Meta-analysis on Risk of Bleeding with Apixaban in Patients with Renal Impairment

American Journal of Cardiology

In 6 trials (n= 40,145), risk of bleeding with apixaban in patients with mild renal impairment (RI) was significantly less (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.96) vs. conventional anticoagulants, but was similar in patients with moderate-severe RI (1.01; 0.49 to 2.10).

Warfarin Versus Novel Oral Anticoagulants: How to Choose?

Circulation

This article for patient describes the differences between NOACs and warfarin, use of NOACs for mechanical heart valves and how to select an agent.

Effect of Alteplase Within 6 Hours of Acute Ischemic Stroke on All-Cause Mortality (Third International Stroke Trial)

Stroke

This exploratory analysis of RCT (n=3035) examining whether long-term survival varied by baseline characteristics after alteplase treatment supports improving acute stroke patients' access to earlier (<3 vs. 3–6 hours) alteplase treatment and treating those with poor prognosis.

Thrombolysis and clinical outcome in patients with stroke after implementation of the Tyrol Stroke Pathway: a retrospective observational study

The Lancet Neurology

This pathway provided information campaigns for the public and standardised the entire treatment pathway from stroke onset to outpatient rehabilitation, leading to an increase in use of thrombolysis and an improvement in clinical outcome, although mortality did not change.

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