Low response to clopidogrel is associated with cardiovascular outcome after coronary stent implantation

Abstract

Aims To assess whether low response to clopidogrel influences cardiovascular outcome after coronary stent implantation in a consecutively measured cohort of patients with coronary stent implantation. Methods and results A total of 379 consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD), (stable angina n=206 and acute coronary syndrome, n=173) treated with percutaneous coronary stenting were enrolled in this trial. Responsiveness to clopidogrel was assessed by ADP (20 µmol/L)-induced aggregometry at least 6 h (mean 34.8±25.9 h) after administration of a loading dose of 600 mg clopidogrel. Platelet inhibition P=0.004]. After adjustment for other factors influencing cardiovascular outcome, low response to clopidogrel and severe left ventricular dysfunction were independently associated with a major cardiovascular event within 3 months (hazard ratio for low response to clopidogrel, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.08–12.69; P=0.037). Conclusion Low response to clopidogrel in patients with symptomatic CAD treated by stenting significantly enhances the occurrence of cardiovascular events and death. The evaluation of low response to clopidogrel may help to identify patients at increased risk who may benefit from intensified antiplatelet strategy.