The PFA-100® cannot detect blood group-dependent inhibition of platelet function by eptifibatide or abciximab at therapeutic plasma concentrations

Previous investigations revealed that AB0 blood groups are associated with divergent concentrations of several coagulation factors. Concentrations of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and factor VIII are lower in individuals with blood group 0 compared to subjects with blood group A, B or AB, which might in turn result in a reduced inhibition of platelet aggregation in individuals with blood group 0. The aim of the present in vitro investigation was to elucidate the impact of AB0 blood group-dependent vWF concentrations on eptifibatide and abciximab mediated inhibition of GPIIb/IIIa function. Platelet function was measured with the platelet function analyzer PFA-100® at baseline and at increasing concentrations of eptifibatide and abciximab. It was stratified for blood group 0 vs A. If measured with the collagen/ADP cartridge, blood group 0 was associated with a prolonged mean baseline closure time in comparison with blood group A (94.3 ± 14.6 s vs. 74.6 ± 9.9 s, p = 0.007) which was paralleled by reduced conce...