Comparison of two methods to assess variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapies in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing angioplasty.

The study investigated the clinical usefulness of a new method to evaluate platelet activation and the variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Platelet activation was assessed in parallel by a new method for platelet density measurements (MPC, Mean Platelet Component Concentration), on the automated ADVIA 120 Hematology System and by the classic measurement of P-selectin (CD62P) expression, on a fluorescence flow cytometer. Patients received a loading dose of clopidogrel (300 mg; n = 29) or a bolus of abciximab (0.