Aspirin in Children; are There Not Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Abstract

Dose-dependent in vitro effects of aspirin on platelet inhibition and predictors of non-responsiveness have led to the recommendation of significantly higher doses of aspirin (5 mg/kg/day) in newborns and infants. The results are inconsistent with the pharmacodynamic effects of clopidogrel in newborns, where approximately 30% (0.2 mg/kg/day) of the adult dose (75 mg/day) showed equally effective antiaggregative effects. Consequently, the optimal aspirin dosage remains to be determined. The administration to newborns with congenital heart defects needs to address treatment goals, while accounting for the intricate interactions between platelets and endothelium, as well as the unique aspects of surgical and interventional procedures.