Which Platelet Function Test Best Reflects the In Vivo Plasma Concentrations of Ticagrelor and Its Active Metabolite?

Ticagrelor is a direct-acting, reversible platelet P2Y12 receptor inhibitor recommended by the recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (class of recommendation I, level of evidence B). Ticagrelor inhibits platelet function stronger, faster and more consistently than clopidogrel, the former standard of antiplatelet therapy. In the landmark PLATO trial (Study of PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes), ticagrelor therapy as compared with clopidogrel treatment was associated with the reduced occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, but also resulted in a small, but statistically significant, increase in the rate of major bleeding. The optimum choice of antiplatelet treatment, aimed to provide each patient with maximum protection against ischemic events, while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications, is the challenge of contemporary ACS therapy. The tool which may help physicians and facilitate clinical decision making is platelet function testing. According to the guidance of both European and American groups of experts, there are three currently recommended platelet function tests, namely the VerifyNow device, the Multiplate analyzer and the Vasodilator Stimulated Phosphoprotein Phosphorylation (VASP) assay. It needs to be emphasized that none of these three methods is preferred over others. So far there are no studies linking pharmacokinetic analysis of ticagrelor and its active metabolite with comparative evaluation of platelet reactivity. The aim of this trial is to assess the relationship between concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) and results of all three recommended platelet function tests in patients with myocardial infarction. Patients who receive GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor will be excluded from the primary analysis. Statistical analysis: The correlation will be assessed using correlation coefficients and intraclass correlat