Anticoagulation Strategies In Patients Research Articles

Clinical features, outcomes, and anticoagulant strategies in lung cancer-associated isolated distal deep vein thrombosis

IntroductionThe clinical presentation, outcomes, and anticoagulation strategies in patients with lung cancer-associated isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (LC-iDDVT) are not well-defined. Materials and methodsThe study included 593 patients with LC-iDDVT and 260 patients with lung cancer-associated proximal DVT (LC-Proximal DVT). LC-iDDVT was further classified into axial venous thrombosis (AVT; 112 patients) and muscular venous thrombosis (MVT; 481 patients). Cox proportional risk regression models with Fine-Gray tests and competing risk models were employed to evaluate short-term (90-day) and long-term (1-year) outcomes (hazard ratio [HR]; 95 % confidence interval [CI]). ResultsAt the 90-day follow-up, patients with MVT had lower adjusted risks of pulmonary embolism (PE; HR = 0.20 [0.07–0.55], p = 0.002) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence (HR = 0.54 [0.34–0.88], p = 0.013) than those with LC-Proximal DVT. Similar results were observed at the 1-year follow-up. However, adjusted risks for PE (HR = 0.74 [0.29–1.92], p = 0.540; HR = 0.87 [0.42–1.78], p = 0.700) and VTE recurrence (HR = 0.96 (0.54–1.71), p = 0.890; HR = 0.99 [0.63–1.56], p = 0.970) at 90-day and 1-year were not significantly different between patients with AVT and those with LC-Proximal DVT. Among patients with LC-iDDVT, those receiving anticoagulation had reduced risks of VTE recurrence (HR = 0.57 [0.35–0.95], p = 0.030) and DVT deterioration (HR = 0.28 [0.13–0.60], p = 0.001) compared to those without anticoagulation. Moreover, AVT patients on >3 months of anticoagulation had a lower VTE recurrence risk (HR = 0.23 [0.03–0.92], p = 0.038) than those on ≤3 months of anticoagulation. ConclusionIn the context of lung cancer, patients with AVT may have a higher tendency for recurrent thrombosis compared to those with MVT, especially if anticoagulation is refused or given briefly.

Anticoagulation strategies in patients with coexisting traumatic intracranial hematomas and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: an observational cohort study

PurposePost-traumatic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (ptCVT) is a rare but serious complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Managing ptCVT is challenging due to the concurrent risk of traumatic intracranial hematoma (ICH) expansion. Limited data exists on the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation therapy (ACT) in these cases.MethodsThis single-center observational cohort study included adult TBI patients with concurrent ICH and ptCVT. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or heparin infusion was used to treat all ptCVTs based on institutional protocols. The outcomes of interest were hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications.ResultsOut of 1,039 TBI-patients admitted between 2006 and 2020, 32 met the inclusion criteria. The median time from injury to ptCVT diagnosis was 24 h. ACT was initiated at a median of 9 h after ptCVT diagnosis. Patients were administered either heparin infusion (n = 8) or LMWH at dosages ranging from 28 to 72% of the therapeutic level (n = 24). There were no hemorrhagic complications, even in patients receiving LMWH at ≥ 50% of the therapeutic dose. Thrombotic complications occurred in 3 patients (9.4%) – two cases of thrombus progression and one venous infarct. The patients who developed thrombotic complications differed from those who did not by having a 17-h delay in ACT initiation after diagnosis or by receiving an initial LMWH dose at 28% of the therapeutic level.ConclusionLMWH at approximately 50% of the therapeutic level was effective for managing ptCVT associated with TBI in our retrospective dataset, with no risk of hematoma expansion. Prospective trials are warranted to confirm these results.

Study on the application of a segmented sodium citrate solution anticoagulation strategy in critically ill patients receiving CRRT: a prospective, randomized controlled study

BackgroundTo explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a segmented sodium citrate solution anticoagulation strategy in patients receiving CRRT.MethodsA prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted.ResultsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 80 patients were included and randomly divided into two groups. Moreover, coagulation indices, liver function indices, renal function indices, and SOFA and APACHE II scores did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). The coagulation grade of the venous ports in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group and the two groups of filters, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.337). Both sodium citrate solution infusion methods maintained a low blood calcium concentration (0.25–0.45 mmol/L) in the peripheral circulation pathway, and no patient developed hypocalcaemia (< 1.0 mmol/L). The lifespans of the extracorporeal circulation tube in the experimental group and the control group were 69.43 ± 1.49 h and 49.39 ± 2.44 h, respectively (t = 13.316, P = 0.001).ConclusionThe segmented citrate solution anticoagulation strategy could extend the lifespan of the extracorporeal circulation tube and improve CRRT efficacy.Trial registrationThe Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number is ChiCTR2200057272. Registered on March 5, 2022.

Anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A narrative review.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a technology that offers organ support for critically ill patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Despite improvements in recent years in technology and the biocompatibility of circuits, patients on ECMO remain at high risk of hematologic complications, such as bleeding or thrombosis. Anticoagulation is required in most cases to limit the risk of clotting, but questions persist regarding the optimal anticoagulation strategy. More precisely, there is still debate around the best anticoagulation agent and monitoring tools as well as on the transfusion thresholds and appropriate corrective measures when faced with complications. This narrative review provides an overview of hemostasis on ECMO and the impact of circuit size and coating. The benefits and downsides of unfractionated heparin (UHF) and Direct Thrombin Inhibitors (DTIs) as anticoagulation agents are reviewed. Finally, commonly available coagulation tests (activated clotting time, activated partial thrombin time, anti-Xa, and viscoelastic tests) and their limitations are addressed. In conclusion, future research is needed to determine the best anticoagulation strategy for patients on ECMO.

Assessing Safety of Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Real-World Outcomes Study.

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke risk factors, randomized trials have demonstrated that anticoagulation decreases the risk of ischemic stroke. However, all trials to date have excluded patients with significant liver disease, leaving guidelines to extrapolate recommendations. We aim to evaluate the impact of anticoagulation on safety events in patients with AF and cirrhosis. In this retrospective cohort study, we obtained de-identified health record data to extract anticoagulation strategy, comorbidities, prescriptions, lab values, and procedures for a cohort of patients with cirrhosis who develop AF. After selecting a propensity matched population to match patients with various anticoagulation strategies, we tracked data on outcomes for death, transfusion requirements, hospital and ICU admissions. After propensity score weighting and multivariable adjustment, anticoagulation strategy was associated with increased hospital admission count (OR = 1.74 per admission, P < .001), binary risk of hospital admission (OR = 1.54, P = .010) and risk of ICU admission (OR = 1.41, P = .047). We detected no significant differences in mortality, transfusion of blood products, or average length of stay. Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) prescriptions were associated with increased binary risk of hospital admission compared to warfarin prescriptions. In a third comparison, DOAC strategy alone was associated with increased hospital admission count (OR = 1.41 per admission, P < .001) and binary risk of hospital admission (OR = 1.52, P = .038) compared to no anticoagulation strategy. Anticoagulation strategy in patients with cirrhosis and AF was associated with increased rate of hospital admission and ICU admission but not associated with increased risk of mortality or transfusion requirement.

Update on Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients with ECMO-A Narrative Review.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has recently increased exponentially. ECMO has become the preferred mode of organ support in refractory respiratory or circulatory failure. The fragile balance of haemostasis physiology is massively altered by the patient's critical condition and specifically the aetiology of the underlying disease. Furthermore, an application of ECMO conveys another disturbance of haemostasis due to blood-circuit interaction and the presence of an oxygenator. The purpose of this review is to summarise current knowledge on the anticoagulation management in patients undergoing ECMO therapy. The unfractionated heparin modality with monitoring of activated partial thromboplastin tests is considered to be a gold standard for anticoagulation in this specific subgroup of intensive care patients. However, alternative modalities with other agents are comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, other ways of monitoring can represent the actual state of coagulation in a more complex fashion, such as thromboelastometric/graphic methods, and might become more frequent. In conclusion, the coagulation system of patients with ECMO is altered by multiple variables, and there is a significant lack of evidence in this area. Therefore, a highly individualised approach is the best solution today.

Anticoagulation strategies in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A network meta-analysis and systematic review.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) plays an important role in providing temporary life support for patients with severe cardiac or pulmonary failure, but requires strict anticoagulation and monitoring. This network meta-analysis systematically explored the most effective anticoagulation and monitoring strategies for patients receiving ECMO. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to January 31, 2023, for studies comparing unfractionated heparin (UFH), argatroban (Arg), bivalirudin (Biv), and/or nafamostat mesylate (NM) in patients receiving ECMO. The primary outcomes included device-related thrombosis, patient-related thrombosis, and major bleeding events. The secondary outcomes included ECMO survival, ECMO duration, and in-hospital mortality. A total of 2522 patients from 23 trials were included in the study. Biv was associated with a decreased risk of device-related thrombosis (odd ratio [OR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.84) compared with UFH, whereas NM (OR 2.2, 95% CI: 0.24-65.0) and Arg (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.43-2.0) did not reduce the risk of device-related thrombosis compared with UFH. Biv was superior to Arg in decreasing the risk of device-related thrombosis (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.51). Biv reduced the risk of patient-related thrombosis compared with UFH (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.18-0.85); NM (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.14-3.3) and Arg (OR 3.1, 95% CI: 0.94-12.0) did not decrease risk of patient-related thrombosis compared with UFH. No significant difference was observed in the risk of major bleeding between three alternatives and UFH: Biv (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.23-1.3), Arg (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 0.34-5.8), and NM (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.13-2.6). NM showed a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality compared with UFH (OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.091-0.77), whereas Arg (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.15-1.2) and Biv (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.52-1.1) did not decrease risk of in-hospital mortality. Compared with UFH and Arg, Biv reduces the risk of thrombosis and appears to be a better choice for patients requiring ECMO. NM was associated with a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality.

Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients with COVID-19 Including Japanese Perspective.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major health problem worldwide since 2020. Although the main pathophysiology of COVID-19 is a respiratory infectious disease, it could also cause cardiovascular complications, including thrombosis. Thus, anticoagulation therapy has been thought to help prevent thrombosis, leading to improved survival. However, to date, several aspects of the optimal anticoagulation strategies for COVID-19 remain unclear. Considering the status of COVID-19-related thrombosis and some domestic issues in Japan, the optimal anticoagulation strategies for COVID-19 might have to be based on Japanese domestic clinical data considering racial difference. Racial disparities in terms of thromboembolic risk have been well known in the pre-COVID-19 era, and the risk of COVID-19-associated thrombosis depending on race could be an important issue. Considering a potential higher risk of bleeding with anticoagulation therapy in the Asian population, it might be important to maintain a good balance between the risks of thrombosis and bleeding. Latest evidences of COVID-19-related thrombosis and anticoagulation strategies, including some domestic issues in Japan, showed a different status of COVID-19-related thrombosis in Japan from that in Western countries, suggesting the potential benefit of different anticoagulation strategies, specifically for the Japanese population. Although these insights could be useful for the consideration of anticoagulation strategies for the Japanese population, the final decision should be based on balancing the benefits and risks of anticoagulation therapy in each patient.

COVID-19-related thrombotic complications experience before and during delta wave.

ObjectiveHypercoagulability and thrombotic complications seen in SARS-CoV-2 patients, as well as the associated pathophysiology, have been reported extensively. However, there is limited information regarding the factors related to this phenomenon and its association with the COVID-19 delta variant.MethodsA retrospective review including patients admitted to a tertiary center with a COVID-19 positive test and at least one acute thrombotic event confirmed by imaging between June 2020 and August 2021 was performed. We compared the rates of thrombotic events in patients with COVID-19 before and during the Delta peak. We also analyzed the association of the thrombotic complications with demographic characteristics, comorbidities, anticoagulation strategies, and prothrombotic markers while describing other complications secondary to COVID-19 infection.ResultsOut of 964 patients admitted with COVID-19 diagnosis, 26.5% (n=256) had a thrombotic event evidenced by ultrasound (US) or computerized tomography (CT) scan. Venous thromboembolism was found in 60% (n=153), arterial thrombosis in 23% (n=60), and both venous and arterial thromboses in 17% (n=17) of the study cohort. Of all patients, 94% were not vaccinated. Delta variant wave patients (DW) had thrombotic episodes in 34.7% (n=50/144) of cases compared to 25% (n=206/820) of non-Delta wave (NDW) patients, posing an estimated risk 1.36 times higher in patients infected with COVID-19 during the DW than NDW. Overall, DW subjects were significantly younger (p<0.001) with lower BMI (p=0.021) compared to NDW patients. Statistical analyses showed African American patients were more likely to have arterial thrombosis compared to the other groups when testing positive for COVID-19 (OR: 1.78 [CI: 1.04 – 3.05], p=0.035), whereas immunosuppressed patients had less risk of arterial thrombosis (OR: 0.38 [CI: 0.15 – 0.96], p=0.042). Female gender (OR: 2.15 [CI: 1.20 – 3.85]. p=0.009) and patients with active malignancy (OR: 5.99 [CI: 2.14 – 16.78]. p=0.001) had an increased risk of having multiple thrombotic events at different locations secondary to COVID-19.ConclusionCOVID-19 infection is associated with elevated rates of thrombotic complications and an especially higher risk in patients infected during the Delta variant peak. We highlight the importance of vaccination and the development of new anticoagulation strategies for COVID-19 patients with additional hypercoagulable risk factors to prevent thrombotic complications caused by this disease.

Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic severe Aortic Stenosis (AS). There is no consensus about the best anticoagulation strategy for patients with a recent TAVI and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective to prevent embolic events with a significant lower incidence of bleeding. There is scarce evidence about the use of these drugs in patients undergoing TAVI. To assess the management of anticoagulation at the moment of discharge of patients with AF and TAVI. A four question survey was sent to cardiologists involved in TAVI programs in different international centers. The survey was answered by 72 interventional cardiologists. Even with the lack of randomized evidence, in most of the scenarios DOACs are prescribed at discharge in patients with indication for anticoagulation. Also, in patients with high bleeding risk, most cardiologists would perform a left atrial appendage closure. In patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, if a stent was recently implanted, prescription of the combination of a DOAC and one antiplatelet drug was the most common answer. In patients with a former coronary angioplasty, DOAC or Warfarin was the therapy of choice. In the absence of randomized data, interventional cardiologists prescribe DOACs at discharge to patients with AF and TAVI, without following current guidelines in most cases.

Comparison of standard prophylactic, intermediate prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with severe COVID-19: protocol for the ANTICOVID multicentre, parallel-group, open-label, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCOVID-19 induces venous, arterial and microvascular thrombosis, involving several pathophysiological processes. In patients with severe COVID-19 without macrovascular thrombosis, escalating into high-dose prophylactic anticoagulation (HD-PA) or therapeutic anticoagulation (TA) could...

Comparative Effectiveness and Economic Evaluations of Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Comparative Effectiveness and Economic Evaluations of Anticoagulation Strategies in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

286 Incidence of pocket haematoma with different anticoagulation strategies in patients undergoing cardiac implantable device implant or revision

Abstract Aims Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are known for lower bleeding risk than vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). To date, it has not been established whether in such population DOAC may offer reduction of bleeding complication in patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implant or revision (substitution, upgrade, or downgrade). We evaluated whether DOACs compared to VKAs, decrease bleeding complications at the time of CIED implant in patients with AF, requiring oral anticoagulant therapy. Methods and results We present a monocentric observational retrospective study. Patients undergoing implant, generator replacement, or upgrading/downgrading of an intracardiac device (PM, ICD, or CRT) between January 2015 and March 2021 with AF undergoing DOAC or VKA were included. The comparison of risk of clinically significant pocket hematoma at 30-days follow-up in the two-treatment group [DOAC vs. VKA and DOAC vs. VKA without low molecular weight eparin (LMWH) bridge] was performed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including main clinical findings was performed to test the primary endpoint. Propensity score matching analysis was performed, with inversed proportional weighted (IPW) propensity score included in the multivariate analysis. 311 patients were included, 146 (46.9%) treated with DOAC and 165 (53.1%) treated with VKA. The incidence pocket haematoma was significantly reduced in patients treated with DOAC compared with VKA (3.4% vs. 13.3%, respectively, P = 0.002), a finding confirmed on multivariate analysis (HR: 3.02, CI: 1.10–8.29, P = 0.032). The incidence of pocket haematoma in patients on DOAC vs. VKA without LMWH bridge therapy was found to be significantly higher in the latter group of patients (P = 0.033, HR: 2.93, CI: 1.01–8.49, P = 0.48). After adjusting at propensity score with IPW, DOAC use showed decreased risk of pocket haematoma (HR: 0.29, CI: 0.09–0.95, P = 0.42). Conclusions In patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing CIED implant or revision, DOAC therapy appears to be associated with lower risk of event-related pocket haematoma at 30-day follow-up, even in the absence of bridging with LWMH. Such findings are hypothesis-generating.

Anticoagulation use and the risk of stroke and major bleeding in patients on hemodialysis: From the VIVALDI, a population‐based prospective cohort study

BackgroundEvidence supporting the use of anticoagulation for the prevention of stroke and thromboembolism in patients with kidney failure on hemodialysis (HD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited. We prospectively assessed the incidences of stroke and major bleeding, as well as anticoagulation strategies in patients on HD with AF. MethodsWe recruited 625 prevalent HD patients into a population‐based observational cohort study. The primary prospective outcomes were thromboembolic events (stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism) and major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included a composite of thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and cardiovascular death to determine net clinical harm. ResultsA total of 238 patients (38.1%) had AF, 165 (26.4%) already at baseline and 73 (15.9%) developed AF during a median follow up of 870 days. Forty (6.4%) thromboembolic events and 89 (14.2%) major bleedings occurred. Overall, 256 patients died (41.0%). In AF patients, use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in 61 patients (25.6%) was not significantly associated with reduced risk of the primary thromboembolic outcome (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 1.41 adjusted for age, sex, congestive heart failure, hypertension, stroke/transient ischemic attack/thromboembolism, vascular disease, and diabetes history score and antiplatelet co‐medication (95% CI, 0.49–4.07), but with increased risk of major bleeding (SHR: 2.28; 95% CI, 1.09–4.79) compared with AF patients without anticoagulation (N = 139, 58.4%). Use of VKAs was associated with net clinical harm (adjusted SHR: 2.07; 95% CI, 1.25–3.42). ConclusionsAlthough the nonrandomized nature of the study is prone to bias, anticoagulation with VKAs was not associated with decreased thromboembolic risk, but rather with increased risk of major bleeding and may be net harmful to patients with AF on HD.

A Scoping Review of Alternative Anticoagulation Strategies for Hemodialysis Patients with a Mechanical Heart Valve

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have high rates of cardiac valvulopathy but can develop contraindications for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy. We explored the evidence for alternative anticoagulation strategies in patients with ESRD with a contraindication for VKA therapy. Methods: A scoping review was completed, searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Conference abstracts from inception to March 30, 2021. The study population was patients with ESRD who were on VKA therapy and developed a contraindication to VKA therapy use. All data regarding studies, patient characteristics, anticoagulation strategy, and clinical outcomes were summarized. Results: Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included 57 patients. Contraindications to VKA therapy included calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) (n = 55) and warfarin-induced skin necrosis (n = 2). All studies were either case reports or case series. There were 10 anticoagulation strategies identified. Continuation of VKA therapy was associated with increased death and decreased rates of CUA resolution (80.0% and 10.0%, respectively), compared to apixaban (24.0% and 70.8%), subcutaneous (SC) low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (14.3%, 85.7%), and SC unfractionated heparin (0.0%, 100.0%). While only 5 patient cases were reported with mechanical heart valves, SC LMWH use has been reported in this context with good outcomes. Conclusions: In patients with ESRD who develop a contraindication to VKA therapy, several alternative anticoagulation strategies have been reported with superior outcomes to VKA continuation. While outcomes appear superior to continuation of VKA therapy, more data are required before definitive recommendations can be made for the patient with ESRD and a mechanical heart valve.

Abstract 9686: Stroke and Thrombosis Risk in Left Ventricular Non-Compaction

Introduction: Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare genetic condition affecting 1 in 5000 people in which the myocardium of the left ventricle fails to adequately compact, forming deep recesses within the muscle wall. These recesses have been theorized to contribute to thrombus formation and embolic stroke, though the association has never been firmly established in the limited literature over the last 20 years. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that patients with LVNC, as well as those with hypertrabeculation not meeting LVNC criteria, would have increased rates of lifetime incidence of CVA, LV thrombus diagnosis, and distal arterial embolic events. Methods: We performed a retrospective control-matched cohort study assessing patients at Loyola University Medical Center diagnosed with LVNC, as well as those with hypertrabeculated left ventricles not meeting LVNC criteria, assembling the largest cohort of adult patients in the literature to date. We matched our study patients to controls based on age, HTN, DM, smoking status, history of atrial fibrillation, and history of DVT/PE. Results: Compared to matched controls, neither the LVNC group (n=98) nor the hypertrabeculation group (n=119) showed an increased risk of CVA, but both were associated with an increase in diagnosis of LV thrombus by TTE, TEE, or cMRI (p=0.045, p=0.003, respectively). Furthermore, in the LVNC group, each 10% increase in EF was found to reduce the risk of a composite endpoint of arterial thromboembolism (CVA, LV thrombus, distal arterial embolus) by 50%, while in the hypertrabeculation group, each 10% increase in EF reduced total arterial thromboembolism by 37%. Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients with hypertrabeculated left ventricles are either more likely to have LV thrombi that do not result in CVA events, or that due to the ventricle morphology, LV thrombi are being diagnosed when none are actually present. Furthermore, our study supports the existing literature that more severe systolic dysfunction increases risk for CVA and thromboembolic events, though that association seems largely multifactorial. Based on these results we cannot advocate for or against a particular anticoagulation strategy in patients with LVNC.

Abstract 10243: Meta-Analysis of Direct Oral Anticoagulants versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Bioprosthetic Valves

Objective: The optimal anticoagulation strategy for patients with bioprosthetic valves and atrial fibrillation remain uncertain. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis using updated evidence comparing direct anticoagulants (DOAC) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in patients with bioprosthetic valves and atrial fibrillation. Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through March, 2021 to identify randomized control trials (RCT) and observational studies that investigated the outcomes of DOAC and VKA in patients with bioprosthetic valves and atrial fibrillation. The outcomes of interest were all-cause death, major bleeding, and stroke or systemic embolism. Results: Our analysis included 4 RCTs and 6 observational studies which enrolled a total of 6,405 patients with bioprosthetic valves and atrial fibrillation assigned to the DOAC group (n =2,142) and VKA (n =4,263). Pooled analysis demonstrated the similar rates of all-cause death (HR [95% confidence interval [CI]] =0.90 [0.77-1.05]; P =0.18; I 2 =0%)between the DOAC and VKA groups. However, the rates of major bleeding were significantly lower in the DOAC group compared to the VKA group (HR [95% CI] =0.66 [0.48-0.89]; P =0.006; I 2 =0%) (Figure), while the rates of stroke or systemic embolism were similar (HR [95% CI] =0.72 [0.44-1.17]; P =0.18; I 2 =39%). Conclusion: DOAC was associated with lower rates of major bleeding without increasing the risk of stroke or systemic embolism or all-cause death compared to VKA in patients with bioprosthetic valves and atrial fibrillation.

Thrombosis Prophylaxis with Apixaban in Patients Treated with Asparaginase

Thrombosis Prophylaxis with Apixaban in Patients Treated with Asparaginase

Anticoagulation Use and Outcomes Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Von Willebrand Disease

Intro: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a coagulopathy caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF), resulting in prolonged and excessive bleeding. Patients are advised to avoid aspirin (ASA), P2Y12 inhibitors, or anticoagulation (AC) so as not to exacerbate this condition. However, typical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) includes anticoagulation, particularly if the risk of stroke by CHA 2DS 2-VASC score is 2+. Current recommendations suggest giving necessary antiplatelet (AP) or AC therapy over no treatment with assessment of bleeding risk throughout the course. However, this is a conditional recommendation based on low certainty in evidence, and there are no specific guidelines on treating AF in patients with VWD. This study aims to assess anticoagulation use, bleeding risk, and stroke risk in patients with VWF and AF.Methods: We conducted an IRB-approved analysis of coded data from institutional electronic medical records to select patients with diagnosis of VWD, low ristocetin cofactor level, or any abnormal VWF panel as well as patients with diagnosis of AF or atrial flutter. Three hundred and forty patients met criteria. Patients were manually screened for inclusion criteria and excluded for inaccurate diagnosis or insufficient data. Eighty-nine patients were included in the analysis. Primary endpoint was rate of major bleeding defined by ISTH criteria while on AC or AP. Categorical data were tested using the Fisher exact test at the nominal 0.05 two-sided significance level, and all person-time comparisons are made against the rate of bleeding on AC alone.Results: Most patients were female (64.0%; 57/89), and 28.1% (25/89) were deceased at the time of data collection. Date of diagnosis of AF ranged from 1980-2020. 42.7% (38/89) of patients were ever prescribed ASA, 43.8% (39/89) a P2Y12 inhibitor, 56.2% (50/89) AC, and 23.6% (21/89) had never been prescribed AP or AC. Of patients with a CHA 2DS 2-VASC of 2+, 57.5% (46/80) were ever prescribed AC. 32.0% (16/50) of patients ever prescribed AC and 25.6% (10/39) patients never prescribed AC had at least one major bleeding event (p=0.428). The rate of major bleeding on AC alone was 8.9 events per 100 person-years (32 events/359.2 years), 10.2 events per 100 person-years on AP alone (41 events/402.3 years) (p=0.572), and 1.06 events per 100 person-years (8 events/757.47 years) in patients never prescribed AC or AP (p=<0.0001). Notably, the rate of major bleeding on AC and AP together was 28.07 events per 100 person-years (23 events/81.94 years) (p=<0.0001) occurring in 7 patients, 6 of whom also had a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Length of time to first major bleed is shown in Figure 1. 16.9% (15/89) of patients had thromboembolic strokes after diagnosis of AF, and 53.3% (8/15) of those strokes occurred when patients were not prescribed AC.Discussion: This retrospective observational study over 40 years characterizes AC and AP use in patients with VWD and AF. Only 57.5% of patients with CHA 2DS 2-VASC of 2+ received standard of care AC despite conditional recommendations to give necessary anticoagulation to patients with VWD. In parallel with the general population, AC use significantly increases the rate of major bleeding in patients with VWD, but there was no difference in bleeding rate between standard AC and AP monotherapy. However, major bleeding rates were notably elevated in patients prescribed concomitant AC and AP which most commonly occurred in the setting of ACS. This analysis is limited by its retrospective nature, the lack of granular details in the coded database, and incomplete data in older charts. Overall, these data do not support the use of AP monotherapy over standard AC to reduce bleeding rates for patients with VWD and AF. Additionally, AC and AP co-administration should be avoided due to high rates of major bleeding, but more studies are required to understand AP and AC strategies in patients with VWD, AF, and ACS. Although the rate of major bleeding is elevated with AC use in patients with VWD, there is no difference in lifetime prevalence of major bleeding events by AC vs no AC use. Finally, over half of thromboembolic strokes occurred when not prescribed AC. Shared decision-making around stroke and bleeding risk is advised in considering AC use for AF in patients with VWD. Prospective studies should further evaluate the risk of major bleeding and stroke in patients with VWD and AF on standard AC vs no AC. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Bioprosthetic Heart Valves

Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Bioprosthetic Heart Valves