Use of whole blood platelet lumi‐aggregometry to optimize anti‐platelet therapy in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders

Twenty‐seven patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders and in vitro evidence of platelet hyperactivity on whole blood platelet lumi‐aggregometry were commenced on anti‐platelet therapy comprising aspirin, clopidogrel, and/or odorless garlic and the studies were repeated to assess the efficacy of the therapeutic agent(s). Only 8 patients showed clear evidence of anti‐platelet effect while receiving the standard low‐dose (100 mg/day) aspirin therapy. Thirteen patients required a higher dosage of aspirin and/or an additional anti‐platelet agent to achieve therapeutic adequacy. Lumi‐aggregometry also proved useful to optimize therapy in the 6 patients who received clopidogrel or odorless garlic because of aspirin intolerance. Am. J. Hematol., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.