What is the optimal dose of clopidogrel in paediatric patients?

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to collect retrospective data on the prescription of clopidogrel, describe the conditions of its use in the paediatric population of a tertiary referral hospital, and evaluate its use based on the current scientific evidence. Patients and methodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational and descriptive study between March 2010 and March 2017. We included all patients under the age of 18 who were discharged from our hospital for home treatment with clopidogrel within the study period. We collected data on the following: demographic data, diagnosis, indication for clopidogrel, start and end date of treatment, presence or absence of concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid or other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, concomitant treatment with proton pump inhibitors, effectiveness, and adverse effects. ResultsThe study included a total of 11 patients (45% male). The mean age was 3.1 years (range, 1 month to 8 years). The prescribed dose of clopidogrel was 0.2mg/kg/day in all patients, and 10/11 patients received concomitant treatment with acetylsalicylic acid with the purpose of optimising antiplatelet therapy. None of the children received concomitant treatment with anticoagulants, and only one of them received treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. We did not find evidence of haemorrhagic complications or other adverse effects associated with clopidogrel. ConclusionBased on our experience, a clopidogrel dose of 0.2mg/kg/day is a safe and effective treatment, regardless of the patient's age. The good tolerance observed in our study could be related to the adjustment of the optimal dose with the aim of achieving antiplatelet aggregation without increasing the risk of adverse effects.