Effect of Abrupt Plavix® Discontinuation on Platelet Function

March 24, 2009 updated by: Université de Montréal

The well established importance of regular administration of antiplatelet drugs stands on firm grounds, as large meta-analyses have shown these therapies to significantly reduce the risk of death. Plavix® (clopidogrel) is widely used following coronary angioplasty, to reduce the risk of periprocedural thrombotic complications, for up to one year. As the current recommendations suggest clopidogrel use for no longer than one year, the drug is normally discontinued within that period. In the limited state of knowledge on antiplatelet drug withdrawal, an early sound of alarm has risen from early thromboembolic complications reported after the interruption of antiplatelet treatment used in prevention of ischemic vascular disease. Although little information is available, discontinuation of thienopyridines has been associated with increased thromboembolic complications, mainly acute stent thrombosis. These complications may signal a platelet sensitization effect to aggregating stimuli by antiplatelet drugs taken chronically.

The current study aims to evaluate the impact of clopidogrel discontinuation on platelet function, in order to shed light on underlying mechanisms leading to increased risk of acute thrombo-occlusive events.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Intervention / Treatment

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Anticipated)

52

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Quebec
      • Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4J 1C5
        • Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montreal

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 90 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients with stable coronary artery disease

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Group 1: Patients suffering from stable CAD scheduled to discontinue clopidogrel therapy at least one month after stent implantation
  • Group 2: Stable clopidogrel-naïve CAD patients
  • Patients willing to participate in the study and to sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Acute coronary syndrome or revascularization in the last 3 months prior to enrolment
  • Concurrent ingestion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective anti-inflammatory drugs), ticlopidine, dipyridamole, warfarin or acenocoumarol
  • Major surgical procedure within 1 month before enrolment
  • Platelet count outside the 100 000 to 450 000/μL range
  • Hematocrit < 25% or haemoglobin < 100 g/L
  • Patient undergoing dialysis for chronic renal failure

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
A
Patients with stable CAD with scheduled discontinuation of clopidogrel
B
Patients with stable CAD not taking clopidogrel

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

January 1, 2008

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2009

Study Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2009

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 30, 2008

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 1, 2008

First Posted (Estimate)

May 2, 2008

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

March 25, 2009

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 24, 2009

Last Verified

March 1, 2009

More Information

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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