Shedding Light on Long-Term Effects of Early Antiplatelet Strategies After Fibrinolytic Treatment in STEMI

Inflammatory state does not affect the antiplatelet efficacy of potent P2Y12 inhibitors in ACS

Inflammation leads to atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We performed a prospective, observational study to assess association between the concentrations of inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP; high sensitivity interleukin6, hsIL-6; soluble CD40 ligand, sCD40 L) and platelet reactivity in 338 patients with ACS treated with ticagrelor and prasugrel. We also assessed whether hsCRP, hsIL-6, and sCD40 L are associated with standard inflammatory markers (white blood cell [WBC] and fibrinogen), and whether they differ according to patient diabetic status and pre-treatment with statins. Concentrations of hsCRP and concentrations of hsIL-6 and sCD40 L were assessed using turbidimetric assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Platelet reactivity was measured using multiple electrode aggregometry. There was only a weak inverse correlation between hsIL-6 and platelet reactivity (r≤-0.125). In contrast, concentration of hsIL6 and hsCRP positively correlated with WBC and fibrinogen (r ≥ 0.199). Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) was associated with higher concentration of hsIL-6 (p = .014), whereas pre-treatment with statins - with lower concentration of hsIL-6 (p = .035). In conclusion, inflammatory state does not affect the antiplatelet efficacy of potent P2Y12 inhibitors in the acute phase of ACS, confirming the safety and efficacy of potent P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with a high inflammatory burden.

Stratified Approaches to Antiplatelet Therapies Based on Platelet Reactivity Testing

Antiplatelet therapy with P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, cangrelor) is a cornerstone of medical therapy after percutaneous coronary interventions. Significant prevalence of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) on clopidogrel treatment led to introduction of more potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors: prasugrel (a third generation thienopyridine), ticagrelor, and cangrelor (cyclopentyl-triazolo-pyrimidines). Nevertheless, more potent platelet inhibition and resulting low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) has led to increased risk of major bleeding events. These limitations resulted in a need for an individualized antiplatelet therapy approach. This review discusses the current role and future perspectives of diagnostic tools such as platelet function testing to optimize antiplatelet therapy with a focus on deescalating therapies to reduce bleeding risks.