Annals of Internal Medicine
Study (n=2,157) found rates of GI bleeding were higher for rivaroxaban than apixaban (3.2 vs. 2.5 overall events per 100 person-years [HR 1.42; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.93; major bleeding HR 1.50 [1.00 to 2.24]) and dabigatran (similar estimates but including possibility of null effect).
All Wales Medicines Strategy Group
This consultation presents a proposed update to the current guidance, following the publication of updated NICE guidance (NG196; published June 2021). The update includes re-positioning DOACs before vitamin K antagonists, and an amendment to the tool for assessing bleeding risk.
Annals of Internal Medicine
In this article, two clinicians discuss and debate current guidelines on use of aspirin for primary prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease, the appropriate risk threshold for starting aspirin therapy, and the role of the coronary artery calcium score in decision making.
Circulation
Review of VOYAGER PAD study (n=6564) found, in those with prior lower extremity revascularisation, rivaroxaban reduced acute limb ischaemia vs placebo (by 2.6% at 3 years; HR 0.67, 95%CI 0.55 to 0.82) with a benefit starting early (HR 0.45, 0.24 to 0.85 at 30 days after surgery).
Anticoagulant prescribing for atrial fibrillation and risk of incident dementia
Heart
In study of healthcare records from UK CPRD (n=39,200 of whom 1258 had dementia [DM]), use of DOAC for AF was linked to 16% reduction in DM diagnosis vs. Vit K antagonist (HR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98) & 26% reduction in incident mild cognitive impairment (0.74, 95% CI: 0.65-0.84).
British Medical Journal
This RCT in hospitalised adults with Covid-19 and increased D-dimer levels (n=465; mean BMI 30.3 kg/m2) found therapeutic dose heparin did not reduce the risk of the primary composite endpoint (16.2% v 21.9% prophylactic dose; OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.10; P=0.12).
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