Antiplatelets + fibrinolytics Flashcards
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