Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Asians With Atrial Fibrillation
Stroke
Review, based on subanalyses of 5 RCTs and 21 observational cohorts, found use of NOACs is noninferior vs warfarin with respect to risk of stroke or systemic embolism, all-cause mortality, major bleeding and intracranial bleeding, irrespective of the NOAC type and dose.
BMJ Open
Database study (n=30 467; 2011-2016) reported 76.9% of patients starting NOACs were prescribed an appropriate dose. Underdosing more frequent in apixaban vs dabigatran and rivaroxaban cohorts. Overdosing more frequent in dabigatran vs rivaroxaban or apixaban cohorts.
Thrombosis Reasearch
Retrospective US study of 2890 matched pairs of morbidly obese VTE patients reported similar recurrent VTE risk (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.85–1.14) and major bleeding (0.75: 0.47–1.19) with rivaroxaban vs warfarin. Hospitalizations and outpatient visits were lower with rivaroxaban.
Oral Anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1
European Heart Journal
This report outlines the currently available evidence in this field and provides a risk stratification of the individual thromboembolic risk in patients with AF and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 to guide clinicians on whether to anticoagulate or not.
Revised SPC: Brilique (ticagrelor) film coated tablets – all strengths
electronic Medicines compendium
The SPC has been updated to warn of potential for ticagrelor to interfere with platelet function tests to diagnose heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Prolonged thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin for abdominal or pelvic surgery
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Updated review of 7 RCTs (n=1728) concludes prolonged thromboprophylaxis (14 days) with LMWH significantly reduces the risk of VTE compared to thromboprophylaxis during hospital admittance only, without increasing bleeding complications or mortality.
JAMA Neurology
Pooled analysis of data from 251 patients with mild-deficit emergency large-vessel occlusion stroke concludes mechanical thrombectomy has a similar efficacy and safety profile vs best medical management, and a separate systematic review confirms this finding.
Circulation
Study (n=4,614) shows regimen of apixaban + P2Y12 inhibitor without aspirin provides superior safety & similar efficacy in atrial fibrillation patients who have ACS (managed medically or with PCI), or those undergoing elective PCI; vs. regimens with VKAs, aspirin, or both.
Heart
Study (n=159,222) found the female/male ischaemic stroke risk ratio varied with age. Only women aged >75 years had a higher risk, whereas women aged <65 years had a lower risk vs. men. Authors state findings challenge the 'sex category' of the CHA2DS2-VASc score.
Ticagrelor with or without Aspirin in High-Risk Patients after PCI
New England Journal of Medicine
RCT (n=7,119) found ticagrelor monotherapy was associated with lower incidence of clinically relevant bleeding vs. ticagrelor + aspirin (1.0% vs. 2.0%; HR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.74), with no higher risk of death, myocardial infarction, or 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:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services
