Individualized strategy for clopidogrel suspension in patients undergoing off-pump coronary surgery for acute coronary syndrome: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of patients presenting for urgent coronary surgery have been exposed to clopidogrel, which constitutes a risk of bleeding and related events. Based on the wide variability in clopidogrel response and platelet function recovery after cessation, we evaluated the role of point-of-care platelet function testing to define the optimal time for off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in a case-control study.

METHODS: Three equally matched groups (300 patients in total) undergoing isolated off-pump CABG for acute coronary syndrome were compared. Group A were treated with clopidogrel and prospectively underwent a strategy guided by platelet function testing. Outcomes were compared with 2 propensity score matched groups: group B underwent CABG after the currently recommended 5 days without clopidogrel; group C were never exposed to clopidogrel.

RESULTS: Patients in group A had reduced postoperative bleeding compared with those in group B (523±202 mL vs 851±605 mL; P<.001) and a lower number of units packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused during the postoperative hospital stay (1.2±1.6 units vs 1.9±1.8 units; P=.004). Postoperative bleeding and the number of units of PRBCs transfused were similar in group A and group C. There was no difference in blood-derived products and platelet consumption, mortality, or the need for reoperation among the groups. Patients in group A waited 3.6±1.7 days for surgery. The strategy used for group A saved 280 days of hospital stay in total.

CONCLUSIONS: The strategy guided by platelet function testing for off-pump CABG offers improved guidance for optimal timing of CABG in patients treated with clopidogrel. This strategy significantly reduces postoperative bleeding and blood consumption, and has a shorter waiting time for surgery than current clinical practice.