Thromboembolic Manifestations Research Articles

Outcomes of deep venous thrombosis management and associated factors among patients in tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are the two most important manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). DVT remains a significant condition since associated morbidity is significant and has elevated healthcare-related costs.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among DVT patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Zewditu Memorial Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College on follow-up from July 1, 2017, to July 01, 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, types of DVT, laboratory findings, medications, risk factors of DVT, complications and outcomes of DVT were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of DVT recurrence and major bleeding. A P value < 0.05 was considered to identify significant predictors.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 45.2 years, with SD of 15.36. The major causes of DVT included immobilization (29.9%), previous surgery (27.5%) and cancer (21.1%). The DVT recurrence rate was 22.5%. Nine (2.2%) of the participants died, and 19.9% developed complications. Bilateral DVT (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.8, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.14, 6.66), obesity (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.15, 9.59), hypertension (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 2.90, 14.70) and retroviral infection (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI = 2.34, 16.94) were predictors of recurrent DVT. Nineteen (4.7%) patients had major bleeding, and patients with bilateral DVT, active cancer and terminal age had an increased risk of major bleeding.ConclusionsThe overall DVT recurrence rate was alarmingly high and further complicated by PE, post thrombotic syndrome and chronic vein insufficiency, resulting in a 2.2% death rate. Major bleeding after DVT and PE remained high. Close monitoring should be performed for patients with advanced age, active cancer, bilateral DVT, retroviral infection, obesity and hypertension to prevent the recurrence of DVT and major bleeding.

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

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

Pulmonary embolism: Epidemiological and radiological aspects at the Niamey general reference hospital.

Introduction: Pulmonary Embolism is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. It is one of the clinical manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE) which is frequent and the most serious of the latter. The aim of our work is to study the characteristics of pulmonary embolism confirmed by chest CT angiography at the General Reference Hospital. More specifically, it is a question of describing the: epidemiological and radiological aspects of PE confirmed by chest CT angiography. Material and methods: This is a retrospective and prospective study, carried out at the Reference General Hospital over a period of 18 months: Retrospective over one (1) year from (July 2018 to June 2019), Prospective over six (6) months from July 2019 to December 2019. The study population included all patients referred to the radiology department for chest CT angiography with suspected pulmonary embolism and whose D-dimer dosage was greater than 500ng/ml. Chest x-ray and duplex ultrasound of the lower limbs were requested as additional basic examinations with the aim of exploring venous thromboembolic disease. Results: During this study, 84 chest CT angioscans were performed and 25 cases of pulmonary embolism were confirmed, representing a prevalence of 29.76%. The patients were classified according to the levels of clinical thromboembolic risk. Chest x-ray was performed in 16 patients or 64%. Cardiac Doppler ultrasound was performed in 16 patients (64%). Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs was performed in only 3 patients. All patients had undergone chest CT angiography. Conclusion: The advent of chest CT angiography in the diagnostic approach allowed us to note an underestimation of the prevalence of PE in African countries. Thoracic CT angiography provided diagnostic confirmation.

Inflammatory risk contributes to post-COVID endothelial dysfunction through anti-ACKR1 autoantibody.

Subclinical vascular impairment can be exacerbated in individuals who experience sustained inflammation after COVID-19 infection. Our study explores the prevalence and impact of autoantibodies on vascular dysfunction in healthy COVID-19 survivors, an area that remains inadequately investigated. Focusing on autoantibodies against the atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1), COVID-19 survivors demonstrated significantly elevated anti-ACKR1 autoantibodies, correlating with systemic cytokines, circulating damaged endothelial cells, and endothelial dysfunction. An independent cohort linked these autoantibodies to increased vascular disease outcomes during a median 6.7-yr follow-up. We analyzed a single-cell transcriptome atlas of endothelial cells from diverse mouse tissues, identifying enriched Ackr1 expressions in venous regions of the brain and soleus muscle vasculatures, which holds intriguing implications for tissue-specific venous thromboembolism manifestations reported in COVID-19. Functionally, purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) extracted from patient plasma did not trigger cell apoptosis or increase barrier permeability in human vein endothelial cells. Instead, plasma IgG enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by patient PBMCs, a phenomenon alleviated by blocking peptide or liposome ACKR1 recombinant protein. The blocking peptide uncovered that purified IgG from COVID-19 survivors possessed potential epitopes in the N-terminal extracellular domain of ACKR1, which effectively averted antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Our findings offer insights into therapeutic development to mitigate autoantibody reactivity in blood vessels in chronic inflammation.

Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF S2k Guideline.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are the most common manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most DVTs affect the lower-extremity veins. Since the symptoms of DVT are non-specific, a prompt and standardised diagnostic work-up is essential to minimise the risk of PE in the acute phase and to prevent thrombosis progression, post-thrombotic syndrome and VTE recurrence in the long-term. Only recently, the AWMF S2k guidelines on Diagnostics and Therapy of Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism have been revised. In the present article, we summarize current evidence and guideline recommendations focusing on lower-extremity DVT (LEDVT). Depending on whether the diagnostic work-up is performed by a specialist in vascular medicine or by a primary care physician, different diagnostic algorithms are presented that combine clinical probability, D-dimer testing and diagnostic imaging. The diagnosis of ipsilateral recurrent DVT poses a particular challenge and is presented in a separate algorithm. Anticoagulant therapy is an essential part of therapy, with current guidelines clearly favouring regimens based on direct oral anticoagulants over the traditional sequential therapy of parenteral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists. For most DVTs, a duration of therapeutic-dose anticoagulation of at least 3 to 6 months is considered sufficient, and this raises the question of the risk of VTE recurrence after discontinuation of anticoagulation and the need for secondary prophylaxis in the long-term. Depending on the circumstances and trigger factors that have contributed to the occurrence of DVT, management strategies are presented that allow decision-making taking into account the individual bleeding risk and patient's preferences.

Plasma Fibrinogen Levels and Protein C Activity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Haemostatic abnormalities have been observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypercoagulability and thrombotic complications may contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality associated with CKD. Thrombotic tendency has not been fully evaluated in CKD subjects in our environment. This research was to assess the plasma fibrinogen and protein C activity levels in patients with CKD in a Nigerian tertiary hospital, with the view of deducing their associations with thromboembolic manifestations and providing possible therapeutic interventions.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A hospital based, cross-sectional survey conducted amongst CKD patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), who were managed in the renal unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Participants were appropriately matched with apparently healthy control subjects and these were interviewed with a structured questionnaire to obtain data on their clinical details as well as hospital records. Citrated plasma was obtained and analysed to determine the functional protein C activity as well as the fibrinogen levels of both subjects on RRT and apparently healthy control. Haematologic and biochemical parameters were also determined including complete blood count, urea and creatinine and liver function tests. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results were presented in tables and charts&#x0D; Results: A total of 222 subjects participated in this study, comprising 74 patients with CKD on conservative management, 74 subjects with CKD on RRT, and 74 apparently healthy control subjects. The mean age across the groups including subjects on conservative management, RRT, and controls were 54.70±14.42, 49.5±15.73, and 49.3±12.5 years respectively; with the median age of 56-, 52-, and 48.5- years f across the groups respectively. The mean plasma fibrinogen levels across the groups were 240.4±57.76, 241.8±54.87, 360.9±69.5mg/dl respectively. This was statistically significant. The mean protein C activity for the respective groups was 59.6 ± 24.20, 63.6 ± 28.89, 86.7.±2.6%. Protein C activity was significantly depleted in the CKD subjects (p = 0.002).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study showed a low protein C activity amongst patients with CKD and those with cardiovascular or thromboembolic events, suggestive of thromboembolic risk in these individuals. Contrary to existing literature, plasma fibrinogen levels were not significantly elevated in patients with CKD, and there was no association with thromboembolic events.

The Influence of Hyperthyroidism on the Coagulation and on the Risk of Thrombosis.

Introduction: Apart from the well-known fact that hyperthyroidism induces multiple prothrombotic disorders, there is no consensus in clinical practice as to the impact of hyperthyroidism on the risk of thrombosis. The aim of this study was to examine the various hemostatic and immunologic parameters in patients with hyperthyroidism. Methods: Our study consists of a total of 200 patients comprised of 64 hyperthyroid patients, 68 hypothyroid patients, and 68 euthyroid controls. Patient thyroid status was determined with standard tests. Detailed hemostatic parameters and cardiolipin antibodies of each patient were determined. Results: The values of factor VIII (FVIII), the Von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and anticardiolipin antibodies of the IgM class were significantly higher in the hyperthyroid patients than in the hypothyroid patients and euthyroid controls. The rate of thromboembolic manifestations was much higher in hyperthyroid patients (6.25%) than in hypo-thyroid patients (2.9%) and euthyroid controls (1.4%). Among hyperthyroid patients with an FVIII value of ≥1.50 U/mL, thrombosis was recorded in 8.3%, while in hyperthyroid patients with FVIII value ≤ 1.50 U/mL the occurrence of thrombosis was not recorded. The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) was significantly higher (8.3%) in the hyperthyroid patients compared to the hypothyroid patients (1.5%) and euthyroid controls (0%). Conclusions: High levels of FVIII, vWF, fibrinogen, PAI-1, and anticardiolipin antibodies along with other hemostatic factors contribute to the presence of a hypercoaguable state in patients with hyperthyroidism. The risk of occurrence of thrombotic complications is especially pronounced in patients with a level of FVIII exceeding 150% and positive anticardiolipin antibodies of the IgM class. Patients with AF are at particularly high risk of thrombotic complications due to a hyperthyroid prothrombotic milieu.

Pulmonary Embolism Revealing Meadows Syndrome: Case Study

Meadows syndrome is a rare entity, defined as systolic heart failure occurring peripartum in the absence of underlying heart disease. Thromboembolic manifestations can complicate this syndrome but are rarely revealing. We report the case of a 30-year-old patient, without a history of cardiac, multiparous, who presented 3 months after delivery, acute dyspnea. Distal pulmonary embolism was objectified by pulmonary angiography. But the final diagnosis after an analysis of clinical, ultrasound and etiological data was peripartum cardiomyopathy complicated by embolism pulmonary. The evolution under medical treatment was hardly favorable with a worsening of systolic function complicated by a new episode of bilateral proximal pulmonary embolism after 1 month in a context of covid 19 infection.

The Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 scale is superior to the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Score Index in predicting 3-month postdischarge mortality in elderly survivors of acute pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is the most serious manifestation of venous thromboembolism. The simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) is employed for prediction of 30-day mortality in APE. The Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) is used to identify participants at a risk of health impairment. We aimed to compare the VES-13 and sPESI scales for prediction of 3-month mortality inelderly patients hospitalized for APE. All patients with APE were managed according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines and followed up for at least 3 months after discharge. Clinical evaluation of all patients involved the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and biochemical tests. The patients with VES-13 score equal to or above 3 (VES-13≥3) were evaluated with comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). A total of 164 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were significantly fewer men in the VES-13≥3 than the VES-13<3 group (34% vs 54.5%; P <0.01). The patients in the VES-13≥3 group had lower median (interquartile range [IQR]) body mass index and higher sPESI score than those in the VES-13<3 group (25.6 [21.8-28.4] kg/m2 vs 28 [25.3-31] kg/m2; P = 0.001 and 2 [1-2] points vs 1 [0-1] point; P <0.001, respectively). There were no differences in APE severity according to the ESC stratification and CCI. Logistic regression analysis identified the VES-13 score as a significant independent risk factor for 3-month mortality. The VES-13 score is a better tool than sPESI for predicting 3-month mortality. Geriatric survivors of APE characterized with VES-13≥3 points should be closely monitored after discharge. The Norton Scale Score in a combination with the VES-13 may be useful in predicting 3-month mortality among numerous tests used in the CGA.

THE PREVALENCE OF ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH CLINICAL, LABORATORY FINDINGS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Abs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and the relationship between these Abs with clinical and laboratory findings.Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study on 60 patients newly diagnosed with SLE according to SLICC 2012 criteria, at the Center for Allergy - Clinical Immunology, Bach Mai Hospital from October 2022 to August 2023. The aPL group were defined as positive for at least one aPL. The clinical manifestation and laboratory findings of the positive and negative aPL groups were compared. Results. 37/60 patients (61.67 %) had positive for at least one aPL Abs. The percentage of groups positive for single antibody aCL, LAC, β2GPI, aPL, double and triple antibodies are 46.67%, 30%, 20%, 11.67%, 35%, 18.33%, respectively. We found that positive aPL and LA Abs significantly correlated with chronic kidney disease as compare with negative group. Unfortunately, no significance was found in hematology, neurology, thromboembolism, obstetric pathology, or livedo manifestations between the two groups. Conclusion. 61.7% newly SLE diagnosis was positive for at least one aPL Abs and the presence of these Abs was independently associated with the risk chronic kidney disease in SLE patients.

Scoring system for predicting the Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) in post-cardiac surgery: a literature review

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/tl9Q8g6DUdcBackground: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still one of the optimal treatment options for revascularization in coronary heart disease. Despite Atrial Fibrillation being the most common arrhythmia after CABG, there’s still no agreement on which risk assessment to predict the incidence of Post Operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF). Some studies have shown that the findings of Atrial fibrillation after CABG are associated with increased hemodynamic disturbances, thromboembolic manifestations, readmission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), increased length of stay, organ failure, and death. This study aims to analyze the scoring system used for predicting the incidence of POAF in cardiac surgery. Methods: This study used “POAF” AND “Scoring system," AND "CABG” AND “Atrial Fibrillation” as keywords to explore the literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Clinical Key. Search engines were searched for relevant papers from the last 15 years. Result: CHA2DS2-VASc score has a sensitivity of 74.2%, a specificity of 44.7% and can identify patients who are predicted to have a high risk of experiencing POAF by 49.4%. The CHA2DS2-VASc score can be used as an independent predictor for predicting POAF. HATCH score cut-off point exceeding 1 was linked to AF prediction, yielding a sensitivity of 42% and specificity of 70%. POAF Score, the scoring system anticipates an increased likelihood of POAF development (58.5%). A score of 1 corresponds to a 30.1% probability of POAF occurrence and is a practical point for commencing preventive therapy. Conclusion: Despite the various scoring systems used to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation, including the CHA2DS2-VASc score, HATCH score and Mariscalco. POAF Score demonstrated a validated ability to predict POAF.

Direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of splanchnic vein thrombosis: A state of art.

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a manifestation of venous thromboembolism in an unusual site. Portal, mesenteric, and splenic veins are the most common vessels involved in SVT which occurs mainly in patients with liver cirrhosis, although non-cirrhotic patients could be affected as well. Thrombosis of hepatic veins, also known as Budd-Chiari syndrome, is another manifestation of SVT. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are mandatory in order to increase the recalization rate and reduce the risk of thrombus progression and hypertensive complications. Traditional anticoagulation with heparin and vitamin-K antagonists is the treatment of choice in these cases. However, recent studies have shown promising results on the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in this setting. Available results are mainly based on retrospective studies with small sample size, but first clinical trials have been published in the last years. This manuscript aims to provide an updated overview of the current evidence regarding the role of DOACs for SVT in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.

Rheumatological and Immunological Manifestations among a Cohort of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Egyptian Patients

Abstract Background The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that is able to persist in the form of integrated proviruses in a predominantly CD4 T cell reservoir causing HIV infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Objective Detection of frequency and pattern of rheumatological and immunological disorders in HIV infected Egyptian patients. Patients and Methods This study was observational cross sectional study conducted in tertiary hospital of infectious diseases in Giza, Egypt outpatient clinics and inpatient departments. It included one hundred human immune deficiency virus infected Egyptian patients diagnosed according to national AIDS program criteria having an immunological or a musculoskeletal disorder with age of ≥ 18 years. Results Results from our study which revealed a highly significant correlation between both CD4 count, HIV-PCR level and the incidence of oral ulcers. There was only a significant value between HIV-PCR level and the presence of myositis or thromboembolic manifestations. Within our 100 HIV positive patients the mean levels of ESR, CRP and SGOT levels were elevated. There was a weak inverse correlation between the CD4-positive lymphocyte count and ESR. There was a highly significant negative correlation between CD4 count and HIV infection duration ESR, CRP, urea, creatinine, blood urea level, SGOT, SGPT. Also, significant negative correlation between CD4 count and uric acid level. Moreover, there were a highly significant positive correlation between the HIVPCR level and ESR, CRP, serum creatinine level, SGOT and SGPT. There was a high significant negative correlation between the HIV-PCR level and hemoglobin level, platelets count and CD4 count. There was a significant negative correlation between HIV-PCR level and absolute lymphocyte count. Conclusion Rheumatologic manifestations are commonly occurring in HIV positive patients. Raynaud’s phenomenon, oral ulcers, and hepatosplenomegaly are significantly more prevalent in patients under non-HAART. ESR and CRP are significantly higher in patients not receiving HAART. Viral load is significantly higher in patients with non-specific antiviral treatment, while CD4 count is significantly lower in the same patient cohort. There is a significant relation between incidence of oral ulcers with lower CD4 count and higher viral load.

Direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of splanchnic vein thrombosis – A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSplanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon manifestation of venous thromboembolism in the splanchnic venous system, with scarce evidence surrounding its management. We assessed the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH), vitamin-k antagonists (VKAs), or no anticoagulation. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the primary efficacy outcome being complete recanalization of affected vessels and primary safety outcome being major bleeding. Meta-analysis was done using a random-effects model, with dichotomous outcomes being synthesized with odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95 % CIs. ResultsSeven non-randomized and one randomized study involving 883 participants were included for analysis. DOACs were more effective than VKAs (OR = 4.33; 95 % CI: 2.4, 7.83; n = 1 study) in non-cirrhotic patients and no anticoagulation in cirrhotic patients (OR = 3.86; 95 % CI: 1.49, 10.03; n = 3 studies). DOACs had a statistically significant reduction in major bleeding compared to observation [OR = 0.09; 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.29; n = 3 studies], LMWHs [OR = 0.13; 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.29; n = 1 study] and VKAs [OR = 0.12; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.69; n = 2 studies] in non-cirrhotic patients. No difference in major bleeding was found between DOACs and observation, LMWH, or VKAs in cirrhotic patients. ConclusionDOACs appear to be a favorable alternative to VKAs and LMWHs in non-cirrhotic patients. This avenue of research would benefit from larger studies that adjust for SVT etiologies, patient risk factors, and overall bleeding risk.

Risk of Thrombosis during and after a SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Approach, and Management

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of thromboembolic events, especially in patients with severe infections requiring intensive care and cardiorespiratory support. COVID-19 patients with thromboembolic complications have a higher risk of death, and if they survive, these complications are expected to negatively affect these patients' quality of life. Moreover, recent data reported that the risk of thromboembolism remains high months after a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of thrombosis in the setting of COVID-19 may facilitate the early prevention and treatment of COVID-19-associated thromboembolism to reduce concomitant morbidity, mortality, and disability. This review will first discuss the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infections, particularly with regard to the underlying pathophysiology. Then, the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated thrombosis at the molecular and cellular levels will be comprehensively reviewed. Next, the clinical manifestations of venous and arterial thromboembolism in COVID-19 as well as the potential benefits of several laboratory markers of thrombosis will be further discussed. Lastly, the preventive and therapeutic management of thromboembolism during and after COVID-19 will also be explained.

Effects of hierarchical nursing management in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

BackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (acute PE) is the most serious manifestation of venous thromboembolism. Hierarchical nursing management is an improved option for nursing, but no study that indicated the effects of hierarchical nursing management in patients with acute PE could be found. This study aimed to explore the effects of hierarchical nursing management on the quality of nursing care and the prognosis of patients with acute PE.MethodsFrom January 2020 to January 2022, 92 patients with acute PE were recruited and divided into the study group and the control group. The study group was designated with our hierarchical nursing care and the control group was designated with a conventional nursing care. The data of general characteristics, nursing quality, the improvement of clinical symptoms, the job satisfaction of nursing was collected and compared.ResultsThe door-to-needle time, the thrombectomy time and length of emergency staying the study group were shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.005). The rate of complications in the study group was lower than that in the control group (P = 0.158). The scores of the nursing quality and the nursing satisfaction levels in the study group were remarkably higher than that in the control group.ConclusionFor acute PE patients, the using of hierarchical nursing management can shorten the rescue time, reduce the rate of complications and improve the nursing quality of nursing care.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with stroke during COVID-19: A role in the signaling pathway leading to platelet activation.

Several viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19, may lead to both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Previously, it has been demonstrated an "in vitro" pathogenic effect of "antiphospholipid" antibodies (aPLs), which are able to activate a proinflammatory and procoagulant phenotype in monocytes, endothelial cells and platelets. This study analyzed the occurrence of aPL IgG in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during COVID-19, evaluating the effect of Ig fractions from these patients on signaling and functional activation of platelets. Sera from 10 patients with AIS during COVID-19, 10 non-COVID-19 stroke patients, 20 COVID-19 and 30 healthy donors (HD) were analyzed for anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2-GPI, anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin and anti-vimentin/CL antibodies by ELISA. Platelets from healthy donors were incubated with Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG and analyzed for phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 by western blot. Platelet secretion by ATP release dosage was also evaluated. We demonstrated the presence of aPLs IgG in sera of patients with AIS during COVID-19. Treatment with the Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG induced a significant increase of phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 expression. In the same vein, platelet activation was supported by the increase of adenyl nucleotides release induced by Ig fractions. This study demonstrates the presence of aPLs in a subgroup of COVID-19 patients who presented AIS, suggesting a role in the mechanisms contributing to hypercoagulable state in these patients. Detecting these antibodies as a serological marker to check and monitor COVID-19 may contribute to improve the risk stratification of thromboembolic manifestations in these patients.

Thromboembolic Manifestations in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in India- A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Thromboembolic Manifestations in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in India- A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Triple positive profile in antiphospholipid syndrome: prognosis, relapse and management from a retrospective multicentre study

ObjectiveAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by the association of thromboembolic and/or obstetrical clinical manifestations and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact...

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF APIXAN (APIXABAN) COMPARED WITH RIVAROXABAN IN COVID PATIENTS

Background: Increased risk of thromboembolic manifestations associated with COVID-19 shown in recent literature. Several hypotheses have been suggested to understand the underlying pathophysiology behind development of a prothrombotic state in COVID-19 such as exaggerated inammatory response resulting in activation of the coagulation cascade and endothelial injury. Methods And Materials: It was a prospective observational study, conducted in three tertiary care Private Hospitals of Chattogram City in Bangladesh. The study enrolled 253 consecutive outpatients from June 01, 2021 to May 31, 2022 due to Covid-19 disease on the basis of presentation of signs and symptoms severity. Upon admission, routine investigations, treatment and follow-up were carried out. Study population divided into two groups. In Apixan group, used only one brand drug tab. Apixan 5 mg twice daily and in Rivaroxaban group, used different brand of drugs 10 mg daily. Results: Mean age of the patients was 54.3±7.3 years. Between two groups, the predominant co-morbidity among patients was hypertension (74.0% vs 73.8%), followed by diabetes mellitus (53.5% vs 60.3%). Cough (95.2% vs 94.4%) was the most common symptom at presentation, followed by fever (86.6% vs 88.0%) and Fatigue (30.7% vs 30.2%), among cases of COVID patients. Maximum patients were mild illness 81.1 % vs 76.9% and severe cases 3.1% vs 7.1% which were statistically signicant (p=0.046). Patients Apixan group received more ACEi/ARB (74% vs 73.8%), antiplatelet (22% vs 20.6%) and Rivaroxaban group received more anti-diabetic (60.3% vs 53.5%), Beta Blocker (56.3% vs 50.3%). All event rates were numerically higher in the rivaroxaban group of COVID-19 patients compared with apixan group. In the unmatched analysis, hypoxia/ Oxygen used 9 cases of Apixan group compared with Rivaroxaban group 24 cases (7.1% vs 19%, p- 0.005), Lower limb swelling (DVT) (3.9% vs 11.1%, p- 0.03) and others bleeding events (16.5% vs 26.1%, p-0.047) which were signicant. In the term of primary outcome after propensity score matching (PSM), there were no signicant differences in the risks of all-cause mortality (0.8% vs 1.6%, p-0.62), muscle spasm (47.2% vs 46%, p-0.847), fatigue (37% vs 43.7%, p0.28) and hospital admission (6.3% vs 9.5%, p- 0.34). Likewise, there were no signicant differences in the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) between both groups (1.5% vs 2.3%, p-0.85) and major bleeding (ICH/GI bleeding) (1.6% vs 3.9%, p-0.42). The risk of suffering an ischemic stroke/TIAat 90-days after medication was higher in Rivaroxaban group (0.8% vs 6.3%, p-0.02) which was clinically signicant. Conclusion: In conclusion Rivaroxaban may be associated with an elevated bleeding risk and Apixan (Apixaban) may be associated with a lower bleeding risk with lower other events