Theheart.org describes a new antiplatelet drug by Schering-Plough that targets the PAR-1 platelet membrane receptor. This is the thrombin receptor, and the study supports that platelets are suppressed with reduced bleeding risk. Geo

Here is an update to the discussion initiated by Sue Hillyard on Friday, January 9 on subject of monitoring aspirin and plavix therapy. i received an e-amil from "Bert" asking "What about using the PlateletWorks by Helena for monitoring plavix therapy?

Here is a question about the bleeding time from Sue Hillyard:

I was recently asked to perform a bleeding time on a patient who was on Plavix. The reason for this was that the "PFA is insensitive to Plavix, the bleeding time is more sensitive." Is this technically correct? If so, why?

Thanks to Fritsma Factor supporter Margaret G. Fritsma, MA MT (ASCP) SBB for spotting this US News and World Report article, Twelve Things You Should Know About Aspirin. The article makes aspirin appear to be more of a wonder drug than we originally thought, but also increases awareness of our need to monitor aspirin efficacy. Geo.

Some new information on the use of the urine metabolite 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (UDHT) is emerging from the CHARISMA trial involving 3200 subjects. Dr. John Eikelboom, McMaster University discussed UDHT as a predictor of cardiovascular risk at the European Society of Cardiology meeting September 1, 2008, and provided indications for reducing risk. The abstract is published at  Eikelboom J, Hankey GJ, Bhatt DL et al. Incomplete inhibition of thromboxane biosynthesis by ASA: determinants and effect on cardiovascular risk. Abstract. Eur Heart J 2008; 29: 404. I've excerpted the project summary below.

As a member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) I have the opportunity to answer lab-related patient questions posted on the ASCLS Consumer Forum. This is a valuable service, first created by Dr. Susan LeClair at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth, that attracts an average of 100 questions a day and employs a large team of volunteer clinical laboratory scientists.

I got in over my head on a recent question and would like to get some help from our blog participants. A patient with essential thrombocythemia has taken Anagrelide daily for several to suppress platelet production. This is successful, but Anagrelide has reduced his kidney function and his glomerular filtration rate (GFR) now hovers at 30 mL/min.

Last summer I made a presentation relating platelets with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease at the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. The presentation has now been re-formatted and is available as a three-part module entitled Platelets and Cardiovascular Disease. Once you participate, take advantage of the CACMLE quiz for your continuing education credit. Geo.

I received the following message from "Sumaya:"  Can a patient with a low platelet count be treated with aspirin?

Janice Richardson asks, "I know that once you have taken aspirin, a platelet cannot produce thromboxane A2. Can this same platelet be activated in another way, say through the thrombin receptor on the platelet? Thanks for your help."

Evidence is growing that we can use whole blood and plasma/urine markers...