Wendt's Antiplatelet Lectures Flashcards
Explain the role that platelets play in hemostasis.
Platelets are recruited to the site of vascular injury, where they are activated, and with the help of vWF and fibrinogen, form a platelet plug. This is known as primary hemostasis.
What are the three steps of platelet activation?
- Adhesion and shape change
- Secretion
- Aggregation
What molecule/chemical induces platelet aggregation and recruite more platelets to the site of injury?
ADP
Although platelets have organelles and secretory granules, they have no nucleus. Why?
Because they are just pieces of larger cells (megakaryocytes)
Platelet adhesion is mediated by what three processes?
- GPIa binding to collagen
- GPIb binding to vWF bridged to collagen
- Shape change facilitating receptor binding
Fill in the blank: during platelet adhesion, intact endothelial cells secrete ________ to inhibit ___________.
PGI2 (prostacyclin), thrombogenesis
What molecules do platelet granules release during secretion?
- ADP
- TXA2
- Serotonin (5-HT)
What do ADP, TXA2, and serotonin (5-HT) all have in common?
- Released by platelet granules
- Activate and recruit other platelets
What do TXA2 and serotonin (5-HT) have in common?
They are potent vasoconstrictors
Explain the process of platelet aggregation, step by step.
- ADP, 5-HT, and TXA2 activtation induce conformation of GPIIb/IIIa receptors to bind fibrinogen
- Platelets are cross-linked by fibrinogen
- Temporary hemostatic plug forms
- Platelets contract to form irreversibly-fused mass
- Fibrin stabilizes and anchors aggregated platelets
- Surface forms for clot formation
List the 5 classes of antiplatelet drugs.
- COX-1 inhibitors
- ADP receptor inhibitors
- GPIIb/IIIa receptor blockers
- Phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitors
- Protease-activated receptor inhibitors
What drug class does aspirin belong to?
COX-1 inhibitor
Does aspirin inhibit COX-1 reversibly or irreversibly?
Irreversibly
How does aspirin inhibit COX-1?
By acetylation
What is the main consequence of permanent loss of platelet COX-1 activity?
Inhibition of TXA2 synthesis
At what dosing ranges is aspirin most effect as an antiplatelet therapy?
50 - 320 mg per day
Higher doses of aspirin inhibit the production of what molecule?
Prostacyclin
When is aspirin strongly indicated?
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Acute stroke
- Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
- Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (when CHA2DS2 - VASc = 0-1 or anticoagulation is contraindicated)
How does aspirin affect PT time?
It doesn’t; no increase in PT time even though bleeding time is prolonged
How long will it take for a patient to return to hemostasis after taking their last aspirin dose?
36 hours
When is aspirin modestly indicated?
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (in patients with higher-than-average 10-year risk)
In what 3 situations is aspirin not generally indicated?
- Cancer prevention
- Pain
- Fever
What is the most prominant adverse effect associated with aspirin?
Upper GI bleeding
Why is upper GI bleeding an adverse effect of aspirin?
Because the COX-1 mediated prostaglandins needed for gastric mucosa production are inhibited
What three risk factors can increase the probability of developing an upper GI bleed while taking aspirin?
- Older age
- Concurrent use of NSAIDs
- Alcohol
At what dose can acute aspirin overdose be induced?
Anything above 150 mg/kg
What doses of aspirin can be fatal?
>500 mg/kg
What are the five prominent symptoms associated with acute aspirin overdose?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Coma