Antiplatelets + fibrinolytics Flashcards
(51 cards)
Give some examples of thromboembolic diseases
- DVT, PE
- AF consequence
- TIA, ischaemic stroke
- MI (NSTEMI/STEMI)
Give the definitions of thrombus and embolus
Thrombus:
Clot adhered to vessel wall, at local site
Embolus:
Intravascular clot distal to site of origin (eg PE)
Distinguish between venous and arterial thrombosis
VENOUS:
- Associated with stasis of blood and/or damage to veins
- Less likely to see endothelial damage (eg DVT in lower limbs)
- High red blood cell + fibrin content, LOW PLATELET CONTENT
ARTERIAL:
- Forms at site of atherosclerosis, following plaque rupture
- Low fibrin content, much HIGHER PLATELET CONTENT
Varying platelet contents of arterial and venous thrombi dictate drugs initially offered
Describe how a healthy endothelium is maintained (with platelets in their resting state)
- Prostacyclin (PGI2) produced and released by endothelial cells- INHIBITS PLATELET AGGREGATION
- PGI2 binds to platelet receptors, increasing cAMP in platelets
- Increased cAMP = decreased Ca2+
- Thus, preventing platelet aggregation
- Reduction in platelet aggregatory agents
- Stabilises GPIIb/IIIa receptors- maintains inactive resting state
Inactive GPIIb/IIIa receptor required for resting platelet (glycoprotein receptor)

Provide an outline of platelet activation and aggregation
- Creation of a thrombus has a similar process to normal clot formation (pathological stimulus vs physical trauma- damaged endothelium)
- Atherogenic pathway; fibrous cap, plaque rupture, thrombus formation
- Platelet adhesion at damaged endothelium– cascade of signalling molecules
- Chemical mediators released by activated platelets; thromboxane A2, ADP, serotonin, PAF (pt activating factor) - lead to plt aggregation

Describe the roles of Ca2+ and GPIIb/IIIa receptors in platelet activation and aggregation
- Release of platelet granules- ADP, thromboxam A2, PAF, thrombin
- Initiates activation and aggregation through GPIIb/IIIa receptors + fibrinogen – ACTIVATED GPIIb/IIIa RECEPTORS
- Activated platelets bound to collagen of sub-endothelium cause increase in Ca2+ levels
- Increased calcium + decreased cAMP in platelets
- Plt aggregation via Vwf + thrombin (finrinogen to fibrin)
- CASCADE + AMPLIFICATION IN PLTs
Elevated Ca2+ causes:
- Release of plt granules
- Activation of thromboxane A2 synthesis
- Activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptors

What is the main target of antiplatelet drugs?
Reduction of pathological platelet aggregation
To reduce CV events + mortality
Disrupting various stages of signalling cascade
Effective in the arterial circulation, where anticoagulants have little effect

Distinguish between the drug classes used to prevent arterial and venous thrombi
ARTERIAL:
Platelet rich, arterial, white thrombi: ANTIPLATELET + FIBRINOLYTIC DRUGS
VENOUS:
Lower pletelet content, red, venous thrombi: PARENTERAL ANTICOAGULANTS (heparins), ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS (warfarin)
Combination can be used in some pt’s for secondary prevention
What do antiplatelet agents target?
Pt activation + aggregation

Describe the mechanism of action of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors
- Normally, potent platelet aggregating agent thromboxane A2 is formed from arachidonic acid by COX-1
- Aspirin: inhibits (acetylates) COX-1 mediates production of TXA2 + reduced plt aggregation
- IRREVERSIBLE INHIBITION OF ENZYMATIC CONVERSION (aspirin irreversibly inhibits COX-1)
- Aspirin = a salicylate compound, thus has ability to acetylate COX-1

Give an example of a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor

Aspirin
Why does aspirin not completely inhibit platelet aggregation?
As there are other mechanisms and mediators, independent of COX-1, by which platelets can aggregate
Distinguish between the doses of aspirin required for anti-platelet vs analgesic effects
Anti-platelet action: at low non-analgesic doses (75mg) - baby aspirin
Analgesia: loading, higher dose
Give some properties of aspirin
Higher doses inhibit endothelial prostacyclin (PGI2)- imp consideration in stable resting patients
Absorbed by passive diffusion, hepatic hydrolysis to salicylic acid
Give some warnings/contraindications of aspirin
- Bleeding time prolonged- haemorrhagic stroke, GI bleeding (peptic ulcer); thus balance vs risk of bleeding
- Reye’s syndrome - avoid aspirin in <16 yr/olds
- Hypersensitivity to aspirin
- 3rd trimester pregnancy - premature closure of ductus arteriosus into ligamentum arteriosum
What is Reye’s syndrome?
**Post viral infection + aspirin given on top
Hepatic + brain oedema
May be fatal
Reye’s (Reye) syndrome is a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain. Reye’s syndrome most often affects children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection, most commonly the flu or chickenpox.
Taking aspirin to treat such an infection greatly increases the risk of Reye’s

Give an important interaction/consideration of aspirin
Other antiplatelet + anticoagulants - additive/synergistic effect
Why does antiplatelet COX-1 inhibition last the lifespan of a platelet (7-10 days)?
As platelets lack nuclei; thus unable to produce more COX once inhibited
Describe the consequence of COX-1 polymorphisms on the effect of aspirin in some people
COX-1 polymorphisms result in lack of efficacy of aspirin in some pt’s
As there is a differing ability of aspirin to acetylate COX-1
Give some indications for the use of aspirin
- Secondary prevention of stroke + TIA (post-ischaemic events)
- Secondary prevention of acute coronary syndromes (ACS)- NSTEMI, STEMI, unstable angina
- Post primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) + stent to reduce ischaemic complications
- Secondary prevention of MI in stable angina or peripheral vascular disease
How is aspirin often prescribed?
Often co-prescribed with other agents; depending on pt’s age, presentation of ACS etc
Describe the dose and frequency of aspirin generally used for secondary prevention of ACS
Initial once only 300mg chewable loading dose of aspirin
To reduce incidence of re-occlusion
Describe the dose and frequency of aspirin generally used for secondary prevention of acute ischaemic stroke
Initial 300mg daily for 2 weeks
To reduce incidence of re-occlusion
Which other type of medication should be considered in high risk patients on long term aspirin use?

Gastric protection
PPIs








