Primary thrombophilia XV: antithrombotic treatment of sticky platelet syndrome worldwide

Background: Sticky platelet syndrome (SPS) is a common but under-recognized cause of thrombosis. Treatment with antiplatelet drugs results in a low re-thrombosis rate. The aim of this study is to analyze the treatment of persons with SPS in different parts of the world. Methods: Data from 43 publications describing 1,494 patients with SPS worldwide were analyzed. Data concerning treatment was available in 16 of these papers, and involving 332 patients. Results: Three hundred thirty two patients were treated with antiplatelet drugs; 303 were given solely aspirin and 29 received combinations with aspirin (heparin or coumadin), whereas two persons did not receive aspirin. The re-thrombosis rate for patients given antiplatelet drugs was 5/332 (1.5%) and only 3 patients died. Conclusions: Most patients with SPS are treated with antiplatelet drugs worldwide, the re-thrombosis rate is very low. Physicians worldwide are aware of the fact that the best treatment for persons with the SPS is the use of antiplatelet drugs.