Contemporary antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndromes: are there differences in outcomes and discontinuation between clopidogrel and ticagrelor?

Nonadherence to ticagrelor versus clopidogrel and clinical outcomes in patients with ACS. Results from the CREA-ARIAM registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Prior studies have not determined whether the effect of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) cessation on the subsequent risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) varies by the choice of P2Y12-inhibitor after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We performed a prespecified subanalysis of a multicenter, prospective registry of ACS patients discharged on ticagrelor or clopidogrel between 2015 and2019. Nonadherence to DAPT was categorized as physician-guided discontinuation and disruption due to adverse effects, nonadherence, or bleeding. The association between DAPT cessation and 1-year MACE was analyzed using multivariate time-updated Cox models with inverse probability of censoring weighted estimators.

RESULTS

Out of 2180 patients, 174 (8.3%) prematurely discontinued DAPT (physician-guided, n=126; disruption, n=48). Nonadherent patients were older and had more comorbidities than those on DAPT. Compared with physician-guided discontinuation, disruption occurred earlier after discharge and was more frequent with ticagrelor than with clopidogrel. In time-varying analysis, DAPT cessation was associated with an increased risk of MACE (adjusted HR, 1.32, 95%CI, 1.10-1.76), largely driven by disruption (adjusted HR, 1.47, 95%CI, 1.22-1.73). There was an exponential increase in MACE risk after DAPT cessation within 90 days after ACS, especially after disruption of ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel (Pinteraction<.001). After adjustment for DAPT duration, this interaction was not statistically significant on the additive scale (relative excess risk due to interaction 0.12, 95%CI,-0.99-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS

In this all-comers registry, 1 in 12 patients prematurely discontinued DAPT within 1 year after ACS. Compared with physician-recommended discontinuation, disruption resulted in a significantly higher risk of MACE. After adjustment for DAPT duration, this association was not moderated by the choice of P2Y12-inhibitor. Clinical trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02500290).

Proton pump inhibitors and gastroprotection in patients treated with antithrombotic drugs: A cardiologic point of view

Aspirin, other antiplatelet agents, and anticoagulant drugs are used across a wide spectrum of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A concomitant proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is often prescribed in these patients, as gastrointestinal complications are relatively frequent. On the other hand, a potential increased risk of cardiovascular events has been suggested in patients treated with PPIs; in particular, it has been discussed whether these drugs may reduce the cardiovascular protection of clopidogrel, due to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions through hepatic metabolism. Previously, the concomitant use of clopidogrel and omeprazole or esomeprazole has been discouraged. In contrast, it remains less known whether PPI use may affect the clinical efficacy of ticagrelor and prasugrel, new P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Current guidelines recommend PPI use in combination with antiplatelet treatment in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, including advanced age, concurrent use of anticoagulants, steroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In patients taking oral anticoagulant with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, PPIs could be recommended, even if their usefulness deserves further data. H. pylori infection should always be investigated and treated in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease (with or without complication) treated with antithrombotic drugs. The present review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the widespread combined use of platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, and PPIs, discussing consequent clinical implications.

Gastroprotection in patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy: a position paper of National Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) and the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO)

Aspirin and P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonists are widely used across the spectrum of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Gastrointestinal complications, including ulcer and bleeding, are relatively common during antiplatelet treatment and, therefore, concomitant proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is often prescribed. However, potential increased risk of cardiovascular events has been suggested for PPIs, and, in recent years, it has been discussed whether these drugs may reduce the cardiovascular protection by aspirin and, even more so, clopidogrel. Indeed, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies suggested an interaction through hepatic CYP2C19 between PPIs and clopidogrel, which could translate into clinical inefficacy, leading to higher rates of cardiovascular events. The FDA and the EMA sent a warning in 2010 discouraging the concomitant use of clopidogrel with omeprazole or esomeprazole. In addition, whether the use of PPIs may affect the clinical efficacy of the new P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonists, ticagrelor and prasugrel, remains less known. According to current guidelines, PPIs in combination with antiplatelet treatment are recommended in patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding, including advanced age, concurrent use of anticoagulants, steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Like vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), DOACs can determine gastrointestinal bleeding. Results from both randomized clinical trials and observational studies suggest that high-dose dabigatran (150 mg bid), rivaroxaban and high-dose edoxaban (60 mg daily) are associated with a higher risk of GI bleeding as compared with apixaban and warfarin. In patients taking oral anticoagulant with GI risk factor, PPI could be recommended, even if usefulness of PPIs in these patients deserves further data. Helicobacter pylori should always be searched, and treated, in patients with history of peptic ulcer disease (with or without complication). Given the large number of patients treated with antithrombotic drugs and PPIs, even a minor reduction of platelet inhibition or anticoagulant effect potentially carries a considerable clinical impact. The present joint statement by ANMCO and AIGO summarizes the current knowledge regarding the widespread use of platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, and PPIs in combination. Moreover, it outlines evidence supporting or opposing drug interactions between these drugs and discusses consequent clinical implications.

Safety and feasibility of low-dose ticagrelor in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Previous studies have confirmed the safety and feasibility of half‐dose ticagrelor in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome, but currently there is no plan for the use of ticagrelor for Chinese ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Hypothesis

It is safe and feasible of low‐dose ticagrelor in patients with STEMI.

Methods

The STEMI patients who were undergoing emergency intervention and taking ticagrelor were enrolled. Patients whose level of platelet aggregation rate (PAR) less than 30% after 7‐day treatment with standard‐dose ticagrelor were randomly divided into low‐dose group (LD group, 45 mg twice daily) and standard‐dose group (SD group, 90 mg twice daily). The changes of levels of platelet parameters were compared between the two groups. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), bleeding events were compared between the two groups within 6 months of follow‐up.

Results

The levels of PAR in the SD group decreased compared with baseline, and was lower than those of LD group at the same time point. The levels of platelet distribution width in both groups decreased from the baseline values (all p < .05) at 1, 3, and 6 months after grouping treatment, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of MACE was similar between the two groups of patients. There were decreasing trends in the incidences of minimal bleeding event, minor bleeding event, dyspnea, and gout in the LD group.

Conclusion

It is safe and feasible of low‐dose ticagrelor for patients with STEMI based on the monitoring of PAR.

Factors associated with platelet reactivity during dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with diabetes after acute coronary syndrome

Antiplatelet drugs are prescribed without considering the diabetic status of the patient. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the impact of clinical factors, CYP4F2 enzyme and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) concentrations on high on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with diabetes treated with antiplatelet drugs following acute coronary syndromes. A total of 667 patients were included in the study. Dual antiplatelet drug loading dosages with aspirin (300 mg) and ticagrelor (180 mg) or clopidogrel (600 mg) were prescribed to all the studied patients. Testing of platelet aggregation was performed the day after loading antiplatelet drug dosages. Platelet aggregation test was done according to the classical Born method. Multivariate binary regression analysis demonstrated that insulin use and higher 20-HETE concentration increased the odds of high on-treatment platelet reactivity during the initiation of antiplatelet drug therapy (OR: 3.968, 95% CI: 1.478-10.656, p = 0.006 and OR: 1.139, 95% CI: 1.073-1.210, respectively, p < 0.001). Ticagrelor use decreased the odds of developing high on-treatment platelet reactivity (OR: 0.238, 95% CI: 0.097-0.585, p = 0.002). Data from this study revealed that high on-treatment platelet reactivity during dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with diabetes may depend on such factors as insulin prescription and 20-HETE concentration.

Real-world use of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in percutaneous coronary intervention-treated ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients: A single-center registry study

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) using ticagrelor (T-DAPT) versus clopidogrel (C-DAPT) in a real-world ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 655 consecutive patients having primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia (from January 2013 to April 2016). Medical and procedural therapies were at clinician discretion. Patient data were retrieved from hospital records and primary clinicians.

RESULTS

T-DAPT (65%) was used more frequently, and in patients with lower mean CRUSADE (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines) score, than C-DAPT (24.6 vs. 32.2; p < 0.0001, respectively). All-cause mortality was 9.0% at 2.7 years follow-up, with fewer deaths for T-DAPT (4.5% vs. 17.2%; p < 0.0001). T-DAPT incurred less BARC (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium) 3-5 major bleeding (5.0% vs. 12.4%; p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression showed that C-DAPT, GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Cardiac Events) score, and renal insufficiency were independently associated with mortality. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and GRACE score independently predicted BARC 3-5 bleeding. Early DAPT discontinuation (1.7%) and ticagrelor intolerance (7.6%) was rare. Switching DAPT regimen was infrequent (21.7%) and mostly attributed to clinician preference (73.2%). Independent determinants of C-DAPT selection were older age, diabetes, prior PCI, IABP, and higher CRUSADE score.

CONCLUSION

Ticagrelor was preferred in low bleeding risk patients, which may have contributed to less BARC 3-5 bleeding and lower mortality for T-DAPT. Thus, bleeding mitigation is a clinical priority when selecting DAPT for PCI-treated STEMI patients. Continuation of initial DAPT regimen was typical, but early switching from clopidogrel to ticagrelor shows willingness to optimize DAPT. Patients with very low CRUSADE scores (<21.5) may be appropriate for switching to a potent P2Y12 inhibitor.

Frequency and Reasons of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Discontinuation and Switching of P2Y12 Inhibitors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated with Stent Implantation

BACKGROUND

Incidence and reasons of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) discontinuation and switching between P2Y12 inhibitors in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with a stent have been poorly studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a prospective single-center study, 283 consecutive patients presenting with ACS were treated with stent implantation between July 2015 and January 2016. Follow-up was achieved at 12 months in 273 patients using the electronic patient file and telephone interview. Switching from clopidogrel to a new antiplatelet agent (ticagrelor or prasugrel) or vice versa occurred in 60 (21.2%) patients. The most frequent reasons for switching were medical decisions not associated with bleeding events and concomitant use of chronic oral anticoagulation. Among the patients with a 1-year follow-up, 42 (15.4%) prematurely discontinued DAPT; 25 of them did so due to the need for an invasive procedure. DAPT premature discontinuation was not significantly associated with an increased 1-year risk of cardiovascular death or serious cardiac ischemic events (HR 2.08 [CI 95%: 0.88-4.94, p = 0.099]).

CONCLUSIONS

DAPT discontinuation and switching between P2Y12 inhibitors are not uncommon in patients with ACS treated with a stent. The most frequent reasons were the need for an invasive procedure and medical decisions.

De-escalation from ticagrelor to clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

De-escalation from ticagrelor to clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may occur for a variety of reasons, including side effects (bleeding and non-bleeding) and costs. This study sought to assess the prevalence of de-escalation from ticagrelor to clopidogrel and the occurrence of adverse clinical outcomes following de-escalation. We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials and real-world studies in ACS patients treated with ticagrelor. Real-world data on the prevalence of de-escalation during hospitalization or at discharge, after hospital discharge, and during the whole study period were included for meta-analysis. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and bleeding events occurring after de-escalation were also assessed. A total of 12 studies were eligible for meta-analysis of the prevalence of de-escalation. De-escalation from ticagrelor to clopidogrel therapy occurred with a mean prevalence of 19.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.2-28.4%]. De-escalation occurred more frequently in-hospital or at discharge than after hospital discharge (23.7% vs. 15.8%). For assessment of clinical outcomes, a total of six studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Mean rate of MACE for patients with de-escalation was 2.1% (95% CI 1.1-4.1%) and the rate of major bleeding events was 1.3% (95% CI 0.4-4.5%). In conclusion, de-escalation commonly occurs in real-world practice. Although rates of major cardiovascular and bleeding events in this analysis were generally low, the profile of patients suitable for de-escalation, the impact of de-escalation on adverse clinical outcomes and how this is affected by the timing after index ACS warrants further large-scale investigation.

The impact of CYP2C19 and CYP4F2 variants and clinical factors on treatment outcomes during antiplatelet therapy

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of genetic and nongenetic factors on treatment outcomes in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation. Materials & methods: Patients (n = 628) used clopidogrel or ticagrelor for at least 1 week before platelet aggregation test. Results: Multivariate binary regression analysis demonstrated that aspirin use and CYP4F2 T allele significantly increased odds for bleeding in clopidogrel users (OR: 2.488, 95% CI: 1.452-4.265; p = 0.001 and OR: 1.573, 95% CI: 1.066-2.320; respectively; p = 0.022). CYP4F2 T allele significantly increased odds for bleeding in ticagrelor users (OR: 8.270, 95% CI: 3.917-17.462; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aspirin use and CYP4F2 T allele were significantly associated with bleeding during dual antiplatelet therapy.

Ticagrelor-related late-onset dyspnea as cause of emergency department visit: a 3-year outpatient study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the current study was to define the rate of emergency department visits for late-onset dyspnea in acute coronary syndrome patients treated with ticagrelor.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study on about 850 000 residents of Florence metropolitan area, by using data from healthcare records.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2014, 1073 subjects in Florence metropolitan area had at least one prescription of ticagrelor. Two-hundred and thirty-four patients were diagnosed with 'respiratory system or other chest symptoms' or 'other diseases of lung', and among them we identified 20 subjects with ticagrelor-related late-onset dyspnea. These, and the 979 nonevent subjects (receiving ticagrelor but not developing dyspnea), contributed to 413 person-years overall. The dyspnea rate was 4.84 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 3.12-7.51).

CONCLUSION

Late-onset dyspnea rate is notably lower than early-onset one; nevertheless prescribing clinicians should be aware that about one in 20 outpatients with a stabilized ticagrelor treatment might develop a dyspnea leading to an emergency department visit, and they should consider ticagrelor replacement only in patients who cannot tolerate dyspnea.