Impact of Intravenous P2Y ₁₂ -Receptor Inhibition with Cangrelor in Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Cardiogenic Shock-a Case Series

Background/Aims: Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) are at particular risk for death and adverse cardiac events. Impaired effects and absorption of oral P2Y ₁₂ -receptor inhibitors due to decreased organ hypoperfusion or hypothermia and challenges regarding oral administration contribute to this risk. We report a single center experience regarding the use of intravenous P2Y ₁₂ -receptor inhibitor cangrelor in patients with CS treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Twelve patients with ACS and CS undergoing PCI, not pretreated with oral P2Y ₁₂ -receptor inhibitors, were treated with cangrelor. Platelet inhibition was assessed by multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) before and after PCI, immediately and 2 hours after stopping the cangrelor infusion. Results: Nine patients recovered from their cardiogenic shock, 3 patients died. Platelet reactivity decreased from 65.9 (SD 41.0) U before PCI to 15.8 (SD 10.8) U after PCI, 13.4 (SD 7.7) U at the end of infusion and 33.8 (SD 19.9) 2 hours after stopping the cangrelor infusion. There was no non-responder under cangrelor infusion (MEA < 46 U). Conclusions: Due to its favorable PK/PD profile, cangrelor overcomes problems with reduced absorption and effects of oral P2Y ₁₂ -receptor inhibitors and should be considered for periprocedural treatment of patients with CS.