Clopidogrel and Aspirin Together: The Effect on C-Reactive Protein Trial

Coronary Artery Disease Clinical Trial

Official title: A Single Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Aspirin 325 mg + Clopidogrel 75 mg v. Aspirin 325 mg + Placebo on Plasma Concentration of C-Reactive Protein: The CATER Trial Protocol

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Inflammation is associated with worsening outcomes among individuals with CAD; C-reactive protein is a well-known marker of inflammation. Both healthy patients and those with a history of CAD who exhibit elevated CRP are at greater risk for cardiovascular events. Despite CRP's well- documented association with increased risk in the development and progression of CAD, the specific mechanism of elevated CRP in CAD is not known. One possible etiology includes a continuous prothrombotic process associated with CAD. Several studies demonstrate a link between platelet activation and inflammation. If thrombotic processes are involved in the mechanism of elevated CRP, antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel, could effectively reduce CRP. Preliminary studies have demonstrated a reduction of CRP with aspirin and a clear association between clopidogrel therapy and reduced CRP, however no randomized trials have been performed. We hypothesize that the proinflammatory effects of platelet activation may be inhibited with combined clopidogrel and aspirin therapy.

Clinical Trial Description

The objective of this trial is to assess the effects of combined therapy of clopidogrel and aspirin versus placebo and aspirin on CRP in patients with known CAD.

Potential subjects already on stable aspirin and statin therapy will be randomized to clopidogrel vs. placebo in a I: 1 design. Participants will undergo study therapy for 3 months. Various laboratory parameters, including serum plasma concentration of CRP, will be assessed throughout the study. The primary endpoint is the effect of study therapy on CRP. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Coronary Artery Disease
• Coronary Disease
• Myocardial Ischemia

• NCT number: NCT00343876
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Intermountain Health Care, Inc.
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: July 2005
• Completion date: November 2006