Study: Single Gene Impedes Blood Thinner
The blood thinner clopidogrel (Plavix) may work poorly in people with a difference in a single gene, new research has found. Researchers combined results from 9 studies, with a total of 9,685 people. The studies focused on a gene that affects how the body uses clopidogrel. The drug is less effective in people who have a different form of this gene. About 26% of U.S. whites have 1 copy of this form of the gene. About 2% have 2 copies â 1 from each parent. During the 9 studies, 863 people died or had a heart attack or stroke. The risk of these events was 55% higher for people with 1 copy of the different gene. The risk was 76% higher for those with 2 copies. Also, 84 people developed blood clots in a tube called a stent. These devices are placed in arteries to keep them open after blockages are cleared.