Prophylactic Heparin Research Articles

Prophylactic Unfractionated Heparin in Antepartum Hospitalizations: A Randomized Controlled Trial

(Obstet Gynecol. 2024;144(1):118–125. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005599) Obstetric venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in cases of prolonged antepartum hospitalizations. Comprehensive thromboembolism prevention strategies have helped reduce maternal mortality from thromboembolism. Current recommendations emphasize expanded heparin prophylaxis during antepartum hospitalizations to mitigate VTE risks. However, there is a lack of data on how pregnancy-induced physiological changes affect unfractionated heparin (UFH) disposition, potentially necessitating higher dosing during pregnancy. Studies suggest pregnant patients may require increased heparin doses due to lower peak plasma concentrations and altered coagulation parameters.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Post-Oral Anticoagulation Reversal in Intracranial Hemorrhage Patients.

Rates of in-hospital venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) population post oral anticoagulation (AC) reversal are as high as 10%. Guidelines recommend the initiation of prophylactic AC 24 to 48 hours post ICH; however, there is no guidance regarding optimal VTE prophylaxis post-reversal. This study aimed to identify the incidence of thromboembolism post oral AC reversal in patients presenting with ICH and describe VTE prophylaxis timing and agent selection. This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted within a single health system. Patients on AC who received reversal agents 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) with or without vitamin K, andexanet alfa, and/or idarucizumab for AC-associated ICH were included. The primary endpoint was incidence of in-hospital VTE post-reversal. Secondary endpoints included AC utilization specifications, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. There were 118 patients (57%) who received 4F-PCC and 89 patients (43%) who received andexanet alfa for reversal post-ICH. Overall, 195 patients (94.2%) achieved hemostasis. Eight patients had incidence of VTE (3.9%), and of those, 6 patients (75%) were reinitiated on AC, all of which utilized prophylactic heparin. The median time from reversal to VTE was 55.9 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 21.2-72.4). For all patients on AC, the median time to initiation from reversal was 3.98 days (IQR = 2.5-6.01), and for those with incidence of thrombosis, the median time to AC initiation was 6.4 days (IQR = 2.6-13.1). Mortality occurred in 13 patients (6.3%). This patient population is complex in that the need to achieve hemostasis with AC reversal must be balanced with the risk of VTE. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal timing and agent selection for VTE prophylaxis initiation post ICH reversal.

Prophylactic Unfractionated Heparin in Antepartum Hospitalizations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Prophylactic Unfractionated Heparin in Antepartum Hospitalizations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Surgical Thromboprophylaxis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: An Economic Model.

To quantify postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, and assess the economic implications of chemoprophylaxis. Retrospective cost-effective analysis. Fifty-threehealth care organizations. The TriNetX Research Network was queried to identify the 1-month VTE rate in HNC patients undergoing neck dissection from 2012 to 2022. A literature search provided additional postsurgical VTE rates in HNC patients. Costs of prophylactic heparin and enoxaparin were obtained from a drug wholesaler, and VTE-associated medical costs were sourced from the literature. A break-even analysis determined the absolute risk reduction (ARR) in the VTE rate necessary for a medication to break-even on cost. In TriNetX, 8193 HNC surgical patients underwent neck dissection, and an additional 1640 patients underwent neck dissection plus free flap reconstruction without chemoprophylaxis. Respective 1-month VTE rates were 1.3% (n = 103) and 2.5% (n = 41). Four additional studies of 1546 postoperative HNC patients not prescribed chemoprophylaxis reported a mean VTE rate of 3.8% (n = 59), ranging from 1.9% to 13.0%. At $8.40 per week, heparin resulted in cost savings if it decreased the VTE rate by an ARR of at least 0.05%, while enoxaparin, at $23.66 per week, needed to achieve a 0.14% ARR. Considering potential added costs from bleeding complications, heparin, and enoxaparin remained cost-effective if chemoprophylaxis did not increase bleeding complications by an absolute risk of more than 2.86% and 2.79%, respectively. Postoperative VTE rates varied in HNC patients. Despite this, achievable ARRs suggested the potential cost-effectiveness of routine chemoprophylaxis with heparin and enoxaparin.

Prophylactic Unfractionated Heparin in Antepartum Hospitalizations: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To assess the effect of gestational age-based dosing of unfractionated heparin (UFH) compared with standard dosing of UFH for thromboprophylaxis on an elevated serum activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during prolonged antepartum hospitalizations. This was a randomized trial of pregnant persons who were admitted in the antepartum period for at least 72 hours. Participants were randomly allocated to the standard dose of UFH (5,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours) or the gestational age-based dose of UFH (first trimester [less than 14 weeks]: 5,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours; second trimester [14-27 6/7 weeks]: 7,500 units subcutaneously every 12 hours; third trimester (28 weeks or more): 10,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours). The primary outcome was the proportion of antepartum patients who had an elevated serum aPTT value above the normal range (more than 36.2 seconds) 6 hours after an UFH dose. Secondary outcomes included the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reported side effects of heparin administration. Between December 15, 2020, and April 1, 2022, 97 patients with antepartum hospitalizations were screened and 46 were randomized: 22 allocated to standard dosing and 24 allocated to gestational age-based dosing of UFH. A significantly greater proportion of antepartum patients who received gestational age-based dosing had an abnormal elevation in aPTT compared with those who received standard dosing (33.3% vs 4.8%, P =.02). Gestational age-based dosing resulted in higher maximum [interquartile range] aPTT (30.4 [27.4, 37.5] vs 26.6 [23.0, 29.6], P =.01) and anti-Xa levels (0.09 [0.09, 0.11] vs 0.09 [0.09, 0.09], P =.04). There was no significant difference in VTE between groups ( P =.47). Gestational age-based dosing of UFH for thromboprophylaxis of antepartum hospitalizations was associated with significantly increased rates of elevated coagulation parameters compared with standard fixed dosing. This study suggests a need for close monitoring if higher doses of UFH during pregnancy are used later in gestation. The efficacy of gestational age-based dosing compared with standard dosing for UFH to prevent thromboembolic events remains an area for future investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04635839.

Don't Fear the Bleed: Assessing Postoperative Bleeding Incidence After Instituting a Standardized Prophylactic Heparin Protocol in Bariatric Patients.

Background: Bariatric surgery is a frequently performed procedure in the United States, accounting for ∼40,000 procedures annually. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery are at high risk for postoperative thrombosis, with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) rate of up to 6.4%. Despite this risk, there is a lack of guidelines recommending postoperative VTE prophylaxis and it is not routine practice at most hospitals. The postoperative bleeding rate after bariatric surgery is only 1.5%; however, the risk of bleeding may lead to hesitancy for more liberal VTE prophylaxis. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of bariatric surgeries at a single institution in 2019 and 2021. Data were obtained from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and electronic medical record review for all patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or conversion to RYGB. The primary outcomes were composite bleeding events, which included postoperative transfusion, postoperative endoscopy or return to operating room (OR) (for bleeding), intra-abdominal hematoma, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, or incisional hematoma. Results: There were a total of 2067 patients in the cohort, with 1043 surgeries in 2019 and 1024 surgeries in 2021. There was no difference between bleeding events after instituting a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis protocol in 2021 (27 versus 28 events, P = .76). There was no difference in individual bleeding events between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the rate of VTE between 2019 and 2021 (2 versus 5 events, P = .28). Conclusions: After instituting a standard protocol of prophylactic heparin postdischarge, we did not find an increased rate of bleeding events in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Thus, surgeons can consider prescribing postdischarge chemical VTE prophylaxis without concern for bleeding.

Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Prophylactic Intravenous Heparin Injection in Preventing Flap Necrosis in Case of Ventral Hernias

Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Prophylactic Intravenous Heparin Injection in Preventing Flap Necrosis in Case of Ventral Hernias

Exploring the therapeutic role of early heparin administration in ARDS management: a MIMIC-IV database analysis

BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe respiratory condition characterized by a high mortality rate, the management of which relies on supportive care and a profound understanding of its pathophysiology. Heparin, with its anticoagulant and potential anti-inflammatory properties, offers a new therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of ARDS.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we examined the MIMIC-IV database for ARDS patients who received prophylactic heparin within the first 72 h of ICU admission. Employing propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis, we evaluated the impact of early heparin use on patient outcomes, focusing on mortality rates.ResultsPatients who received prophylactic heparin had a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to those who did not (13.55% vs 17.93%, HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54–0.93, P = 0.012). This result remained significant after propensity score matching (12.75% vs 17.93%, HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90, P = 0.010). Analysis using five different statistical models indicated that early use of heparin significantly reduced the in-hospital mortality rate, with HR = 0.669 (95% CI 0.487–0.919, P = 0.013) in the doubly robust model without balanced covariates; HR = 0.705 (95% CI 0.515–0.965, P = 0.029) with all covariates considered; HR = 0.660 (95% CI 0.491–0.888, P = 0.006) in the propensity score (IPW) model; HR = 0.650 (95% CI 0.470–0.900, P = 0.010) in the propensity score matching model; and HR = 0.706 (95% CI 0.536–0.930, P = 0.013) in the multivariate Cox regression model. Secondary outcomes indicated that heparin use was also associated with reduced mortality rates at 60 days, and 90 days.ConclusionThis research highlights that early prophylactic administration of heparin may substantially lower mortality in ARDS patients. These findings underscore the potential of heparin as a key component in the management of ARDS, offering a new perspective and novel strategies for clinical treatment.

Management of Patients with Breast Biopsy under Anti-Coagulation or Anti-Platelet Therapy: Results of a Survey of German Experts

Introduction: Pre-therapeutic histologic diagnosis through image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) for suspicious breast findings is a standard procedure. Despite the moderate risk of bleeding, a significant proportion of patients are on temporary or permanent anti-coagulation therapy (ACT) or anti-platelet therapy (APT). Currently, there are no established guidelines for managing biopsies in such patients, leading to varying approaches in clinical practice. Methods: An online survey was conducted among all members of the breast ultrasound working group at the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) and the working group for breast diagnostics at the German Radiology Society (DRG). It included n = 51 questions about individual risk perception of biopsy-related bleeding complications and the specific management of biopsies on ACT/APT. Results: A total of 332 experts participated, with 51.8% reporting the absence of a standardized management plan for breast biopsies on ACT/APT. Concerning specific ACT/APT medications, the survey revealed discrepancies in risk perception and management: The majority preferred discontinuing medication with directly acting oral anti-coagulants (DOACs; CNB: 66.9%; VAB: 91.1%), phenprocoumon (CNB: 74.9%; VAB: 96.7%), or therapeutic heparin (CNB: 46.1%; VAB: 72.7%). However, there was a lower inclination to discontinue acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; CNB: 15.2%; VAB: 50.3%) or prophylactic heparin (CNB: 11.9%, VAB: 36.3%). Conclusion: Breast biopsies for patients on ASA or prophylactic heparin are deemed safe and part of standard clinical practice. However, despite available feasibility studies, conducting breast biopsies on ACT medications such as DOACs or phenprocoumon appears feasible only for a minority of experts.

Bleeding Associated with Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Hospital Related Venous Thromboembolism Prevention: A Case Series

The use of heparin products for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have decreased the prevalence of VTE in all hospitalized patients, however the possibility of bleeding from prophylactic heparin cannot be disregarded. While life-threatening bleeding is less common with prophylactic doses, it can occur in the presence of other risk factors for bleeding. We aim to describe characteristics that may increase bleeding risk from prophylactic use of heparin. We present a single-center, retrospective case series of patients who received protamine for bleeding complications from prophylactic heparin administration at our facility between 2016-2020. We assessed patient demographics, medical history, types of heparin formulations administered, and patient outcomes. We observed that all patients were female. Patients who developed bleeding events from VTE prophylaxis had at least two of these attributes; BMI <18.5 kg/m2, weight <50kg, trauma within 1-month, surgery within 1-month or were taking anti-platelet agents. We suggest that the collective presence of two or more of these characteristics should lend consideration to dose adjustment and/or closer monitoring. In the absence of rigorous research comparing alternative doses to standard doses for prophylaxis in these patients, these decisions fall largely to the discretion of individual physicians. Designing larger studies following patients over long periods of time can help conclusively identify risk factors that predispose patients to bleeding.

Fat Embolism Syndrome from Bone Marrow Necrosis Following Peg-Filgrastim in a Patient with Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma

Background: The mechanism of atraumatic fat embolization syndrome (FES) is poorly understood. However, mechanical and biochemical processes are the two plausible theories that exist. FES from bone marrow necrosis caused by hemoglobinopathies, use of chemotherapy in hematopoietic malignancies and from use of G-CSF has been reported. In our case, a young male patient with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma presented with microhemorrhages and punctiform ischemic brain lesions after receiving chemoimmunotherapy and pegylated G-CSF. Case: A 29-year-old male recently diagnosed with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma presented to our ED with severe bone pain after receiving his first cycle etoposide, prednisone, vincristine sulfate, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (DA R-EPOCH) with peg-filgrastim support. He was discharged with pain control and subsequently received his second cycle of DA-R-EPOCH (20% increase in etoposide, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide) with a retrial of peg-filgrastim. His WBC count rose to a peak of 41,100K/UL on the seventh day of his second cycle. Ten days after receipt of his 2 nd peg-filgrastim, he presented to the ED with complaints of generalized weakness, decreased oral intake and mild imbalance with his gait. His blood pressure was 103/71 mmHg, heart rate was 138 beats per minute, respiratory rate was 22 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation was 91% on room air; and he required 2 liters of supplemental oxygen. Laboratory studies showed Hb of 8.1 gm/dL, PLT of 47,000k/UL and WBC of 10,100k/UL. The WBC differential was consistent with myeloid predominance with a left shift and some enucleated RBC consistent with use of peg- filgrastim. LDH was 2874 U/L, albumin was 3.8 g/L, PTT 23.1 seconds, PT 13.8 seconds, INR 1.2. A CT with angiography of the chest showed no pulmonary embolism but an anterior mediastinal soft tissue mass, which decreased in size compared to his prior image, with erosive changes of sternum. Mediastinal and axillary lymphadenopathy also overall decreased in size. Due to developing confusion and mild left-sided facial weakness, MRI with and without intravenous contrast of the brain demonstrated numerous petechial microhemorrhages throughout the brain parenchyma in the supratentorial compartment and posterior cranial fossa with involvement of superficial and deep parenchymal regions. Many were seen clustered in the internal/external watershed regions. Transthoracic echocardiogram with bubble study demonstrated a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Prophylactic low molecular weight heparin was started and he was discharged after improvement of symptoms. He proceeded to complete 4 more cycles of standard dose R-EPOCH with prophylactic levofloxacin instead of peg-GCSF. His neurologic symptoms resolved and did not recur. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare but severe complication of BMN causing fat embolization syndrome in a patient receiving G-CSF following R-EPOCH for high PMBCL with sternal bone involvement. We hypothesize that the rapid proliferation of myeloid cell lines induced by G-CSF led to vascular occlusion and relative hypoxemia. Furthermore, the prolonged incorporation of corticosteroids is known to cause adipose tissue disruption. His underlying disease involved invasion into his sternum which further would support the theory of bone marrow necrosis being able to dislodge into the vasculature. This case is important to alert physicians to be cognizant of this severe complication and to provide some evidence for continuing curative intent treatment with the omission of G-CSF support.

CDKN2C Deletion on 1p32 Locus As Part of Irwazh Score, a New Risk Assessment Model for Venous Thromboembolism Occurring within 6-12 Months of Treatment Initiation in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Background Adequate risk-stratification of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in multiple myeloma (MM) is an unmet need. Methods This is a retrospective study of 320 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients treated from 2011 to 2023. All gave their informed consent. Required minimal follow-up (FU) length was 12 months or lower if VTE or death occurred. We aimed to evaluate VTE incidence at 6 and 12 months of first line treatment (L1) initiation, identify risk predictors and assess VTE impact on overall survival (OS). Comorbidities, baseline demographic (excluding race), clinical, biological (including FISH) and imaging data, treatment exposures, response profile and OS were all analyzed. Total scores for 4 existing risk assessment models (RAM) (IMPEDE-VTE, SAVED, PRISM, IFM/DFCI-related) were also calculated from L1 start. VTE events (VTEe) were adjudicated to exclude superficial ones and restrict analysis to documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Predictors validated by Cox model were weighted based on their hazard ratios (HR). Results The cohort comprised 147 (45.9%) women and 111 (34.7%) transplant-eligible patients. Overall median age was 70.1 (36.6-98.4) years and 205 (64.1%) subjects were >65. Two hundred and twenty-five (70.3%) received standard-of-care regimens containing immunomodulatory drugs (IMID) (Thalidomide in 98: 30.6%; Revlimid in 127: 39.7%), while 130 (40.6%) received high-dose (≥160 mg) Dexamethasone (HDD) per L1 cycle. VTE prophylaxis was omitted in 32 (10%) or consisted of NSAID in 97 (30.3%), prophylactic low molecular weight heparin (LMWHp) in 115 (36%) and direct oral anticoagulant (DOA) in 55 (17.2%), while 10 (3.1%), 9 (2.8%) and 2 (0.6%) were previously receiving curative LMWH (LMWHc), vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or a mixed regimen, respectively, for prior VTE or other indications. In 33 (10.3%) patients, 34 VTEe occurred (31 [91.2%] within the first 6 months): 4 (11.8%) as both PE and DVT; 3 (8.8%) as PE; 27 (79.4%) as isolated proximal (12 [35.3%]) or distal (15 [44.1%]) DVT of the upper (2 [5.9%]) or lower (25 [73.5%]) limbs, including 3 (8.8%) with both proximal and distal and 3 (8.8%) close to central venous catheter. Based on Cox univariate analysis, VTEe were not related to usual parameters such as past VTE history, IMID, HDD or EPO exposure, prophylaxis omission or modality or recent surgery. A 6-parameter RAM, named Irwazh score, was built from multivariate Cox model, including: age <55 years (HR 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-0.8; p=0.014), prior diabetes (HR 3.41; 95% CI: 1.48-7.85; p=0.004), creatinine clearance (Cr-Cl) using MDRD <40 ml/mn (HR 2.64; 95% CI: 1.26-5.51; p=0.009), CRP ≥10 mg/dl (HR 2.65; 95% CI: 1.27-5.48; p=0.009), ≥50% 1p32 deletion (HR 3.44; 95% CI: 1.17-10.09; p=0.024) and minimal response (MR) to L1 (HR 4.67; 95% CI: 1.71-12.73; p=0.003). Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.718 (95% CI: 0.624-0.811; p<0.0001) at 12 months and 0.731 (95% CI: 0.636-0.825; p<0.0001) at 6. In comparison, AUC was 0.649 (95% CI: 0.546-0.751; p=0.004) for IMPEDE-VTE, 0.597 (95% CI: 0.505-0.689; p=0.039) for PRISM, 0.584 (95% CI: 0.486-0.682: p=0.091) for IFM/DFCI-related and 0.580 (95% CI: 0.473-0.687; p=0.141) for SAVED (Figure 1). Based on points attributed to each parameter (age <55 years: 1; prior diabetes: 9; Cr-Cl<40 ml/mn: 6; CRP≥10 mg/dl: 6; ≥50% 1p32 deletion: 9; MR: 11), patients were stratified into low (<6 points), intermediate (6-15) and high risk (≥16), with 12-month cumulative VTE incidence of 4,51% (6/133), 10,45% (16/153) and 35,29% (12/34), respectively. Of low-risk patients, 2 were receiving NSAID and 4 LMWHp; of intermediate-risk ones, 2 had no prophylaxis, 9 were under NSAID and 5 LMWHp; of high-risk ones, 2 had no prophylaxis, 5 were receiving NSAID, 2 LMWHp, 1 VKA, 1 LMWHc and 1 DOA. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis for VTE-free survival, statistical difference was found significant between low- and intermediate-risk ( p=0.043), low- and high-risk ( p<0.0001) and intermediate- and high-risk groups ( p=0.000) (Figure 2). Median total FU was 33.2 (0.2-147) months; OS assessment using Cox model did not find a significant statistical impact of VTE neither at 6 ( p=0.491) and 12 ( p=0.199) months nor during the whole FU length ( p=0.438). Conclusion The Irwazh score, with an unprecedented FISH feature, a statistically significant risk-stratifying power and a better AUC than existing VTE RAMs is worth validating in a larger clinical study.

Symptoms and Impaired Quality of Life After COVID-19 Hospitalization: Effect of Therapeutic Heparin in Non-ICU Patients in the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines 4 Acute Trial: Effect on 3-Month Symptoms and Quality of Life

BackgroundTherapeutic-dose heparin decreased days requiring organ support in non-critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19 but its impact on persistent symptoms or quality of life (QoL) is unclear. Research QuestionIn the ACTIV-4a trial, was randomization of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 illness to therapeutic-dose vs. prophylactic heparin associated with less symptoms and better QoL at 90-days? Study Design and MethodsThis was an open-label randomized controlled trial at 34 hospitals in the US and Spain. 727 non-critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from September 2020 to June 2021 were randomized to therapeutic-dose vs. prophylactic heparin. Only patients with 90-day data on symptoms and QoL were analyzed. We ascertained symptoms and QoL by EQ-5D-5L at 90-day follow-up in a pre-planned analysis for the ACTIV-4a trial. Individual domains assessed by the EQ-5D-5L were mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. ResultsAmong 571 patients, 288 (50.4%) reported at least one symptom. In 410 patients, 148 (36.1%) reported moderate to severe impairment in one or more domains of EQ-5D-5L. Presence of 90-day symptoms were associated with moderate-severe impairment in the EQ-5D-5L domains of mobility (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.37, 95% CI 1.22-4.59), usual activity (aOR 3.66, 95% CI 1.75-7.65), pain (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.43-4.12), and anxiety (aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.06-9.02), compared to patients reporting no symptoms There were no differences in symptoms or the overall EQ-5D-5L index score between treatment groups. Therapeutic-dose heparin was associated with less moderate-severe impairment in all physical functioning domains (mobility, self-care, usual activities) but was independently significant only in the self-care domain (aOR 0.32, CI 0.11-0.96). InterpretationIn a randomized controlled trial of hospitalized non-critically ill patients with COVID-19, therapeutic-dose heparin was associated with less severe impairment in the self-care domain of EQ-5D-5L. However, this type of impairment was uncommon, affecting 23 individuals. Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT04505774

Abstract 18539: The Impact of Prophylactic Heparin on Pocket Hematoma Formation After Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation a Real-World Experience

Introduction: Intravenous heparin is strongly associated with pocket hematoma (PH) formation in patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. However, there is no data on subcutaneous prophylactic heparin in this population Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the subcutaneous heparin may increase the odds of PH in patients undergoing CIED implantation using data from a large, nationally representative sample of the US population. Methods: The Premier Healthcare Database was analyzed from 2016-2019 to identify patients >18 years old undergoing CIED implantation. Patients with PH were then identified by using ICD-10 CM codes. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounders Results: A total of 267,650 patients underwent CIED implantation between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, of which 4,496 (1.68%) \developed PH. Single chamber pacemaker in 7.22%, dual-chamber pacemaker was implanted in 58.3% of patients, and CRT-P in 4.59%, ICD in 18.58%, CRT-D in 11.31%. Of the total cohort, 559 Patients received subcutaneous heparin within 3 days of the CIED implant procedure. Of these 559 patients, 91 (16%) patients were on subcutaneous heparin (pre-procedural: 19; post-procedural: 57) and developed PH. Subcutaneous heparin is associated with increased odds (OR :13.8,p<0.01) of PH formation. Conclusions: This study suggests that subcutaneous heparin is a strong risk factor for the development of PH. This may independently drive up the rates of PH in the inpatient population. Further studies on the timing of subcutaneous heparin need to be conducted.

P09 A catastrophic decline: a significant skin rash in a patient presenting with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

P09 A catastrophic decline: a significant skin rash in a patient presenting with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

236 The Hypercoagulable State in COVID-19 and Implications for Free Flap Surgery in the Lower Limb

Abstract Aim COVID-19 associated coagulopathy is widely documented in severe COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopaenia. However, much of this evidence relates to macrovascular thrombosis with limited evidence on the impact of previous mild, asymptomatic COVID-19 infection, or vaccination on microvascular thrombosis in free tissue transfer. We compared the rate of thrombotic complications in traumatic lower limb injuries requiring free flap reconstruction in the pre- and post-COVID era. Method Adult patients undergoing lower limb free flap reconstruction were identified at a single centre over two three-month periods (2019 and 2021). Standard thromboprophylaxis was used for all patients (intraoperative intermittent pressure devices, post-operative thromboembolic deterrent stockings, and prophylactic low molecular weight heparin until discharge). Thrombotic complications were recorded and compared using a chi-squared test. Results In the pre-COVID cohort, 51 patients underwent 52 free flaps. One flap (1.9%) suffered anastomotic thrombosis resulting in flap compromise. Post-COVID, 39 patients underwent 43 free flaps. Nine flaps suffered anastomotic thrombosis (21%) and one patient suffered a pulmonary embolus. This increase was statistically significant (p = 0.002). In the post-COVID cohort, four patients had a COVID-19 infection and 25 patients (64%) had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before free flap surgery. No patients had an active COVID-19 infection on admission. Conclusions In the post-COVID era there was an increased rate of thrombotic complications in lower limb free flap patients. Further research is required to delineate the best course of action when planning free tissue transfer for patients who have had previous COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Thrombotic and Vascular Complications.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare, autoimmune thrombophilia defined by vascular thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity, in the setting of documented persistent antiphospholipid antibodies including the lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, or anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies can be completely asymptomatic, or they can lead to clinical manifestations as severe as catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, which involves widespread coagulopathy over a very short period of time. The degree of risk associated with antiphospholipid syndrome depends on the characteristics of the antiphospholipid antibody profile and on the presence of additional thrombotic risk factors. The current standard treatment for unprovoked thrombosis is long-term warfarin. Treatment to prevent recurrent obstetric complications is low-dose aspirin and prophylactic heparin in pregnant patients. The use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome is still being debated. Their use is generally contraindicated, especially in high-risk patients, such as those with all 3 antiphospholipid antibodies present, but they may potentially be of some use in some low-risk patients.

Assessment of bleeding risk in low-weight patients receiving prophylactic subcutaneous unfractionated heparin.

Underweight patients may be at an increased risk of bleeding while receiving venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. Additional evidence is needed to identify patient-specific factors associated with bleeding. The objective of the study was to describe the incidence and identify risk factors associated with bleeding in low-weight (⩽ 60 kg) adult patients receiving subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (SQH) for VTE prophylaxis. This was a single-center, retrospective, nested case-control study of low-weight patients receiving SQH for VTE prophylaxis for ⩾ 48 hours. Cases, patients with clinically relevant bleeding while receiving SQH, and controls, patients without a bleeding event, were matched in a 1:3 ratio for age, sex, primary service (surgical or medical), and time at risk of bleeding on SQH to determine factors associated with bleeding. A total of 3761 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 38 cases of clinically relevant bleeding were identified. The bleeding incidence was 1% at hospital day 6 and 2.8% at hospital day 14. Most patients in this study (69%) received SQH 5000 units three times daily. ICU admission at SQH start was associated with bleeding, OR 2.97 (95% CI 1.21-7.29). Bleeding in low-weight patients on prophylactic SQH was uncommon. Patients admitted to the ICU at time of SQH start may be at a higher risk of bleeding. Further studies are needed to detect additional risk factors associated with bleeding and investigate the effects of reduced dosing in this population.

Venous thromboembolism in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Risk factors and timing of chemoprophylaxis

IntroductionVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among patients recovering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Prophylactic heparin reduces the risk of VTE, but the optimal timing for its initiation among aSAH patients remains unclear. ObjectiveTo conduct a retrospective study assessing risk factors for VTE and optimal timing of chemoprophylaxis in patients treated for aSAH. MethodsFrom 2016–2020, 194 adult patients were treated for aSAH at our institution. Patient demographics, clinical diagnoses, complications, pharmacologic interventions, and outcomes were recorded. Risk factors for symptomatic VTE (sVTE) were analyzed via Chi-squared, univariate, and multivariate regression. ResultsIn total 33 patients presented with sVTE (25 DVT, 14 PE). Patients with sVTE had longer hospital stays (p < 0.01) and worse outcomes at one-month (p < 0.01) and three-month follow-up (p = 0.02). Univariate predictors of sVTE included male sex (p = 0.03), Hunt Hess score (p = 0.01), Glasgow Coma scale (p = 0.02), intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.03), hydrocephalus requiring external ventricular drain (EVD) placement (p < 0.01), and mechanical ventilation (p < 0.01). Only hydrocephalus requiring EVD (p = 0.01) and ventilator use (p = 0.02) remained significant upon multivariate analysis. Patients with delayed heparin introduction were significantly more likely to sustain sVTE on univariate analysis (p = 0.02) with a trend-level significance on multivariate analysis (p = 0.07). ConclusionsPatients with aSAH are more likely to develop sVTE following use of perioperative EVD or mechanical ventilation. sVTE leads to longer hospital stays and worse outcomes among patients treated for aSAH. Delayed heparin initiation increases the risk of sVTE. Our results may help guide surgical decision-making during recovery from aSAH and improve VTE-related postoperative outcomes.

PD31-08 HEPARIN THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS IN SIMULTANEOUS PANCREAS-KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD31-08 HEPARIN THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS IN SIMULTANEOUS PANCREAS-KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES Erica Ai-Li, Kaveh Farrohki, Max Zhang, Juliano Offerni, Patrick Luke, and Alp Sener Erica Ai-LiErica Ai-Li More articles by this author , Kaveh FarrohkiKaveh Farrohki More articles by this author , Max ZhangMax Zhang More articles by this author , Juliano OfferniJuliano Offerni More articles by this author , Patrick LukePatrick Luke More articles by this author , and Alp SenerAlp Sener More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003324.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Thrombosis is a leading causes of pancreas graft loss after simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK), pancreas after kidney (PAK), and pancreas transplant alone (PTA). There remains no standardized thromboprophylaxis protocol. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of heparin thromboprophylaxis on the incidence of pancreas thrombosis, pancreas graft loss, bleeding, and secondary outcomes in SPK, PAK, and PTA. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched BIOSIS®, PubMed®, Cochrane Library®, EMBASE®, MEDLINE®, and Web of Science® on April 21, 2021. Primary peer-reviewed studies that met inclusion criteria were included. Two methods of quantitative synthesis were performed to account for comparative and non-comparative studies. RESULTS: We included 11 studies, comprising of 1122 patients in the heparin group and 236 patients in the no-heparin group. When compared to the no-heparin control, prophylactic heparinization significantly decreased the risk of early pancreas thrombosis and pancreas loss for SPK, PAK and PTA without increasing the incidence of bleeding or acute return to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to highlight that heparin thromboprophylaxis yields an approximate two-fold reduction in both pancreas thrombosis and pancreas loss for SPK, PAK and PTA. We report the dosage, frequency, and duration of heparin administration to consolidate the available evidence. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e903 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Erica Ai-Li More articles by this author Kaveh Farrohki More articles by this author Max Zhang More articles by this author Juliano Offerni More articles by this author Patrick Luke More articles by this author Alp Sener More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...