Platelet activity measured by a rapid turnaround assay identifies coronary artery bypass grafting patients at increased risk for bleeding and transfusion complications after clopidogrel administration

Cardiac Surgical Bleeding, Transfusion, and Quality Metrics: Joint Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Cardiac Society and Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management

BACKGROUND

Excessive perioperative bleeding is associated with major complications in cardiac surgery, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and cost.

METHODS

An international expert panel was convened to develop consensus statements on the control of bleeding and management of transfusion and to suggest key quality metrics for cardiac surgical bleeding. The panel reviewed relevant literature from the previous 10 years and used a modified RAND Delphi methodology to achieve consensus.

RESULTS

The panel developed 30 consensus statements in 8 categories, including prioritizing control of bleeding, prechest closure checklists, and the need for additional quality indicators beyond reexploration rate, such as time to reexploration. Consensus was also reached on the need for a universal definition of excessive bleeding, the use of antifibrinolytics, optimal cessation of antithrombotic agents, and preoperative risk scoring based on patient and procedural factors to identify those at greatest risk of excessive bleeding. Furthermore, an objective bleeding scale is needed based on the volume and rapidity of blood loss accompanied by viscoelastic management algorithms and standardized, patient-centered blood management strategies reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to quality improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Prioritizing the timely control and management of bleeding is essential to improving patient outcomes in cardiac surgery. To this end, a cardiac surgical bleeding quality metric that is more comprehensive than reexploration rate alone is needed. Similarly, interdisciplinary quality initiatives that seek to implement enhanced quality indicators will likely lead to improved patient care and outcomes.

Advances in Platelet-Dysfunction Diagnostic Technologies

The crucial role of platelets in hemostasis and their broad implications under various physiological conditions underscore the importance of accurate platelet-function testing. Platelets are key to clotting blood and healing wounds. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and management of platelet disorders are vital for patient care. This review outlines the significant advancements in platelet-function testing technologies, focusing on their working principles and the shift from traditional diagnostic methods to more innovative approaches. These improvements have deepened our understanding of platelet-related disorders and ushered in personalized treatment options. Despite challenges such as interpretation of complex data and the costs of new technologies, the potential for artificial-intelligence integration and the creation of wearable monitoring devices offers exciting future possibilities. This review underscores how these technological advances have enhanced the landscape of precision medicine and provided better diagnostic and treatment options for platelet-function disorders.

Center Variation in Use of Preoperative Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and Platelet Function Testing at the Time of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Maryland

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome are administered a P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin before coronary catheterization to prevent further myocardial injury from thrombosis. Guidelines recommend a standard waiting period between the time patients are administered dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and elective cardiac surgery. Since 25% to 30% of the population may be considered nonresponders to clopidogrel, platelet function testing can be utilized for timing of surgery and to assess bleeding risks. The extent to which a standard waiting period or platelet function testing is used across centers is not established, representing an important opportunity to standardize practice.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2020 using data from the Maryland Cardiac Surgical Quality Initiative, a consortium of all 10 hospitals in the state performing cardiac surgery. The proportion of patients administered DAPT within 5 days of surgery was examined by hospital over the time period. Mixed-effects multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association of preoperative DAPT with ischemic and bleeding outcomes. Centers were surveyed on use or nonuse of preoperative platelet function testing, and bleeding outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

There was significant heterogeneity of preoperative DAPT usage across centers ranging from 2% to 54% (P < .001). DAPT within 5 days of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was associated with higher odds of reoperation for bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-2.01; P = .001), >2 units of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.44-1.81; P < .001), and >2 units of non-RBCs transfused (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.60-2.00; P < .001). In the 5 hospitals using preoperative platelet function testing to guide timing of surgery, there were greater odds for DAPT within 5 days (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.22-1.45; P < .001), fewer RBCs >2 units transfusions (22% vs 33%; P < .001), and non-RBCs >2 units (17% vs 28%; P < .001) transfusions within DAPT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant variability in DAPT usage within 5 days of CABG between hospital centers. Preoperative platelet function testing may allow for earlier timing of surgery for those on DAPT without increased bleeding risks.

Platelet Function Testing in Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy before Cardiac Surgery

Based on variable pharmacodynamic responsiveness and platelet reactivity recovery after discontinuation of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, preoperative platelet function testing may individualize discontinuation and be a part of transfusion algorithm triggering targeted postpump hemostatic management.

Preoperative Functional Platelet Number Is Inversely Associated With 30-Day Mortality After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. We hypothesize that preoperative functional platelet number (platelet count multiplied by platelet aggregation percentage) are associated with 30-day mortality after cardiac surgery. Methods. We linked our preoperative testing database with the STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeon) database to form a study cohort of 1390 patients who had cardiac surgeries between January 2008 and December 2013. Preoperative tests of platelet count and platelet aggregation were routinely performed on all cardiac surgical patients within 24 hours before entering the operating room. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine whether functional platelet number are associated with 30-day mortality, modified composite major adverse cardiocerebral events, postoperative renal failure or requirement for new renal replacement therapy, and reoperation for bleeding. Log-linear models were used to examine whether functional platelet numbers are associated with hospital length of stay and intensive care unit length of stay. Results. Functional platelet number had an inverse association with 30-day mortality, and each 50 × 10⁹/L increase in functional platelet number resulted in decreased 30-day mortality (odds ratio of 0.767 with 95% confidence interval = 0.591-0.996). For secondary outcomes, functional platelet number was neither associated with major adverse cardiocerebral event nor length of stay. However, we found that each 50 × 10⁹/L increase in functional platelet number was associated with decreased reoperations for bleeding (odds ratio of 0.778 with 95% confidence interval = 0.636-0.951). Conclusions. The preoperative functional platelet number had significant associations with 30-day mortality after cardiac surgery. Functional platelet number could be used to guide timing of cardiac surgery, especially as more and more patients are receiving antiplatelet medications nowadays.

Applying the Cell-Based Coagulation Model in the Management of Critical Bleeding

The cell-based coagulation model was proposed 15 years ago, yet has not been applied commonly in the management of critical bleeding. Nevertheless, this alternative model may better explain the physiological basis of current coagulation management during critical bleeding. In this article we describe the limitations of the traditional coagulation protein cascade and standard coagulation tests, and explain the potential advantages of applying the cell-based model in current coagulation management strategies. The cell-based coagulation model builds on the traditional coagulation model and explains many recent clinical observations and research findings related to critical bleeding unexplained by the traditional model, including the encouraging results of using empirical 1:1:1 fresh frozen plasma:platelets:red blood cells transfusion strategy, and the use of viscoelastic and platelet function tests in patients with critical bleeding. From a practical perspective, applying the cell-based coagulation model also explains why new direct oral anticoagulants are effective systemic anticoagulants even without affecting activated partial thromboplastin time or the International Normalized Ratio in a dose-related fashion. The cell-based coagulation model represents the most cohesive scientific framework on which we can understand and manage coagulation during critical bleeding.

Novel strategies for assessing platelet reactivity

There are many approaches to assessing platelet reactivity and many uses for such measurements. Initially, measurements were based on the ability of platelets separated from other blood cells to aggregate together following activation with an appropriate 'aggregating agent'. Later, measurements of platelet aggregation in blood itself were performed, and this led to a point-of-care approach to platelet function testing. Measurement of secretory activity through the appearance of the activation marker P-selectin on platelets now provides an alternative approach, which enables remote testing. Measurement of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation is also moving toward application in situations remote from the testing laboratory. Here we provide an overview of the various approaches that are now available, assess their advantages and disadvantages, and describe some of the clinical situations in which they are being used.

Platelet function testing in cardiac surgery

Bleeding in cardiac surgery is known to cause increased morbidity and mortality. The rise in the use of anti-platelet medication has led to an increase in the number of patients presenting for cardiac surgery with platelet dysfunction, who are at a heightened risk of bleeding. However, the extent of platelet inhibition is well known to differ among individuals. In the past few years, a number of point-of-care platelet function testing devices, which may be able to assess platelet reactivity, have entered the market. This review will examine the devices most commonly studied and the evidence surrounding their use in cardiac surgery and their effect on blood loss.

Platelet function testing as a biomarker for efficacy of antiplatelet drugs

Despite the overwhelming evidence in support of the efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, it is also obvious that not all patients benefit from these drugs to the same extent. This interindividual variability in platelet responses may underlie clinical differences in drug efficacy, with potential for optimization of antiplatelet therapy to prevent ischemic events without excessively increasing bleeding risk. This review presents the current evidence regarding platelet function testing for monitoring of antiplatelet therapy, with emphasis on the prognostic value of platelet function testing to predict ischemic and bleeding events. The potential of platelet function testing to provide personalized antiplatelet therapy is also discussed, with an outlook toward the future of platelet function testing in high-risk individuals.

Perioperative Approach to Anticoagulants and Hematologic Disorders

Hematologic disorders and patients on anticoagulants or at risk for venous thromboembolism encompass a broad array of diagnoses, which can potentially complicate perioperative planning and management. This article addresses both bleeding and clotting concerns as well as special hematologic issues.

Anti-platelet Therapy Resistance - Concept, Mechanisms and Platelet Function Tests in Intensive Care Facilities

It is well known that critically ill patients require special attention and additional consideration during their treatment and management. The multiple systems and organ dysfunctions, typical of the critical patient, often results in different patterns of enteral absorption in these patients. Anti-platelet drugs are the cornerstone in treating patients with coronary and cerebrovascular disease. Dual anti-platelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is the treatment of choice in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary interventions and is still widely used in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, despite the use of dual anti-platelet therapy, some patients continue to experience cardiovascular ischemic events. Recurrence of ischemic events is partly attributed to the fact that some patients have poor inhibition of platelet reactivity despite treatment. These patients are considered low- or non-responders to therapy. The underlying mechanisms leading to resistance are not yet fully elucidated and are probably multifactorial, cellular, genetic and clinical factors being implicated. Several methods have been developed to asses platelet function and can be used to identify patients with persistent platelet reactivity, which have an increased risk of thrombosis. In this paper, the concept of anti-platelet therapy resistance, the underlying mechanisms and the methods used to identify patients with low responsiveness to anti-platelet therapy will be highlighted with a focus on aspirin and clopidogrel therapy and addressing especially critically ill patients.

Clopidogrel Response Variability: Review of the Literature and Practical Considerations

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is standard therapy following acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention. Despite the use of potent antiplatelet agents, vascular events continue to occur. Lack of response to clopidogrel therapy has been widely investigated using various methods of platelet function testing. These studies have consistently found an association between poor clopidogrel response and an increased risk of vascular events. Strategies to overcome this problem include higher clopidogrel doses or the use of an alternative P2Y12 agent. To date, the majority of studies investigating tailored antiplatelet therapy have failed to show any reduction in clinical events likely due to the low-risk population studied. Despite this lack of benefit from altering therapy, platelet function testing may be done in certain patient populations. Patients at high risk of deleterious outcomes from stent thrombosis may be an appropriate patient population for platelet function testing to ensure adequate response to therapy. In addition, emerging data suggests a potential role for platelet function testing to assess for bleeding risk. The purpose of this article is to review the key studies demonstrating response variability to clopidogrel therapy, strategies to overcome variability, and practical considerations for the clinician.

Excessive bleeding predictors after cardiac surgery in adults: integrative review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To integrate literature data on the predictors of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery in adults.

BACKGROUND

Perioperative nursing care requires awareness of the risk factors for excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery to assure vigilance prioritising and early correction of those that are modifiable.

DESIGN

Integrative literature review.

METHODS

Articles were searched in seven databases. Seventeen studies investigating predictive factors for excessive bleeding after open-heart surgery from 2004-2014 were included.

RESULTS

Predictors of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery were: Patient-related: male gender, higher preoperative haemoglobin levels, lower body mass index, diabetes mellitus, impaired left ventricular function, lower amount of prebypass thrombin generation, lower preoperative platelet counts, decreased preoperative platelet aggregation, preoperative platelet inhibition level >20%, preoperative thrombocytopenia and lower preoperative fibrinogen concentration. Procedure-related: the operating surgeon, coronary artery bypass surgery with three or more bypasses, use of the internal mammary artery, duration of surgery, increased cross-clamp time, increased cardiopulmonary bypass time, lower intraoperative core body temperature and bypass-induced haemostatic disorders. Postoperative: fibrinogen levels and metabolic acidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-related, procedure-related and postoperative predictors of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery were identified.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The predictors summarised in this review can be used for risk stratification of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery. Assessment, documentation and case reporting can be guided by awareness of these factors, so that postoperative vigilance can be prioritised. Timely identification and correction of the modifiable factors can be facilitated.

Preoperative platelet aggregation predicts perioperative blood loss and rethoracotomy for bleeding in patients receiving dual antiplatelet treatment prior to coronary surgery

INTRODUCTION

Patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are commonly treated with clopidogrel. We sought to assess the relation between preoperative platelet aggregation and bleeds in CABG patients on clopidogrel.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a case-control study, we compared 52 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG on aspirin and clopidogrel 75mg/d versus 50 controls on aspirin monotherapy. Platelet aggregation induced by 10μmol/l adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) in platelet-rich plasma was measured in subjects on clopidogrel within 5days prior to surgery. ADP-induced aggregation of ≥50% was used to define subjects with satisfactory inhibition of platelet reactivity.

RESULTS

In 29 patients with preoperative ADP-induced aggregation ≥50%, compared with 23 subjects with aggregation <50%, lower chest-tube drainage volumes (after 6h, p=0.002; and 12h, p=0.001) and fewer rethoracotomies were observed (p=0.03). The former group was characterized with lower transfusion rates of packed red blood cells (p=0.009), platelet concentrate (p=0.04) and fresh frozen plasma (p=0.001). Patients with ADP-induced aggregation ≥50% did not differ from untreated controls regarding the postoperative drainage, transfusions and rethoracotomy. The incidence of thromboembolic events and death during perioperative period were similar in all groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified ADP-induced aggregation <50% as the only independent predictor of rethoracotomy (OR=2.94 [1.12-7.75], p=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients on aspirin and clopidogrel <5days before CABG who had preoperative ADP-induced platelet aggregation ≥50% have bleeding risk similar to those receiving aspirin monotherapy. Reduced platelet reactivity to ADP can predict postoperative bleeding in CABG patients on dual antiplatelet therapy.

Predictive factors for bleeding-related re-exploration after cardiac surgery: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bleeding-related re-exploration is a life-threatening complication after cardiac surgery. Nurses must be aware of important risk factors for this complication so that their assessment, monitoring and evaluation activities can be prioritized, focused and anticipated.

AIMS

To identify the predictive factors for bleeding-related re-exploration after cardiac surgery and to describe the sources of postoperative bleeding.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study at a tertiary cardiac school-hospital in São Paulo/SP, Brazil. Adult patients (n=323) submitted to surgical correction of acquired cardiac diseases were included. Potential risk factors for bleeding-related re-exploration within the 24 hours following admission to the intensive care unit were investigated in the patients' charts. A univariate analysis and a multiple analysis through logistic regression were conducted to identify the outcome predictors. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was calculated as a measure of accuracy considering the cut-off points with the highest sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

The univariate factors significantly associated with bleeding-related re-exploration were a lower preoperative platelet count, a lower number of bypasses in coronary artery bypass surgery and postoperatively, a lower body temperature, infusion of lower intravenous volume, a higher positive end-expiratory pressure during mechanical ventilation and transfusion of blood products. The independent predictors of bleeding-related re-exploration included postoperative red blood cell transfusion, and transfusion of fresh frozen plasma, platelet or cryoprecipitate units. These predictors had a sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 99.28% and an accuracy of 97.93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood product transfusion postoperatively is an independent predictor of bleeding-related re-exploration. Surgical errors prevailed as sources of bleeding.

Platelet function tests: a comparative review

In physiological hemostasis a prompt recruitment of platelets on the vessel damage prevents the bleeding by the rapid formation of a platelet plug. Qualitative and/or quantitative platelet defects promote bleeding, whereas the high residual reactivity of platelets in patients on antiplatelet therapies moves forward thromboembolic complications. The biochemical mechanisms of the different phases of platelet activation – adhesion, shape change, release reaction, and aggregation – have been well delineated, whereas their complete translation into laboratory assays has not been so fulfilled. Laboratory tests of platelet function, such as bleeding time, light transmission platelet aggregation, lumiaggregometry, impedance aggregometry on whole blood, and platelet activation investigated by flow cytometry, are traditionally utilized for diagnosing hemostatic disorders and managing patients with platelet and hemostatic defects, but their use is still limited to specialized laboratories. To date, a point-of-care testing (POCT) dedicated to platelet function, using pertinent devices much simpler to use, has now become available (ie, PFA-100, VerifyNow System, Multiplate Electrode Aggregometry [MEA]). POCT includes new methodologies which may be used in critical clinical settings and also in general laboratories because they are rapid and easy to use, employing whole blood without the necessity of sample processing. Actually, these different platelet methodologies for the evaluation of inherited and acquired bleeding disorders and/or for monitoring antiplatelet therapies are spreading and the study of platelet function is strengthening. In this review, well-tried and innovative platelet function tests and their methodological features and clinical applications are considered.

Posttreatment platelet reactivity on clopidogrel is associated with the risk of adverse events after off-pump coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is currently recommended in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). However, no data exist concerning platelet reactivity on clopidogrel after OPCAB. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between platelet reactivity and late major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after OPCAB.

METHODS

In this prospective, single-center, observational study, on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity was measured using a point-of-care assay (VerifyNow system; Accumetrics Inc, San Diego, CA) in 859 patients who underwent OPCAB with 1 or more vein grafts. The primary end point was late MACEs (30 days-1 year) including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to estimate the cutoff value of P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs) for MACEs.

RESULTS

The optimal cutoff value for posttreatment reactivity for the incidence of late MACEs was ≥188 PRU (area under the curve 0.72, 95% CI 0.68-0.75, P = .002). The incidence of late MACEs was significantly higher in the high platelet reactivity (HPR; ≥188 PRU) group than in the low platelet reactivity (<188 PRU) group (3.6% vs. 1.4%, P = .040). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed 1-year MACE-free survival rates of 98.4% ± 0.5% and 95.9% ± 1.3% in the low platelet reactivity and HPR groups, respectively (P = .034). According to a Cox regression hazard model, HPR was an independent risk factor for late MACE-free survival (hazard ratio 3.51, 95% CI 1.27-9.69, P = .015).

CONCLUSION

High residual platelet reactivity after clopidogrel administration is strongly associated with 1-year MACE-free survival. Routine measurement of platelet reactivity and thorough monitoring of patients with HPR after OPCAB are warranted.