Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 28th November 2016
Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review found high-quality evidence that airline passengers can expect a substantial reduction in the incidence of symptomless DVT and low-quality evidence that leg oedema is reduced if passengers wear compression stockings.
Antiplatelet versus anticoagulation treatment for patients with heart failure in sinus rhythm
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Evidence suggests neither anticoagulation (warfarin) nor antiplatelet therapy (aspirin) is better for mortality in systolic heart failure with sinus rhythm
(high quality evidence for all-cause mortality, moderate quality evidence for non-fatal CV and major bleeding events).
Testosterone treatment and risk of venous thromboembolism: population based case-control study
British Medical Journal
UK study (n=19 215 DVT/PE; 909,530 age matched controls) found starting testosterone linked to increased venous thromboembolism risk which peaked within 6 months (rate ratio 1.63; 95% CI, 1.12-2.37 corresponding to 10 additional cases above base rate) and declined thereafter.
Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Thromboembolism in Women With Diabetes
Diabetes Care
Study (146,080 women, 3,012 thromboembolic events) found rates of thromboembolism were highest among women on the contraceptive patch (16 per 1,000 woman-years) and lowest with intrauterine (6 per 1,000 woman-years) and subdermal (0 per 163 woman-years) contraceptives.
Optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after acute coronary syndromes and coronary stenting
Heart
This article provides an overview of the evidence, current guidelines' recommendations and future perspectives on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)
duration after an ACS and after coronary stenting. It proposes an algorithm of optimal duration of DAPT in these settings.
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 21st November 2016
New England Journal of Medicine
This is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Review discusses latest findings on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment, which is based on normalising von Willebrand factor and factor VIII levels in case of bleeding or before an intervention.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Results from two population based nested case control studies of over 45,000 patients show that simvastatin and lovastatin, when combined with dabigatran
etexilate, increased the risk of major haemorrhage, but not ischaemic 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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 14th November 2016
Biospace Inc.
In trial of 494 patients who had uncontrolled or life-threatening bleeding or required emergency surgery or an invasive procedure, primary endpoint of reversal of anticoagulant effect of dabigatran with 5g of idarucizumab within 4 hours was 100% Reversal was evident immediately.
Circulation
Study (n=2124) found either rivaroxaban 15 mg OD+P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy or 2.5 mg rivaroxaban BD plus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality/recurrent hospitalisation vs standard-of-care vitamin k antagonist+DAPT.
Heart
Study (n=123188) found warfarin use decreased with increasing severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (57.2%–46.4%), but was higher in patients on dialysis (62.3%). Proportion of patients with time in range (TIR) ≥60% decreased with CKD severity; 21% on dialysis achieved TIR≥60%.
Prevention of Bleeding in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing PCI
New England Journal of Medicine
The administration of either low-dose rivaroxaban (R)+P2Y12 inhibitor for 12 months or very-low-dose R+DAPT for 1, 6, or 12 months was associated with a
lower rate of clinically significant bleeding than was standard therapy with a vit K antagonist+DAPT for 1, 6, or 12 months.
PLOS Medicine
UK study (n=29043) found >50% of people eligible for lipid-lowering, anticoagulant, or antihypertensive drugs were not prescribed them prior to first stroke/TIA. The authors estimate that around 12000 first strokes could be prevented/year annually through optimal prescribing.
Circulation
This study (n=7513) reports that there were fewer all-cause strokes (0.54% v 0.97%; RR=0.56; P=0.032) and ischaemic strokes (0.48% v 0.91%; RR=0.53; P=0.026) among patients treated with betrixaban v enoxaparin through 77 days of follow-up.
European Heart Journal
Analysis of the TRACER trial (n=12,944) found that MI was associated with a greater risk of mortality compared with Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 2 and 3a bleeding; a similar risk of mortality to BARC 3c bleeding; and a lower risk of mortality than BARC 3c bleeding.
Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=13,885) found that ticagrelor is not superior to clopidogrel for reducing cardiovascular events (10.8% vs 10.6%, HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.92-1.13). Major
bleeding occurred at similar rates (1.6% in both groups, HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.84-1.43).
European Medicines Agency
Lonoctocog alfa is a single-chain recombinant human factor VIII product. It is proposed that the market authorisation extends to use in all age groups.
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Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 7th November 2016
Circulation
Meta-analysis (9 studies, n=255,865 with 4910 VTE events) found that apart from the association of cigarette smoking with provoked VTE, modifiable traditional CVD risk factors are not associated with increased risk. Higher systolic blood pressure was inversely associated with VTE.
The Lancet
This RCT (n=152) showed no significant difference between patients receiving nadroparin v placebo in the composite primary outcome-composite measure of
extension of calf DVT to proximal veins, contralateral proximal DVT and symptomatic PE at day 42 (3% vs 5% respectively, p=0.54).
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 31st October 2016
British Medical Journal
Review (n=11,473) found long term (12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) did not reduce risk of major adverse cardiac events vs. short term DAPT (≤6 months) but increased risk of bleeding among patients with stents with or without diabetes.
The Lancet Haematology
Study (n=10604) found transfusion via a multi-lumen PICC is associated with a greater risk of thrombosis than via a peripheral IV catheter (HR 1•96 (95% CI
1•47–2•61; p<0•0001) vs. patients not receiving a transfusion, and 1•79 (1•09–2•95; p=0•022) vs. peripheral IV line.
Circulation
Review (15 studies, 4762 patients) found carriers of CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles (*2, *3 and/or *8) were at increased risk of stroke vs non-carriers among patients with ischemic stroke/TIA treated with clopidogrel (12.0 vs. 5.8%; RR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.57-2.35; p<0.001).
Adverse events in trial for haemophilia drug, ACE910
Reuters Health
Four patients have suffered serious adverse events relating to thrombosis/ blood clots in a trial of ACE910. ACE910 is a recombinant bispecific monoclonal
antibody which simultaneously binds factor IXa and X, exerting the same function as factor VIII.
Wide Variation in Reported Rates of Stroke Across Cohorts of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Circulation
This review (34 studies) reports a variation in reported stroke rates in different cohorts of patients with AF showing that CHA2DS2-VASc scores do not
correspond to fixed absolute stroke rates; a net clinical benefit for anticoagulating patients with score 1 or 2 was not observed.
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 24th October 2016
European Heart Journal
While waiting for observational and randomised data to accrue, this consensus paper offers a European perspective on managing antithrombotic therapy after
bleeding in patients with coronary artery disease and/or AF, including which drugs to stop, which to restart, and when.
Patterns of antiplatelet drug use after a first myocardial infarction during a 10-year period
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Trial (n=4690) found persistent users decreased from 84.0% at 1-year to 32.8% at 10 years for any antiplatelet [AP: 77.3% to 27.5% for aspirin; 39.0% to 6.4% for clopidogrel at 6 years]. Most nonpersistent users restarted, leading to 89.3% overall AP users at 10 years post MI.
Medicines Optimisation in Atrial Fibrillation
Specialist Pharmacy Service
First section of this document shows how to use nationally available data to build picture of care and assess quality of AF management for any locality. Second
section provides short review protocol for patients on AF register which can be used to optimise their anticoagulation.
Non-major bleeding with apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation
Heart
In this RCT (n=18,140) non-major bleeding was reported less frequently with apixaban (6.4/100 patient-years) than warfarin (9.4/100 patient-years) (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.75) and was associated with fewer adverse outcomes including mortality and subsequent major bleed.
Biospace Inc.
At 6 months, recurrent VTE occurred in 1.07% of people in the continued cohort and 2.10% in the discontinued cohort (p<0.05) whilst major bleeding occurred in 0.79% and 0.72% respectively (p>0.05). Similar findings were reported at 12 months.
Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Coronary-Artery Surgery
New England Journal of Medicine
Study (n=4631) found no significant difference in death/thrombotic complications within 30 days of surgery between tranexamic acid and placebo (16.7% vs.
18.1%, respectively). Tranexamic acid was associated with a lower risk of bleeding vs placebo.
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 17th October 2016
AF patients with no schooling benefit least from anticoagulants
European Heart Journal
Survey of more than 1100 patients with atrial fibrillation found those with no schooling missed treatment targets more often, were less aware of bleeding
risks, and did not know they could continue normal daily activities (for example drive, play sports and travel by plane).
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 10th October 2016
European Heart Journal
Analysis of registry data (2011–15) found that among 43, 299 anticoagulant-naïve AF patients, treatment with NOACs was not linked to significantly lower risk of stroke/thromboembolism vs. vitamin K antagonist but intracranial bleeding risk was lower with dabigatran and apixaban.
Specialist Pharmacy Service
This Q&A offers guidance on what factors should be considered when calculating a low molecular weight treatment dose following a venous thromboembolism in non-pregnant adult patients with a high body weight, defined as more than 120kg.
The Lancet Neurology
In this study of 96 patients, the primary outcomes (30 day mortality, 7 day procedure-related mortality, 72h symptomatic bleeding, and 30 day brain
infections) did not differ between the standard medical care vs minimally invasive surgery + alteplase groups.
US Food and Drug Administration
In July 2016, Alere INRatio device, which was used to monitor warfarin in control group of trial was recalled due to potential to generate inaccurate results.
Following series of analyses, FDA has determined effects on strokes or bleeding, including cerebral bleeds were minimal.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
This study (n=45,361) found that apixaban and dabigatran were associated with a lower risk of major bleeding vs warfarin (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.71 and 0.69, 0.50-0.96). Compared to apixaban, rivaroxaban was associated with higher risk of major bleeding (1.82, 1.36-2.43).
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 3rd October 2016
JAMA Internal Medicine
This analysis of 118 891 atrial fibrillation patients taking rivaroxabanor dabigatran reports that those treated with rivaroxaban were more likely to experience both intracranial haemorrhage or major extracranial bleeding than those treated with dabigatran.
The Handbook of Perioperative Medicines
UK Clinical Pharmacy Association
This handbook, in the form of drug monographs, contains information on how medicines are to be managed in the peri-operative period. It has been developed collaboratively by clinical pharmacy experts, to address the need for a national guidance for healthcare professionals.
The Lancet Oncology
In this review, the authors provide the first evidence-based international guidelines on direct oral anticoagulant use in the treatment of VTE. These guidelines
aim to address in-hospital and outpatient cancer-associated VTE in specific subgroups of patients with cancer.
The Lancet
Review of 8 RCTs (n=963) found that low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) does not seem to reduce risk of recurrent placenta-mediated pregnancy complications vs. no LMWH in at-risk women. However some decreases in event rates might have been too small for power of study to explore.
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:
Anticoagulation news items. Weeks commencing 26th September 2016
BMJOpen
Study (n=15,242) found observed differential prescribing of oral anticoagulants (OACs) can result in channeling bias in comparative effectiveness research.
Persistence patterns changed over follow-up time, apixaban had improved persistence rates vs. other OACs.
The Lancet Haematology
Study (n=57, with 72 vaginal bleeding events) found vaginal bleeding, particularly heavy menstrual bleeding, is a common complication in women of reproductive age on direct oral factor Xa inhibitor therapy. Most cases can be treated conservatively.
British Medical Journal
Investigation found companies were aware of concerns about faulty INRatio device, which could have put participants at unnecessary risk. It asks whether regulatory investigations could have been avoided, who was informed, FDA's concerns, and whether trial results can be trusted.
Does tranexamic acid improve outcomes in traumatic brain injury?
British Medical Journal
Review notes efficacy/safety is uncertain, although RCTs are under way. It suggests intracranial bleeding could be reduced but risk of cerebral thrombosis and
ischaemia might increase with treatment. It does not support use in routine clinical practice unless RCTs show benefit.
Novel oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation
British Medical Journal
Editorial notes use has proved to be highly variable in patients most at risk, (4%-70% in different areas in England), which may partly be due to clinical
uncertainty about balance of benefit to harm, and which cannot be resolved until independent scrutiny of key trial data.
New oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Infographic
Pharmaceutical Journal
This infographic covers the anticoagulant effect of these agents, the slow rise of prescribing, the individual agents, and deciding which one to prescribe.
British Medical Journal
RCT (n=7123) found a bivalirudin monotherapy strategy vs. heparin with or without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, did not result in reduced major adverse
cardiovascular events or net adverse clinical events in patients with or without ST segment elevation.
Valvular heart disease and pregnancy: management of prosthetic valves
Heart
This review discusses the pregnancy risks in women with prosthetic heart valves, strategies for anticoagulation in women with mechanical heart valves, and the management of complications.
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