Laboratory Monitoring of Platelet P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors and Reversal of Antiplatelet Agents

Am J Clin Pathol. 2019 Jun 5;152(1):1-6. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqy151.

Abstract

Objectives: To review the use of laboratory tests for antiplatelet agents to determine escalation of antiplatelet therapy and for emergent reversal of P2Y12 inhibitors.

Methods: A case scenario and review of cardiovascular and neurointerventional literature are described.

Results: In cardiovascular disease patients, large randomized trials failed to demonstrate superiority of tailored antiplatelet regimens using the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, where earlier studies had shown promise. Platelet transfusions restored platelet function measured by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, light transmission aggregometry, or thromboelastography but not VerifyNow P2Y12, with the most restoration for clopidogrel and the least for ticagrelor.

Conclusions: Current evidence does not support changing antiplatelet therapy based on the results of platelet function monitoring tests. For emergent reversal of P2Y12 inhibitors, test method can affect platelet dosing recommendations, as different methods may give different results.

Keywords: Clopidogrel; Platelet; Point-of-care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Platelets / drug effects*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Clopidogrel / administration & dosage
  • Clopidogrel / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Platelet Function Tests
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists
  • Clopidogrel