Antithrombotic Group Research Articles

Impact of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Withdrawal on Stroke Outcomes.

Introduction: Discontinuation of oral anticoagulants such as non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) may induce a hypercoagulable state, leading to severe stroke and poor outcomes. This study aimed to compare stroke outcomes between NOACs withdrawal and other prior medication statuses in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).Methods: Consecutive patients who had pre-existing NVAF and were admitted for an acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack- at five hospitals between January 2013 and December 2016 were included. Prior medication status was categorized into seven groups such as no antithrombotics, antiplatelet-only, warfarin with subtherapeutic intensity, warfarin with therapeutic intensity, NOAC, warfarin withdrawal, and NOAC withdrawal. We compared initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores between groupsResults: Among 719 patients with NVAF, The median NIHSS score at admission was 5 (IQR 1-13). The NOAC withdrawal group had the highest median NIHSS scores at stroke onset [16, interquartile range, IQR (1–17)], followed by the warfarin withdrawal group [11, IQR (1–14, 18)], the no antithrombotic group [5, IQR (1–13, 18, 19)], and the warfarin with subtherapeutic intensity group [5, IQR (1–10, 18, 19)]. A Multivariable analysis demonstrated that NOAC withdrawal was independently associated with higher NIHSS scores at stroke onset (B 4.645, 95% confidence interval 0.384–8.906, P = 0.033). The median interval from drug withdrawal to ischemic stroke or TIA was 7 days (IQR 4-15) in the NOAC group.Conclusions: Stroke that occurred after stopping oral anticoagulants, especially NOAC, and was more severe at presentation and associated with poorer outcomes.

Anticoagulation and the risk of complications in ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular complex ablation.

Many patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) or premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation receive antithrombotic medications. Their uninterrupted use has the potential to affect complication rates. We assessed the incidence of complications in a large cohort of patients undergoing these procedures, according to antithrombotic medication use. From June 2014 to June 2016, 201 VT and PVC ablations were performed at a single center. We allocated patients to three groups: (A) anticoagulation group (international normalized ratio≥1.5 or non-vitamin K anticoagulant or full-dose low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparin on day of procedure); (B) antithrombotic group (antiplatelet therapy and/or prophylactic LMW heparin on day of procedure); and (C) no antithrombotics group. We assessed periprocedural complication rates in each group. Multivariable analysis was performed. Group A (47 patients) had 8.5% procedural complication rate: one stroke, one pseudoaneurysm, one femoral artery occlusion, and one access site hematoma. In this group, 37 patients had femoral arterial and 18 had epicardial access. In Group B (46 patients), the complication rate was 6.5%: two cardiac tamponades and one pericardial effusion without compromise. Group C (108 patients) had a 5.6% complication rate: three cardiac tamponades (with one periprocedural death and one concomitant gastric vessel injury), one pericardial effusion without compromise, one stomach perforation, and two access site hematomas. Multivariable analysis did not show any significant predictors of complications, though age approached significance. Complication rates were not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that VT and PVC ablation can be performed safely in patients with uninterrupted antithrombotic medications.

Safety of Cold Polypectomy for Colorectal Polyps in Patients on Antithrombotic Medication

Background: The cold polypectomy (CP) technique has been increasingly used in recent years. However, there have been few studies about post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB) in patients who underwent CP and who were on antithrombotic drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the safety of CP in patients on antithrombotic medication. Methods: The subjects were patients who underwent CP in our hospital between April 2014 and March 2016. PPB rates were examined in relation to the use of antithrombotic medication. Results: CP was performed to remove 2,466 polyps in 1,003 patients. There were 549 polyps (22.3%) in186 patients in the antithrombotic group and 1,917 polyps (77.7%) in 817 patients in the non-antithrombotic group. PPB occurred in 0.55% (3/549) of patients in the antithrombotic group and in 0.10% (2/1,917) of patients in the non-antithrombotic group, showing no significant difference (p = 0.07). Patients in the antithrombotic group in whom PPB occurred included 1 aspirin user with 1 polyp and 1 aspirin plus clopidogrel user with 2 polyps. No PPB occurred in patients on other antithrombotic agents or receiving heparin bridging. There was no significant difference between PPB rates in patients with small polyps (6–9 mm) in the antithrombotic and non-antithrombotic groups, but there was a significant difference between PPB rates in the 2 groups for patients with diminutive group (1–5 mm). Conclusion: CP is a safe procedure even in patients on antithrombotic medication.

Abstract WP393: The Impact of Prior Antithrombotics on Stroke Severity in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background and purpose: In this study, we investigated the stroke severity was associated with the prior antithrombotic medication including novel Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: We included 801 consecutive acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients with NVAF who were admitted to 6 hospitals between August 2013 and January 2017 in the present study. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Prior antithrombotics before index stroke were categorized into 5 groups: no antithrombotics, only antiplatelet, warfarin with international normalized ratio (INR) <2, warfarin with INR ≥2, and NOACs. We investigated whether there were differences in initial stroke severity according to the prior antithrombotics in stroke patients with NVAF. Results: A total of 801 acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic stroke patients with NVAF were enrolled. Among the 801 patients, the 34 (4.2%) had been treated with warfarin with INR ≥2, 146 (18.2%) with warfarin with INR ≥2, 70 (8.7%) with NOACs, 347 (43.3%) with only antiplatelet, and 204 (25.5%) without any antithrombotics. The median NIHSS score was 5 (IQR 1-14). Compared with the no antithrombotics group (9.5, IQR 2-16), the NIHSS was lower in the warfarin with INR ≥2 (4, 1-7.3) and the only antiplatelet group (4, IQR 1-12), while the warfarin with INR <2 (6, IQR 2-14) or the NOACs group (4, IQR 1-15) had similar stroke severity. Multivariate analysis adjusting the CHA2DS2-VASc score showed stroke severity was milder in patients with warfarin with INR ≥2 (b -4.680, SE 1.399, p=0.001), those with antiplatelet only (b -2.528, SE 0.667, p<0.001), or those with NOACs (b -2.290, SE 1.049, p=0.029), compared with those without any antithrombotics. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the prior anticoagulation was related with milder initial stroke severity in patients with NVAF.

Efficacy and safety of quadruple therapy including tirofiban in the treatment of Chinese NSTE-ACS patients failing to receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention.

BackgroundAlthough it has been shown to be superior to simple antithrombotic drug therapy, most patients are unable to receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and are treated with conventional triple antithrombotic therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel, low-molecular-weight heparin). Here, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding low-dose tirofiban to this regimen.MethodsA total of 1,783 patient records (unable to receive PCI) indicating non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) were included. A total of 882 received conventional triple antithrombotic therapy; 901 received quadruple antithrombotic therapy. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) parameters. Safety was evaluated based on the occurrence of bleeding events. Data were collected over a 6-month period post treatment.ResultsThe rate of occurrence of MACE was significantly lower in the quadruple antithrombotic group (10.5% versus 14.1% at 6 months, P=0.02). The log-rank test showed improved survival in the quadruple antithrombotic group. Total bleeding events were higher in the quadruple antithrombotic group (9.7%) than in the triple antithrombotic group (7.1%) (P=0.04); however, this may be attributed to increased clinically insignificant minor bleeding events.ConclusionQuadruple antithrombotic therapy demonstrated a superior alternative for the treatment of high-risk NSTE-ACS patients failing to receive PCI.

Effectiveness and safety of drugs used for stroke prevention in a cohort of non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients from a primary care electronic database.

The aim of this study was to assess effectiveness and safety of antithrombotics for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation in real-use conditions. We used a population-based retrospective cohort study. Information emerges from SIDIAP, a database containing anonymized information from electronic health records from 274 primary healthcare centres of the Catalan Health Institute, Catalonia (Spain), with a reference population of 5 835 000 people. Population includes all adults with a new diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation registered in SIDIAP from 2007 to 2012. The main outcome of antithrombotics' effectiveness was stroke. The main outcomes of safety were cerebral and gastrointestinal haemorrhages. We also estimated all-cause mortality. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to examine association between antithrombotic treatment and main outcomes. We included 22 205 subjects with non-valvular atrial fibrillation; 40.8% initiated on vitamin K antagonists (VKA), 33.4% on antiplatelets and 25.8% untreated. We found stroke-risk reduction with VKA, hazard ratio (HR) 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58-0.91), also seen in patients with CHADS2 ≥ 2, HR 0.65 (95%CI, 0.49-0.86), and CHA2 DS2 -VASc ≥ 2, HR 0.66 (95%CI, 0.52-0.84). We observed a higher risk of digestive bleeding with antiplatelets, HR 1.32 (95%CI, 1.01-1.73). Both VKA and antiplatelets were associated with reduction of all-cause mortality risk; HR 0.55 (95%CI, 0.49-0.62) and HR 0.89 (95%CI, 0.80-0.97), respectively. This study found a stroke-risk reduction associated with VKA and an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with platelet-aggregation inhibitors in comparison with untreated patients. Both antithrombotic groups showed a reduction in all-cause mortality. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Extended Anticoagulant and Aspirin Treatment for the Secondary Prevention of Thromboembolic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundPatients who have had an unprovoked deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) are at a high risk for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Extended “life-long” anticoagulation has been recommended in these patients. However, the risk benefit ratio of this approach is controversial and the role of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and aspirin is unclear. Furthermore, in some patients with a “weak provoking factor” there is clinical equipoise regarding continuation or cessation of anticoagulant therapy after treatment of the acute VTE event.ObjectiveA systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the risks (major bleeding) and benefits (recurrent VTE and mortality) of extended anticoagulation with vitamin k antagonists (VKA), DOACs and aspirin in patients with an unprovoked VTE and in those patients with clinical equipoise regarding continuation or cessation of anticoagulant therapy. In addition, we sought to determine the risk of recurrent VTE events once extended anti-thrombotic therapy was discontinued.Data SourcesMEDLINE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, citation review of relevant primary and review articles.Study SelectionRandomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the risk of recurrent VTE in patients with an unprovoked DVT or PE who had been treated for at least 3 months with a VKA or a DOAC and were then randomized to receive an oral anti-thrombotic agent or placebo for at least 6 additional months. We included studies that included patients in whom clinical equipoise existed regarding the continuation or cessation of anticoagulant therapy.Data ExtractionIndependent extraction of articles by both authors using predefined data fields, including study quality indicators. Data were abstracted on study size, study setting, initial event (DVT or PE), percentage of patients where the initial VTE event was unprovoked, the number of recurrent VTE events, major bleeds and mortality during the period of extended anticoagulation in the active treatment and placebo arms. In addition, we recorded the event rate once extended treatment was stopped. Meta-analytic techniques were used to summarize the data. Studies were grouped according to the type of anti-thrombotic agent.Data SynthesisSeven studies which enrolled 6778 patients met our inclusion criteria; two studies evaluated the extended use of Coumadin, three studies evaluated a DOAC and two studies evaluated the use of aspirin. The duration of followup varied from 6 to 37 months. In the Coumadin and aspirin studies 100% of the randomized patients had an unprovoked VTE, while in the DOAC studies between 73.5% and 93.2% of the VTE events were unprovoked. In the control group recurrent VTE occurred in 9.7% of patients compared to 2.8% in the active treatment group (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.11–0.42, p<0.0001). VKA, DOACs and aspirin significantly reduced the risk of recurrent VTE, with VKA and DOACs being significantly more effective than aspirin. Major bleeding events occurred in 12 patients in the control group (0.4%) and 25 of 3815 (0.6%) patients in the active treatment group (OR 1.64; 95% CI 0.69–3.90, NS). There were 39 (1.3%) deaths in control patients and 33 (0.9%) deaths in the anti-thrombotic group during the treatment period (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.40–1.33, NS). Patients whose initial VTE event was a PE were more likely to have a recurrent PE than a DVT. The annualized event rate after discontinuation of extended antithrombotic therapy was 4.4% in the control group and 6.5% in the active treatment arm.ConclusionsVKA, DOACs and aspirin significantly reduced the risk of recurrent VTE, with DOACs and VKA being more effective than aspirin. The decision regarding life-long anticoagulation following an unprovoked DVT or PE should depend on the patients’ risk for recurrent PE as well as the patients’ values and preferences.

Association of improved outcome in acute ischaemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation who receive early antithrombotic therapy: analysis from VISTA

Ischaemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at risk of early recurrent stroke (RS). However, antithrombotics commenced at the acute stage may exacerbate haemorrhagic transformation, provoking symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH). The relevance of antithrombotics on the patterns and outcome of the cohort was investigated. A non-randomized cohort analysis was conducted using data obtained from VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive). The associations of antithrombotics with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcome and the occurrence of RS and SICH (each as a combined end-point of fatal and non-fatal events) at 90 days for post-stroke patients with AF were described. Dichotomized outcomes were also considered as a secondary end-point (i.e. mortality and good outcome measure at 90 days). In all, 1644 patients were identified; 1462 (89%) received antithrombotics, 157 (10%) had RS and 50 (3%) sustained SICH by day 90. Combined antithrombotic therapy (i.e. anticoagulants and antiplatelets), 782 (48%), was associated with favourable outcome on ordinal mRS and a significantly lower risk of RS, SICH and mortality by day 90, compared with the no antithrombotics group. The relative risk of RS and SICH appeared highest in the first 2 days post-stroke before attenuating to become constant over time. The risks and benefits of antithrombotics in recent stroke patients with AF appear to track together. Early introduction of anticoagulants (2-3 days post-stroke), and to a lesser extent antiplatelet agents, was associated with substantially fewer RS events over the following weeks but with no excess risk of SICH. More evidence is required to guide clinicians on this issue.

The postoperative bleeding rate and its risk factors in patients on antithrombotic therapy who undergo gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BackgroundThere is a lack of consensus regarding the risk of postoperative hemorrhage in patients on antithrombotic therapy who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).We examined postoperative bleeding rates and risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage from post-ESD gastric ulcers in patients on antithrombotic therapy.MethodsThe subjects of this study were 833 patients who underwent ESD of gastric tumors. Of these, 743 were not on antithrombotic therapy and 90 were on some form of antithrombotic therapy (46 on low-dose aspirin (LDA) only, 23 on LDA + thienopyridine, and 21 on LDA + warfarin). All patients commenced proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy immediately postoperatively. Antiplatelet agents were discontinued for 7 days preoperatively and postoperative Day 1, and anticoagulants for 5 days preoperatively and postoperative Day 1.ResultsThe postoperative bleeding rate in the antithrombotic group was 23.3%, significantly higher than the 2.0% observed in the non-antithrombotic group. Significant differences were seen in patients in the antithrombotic group with and without postoperative bleeding according to ESD duration (p = 0.041), PPI + mucosal protective agent combination therapy (p = 0.039), and LDA + warfarin combination therapy (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of these factors yielded odds ratios of 1.04 for ESD duration, 14.83 for LDA + warfarin combination therapy, and 0.27 for PPI + mucosal protective agent combination therapy.ConclusionsThe risk of postoperative hemorrhage following gastric ESD was higher in patients with antithrombotic therapy than in those without that therapy. Among these patients, LDA + warfarin combination therapy and longer ESD duration were significant risk factors for postoperative bleeding. On the contrary, a mucosal protective agent to PPI therapy, lowering the odds ratio for postoperative bleeding, which suggests that the addition of a mucosal protective agent might be effective in preventing post-ESD hemorrhage in patients on antithrombotic therapy.

GW24-e1871 A survey of anticoagulation therapy of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in elderly patients

ObjectivesTo investigate the current status of antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The general feature were recorded and risk factors of stroke thromboembolism were estimated in order...

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Comparison of Immediate Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with and without Antithrombotic Therapy

Objective: To compare the immediate postoperative outcomes of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HOLEP) with and without full anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy at the time of surgery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed on a series of consecutive patients undergoing HOLEP at our institution by a single surgeon from February 2004 to September 2010. Demographic, surgical, pathological and outcome data were collected. Two cohorts were identified on the basis of antithrombotic therapy at the time of surgery. Patients who continued on aspirin, aspirin/dipyridamole, clopidogrel and warfarin throughout the surgery were included in the antithrombotic cohort. Univariate analysis was performed to determine differences in outcomes between the 2 cohorts. Results: Total 125 consecutive patients underwent HOLEP with 52 patients on antithrombotic therapy at the time of surgery and 73 patients were not on antithrombotic therapy during surgery. Patients in the antithrombotic group were older (75.1 ±7.5 vs. 71.7 ± 8.3 years; p = 0.02) and had a higher median ASA physical status (3 (3-3) vs. 2 (2-3), p < 0.0001). The mean operating time and median specimen volume were not significantly different between the 2 cohorts. The median length of stay (2 (1-3) vs. 1 (1-2) d, p = 0.014) was longer in the antithrombotic cohort. The transfusion rate (7.7 vs. 0%, p = 0.028) was predictably higher in the antithrombotic cohort. No patients required re-operation for bleeding. Conclusions: The use of HOLEP in patients on antithrombotic therapy is safe despite the higher surgical risk profile of that particular patient population and the potential increased risk for significant bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia, Dual Antiplatelet Therapy, and Heparin Bridging Strategy Increase Pocket Hematoma Complications in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rhythm Device Implantation

BackgroundPocket hematoma is a troublesome complication associated with the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This study aims to determinate the risk factors of pocket hematoma complications in relation to different antithrombotic strategies and severity of thrombocytopenia in Chinese patients. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 1093 consecutive patients undergoing implantation of CIEDs and divided them into 3 groups: no antithrombotic group (n = 512), continuing antiplatelet group (n = 477), and temporarily discontinuing warfarin with or without heparin bridging strategy (n = 104). ResultsA pocket hematoma developed in 40 patients (3.7%). The temporarily discontinuing warfarin group (7.7%) had a higher incidence of pocket hematoma than no oral antithrombotic group (2.1%) and continuing antiplatelet group (4.4%) (P = 0.012). The dual antiplatelet group (16.2%) and the heparin bridging strategy group (14.0%) had significantly higher incidence of pocket hematoma compared with the no antithrombotic group (2.1%; P < 0.001, both). Patients having aspirin or clopidogrel alone had low incidence of pocket hematoma (3.9% and 1.2%, respectively), similar to the no antithrombotic group (P = not significant). Multivariate analysis revealed that dual antiplatelet agents (P = 0.004), heparin bridging strategy (P < 0.001), and moderate to severe thrombocytopenia (P = 0.007) were independent predictors for pocket hematoma complications. ConclusionsThe use of dual antiplatelet agents, heparin bridging strategy, and the presence of moderate to severe thrombocytopenia significantly increased the risk of pocket hematoma complications in the periprocedural period of CIED implant. Aspirin or clopidogrel alone did not increase the risk of pocket hematoma complications.

Antithrombotic Strategy in Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) Registry

The aim of this study was to examine the use of and outcomes associated with antithrombotic strategies in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A variety of antithrombotic strategies have been tested in clinical trials for NSTEMI patients treated with PCI. Antithrombotic strategies for NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI at 217 ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) hospitals from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2007, (n = 11,085) were classified into commonly observed antithrombotic groups: heparin alone (Hep alone; low-molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin), bivalirudin alone (Bival alone), heparin with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (Hep/GPI), and bivalirudin with GPI (Bival/GPI). Baseline characteristics are shown across treatment groups. In addition, unadjusted and adjusted rates of in-hospital major bleeding and death are shown. The standard strategy used was Hep/GPI (64%), followed by Hep or Bival alone (28%), and Bival/GPI (8%). Patients who received Hep or Bival alone were older with more comorbidities, higher baseline bleeding and mortality risk, and lower peak troponin. Compared with patients who received Hep/GPI , those who received Hep alone and Bival alone had lower rates of major bleeding (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42 to 0.65; adjusted OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.60; respectively), yet only patients who received Bival alone had lower mortality (adjusted OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.71). NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI are more likely to receive Bival or Hep alone when at higher baseline bleeding risk than when at lower baseline bleeding risk. Despite higher baseline risk, those receiving Bival or Hep alone had less bleeding.