Platelet Reactivity and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk in the LURIC Study

Background: The clinical and prognostic implications of platelet reactivity (PR) testing in a P2Y(12)-inhibitor naive population are poorly understood. Objectives: This explorative study aims to assess the role of PR and explore factors that may modify elevated mortality risk in patients with altered PR. Methods: Platelet ADP-induced CD62P and CD63 expression were measured by flow-cytometry in 1520 patients who were referred for coronary angiography in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study (LURIC). Results: High- and Low-platelet reactivity to ADP were strong predictors of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and risk equivalent to the presence of coronary artery disease. (High platelet reactivity 1.4 [95% CI 1.1-1.9]; Low platelet reactivity: 1.4 [95% CI 1.0-2.0]). Relative weight analysis indicated glucose control (HbA1c), renal function ([eGFR]), inflammation (high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) and antiplatelet therapy by Aspirin as consistent mortality risk modifiers in patients with Low- and High-platelet reactivity. Pre-specified stratification of patients by risk modifiers HbA1c (<7.0%), eGFR (>60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and CRP (<3 mg/L) was associated with a lower mortality risk, however irrespective of platelet reactivity. Aspirin treatment was associated with reduced mortality in patients with high platelet reactivity only (p for interaction: 0.02 for CV-death [<0.01 for all-cause mortality]. Conclusions: Cardiovascular mortality risk in patients with High- and Low platelet reactivity is equivalent to the presence of coronary artery disease. Targeted glucose control, improved kidney function and lower inflammation are associated with reduced mortality risk, however independent of platelet reactivity. In contrast, only in patients with High-platelet reactivity was Aspirin treatment associated with lower mortality.

Automated summary

This explorative study evaluates platelet reactivity and factors that may modify it. Both high and low platelet reactivity are strong predictors of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, equivalent to the presence of coronary artery disease. Glucose control, kidney function improvement, and lower inflammation are associated with reduced mortality risk, regardless of platelet reactivity. However, only patients with high platelet reactivity benefit from aspirin treatment, resulting in lower mortality.