Effect of clopidogrel premedication on clinical outcomes and bleeding complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of clopidogrel premedication on in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) and bleeding outcomes before coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Method A total of 2021 patients who underwent CABG from July 2003 to September 2005 were divided into either clopidogrel ( n = 479) or no clopidogrel (1542) group before CABG. Patients with clopidogrel administration ( n = 479) were subdivided into 7d(n = 142) group according to timing of clopidogrel withdrawal before surgery. In-hospital MACCE and perioperative bleeding outcomes were analyzed among groups. Results Patients who took clopidogrel before surgery had nonsignificantly rates of bleeding and in-hospital MACCE compared with those patients not administered clopidogrel. No differences were found about the incidence of total bleeding,minor bleeding,transfusions of red blood cells,fresh frozen plasma,whole blood and in-hosptial MACCE among three subgroups.The 7 d group [47.8% vs. 20.3%,P 7 d group ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Gopidogrel administration before CABG does not increase the incidence of in-hospital MACCE events. However,the perioperative risk of bleeding will rise if the patients withhold clopidogrel less than five days before surgery. Key words: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery; Clopidogrel; Oral antiplatelet therapy; Complication; Bleeding complications; Transfusions; Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events; Adverse drug reaction