Antiplatelet Treatment and Prothrombotic Diathesis Following Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abstract

Prothrombotic diathesis expressed by elevated levels of coagulation-specific biomarkers has been reported in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and after AAA endovascular repair (EVAR). This study investigates the effect of antiplatelet agents (APLs) on the prothrombotic diathesis in the post-EVAR period. Forty elective EVAR patients had thrombin–antithrombin complex, d-dimer, fibrinopeptide A, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein measured before, at 24 hours, 1 month, and 6 months after EVAR. Patients receiving APLs postoperatively were compared with those not receiving APLs. All biomarkers were above the normal limits preoperatively and increased significantly 24 hours postoperatively followed by a drop at 1 and 6 months. No statistically significant changes were noted among patients receiving APLs in comparison with those not receiving APLs. The preoperative and postoperative prothrombotic diathesis of AAA following EVAR was confirmed in line with other reports. There was however no significant alteration of the examined biomarkers in patients receiving APLs.