Patterns of Non-Adherence to Dual Anti-Platelet Regimen In Stented Patients

Anti-platelet medicines are the cornerstone of therapy in patients who present with acute coronary syndromes, including unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) for the prevention of thrombotic events in patients who present with unstable coronary symptoms; in particular, patients who are to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Dual anti-platelet therapy consists of a combination of aspirin and a thienopyridine (such as clopidogrel or ticlopidine). While premature discontinuation (within the first 6 months) of such therapy is associated with an increased risk of stent thrombosis, the optimal duration of DAPT has not yet been precisely determined. Although studies suggest an increased risk of stent thrombosis and adverse events within days after thienopyridine discontinuation, no study has collected detailed data as to the exact dates and reasons that anti-platelet agents were discontinued - thus, the true risks of premature early or even scheduled late discontinuation are unknown. Furthermore, there are multiple modes that impact subject adherence to DAPT. These include non-compliance and cost issues. We have determined three modes why subjects may not adhere to DAPT. These include: * Discontinuation - These subjects have discontinued the use of DAPT (aspirin or thienopyridines) as per recommendation of their physician who has felt that the subject no longer needs this therapy. * Interruption - These subjects have interrupted their DAPT use on a voluntary basis and under the guidance and recommendation of their physician due to the need for a surgical procedure, and will reinstitute the use of DAPT within 14 days of stopping the therapy. Interruptions must be guided by the physician/cardiologist taking care of the subject and not by other health care professionals. * Disruption - These subjects have disrupted their DAPT use, either because of a bleeding episode (minor or major) or non-compliance. Non-compliance will include continued use of DAPT at lower dose levels than prescribed either through smaller daily doses or less frequent than daily use. These modes have not previously been systematically collected and correlated with adverse clinical events such as stent thrombosis. Furthermore, the relation of events to subsequent disruption of DAPT has not been studied prospectively. Subjects enrolled in this registry will be followed for approximately 24 months to determine the incidence of adherence according to the above classification. All patients will have their events and DAPT use monitored during the follow-up period. The assumption is that most subjects will discontinue their therapy voluntarily (usually according to their physician's advice) and that it is only those with disrupted therapy who are at risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). This registry will examine the predictors of DAPT disruption based on subject's demographics and determine the relationship of bleeding versus MI in these subjects using a time-dependent covariate adjusted analysis. Finally, since there are two completely different categories within the disrupted group, (non-compliance vs. event driven disruption), we will examine these patients separately as well, as a secondary endpoint.