Platelet response to aspirin in total joint replacement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment of platelet response in patients who developed VTE while taking aspirin for prophylaxis following total joint replacement
IRAS ID
141354
Contact name
Tricia Burns
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Research summary
After hip or knee joint replacement operations, there is an increased risk of developing blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. In rarer cases, part of the clot can travel to the lungs. This is known as thrombosis or venous thromboembolism (VTE). Aspirin or other medicines known as anticoagulants are often given to prevent clots, but there is controversy over the most effective prevention. Until recently, aspirin was used in preference to anticoagulants by the majority of surgeons in Aberdeen for ’low risk’ patients. Aspirin is now undergoing a resurgence in the UK and USA as more evidence emerges for its effectiveness in preventing VTE.
Aspirin prevents clots mainly by making cells called platelets less sticky. However, not everyone’s platelets respond to aspirin in the same way. We are interested to find out whether people whose platelets respond less well to aspirin are more likely to have VTE after their operations. If so, a simple platelet test could perhaps be used to identify patients who would benefit from alternative anticoagulant medicines.
From Aberdeen Department of Orthopaedics patient data, we will invite 40 people who experienced a VTE after their operation whilst on aspirin prophylaxis and 40 who did not participate. After informed consent, the researcher will test their platelet activity in a small blood sample using newly-available rapid tests. The participant will take a single dose of aspirin (1 tablet) and after resting for 2 hours, another blood sample will be withdrawn and the tests repeated. We will compare the results in the VTE group with the non-VTE control group, and we will also look for differences in the proportion of each group who show a poor response to aspirin.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0154
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion