New product: Exembol (argatroban) 1 mg/mL Solution for Infusion - Ready to Use
electronic Medicines compendium
This is a new additional presentation of argatroban (other formulation is multidose 100 mg/ml concentrate that needs to be diluted), which is licensed for anticoagulation in adult patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II who require parenteral antithrombotic therapy.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Study (n=888) which was prematurely stopped, suggests personalised approach to selecting antiplatelet may reduce ischaemic and bleeding events [primary endpoint occurred in 71 (15.9%) in pharmacogenomic and 114 (25.9%) in standard-of-care arm; HR 0.58;95% CI; 0.43-0.78;p <0.001].
The Lancet Neurology
Study (n=1447) found that in patients with AF anticoagulated after recent ischaemic stroke /TIA, cerebral microbleed presence is linked to symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage risk (HR 3.67,95% CI 1.27–10.60 vs.absence microbleeds) and could help inform anticoagulation decisions.
The Lancet Neurology
RCT (n=1534 from 3 Asian countries) reported cilostazol was non-inferior to aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular events (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.57–1.11; non-inferiority p=0.0077); but did not reduce the risk of haemorrhagic stroke(HR 0.51, 97.5% CI 0.20–1.27).
Clopidogrel and Aspirin in Acute Ischemic Stroke and High-Risk TIA
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=4,881) found that clopidogrel plus aspirin was associated with a lower risk of major ischaemic events vs aspirin alone at 90 days (5% vs 6.5%, HR 0.75, p=0.02) but an increased risk of major haemorrhage (0.9% vs 0.4%, 2.32, p=0.02).
MRI-Guided Thrombolysis for Stroke with Unknown Time of Onset
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT was stopped early owing to cessation of funding (n=503 from 800 anticipated). Favourable outcome (score of 0 or 1 on the modified Rankin scale of neurologic disability) was reported in 53.3% given altepase vs 41.8% for placebo (adjusted OR 1.61, p=0.02).
Rivaroxaban for Stroke Prevention after Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=7,213) was terminated early due to lack of benefit in stroke risk and worse bleeding outcomes for rivaroxaban vs aspirin (annualised major bleeding with rivaroxaban was 1.8% vs 0.7% for aspirin, HR 2.72, p<0.001).
The Lancet
RCT (n=2.325) found no difference in functional status at day 90 (primary outcome) for tranexamic acid vs placebo (adjusted OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.03), although there were fewer deaths by day 7 with tranexamic acid (9% vs 11% 0.73, 0.53 to 0.99).
Management of Bleeding in Patients Taking Oral Anticoagulants
Journal of the American Medical Association
This US decision pathway from the American College of Cardiology details management of patients who experience either life-threatening bleeding or major bleeding at a critical site. Ceasing the anticoagulant, supportive measures and reversal agents are the major strategies.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Journal of Clinical Oncology
RCT (n=203) found that rivaroxaban was associated with relatively low venous thromboembolism VTE recurrence vs dalteparin (6 month recurrence rate 11% vs 4%; HR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.99). Corresponding 6 months rates of clinically relevant non-major bleeding were 4% vs 13%.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Of 328 Italian patients, 143 were inappropriately prescribed with oral anticoagulants (OACs), 88 of which were under prescribed or prescribed with an inappropriate drug. Among 55 of 221 patients prescribed OACs, dosing errors were the most frequent cause of inappropriate use.
European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
This retrospective observational study identified 37 hospitalisation episodes for DOAC-induced bleeding in 32 patients (15 rivaroxaban, 9 apixaban and 8 dabigatran; incidence rate 3.44 [95% CI 2.35 to 4.86] per 100 person-years), most commonly gastrointestinal (27 cases, 73.0%).
Stability of repackaged dabigatran etexilate capsules in dose administration aids
European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
Repackaged capsules stored in the refrigerator for 28 days had a drug content of 98.2% and dissolution was not significantly affected (p=0.132). If repackaging of Pradaxa capsules is required, storage under refrigerated conditions ensures quality for 28 days.
Periprocedural management of patients receiving novel oral anticoagulants
European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
This review of guidelines and evidence for the use of non-vitamin K oral antagonists highlights discrepancies between US and European guidelines. However, consensus about postoperative resumption is clear: 24 and 48–72hours, after low- and high-risk bleeding surgery, respectively.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
New England Journal of Medicine
Calciphylaxis is a life-threatening syndrome of vascular calcification characterised by occlusion of microvessels in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and dermis. This review presents current understanding of the condition and provides a framework for interdisciplinary management.
Antifibrinolytic drugs for treating primary postpartum haemorrhage
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of data from 3 RCTs (n=20,412) concludes tranexamic acid, when administered intravenously, reduces mortality due to bleeding in women with primary postpartum haemorrhage, irrespective of mode of birth, and without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events.
Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 33 RCTs (n=7296) concludes prophylactic dose fondaparinux given for 45 days appears to be a valid therapeutic option for superficial thrombophlebitis of the legs for most people. Evidence on topical treatment/surgery is too limited and cannot inform clinical practice.
American Journal of Hematology
Results from these RCTs (n=150) show that stable responses (defined as platelets ≥50,000/μL at ≥4 of 6 biweekly visits) occurred in 18% of patients on fostamatinib vs. 2% on placebo (P=0.0003). Median time to response was 15 days (on 100mg bd).
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Genotype‐guided dosing (GGD; n=5230) reduced time‐to‐first therapeutic INR (mean 2.6 days; P<0.0001; I2 0%) and time‐to‐first stable INR (5.9 days; P<0.01; I2 94%) vs conventional dosing. GGD also increased time in therapeutic range and reduced risks of INR ≥ 4 and bleeding.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Tenecteplase versus Alteplase before Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=202) found tenecteplase before thrombectomy was linked to higher incidence of reperfusion (22 v. 10%, p=0.002 noninferiority; p=0.03 superiority), and better functional vs. alteplase among patients with ischaemic stroke treated within 4.5 hours after symptom onset.
Triple antithrombotic therapy after ACS and PCI in patients on chronic oral anticoagulation: update
Heart
Update describes clinical risks and benefits, provides a state-of-the-art exposition of clinical studies in the field, including recent studies of DOACs, and explores clinically oriented scenarios, and theory/practice of using combinations of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
In atrial fibrillation patients (n=19,566) receiving warfarin, follow-up HAS-BLED i.e. 'delta HAS-BLED score' was more predictive of major bleeding compared with baseline HAS-BLED or the simple determination of 'modifiable bleeding risk factors'.
European Heart Journal
This review describes the strengths and weaknesses of observational and non-observational studies, and studies involving real-world data (RWD) and non-RWD, focusing on anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation.
Home versus in-patient treatment for deep vein thrombosis
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 7 RCTs (n=1839) found low-quality evidence that patients treated at home with low molecular weight heparin are less likely to have VTE recurrence vs. those treated in hospital. However, data show no clear differences in major/minor bleeding, nor in mortality.
Oral antiplatelet agents – are they safe in breastfeeding?
Specialist Pharmacy Service
This updated medicines Q&A provides advice on the safety of oral antiplatelet agents (aspirin, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor) in breastfeeding mothers.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Analysis of data from 46 DOAC and 43 VKA patients admitted with a thrombotic or bleeding event shows that 53% of DOAC‐ and 61% of VKA‐related serious ADRs were deemed potentially preventable, with prescribing issues and inadequate monitoring the most pertinent causative factors.
Biospace Inc.
The designation was based on results from the Phase III HAVEN 3 clinical trial, in which patients received the drug subcutaneously. Those receiving the drug showed a reduction in treated bleeds compared to the group that did not receive prophylactic treatment.
PharmaTimes
The approval for use is in patients who have failed to respond to previous treatment. Fostamatinib is a Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor, currently in phase III development in the EU.
PharmaTimes
The therapy was initially approved in the US for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes, and is the first and only recombinant treatment for adults living with von Willebrand disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
This review (5 studies; n=12,545) concludes that DOAC are as likely as warfarin to prevent all strokes and systemic embolic events without increasing risk of major bleeding events among AF patients with kidney impairment. The results chiefly apply to CKD stage G3 patients.
European Heart Journal
Review (4 RCTs; n=5137), found that dual antithrombotic therapy reduced TIMI major or minor bleeding by 47% vs triple therapy [4.3 vs. 9.0%; HR, 0.53) with comparable outcomes of major adverse cardiac events (10.4% vs. 10.0%; 0.85).
Anticoagulation for the initial treatment of venous thromboembolism in people with cancer
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
This review (15 RCTs; n=1615) concludes LMWH likely decreases 3-month mortality compared to UFH (risk difference: 57 fewer per 1000; 95% CI 101 fewer to 17 more; moderate evidence). The choice should balance benefits and harms and consider the person's values and preferences.
Prognostic Significance of Nuisance Bleeding in Anticoagulated Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Circulation
This analysis of registry data (n=6771) found documented minor bleeding was common (20%) but not associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of major bleeding or stroke/systemic embolism, suggesting occurrence should not lead to changes in treatment strategy.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
European Heart Journal
In this randomised comparison involving 1500 patients it was shown that rates of strokes, systemic emboli, deaths, and bleeds were low for both apixaban and heparin/vitamin K antagonist (eg warfarin) treated AF patients undergoing cardioversion.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
NIHR Signal: Adding a third antiplatelet drug after a stroke increases harms but not benefits
National Institute for Health Research Signal
Expert commentary notes even with rapid implementation of secondary prevention, risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke is high with greatest risk in first 30 days, hence temptation to add antiplatelet agents, though this results in no additional benefit and increases bleeding.
JAMA Neurology
Imaging substudy of CHANCE (n=1089) found infarction (IF) patterns can efficiently stratify risk of recurrent stroke within 3 months of non-cardioembolic TIA/minor ischaemic stroke. Patients with multiple acute IFs received most pronounced clinical benefit from dual antiplatelets.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
European Medicines Agency
The CHMP considered that the main study did not satisfactorily show that its benefits outweighed its risk when used for preventing blood clots in patients admitted to hospital for recent medical illness. It was approved in the US in June 2017.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
This guideline aims to help healthcare professionals identify people most at risk and describes interventions that can be used to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Risk of Serious Liver Injury
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Analysis of Canadian administrative data (n=51,887) found current use of NOACs was not linked with increased risk of serious liver injury in patients without/with prior liver disease vs. use of vitamin K antagonists (HR:0.99;95% CI:0.68-1.45 and 0.68;0.33-1.37 respectively).
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Taiwanese study (n= 57,058) reported that NSAID users had elevated risk of AF vs non‐users (adjusted OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.14‐1.23). Users of non‐selective, and combined selective and non‐selective NSAIDs had elevated risk of AF (1.18; 1.13‐1.23 and 1.30; 1.21‐1.39, respectively).
Apixaban in patients at risk of stroke undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation
European Heart Journal
This RCT (n=633) reports primary outcome events (bleeding, stroke, or death) were observed in 6.9% of patients on apixaban, vs 7.3% of patients on vitamin K antagonists during ablation (difference −0.4%, non-inferiority P = 0.0002 based on definition used).
British Society for Haematology
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information and guidance on the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding complications of cancer and its treatment especially for children with leukaemia and other forms of cancer.
British Society for Haematology
This revised guideline discusses administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) primarily for 3 indications: prevention of bleeding, to stop bleeding (therapeutic) or for plasma exchange, suggesting many indications in patients without major bleeding are not substantiated.
European Heart Journal
This guide addresses management of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in various clinical situations eg how to deal with dosing errors, oral anticoagulant plasma level measurement (rare indications, precautions and potential pitfalls), management of bleeding etc.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Revised SPC: Urokinase products
electronic Medicines compendium
Diluent for further dilution, previously unspecified, is now named as sodium chloride 0.9 % solution for injection. SPC now advises that after reconstitution and further dilution in glucose 5% / 10%, urokinase solution should be used immediately, due to risk of loss in activity.
Effectiveness of new antiplatelets in the prevention of recurrent myocardial infarction
Heart
Real-world study (n=1047 cases;2234 controls) found recurrent MI risk is lower with ticagrelor or prasugrel vs clopidogrel;magnitude of which was larger than observed effect in trials: OR 0.65;95% CI 0.52 -0.81 and 0.71;0.53-0.96 vs 0.84 0.77-0.9 and 0.81;0.73- 0.90, respectively.
Imaging is the only way to diagnose blood clots in pregnancy
National Institute for Health Research Signal
An expert commentary is provided on this study which concluded biomarkers, including the D-dimer test were not useful in diagnosing PE and DVT, and imaging tests are therefore required in this population.
The Lancet
RCT (n=2,712) found that 6 months dual therapy was non-inferior to 12 months or longer in terms of composite risk of all cause death myocardial infarction, or stroke (absolute risk difference +0.5%, upper limit of 95% CI = 1.8% [pre-defined non-inferiority margin was 2.0%]).
Circulation
Pharmacodynamic study (n=80) reported that de-escalation from ticagrelor to clopidogrel therapy is associated with an increase in platelet reactivity suggestive of a drug–drug interaction. A 600mg loading dose of clopidogrel is proposed except in patients who are bleeding.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
Association of Varicose Veins With Incident Venous Thromboembolism and Peripheral Artery Disease
Journal of the American Medical Association
Retrospective Taiwanese study (n=212 984 varicose veins [VVs];212 984 controls) found significantly increased risk of incident DVT among adults with VVs (6.55 vs 1.23 per 1000 person-years; HR 5.30; 95% CI, 5.05-5.56). Findings for PE and peripheral artery disease are less clear.
Meta-Analysis of Genotype-Guided Versus Standard Dosing of Vitamin K Antagonists
American Journal of Cardiology
Review of 20 RCTs (total n=5,980) found a greater improvement in time in therapeutic range for genotype guided vs standard treatment (difference 3.41%, p=0.01). There were also reductions in major and all bleeding events, but no difference for INR >4 or serious adverse events.
Oral Anticoagulation in Very Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation - A Nationwide Cohort Study
Circulation
Taiwanese cohort study in those ≥90 years (11, 064 with AF vs 14,658 controls) found that warfarin was associated with a lower risk of stroke vs no treatment (3.83 vs 5.75% per year, HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.96). Warfarin was associated with a positive net clinical benefit.
Market Authorisation Application submitted in EU and USE for turoctocog alfa pegol for haemophilia
PharmaTimes
Turoctocog alfa pegol is an extended half-life factor VIII treatment currently under investigation. Data from the pathfinder clinical trial programme form the evidence base for the submission.
Emicizumab approved for use in EU for prevention of bleeding in haemophilia A
PharmaTimes
This bispecific monoclonal antibody simultaneously binds factor IXa & factor X, exerting the same function as factor VIII but not expected to be susceptible to neutralising antibodies. It has been approved for use on the basis of the HAVEN trial programme.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
This document summarises the evidence-base on anticoagulants, including non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). It is a key therapeutic topic which has been identified to support medicines optimisation. It is not formal NICE guidance.
European Heart Journal
Analysis of 137 mechanical heart valve patients reports restarting therapeutic anticoagulation (TA) within 2 weeks was associated with increased haemorrhagic complications v no-TA (26% v 6%, P < 0.01); however, a non-significant decrease in thromboembolic complications was noted.
European Heart Journal
Consensus paper addresses issue of whether modified antithrombotic management strategies are required for patients at extremes of body weight. More focus is given to obesity due to higher prevalence in cardiovascular disease and complexities with pharmacology and pathophysiology.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
