Testing Platelet Activation With a Shear-Dependent Platelet Function Test Versus Aggregation-Based Tests Relevance for Monitoring Long-Term Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition

Background—Tests developed to monitor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blockade do not properly reflect platelet function in vivo and need a baseline (pretreatment) value. Because GP IIb/IIIa is essential in platelet aggregation and thrombosis under shear conditions, a flow-dependent approach to monitor its inhibition can be used. Methods and Results—We compared a test based on flow-dependent platelet deposition, the Cone and Platelet Analyzer (CPA), with in vitro platelet aggregometry and the Rapid Platelet Function Assay (RPFA) on platelet function after GP IIb/IIIa inhibition. In vitro, increasing concentrations of abciximab (0 % to 100 % receptor occupancy) were tested. Ex vivo, platelet function was monitored with the CPA and with aggregometry for up to 1 week after abciximab administration. The CPA was better correlated with the percentage of free GP IIb/IIIa receptors than was aggregometry or the RPFA. Only the RPFA, when expressed as a ratio over baseline (pretreatment), was comparable to the CPA. Ex vivo, the CPA, but not aggregometry, showed prolonged platelet inhibition with gradual recovery from GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade in the first week after abciximab administration. Conclusions—Platelet function assessment by shear-induced deposition is a reliable test to monitor a wide range of GP IIb/IIIa inhibition. Its accuracy does not require a baseline reference. The effects of GP IIb/IIIa blockade on platelet function should be examined under high shear conditions. (Circulation. 2001;103:1488-1491.) Key Words: platelets n tests n drug