Dabigatran trough concentrations in very elderly patients
European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
Observational study of 75 patients with atrial fibrillation, found trough concentrations were considerably higher in the highest age category. Dose-normalised medians were 0.66, 0.83 and 1.20 ng/mL/mg in the <75, 75–84 and ≥85 age groups, respectively (p=0.004).
NIHR Alert: Tranexamic acid should not be used for patients with severe gastrointestinal bleeding
National Institute for Health Research
Expert commentary is provided on the HALT-IT (Haemorrhage alleviation with tranexamic acid-Intestinal system) trial of more than 12,000 patients; which showed tranexamic acid does not improve outcomes but increases side effects for this group of patients compared to placebo.
JAMA Cardiology
Secondary analysis of RCT (n=4129) found risk of major vascular events was greater than 10% over 30 months for high risk patients and treatment with combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin vs aspirin alone resulted in estimated 4.2% absolute risk reduction for major vascular event.
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
