Comparison of long-term usefulness of clopidogrel therapy after the first percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting versus that after the second or repeat intervention

Patients in the Clopidogrel for the Reduction of Events During Observation trial were subgrouped according to whether they underwent index percutaneous coronary artery revascularization procedures only or this procedure plus subsequent percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedures during 1-year follow-up. The relative risk reduction in ischemic events associated with up-front and long-term clopidogrel compared with placebo was 2-fold greater in patients who required repeat revascularization procedures compared with those who did not (42.4% vs 21.7%).