Aspirin resistance and compliance with therapy

Dawson, J. , Quinn, T.J. , Rafferty, M., Higgins, P., Ray, G., Lees, K.R. and Walters, M.R. (2010) Aspirin resistance and compliance with therapy. Cardiovascular Therapeutics, 29(5), pp. 301-307. (doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5922.2010.00188.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-5922.2010.00188.x

Abstract

Introduction: Aspirin resistance is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in aspirin-treated patients. Poor compliance may explain many cases of "resistance," yet few clinical studies have used objective measurement of therapy compliance. We did so in a case-controlled study. Methods: We enrolled patients within 24 h of ischemic stroke and a group of controls taking aspirin who had never suffered a vascular event on therapy. All claimed to be compliant. We assessed platelet function using platelet function analyser (PFA)-100 and rapid platelet function analyser (RPFA) devices, applying standard definitions of resistance. We used high-performance liquid chromatography for levels of aspirin metabolites in the urine to confirm compliance with therapy. We compared rates of resistance in stroke patients and controls, and performed subgroup analysis restricted to patients with objective confirmation of recent aspirin ingestion. Results: We recruited 90 cases and 90 controls. Complete platelet function tests were available in 177. Resistance rates seen in cases and controls, respectively, were: resistance on one or more test, 30 (34%) versus 21 (25%), P = 0.19; on PFA-100 testing only, 28 (32%) versus 15 (18%), P = 0.031; on RPFA testing only, 16 (18%) versus 12 (14%), P = 0.54; resistance on both tests, 12 (14%) versus 5 (6%), P = 0.037. When only patients with objective evidence of recent aspirin ingestion were considered (n = 71), rates were similar regardless of definition of resistance used. Conclusion: Aspirin resistance is common but poor compliance accounted for nearly half of cases of apparent aspirin "failure." Objective measures to assess compliance are essential in studies of aspirin resistance

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ray, Dr Gautamananda and Walters, Professor Matthew and Lees, Professor Kennedy and Dawson, Professor Jesse and Quinn, Professor Terry and Higgins, Dr Peter
Authors: Dawson, J., Quinn, T.J., Rafferty, M., Higgins, P., Ray, G., Lees, K.R., and Walters, M.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Cardiovascular Therapeutics
ISSN:1755-5914

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