[Acetylsalicylic acid non-responders after ischemic insult in geriatric patients].

BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular and cerebral ischemic risk is defined as the risk of suffering a thromboembolic event. The common secondary prophylaxis is still the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The usual daily dose is 100 mg. Efficacy concerning platelet aggregation is not routinely checked.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, patients taking 100 mg aspirin daily (orally) were examined after admittance to the stroke unit due to a stroke or stroke recurrence. Platelet aggregation was performed using a Platelet Function Analyser (PFA 100).

RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were examined, 53(73%) had experienced a primary ischemic insult, and 18(25.4%) stroke recurrence. Patients with prolonged closure time in the collagen/epinephrine cell (normal range 85-165 s) were classified as responders to ASA, while 14 (19.7%) were classified as non-responders.

CONCLUSION: It remains open whether the secondary prophylaxis or a more effective inhibition of platelet aggregation results in the improved protection against a future event.