Multicenter evaluation of the safety and efficacy of varying doses of cangrelor used in acute cerebrovascular stenting in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract

Background: Acute ischemic stroke often necessitates neuroendovascular interventions such as thrombectomy and, occasionally, stenting for large vessel occlusions or intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Effective antiplatelet therapy is essential during stenting to mitigate thrombosis risks, but consensus on optimal cangrelor dosing remains elusive. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of various cangrelor doses used in acute cerebrovascular stenting.

Methods: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted across 11 comprehensive stroke centers. Patients aged 18-85 with ischemic stroke who underwent emergent cerebrovascular stenting with cangrelor were included. Patients were categorized into low-dose cangrelor (<2 mcg/kg/min; LDC) and high-dose cangrelor (≥2 mcg/kg/min; HDC) cangrelor groups. Outcomes included thrombotic and bleeding complications both intra-procedurally and within 48 hours post-procedure.

Results: A total of 230 patients were included in the analysis (LDC: 68; HDC: 162). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Thrombotic outcomes, including intraprocedural thrombosis (13% LDC vs 6% HDC; P=0.078) and thrombosis within 48 hours of the procedure (9% LDC vs 4% HDC; P=0.093), showed no statistical differences. Similarly, intraprocedural bleeding (6% LDC vs 5% HDC; P=0.753) and intracranial hemorrhage within 48 hours of the procedure (19% LDC vs 25% HDC; P=0.360) were not statistically different.

Conclusion: Different cangrelor dosing regimens demonstrated no significant differences in thrombotic or bleeding complications during acute neuroendovascular stenting for ischemic stroke. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to refine optimal dosing strategies for cangrelor in this population.