EDITORIAL The challenge of monitoring platelet response after clopidogrel

This editorial refers to: ‘Comparison of four tests to assess inhibition of platelet function by clopidogrel in stable cor-onary artery disease patients’ † by M. Lordkipanidze ́ et al., on page 2877 Despite the established importance of platelet inhibition for the treatment or prevention of thrombotic vascular events, recent oral antiplatelet drug development cannot be considered as a uniform, complete success. In fact, the MATCH,1 CHARISMA,2 and TRITON3 trials raise concerns with regard to the vascular effi-cacy (questionable, if any) and the obvious increased bleeding risks that arise from more potent antiplatelet regimens. Therefore, attempts to identify the high-risk cohorts that experience worse clinical outcomes or excessive haemorrhagic complications should be undertaken and represent the top priority for further antiplatelet drug development. The delicate balance betwee