Treatment and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Incidental Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Cancer: An International Prospective Cohort Study

Journal of Clinical Oncology

Observational study of 695 patients with cancer and incidental diagnosis of PE suggests despite anticoagulant therapy, recurrent VTE occurred in 6% of patients, strengthening current guideline advice to treat incidental PE as symptomatic PE for at least 3 to 6 months.

Effects of antiplatelet therapy after stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage (RESTART): a randomised, open-label trial

The Lancet

RCT (n=537) reports 4% of participants allocated to antiplatelet therapy had recurrence of intracerebral haemorrhage vs 9% allocated to avoid antiplatelet therapy (HR 0.51, p=0.060), whilst 7% and 9% of patients respectively experienced major haemorrhagic events (HR 0.71, p=0.27).

Defining High Bleeding Risk in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Consensus Document From the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk

Circulation

The consensus document represents the first pragmatic approach to a consistent definition of high bleeding risk in clinical trials evaluating the safety and effectiveness of devices and drug regimens for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Extending thrombolysis to 4·5–9 h and wake-up stroke using perfusion imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data

The Lancet

Review of 3 RCTs (n=414) found that more patients given alteplase achieved excellent functional outcomes at 3 months vs placebo (36% vs 29%, OR 1.86, p=0.011). Intracerebral haemorrhage was more common with alteplase (5% vs 1%, OR 9.7, p=0.031).

Revised SPC@ Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesilate) hard capsules (all strengths)

electronic Medicines compendium

Section 4.4 has been updated to include a warning regarding thromboembolic risk in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Tofacitinib (Xeljanz▼): restriction of 10 mg twice-daily dose in patients at high risk of pulmonary embolism while safety review is ongoing

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Following an increased risk of pulmonary embolism and overall mortality with tofacitinib 10 mg twice-daily in the study A3921133 rheumatoid arthritis study, a safety review has started and this dose (authorised for ulcerative colitis) is contraindicated in patients at high risk of VTE.

Early discharge and home treatment of patients with low-risk pulmonary embolism with the oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban: an international multicentre single-arm clinical trial

European Heart Journal

Study suggests that early discharge with continuation of rivaroxaban at home is safe and effective in certain low-risk patients with acute PE. Rate of symptomatic recurrent VTE or PE-related death within 3 months (primary outcome) occurred in 3 of 525 patients (0.6%; P <0.0001).

The rise and fall of aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

The Lancet

This narrative review discusses the role of aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, contextualising data from historical and contemporary trials.

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