Testing Platelet Activation With a Shear-Dependent Platelet Function Test Versus Aggregation-Based Tests

Abstract

Background—Tests developed to monitor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blockade do not properly reflect platelet function in vivo and need a baseline (pretreatment) value. Because GP IIb/IIIa is essential in platelet aggregation and thrombosis under shear conditions, a flow-dependent approach to monitor its inhibition can be used. Methods and Results—We compared a test based on flow-dependent platelet deposition, the Cone and Platelet Analyzer (CPA), with in vitro platelet aggregometry and the Rapid Platelet Function Assay (RPFA) on platelet function after GP IIb/IIIa inhibition. In vitro, increasing concentrations of abciximab (0% to 100% receptor occupancy) were tested. Ex vivo, platelet function was monitored with the CPA and with aggregometry for up to 1 week after abciximab administration. The CPA was better correlated with the percentage of free GP IIb/IIIa receptors than was aggregometry or the RPFA. Only the RPFA, when expressed as a ratio over baseline (pretreatment), was comparable to the CPA. Ex vivo...