Administration Of Anticoagulants Research Articles

Assessing the impact of perioperative anticoagulant continuation on DVT/PE rates in trauma patients.

In the United States, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) ranked high in terms of possibly preventable hospital deaths. Victims of trauma were at a higher risk of developing thromboembolic complications, and thus various agents were used for prophylaxis. Multiple studies recommended holding these agents in the perioperative period to decrease the potential complications of additional bleeding, wound issues, hematoma etc. However, the data regarding the timing and duration of withholding these agents was not consistent and at times surgeon specific. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of DVT/PE in trauma patients before and after a June 2022 policy intervention to operate through prophylactic anticoagulation at an academic trauma center. We compared DVT/PE rates in trauma patients requiring surgery prior to and following policy change at our institution. The query included charts from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2023. Clinical information relating to trauma date, surgery date, injury type, anticoagulant administration, DVT/PE development, and death, if applicable, was obtained from patient charts. We conducted a chi-square post hoc analysis to evaluate the incidence of DVT or PE before and after a policy change. The analysis focused on two categories: the presence or absence of DVT/PE. DVT/PE development was 14.553 times more likely pre-policy change when anticoagulation was held prior to surgery compared to post-policy change when anticoagulation was administered before surgery (X2 (3, N = 374) =14.553, p=.002). Mortality related to DVT/PE showed no significant difference between pre-policy and post-policy groups (X2 (1, N = 374) = 0.130, p = .718). After excluding patients over age 65, analysis of MVA blunt trauma charts showed no statistical difference in blood transfusions pre policy v. post policy (X2 (1, N = 174) = 0.2198, p = .639). Findings suggested that DVT/PE rates have significantly decreased post policy change without a significant increase in mortality and bleeding risk.

Assessment of anticoagulant safety and coagulation analysis in mice using the VETSCAN® VSpro analyzer.

Animal models of thrombosis play a critical role in research, helping us understand the mechanisms of hemostasis and thrombus formation, as well as in the screening of anti-thrombotic drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of two anticoagulants in murine research and to assess coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), using the VETSCAN® VSpro coagulation analyzer in wild-type (C57BL/6) mice following administration of anticoagulants. Two experiments were conducted involving a total of sixty wild-type mice that received two common anticoagulants. Warfarin was administered in the drinking water at varying dosages, while dabigatran was incorporated into a custom-chow diet at two dosages (10mg/g and 15mg/g chow). The VSpro was used to establish a reference range for PT and aPTT values in untreated wild-type mice and to monitor coagulation changes in mice undergoing anticoagulant therapy. Dabigatran was well tolerated at both concentrations (10mg/g and 15mg/g chow), while warfarin was safe at a concentration of 2.5mg/L, resulting in a doubling of PT and aPTT compared to baseline levels. Although the VSpro effectively detected coagulation abnormalities in murine models, certain limitations were observed, including out-of-range measurements in cases of coagulopathy. This study provides insights into safe anticoagulant dosages for murine models, supporting the use of dabigatran at 10mg/g and 15mg/g chow and warfarin at 2.5mg/L. The VSpro analyzer was able to monitor coagulation parameters under these conditions, making it a feasible tool for murine research.

Mechanical clot disruption during pulmonary thromboembolectomy is safe: A propensity score-matched analysis

PurposeAspiration thromboembolectomy is effective for treatment of high and intermediate-high risk pulmonary emboli (PE) but can be challenging when organized thrombus is present. Maceration using an expandable nitinol disk may be useful in these situations, but its safety has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the safety of this device when applied in the pulmonary vasculature, using a propensity-score matched group for comparison. Materials and methodsInclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent PE thromboembolectomy within a single healthcare system between December 2020 and December 2022 and subsequently underwent suction thromboembolectomy in which the nitinol disk was used. A comparator group was generated from the remaining patients who underwent conventional PE thromboembolectomy by performing one-to-one propensity-score matching based on age, PE risk category, and sPESI score. ResultsOut of a total of 164 patients who underwent pulmonary thromboembolectomy during the study period, the disk was utilized in 28. The disk was used in the left pulmonary artery in nearly 80 % of patients and in the right pulmonary artery in less than 40 %. Initial, final, and change in mean pulmonary artery pressures were not significantly different between groups. Similarly, mean duration of hospitalization, number of complications, and 30-day mortality rate did not differ. ConclusionUse of a nitinol disk during pulmonary thromboembolectomy is safe despite administration of anticoagulation. Clinical effectiveness remains to be determined.

Direct oral anticoagulant assay utilization and associated bleeding events: a multi–center cohort study

ABSTRACT Background There is a lack of evidence regarding direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) assay plasma concentrations and their association with bleeding events or transfusion requirements. This multicenter study aimed to characterize the use and plasma levels of DOAC assays of anticoagulated patients who present to emergency with a bleeding event and their association with bleeding severity. Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study of consecutive emergency bleeding presentations with a DOAC assay over a five-year period was conducted. Linear regressions were performed for continuous outcomes, binary logistic regression for categorical outcomes. Results There were 86 patients on a DOAC, who presented with a major bleeding event, and had a DOAC assay performed. Assays were performed within a median time of 4.8 hours (IQR = 9,14.4) from presentation and had a median result of 122.9 ng/ml(IQR = 42,160). DOAC assay plasma level was not significantly associated with type or severity of bleed however, for every 10 unit increase in DOAC assay plasma level, the odds of administering reversal increases by 4% (OR = 1.04, 95%CI:1.00–1.08). Conclusion A wide range of plasma levels can be expected in patients who present with bleeding events. Higher DOAC plasma levels do not necessarily confer a worse bleeding event or increased transfusion requirements; however, it is associated with an increased likelihood of anticoagulant reversal administration.

Blood Loss in Women of Childbearing Potential Taking Oral Anticoagulants for Venous Thromboembolism (The BLEED Study).

Oral anticoagulants (OAC) may exacerbate menstrual bleeding in women of childbearing age; however, the existing literature on this issue has several limitations. This study investigates abnormal uterine bleeding in women of childbearing age taking OAC-vitamin K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants-for venous thromboembolism through a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Uterine bleeding was assessed using the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) and hemoglobin (Hb) values during anticoagulation compared with prior therapy. The number of unplanned medical visits for bleeding complications was also calculated. From June 2014 to November 2023, 110 women were recruited (median age, 36 years). PBAC scores correlated with Hb values at baseline and during therapy (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p < 0.01), with a significant difference in Hb values before and during anticoagulant therapy (delta Hb) among groups (ANOVA, p.0.034). Seventeen women (15.5%) reported uterine fibroids, experiencing a greater reduction in Hb values during anticoagulant administration than women without uterine fibroids (delta 0.3, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.8, 2.9 vs. 0.5, IQR 1.2, 0.3; p.0.012). Women with selfreported uterine fibroids required more frequent unplanned medical consultations for bleeding (mean visits 5 vs. 4, respectively; Poisson regression, p < 0.05). Among women with uterine fibroids, those taking apixaban showed smaller Hb changes than those on other oral anticoagulants (ANOVA, p.0.047). This difference persisted even after adjusting for potential confounders (multiple ANOVA, p.0.004). Women of childbearing age taking OAC frequently experience changes in Hb values and PBAC scores during treatment, with uterine fibroids playing a significant role.

Meta-Analysis Investigating Optimal Timing of Chemoprophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism in Operatively Managed Blunt Spinal Injuries.

Blunt spinal injuries (BSIs) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Management typically involves stabilization of the spinal column and may include chemoprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention. The optimal timing of chemoprophylaxis initiation in operatively managed BSI patients remains debated. Analyze available literature on optimal chemoprophylaxis timing for the prevention of VTE in patients postinjury undergoing operative repair. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed and MEDLINE were searched for studies assessing chemoprophylaxis timing in adult BSI patients. Inclusion criteria focused on operatively managed BSIs and anticoagulant usage assessment. Three studies involving 4345 patients were included. Early chemoprophylaxis initiation was associated with significantly lower deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and overall VTE incidence compared with late initiation. No significant differences were found in pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence or mortality. Early anticoagulant administration after spinal fixation for BSI reduces DVT and overall VTE risk without impacting PE incidence or mortality. Further research is recommended to solidify these findings and address existing gaps in the literature. Early chemoprophylaxis initiation in operatively managed BSI patients reduces DVT and overall VTE risk without affecting PE incidence or mortality LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Abstract 4143227: Incidence of Hemorrhagic Stroke in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have an elevated risk of ischemic stroke, primarily driven by the increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) development in this patient population. This risk remains elevated regardless of CHADS2VASC score; thus, anticoagulation is recommended for all HCM patients with AF. Given the known association between anticoagulant medications and hemorrhagic events, there is likely an assumed risk of hemorrhagic stroke in these individuals. Currently, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in HCM and its relationship to AF and anticoagulation has not been well-established in the literature. The goal of this study was to establish the presence of and risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke in individuals with HCM. Methods: A retrospective review of all HCM patients ages 18 and older in our institution’s health system was performed from 2019-2023. ICD 10 codes were used to identify individuals with hemorrhagic stroke. Patient charts were reviewed for additional data including demographics, comorbid conditions, anticoagulant prescription, and other inciting factors prior to the hemorrhagic event. Results: The study cohort comprised 343 HCM patients, of which 47.1% were female and 72.7% were Caucasian. Concurrently, 30% (n=103) had a diagnosis of AF. The overall incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was 2.9% (5.8%, n=6 in those with AF vs 1.7%, n=4 in those without AF); furthermore, AF was associated with a non-statistically significant increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR = 3.36, 95% CI 0.97-11.7). Anticoagulant use at the time of hemorrhagic event was observed in 4 individuals (67%) with AF and 1 individual (25%) without AF. Head trauma and falls were frequently observed as precipitating events prior to hospital admission for hemorrhagic stroke, occurring in 83% (n = 5) of patients with AF and 50% (n = 2) of those without AF. Conclusions: While ischemic stroke and anticoagulant use are commonly studied in those with HCM, the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in this population is not negligible. Risk of hemorrhagic events in HCM appears largely influenced by anticoagulant use, particularly in those with concurrent AF, and by head trauma. Given the known benefits of anticoagulation on ischemic stroke risk in the HCM population, appropriate counseling and careful attention to individual patient factors may be warranted in the administration of anticoagulants.

ECG-based machine learning model for AF identification in patients with first ischemic stroke.

The recurrence rate of strokes associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) can be substantially reduced through the administration of oral anticoagulants. However, previous studies have not demonstrated a clear benefit from the universal application of oral anticoagulants in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Timely detection of AF remains a challenge in patients with stroke. This study aims to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to accurately identify patients with AF using a 12-lead sinus-rhythm electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded around the time of the first ischemic stroke. In addition, this study also evaluates the model's ability to predict future occurrence of AF. A CNN model was trained with ECG data from patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. External validation was performed on ischemic stroke patients from National Taiwan University Hospital. The model's performance was assessed for detecting AF at the stroke event and predicting future AF occurrences. The model demonstrated an area under curve (AUC) of 0.91 for internal validation and 0.69 for external validation in identifying AF at the stroke event, with sensitivity and negative predictive value both achieving 97%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of patients without a prior diagnosis of AF revealed a significant increase in future AF incidence among the high-risk group identified by the model (adjusted hazard ratio: 4.06; 95% confidence interval: 2.74-6.00). The CNN model effectively identifies AF in stroke patients using 12-lead ECGs and predicts future AF events, facilitating early anticoagulation therapy and potentially reducing recurrent stroke risk. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

First-in-human cases and preclinical experience of a novel ICE catheter.

The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the first use of a novel intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter in human subjects. This study aimed to assess its practicality, image clarity, and guidance role during electrophysiology procedures. Two patients underwent procedures using the novel ICE catheter. Post-procedure evaluations were conducted by four operators, who assessed the imaging quality and overall performance of the catheter. Anatomical and blood test results were also analyzed to determine the safety and impact on internal cardiac structures. Both patients were discharged one day after the procedure without any complications. The novel ICE catheter provided comparable imaging quality to existing commercial catheters. The catheter's advanced design allowed for detailed imaging at short distances, essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Moreover, it successfully navigated complex anatomical structures like the atrial septum and left atrial appendage. These preliminary studies indicate that the novel ICE catheter achieves a level of safety and effectiveness comparable to previously available commercial catheters. The findings highlight its potential to meet current clinical needs, particularly in sophisticated anatomic interventions. Despite the prolonged thrombin time after anticoagulant administration, both types of ICE catheters were non-damaging to cardiac structures during routine operations. The study underscores the importance of using trans-septal large inner diameter sheaths to minimize complications when advancing the catheter into the left atrium.

P311. Chemical anticoagulant administration within 48 hours lowers the odds of VTEs without increasing complications in spine trauma patients

P311. Chemical anticoagulant administration within 48 hours lowers the odds of VTEs without increasing complications in spine trauma patients

Venous thrombosis and embolism in surgical hospital patients in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background. Venous thrombosis and embolism are one of the main and most threatening complications in emergency abdominal surgery in the conditions of global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which is constantly worsening the morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the accumulation of sufficient knowledge on the problem of venous thromboembolism in general, understanding the unique prothrombotic pathophysiology of the virus and its potentiation of the coagulation system in patients with COVID-19 remains at a suboptimal level. The purpose of the study is to assess the extent of venous thrombosis in patients undergoing emergency surgery for abdominal pathology with concomitant coronavirus disease and to determine the main measures to improve the effectiveness of prevention and treatment. Materials and methods. The results of the treatment of 3,476 patients in the Surgical center 1 of the CNPE of the Lviv Territorial Medical Union “Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital of Intensive Treatment Methods and Emergency Medical Care” from April 2021 to March 2022 were analyzed, 89.3 % of them were hospitalized urgently. One hundred and fifty-nine (4.6 %) patients died, mainly from purulent-septic complications, multi-organ (primarily severe respiratory) failure and venous thrombosis and embolism. Results. Non-specific prevention of venous thrombosis and embolism was carried out in all patients. It consisted in elastic compression of the legs before transporting the patient to the operating room and early ambulation after surgery. Adequate analgesia and assistance from medical staff were considered an important component of motor activity recovery. Specific prevention of venous thrombosis was carried out by subcutaneous injection of low-molecular-weight heparins once or twice a day. With the beginning of the pandemic and a sharp rise of thromboembolic complications, a longer prophylaxis with increased dose and frequency of anticoagulant administration began to be used in clinical practice. Conclusions. Unresolved issues that stood in the way of optimizing the prevention of venous thrombosis and embolism in the clinic are the new challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, insufficient alertness of doctors to the problem of thromboembolic complications, difficulties in objective assessment of the risk of deep vein thrombosis in the presence of many factors, absence of scales for evaluating the risk of venous thrombosis adapted to today’s conditions.

Differences in coagulation responses to vascular injury between uninterrupted dabigatran and apixaban: A clinical prospective randomized study

BackgroundThe coagulation response during vascular injury with uninterrupted administration of direct oral anticoagulants has not been elucidated. ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate differences in coagulation responses after vascular injury between uninterrupted direct thrombin inhibitor and direct factor Xa inhibitor recipients. MethodsPatients scheduled for catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned to receive dabigatran or apixaban in this prospective, randomized, comparative, parallel-group study. Venous blood was collected 3 times: 180 minutes after taking the anticoagulant on the day before the procedure, before vascular punctures of the ablation procedure, and 10–15 minutes after the start of vascular punctures. ResultsForty-two patients were enrolled. The prothrombin fragment 1+2 level, the primary end point, was much larger after vascular puncture in the uninterrupted dabigatran recipients (median, 83 pmol/L; interquartile range, 56–133 pmol/L) than in the uninterrupted apixaban recipients (median, 1 pmol/L; interquartile range, −3 to 19 pmol/L; P < .001). Antithrombin levels decreased after vascular puncture in dabigatran recipients, and both protein C and antithrombin levels decreased after vascular puncture in apixaban recipients. ConclusionUnlike uninterrupted apixaban, uninterrupted dabigatran does not inhibit thrombin generation in response to vascular injury.

Management of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm with DVT: Case Report and Brief Review of Literature

AbstractDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a known complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and anticoagulant therapy is crucial for its management. However, in case of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm in a patient of DVT, anticoagulant administration may lead to rebleeding. Anticoagulants are also associated with a risk of hematoma expansion. A systematic approach is required to weigh the risk and benefit ratio while managing such cases. We report the successful management of a 61-year-old female presenting with aSAH and associated DVT who had an intracranial vessel injury during intraoperative clipping of an aneurysm.

Effect of Early Heparin Anticoagulation on Blood Flow and Cardiac Function in Patients with Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of early administration of heparin anticoagulation on blood flow and cardiac function in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 730 patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI at the Department of Cardiology of the Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu from December 2017 to May 2023. According to the timing of heparin administration. The patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of heparin administration: the early group (3000 U unfractionated heparin administered immediately after the diagnosis of STEMI) and the delayed group (Intravenous injection of ordinary heparin 3000 U after successful interventional catheterization following the diagnosis of STEMI). The study compared general clinical data, myocardial injury markers (initial troponin, peak troponin, and tmax troponin), interventional related indicators (preprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, postprocedural TIMI flow grade, stent length, and thrombus aspiration), and postoperative indexes ST segment resolution (STR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and bleeding events. Results: The early group had a lower proportion of TIMI 0–1 grade and a higher proportion of TIMI 2–3 grade compared to the delayed group (p &lt; 0.05). The early group showed better ST segment resolution (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in LVEF and NT-proBNP classification between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Subgroup analysis suggested an interaction between early heparin anticoagulation and left anterior descending infarct-related artery (IRA) on cardiac function. There was no significant difference in the incidence of MACE and bleeding events between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that early heparin anticoagulation was a predictor of immediate TIMI grade 2–3 flow, and TIMI grade 2–3 flow was negatively correlated with early heparin anticoagulation. Conclusions: Early heparin anticoagulation can improve the patency of the IRA and myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI. Additionally, it can reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function without increasing the risk of in-hospital bleeding.

Totally thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation surgery following massive small bowel resection due to superior mesenteric artery embolization: report of two cases

BackgroundThromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is a grave complication in individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). This condition often necessitates extensive bowel resection, culminating in short bowel syndrome, which presents challenges for anticoagulant administration and/or antiarrhythmic therapy.Case presentationPresented here are findings of two patients, aged 78 and 72 years, respectively, who underwent comprehensive thoracoscopic AF surgery subsequent to extensive small bowel resection following SMA embolization. In each, onset of AF precipitated an embolic event, while the concurrent presence of short bowel syndrome complicated anticoagulation management. Total thoracoscopic AF surgery, comprised stapler-closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) and bilateral epicardial clamp-isolation of the pulmonary veins, an operative modality aimed at addressing AF rhythm control and mitigating embolic events such as cerebral infarction, led to favorable outcomes in both cases. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) conducted one month post-surgery revealed the absence of residual tissue in the LAA, with the left atrium demonstrating a well-rounded, spherical shape. At the time of writing, the patients have remained asymptomatic following surgery regarding thromboembolic and arrhythmic manifestations for 29 and 10 months, respectively, notwithstanding the absence of anticoagulant or antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapy. Additionally, electrocardiographic surveillance has revealed persistent sinus rhythm.ConclusionsThe present findings underscore the feasibility and efficacy of a total thoracoscopic AF surgery procedure for patients presented with short bowel syndrome complicating SMA embolization, thus warranting consideration for its broader clinical application.

An analysis of post-operative thromboembolic events in patients diagnosed with gastro-esophageal cancer.

e16123 Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) commonly manifests as a postoperative complication of gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) surgery. However, guidelines seldom differentiate preventive approaches for postoperative VTE based on cancer types. Furthermore, there is a lack of research evaluating factors associated with the risk of thrombosis for patients diagnosed with GEC who undergo surgery. Herein, we aim to determine the incidence of VTE after GEC surgery and the clinical characteristics of the patients associated with VTE events. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients diagnosed with GEC and underwent gastrectomy/esophagectomy at Cleveland Clinic, OH, and Weston, FL, between 2005 and 2022. Patients who had non-malignant diseases or did not undergo invasive surgery were excluded. Of the 437 patients who underwent GEC surgery, only 375 met the inclusion criteria. Patients who developed a VTE event diagnosed by imaging studies within one year of GEC surgery were considered positive for the event. DVT prophylaxis (DDPX) was defined as the administration of anticoagulants, such as heparin and enoxaparin. The average length of DVT prophylaxis was 7 days. The chi-square test was used to assess the significant differences among the groups based on VTE status. Results: In this cohort of 375 patients, 54 (14.4%) patients experienced VTE. 43 patients (79.60%) who experienced a VTE event received DDPX, whereas 10 patients (18.50%) with VTE did not receive DDPX. Of the 321 patients who did not develop VTE, 251 patients (78.20%) received DDPX, while 66 patients (20.60%) did not receive DDPX. DDPX administration in both cohorts was not significantly different (p 0.868). Notably, 36 (66.7%) of the patients developed VTE events within 30 days following GEC surgery, with a subsequent significant decrease in VTE incidence beyond this timeframe (9.3%, 7.4%, 11.1%, and 5.5% in the 30-60-, 60-90, 90–180, and 180-365-day intervals, respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Among the patients who presented with gastrointestinal stromal and neuroendocrine tumors (7.50%), none of the patients developed a VTE event. Nevertheless, 19.35% of the 31 patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma had a VTE within one year of GEC. Patients with Stage IV disease had a higher risk of VTE compared to lower-stage disease (25.95%, p 0.032). However, factors such as BMI, smoking status, type of surgery, treatment regimens, and ECOG score were not significantly associated with VTE. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with GEC who underwent surgical intervention demonstrated a significant propensity for VTE, particularly within 30 days post-surgery. The rate of VTE incidence was not significantly different among the DPPX and non-DPPX cohorts, which could be attributed to the short duration of anticoagulation. Further studies are warranted to investigate the optimal duration of DDPX.

Nonspecific therapy for Eisenmenger syndrome

Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is systemic pulmonary hypertension with venoarterial or bidirectional shunting of blood between the ventricles, atria or great arteries due to the progression of pulmonary vascular disease in the natural course of “simple” and “complex” congenital heart defects.Patients with ES require constant attention from a multidisciplinary team of specialists. One of the main tasks is not to destabilize the fragile pathological physiology, which relies on the balance of pulmonary and peripheral vascular resistance. Surgical interventions with anesthesia, if they cannot be avoided, should be performed in specialized centers. Pregnancy is contraindicated in patients with ES. Clinical symptoms of blood hyperviscosity in ES are rare.The anachronistic practice of venesections, which leads to a decrease in the oxygen transport function of the blood, iron deficiency and an increased risk of cerebrovascular complications, should be avoided. Oral and intravenous replenishment of iron deficiency improves exercise tolerance and quality of life. Routine administration of anticoagulants for ES is not indicated. In most cases, endovascular embolization of pathological collateral arteries can eliminate hemoptysis. The use of venous access requires careful prevention of embolism. Therapeutic tactics for ES are discussed in detail in this review

Clinical characteristics and atrial fibrillation management in hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced versus preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist. AF management in HF is currently changing with increasing role of rhythm control. Data about clinical characteristics and AF management in hospitalized patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are lacking. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical characteristics and AF management in hospitalized patients with NVAF and HFrEF and compare them to those of NVAF and HFpEF. Methods Consecutive NVAF patients hospitalized with HF decompensation between January 2020 and May 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: HFrEF and HFpEF (defined as left ventricular ejection fraction &amp;gt; 40%). Clinical characteristics and AF treatment strategy in both groups were studied and compared. Numerical data are expressed as median (interquartile range). P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results In a total of 388 AF-HF patients (age 73.5 years [66-82], 59.3% males), 147 (37.9%) had reduced ejection fraction. Patients with HFrEF compared to those with HFpEF were younger (69.3 vs 74.7 years; P &amp;lt; 0.001), more often male and with a higher rate of NYHA classes III-IV (73.9% vs 63.5%; P &amp;lt; 0.05), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level (2658.5 pg/ml vs 1799.1 pg/ml; p&amp;lt;0.001), sum of B-lines by lung ultrasound (35.2 vs 28.9; P&amp;lt;0.05) and prevalence of non-paroxysmal forms of AF (70.4% vs 50.4%; p &amp;lt; 0.05). Patients with HFrEF had a higher burden of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease and prior stroke (31.7% vs 19.2%, 83.9% vs 69.0, 18.5% vs 9.7%, respectively; p&amp;lt; 0.05 for all) than HFpEF patients. Patients with HFpEF were more likely than those with HFrEF to have diabetes mellitus (25.9% vs 37.1%; p&amp;lt; 0.05) The subgroup of patients with HFrEF compared to those with HFpEF had higher bleeding risk (HAS-BLED ≥3 in 32.1% vs 20.4%, P&amp;lt;0.05) due to more frequent abnormal renal/liver function, concomitant antithrombotic treatment/alcohol, prior stroke (24.7% vs 10.6%, 28.4% vs 16.8%, 18.5% vs 9.7%, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.05 for all) but lower thromboembolic risk according to CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc (4.0 vs 4.4; p &amp;lt; 0.05). Oral anticoagulants (OAC) were administered in 88% of patients on discharge. Patterns of anticoagulation administration didn’t differ between the two groups. Patients with HFrEF were less likely to receive first-line rhythm control for AF compared to HFpEF patients (36.1% vs 68.1%; p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion Hospitalized patients with NVAF and HFrEF compared to those with HFpEF were younger, with greater severity of HF, higher burden of comorbidities and bleeding risk and slightly lower thromboembolic risk. Despite different clinical characteristics, OAC administration patterns were similar and OAC prescription rate was not optimal in both groups. There is a need for improvement of guideline adherence to first-line rhythm control strategy in AF and HFrEF.

Remote electrocardiogram monitoring in cancer patients for detecting cardiotoxicity. Case report

Cardiotoxicity is the direct adverse effect of anticancer agents on the function or structure of the heart, occurring both during treatment and many years later. The manifestations of cardiotoxicity can be very different: heart failure, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, and arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The incidence of AF in the cancer patient population during therapy is 20–30%. Current options of remote electrocardiogram monitoring ensure the timely detection and treatment of AF in cancer patients, including the administration of anticoagulants. The article presents a clinical case of a 59-year-old patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower third of the esophagus after the first course of the TPF polychemotherapy regimen (docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) with AF detected using a single-channel electrocardiogram monitor in a smartphone case.

A prospective audit on adult thromboprophylaxis and therapeutic anticoagulation prescribing and administration practices in Galway University Hospitals

Abstract Introduction Anticoagulants are high-alert medications that can cause significant patient harm if used inappropriately.[1] These preparations have been identified as a significant medication safety concern in Galway University Hospitals and are one of the most frequently reported medication incidents in Ireland.[2] A key performance indicator agreed by the local Medication Safety Subgroup and Drugs and Therapeutics Committee was to conduct an anticoagulation audit against local guidelines to identify patterns and develop quality improvements. Methods A prospective audit was conducted over six weeks from September to November 2022 by five interprofessional data collectors using a data collection tool and accessing drug records and clinical notes. Development of the tool was guided by national[1] and local guidelines as well as design input from local expert specialist doctors and pharmacists. Adult inpatients on all wards receiving thromboprophylaxis (after 24 hours of admission) or therapeutic anticoagulation were included. Paediatrics and psychiatry were excluded. The protocol and tool were approved by the local Clinical Audit Committee, piloted with three inpatients, and communicated to all data collectors prior to commencement. Generated data were anonymous and securely stored. Data analysis was carried out by two independent researchers to confirm reliability of results. Results A total of 242 inpatients were audited on 26 wards: -Patients prescribed thromboprophylaxis (52%; 126/242). -Patients prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation (26%; 63/242) -Patients not prescribed anticoagulants (22%; 54/242) Most patients (92%; 216/234) did not have a thromboprophylaxis risk assessment form completed/signed. Nineteen patients (35%; n=54) not prescribed thromboprophylaxis or therapeutic anticoagulation should have been prescribed anticoagulation. High compliance with guidelines (&amp;gt;80%) included: i) anticoagulants prescribed in correct section of drug record, ii) appropriate agents prescribed, iii) correct dose and frequency, iv) few dose delays and omissions, and v) indication mostly documented. Low compliance with guidelines (&amp;lt;35%) included: -Patient height and weight not documented: unable to calculate creatinine clearance to determine accurate dose. -Incorrect administration times for once daily therapeutic dosing (should be in morning to facilitate surgery next day) and twice daily dosing (mostly 8am and 10pm = gap of 14 hours and 10 hours). Conclusion Results have identified varying levels of compliance with local anticoagulation guidelines. To date, there has been continuous targeted education and training on appropriate anticoagulation use for doctors, nurses, and pharmacy staff inclusive of the development and implementation of a new bespoke eLearning module for high-alert medications (which includes the appropriate use of anticoagulants specific to Galway University Hospitals). High leverage strategies, such as electronic prescribing, is a current consideration to standardise practices. Strengths include study robustness, interprofessional collaboration, and transferability to other hospitals. Perhaps reducing the scope in a re-audit which will be conducted in 2024 to identify any improvements in medication safety and patient care with these agents may allow for further in-depth analysis.