In the 71 patients on aspirin in whom ARU was measured. only three patients had a low response to aspirin. Of the 55 patients in whom percentage platelet inhibition was measured, 28 patients (50.9%) had clopidogrel resistance. The researchers observed a significant association between older age (over the age of 55) and clopidogrel resistance and there was a strong effect of diabetes on platelet activity suggesting that these patients may require alternate approaches.

"Our study shows that using a point-of-care platelet function test in patients undergoing cerebrovascular stent placement is feasible and may be a valuable tool in the prevention of stent-related complications," said Prabhakaran. "Akin to the international normalized ratio used for warfarin, platelet function tests provide objective measurement of antiplatelet efficacy and help tailor therapy on an individual basis."

However, given these preliminary results, the researchers encourage further studies on ideal doses, timing, and duration of antiplatelet therapy for cerebrovascular stent placement.

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