Slow Response to Clopidogrel Predicts Low Response

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the speed of response to clopidogrel loading predicts the final degree of response.BackgroundFast inhibition of platelet aggregation is important in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary intervention, but its association with the final degree of inhibition is not well established.MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis of the ALBION study; early kinetic profiles of adenosine diphosphate 20 μmol/l maximal platelet aggregation (MPA) and ΔMPA (with baseline sample as reference) were studied at 8 time points within the 24 h after clopidogrel loading (300, 600, or 900 mg) in non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients. Low response was defined as ΔMPA <10% over the first 24 h, fast response as ΔMPA ≥10% at 1 h or before loading (the others being slow responders), and high post-treatment platelet reactivity as MPA ≥56.56% (fourth quartile). Inflammatory markers (PAC-1 and P-selectin) and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) were also evaluated according to onset of action.ResultsFifty-five percent of patients were slow responders. Noncurrent smoking and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2were associated with slower and lower responses. High post-treatment platelet reactivity was more frequent in slow responders (28% vs. 14%, p < 0.0001). There was a clopidogrel dose-effect relationship on ΔMPA, with a trend toward faster onset of platelet inhibition in the 900-mg loading dose group. Slow responders had a slower and lower decrease in PAC-1 and P-selectin and higher VASP index at 6 h (76.5% vs. 66.4%, p = 0.019) and 24 h (70.3% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.049).ConclusionsSlow response to clopidogrel, within the first hour of administration, is a reliable marker of low response at 24 h and high post-treatment platelet reactivity.