CHICAGO, Feb 6, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A U.S. study has found some
cerebrovascular stent patients do not respond well to clopidogrel (Plavix).
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found half of patients undergoing
cerebrovascular stent placement did not respond well to clopidogrel. Clopidogrel
and aspirin are medications routinely prescribed following cerebrovascular stent
placement to combat the risk of blood clots (stent-thrombosis) and reclosure of
the artery (re-stenosis).
"Given the importance of platelet inhibition in the prevention of in-stent
thrombosis and re-stenosis, there is a great incentive to ensure that adequate
anti-platelet effects are achieved in high-risk patients," said Dr. Shyam
Prabhakaran.
Given their findings, the researchers said they encourage further studies on
ideal doses, timing and duration of anti-platelet therapy for cerebrovascular
stent placement.
The research is published in the February issue of the American Journal of
Neuroradiology.
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