Among 46 pediatric patients receiving clopidogrel, platelet function testing identified 42% as hyper-responders and 38% as hypo-responders, prompting dose adjustments in 54% of tested patients.
Observational (n=46)
No
Does platelet function monitoring with the VerifyNow-P2Y12 assay correlate with clinical outcomes and guide clopidogrel dosing in pediatric patients?
Variable response to clopidogrel in pediatric patients strongly correlates with bleeding and thrombotic events, supporting the routine use of platelet function monitoring to individualize dosing.
Introduction: Clopidogrel is often used in pediatric patients at risk of thrombosis, particularly those with intracardiac stents or a Berlin Heart device. Both poor and excessive response to clopidogrel have been linked to thrombosis and bleeding. While platelet function tests like the VerifyNow –P2Y12 (VN) assay are increasingly available, their role in guiding pediatric dosing remains unclear. This study evaluated institutional practices in clopidogrel use and monitoring, and their impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study proposal was submitted to Seattle Children’s Hospital IRB to review patients ≤18 years old who received clopidogrel between October 2020 and April 2025. Demographic data along with diagnoses were collected. Primary endpoints included initial dosing, VN assay response, and subsequent dosing adjustments; secondary outcomes were bleeding and thrombotic events. Patients were stratified by age into three groups: 10 years. Results: Among 46 patients who received clopidogrel, median initial doses were 0.2 mg/kg/day IQR 0.2-0.2, 1 0.66-1, and 1.12 0.96-1.3 for patients 10 years (n=11), respectively. VN testing was performed in 57% (26/46), identifying 42% (11/26) as hyper-responders (VN180), and 19% (5/26) with adequate response (VN 80-180). Dosing was adjusted in 54% (14/26) of those tested. Overall, 39% (18/46) of patients required dose changes: 8 dose increases, 4 reductions, and 6 therapy discontinuations due to bleeding. Final doses among those who continued therapy (n=40) were 0.2 mg/kg/day IQR 0.2 - 0.36, 1 0.75-1.14, and 1.13 1 - 1.33 in the respective age groups. Bleeding occurred in 22% (10/46) of patients; among those with VN testing, all had VN 180. Conclusions: Clopidogrel dosing and response varied across pediatric age groups. Platelet function testing often revealed suboptimal response, prompting dose changes in over half of tested patients. Bleeding was linked with hyper-responsiveness (VN180), supporting the need for monitoring to guide safer and individualized dosing.
Srour et al. (Sun,) conducted a observational in Pediatric patients at risk of thrombosis (n=46). Clopidogrel was evaluated on Initial dosing, VN assay response, and subsequent dosing adjustments. Among 46 pediatric patients receiving clopidogrel, platelet function testing identified 42% as hyper-responders and 38% as hypo-responders, prompting dose adjustments in 54% of tested patients.