Antithrombotic Management Of Patients Research Articles

The Impact of Changing Antithrombotic Management in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events Despite Anticoagulation

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events despite anticoagulants (AC). We aim to evaluate whether changing AC or adding antiplatelet therapy to anticoagulants (AP + AC) in patients with AF presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) despite AC, decreases the risk of recurrent AIS/TIA compared to patients continued on same AC regimen. Methods Patients with AF on AC presenting with AIS or TIA at our center between 2011- 2021 were included. Data on Demographics, index event, antithrombotic therapy before and after index event, recurrent AIS/TIA, or major bleeding events (MBE) were extracted. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare outcomes between AC unchange vs AC change, and AP + AC vs AC only groups. Results One hundred eighty-five patients were included (mean age 78.3 years; 62% males, median follow-up 9 months (IQR 1-34)). Seventeen patients (9%) had AC change, 100 (54%) received AP + AC, 39 (21%) had recurrent AIS/TIA, and 27 (15%) had MBE following index event. No difference was observed between AC unchange vs AC change and AP + AC vs AC only groups regarding recurrent AIS/TIA (HR 1.72 [.65-4.57], P = .27 and HR 1.02 [.53- 1.98], P = .95, respectively) or MBE (HR .85 [.19-3.67], P = .83 and HR 1.49 [.67-3.33)], P = .33, respectively). Fourteen vascular neurologists treated this cohort and 9(64%) implemented AC changes. Conclusion In this single center retrospective study of 185 patients with AF and AIS/TIA despite AC, changing AC or adding AP agents did not decrease the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events.

Antithrombotic Therapy Optimization in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) poses numerous challenges. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT), which combines dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with oral anticoagulation (OAC), provides anti-ischemic protection but increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, TAT is generally limited to a short phase (1 week) after PCI, followed by aspirin withdrawal and continuation of 6-12 months of dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT), comprising OAC plus clopidogrel, followed by OAC alone. This pharmacological approach has been shown to mitigate bleeding risk while preserving adequate anti-ischemic efficacy. However, the decision-making process remains complex in elderly patients and those with co-morbidities, significantly influencing ischemic and bleeding risk. In this review, we discuss the available evidence in this area from randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses for post-procedural antithrombotic therapies in patients with non-valvular AF undergoing PCI.

Three-dimensional printer guided new morphological classification of left atrial appendage -rock, paper and scissors-

Abstract Background Cardiogenic embolism by left atrial thrombi is one of the most important atrial fibrillation (AF)-related clinical problems. In a previous survey, 91% of nonrheumatic AF-related left atrial thrombi was originated in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The WATCHMAN device was developed as a permanent implantable device to seal off the LAA to prevent cardiogenic embolism. It has been used in Japan since September 2019 only for patients who are at the high risk of bleeding events. The WATCHMAN family is the only left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device in JAPAN. It is known that the LAA diameter of Asians is larger than that of non-Asians. Furthermore, the LAA of the Japanese are more complicated, compared to the Western. Whereas the four classifications from previous reports are widely used in the world, the classification differs with different physicians in the real-world practice. Purpose We aimed to identify the relationship between morphological features of LAA and clinical events such as ischemic stroke in Japanese patients. Methods The LAAC database of our institution was respectively analyzed. All LAAC cases were performed between February 2020 and February 2022. The three-dimensional printing of LAA was generated from cardiovascular computed tomography imaging data. The shapes of the LAA were classified into 3 morphological types: (1) The LAA with bi lobe was defined as "Scissors" type; (2) The one with complicated erasing branches was "Paper" type; (3) The simple one was "Rock" type. We retrospectively examined the relationship between the risk of ischemic stroke and the morphological features of the LAA. Results The cohort consisted of 63 consecutive patients (age, 73±8 years; male gender, 73%; BMI, 24±4 kg/m²; the size of WATCHMAN device, 29±42 mm). Of those, 14 (22%), 21 (33%) and 28 (44%) patients were divided into the Scissors, Paper and Rock types, respectively. All groups were identically matched for comorbidities. Table shows the patient characteristics and the results of univariate and multivariate analysis. There were 35 (56%) patients who had a history of ischemic stroke (4 vs. 9 vs. 22; Rock vs. Scissors vs. Paper types, p-value=0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the Paper type is the potential risk factor of ischemic stroke (p-value<0.01, respectively). Conclusions The morphological features of LAA by three-dimensional printing may be related to cardioembolic stroke. Patients with Paper type LAA were significantly more likely to have had a history of ischemic stroke. These results could have a relevant impact on the antithrombotic management of patients who are at the high risk of embolic and bleeding events and, moreover, LAAC could be the best option for these patients.Table 1Table 2

Abstract 14299: Low Left Atrial Motion Automatically Calculated is Indicator of Atrial Cardiomyopathy and High Risk of Cardioembolic Stroke

Background: Atrial cardiomyopathy is considered to be an important risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. However, little is known how to evaluate the degree of atrial cardiomyopathy. Hypothesis: Left atrial ejection fractions (LAEF) are useful and more sensitive predictors of cardioembolic stroke. Aim; To identify the relationship between LAEF and clinical events such as cardioembolic stroke. Methods: The left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) database of our institution from February 2020 to April 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. The LAEF was calculated from cardiovascular computed tomography (CT) imaging data using the automatic 3-dimensional chamber analysis software. We examined the relationship between the risk of cardioembolic stroke and LAEF. Results: We enrolled 52 consecutive patients who underwent cardiovascular CT before LAAC (age, 75.3±1.1 years; female gender, 26.9%; BMI, 23.3±0.5 kg/m 2 ; CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score, 4.8±0.2; HAS-BLED score, 3.3±0.1). Of those, 22 (42.3%) patients had histories of cardioembolic stroke. Comparison between patients with and without cardioembolic stroke were shown in Table1. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed that 16.32% was the best cut-off value of LAEF for the history of cardioembolic stroke (AUC = 0.81). In the multivariate analysis, LAEF ≤ 16.32% is the independent predictor for cardioembolic stroke (p-value = 0.0362, respectively) (Table2). Conclusions: Low left atrial motion was potential risk factor for cardioembolic stroke in this population. This result could have a relevant impact on the antithrombotic management of patients and, moreover, LAAC could be the best option for these patients.

Antithrombotic management of patients with deep vein thrombosis and venous stents: an international registry

BackgroundIn patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treated with catheter-based thrombolysis and venous stenting, poststenting anticoagulant management is uncertain. ObjectivesTo determine the type and duration of antithrombotic therapy used in patients who have received venous stents for treatment of acute lower extremity DVT. MethodsWe created an international registry of patients with leg DVT from 2005 to 2019 who received venous stents as part of their acute management. We collected data on baseline clinical characteristics and pre-venous and post-venous stent antithrombotic therapy. ResultsWe studied 173 patients with venous stents: 101 (58%) were aged ≤50 years, 105 (61%) were female, and 128 (74%) had risk factors for thrombotic disease. DVT was iliofemoral in 150 (87%) patients, and catheter-based treatment was given within 7 days of diagnosis in 92 (53%) patients. After venous stenting, 109 (63%) patients received anticoagulant-only therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (29%), warfarin (22%), or low-molecular-weight heparin (10%), and 59 (34%) received anticoagulant-antiplatelet therapy. In patients taking anticoagulant-only therapy, 29% received indefinite treatment; in patients on anticoagulant-antiplatelet therapy, 19% received indefinite treatment. Factors associated with combined anticoagulant-antiplatelet therapy vs anticoagulant-only therapy were use of thrombolytic, thrombectomy, and aspiration interventions (odds ratio [OR], 5.11; 95% CI, 1.45-18.05); use of balloon angioplasty (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.20-5.76); and immediate stent restenosis (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 1.45-5.89). ConclusionAnticoagulant therapy without concomitant antiplatelet therapy appears to be the most common antithrombotic strategy in patients with DVT and venous stenting. More research is needed to determine outcomes of venous stenting in relation to antithrombotic therapy.

Antithrombotic management in patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device implantation

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are an established treatment option for arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death prevention, and heart failure. Approximately 1000 devices are implanted per million inhabitants in European countries each year. However, the main concern in patients with an indication for CIED implantation is frequently associated with comorbidities requiring antithrombotic medications. The invasive device implantation procedure represents a bleeding risk ranging from pocket hematoma to cardiac tamponade. On the other hand, temporary interruption of antithrombotic therapy increases the risk for thromboembolic events. Implanting CIEDs in patients on antithrombotic medications incites several clinical dilemmas of balancing thromboembolic risk against bleeding risk, as complications are associated with higher mortality rates in both aspects. The most common bleeding complication is pocket haematoma formation, which is associated with a prolonged hospital stay, higher cost, higher risk of pocket infection, and thus higher morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that the heparin bridging strategy in patients on oral anticoagulants imposes a greater risk for pocket haematoma formation and no benefit in reducing thromboembolic events. Most procedures of CIED implantation can be performed safely with uninterrupted oral anticoagulants. Dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of pocket haematoma and should be avoided whenever possible.

Invited Commentary: Platelet and Clot Characteristics to Guide Antithrombotic Management in Patients with Polyvascular Disease.

Invited Commentary: Platelet and Clot Characteristics to Guide Antithrombotic Management in Patients with Polyvascular Disease.

Is a genotype-guided therapy the optimal strategy to personalize anti-thrombotic management in patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Is a genotype-guided therapy the optimal strategy to personalize anti-thrombotic management in patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Optimal anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic heart valves.

The antithrombotic management of patients after surgical or transcatheter bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) replacement is still challenging. Our review aims to describe the current evidence on the best antithrombotic strategy among patients undergoing BHVs replacement (surgical or transcatheter) and/or valve repair, with particular attention to those with atrial fibrillation.

Antithrombotic Management for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Comprehensive protection of a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF) should not only reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, but also reduce the risk coronary events and ensure high adherence to treatment. In accordance with consensus document issued by the European Heart Rhythm Association, European Society of Cardiology, European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, as well as with other recent Russian Society of Cardiology Guidelines, the management of antithrombotic therapy of patients with AF undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requires that multiple and interconnected issues. The review article addresses questions about duration of initial triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT), selection of P2Y12 inhibitor, choice of oral anticoagulant to be combined with antiplatelet therapy, intensity of oral anticoagulation throughout combination therapy, and choice of oral anticoagulant for indefinite therapy. In general, it is recommended to refuse the routine use of TAT for most patients. Accordingly, for patients who need both anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, it is strongly recommended that the default strategy after recent PCI is a double antithrombotic therapy consisting of an anticoagulant and one antiplatelet, preferably from the group of P2Y12 inhibitors. When conducting combined antithrombotic therapy, preference should be given to clopidogrel compared to other, more powerful P2Y12 inhibitors and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) instead of vitamin K antagonists. The primary choice of DOAC in patients with AF who have undergone PCI should be carried out taking into account such factors as individual risk of stroke and bleeding, adherence to treatment, concomitant diseases, pharmacological characteristics and evidence base of a specific DOAC, taking other medications, etc. The pharmacokinetic features of rivaroxaban, which create the possibility of its single administration, the evidence base for reducing coronary risks in various variants of the course of coronary heart disease, determines the special positions of the drug for the comprehensive protection of patients with AF after PCI.

Tratamento antitrombótico em pacientes portadores de fibrilação atrial e submetidos à revascularização coronária percutânea: terapia tripla versus dupla

The ideal antithrombotic management in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention or in acute coronary syndrome has not been definitively established yet. Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and P2Y12 receptor inhibitors) reduces stent thrombosis and subsequent ischemic events. In turn, the presence of atrial fibrillation requires oral anticoagulation to prevent stroke and other thromboembolic complications. However, the combination of these two treatments, known as triple therapy, increases the risk of severe bleeding, with a negative prognostic impact. The use of direct anticoagulants, which reduce bleeding rates compared to warfarin, together with the maintenance of only one antiplatelet agent (P2Y12 inhibitors), known as dual therapy, may be a safer alternative in these patients. In this article, we reviewed several randomized studies comparing triple versus dual therapy, as well as meta-analyses with such studies, and the approaches suggested by the most recent guidelines, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments, in terms of safety and efficacy in this important and growing subgroup of patients.

Antithrombotic management of patients with acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary stenting: a prospective, observational, nationwide study

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess current management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing coronary stenting.DesignNon-interventional, prospective, nationwide study.Setting76 private or public...

Antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation-Dutch anticoagulant initiatives anno 2020.

In recent years, as more and more experience has been gained with prescribing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), new research initiatives have emerged in the Netherlands to improve the safety and appropriateness of DOAC treatment for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). These initiatives address several contemporary unresolved issues, such as inappropriate dosing, non-adherence and the long-term management of DOAC treatment. Dutch initiatives have also contributed to the development and improvement of risk prediction models. Although fewer bleeding complications (notably intracranial bleeding) are in general seen with DOACs in comparison with vitamin K antagonists, to successfully identify patients with high bleeding risk and to tailor anticoagulant treatment accordingly to mitigate this increased bleeding risk, is one of the research aims of recent and future years. This review highlights contributions from the Netherlands that aim to address these unresolved issues regarding the anticoagulant management in AF in daily practice, and provides a narrative overview of contemporary stroke and bleeding risk assessment strategies.

Antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease: expert consensus document of Chinese Society of Cardiology

冠心病与心房颤动（房颤）合并存在临床并不少见。冠心病患者需要进行抗血小板治疗以减少心肌缺血事件，而血栓栓塞高风险的房颤患者则需口服抗凝药物以减少卒中等血栓栓塞事件。冠心病与房颤合并存在时，联合应用抗血小板与抗凝治疗可有效减少缺血及血栓栓塞事件，但会增加出血风险。针对冠心病合并房颤患者，如何选择最佳的抗栓方案一直是临床研究的热点。近年来，欧美等国家和地区相继发布了急性冠状动脉综合征和/或经皮冠状动脉介入治疗合并房颤患者的抗栓治疗专家共识并及时更新，而我国尚缺乏相应的抗栓治疗指南或共识。该共识依据已发表的临床研究证据，结合国内外相关指南、共识以及专家建议等，着眼于解决不同类型冠心病合并房颤患者抗栓治疗临床实践中的问题，对指导我国冠心病合并房颤患者的治疗意义重大。.

Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Therapy After Patent Foramen Oval and Atrial Septal Defect Closure.

Pathologies of the atrial septum include different interatrial communications varying from patent foramen ovale (PFO) to actual defects. Atrial septal defects (ASDs) may be localized within the fossa ovalis such as the secundum type ASD or outside the region of fossa ovalis, such as the ostium primum defect and sinus venosus defect. Over the last decades, the percutaneous closure of interatrial shunts has become a feasible and safe method. During these procedures, the delicate balance between thrombotic risk, device sealing process and bleeding risk is crucial. In this review, we sought to describe current available data on the antiplatelet and antithrombotic management of patients after percutaneous ASD or PFO closure.

Choices in antithrombotic management for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: questions (and answers) in chronological sequence.

In accordance with the 2018 joint consensus document issued by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Working Group on Thrombosis, European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), and European Association of Acute Cardiac Care (ACCA), and endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), Latin America Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), and Cardiac Arrhythmia Society of Southern Africa (CASSA), as well as with other recent ESC Guidelines, the management of antithrombotic therapy of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention requires that multiple and interconnected issues, including, duration of initial triple antithrombotic therapy, selection of P2Y12 inhibitor, choice of oral anticoagulant to be combined with antiplatelet therapy, intensity of oral anticoagulation throughout combination therapy, and choice of oral anticoagulant for indefinite therapy, are addressed. To assist the responsible physician in clinical decision making, a series of practical questions are proposed and discussed in the chronological sequence they should likely be answered.

Equipoise in Management of Patients With Acute Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis (Hot Carotid).

To explore differences in antithrombotic management of patients with acutely symptomatic carotid stenosis ("hot carotid") awaiting revascularization with endarterectomy or stenting (CEA/CAS). We used a worldwide electronic survey with practice-related questions and clinical questions about 3 representative scenarios. Respondents chose their preferred antithrombotic regimen (1) in general, (2) if the patient was already on aspirin, or (3) had associated intraluminal thrombus (ILT) and identified clinical/imaging factors that increased or decreased their enthusiasm for additional antithrombotic agents. Responses among different groups were compared using multivariable logistic regression. We received 668 responses from 71 countries. The majority favored CT angiography (70.2%) to evaluate carotid stenosis, CEA (69.1%) over CAS, an aspirin-containing regimen (88.5%), and a clopidogrel-containing regimen (64.4%) if already on aspirin. Whereas diverse antithrombotic regimens were chosen, monotherapy was favored by 54.4%-70.6% of respondents across 3 scenarios. The preferred dual therapy was low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg) plus clopidogrel (22.2%) or high-dose aspirin (160-325 mg) plus clopidogrel if already on aspirin (12.2%). Respondents favoring CAS more often chose ≥2 agents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] vs CEA: 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.36-2.95, p = 0.001) or clopidogrel-containing regimens (aOR: 1.77, 1.16-2.70, p = 0.008). Regional differences included respondents from Europe less commonly choosing multiple agents if already on aspirin (aOR vs United States/Canada: 0.57, 0.35-0.93, p = 0.023), those from Asia more often favoring multiple agents (aOR: 1.95, 1.11-3.43, p = 0.020), vs those from the United States/Canada preferentially choosing heparin-containing regimens with ILT (aOR vs rest: 3.35, 2.23-5.03, p < 0.001). Factors increasing enthusiasm for ≥2 antithrombotics included multiple TIAs (57.2%), ILT (58.5%), and ulcerated plaque (57.4%); 56.3% identified MRI microbleeds as decreasing enthusiasm. Our results highlight the heterogeneous management and community equipoise surrounding optimal antithrombotic regimens for hot carotids.

Trends in antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation. A report from the Polish part of the EURObservational Research Programme - Atrial Fibrillation General Long-Term Registry.

Data on antithrombotic treatment among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Poland are limited. We aimed to describe antithrombotic management within the Polish part of the EUROobservational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation General Long-Term Registry. We analyzed data collected at baseline and at 1‑year follow‑up from 701 Polish patients treated at 25 Polish centers between 2013 and 2016. Any antithrombotic therapy was administered to 94% of patients (vitamin K antagonists [VKAs], 53%; non‑VKA oral anticoagulants [NOACs], 36%; antiplatelet therapy [APT], 4.8%). However, 78% of patients considered as "low‑risk" (CHA2DS2‑VASc = 0 in men or 1 in women) were prescribed oral anticoagulants and 12% were on APT. Independent predictors of NOAC and VKA use were first‑detected AF and device therapy. Predictors of VKA use were lone AF, history of ischemic stroke, and pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis; of NOAC use, permanent AF; of APT use, history of hemorrhagic events and first‑detected or persistent AF; and of no antithrombotic treatment, young age. Incorrect NOAC prescription was more common in the reduced‑dose group than in the full‑dose group (30% vs 7%). During follow‑up, the all‑cause mortality rate was 5.2%, 0.8%, 15%, and 7% (P <0.0001) and the risk of thromboembolic events was 0.4%, 0.5%, 6.2%, and 0% (P = 0.04) in patients on VKA, NOAC, APT, and no treatment, respectively. Patients with the lowest stroke risk are often overtreated. The choice of proper antithrombotic strategy does not depend solely on factors incorporated in the CHA2DS2‑VASc score. Higher mortality is observed among APT‑treated patients and those without antithrombotic treatment.

Dual antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery disease: from the past to the future prospective.

Antiplatelet therapy, the cornerstone of post coronary stenting antithrombotic therapy, reduces the rate of hard clinical endpoints in patients treated both conservatively and invasively following an acute coronary syndrome, as well as in those patients with chronic stable coronary disease who receive a coronary stent. The development of newer antiplatelet and direct anticoagulant agents provides new options in the antithrombotic management of patients with coronary artery disease, enabling different therapeutic combinations to be tailored to an individual patient's bleeding and ischemic risk profile. In this review, we will summarize the history of dual antiplatelet therapy, discuss the latest evidence and future perspectives in treating patients with coronary artery disease.

Evidence-Based Practical Guidance for the Antithrombotic Management in Patients With Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in 2020.

This practical guidance, endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis and The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, the International Union of Angiology and the European Venous Forum, aims to provide physicians with clear guidance, based on current best evidence-based data, on clinical strategies to manage antithrombotic strategies in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.