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The New Zealand Medical Journal

 Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 05-March-2010, Vol 123 No 1310

[full text] [PDF]

Prasugrel, Maori, and personalised medicine in New Zealand
Patrick Gladding, Harvey White, Mark Webster

Abstract


The response to thienopyridine antiplatelet therapy is heterogeneous and is in part explained by clinical and genetic factors. A recent meta-analysis has demonstrated the clinical significance of a genetic polymorphism in the cytochrome P450 2C19 gene. Carriers of this polymorphism have a higher incidence of stent thrombosis and cardiovascular death, whilst on the thienipyridine clopidogrel. The polymorphism and rarer variants display higher carrier frequencies in ethnic groups with disproportionate cardiovascular mortality, such as Māori. Knowledge of an individual’s genetic status may assist in optimising antiplatelet therapy, thereby reducing the cost of adverse events, expenditure on new medicines, and the ethnic disparities seen in healthcare outcomes. A demonstration of the cost-effectiveness of genetic testing, on a population basis, and a proven alternative, personalised strategy is required before the adoption of this technology can be advocated.

     
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