antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Nevertheless, there are still patients who do not respond optimally to novel ADP receptor blocker therapy, and this nonoptimal response (so-called "high on-treatment platelet reactivity" or "resistance") could be connected with increased risk of adverse ischemic events, such as myocardial re-infarction, target lesion failure and stent thrombosis. In addition, several risk factors have been proposed as factors associated with the phenomenon of inadequate response on novel ADPRB. These include obesity, multivessel coronary artery disease, high pre-treatment platelet reactivity and impaired metabolic status for prasugrel, as well as elderly, concomitant therapy with beta-blockers, morphine and platelet count for ticagrelor. There is no literature report describing nonoptimal therapeutic response on cangrelor, and cangrelor therapy seems to be a possible approach for overcoming HTPR on prasugrel and ticagrelor. However, the optimal therapeutic management of "resistance" on novel ADPRB is not clear and this issue requires further research. This narrative review article discusses the phenomenon of high on-treatment platelet reactivity on novel ADPRB, its importance in clinical practice and approaches for its therapeutic overcoming.

Clinical pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs

INTRODUCTION

Platelets play a key role in arterial thrombosis and antiplatelet therapy is pivotal in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Current antiplatelet drugs target different pathways of platelet activation and show specific pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics, implicating clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the role of platelets in hemostasis and cardiovascular thrombosis, and discusses the key pharmacodynamics, drug-drug interactions and reversal strategies of clinically used antiplatelet drugs.

EXPERT OPINION

Antiplatelet therapies target distinct pathways of platelet activation: thromboxane A₂ synthesis, adenosine diphosphate-mediated signaling, integrin α_IIbβ₃ (GPIIb/IIIa), thrombin-mediated platelet activation via the PAR1 receptor and phosphodiesterases. Key clinical drug-drug interactions of antiplatelet agents involve acetylsalicylic acid - ibuprofen, clopidogrel - omeprazole, and morphine - oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, all of which lead to an attenuated antiplatelet effect. Platelet function and genetic testing and the use of scores (ARC-HBR, PRECISE-DAPT, ESC ischemic risk definition) may contribute to a more tailored antiplatelet therapy. High on-treatment platelet reactivity presents a key problem in the acute management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A treatment strategy involving early initiation of an intravenous antiplatelet agent may be able to bridge the gap of insufficient platelet inhibition in high ischemic risk patients with STEMI.

Effect of indobufen vs. aspirin on platelet accumulation in patients with stable coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: An open-label crossover study

Purpose: This study compared the effect of indobufen with that of aspirin on platelet function in patients with stable coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: Patients with stable coronary heart disease who had undergone PCI and received dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin 100 mg + clopidogrel 75 mg once daily) for at least 12 months were allocated to receive indobufen 100 mg twice daily + clopidogrel 75 mg once daily, clopidogrel 75 mg once daily alone, indobufen 100 mg twice daily alone, and aspirin 100 mg once daily alone for 1 month each in an open-label crossover manner. Platelet function was assessed by using the rates of arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation (AA-PAR) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation (ADP-PAR) measured by light transmission aggregometry, the platelet reactivity index measured by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (PRI-VASP), and the plasma and urinary thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) concentrations recorded at baseline and during each treatment phase.

Results: Of 56 patients enrolled, 52 completed the study. The AA-PAR was lower in the indobufen alone group than in the aspirin alone group [5.21% (3.39, 7.98) vs. 5.27% (4.06, 6.60), p = 0.038], while biologically, a difference of 0.06% may represent no significant difference; there was no significant between-group difference in the plasma [531.16 pg/ml (203.89, 1035.06) vs. 373.93 pg/ml (194.04, 681.71), p = 0.251] or urinary [3951.97 pg/ml (2006.95, 6077.01) vs. 3610.48 pg/ml (1664.60, 6247.61), p = 0.717] TXB₂ concentration. When the aspirin + clopidogrel group and indobufen + clopidogrel group were compared, similar results were found for AA-PAR [3.97% (3.05, 5.12) vs. 3.83% (3.10, 5.59), p = 0.947] and both plasma [849.47 pg/ml (335.96, 1634.54) vs. 455.41 pg/ml (212.47, 1489.60), p = 0.629], and urinary [4122.97 pg/ml (2044.96, 7459.86) vs. 3812.81 pg/ml (1358.95, 6021.07), p = 0.165] TXB₂ concentrations. ADP-PAR was lower in the clopidogrel alone group than in the indobufen alone group (47.04% ± 16.89 vs. 61.7% ± 10.50, p < 0.001), as was PRI-VASP (66.53% ± 18.06 vs. 77.72% ± 19.87, p = 0.002).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that indobufen has antiplatelet effects similar to those of aspirin in patients with stable coronary heart disease after PCI, and may be an alternative for patients with aspirin intolerance after coronary stenting.

Advanced pharmacodynamics of cangrelor in healthy volunteers: a dose-finding, open-label, pilot trial

Background

High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) remains a major problem in the acute management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), leading to higher rates of stent thrombosis and mortality. We aimed to investigate a novel, prehospital treatment strategy using cangrelor and tested its pharmacodynamic effects in a model using healthy volunteers.

Methods

We conducted a dose-finding, open-label, pilot trial including 12 healthy volunteers and tested three ascending bolus infusions of cangrelor (5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg) and a bolus infusion followed by a continuous infusion via an intravenous (IV) flow regulator. Platelet function was assessed using multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA), vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation assay (VASP-P) and the platelet function analyzer. In an ex vivo experiment, epinephrine was used to counteract the antiplatelet effect of cangrelor.

Results

All cangrelor bolus infusions resulted in immediate and pronounced platelet inhibition. Bolus infusions of cangrelor 20 mg resulted in sufficient platelet inhibition assessed by MEA for 20 min in 90% of subjects. Infusion of cangrelor via the IV flow regulator resulted in sufficient platelet inhibition throughout the course of administration. Ex vivo epinephrine, in concentrations of 200 and 500 ng/mL was able to partially reverse the antiplatelet effect of cangrelor in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Weight-adapted bolus infusions followed by a continuous infusion of cangrelor via IV flow regulator result in immediate and pronounced platelet inhibition in healthy subjects. Cangrelor given as weight-adapted bolus infusion followed by a continuous infusion using an IV flow regulator may be a viable treatment approach for effective and well controllable prehospital platelet inhibition.

Trial registration

EC (Medical University of Vienna) 1835/2019 and EudraCT 2019-002792-34.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12959-022-00377-z.

Genotype-Guided Use of P2Y12 Inhibitors: A Review of Current State of the Art

The pharmacodynamics of the purinergic receptor type Y, subtype 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors has evolved. Our understanding of the metabolism of P2Y12 inhibitors has revealed polymorphisms that impact drug metabolism and antiplatelet efficacy, leading to genetic testing guided therapy. In addition, assays of platelet function and biochemistry have provided insight into our understanding of the efficacy of "antiplatelet" therapy, identifying patients with high or low platelet reactivity on P2Y12 therapy. Despite the data, the implementation of these testing modalities has not gained mainstream adoption across hospital systems. Given differences in potency between the three clinically available P2Y12 inhibitors, the balance between thrombotic and bleeding complications must be carefully considered, especially for the large proportion of patients at higher risk for bleeding. Here we review the current data for genetic and functional testing, risk assessment strategies, and guidelines for P2Y12 inhibitors guided therapy.

An optimal window of platelet reactivity by LTA assay for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective

This study was aimed to determine how platelet reactivity (PR) on dual antiplatelet therapy predicts ischemic and bleeding events in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Design

A total of 2768 patients who had received coronary stent implantation and had taken aspirin 100 mg in combination with clopidogrel 75 mg daily for > 5 days were consecutively screened and 1885 were enrolled. The recruited patients were followed-up for 12 months. The primary end-point was the net adverse clinical events (NACE) of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), stent thrombosis (ST) and any bleeding.

Result

1709 patients completed the clinical follow-up. By using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal cut-off values were found to be 37.5 and 25.5% respectively in predicting ischemic and bleeding events. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to PR: inside the window group (IW) [adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induced platelet aggregation (PL_ADP) 25.5–37.4%)] and outside the window group (OW) (PL_ADP < 25.5% or ≥ 37.5%). The incidence of NACE was 16.8 and 23.1% respectively in the IW and OW group. The hazard ratio of NACE in IW group was significantly lower [0.69 (95% CI, 0.54–0.89, P = 0.004)] than that in the OW group during 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion

An optimal therapeutic window of 25.5–37.4% for PL_ADP predicts the lowest risk of NACE, which could be referred for tailored antiplatelet treatment while using LTA assay.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.govNCT01968499. Registered 18 October 2013 - Retrospectively registered.

Is platelet function testing at the acute phase under P2Y12 inhibitors helpful in predicting bleeding in real-life patients with acute coronary syndrome? The AVALANCHE study

BACKGROUND

In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), current international guidelines recommend newer potent and predictable P2Y₁₂ inhibitors as first-line treatment despite a greater bleeding risk compared with clopidogrel.

AIM

To determine if platelet function testing can predict bleeding in real-life patients with ACS treated with newer P2Y₁₂ inhibitors.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, all consecutive adults admitted to the Lariboisière University Hospital for ACS, whatever the P2Y₁₂ inhibitor prescribed, who had platelet function testing (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation [VASP] index and aggregation tests) during the initial hospital stay were included. Follow-up was performed to record bleeding events according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification.

RESULTS

A total of 364 patients were included, treated with ticagrelor (n=123), prasugrel (n=105) or clopidogrel (n=136); 42.3% after an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 27.1% after a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 30.6% with unstable angina. Mean age was 64±11 years. Median VASP index was significantly lower with the newer P2Y₁₂ inhibitors (14% under ticagrelor, 14% under prasugrel) than with clopidogrel (42%). Despite these differences in the degree of platelet inhibition, the occurrence of bleeding (BARC 2-5) during follow-up was 7.7% overall, and was similar for all P2Y₁₂ inhibitors (ticagrelor 8.9%; prasugrel 6.6%; clopidogrel 7.4%). For each P2Y₁₂ inhibitor, it was impossible to determine a VASP index threshold under which bleeding was significantly greater during follow-up. Similarly, ADP-induced aggregation was more profoundly inhibited by ticagrelor and prasugrel than by clopidogrel, but this did not allow a threshold to be set for increased haemorrhagic risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the substantial occurrence of bleeding in patients with ACS during follow-up, neither the VASP index nor platelet aggregation test results measured at the acute phase were helpful in predicting bleeding risk. Whether platelet function testing could be helpful later in the course of treatment remains to be evaluated.

Impact Of Chronic Kidney Disease On The Pharmacodynamic And Pharmacokinetic Effects Of Ticagrelor In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus And Coronary Artery Disease

AIMS

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of atherothrombotic events. Ticagrelor reduces ischaemic events compared to clopidogrel, with the greatest risk reduction in patients with both DM and CKD. How CKD status affects the pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of different ticagrelor maintenance dose regimens in patients with DM is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this randomized, cross-over study, patients with DM on treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) were stratified according to CKD status and randomized to ticagrelor 90 mg bid or 60 mg bid. PK/PD assessments were performed at baseline, after 7-10 days of ticagrelor (peak and trough), and after 7-10 days of alternative ticagrelor regimen (peak and trough). PK assessments included plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its major metabolite. PD assessments included VASP-PRI, VerifyNow P2Y12, and LTA.A total of 92 patients with DM (CKD, n = 44; non-CKD, n = 48) were randomized. Levels of platelet reactivity were lower with the 90 mg compared with the 60 mg ticagrelor dose, which was statistically significant in non-CKD but not in CKD patients for most PD measures. There were no significant differences in the primary endpoint (trough levels of VASP-PRI following ticagrelor 90 mg dosing) between cohorts (31 ± 20 vs 25 ± 14; p = 0.105). VerifyNow and LTA provided similar findings. PK assessments tracked PD profiles showing increased plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its major metabolite in CKD compared to non-CKD patients.

CONCLUSION

In patients with DM, although ticagrelor maintenance dose regimens (60 mg and 90 mg) yield potent P2Y12 inhibition, levels of platelet reactivity tended to be higher and subject to broader variability in non-CKD compared with CKD patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT02539160.

Impact of Platelet Reactivity in ACS Patients on Clinical Outcomes with Triple Antithrombotic Therapy

Optimal antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients on oral anticoagulants (OAC) remains a clinical conundrum. In fact, combining an OAC with dual antiplatelet therapy (triple antithrombotic therapy, TAT) increases the risk of bleeding. Clopidogrel is the only thienopyridine recommended in TAT patients. Whether its response plays a relevant role in this setting remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the level of platelet reactivity inhibition (PRI) achieved by oral TAT in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI and its relationship with outcomes. We performed a multicenter prospective observational study and assessed PRI by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) index following a loading dose of clopidogrel. The primary endpoint was the incidence of major adverse cerebral or cardiovascular events (MACCE) at six months based on High on Treatment Platelet Reactivity (HTPR, VASP > 50%). The secondary endpoint was the incidence of bleeding at six months based on Low on Treatment Platelet Reactivity (LTPR, VASP < 16%). 491 patients were followed up for six months: 7.7% experienced MACCE and 17.3% experienced bleeding. There was no significant relationship between HTPR and MACCE, neither between LTPR and bleeding. Vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) treatment was associated with more MACCE and bleeding events, and the majority of events occurred within the first months. VASP index failed to predict outcomes in post-ACS patients with TAT. We confirm that direct acting OAC should be prioritized over VKA in TAT regimen.

Comparison of Light Transmission Aggregometry With Impedance Aggregometry in Patients on Potent P2Y12 Inhibitors

Since data on the agreement between light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) in patients on the more potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors are missing so far, we investigated if the evaluation of the responsiveness to therapy by LTA can be replaced by MEA in 160 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and prasugrel or ticagrelor (n = 80 each). Cut-off values for high on-treatment residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or arachidonic acid (AA) were defined according to previous studies showing an association of HRPR with the occurrence of adverse ischemic outcomes. ADP- inducible platelet aggregation was 33% and 37% (P = 0.07) by LTA and 19 AU and 20 AU (P = 0.38) by MEA in prasugrel- and ticagrelor-treated patients, respectively. AA- inducible platelet aggregation was 2% and 3% by LTA and 15 AU and 16 AU by MEA, (all P ≥ 0.3) in patients on prasugrel and ticagrelor, respectively. By LTA, HRPR ADP and HRPR AA were seen in 5%/5% and in 4%/ 13% of patients receiving prasugrel- and ticagrelor, respectively. By MEA, HRPR ADP and HRPR AA were seen in 3%/ 25% and 0%/24% of prasugrel- and ticagrelor-treated patients, respectively. ADP-inducible platelet reactivity by MEA correlated significantly with LTA ADP in prasugrel-treated patients (r = 0.4, P < 0.001), but not in those receiving ticagrelor (r = 0.09, P = 0.45). AA-inducible platelet aggregation by LTA and MEA did not correlate in prasugrel- and ticagrelor-treated patients. Sensitivity/specificity of HRPR by MEA to detect HRPR by LTA were 25%/99% for MEA ADP and 100%/79% for MEA AA in prasugrel-treated patients, and 0%/100% for MEA ADP and 70%/83% for MEA AA in ticagrelor-treated patients. In conclusion, on-treatment residual ADP-inducible platelet reactivity by LTA and MEA shows a significant correlation in prasugrel- but not ticagrelor-treated patients. However, in both groups LTA and MEA revealed heterogeneous results regarding the classification of patients as responders or non-responders to P2Y₁₂ inhibition.

Assessing platelet reactivity after drug eluting stent implantation: state of the art

Introduction: Platelets play a pivotal role in the occurrence of recurrent ischemic events in coronary artery disease patients who are treated with drug-eluting stents and are on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).Areas covered: High platelet reactivity (HPR) to adenosine diphosphate during clopidogrel therapy is a strong predictor of post-stenting ischemic event occurrences. However, uniform use of potent P2Y₁₂ receptors blockers to overcome HPR is associated with elevated bleeding risk. Selective de-escalation of P2Y₁₂ receptor blocker therapy based on PFT in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with stenting has been shown to be associated with a similar risk of ischemic event occurrence but with a reduced risk of bleeding. This review aims to discuss the role of PFT in guiding DAPT in patients treated with DES. We searched electronic databases from January 2000 to December 2019 for literatures evaluating the role of platelet function assessment after drug eluting stents.Expert opinion: Platelet function guided therapy improves patient outcomes by lessening bleeding and limiting the overuse of highly potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors. Interest in this area of de-escalation of therapy will likely grow as the consequences of bleeding are better recognized and the cost of healthcare gains greater focus.

Platelet reactivity inhibition following ticagrelor loading dose in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Ticagrelor induces more potent platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition with reduced interindividual variability compared to clopidogrel. Although on-clopidogrel PR was shown to correlate with ischemia and bleeding events, no study has investigated the relationship between on-ticagrelor PR and outcome.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between on-ticagrelor PR, assessed by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein index (VASP), and thrombotic and bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We performed a prospective, multicenter observational study on patients treated with PCI for ACS. The VASP index was used to assess PR after ticagrelor loading dose (LD). The primary endpoint was the link between major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and PR.

RESULTS

Among the 530 patients with ACS included, 183 (34.5%) were admitted for ST elevation myocardial infarction. We observed high potency and limited interindividual variability after the ticagrelor LD (VASP 19.1% ± 16.6%). At 1 month, 21 (3.8%) MACE and 29 (5.5%) bleedings ≥ 2 according to the Bleedings Academic Research Consortium (BARC) scale were recorded. Neither MACE nor bleeding was associated with PR (P = .34 and P = .78, respectively). However, there was a strong association between PR and the occurrence of definite acute stent thrombosis (P = .03). Platelet reactivity was the only factor associated with acute definite stent thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

In patients receiving a ticagrelor LD while undergoing PCI for ACS, PR using the VASP did not predict MACE or bleeding, but it was significantly associated with the occurrence of definite acute stent thrombosis.

Reasons for the Failure of Platelet Function Testing to Adjust Antiplatelet Therapy: Pharmacodynamic Insights From the ARCTIC Study

BACKGROUND

In the ARCTIC trial (Assessment by a Double Randomization of a Conventional Antiplatelet Strategy Versus a Monitoring-Guided Strategy for Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation and of Treatment Interruption Versus Continuation One Year After Stenting), treatment adjustment following platelet function testing failed to improve clinical outcomes. However, high-on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) is considered as a predictor of poor ischemic outcome. This prespecified substudy evaluated clinical outcomes according to the residual platelet reactivity status after antiplatelet therapy adjustment.

METHODS

We analyzed the 1213 patients assigned to the monitoring arm of the ARCTIC trial in whom platelet reactivity was evaluated by the VerifyNow P2Y₁₂ test before percutaneous coronary intervention and during the maintenance phase (at 14 days). HPR was defined as platelet reaction unit≥235U. The primary ischemic end point, a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, or urgent revascularization and the safety end point of major bleeding were assessed according to the platelet reactivity status.

RESULTS

Before percutaneous coronary intervention, 35.7% of patients displayed HPR (n=419). During the acute phase, between percutaneous coronary intervention and the 14-day platelet function testing, ischemic (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.74-1.18]; P=0.58) and safety outcomes (hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 0.22-7.59]; P=0.78) were similar in HPR and non-HPR patients. During the maintenance phase, the proportion of HPR patients (n=186, 17.4%) decreased by 56%. At 1-year, there was no difference for the ischemic end point (5.9% versus 6.0%; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.40-1.58]; P=0.51) and a nonsignificant higher rate of major bleedings (2.7% versus 1.0%, hazard ratio, 2.83 [95% CI, 0.96-8.41]; P=0.06) in HPR versus non-HPR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of HPR was halved after platelet function testing and treatment adjustment but without significant ischemic benefit at 1 year. HPR seems more as a modifiable risk marker than a risk factor of ischemic outcome.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00827411.

Protease-activated receptor-mediated platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndrome patients on potent P2Y12 inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors, further atherothrombotic events still impair the prognosis of many acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. This may in part be attributable to intact platelet aggregation via the human thrombin receptors protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and PAR-4.

OBJECTIVE

We studied PAR mediated platelet aggregation in ACS patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation in a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Platelet aggregation to ADP as well as to the PAR-1 agonist SFLLRN and the PAR-4 agonist AYPGKF was assessed by multiple electrode aggregometry in 194 ACS patients on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and either prasugrel (n = 114) or ticagrelor (n = 80) 3 days after PCI.

RESULTS

Based on the consensus cutoff value, high on-treatment residual platelet reactivity to ADP (HRPR ADP) was observed in only 2 prasugrel-treated patients. Both patients with HRPR ADP had also a normal response to SFLLRN and AYPGKF. Among the 112 prasugrel-treated patients with adequate P2Y12 inhibition, 50 patients (45%) still had a normal response to SFLLRN, and 70 patients (63%) still had a normal response to AYPGKF. Among the 80 ticagrelor-treated patients with adequate P2Y12 inhibition, 25 patients (31%) still had a normal response to SFLLRN, and 50 (63%) still had a normal response to AYPGKF.

CONCLUSION

Normal platelet aggregation via PAR-1 and PAR-4 is preserved in many patients with adequate P2Y12 inhibition by prasugrel and ticagrelor. The present findings may at least in part explain adverse ischemic events despite potent P2Y12 inhibition.

High and low on-treatment platelet reactivity to P2Y12 inhibitors in a contemporary cohort of acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION

There is compelling evidence supporting the association between high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) and low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LPR) to clopidogrel with atherothrombotic and bleeding events, respectively. However, it is uncertain if current cutoff values should be used in prasugrel- or ticagrelor-treated subjects. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the pharmacodynamic (PD) efficacy of P2Y₁₂ antagonists in a contemporary real-world population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This PD study included 988 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and receiving dual therapy with aspirin and a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor). Platelet function was assessed at day 1 and day 30 post-PCI by VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, multiple electrode aggregometry and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) assay.

RESULTS

Clopidogrel-treated patients (n = 324) had greater platelet reactivity than those receiving ticagrelor (n = 469) or prasugrel (n = 195) at both time points (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). No difference between ticagrelor and prasugrel was observed at day 1 with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (51.5 ± 2.8 vs. 42.7 ± 3.5 PRUs; p = 0.298), whereas ticagrelor achieved greater platelet inhibition at day 30 (48.1 ± 2.5 vs. 89.2 ± 4.2 PRUs; p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained with the VASP assay. Both prasugrel and ticagrelor had markedly lower HPR rates than clopidogrel and very high rates of LPR at both time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Prasugrel and ticagrelor displayed more potent and consistent PD effects than clopidogrel in ACS patients undergoing PCI, with a trend towards greater platelet inhibition with ticagrelor during the maintenance phase of therapy compared to prasugrel.

Comparison of lower loading dose of prasugrel with conventional loading dose of prasugrel in Indian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

Background

Although conventional 60 mg of prasugrel allows for rapid and potent platelet inhibition within 30 min after loading dose, the efficacy and safety of lower doses of prasugrel in Indian patients has not yet been investigated.

Objective

The study sought to compare the efficacy of a lower loading dose of prasugrel with conventional loading dose of prasugrel in Indian patients.

Material and methods

Three hundred thirty-two Indian patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly administered loading doses of prasugrel 60 mg (group A, n = 166) or 30 mg (group B, n = 166) before undergoing elective PCI in a 1:1 manner. Primary efficacy end point was composite of in-hospital death and stent thrombosis at 96 h, while safety end point was in-hospital bleeding.

Results

The two groups did not differ in their baseline characteristics. The primary efficacy end point was 0.6% in both the conventional 60 mg loading dose (LD) and lower 30 mg LD groups (p = not significant). Minor bleeding was significantly less in group B [Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 1, A = 6.63% vs B = 1.81%, odds ratio (OR) = 3.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–14.08, P = 0.05]. Major bleeding was higher in group A (A = 3.61%, vs B = 1.81%, OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.50–8.29, P = 0.50).

Conclusion

In Indian patients, 30 mg of prasugrel loading is as effective as 60 mg of prasugrel with significantly less minor bleeding.

Current Role of Platelet Function Testing in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

There is interindividual variability in the pharmacodynamic response to antiplatelet medications. High on-treatment platelet reactivity, reflecting a failure to achieve adequate platelet inhibition, is associated with a higher risk for thrombotic events. Low on-treatment platelet reactivity, or an enhanced response to antiplatelet medications, has been linked to a higher risk for bleeding. There is evidence for the prognostic value of platelet function testing for risk prediction. This review presents the current evidence regarding platelet function testing in patients undergoing percutaneous cardiac intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting. The possible role of platelet function testing for individualized antiplatelet treatment is highlighted.

Association of platelet response to cilostazol with clinical outcome and CYP genotype in patients with cerebral infarction

INTRODUCTION

Cilostazol, an anti-platelet drug that inhibits phosphodiesterase 3, is beneficial for patients with atherothrombosis. In contrast to other anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin and thienopyridines, little information is available on the relationship between platelet responses to cilostazol and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study on patients with cerebral infarction who were treated with cilostazol. The platelet response to cilostazol was assessed with our new assay for the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) subsequent to the pharmacological action of cilostazol. Patients were followed up for 2 years and the relationship between VASP assay results and the recurrence of thrombotic events was examined. We also investigated the effects of CYP3A5 and CYP2C19 genotypes involved in the metabolism of cilostazol on the platelet response to cilostazol.

RESULTS

Among the 142 patients enrolled, 130 completed the 2-year follow-up and the recurrence of thrombotic events was noted in 8 (6.2%). VASP phosphorylation levels were significantly lower in patients with than in those without recurrence. The combined genotype of CYP3A5*1/*3 and CYP2C19*1/*1 was associated with a low level of VASP phosphorylation, while either genotype was not. A multivariate analysis showed that high residual platelet reactivity during the cilostazol treatment, which was defined by a low response of platelet VASP phosphorylation to cilostazol, was an independent risk factor for the recurrence of thrombotic events.

CONCLUSION

A low platelet response to cilostazol determined by a new platelet assay was associated with the recurrence of thrombotic events in patients with cerebral infarction.

Management of antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures

Neuroendovascular techniques for treating cerebral aneurysms and other cerebrovascular pathology are increasingly becoming the standard of care. Intraluminal stents, aneurysm coils, and other flow diversion devices typically require concomitant antiplatelet therapy to reduce thromboembolic complications. The variability inherent with the pharmacodynamic response to common antiplatelet agents such as aspirin and clopidogrel complicates optimal selection of antiplatelet agents by clinicians. This review serves to discuss the literature related to antiplatelet use in neuroendovascular procedures and provides recommendations for clinicians on how to approach patients with variable response to antiplatelet agents, particularly clopidogrel.

Effects of genetic variation in protease activated receptor 4 after an acute coronary syndrome: Analysis from the TRACER trial

Variation in platelet response to thrombin may affect the safety and efficacy of PAR antagonism. The Thr120 variant of the common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs773902 in the protease-activated receptor (PAR) 4 gene is associated with higher platelet aggregation compared to the Ala120 variant. We investigated the relationship between the rs773902 SNP with major bleeding and ischemic events, safety, and efficacy of PAR1 inhibition in 6177 NSTE ACS patients in the TRACER trial. There was a lower rate of GUSTO moderate/severe bleeding in patients with the Thr120 variant. The difference was driven by a lower rate in the smaller homozygous group (recessive model, HR 0.13 [0.02-0.92] P = 0.042). No significant differences were observed in the ischemic outcomes. The excess in bleeding observed with PAR1 inhibition was attenuated in patients with the Thr120 variant, but the interactions were not statistically significant. In summary, lower major bleeding rates were observed in the overall TRACER cohort with the hyperreactive PAR4 Thr120 variant. The increase in bleeding with vorapaxar was attenuated with the Thr120 variant, but we could not demonstrate an interaction with PAR1 inhibition. These findings warrant further exploration, including those of African ancestry where the A allele (Thr120) frequency is ~65%.

Novel aspects of antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease

Antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone in the secondary prophylaxis of adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor aspirin remains the most frequently prescribed antiplatelet drug, followed by adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 receptor blockers. Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonists are intravenously available antiplatelet agents preventing platelet-to-platelet aggregation via the fibrinogen receptor. The thrombin receptor inhibitor vorapaxar allows the targeting of yet a third pathway of platelet activation. Despite the advent of novel agents and major advances in antiplatelet treatment over the last decade, atherothrombotic events still impair the prognosis of many patients with cardiovascular disease. Consequently, antiplatelet therapy remains a field of intense research and a large number of studies on its various aspects are published each year. This review article summarizes recent developments in antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease focusing particularly on the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy, new treatment regimens, the role of platelet function testing, and potential future targets of antiplatelet agents.

Differential impact of diabetes mellitus on antiplatelet effects of prasugrel and clopidogrel

Background

Although prasugrel exerts stronger antiplatelet effects compared with clopidogrel, the factors affecting platelet reactivity under prasugrel have not been fully determined. This study aimed to find the novel mechanistic differences between two thienopyridines and identify the factor that influence platelet reactivity to each drug.

Methods

Forty patients with stable angina who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly assigned to receive either prasugrel (20 mg) or clopidogrel (300 mg) as a loading dose. Platelet function (light transmission, laser light scattering, and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation) and plasma active metabolite levels were measured after the loading dose.

Results

Prasugrel consistently inhibited adenosine diphosphate receptor P2Y₁₂ signalling to abolish amplification of platelet aggregation. Prasugrel abolished even small platelet aggregates composed of less than 100 platelets. On the other hand, clopidogrel inhibited large aggregates but increased small and medium platelet aggregates. Diabetes was the only independent variable for determining antiplatelet effects and active metabolite concentration of prasugrel, but not clopidogrel. Sleep-disordered breathing was significantly correlated with platelet reactivity in patients who had clopidogrel.

Conclusions

Prasugrel efficiently abolishes residual P2Y₁₂ signalling that causes small platelet aggregates, but these small aggregates are not inhibited by clopidogrel. Considering the differential effect of diabetes on antiplatelet effects between these two drugs, the pharmacokinetics of prasugrel, other than cytochrome P450 metabolism, might be affected by diabetes.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR UMIN000017624, retrospectively registered 21 May 2015.

Transferring from clopidogrel loading dose to prasugrel loading dose in acute coronary syndrome patients

High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) has been identified as an independent risk factor for ischaemic events. The randomised, doubleblind, TRIPLET trial included a pre-defined comparison of HPR in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following a placebo/600-mg clopidogrel loading dose (LD) immediately before a subsequent prasugrel 60-mg or 30-mg LD. Platelet reactivity was assessed using the VerifyNow® P2Y12 assay (P2Y12 Reaction Units, PRU) within 24 hours (h) following the placebo/clopidogrel LD (immediately prior to prasugrel LD), and at 2, 6, 24, 72 h following prasugrel LDs. The impact of CYP2C19 predicted metaboliser phenotype (extensive metaboliser [EM] and reduced metabolisers [RM]) on HPR status was also assessed. HPR (PRU ≥240) following the clopidogrel LD (prior to the prasugrel LD) was 58.5% in the combined clopidogrel LD groups. No significant difference was noted when stratified by time between the clopidogrel and prasugrel LDs (≤6 hs vs >6 h). At 6 h following the 2nd loading dose in the combined prasugrel LD groups, HPR was 7.1%, with 0% HPR by 72 h. There was no significant effect of CYP2C19 genotype on pharmacodynamic (PD) response following either prasugrel LD treatments at any time point, regardless of whether it was preceded by a clopidogrel 600-mg LD. In conclusion, in this study, patients with ACS intended for PCI showed a high prevalence of HPR after clopidogrel 600-mg LD regardless of metaboliser status. When prasugrel LD was added, HPR decreased substantially by 6 h, and was not seen by 72 h.

Ticagrelor vs prasugrel one-month maintenance therapy: Impact on platelet reactivity and bleeding events

Platelet reactivity (PR) and bleeding events following therapy with ticagrelor vs prasugrel have not been adequately studied. We aimed to compare PR and bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) while on ticagrelor vs prasugrel for one month. Consecutive patients who were discharged either on ticagrelor 90 mg bid maintenance dose (MD) or prasugrel 10 mg MD were invited for PR assessment (VerifyNow, in PRU) at one month. High PR (HPR) was defined as >208 PRU. Bleeding events [Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification] were monitored. Out of 937 screened patients, 512 were analysed, 278 under ticagrelor MD and 234 under prasugrel MD. PR at 30 days (C-statistic of the propensity score model 0.63, 0.58–0.67 95% CI, p<0.001) was lower when on ticagrelor compared with prasugrel (33.3, 95% CI 29.3–37.3 vs 84.6, 95% CI 73.6–95.6, p<0.001). In the analysed population more BARC type 1 bleeding events were observed with ticagrelor compared to prasugrel (36.7% vs 28.2%, p=0.047). In 221 propensity score matched pairs, BARC type 1 bleeding rate was marginally higher in ticagrelor vs prasugrel treated patients (35.7% vs 27.1%, p=0.05). BARC type ≥2 events did not differ between groups 5 (2.3%) vs 5 (2.3%). HPR rate was higher for prasugrel-treated patients (5.4% vs 0%, p<0.001). In conclusion, in patients with ACS undergoing PCI, ticagrelor MD produces a significantly higher platelet inhibition compared to prasugrel MD. This pharmacodynamic difference might be associated with more nuisance bleeding events with ticagrelor use.

Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01774955.

How to improve the concept of individualised antiplatelet therapy with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors – is an algorithm the answer?

Within the past decade, high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) on clopidogrel and its clinical implications have been frequently discussed. Although it has been previously assumed that HTPR is a phenomenon occurring only in patients treated with clopidogrel, recent data show that HTPR might also occur during treatment with prasugrel or ticagrelor in the acute phase of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Moreover, it has been postulated that there is a therapeutic window for P2Y12 receptor blockers, thus indicating that HTPR is associated with thrombotic events whereas low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) is associated with bleeding events. The current paper focuses on tools to identify risk factors for HTPR (pharmacogenomic testing, clinical scoring and drug-drug interactions) and on the use of platelet function testing in order to identify patients who might not respond adequately to clopidogrel. The majority of recent clinical randomised trials have not supported the hypothesis that platelet function testing and tailored antiplatelet therapy are providing a favourable clinical outcome. These trials, mainly performed in low-to-moderate risk patients, will be reviewed and discussed. Finally, an algorithm based on current knowledge is suggested, which might be of use for design of clinical trials.

Platelet function testing in acute cardiac care – is there a role for prediction or prevention of stent thrombosis and bleeding?

The role of platelet function testing in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention remains controversial despite the fact that high platelet reactivity is an independent predictor of stent thrombosis and emerging evidence suggests also a link between low platelet reactivity and bleeding. In this expert opinion paper, the Study Group on Biomarkers in Cardiology of the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association and the Working Group on Thrombosis of the European Society of Cardiology aim to provide an overview of current evidence in this area and recommendations for practicing clinicians.

Assessment of bleeding risk in patients with coronary artery disease on dual antiplatelet therapy

Patients with coronary artery disease are usually treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients on DAPT are at risk of both ischaemic and bleeding events. Although side-lined for a long time, real-life studies have shown that both the incidence and the associated morbidity and mortality of outof-hospital bleeding are high. This indicates that prevention of (postinterventional) bleeding is as important as prevention of ischaemia. For this purpose it is crucial to reliably identify patients with a high bleeding risk. In order to postulate an algorithm, which could help identifying these patients, we performed a systematic review to determine the value of previously proposed prognostic modalities for bleeding. We searched and appraised the following tools: platelet function tests, genetic tests, bleeding scores and questionnaires and haemostatic tests. Most studies indicated that low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR), as measured by several platelet function tests, and the carriage of CYP2C19*17 allele were independent risk factors for bleeding. A bleeding score also proved to be helpful in identifying patients at risk. No studies on haemostatic tests were retrieved. Several patient characteristics were also identified as independent predictors of bleeding, such as older age, female sex and renal failure. Combining these risk factors we propose an algorithm that would hypothetically facilitate identification of those patients at highest risk, warranting prevention measures for bleeding. This could be a starting point for further research concerning the topic.

Validation of a New ELISA-Based Vasodilator-Associated Stimulated Phosphoprotein Phosphorylation Assay to Assess Platelet Reactivity Index in a Chinese Population

The level of platelet reactivity during P2Y12-adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonist is associated with ischemic and bleeding risks following percutaneous coronary intervention in acute coronary syndrome. Determining platelet reactivity inhibition may be valuable for confirming effective platelet inhibition for individual patients and identifying patients at risk of bleeding. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) assay offers unique advantages over other methods and has not been used in the Chinese population. We enrolled 10 healthy volunteers and 54 patients with acute coronary syndrome. The volunteers received no treatment, and patients were administered a loading dose of clopidogrel or ticagrelor. The platelet reactivity index (PRI) was measured using flow cytometry (FC)-VASP and ELISA-VASP at baseline and 8-hour postloading dose. Blood samples of healthy volunteers and clopidogrel- or ticagrelor-treated patients were frozen and stored for 1, 2, and 4 weeks after initial activation. All frozen samples were tested using ELISA-VASP. The PRI assessed by FC-VASP and ELISA-VASP correlated well showing a high degree of consistency in identifying high or low on-treatment platelet reactivity. No significant time-dependent changes in PRI results were observed in frozen samples stored up to 4 weeks compared to nonfrozen samples. The PRI of ticagrelor-treated patients was lower than that of clopidogrel-treated patients. The ELISA-VASP effectively assesses the PRI, and results obtained from frozen specimens are unaffected by storage and shipment prior to assay. Ticagrelor was superior to clopidogrel in decreasing the PRI.

Risk of bleeding and repeated bleeding events in prasugrel-treated patients: a review of data from the Japanese PRASFIT studies

Prasugrel is a third-generation thienopyridine that achieves potent platelet inhibition with less pharmacological variability than other thienopyridines. However, clinical experience suggests that prasugrel may be associated with a higher risk of de novo and recurrent bleeding events compared with clopidogrel in Japanese patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this review, we evaluate the risk of bleeding in Japanese patients treated with prasugrel at the doses (loading/maintenance doses: 20/3.75 mg) adjusted for Japanese patients, evaluate the risk factors for bleeding in Japanese patients, and examine whether patients with a bleeding event are at increased risk of recurrent bleeding. This review covers published data and new analyses of the PRASFIT (PRASugrel compared with clopidogrel For Japanese patIenTs) trials of patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome or elective reasons. The bleeding risk with prasugrel was similar to that observed with the standard dose of clopidogrel (300/75 mg), including when bleeding events were re-classified using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. The pharmacodynamics of prasugrel was not associated with the risk of bleeding events. The main risk factors for bleeding events were female sex, low body weight, advanced age, and presence of diabetes mellitus. Use of a radial puncture site was associated with a lower risk of bleeding during PCI than a femoral puncture site. Finally, the frequency and severity of recurrent bleeding events during continued treatment were similar between prasugrel and clopidogrel. In summary, this review provides important insights into the risk and types of bleeding events in prasugrel-treated patients.Trial registration numbers: JapicCTI-101339 and JapicCTI-111550.

Platelet aggregation and risk of stent thrombosis or bleeding in interventionally treated diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

Platelet aggregation monitoring in diabetic patients treated with coronary interventions (PCI) for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a promising way of optimizing treatment and outcomes in this high risk group. The aim of the study was to verify whether clopidogrel response measured by Multiplate analyzer (ADPtest) in diabetic ACS patients treated with PCI predicts the risk of stent thrombosis or cardiovascular mortality and bleeding.

Methods

Into this prospective, observational study 206 elective PCI patients were enrolled. Two cutoff points of ADPtest were used in analysis to divide patients into groups. One (345 AU x min) was calculated based on ROC curve analysis; this cutoff provided the best ROC curve fit, although it did not reach statistical significance. The other (468 AU x min) was accepted based on the consensus of the Working Group on On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity. The risk of stent thrombosis and mortality was assessed using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

The risk of stent thrombosis was higher in the group of patients with impaired clopidogrel response for either cutoff value (for >354 AU x min - HR 12.33; 95% CI 2.49–61.1; P = 0.002). Cardiovascular mortality was also higher in the impaired clopidogrel response group (for >354 AU x min - HR 10.58; 95% CI 2.05–54.58; P = 0.005). We did not find a clear relation of increased clopidogrel response to the risk of bleeding.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that in diabetic ACS patient group treated with PCI an impaired platelet response to clopidogrel measured by the Multiplate analyzer results in increased risk of stent thrombosis and cardiac death.

Platelet function monitoring to adjust antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients stented for an acute coronary syndrome (ANTARCTIC): an open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled superiority trial

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients are at high risk of ischaemic and bleeding events. Platelet function monitoring offers the possibility to individualise antiplatelet therapy to improve the therapeutic risk-benefit ratio. We aimed to assess the effect of platelet function monitoring with treatment adjustment in elderly patients stented for an acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS

We did this multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled superiority study at 35 centres in France. Patients aged 75 years or older who had undergone coronary stenting for acute coronary syndrome were randomly assigned (1:1), via a central interactive voice-response system based on a computer-generated permuted-block randomisation schedule with randomly selected block sizes, to receive oral prasugrel 5 mg daily with dose or drug adjustment in case of inadequate response (monitoring group) or oral prasugrel 5 mg daily with no monitoring or treatment adjustment (conventional group). Randomisation was stratified by centre. Platelet function testing was done 14 days after randomisation and repeated 14 days after treatment adjustment in patients in the monitoring group. Study investigators and patients were not masked to treatment allocation, but allocation was concealed from an independent clinical events committee responsible for endpoint adjudication. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, urgent revascularisation, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium-defined bleeding complications (types 2, 3, or 5) at 12 months' follow-up. We did analysis by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01538446.

FINDINGS

Between March 27, 2012, and May 19, 2015, we randomly assigned 877 patients to the monitoring group (n=442) or the conventional group (n=435). The primary endpoint occurred in 120 (28%) patients in the monitoring group compared with 123 (28%) patients in the conventional group (hazard ratio [HR], 1·003, 95% CI 0·78-1·29; p=0·98). Rates of bleeding events did not differ significantly between groups.

INTERPRETATION

Platelet function monitoring with treatment adjustment did not improve the clinical outcome of elderly patients treated with coronary stenting for an acute coronary syndrome. Platelet function testing is still being used in many centres and international guidelines still recommend platelet function testing in high-risk situations. Our study does not support this practice or these recommendations.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company, Daiichi Sankyo, Stentys, Accriva Diagnostics, Medtronic, and Fondation Coeur et Recherche.

Which platelet function test best reflects the in vivo plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite? The HARMONIC study

Aim of this study was assessment of the relationship between concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) and results of selected platelet function tests. In a single-centre, cohort study, patients with myocardial infarction underwent blood sampling following a 180 mg ticagrelor loading dose intake (predose, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours postdose) to perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments. Platelet reactivity was evaluated using the VASP-assay, the VerifyNow device and the Multiplate analyzer. Analysis of 36 patients revealed high negative correlations between ticagrelor concentrations and platelet reactivity evaluated with all three platelet function tests (the VASP-assay: RS=-0.722; p<0.0001; the VerifyNow device: RS=-0.715; p<0.0001; the Multiplate analyzer: RS=-0.722; p<0.0001), with no significant differences between correlation coefficients. Similar results were found for AR-C124910XX. Platelet reactivity values assessed with all three methods generally correlated well with each other; however, a significantly higher correlation (p<0.02) was demonstrated between the VerifyNow and Multiplate tests (RS=0.707; p<0.0001) than in other assay combinations (the VASP-assay and the VerifyNow device: RS=0.595; p<0.0001; the VASP-assay and the Multiplate analyzer: RS=0.588; p<0.0001). With respect to the recognition of high platelet reactivity, we found higher measurement concordance between the VerifyNow and Multiplate tests compared with other assay combinations, while for low platelet reactivity, only results of the VerifyNow and Multiplate assay were related to each other. Platelet reactivity measurements performed with the VASP, VerifyNow and Multiplate tests show comparably strong negative correlations with ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX concentrations.

Impact of timing from blood sampling to pharmacodynamic assessment on measures of platelet reactivity in patients treated with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors

Several platelet function tests (PFT) are available to assess the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of P2Y₁₂ inhibitors. However, there are technical variances between PFT, and P2Y₁₂ inhibitors differ in pharmacological properties. Manufactures of PFT recommend a time-frame within which assessments needs to be executed. However, if the timing from blood sampling to processing affects PD results is unknown. We conducted a prospective study assessing the impact of timing from blood sampling to processing on PD measures using three different PFT. We studied 60 aspirin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) on maintenance P2Y₁₂ inhibiting therapy [clopidogrel 75 mg/day (n=20), prasugrel 10 mg/day (n=20) and ticagrelor 90 mg bid (n=20)]. PD assessments (trough levels) were performed by VerifyNow P2Y12 (VN), light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) at 30 minutes, 2 and 4 hours post-sampling; VASP was also performed at 24 hours. P2Y₁₂ reaction units (PRU) by VN significantly decreased over time with all P2Y₁₂ inhibitors (clopidogrel p<0.001; prasugrel p=0.016; ticagrelor p<0.001). PRU at 30 minutes and 2 hours were similar, but decreased at 4 hours. LTA showed consistent findings with VN. Conversely, PD measures as assessed by VASP were stable over time (p>0.1 for all P2Y₁₂ inhibitors). In conclusion, in CAD patients on maintenance therapy with P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, timing from blood sampling to processing significantly influences PD measures as assessed by VN and LTA, but not by VASP.

Usefulness of platelet function tests to predict bleeding with antithrombotic medications

The pharmacological inhibition of platelets has always been regarded as a double-edged sword: the challenge of balancing the antithrombotic effect against the bleeding risk. Potent antiplatelet agents and novel oral anticoagulants, sometimes in combination, are increasingly used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and for thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation. Although such treatment has reduced the risk of thrombotic events, the potential for major bleeding has increased, and a technique to identify those at increased bleeding risk is greatly needed. Platelet function tests (PFTs), most frequently VerifyNow and also the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein -phosphorylation assay, have been used to identify low on-treatment platelet reactivity, to identify individuals who may be at increased bleeding risk. Such results predict nuisance bleeding, but many individuals have low on-treatment platelet reactivity and yet do not exhibit major or even minor bleeding. Although PFTs may be useful in assessing populations, they do not allow identification of individual patients at risk of bleeding on either antiplatelet or novel oral anticoagulant therapy, nor do they allow the tailoring of such therapy to optimize the risk:benefit ratio. Thrombin plays a cardinal role in both arterial thrombus formation and hemostasis, yet most PFTs fail to assess the contribution of thrombin, because they employ anticoagulated blood. Techniques such as the calibrated automated thrombogram and the point-of-care global thrombosis test, performed on native blood, which measure endogenous thrombin potential, seem to show the most promise for profiling bleeding risk, as tests that most physiologically assess the effects of medications on thrombin.

Platelet-Mediated Thrombosis

The pivotal role that platelets play in thrombosis and resultant ischemic event occurrences in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease is well established. This role provides the fundamental basis for the current wide implementation of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y 12 receptor inhibitor. The development of user friendly point-of-care methods to assess platelet reactivity to adenosine diphosphate has increased the frequency of platelet function testing in clinical practice. Recent large observational studies have established an independent relation between the results of point-of-care platelet function testing and clinical event occurrence in patients undergoing coronary artery stenting. However, prospective, randomized trials have failed to demonstrate that personalized antiplatelet therapy based on point-of-care assessment of platelet function is effective in reducing ischemic event occurrences. Important limitations were associated with these trials. In addition, the concept of a therapeutic window of P2Y 12 receptor reactivity with an upper threshold associated with ischemic event occurrence and a lower threshold associated with bleeding has also been proposed. In the absence of strong prospective evidence to support personalized antiplatelet therapy, clinical decision making about antiplatelet therapy rests on the large body of observational data and the fundamental importance of platelet physiology in catastrophic event occurrence in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease.

Vitamin D levels and high-residual platelet reactivity in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel or ticagrelor

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal platelet inhibition still represents an important challenge, especially for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). However, very few are known so far on the predictors of high-residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) despite antiplatelet strategies. Increasing attention has been paid in the last years to the role of vitamin D in atherothrombosis. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of vitamin D levels on platelet function in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Patients treated with DAPT (ASA and clopidogrel or ticagrelor) after a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or elective PCI were scheduled for platelet function assessment at 30-90 days post-discharge. Platelet function was assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry (Multiplate®-Roche Diagnostics AG), HRPR was considered for ASPI test values > 862 AU*min (for ASA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test values ≥417 AU*min (for ADP-antagonists). Fasting samples were obtained for main chemistry parameters and vitamin D level assessment. Our population is represented by 503 patients, who were divided according to vitamin D quartiles (≤9.1; 9.2-14.4; 14.5-21.7; >21.7 ng/ml). Lower vitamin D levels related with age (p = 0.04), diabetic status (p = 0.05), and previous coronary surgery (p = 0.007), therapy with beta-blockers and statins (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02). Vitamin D inversely related to the levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p = 0.05), and HbA1c (p < 0.001). Significantly higher platelet reactivity was observed after platelet stimulation with ADP (p = 0.01), but not with other platelet activators. The prevalence of HRPR for ASA was low (1.2%) and not conditioned by Vitamin D levels (adjusted OR[95%CI] = 1.56[0.71-3.5], p = 0.27). HRPR with ADP-antagonists was observed in 26% of patients, and the rate increased with lower vitamin D quartiles (37.3% vs 22.2% vs 24.4% vs 20.2%, p = 0.005, adjusted OR[95%CI] = 1.23[1.02-1.49], p = 0.04). An absolute increase in HRPR with lower vitamin D levels was similarly observed among patients receiving ticagrelor (adjusted OR[95% CI] = 1.40[0.95-2.06], p = 0.08), and those on clopidogrel (adjusted OR[95%CI] = 1.31[0.99-1.75], p = 0.06). Thus, lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher platelet reactivity and impaired effectiveness of ADP-antagonists, while not influencing the effectiveness of ASA. Future studies will tell whether vitamin D supplementation can reduce platelet reactivity, overcoming the phenomenon of resistance to antiplatelet agents.

One-year incidence and clinical impact of bleeding events in patients treated with prasugrel or clopidogrel after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Little information is available on the long-term incidence of bleeding events after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with the current antithrombotic strategy.

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of bleedings for up to 12months on clinical events and therapeutic compliance in unselected STEMI patients treated with prasugrel or clopidogrel.

METHODS

Patients were treated with clopidogrel or prasugrel according to guidelines. The primary endpoint was first occurrence of a bleeding event from hospital discharge to 12months, assessed by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification using a dedicated questionnaire. Topography of bleedings, causes of premature cessation and ischaemic events were compared between clopidogrel- and prasugrel-treated patients.

RESULTS

A total of 390 patients were enrolled (211 in the prasugrel group, 179 in the clopidogrel group). Elderly, female and low-body weight patients were more likely to receive clopidogrel. At 12months, the incidence of major bleedings (BARC 3) was lower with prasugrel (1% vs 6%; P=0.02), mainly due to fewer transfusions. Elderly age was a risk factor for severe bleeding. Premature treatment cessation was related to ischaemic complications (P=0.03), and occurred more frequently with prasugrel (P=0.001). One-year mortality was very low (1.9 per 100 person-years, 95% confidence interval 0.9-4.0), and was higher in the clopidogrel group (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this unselected STEMI population, the rate of major bleedings with prasugrel at 12months was low, but nuisance bleedings were frequent and led to more premature cessations than with clopidogrel. Prevention of bleeding complications, even minor, is necessary to prevent disruption of antithrombotic medication.

A head-to-head pharmacodynamic comparison of prasugrel vs. ticagrelor after switching from clopidogrel in patients with coronary artery disease: results of a prospective randomized study

AIMS

Pharmacodynamic (PD) studies comparing prasugrel and ticagrelor have reached inconsistent findings. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation comparing the PD effects of prasugrel vs. ticagrelor after switching from clopidogrel therapy, exploring both loading dose (LD) and maintenance dose (MD) regimens represented the aim of this study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (n = 110) with coronary artery disease were randomized to prasugrel (60 mg LD/10 mg MD q.d.) or ticagrelor (180 mg LD/90 mg MD b.i.d) therapy for 1 week. Pharmacodynamic assessments were conducted using three assays (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, VerifyNow P2Y12, and light transmittance aggregometry, LTA) at baseline, 30 min, 2, 24 h, and 1 week. The impact of initiating ticagrelor MD 12 vs. 24 h after LD administration was also assessed. Switching clopidogrel-treated patients to an LD of prasugrel or ticagrelor was associated with a reduction in platelet reactivity at 30 min and was sustained at all time points up to 1 week with the MD (P < 0.001 for all assays). Platelet reactivity was similar with prasugrel and ticagrelor with all assays at 30 min, 2 h, and 1 week (P > 0.05 for all time points), with the exception of LTA at 30 min (lower with prasugrel; P = 0.003). At 24 h, platelet reactivity was lower among patients initiating ticagrelor MD after 12 vs. 24 h post-LD. Rates of high platelet reactivity (HPR) were markedly reduced and similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Prasugrel and ticagrelor exert similar levels of P2Y12 inhibition achieving more potent PD effects and reduced HPR rates compared with clopidogrel which are reached promptly following LD and sustained with MD.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT01852175.