He added that the present study calls for a proper appraisal of the issue. "It is not known whether the effect was primarily seen in patients who are less responsive to the drug, particularly since no biochemical assays of the antiplatelet efficacy were provided. MACE included cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and were only reported as a cumulative rate. It is possible that the drug interference merely affects the neuroprotective action of clopidogrel. But again specific stent thrombosis rates were not available. "

ESC Spokesperson Professor Freek Verheugt, from the Netherlands, added, that there have been previous reports concerning the clinical interaction of PPI and clopidogrel, but that the effect could not be reproduced in the huge TRITON trial. " We have seen these so-called clinical interactions before, like the one between clopidogrel and statins, which could not be confirmed with larger data." Only a prospective randomized trial of PPI versus placebo in patients on clopidogrel, he added, would give the final answer.

Dr Steen D. Kristensen, from Denmark, spokesperson and Vice-president for the ESC, adds: 'Nevertheless we should be careful not to use proton pump inhibitors uncritically in patients with unclear gastric symptoms. In patients with evident gastric ulcers I would consider using alternative gastroprotective drugs. It needs to be remembered that in patients with coronary stents, inhibition of platelets is crucial so it's very important not to stop dual anti-platelet therapy."

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC):
The ESC represents nearly 53,000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe.

The ESC achieves this through a variety of scientific and educational activities including the coordination of: clinical practice guidelines, education courses and initiatives, pan-European surveys on specific disease areas and the ESC Annual Congress, the largest medical meeting in Europe. The ESC also works closely with the European Commission and WHO to improve health policy in the EU.

The ESC comprises 3 Councils, 5 Associations, 19 Working Groups, 50 National Cardiac Societies and an ESC Fellowship Community (Fellow, FESC; Nurse Fellow, NFESC). For more information on ESC Initiatives, Congresses and Constituent Bodies see www.escardio.org.

European Society of Cardiology, The European Heart House 2035 Route des Colles, B.P. 179 - Les Templiers, Sophia Antipolis F-06903 France

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