New Guidance on Antiplatelet Therapy After Stenting: Clinical Advisory

Aspirin and clopidogrel are commonly prescribed after placement of both bare metal stents and drug-eluting stents. However, recent concerns about stent thrombosis (Journal Watch Jan 4 2007) have led experts from multiple groups, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, to issue an advisory on preventing premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy. Based on a review of the literature, the experts offer observations and recommendations including the following:

• Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine such as clopidogrel reduces cardiac events after coronary stenting.

• Premature discontinuation of these agents greatly increases the risk for stent thrombosis and associated clini…