The Lancet Haematology
Study (93 children) found that bodyweight adjusted rivaroxaban appears to be safe in children (no major bleeds, 4% rate of non-major bleed and no recurrent VTEs). Doses for <20kg showed low exposure, so the dosages for this group will be adjusted for the phase 3 study.
American Journal of Medicine
Analysis of 14 RCTs(n=164,751) found aspirin decreases MI risk at expense of increased risks for major bleeding (BD) and haemorrhagic stroke. With contemporary aggressive preventive strategies, effect on MI risk seems to be much attenuated whereas its harmful effects on BD remain.
National Institute for Health Research
Expert commentary is provided of UK trial of 537 adults (RESTART) on antiplatelets before intracerebral haemorrhage, which found no material difference in risk of further bleeding or occlusive vascular event if they restarted on the drugs when feasible.
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: Reminders to assess clotting risk increase the use of preventive measures
National Institute for Health Research
Expert commentary is provided for a review of 13 RCTs (n=35,997) which found that alert based interventions increased the proportion of patients who received mechanical or drug prophylaxis vs standard care. Unfortunately, trial data are lacking on multifaceted interventions.
The Lancet Neurology
Scottish cohort study (n=300) found antithrombotic therapy linked to lower risk of subsequent intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) or focal neurological deficit. Meta-analysis of 6 cohort studies (n=1342) also noted lower ICH risk (3 vs. 14%; IRR 0.25; 95% CI,0.13–0.51;p<0.0001).
American Journal of Cardiology
Analysis of 6 trials (n=8855) found no significant difference in major adverse CV event in patients on oral anticoagulant (OAC) plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) vs. OAC monotherapy. OAC plus SAPT was linked to higher risk of major bleeding (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.38-1.87).
Perioperative Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving a Direct Oral Anticoagulant
JAMA Internal Medicine
Cohort study (n=3007) followed up post-operatively for 30 days suggests DOAC therapy interruption without heparin bridging or coagulation function testing before elective surgery were associated with low rates of major bleeding (<2%) and arterial thromboembolism.
Journal of Clinical Oncology
This updated guideline now recommends thromboprophylaxis with apixaban, rivaroxaban, or low molecular weight heparin to selected high-risk outpatients with cancer, whilst rivaroxaban and edoxaban have been added as options for VTE treatment.
European Heart Journal
Study (n=962) found that thromboembolic risk increased in 30 days before cardioversion and persisted until 30 days post-cardioversion (0.47% and 0.96%, respectively; HR 2.2, 95% CI 0.7–7.1). Authors suggest that this increased risk may not be entirely causal.
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: Xarelto (rivaroxaban) tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
SPC now advises that rivaroxaban should not be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients having recently undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement as the safety and efficacy have not been studied in this population.
Bayer
Bayer has published a checklist for prescribers, a Q&A on important information for women and a summary of important information about risk of blood clots with combined hormonal contraceptives, for all Bayer CHC products.
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
JAMA Neurology
Data from 11,662 patients discharged after stroke shows those on DOACs (v warfarin) had fewer deaths (HR 0.88, P<0.001), all-cause readmissions (0.93; P=0.003), CV readmissions (0.92, P=0.02), haemorrhagic strokes (0.69, P=0.02), and hospitalisation with bleeding (0.89, P=0.009).
British Medical Journal
Review (18 studies;n=7515) found in patients with 1st episode unprovoked VTE who completed ≥3 months anticoagulation, risk of recurrent VTE was 10% in 1st year after treatment, 16% at 2 years, 25% at 5 years, and 36% at 10 years, with 4% of recurrent VTE events resulting in death.
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
Annals of Internal Medicine
This RCT (n=184) suggests small colorectal polyps may be resected safely with cold-snare polypectomy while oral anticoagulation continues, compared to heparin bridging with hot-snare polypectomy, and was associated with a lower incidence of major bleeding.
Annals of Internal Medicine
Review of 45 RCTs (n=34,082) concludes in early-stage CKD, non–vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) had benefit–risk profile superior to that of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). For advanced CKD or ESKD, there was insufficient evidence to establish benefits or harms of VKAs v NOACs.
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto▼): reminder that 15 mg and 20 mg tablets should be taken with food
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
MHRA has received a small number of reports suggesting lack of efficacy (thromboembolic events) in patients taking 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban on an empty stomach. Healthcare professional are advised to remind patients to take 15 mg or 20 mg rivaroxaban tablets with food.
Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in Renal Impairment: Practice Guide to Dosing Issues
Specialist Pharmacy Service
This paper explains the background to dosing decisions for DOACs in patients with impaired renal function and focusses on the use of DOACs in patients with AF. It provides case study examples from current clinical practice and is intended as a practice aid.
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
Data collection from 7,667 total hip arthroplasties found that IV, topical, and combined tranexamic acid all showed a significantly lower incidence of DVT than controls (0.08% vs 0.47%, p=0.001) as well as a lower rate of other complications (0.34% vs 0.67%, p=0.044).
Atrial fibrillation groups lobby patients to overturn screening committee decision
British Medical Journal
Article reports that patients' groups with funding from drug companies with vested interests are putting pressure on the National Screening Committee to overturn its decision not to recommend an AF screening programme. Doctors are concerned the campaign goes against the evidence.
Revised SPC: Eliquis (apixaban) film-coated tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
The SPC has been updated to include information about dosing in patients undergoing interventions (e.g. catheter ablation) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
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
JAMA Cardiology
In this cohort study of 10,137 patients with atrial fibrillation, historical INR variance was associated with future bleeding events, but not with future stroke risk, suggesting caution when using historical INR to assess likelihood of bleeding or thrombotic events.
Antithrombotic doses: clinical observations from published clinical trials
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
This review discusses uncertainties around optimal doses of antithrombotic agents e.g. data from RCTs show aspirin is effective at doses below 75 mg daily and direct oral anticoagulants reduce risk of stroke in AF patients at doses 1/4 of those currently recommended.
British Medical Journal
Review found long vs short term (>12 vs <6 months) DAPT resulted in higher rates of major bleeding (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.49) and non-cardiac death (1.63, 1.03 to 2.59); standard term (12 months) DAPT was associated with higher rates of any bleeding (1.39, 1.01 to 1.92).
A Practical Approach to Low-Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention
Journal of the American Medical Association
This article discusses use of aspirin for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the context of 3 large trials demonstrating bleeding risks comparable with benefits, and proposes a practical approach to initiate, continue, or discontinue aspirin.
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:
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Extended Anticoagulation for VTE: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chest
Review of 16 studies (n=12,458) found DOACs linked to decrease in overall (risk ratio 0.48;95% CI;0.27-0.86;p=0.01) and VTE-related (0.36;0.15-0.89;p=0.03) mortality whereas VKAs were not. Both similarly prevented recurrent VTE but only VKAs linked to increased major bleeding risk.
Circulation
Secondary analysis of POINT (n=4,881) noted benefit of clopidogrel+aspirin occurs predominantly within first 21 days and outweighs low, but ongoing risk of major haemorrhage suggesting limiting use to 21 days may maximize benefit/reduce risk after TIA/minor ischaemic stroke.
American Society for Nutrition
RCT (n=49) found increasing dietary vitamin K intakes resulted in greater proportion patients with %TTR ˃70% over assessment period. (50 % who increased intake by ≥150 µd/day through specific food choices met criteria vs. 19% control [general dietary information] group; p=0.026.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Review of 21 studies reports patients appear to prefer treatment with DOACs vs warfarin, as shown by the higher quality of life, satisfaction and adherence described in the studies. However, heterogeneity in the analysed studies does not allow firm conclusions.
European Heart Journal
In this post hoc analysis (n=5022), rivaroxaban significantly reduced the primary neurological endpoint of all-cause stroke or TIA compared with placebo by 32% (2.4% vs. 3.5%; 1.29 events vs. 1.90 events per 100 patient-years; HR 0.68; P = 0.02).
Journal of the American Medical Association
This RCT (n=2974) reports 1-month DAPT was both noninferior and superior to 12-month DAPT for the primary end point, occurring in 2.36% with 1-month DAPT v 3.70% with 12-month DAPT (difference −1.34%; HR 0.64, meeting criteria for noninferiority (P<0.001) and superiority (P=0.04).
Journal of the American Medical Association
In this RCT (n=2912) P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy after 3-month duration of DAPT resulted in a noninferior rate of major cardiovascular events (all-cause death, MI, and stroke) vs prolonged DAPT at 12 months (2.9% vs 2.5%; difference 0.4%; P=0.007 for non-inferiority).
Revised SPC: Xarelto (rivaroxaban) film-coated tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
The SPC has been updated in line with PRAC recommendations to advise DOACs, including rivaroxaban, are not recommended for patients with a history of thrombosis who are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, in particular for patients that are triple positive.
Coagulation Testing in Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Teachable Moment
JAMA Internal Medicine
This Teachable Moment examines the case of a man taking a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) who received a high INR test result during a visit to the emergency department, and highlights that INR is an unreliable measure of therapeutic anticoagulation in patients taking DOACs.
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
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
MHRA advises that DOACs are not recommended in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, particularly high-risk patients (those who test positive for all 3 antiphospholipid tests — lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I antibodies).
JAMA Cardiology
Review of 4 RCTs (n = 10 026) found DOAC plus P2Y12 inhibitor was linked to less bleeding vs. vitamin K antagonists + dual antiplatelets; strategies omitting aspirin caused less bleeding without significant difference in major adverse CV event vs. strategies including aspirin.
Warfarin dose requirement in patients having severe thrombosis or thrombophilia
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Study (n=50) found that currently the most used pharmacogenetics dosing algorithms (IWPC and Gage) underestimate the warfarin dose required for effective anticoagulation in thrombogenic young (age <50 years) patients, particularly those who are at the highest thrombotic risk.
Revised SPC: Brilique (ticagrelor) tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been added as a potential adverse effect of treatment (frequency unknown).
Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Patients With STEMI Treated With Fibrinolysis: TREAT Trial
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Open-label RCT (n=3,799) found that ticagrelor did not significantly reduce the frequency of CV events vs clopidogrel when used after fibrinolytic therapy (combined outcome of CV mortality, MI or stroke = 6.7% vs 7.3% for ticagrelor vs clopidogrel, HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.73-1.18).
European Heart Journal
Network meta-analysis (n=13,574) found that NOACs are superior, vs warfarin, in reducing stroke or systemic embolisation, MI and intracranial haemorrhage in AF and valvular heart disease. Analysis of 280 patients with AF and bioprosthetic heart valve showed similar outcomes.
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 SPCs: Eliquis (apixaban) film-coated tablets- all strengths
electronic Medicines compendium
SPCs highlight DOACs are not recommended for patients with history of thrombosis diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, in particular, triple positive patients, where use of DOACs could be associated with increased rates of recurrent thrombotic events vs. vitamin K antagonists.
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
