Optimizing heart failure management: anticoagulation, diuretic withdrawal, iron substitution, and novel inotropes

European Heart Journal

Review discusses management options for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HfrEF), whether anticoagulation would be protective in patients with ischaemic HfrEF, role of renin–angiotensin system, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and diuretics.

Manufacturers report positive data from the TWILIGHT trial for ticagrelor

PharmaTimes

New data from AstraZeneca's TWILIGHT trial has found that Brilinta (ticagrelor) on its own reduced the risk of clinically relevant bleeding compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) over 12 months in high-risk patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS).

A Controlled Trial of Rivaroxaban after Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement

New England Journal of Medicine

In 1644 pts without an established indication for oral anticoagulation after transcatheter aortic-valve replacement, treatment with rivaroxaban was associated with a higher risk of death or thromboembolic complications and higher risk of bleeding vs an antiplatelet-based strategy.

Anticoagulant Reversal Strategies in the Emergency Department Setting: Recommendations of a Multidisciplinary Expert Panel

Annals of Emergency Medicine

This US-focused anticoagulant reversal and replacement guidance statement is supported by literature and consensus definitions to support evaluation and treatment of the bleeding and nonbleeding patient requiring emergency invasive procedures.

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