Randomized Comparison of Oral P2Y-Receptor Inhibitor Loading Strategies for Transitioning From Cangrelor: The ExcelsiorLOAD2 Trial.

Objectives: This randomized trial tested whether early loading with prasugrel can provide sufficient platelet inhibition even when given at the start of a 2-h infusion of cangrelor.

Background: Effective platelet inhibition with intravenous cangrelor reduces the risk of ischemic complications during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Transitioning to oral therapy with clopidogrel or prasugrel is only recommended after discontinuation of cangrelor due to drug interactions.

Comparison of Immature Platelet Count to Established Predictors of Platelet Reactivity During Thienopyridine Therapy.

Background: Previous data suggest that reticulated platelets significantly affect antiplatelet response to thienopyridines. It is unknown whether parameters describing reticulated platelets can predict antiplatelet response to thienopyridines.

Objectives: The authors sought to determine the extent to which parameters describing reticulated platelets can predict antiplatelet response to thienopyridine loading compared with established predictors.

Randomized Comparison of Different Thienopyridine Loading Strategies in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Intervention: The ExcelsiorLOAD Trial.

Objectives: This randomized trial investigated to what extent loading with prasugrel can provide a more rapid peri-interventional antiplatelet effect than clopidogrel 600 mg.

Background: Effective platelet inhibition at the start of a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the risk of ischemic complications. With clopidogrel administered immediately before a PCI, effective platelet inhibition is delayed by 2 h.