What are the benefits of using clopidogrel in patients undergoing CABG?
Clopidogrel has been shown to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular death, MI, and stroke in patients undergoing CABG, compared with placebo. Additionally, clopidogrel may be associated with fewer adverse effects than ticlopidine, and severe leukopenia is very rare. Furthermore, clopidogrel may confer a benefit before surgery. However, it should be noted that clopidogrel was stopped a median of 10 days before surgery and was restarted postoperatively in 75.3% of patients assigned to receive it, and all patients received aspirin, 75 mg to 325 mg daily. 