Is 'one size fits all' anti-aggregation really effective? Variability in the response to P2Y12 receptor inhibitors in obese patients

Background Different “ex vivo” studies have shown both a greater platelet activation and higher rates of resistance to clopidogrel in obese patients. Although there is less evidence, less prasugrel activity has also been observed in these patients. Our aim was to study the variability of the response to clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel in obese patients, defined as a body mass index ≥30. Methods Prospective, multicenter, observational, pharmacodynamic study, conducted in a Spanish population of patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and double anti-aggregation with acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Platelet function tests were performed the morning after the ICP and 30 days after it, including: 1) VerifyNow P2Y12 assay; 2) multiple electrode aggreometry (Multiplate); and 3) VASP analysis. Results Of the total patients included (988), 300 were obese (30.3%). The obese group was younger (62.8±12 years vs 64.9±12), had a higher incidence of arterial hypertension (76.3% vs. 56.7%), diabetes mellitus (35% vs. 27.5%); and lower incidence of chronic kidney disease (7.7% vs. 17%). There were no differences in the acute phase (day 1 after PCI) in the pharmacodynamic response to any of the P2Y12 inhibitors used. After 30 days, greater platelet aggregation (decreased response) was documented in obese patients treated with prasugrel according to VASP tests (PRI in non-obese 23.9±13% vs. 30.4±14.7% in obese, p 0.035) and MEA (area under the aggregation units curve in non-obese 251.7±104.1 vs 320±166.7 in obese, p 0.007) and a numerical trend with VerifyNow. A trend in the same direction was also observed in patients treated with clopidogrel that did not reach statistical significance with all the platelet function tests used. No differences were observed in the ticagrelor group. Conclusion Obese patients with an ACS treated with PCI have a worse response to thienopyridines than non-obese patients in the maintenance phase of antiaggregant treatment, while the response to ticagrelor is not affected by obesity. Completing the clinical follow-up proposed by the registry is necessary to know if these differences have an implication in cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS)