Effect of Fibrinogen Concentrate vs Cryoprecipitate on Blood Component Transfusion After Cardiac Surgery The FIBRES Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of the American Medical Association

RCT of 735 adults who underwent CABG surgery and developed significant bleeding and hypofibrinogenemia post surgery showed similar number of blood components transfused within 24hrs with both fibrinogen concentrate group and cryoprecipitate group (p<0.01 for non-inferiority).

Management of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB): Guideline Recommendations From the International Consensus Group

Annals of Internal Medicine

Recommendations for patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy have been updated. PPI therapy is recommended to prevent UGIB in patients with previous ulcer bleeding who are receiving single- or dual-antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.

Prevalence and Knowledge of Potential Interactions Between Over‐the‐Counter Products and Apixaban

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Survey (n=791,California) found significant number of patients take OTC meds (particularly dietary supplements) with potentially serious interactions (SIs) with apixaban (33% took ≥1 and 6.7% multiple interacting OTC meds) and they appear to lack knowledge about potentially SIs.

Safety and efficacy outcomes of double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation following percutaneous coronary intervention

European Heart Journal

Review (4 RCTs; n= 10 234) reported lower major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding with double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.78; P < 0.0001; I2 = 69%) but at higher risk of stent thrombosis (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01–2.50; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%).

NIHR Signal: Significant risk of another thrombosis remains if anticoagulation is stopped

NIHR Dissemination Centre

This expert commentary of a meta-analysis (18 studies, n= 7,515) states clinical decisions to cease anticoagulation should remain tailored to each patient's circumstances and balanced against risk of bleeding.

Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommends Xeljanz (tofacitinib) be used with caution for all patients at high risk of blood clots

European Medicines Agency

PRAC has concluded that tofacitinib could increase risk of blood clots in the lungs and deep veins in patients who are already at high risk. Also, patients older than 65 years of age should be treated with tofacitinib only when there is no alternative treatment.

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