High on Treatment Platelet Reactivity

The addition of clopidogrel to aspirin for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had significantly reduced cardiovascular events. However, despite dual antiplatelet therapy ischaemic events still occur, especially stent thrombosis, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Inter-individual response to clopidogrel is highly variable. It was shown that 4-46% could be considered as high on treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). Recent studies had demonstrated a relationship between HTPR and ischaemic events in the setting of PCI. Actually the assessment of platelet reactivity in routine practice and its interpretation to make a decision is a debatable issue. (Heart, Lung and Circulation (2012);21:12-21) (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc on behalf of Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.