Clopidogrel In Acute Coronary Syndromes Research Articles

Aspirin and clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes: therapeutic insights from the CURE study.

Platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation are central to thrombus formation, which follows atherosclerotic plaque disruption and causes acute coronary syndromes. Aspirin and clopidogrel exert their antiplatelet effects by inhibiting thromboxane A2 production and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation pathways, respectively. Aspirin has proven benefits in primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. Clopidogrel, an alternative antiplatelet agent used in patients with aspirin intolerance, is especially useful in combination with aspirin after coronary stent procedures. The CURE (Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events) study demonstrates for the first time the benefit of adding clopidogrel to aspirin rather than using aspirin alone in patients having acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients who are resistant to aspirin (up to 10%) have higher rates of cardiovascular events and may derive special benefit from the combination therapy. Aspirin resistance can be assessed through platelet aggregometry testing, measurement of urinary thromboxane metabolites, and, possibly, genomic testing in the future.

Modeling the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation in Sweden

Modeling the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation in Sweden

P3002 Cost-effectiveness analysis of clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation: a five European countries analysis

P3002 Cost-effectiveness analysis of clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation: a five European countries analysis

Clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction).

Given the importance of thrombosis in acute coronary syndromes, antithrombotic therapy has become standard treatment for these conditions. This article reviews the mechanism of action and the major evidence supporting the clinical use of clopidogrel, a potent antiplatelet agent of the thienopyridines class, focusing on its role in the setting of acute coronary syndromes without persistent ST segment elevation (unstable angina and non-Q wave myocardial infarction). Some unanswered questions relating to this medication are also highlighted. Finally, current updates on clinical guidelines for the use of clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes are discussed.

Aspirin, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes: underused treatments could save thousands of lives.

Aspirin is the cornerstone of therapy for unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction and the foundation on which other therapies are added, both in the short term and the long term. Yet, despite clear data, aspirin is woefully underused or is often used late. Prompt administration of aspirin could save thousands of lives each year. Ticlopidine and clopidogrel have a synergistic effect when used with aspirin, and can also have a role in treating patients who are aspirin-resistant or have diffuse atherosclerosis.