Most Recent Evidence Behind Aggregometry and Genotyping Methods as Platelet Function Testing for Tailored Anti-Platelet Treatment Among PCI Patients

Aggregometry and genotyping are methods of platelet function testing, which can be beneficial for high-risk patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures. An optimal level of platelet reactivity (PR) should be maintained. There are discrepancies between individuals and their response to clopidogrel, accounting for the incidence of poor responders from 5% to 44%. This phenomenon predisposes the patients to increased risk of ischaemic events and thereby overall poorer clinical outcome. Prasugrel and tricagrelor are newer without genetic correlation to their action, however associated with increased bleeding risk. Aggregometry methods assess platelet reactivity at the exact moment of blood sampling. They reflect "phenotype" of the patient and vary after drug administration or dose change. The most popular tests are Light Transmission Aggregometry, Vasodilator-Stimulated Protein, VerifyNow, Multiple Electrode Aggregometry and Thrombelastography. There is proven genetic correlation between some cytochrome enzymes on clopidogrel response. The most widely tested is gene CYP2C19, which produces the enzyme transforming clopidogrel into an active metabolite. The CYP2C19(star)2 allele carriers have higher PR which can result in more thrombotic events. The manuscript shows the most recent evidence behind platelet function testing. Aggregometry is shown to be beneficial in 5 trials and 1 meta-analysis, while one paper was of different opinion. Ten studies show a positive clinical effect of genotyping on patients' outcome, while one does not support it. The best method of identifying high-risk individuals could be both methods and personalisation of antiplatelet therapy may decrease adverse ischaemic outcomes.