Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis strategies for people undergoing elective total knee replacement: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

The Lancet Haematology

Review (25 RCTs) found that vs no prophylaxis, rivaroxaban was most effective for prevention of DVT (RR 0.12; 95% CI 0.06–0.22). LMWH, vs no prophylaxis was found to be more effective for pulmonary embolism and best for major bleeding but these findings are highly uncertain.

Emicizumab as prophylaxis in people with severe congenital haemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors (all ages)

NHS England

NHS England will commission emicizumab as prophylaxis in adults and children with severe congenital haemophilia A (defined as factor VIII level <1 IU/dL, or <1% of normal) without current inhibitors to prevent bleeding episodes.

Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in 2019

Journal of the American Medical Association

This article reviews management approaches to atrial fibrillation (AF), including assessment of the need for anticoagulation, and controversies over the need for rhythm control and the role of catheter ablation for maintaining sinus rhythm and reducing AF-associated symptoms.

Continuous Anticoagulation and Cold Snare Polypectomy Versus Heparin Bridging and Hot Snare Polypectomy in Patients on Anticoagulants With Subcentimeter Polyps: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Annals of Internal Medicine

RCT (n=184) found patients on continuous anticoagulants +cold snare polypectomy (CSP;without electrocautery) did not have increased incidence of polypectomy-related major bleeding, and procedure time and hospitalisation were shorter vs. periprocedural heparin bridging plus hot SP.

Effect of Recombinant Activated Coagulation Factor VII on Hemorrhage Expansion Among Patients With Spot Sign–Positive Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The SPOTLIGHT and STOP-IT Randomized Clinical Trials

JAMA Neurology

RCTs included 69 patients and found that recombinant activated coagulation factor VII did not significantly improve radiographic or clinical outcomes vs. placebo among patients with spot sign–positive intracerebral haemorrhage treated a median of ~3 hours from stroke onset.

Outcomes Associated With Clopidogrel-Aspirin Use in Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Pooled Analysis of Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Non-Disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) and Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and

JAMA Neurology

Analysis of POINT and CHANCE trials (n=10,051) found clopidogrel-aspirin treatment reduced risk of major ischaemic events at 90 days vs. aspirin, that appeared to be confined to the first 21 days (5.2% vs 7.8%; HR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56-0.77; p <0 .001), but not from day 22 to day 90.

Prevention of Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Stenting: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Stroke

Review of 3 RCTs and 15 observational studies (total n=23,478) found that DOACs were associated with less major bleeding and major cardiovascular adverse effects, but vitamin K antagonists were associated with decreased mortality and stroke.

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