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.

A Combined Microsurgical and Endovascular Approach to Giant Paraclinoid Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Giant paraclinoid aneurysm remains a treatment challenge because of their complex anatomy and surgical difficulties stems frequently from a calcified or atherosclerotic aneurysmal neck and compression of the optic pathways.1-9 To improve exposure, facilitate the dissection of the aneurysm, assure vascular control, reduce brain retraction and temporary occlusion time, and enable simultaneous treatment of possible associated aneurysms, we combined the cranio-orbital zygomatic (COZ) approach9 with endovascular balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and suction decompression of the aneurysm.4 The patient is a 50-yr-old female who presented with headache and hemianopsia. MRI, CT, and 4-vessel angiography revealed a giant right ophthalmic paraclinoid partially thrombosed aneurysm. Surgery was performed via right COZ approach with removal of the anterior clinoid. Unroofing the optic canal and opening the falciform ligament and the optic sheath, allowing the dissection and mobilization of the optic nerve from the aneurysm and the origin of ophthalmic artery. The endovascular team placed a deflated, double lumen balloon catheter in the ICA 2 cm above the common carotid bifurcation. Proximal control is achieved by inflating the balloon. Distal control is then gained by temporary clipping just proximal of the origin of PcomA.4 Retrograde suction decompression through the catheter partially collapses and softens the aneurysm.1,4,6-8 Carotid occlusion was applied twice, 2:47 and 2:57 min. Intraoperative angiogram revealed the obliteration of the aneurysm and the patency of the carotid and ophthalmic artery. The patient recovered well, and visual deficit resolved and was neurologically intact. Patient consented for surgery. Illustrations in video reprinted with minimal modification from Surgical Neurology, vol 50, issue 6, Arnautović KI, Al-Mefty O, Angtuaco E, A combined microsurgical skull-base and endovascular approach to giant and large paraclinoid aneuroysms, 504-518,4 Copyright 1998, with permission from Elsevier Science Inc.