Antiplatelets and Fibrinolytics Flashcards
Compare arterial and venous thrombi in terms of fibrin and platelet count
Arterial (at site of atherosclerotic plaque);
- Low fibrin content
- High platelet content
Venous (stasis of blood);
- High fibrin content (and RBC)
- Low platelet content
Describe what happens at a healthy endothelium with regards to platelet aggregation
- PGI2/ Prostacyclin produced by endothelial cells
- PGI2 binds to platelet receptors causing an increase in cAMP
- cAMP inhibits the release of sequestered Ca into platelet’s cytosol, thus reducing platelet aggregation
How does PGI2 affect GP IIb/ IIIa receptors?
Stabilises them
Platelet adhesion-> platelet activation-> platelet aggregation-> platelet plug
What causes platelet adhesion
Exposure of blood to sub-endothelial factors (Collagen, VWF)
Describe platelet activation and aggregation
- Platelets adhere to each other, activate and change shape causing the release of granules (ADP, Thromboxane A2, Thrombin, Platelet Activation factor)
- These act via their respective receptors to increase cytosolic Ca and promote further granule release
- Granules also activate GPIIb/IIIa receptors using fibrinogen, forming bonds between platelets
What drugs are used to treat;
- Platelet rich arterial thrombi
- Low platelet venous thrombi
Arterial- Antiplatelet and Fibrinolytic drugs
Venous- Anticoagulants (parental and oral)
(Can use a combination e.g in secondary prevention)
What colour are arterial and venous thrombi?
Arterial- White
Venous- Red
What is the most potent platelet aggregator factor?
Thromboxane A2 (TXA2)
List 4 antiplatelet drug classes
- Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors
- ADP receptor antagonists
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
- GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors
Is aspirin reversible?
Do we use low or high doses for antiplatelet effects?
No
Low doses (High for analgesic effects)
Higher doses of Aspirin inhibit endothelial PGI2
Describe its absorption and metabolism
Absorbed by passive diffusion, metabolised in liver into Salicylic acid
List 4 ADRs of Aspirin
- GI Irritation
- GI Bleeding (peptic ulcer)
- Haemorrhage (stroke)
- Hypersensitivity
List 3 contraindications of Aspirin
- Reye’s Syndrome (can cause liver and brain damage)
- Hypersensitivity
- Trimester 3 pregnancy (premature DA closure)
List important DDIs of aspirin
Caution with other antiplatelets and anticoagulants
Why may aspirin have a lack of efficacy in some patients?
Due to COX1 polymorphism in individuals
Why does Aspirin not completely inhibit platelet aggregation?
Why does aspirin’s antiplatelet effects last for the entire lifespan of the platelet? (7-10 days)
- Half life of only 20 min, rapidly metabolised-> Salicylic acid (no effect on COX)
- Platelets cannot generate new COX