Address of Corresponding Author

Cerebrovasc Dis 2005;19:214-219 (DOI: 10.1159/000083885)

  Key Words

• Aspirin
• Collagen
• Platelet aggregation

  Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown the potential benefit of using antiplatelet agents with complementary modes of action. Methods: Using a crossover design, the ex vivo antiplatelet effects of 10 days' treatment with clopidogrel 75 mg + acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 75 mg daily, ASA 75 mg/day, or extended-release dipyridamole 200 mg/low-dose ASA 25 mg twice daily were compared, using various platelet agonists. Results: Clopidogrel + ASA was significantly more effective than dipyridamole + ASA in inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood (mean 44.9 ± 5.6% inhibition vs. 16.5 ± 6.7%; p = 0.0009). Clopidogrel + ASA was significantly more effective than ASA or dipyridamole + ASA in inhibiting ADP-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood (p 0.0001) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (p 0.0001), and in inhibiting collagen-induced aggregation in PRP (p 0.0001). ASA alone and clopidogrel + ASA were significantly more effective than dipyridamole + ASA in inhibiting arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood (p 0.0001). Conclusions: Based on ex vivo platelet aggregometry, clopidogrel + ASA is a more potent antiplatelet regimen than either ASA alone or the marketed combination of dipyridamole + ASA. However, the clinical significance of this finding remains to be confirmed.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Henri Caplain
1, avenue Pierre Brossolette
FR-91385 Chilly-Mazarin Cedex (France)
Tel. +33 1 69 79 43 81, Fax +33 1 69 79 75 92
E-Mail henri.caplain@sanofi-aventis.com

  Article Information

Received: April 3, 2004
Accepted: August 16, 2004
Published online: February 8, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 29