European Heart Journal
In high-risk patients with prior MI, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for >1 year decreased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and CV death versus aspirin alone, with no difference in overall mortality. Major bleeding, but not fatal bleeding, was increased with DAPT.
Strategies for thromboprophylaxis in Fontan circulation: a meta-analysis
Heart
his meta-analysis of 10 studies (n=1,200) found aspirin or warfarin prophylaxis reduced the risk of thromboembolic events in patients who underwent the Fontan procedure; there was no significant difference between the two agents.
European Heart Journal
The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold was deemed non-inferior to cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stents in terms of target lesion failure at 12 months (incidence of 4.2% vs 3.8%, respectively) in patients with one or two de novo lesions in different epicardial vessels.
Bivalirudin or Unfractionated Heparin in Acute Coronary Syndromes
New England Journal of Medicine
In patients with ACS for whom PCI was anticipated, bivalirudin was associated with a similar rate of major adverse CV events to unfractionated heparin (10.3% v 10.9%; RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09; P=0.44). A post-PCI bivalirudin infusion did not appear to be of any benefit.
Annals of Internal Medicine
This evidence-based practice tool, endorsed by Thrombosis Canada, the Canadian Stroke Consortium, the Canadian Cardiovascular Pharmacists Network and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, aims to help healthcare professionals provide best-practice anticoagulant follow-up care.
European Heart Journal
This study investigating the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in routine clinical use reported that rates of stroke and major bleeding were low in patients receiving rivaroxaban in routine clinical practice (0.7 and 2.1 events per 100 patient-years respectively).
Circulation
Pre-specified analysis (n=16,897) found vorapaxar (VX) significantly reduced composite of CV death, MI and stroke vs. placebo, regardless of planned thienopyridine (TP) therapy. Moderate/severe bleeding risk was increased with VX and was not significantly altered by planned TP.
European Heart Journal
Retrospective study (n=2244) found discontinuation of platelet inhibitor 3 days before surgery, as opposed to 5 days, did not increase the incidence of major bleeding complications in ticagrelor-treated patients, but increased the incidence in clopidogrel-treated patients.
Journal of the American Medical Association
Cohort study (n=42,987) found that among patients with incident heart failure with/without AF, CHA2DS2-VASc score was linked to risk of ischaemic stroke, thromboembolism, and death. However, predictive accuracy was modest and clinical utility of score remains to be determined.
Effect of clopidogrel with aspirin on functional outcome in TIA or minor stroke: CHANCE substudy
Neurology
This subgroup analysis suggests that clopidogrel plus aspirin vs. aspirin alone improves 90-day functional outcome (poor functional outcome occurred in 254 [9.9%] on combination vs 299 [11.6%] on aspirin alone; p=0.046) in patients with acute minor stroke or TIA.
PharmaTimes
ACE910 is an investigational humanised bispecific monoclonal antibody engineered to mimic the function of blood coagulation factor VIII, and thus provide a new approach to treating the condition, regardless of whether patients have developed inhibitors.
PharmaTimes
FDA approval of long term use is based on data from PEGASUS TIMI-54 study, which showed that in patients on aspirin with MI more than 1 year previously, treatment with ticagrelor significantly reduced risk of CV death, MI, or stroke (but increased risk of major bleeding).
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
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE recommends edoxaban, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating and for preventing recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in adults.
Circulation
This US-based study (n=158,992; 271 hospitals) suggests 22% of patients admitted for HF require initiation of at least 1 medicine; research into benefits of mass initiation of medications prior to discharge v sequential initiation extending into the ambulatory setting is needed.
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
Journal of the American Medical Association
In patients with active cancer and proximal DVT or PE, there was no statistically significant difference between tinzaparin and warfarin for recurrent VTE (6-month incidence 7.2% v 10.5%; P=0.07) or mortality; clinically relevant non-major bleeding was lower with tinzaparin.
Longer-term results of recombinant factor IX therapy in haemophilia B
Biospace Inc.
Interim results from the phase III B-YOND open-label extension study support the long-term safety and efficacy of an investigational recombinant clotting factor IX therapy (Alprolix®) in the treatment of severe haemophilia B for up to two years.
Does warfarin interact with oseltamivir or zanamivir?
UKMi
This updated Medicines Q&A evaluates the available evidence for an interaction between warfarin and oseltamivir or zanamivir.
Is it safe to take herbal medicines with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs)?
UKMi
This new Medicines Q&A evaluates the available evidence for the safety of co-administering herbal medicines with the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).
The Lancet
Review of 25 studies from 24 cohorts in Europe, US, and Australia found employees who work long hours (≥55 h/week) have a higher risk of stroke (RR 1.33,95% CI,1.11–1.61;p=0.002) than those working standard hours (35–40h/week); the link with CHD is weaker (1.13;1.02–1.26;p=0.02).
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Four RCTs (high risk of bias; underpowered) suggest prothrombin complex concentrate does not appear to reduce mortality or transfusion requirements but demonstrates possibility of reversing vitamin K-induced coagulopathy without need for transfusion of fresh frozen plasma.
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
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Analysis (n=4959) found that ~ 1 in 4 older AF patients undergoing PCI for MI were discharged on triple therapy; and those receiving triple therapy vs. dual antiplatelet therapy had higher rates of major bleeding without a measurable difference in composite MI, death, or stroke.
Optimizing the Safe Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Older Patients: A Teachable Moment
JAMA Internal Medicine
Case of 86-year-old woman with AF who presents with persistent epistaxis and found to have supratherapeutic levels of rivaroxaban and creatinine clearance of 21 mL/min highlights challenge of ensuring appropriate and safe use of direct oral anticoagulants in frail older patients.
Circulation
The results of this observational study suggest IV thrombolysis or intra-arterial treatment in carefully selected patients with an ischaemic stroke who are taking NOACs may not be associated with an excessive risk of intracranial haemorrhage; further data are however required.
Oral dual antiplatelet therapy: what have we learnt from recent trials?
European Heart Journal
This paper outlines the evidence base for clinical decisions regarding timing of initiation and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndrome.
Pregnancy Complicated by Venous Thrombosis
New England Journal of Medicine
This clinical practice article starts with a case vignette of a pregnant women presenting with venous thrombosis. The author's recommendations are based on supporting evidence and guidelines.
Blood
In patients with severe type 1, 2, or 3 von Willebrand disease, a recombinant von Willebrand factor (initially administered together with recombinant Factor VIII) led to excellent or good control in 96.9% of 192 treated bleeds, with a single infusion effective in 81.8%.
Atrial fibrillation (non-valvular) - edoxaban tosylate [ID624]: final appraisal determination
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
In DRAFT guidance (final appraisal determination), NICE recommends edoxaban, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with one or more of the stated risk factors.
Venous thromboembolic diseases - management (Standing Committee B update): addendum consultation
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
This DRAFT guideline update includes new recommendations on use of systemic thrombolysis in patients with 'intermediate-risk' pulmonary embolism, and on long-term use of compression stockings for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients who have had a proximal DVT.
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
British Medical Journal
RCT (n=12 552) found that compared to those not anticoagulated, warfarinised patients had more days at home (as opposed to institutional care) during 2-years after discharge and a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and recurrent ischaemic stroke.
FDA accepts for review biologics license application for rVIII-SingleChain therapy for haemophilia A
Biospace Inc.
rVIII-SingleChain has a strong affinity for von Willebrand factor, leading to greater stability and integrity of FVIII in circulation. In the pivotal clinical trial, it met all primary endpoints.
Heart
In this cohort of 4880 patients undergoing drug-eluting stents, clopidogrel (CL) use of 12 months after PCI was linked to lower risks of death/MI (18% v 24%, HR=0.74) and death v patients with normal renal function, supporting a patient-centred approach to prolonging CL after PCI.
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
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE is unable to make a recommendation about the use in the NHS of cangrelor for reducing atherothrombotic events in people undergoing PCI or awaiting surgery requiring interruption of anti-platelet therapy because no evidence submission was received from The Medicines Company.
Genotype-guided drug prescribing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
This meta-analysis of fifteen studies (n=5688; 19 drugs) reports a statistically significant benefit in favour of genotype-guided warfarin dosing to achieve time in therapeutic INR, resulting in reduction in warfarin-related minor and major bleeding and thromboembolisms.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Review of 11 RCTs (n=27,945) deemed to be of high methodological quality and low risk of bias found that NOACs may be an effective and safe alternative to conventional anticoagulation treatment for acute DVT.
Lixiana®▼(Edoxaban): risk minimisation resources
Daiichi Sankyo
Educational materials have been developed to help manage important risks such as bleeding associated with edoxaban (ED) use. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with these materials before prescribing ED and ensure all patients familiarise themselves with Patient Alert Card.
Primary prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing cardiac or thoracic surgery
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
There is limited evidence on efficacy and safety. Data for important outcomes such as PE or major bleeding were often lacking. Give uncertainties around benefit-to-risk balance, no conclusions can be drawn and case-by-case risk evaluation of VTE and bleeding remains preferable.
Circulation
In this study of 19,713 vitamin K antagonists (VKA), 8,443 dabigatran and 4,651 rivaroxaban new users, no statistically significant difference in bleeding or thromboembolic risk was observed between newer oral anticoagulants users and VKA new users in non-valvular AF patients.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Following questions about the safety of alteplase, and the methodology used in trials assessing it, an expert working group of the UK's Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has concluded that alteplase is safe and effective for use up to 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms.
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
Scottish Medicines Consortium
The SMC does not recommend use of rivaroxaban (co-administered with aspirin ± clopidogrel or ticlopidine) within NHS Scotland for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adults after an acute coronary syndrome with elevated cardiac biomarkers.
Scottish Medicines Consortium
The SMC has accepted tinzaparin for use within NHS Scotland for the extended treatment of symptomatic VTE and prevention of its recurrence in patients with solid tumours. This advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme that improves its cost-effectiveness.
Peri-procedural management of patients taking oral anticoagulants
British Medical Journal
This review summarises the pharmacology of oral anticoagulants (OA) relevant to the peri-procedural period, and reported outcomes of peri-procedural management of oral anticoagulants used for therapeutic purposes.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
This study, aimed at identifying which equation is superior in estimating GFR for predicting adverse outcomes after PCI, supports use of CKD-EPI equation for risk stratification and calls for standardisation in estimation of GFR for studies to improve dosage recommendations.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
In DRAFT guidance, NICE recommends edoxaban, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating and for preventing recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in adults.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes
Incidence of intracranial hemorrhage within 1-year after stroke was ≈2%/year at risk, about 15 times higher vs. reference population. Risk increased within first 30 days but decreased thereafter. Thrombolysis, but not increased use of antithrombotics/statins, affected risk.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
European Urology
Cohort study (n=21,729 of whom 609 hospitalised for VTE) found current (vs. non) use of androgen deprivation therapy was linked to 84% increased relative risk of VTE (incidence rates:10.1 vs 4.8/1000 person-years;HR:1.84;95% CI,1.50–2.26), whereas there was no link with past use.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
New England Journal of Medicine
Treatment of acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) requires the cessation of heparin and initiation of therapeutic-dose anticoagulation with an alternative agent (argatroban, danaparoid, fondaparinux, or bivalirudin). Warfarin should be avoided in patients with acute HIT.
British Medical Journal
This analysis of a Korean nationwide health insurance database found combined use of antidepressants and NSAIDs was associated with an increased risk of intracranial haemorrhage within 30 days versus use of antidepressants without NSAIDs (hazard ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.85).
The Lancet
This paper addresses the role of anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF in the era of NOACs, with a focus on special situations including management in the event of bleeding and around the time of procedures including cardioversion, catheter ablation, and device implantation.
The Lancet
This paper focuses on the pharmacological properties of the most commonly used oral antithrombotic drugs (aspirin, P2Y12 receptor antagonists, other targets, vitamin K antagonists, and non-VKA anticoagulants).
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
Revised SPC: Xarelto (rivaroxaban) 2.5 mg film-coated tablets
electronic Medicines Compendium
Additions include advice on how to reduce the potential bleeding risk associated with concurrent use of rivaroxaban and neuraxial anaesthesia or spinal puncture (section 4.4) and post-marketing adverse events of cholestasis, hepatitis and thrombocytopenia (section 4.8).
Journal of the American Medical Association
This RCT of adults with a first unprovoked PE who had already received 6 months of warfarin found that extended treatment (further 18 months) reduced the composite outcome of recurrent VTE and major bleeding (3.3% v 13.5% placebo).
A practical guideline for the haematological management of major haemorrhage
British Journal of Haematology
This guideline provides recommendations for the haematological management of major haemorrhage in any clinical situation, with practical guidance on the content and delivery of major bleeding protocols, including the use of blood components and transfusion alternatives.
Atrial flutter and thromboembolic risk: a systematic review
Heart
This analysis of 52 studies (observational; no RCTs) confirms clinical thromboembolic events are highly prevalent in atrial flutter. The authors say thromboprophylaxis should strongly be considered in the presence of ≥1 additional stroke risk factors.
Antiplatelet therapy as a modulator of stroke aetiology: a meta-analysis
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
This meta-analysis (9 studies; n=5739) evaluating antiplatelet therapy (APT) on incidence of each subtype of stroke: large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolic and small vessel occlusion concluded that APT preferentially reduces the incidence of LAA stroke.
European Heart Journal
This meta-analysis of 804 patients on oral anticoagulants and 1581 patients on antiplatelets did not find a statistically significant difference between the two groups for stroke/TIA or death in patients being treated for cryptogenic stroke or patent foramen ovale.
National Institute for Health Research
An analysis of 26 RCTs found that compared with standard monitoring, self-monitoring appears to be safe and effective, especially for people with artificial heart valves.
US Food and Drug Administration
Following a comprehensive review of new safety information, the FDA is requiring updates to the drug labels of all prescription NSAIDs, to strengthen an existing label warning that NSAIDs increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
European Heart Journal
This paper discusses pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables influencing the efficacy and safety of drugs in elderly subjects and makes recommendations regarding use of oral and IV antiplatelets and anticoagulants and how to prevent and manage bleeding in the elderly.
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
New product: Edoxaban (Lixiana) 60mg Film-Coated Tablets
electronic Medicines Compendium
Licensed for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non valvular AF with 1 or more risk factors such as CHF, HBP, age ≥ 75 years, DM, prior stroke or TIA, prevention of recurrent DVT/PE, and treatment of DVT/PE.
Revised SPC: Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) 10 and 20mg tablets
electronic Medicines Compendium
Advice on how to reduce the potential bleeding risk associated with concurrent use of rivaroxaban and neuraxial (epidural/spinal) anaesthesia or spinal puncture have been added. The following AEs are now listed: cholestasis, hepatitis and thrombocytopenia.
British Journal of General Practice
This UK cohort study of 296 adults self-monitoring their oral anticoagulation therapy (median 61 years; predominately professional or held a university qualification) found 90.2% were still self-monitoring after 12 months, with a mean time in therapeutic range of 75.3%.
Annals of Internal Medicine
This tool advocates regular, standardised clinical monitoring of patients receiving novel oral anticoagulants. It consists of a checklist covering adherence assessment and counselling, bleeding risk assessment, creatinine clearance, drug interactions and examination (e.g. BP).
Stroke
This analysis of the Swedish stroke register found the prescribing of anticoagulants after stroke in patients with AF varied according to age, income, education and country of birth. This was not explained by common risk factors suggesting socioeconomic inequalities.
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
High-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day): small increase in cardiovascular risk
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
EU review confirms that CV risk of high-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day) is similar to COX 2 inhibitors and diclofenac. Clinicians are advised that naproxen and low-dose ibuprofen (≤1200mg per day) are considered to have most favourable thrombotic CV safety profiles of all NSAIDs.
American Journal of Cardiology
Review of 4 RCTs (n=31,470 with NSTE-ACS) found newer oral P2Y12 inhibitors decrease major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and MI at expense of significant increase in bleeding risk. Treatment of 1000 patients will prevent 16 MACEs at expense of increase in 6 major bleeds.
BMJ Open
Review of 26 RCTs (n=8763) suggests self-monitoring (SM) appears to be a safe and cost-effective option. It found that both SM and self-testing were as safe as standard care (SC) in terms of major bleeding events. SM was also linked to fewer thromboembolic events vs. SC.
Circulation
Of 1776 Japanese patients who presented with de novo AMI between 2001 and 2013, prevalence of coronary artery embolism (CE) was 2.9% (n=52). AF was the most common cause (n=38, 73%). Only 39% of patients with CE were treated with vitamin K antagonists, and median INR was 1.42.
Association of Rivaroxaban Anticoagulation and Spontaneous Vitreous Hemorrhage
JAMA Opthalmology
This report describes 3 patients who developed spontaneous vitreous haemorrhage after initiating rivaroxaban. All 3 patients were taking an additional antithrombotic agent (2 warfarin, 1 clopidogrel) at the time of haemorrhage.
European Medicines Agency
The licence extension will be for prophylaxis and treatment of haemorrhage or surgical bleeding in patients with von Willebrand Disease, when desmopressin treatment alone is ineffective or contraindicated.
Revised SPC: Konakion (phytomenadione) MM (10mg/ml and Paediatric 2 mg/0.2 ml)
electronic Medicines Compendium
SPC notes reports of anaphylactoid reactions after IV injection. Local irritation may occur at injection site but is unlikely due to the small injection volume. Rarely, injection site reactions may occur which may be severe, including inflammation, atrophy and necrosis.
Circulation
Analysis (n=18,201 of which 4808 had valvular heart disease [VHD]) or prior valve surgery found no evidence of differential effect of apixaban over warfarin in patients with and without VHD in reducing stroke and systemic embolis, causing less bleeding, and reducing death.
Characterising and predicting bleeding in high-risk patients with an acute coronary syndrome
Heart
Analysis of APPRAISE-2 study (n=7392) found that when compared with placebo, use of apixaban is linked to an important short-term and long-term risk of bleeding in high-risk post-ACS patients, with GI bleeding being most common source of major bleeding.
Superficial thrombophlebitis (superficial venous thrombosis)
British Medical Journal
This reviews covers epidemiology, diagnosis, causes, types of superficial thrombophlebitis, complications, investigations, treatment (hosiery, NSAIDs, anticoagulation, antibiotics, surgery), and when to refer.
PharmaTimes
Edoxaban is a once-daily selective factor Xa-inhibitor which has been licensed for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular AF with one or more risk factors; and treatment and prevention of DVT and pulmonary embolism.
Venous thromboembolism in adults admitted to hospital: reducing the risk - guideline (CG92)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
This guidance is about the care and treatment of adults who are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while in hospital in the NHS in England and Wales. It should be read in conjunction with TA 245 (published in January 2012).
Biospace Inc.
Preliminary results from GARFIELD-AF study (n=17,200) presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis conference have shown that fewer patients diagnosed at a hospital have good anticoagulant control vs patients diagnosed at an office/anticoagulation clinic.
Idarucizumab for Dabigatran Reversal
New England Journal of Medicine
Interim results of the RE-VERSE AD cohort study (n=90) show that idarucizumab (5g IV) rapidly and completely reversed the anticoagulant activity of dabigatran in 88 to 98% of those with elevated clotting times at baseline.
Perioperative Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
New England Journal of Medicine
In AF patients requiring warfarin interruption for an elective procedure, no bridging (placebo) was non-inferior to dalteparin bridging for the prevention of arterial thromboembolism (incidence of 0.4% v 0.3%) and decreased the risk of major bleeding (1.3% v 3.2%).
Positive Phase III data for anticoagulant antidote andexanet alfa
PharmaTimes
In Phase III ANNEXA-A trial, andexanet alfa rapidly reversed the anticoagulant effect of apixaban by 93.5%, and sustained a high level of efficacy across the two-hour infusion period. No serious adverse events were reported.
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
