Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for identifying patients with an increased risk of experiencing an adverse cardiovascular event where the patient is undergoing aspirin antiplatelet therapy. A platelet-containing sample from the patient is evaluated for platelet hyperactivity and platelet hyperactivity in the sample is related to the patient's risk of an adverse cardiovascular event. In some embodiments the evaluation for platelet hyperactivity is carried out by assessing the function of platelets in the sample using a high shear platelet function test.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for identifying patients with an increased risk of experiencing an adverse cardiovascular event where the patient is undergoing aspirin antiplatelet therapy. A platelet-containing sample from the patient is evaluated for platelet hyperactivity and platelet hyperactivity in the sample is related to the patient's risk of an adverse cardiovascular event. In some embodiments the evaluation for platelet hyperactivity is carried out by assessing the function of platelets in the sample using a high shear platelet function test.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic method for treating refractoriness to platelet transfusion by isolating blood serum from an alloimmunized patient undergoing platelet transfusion therapy, passing the serum through a bed comprising staphococcal protein A coupled to a solid support and returning the treated plasma to the patient. The method can be conducted by batch-type procedure or by continuously conducting the steps so that blood is withdrawn, passed through the bed, and returned to the patient as a continuous stream. The method is useful to treat alloimmunized patients suffering from leukemia, aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndrome, or in a bone marrow transplant patient.