A critical appraisal of the phenomenon of aspirin resistance.
Aspirin is the mainstay antiplatelet treatment in patients with high risk of cardiovascular atherothrombotic events, and its beneficial effect is documented in several clinical trials. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of aspirin has been questioned by the emergence of the concept of 'aspirin resistance' (AR). This phenomenon, although lacking a precise definition, covers the fact that some patients do not exhibit the expected platelet inhibition by use of various techniques for measuring platelet function. In this critical review, we evaluate the methods used for measuring AR. We will discuss the available data regarding the prevalence and the clinical importance of the phenomenon. Finally, the potential mechanisms underlying AR are considered.
Svenstrup Poulsen
Tina
T
Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. tina.poulsen@ouh.fyns-amt.dk
Kristensen
Søren Risom
SR
Atar
Dan
D
Mickley
Hans
H
D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010979:Platelet Function Tests; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013928:Thromboxane A2 / Q000097:blood; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000097:blood
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D013929:Thromboxane B2; D013928:Thromboxane A2; D001241:Aspirin