Use Of Acetylsalicylic Acid Research Articles

Effects of tranexamic acid and exogenous fibrin monomer on the liver injury area and systemic circulation in pharmacological suppression of platelet function in an experiment

Aim. To identify and compare the morphological, hemostatic and hemostasiological consequences of intravenous administration of tranexamic acid and fibrin monomer in controlled liver injury against drug-induced thrombocytopathy.
 Methods. The morphological features of fibrin formation in the area of liver injury after spontaneous bleeding arrest combined with the indicators of blood loss in the animals treated with intravenous placebo, tranexamic acid or fibrin monomer was studied in 69 male rabbits. The effects of these drugs were assessed against thrombocytopathy associated with the combined use of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel. Platelet number and function (adnosine diphosphate-induced aggregation), the data of thromboelastometry and calibrated automated thrombogram, fibrinogen concentration and D-dimer level were considered in the blood test. The feature distribution in the samples was assessed using the ShapiroWilk test. Depending on the distribution, Student's t-test, MannWhitney U test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to test for a significant difference between the features. Differences in mortality rate were established by using Fisher's exact test. The differences were considered statistically significant at p 0.05.
 Results. A model of thrombocytopathy which showed decreased platelet aggregation function (by 4.5 times), increased blood loss (by 40%), and high mortality (53.9%) was reproduced. Only a small accumulation of thrombotic material was noted on the injured surface of such animals. The use of tranexamic acid led to decreased post-traumatic bleeding (2.5 times) and animal mortality (20%). The latter was provided on the wound surface by increasing the thickness of both thrombotic deposits and fibrin strands. When fibrin monomer was used, the phenomenon of an overcompensated decrease in blood loss (by 6.7 times) accompanied by zero mortality was noted despite a pronounced decrease in platelet aggregation. The maximum increase in the thickness of thrombotic material and fibrin strands was morphologically determined in the injury area compared with other animal groups.
 Conclusion. Morphological features of traumatic hemostatic effect at the injured area when using tranexamic acid and fibrin monomer have a number of differences despite the similarity of the achieved results in minimizing blood loss.

“Actua” project: secondary prevention in patients at high-cardiovascular risk

Abstract Introduction It is acknowledged that secondary prevention for patients at high cardiovascular risk is suboptimal. Data from EUROASPIRE V registry showed that less than 50% of cardiovascular risks factors were controlled in this population. Purpose “Actua” study was designed to identify potential gaps regarding secondary prevention for patients at very-high cardiovascular risk. The main objective was to assess differences between scientific evidence and clinical practice through an agreement/disagreement analysis of a questionnaire with statements based on clinical guidelines and expert recommendations. Methods A qualitative analysis based on Delphi methodology was conducted. The study was divided into 2 phases. In phase 1, doctors were asked to show agreement or disagreement with the statements presented by the scientific committee through a Likert 5-points-scale. Consensus was stablished according to consensus method of Tastle. Results were expressed as a percentage (%CNS) which shows power of agreement or disagreement consensus. CNS>70% were considered as consensus. In phase 2, same doctors were asked again about the statements with no consensus or high dispersion in previous phase, after disclosing results in phase 1. In addition, a third questionnaire was conducted to asses socio-demographic data of the sample. Results 246 and 265 questionnaires were conducted in phase 1 and 2 respectively. 90% of respondents in phase 1 and 94,3% in phase 2 answered all the questions. Statements which showed consensus among participants are represented in table 1. As reported, there was consensus in goals for blood pressure (<130/80mmHg), cLDL (<70mg/dl), chronic use of acetylsalicylic acid in secondary prevention for coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Doctors also agreed with the fact that 40mg atorvastatin can achieve 50% cLDL reduction levels from baseline. Scarce resources in secondary prevention were reported as main reason for medical attendants not following the best standards of care. Besides, most respondents agreed with the statement that a simpler treatment regime could improve therapeutical adherence in most patients. In phase 2, consensus was achieved in the statements showed in table 2. Conclusion Doctors admitted that complex recommendations and lack of following-up were the main causes of low adherence to treatment among patients at high cardiovascular risk. Limitations The study was conducted following recommendations from 2016 ESC/EAS guidelines for the management of dyslipaemias. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Grupo Ferrer Internacional, S.A. Table 1. Questions phase 1Table 2. Questions phase 2

Treatment with a fixed dose combination for cardiovascular disease-more than a health benefit?

Abstract Background Despite the proven benefits of cardiovascular disease medication, adherence to treatment remains poor. Fixed-dose combinations (FDC) have been proposed as a measure to enhance adherence. Objective To assess compliance to treatment with an FDC, consisting of acetylsalicylic acid, atorvastatin and ramipril, and to gauge its impact on cardiovascular risk factors. Methods This was a prospective, multicenter, observational, phase 4 study conducted for 6 months in Greece. 1444 participants (67% males, mean age 63.7 years old) that were prescribed the FDC for primary or secondary prevention were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyze clinical, sociodemographic and safety parameters. Results Approximately equal number of participants was recruited in the primary and secondary prevention group. The majority of patients were overweight and hypertensive. Dosing compliance was 88.6% at 3 months and 86.8% at 6 months. Adherence to treatment was 99.1% at 3 months and 97.6% at 6 months. Statistically significant changes at 6 months compared to baseline were documented in systolic/diastolic blood pressure of 15.7/7.5 mmHg and LDL-c of 32.6 mg/dl, in both CVD and non-CVD participants and in total population as well. The total 10-year risk for CV events was reduced by 34.1% at 6 months. Only 1.2% of the participants reported an adverse event and 0.8% an adverse event reaction. Conclusions Among patients with or without CVD, the use of acetylsalicylic acid, atorvastatin and ramipril FDC resulted in good medication adherence at 6 months and statistically significant improvements in blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL levels. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Galenica SA

Comparison of Midterm Outcomes Associated With Aspirin and Ticagrelor vs Aspirin Monotherapy After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the evidence for these recommendations is weak. To compare midterm outcomes after CABG in patients with ACS treated postoperatively with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ticagrelor or with ASA monotherapy. This cohort study used merged data from several national registries of Swedish patients who were diagnosed with ACS and subsequently underwent CABG. All included patients underwent isolated CABG in Sweden between 2012 and 2017 with an ACS diagnosis less than 6 weeks before the procedure, survived 14 days after discharge from hospital, and were treated postoperatively with ASA plus ticagrelor or ASA monotherapy. A multivariable Cox regression model was used for the main analysis, and propensity score-matched models were performed as sensitivity analysis. Data were analyzed between May and September 2020. Postoperative antiplatelet treatment, defined as filled prescriptions, with either ASA and ticagrelor or ASA only. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke, and major bleeding, at 12 months and at the end of follow-up. A total of 6558 patients (5281 [80.5%] men; mean [SD] age at surgery, 67.6 [9.3] years) were included; 1813 (27.6%) were treated with ASA plus ticagrelor and 4745 (72.4%) were treated with ASA monotherapy. Crude MACE rate was 3.0 per 100 person years (95% CI, 2.5-3.6 per 100 person years) in the ASA plus ticagrelor group and 3.8 per 100 person years (95% CI, 3.5-4.1 per 100 person years) in the ASA group. After adjustment, there was no significant difference in MACE risk between ASA plus ticagrelor vs ASA only, neither during the first 12 months (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.58-1.21; P = .34) or during total follow-up (aHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.11; P = .29). The use of ASA plus ticagrelor was associated with a significantly increased risk for major bleeding during the first 12 months (aHR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.16-3.13; P = .011). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the results. In patients with ACS who survived 2 weeks after CABG, no significant difference in the risk of death or ischemic events could be demonstrated between ASA plus ticagrelor and patients treated with ASA only, while the risk for major bleeding was higher in patients treated with ASA plus ticagrelor. Sufficiently powered prospective randomized trials comparing different antiplatelet therapy strategies after CABG are warranted.

Impact of Concomitant Cardiovascular Medication on Survival of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Sunitinib or Pazopanib in the First Line.

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are often elderly and have various comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases. Although these patients have extensive co-exposure to targeted therapy and cardiovascular drugs, the impact of this co-exposure on outcomes for patients with mRCC remains unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the association between the use of cardiovascular medication and survival of patients with mRCC. The study included 343 consecutive patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib or pazopanib in the first line. Clinical data obtained from the Renal Cell Carcinoma Information System (RENIS) clinical registry and hospital information systems were retrospectively analyzed. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared according to the use of common medications, including antihypertensives (i.e., β-blockers [BBs], angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics), acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), statins, and proton pump inhibitors. The univariate Cox analysis evaluating the impact of the assessed comedications on patient survival revealed that only BBs were significantly associated with PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.533, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 0.641, p = 0.006). The median PFS and OS for users of BBs was 18.39 and 37.60 months versus 8.16 and 20.4 months for patients not using BBs (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The Cox multivariate analysis showed that the use of BBs was a significant factor for both PFS (HR 0.428, p = 0.001) and OS (HR 0.518, p = 0.001). The results of this retrospective study suggest that the use of BBs is associated with favorable outcomes for patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib or pazopanib in the first line.

Prehemorrhage antiplatelet use in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and impact on clinical outcome.

BackgroundLiterature is inconclusive regarding the association between antiplatelet agents use and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.AimsTo investigate the association between clinical outcome and prehemorrhage use in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients as well as the impact of thrombocyte transfusion on rebleed and clinical outcome.MethodsData were collected from prospective databases of two European tertiary reference centers for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Patients were divided into “antiplatelet-user” and “non-user” according to the use of acetylsalicylic acid prior to the hemorrhage. Primary outcome was poor clinical outcome at six months (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1–3). Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and impact of thrombocyte transfusion.ResultsOf the 1033 patients, 161 (15.6%) were antiplatelet users. The antiplatelet users were older with higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors. Antiplatelet use was associated with poor outcome and in-hospital mortality. After correction for age, sex, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies score, infarction and heart disorder, pre-hemorrhage acetylsalicylic acid use was only associated with poor clinical outcome at six months (adjusted OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08–3.02). Thrombocyte transfusion was not associated with a reduction in rebleed or poor clinical outcome.ConclusionIn this multicenter study, the prehemorrhage acetylsalicylic acid use in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients was independently associated with poor clinical outcome at six months. Thrombocyte transfusion was not associated with the rebleed rate or poor clinical outcome at six months.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the appointment of acetylsalicylic acid for the prevention of obstetric complications by the method of logistic regression

Preeclampsia remains to be an urgent problem in the modern medicine, the main reason for which is the lack of high efficiency of treatment. One of the few methods with proven effectiveness is the prophylactic administration of aspirin at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. At the same time, microcirculation disorders that underlie the development of preeclampsia are pathogenetically significant for other gestational complications.The objective: a study of the effectiveness of aspirin prescription for the prevention of preeclampsia and other complications during pregnancy using the logistic regression method.Materials and methods. The control group included 43 pregnant women with clinical criteria for preeclampsia. Forty six pregnant women with risk factors for preeclampsia who took acetylsalicylic acid from the 16-18 weeks of gestation formed the I group, and 46 pregnant women with risk factors for preeclampsia who did not take acetylsalicylic acid were included in the the II group. In all patients, on the basis of anamnesis data, risk factors and the course of the second trimester of pregnancy were analyzed, their correlation analysis and the use of acetylsalicylic acid were carried out, logistic regressions and simple decision trees were constructed.Results. The proposed logistic regression models have demonstrated their veracity by confirming the influence of traditional risk factors for the development of preeclampsia. At the same time, the use of these models allowed not only to prove the preventive effect of aspirin on the development of preeclampsia (the coefficient is statistically significant, with a negative sign), but also the ability to reduce the severity of preeclampsia. In addition, the negative sign of the coefficient was obtained when studying the effect of taking aspirin on such complications of pregnancy as premature birth and fetal growth retardation.Conclusions. 1. The use of a database of patients, statistical and model analysis of this dataset, allows you to establish and evaluate the relationship, their statistical significance between different factors. Based on the results of the research we can say with great confidence about the significant effect of prophylactic aspirin intake on reducing the risk of preeclampsia. 2. Taking aspirin reduces the likelihood of fetal growth retardation and premature birth. 3. The use of assisted reproductive technologies is positively correlated with the risk of developing preeclampsia. The influence of other traditional factors on the development of preeclampsia was proved by the method of logistic regression, which confirms the veracity of the proposed statistical model.

The Approach to Thrombosis Prevention across the Spectrum of Philadelphia-Negative Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) are potentially facing diminished life expectancy and decreased quality of life, due to thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, progression to myelofibrosis or acute leukemia with ensuing signs of hematopoietic insufficiency, and disturbing symptoms such as pruritus, night sweats, and bone pain. In patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) or polycythemia vera (PV), current guidelines recommend both primary and secondary measures to prevent thrombosis. These include acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for patients with intermediate- or high-risk ET and all patients with PV, unless they have contraindications for ASA use, and phlebotomy for all PV patients. A target hematocrit level below 45% is demonstrated to be associated with decreased cardiovascular events in PV. In addition, cytoreductive therapy is shown to reduce the rate of thrombotic complications in high-risk ET and high-risk PV patients. In patients with prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF), similar measures are recommended as in those with ET. Patients with overt PMF may be at increased risk of bleeding and thus require a more individualized approach to thrombosis prevention. This review summarizes the thrombotic risk factors and primary and secondary preventive measures against thrombosis in MPN.

Determinants of Success in Single- and Multi-Digit Replant.

Purpose: Understanding the variables that influence success in digital replant surgery is essential to guide clinical decision-making and to counsel patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the replant success rate and identify predictors of success at our tertiary care centre. Methods: This was a single centre, retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent digital replantation from January 2000 to September 2018. Adult patients with flexor zone I to III amputations were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury pattern, operative data, and post-operative care were reviewed. The primary outcome was survival of the replanted digit at discharge. Results: A total of 146 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 100 had single-digit replants and 46 underwent multi-digit replants for a total of 220 digits. The success rate was 71%. Predictors of success included sharp mechanism of injury (P < .01), incomplete amputation (P < .01), amputation proximal to zone I flexor level (P = .02), post-operative acetylsalicylic acid use (P < .01), absence of leech use (P = .05), and absence of operative re-exploration (P < .01). Daytime replants had similar outcome compared to nighttime replants despite having increased ischemia time (7.9 ± 3.9 hours vs 6.8 ± 2.6 hours, P = .02). However, daytime operative time (7.8 ± 3.7 hours) was significantly shorter than nighttime replant time (9.6 ± 5.9 hours, P = .01). Conclusion: Sharp amputation, intact venous drainage, proximal amputation, and acetylsalicylic acid use were associated with replant survival and are factors to consider when managing patients for digital replantation. Leech therapy and operative re-exploration were associated with poor outcome. Nighttime replants required significantly longer operative time than daytime replants despite similar survival outcome.

Impact of Weight-Band Dosing of Tinzaparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis on Persistent Wound Drainage in Adult Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Persistent wound drainage and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are potential complications of total joint arthroplasty, and these risks can be challenging to balance in clinical practice. Anecdotal observation has suggested that following joint arthroplasty, persistent wound drainage occurs more frequently with higher body weight and higher doses of tinzaparin when compared with lower body weight and lower doses of tinzaparin. The overall purpose of this study was to describe the impact of a tinzaparin weight-band dosing table for VTE prophylaxis on wound healing, thrombosis, and bleeding outcomes in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. This retrospective chart review included patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty and received tinzaparin for thromboprophylaxis per their weight-banding category. The primary outcome was the incidence of persistent wound drainage. Secondary outcomes include the occurrence of VTE and clinically important bleeding during hospital admission. A total of 231 patients were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in persistent wound drainage between the 3 weight categories, and there were no differences in rates of VTE or clinically important bleeding. Concurrent use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of persistent wound drainage (risk ratio = 3.35; 95% CI = 2.14-5.24; P = 0.00003). In joint arthroplasty patients, we observed no significant difference in rates of persistent wound drainage between various weight categories receiving different weight-banded doses of tinzaparin. Our results do not suggest that the current weight-band dosing table for tinzaparin needs to be adjusted to optimize patient outcomes.

Current approaches to the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in pregnant women with thrombocytopenia caused by hemostasis activation

Introduction. At present, hemostasis disorders still hold one of the lead places in the pathogenesis of reproductive losses associated with high risk of miscarriage and remain one of the major causes for developing serious obstetric complications. Relevance, efficacy and safety of using drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in pregnant women with thrombocytopenia comorbid with intravascular coagulation activation remain pressing issues. The study of thrombocytopenia pathogenesis during pregnancy and search for new methods of hemostasis correction are accounted for by high risk of developing diverse perinatal complications and necessity to conduct prophylactic measures for their prevention.Aim: to study hemostasis changes and clinical outcomes in pregnant women with thrombocytopenia, to substantiate the use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in pregnant women with activated intravascular blood coagulation for preventing development of thromboembolic and placenta-associated complications of pregnancy.Materials and Methods. A multicenter prospective study was conducted by enrolling 299 pregnant women at a gestational age of22.85 [22.00; 25.00] weeks, whose average age was 31.06 [27.75; 35.00] years. There were distinguished three groups: main group (n = 124) consisted of pregnant women with lowered platelet count and activated intravascular blood coagulation, who received ASA preparations and LMWH in prophylactic doses for 4 weeks; pregnant comparison groups (n = 125) received no such drugs; control group (n = 50) consisted of women with normal platelet counts during physiological pregnancy. All patients underwent clinical, anamnestic and laboratory examination, and the clinical outcomes of pregnancy were assessed.Results. It was found that use of ASA (a combined drug: ASA 75 mg + magnesium hydroxide 15.2 mg/day) and LMWH (enoxaparin sodium) in pregnant women from the main group were noted to improve hemostasis parameters: via markedly increased platelet count, decreased fibrinogen level, prothrombin index as well as normalized antithrombin III level (p &lt; 0.01). It was also found during treatment that the D-dimer level and the rate (83.6 ± 2.3 % and 72.4 ± 2.7 %) and the degree (86.4 ± 2.7 % and 74.4 ±2.8 %) of platelet aggregation in the main group (in contrast with comparison group) were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.01). The frequency of detected chronic placental insufficiency was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.01) in the comparison group (n = 50; 41.32 %) vs. the main group after receiving ASA and LMWH (n = 20; 16.52 %). The incidence of moderate (p = 0.016) and severe (p = 0.018) preeclampsia was significantly higher in the comparison group vs. the main group. While comparing the volume of blood loss during delivery, there were no differences between the main group and the comparison group (p = 0.46); it was noted only a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (p = 0.04), in which the lowest blood loss was found (337.9 [200.0; 600.0] ml) in comparison with the other two groups (p1,3 = 0.05; p2,3 = 0.04). It should be noted that the volume of blood loss in all groups remained within the physiological permissible range.Conclusion. Our clinical and laboratory study allowed to substantiate relevance of using ASA and LMWH drugs in pregnant women with thrombocytopenia comorbid with confirmed activation of intravascular blood coagulation, for prevention of thromboembolic and placenta-associated complications of pregnancy as well as proved safety of such drugs during pregnancy.

Cardiometabolic Therapy and Mortality in Very Old Patients With Diabetes Hospitalized due to COVID-19.

BackgroundThe effects of cardiometabolic drugs on the prognosis of diabetic patients with COVID-19, especially very old patients, are not well-known. This work aims to analyze the association between preadmission cardiometabolic therapy (antidiabetic, antiaggregant, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering drugs) and in-hospital mortality among patients ≥80 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide, multicenter, observational study in patients ≥80 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 1 and May 29, 2020. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. A multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association between preadmission cardiometabolic therapy and in-hospital mortality.ResultsOf the 2,763 patients ≥80 years old hospitalized due to COVID-19, 790 (28.6%) had T2DM. Of these patients, 385 (48.7%) died during admission. On the multivariate analysis, the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (AOR 0.502, 95%CI 0.309-0.815, p=0.005) and angiotensin receptor blockers (AOR 0.454, 95%CI 0.274-0.759, p=0.003) were independent protectors against in-hospital mortality whereas the use of acetylsalicylic acid was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.761, 95%CI 1.092-2.842, p=0.020). Other antidiabetic drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins showed neutral association with in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsWe found important differences between cardiometabolic drugs and in-hospital mortality in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19. Preadmission treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers could reduce in-hospital mortality; other antidiabetic drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins seem to have a neutral effect; and acetylsalicylic acid could be associated with excess mortality.

Interference of C6O4 on platelet aggregation pathways: Cues on the new-generation of perfluoro-alkyl substance

BackgroundHealth concerns associated with the exposure to legacy perfluoro-alkyl substances (PFAS) led to the development of new-generation PFAS, such as C6O4. Here we investigated the possible effects of C6O4 on the platelet’s activation profile, by incubating human platelets from healthy donors with C6O4 at different concentrations and evaluating the effects on activation, production and phenotype of platelets micro-particles (MPV) and aggregation under-flow. Based on the eventual platelet pro-aggregation profile detected, the preventive effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was also explored. MethodsAdhesion-induced platelet aggregation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) under flow was evaluated on collagen-coated microchip at a shear stress of 10 Dyne. The turbidimetric method was used to investigate platelet aggregation. Finally, the in vitro generation of pro-coagulant MPV in PRP was evaluated by flow cytometry, as characterized by CD41 and annexin V positive events, under resting conditions and after stimulation with agonists at low shear stress. ResultsThe generation of platelet aggregates under flow was significantly increased by the pretreatment of PRP with 100–200 ng/mL C6O4, compared to both the control condition and the experiment performed in presence of ASA. Arachidonic acid (AA), ADP and collagen induced an higher maximal aggregation, at turbidimetric evaluation, when PRP was pretreated with 100–500 ng/mL C6O4. In addition, PRP stimulated with AA also showed a steeper slope of the aggregation curve. The aggregation induced by the tested agonists was almost abolished by ASA. Finally, pretreatment with C6O4 increased the number of MPV in resting conditions and in presence of ADP and TRAP. ASA tended to reduce MPV generation. ConclusionsExposure to C6O4 associates with an increased platelet response to agonists, translating into a possible increased risk of cardiovascular events. Pending a further clarification on the toxicokinetics of this compound, our results claim the possible prophylactic use of ASA.

Initiation of anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation by primary care physicians: Results of a telephone survey

BackgroundDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are prescribed for over 80% of patients who start anticoagulant therapy for a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Inappropriate DOAC prescriptions are associated with increased mortality. However, limited data exist as to what proportion of primary care physicians (PCPs) initiate anticoagulation in patients with new AF and the extent of their DOAC knowledge. Material and methodsWe conducted a telephone survey of randomly selected PCPs in Ontario, Canada. Our primary objective was to determine the percentage of PCPs who initiate anticoagulation in new AF patients and the proportion of patients they initiate on DOACs. Our secondary objectives were to assess PCPs' knowledge about DOACs and to identify educational opportunities to address any knowledge gaps. ResultsOur survey included 50 respondents. After making a new AF diagnosis, 66% of PCPs stated that they usually initiate anticoagulation themselves and 84% prescribed a DOAC at least 75% of the time. Potential DOAC knowledge gaps included: administration considerations, off-label dosing, concomitant use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and use in valvular AF. ConclusionMost PCPs initiate anticoagulants for AF and prescribe DOACs for the vast majority of new patients. PCPs were well versed in certain aspects of DOAC prescribing, however, a number of knowledge gaps were identified. PCPs may benefit from targeted education in these areas to improve patient outcomes in AF.

Vitamin D deficiency and anemia is highly prevalent and dependent on the etiology of heart failure: A pilot study.

Anemia and vitamin D deficiency are common factors in chronic heart failure (CHF). The aim of this study was to assess vitamin D levels as well as its binding protein and anemia in relation to a cause of CHF: coronary heart disease, valvular disease and cardiomyopathy. One hundred and sixteen consecutive patients (36 females and 80 males) with CHF were admitted for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Hemoglobin concentration, serum creatinine, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and its binding protein-VDBP were measured. The prevalence of anemia was 22%. BNP was the highest in the group with coronary artery disease. Ejection fraction was the lowest in cardiomyopathy group. 25(OH)D was lowest in valvular disease group, significantly lower than in the coronary artery group. A similar pattern of change showed vitamin D binding protein. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (level below 20 ng/mL) in the whole group was 95%, in 49% of the patients 25(OH)D was below 10 ng/mL. In univariate analysis 25(OH)D correlated with hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and BNP in patients with CHF in the whole group. In multiple regression analysis, predictors of 25(OH)D were estimated, glomerular filtration rate, BNP and valvular disease. 25(OH)D deficiency is common in CHF patients. Valvular disease is associated the most severe vitamin D deficiency and worsened kidney function. A higher prevalence of anemia in CHF due to coronary heart disease may be associated with wider use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and acetylsalicylic acid. Heart and kidney function are predictors of 25(OH)D level in the patients of this study.

Comparison of cardiovascular risk calculators in patients with diabetes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk stratification is an important clinical practice to estimate the severity of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to compare the stratification of global cardiovascular risk with the specific risk stratification for patients with type 2 diabetes, seen at specialized outpatient clinics, and to evaluate possible differences in diagnoses and treatments. METHODS: A total of 122 patients with type 2 diabetes treated at two specialized outpatient clinics, from 2017 to 2019, were studied. The cardiovascular risk stratification calculators, global risk score, Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator, and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine, were used to calculate the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The agreement between these calculators was analyzed using the kappa index. The indications for the use of statins and acetylsalicylic acid for the group studied were evaluated according to the Brazilian Diabetes Society Guideline. RESULTS: There was a low degree of agreement among the three risk calculators. The global risk score calculator showed insignificant agreement with the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator (kappa=0.0816; p=0.0671). There was no agreement between the global risk score calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine (kappa=-0.099), or between the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study-Risk Engine (kappa=-0.0095). CONCLUSION: The substantial disagreements among the cardiovascular risk calculators may lead to different diagnoses and may consequently influence therapeutic strategies. The findings herein highlight the need for specific validated cardiovascular risk calculators for patients with DM2 that can reliably estimate risk in these individuals.

Impact of acetylsalicylic acid in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm surgery \u2013 should the neurosurgeon really worry about it?

There has been an increase in the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin®) among patients with stroke and heart disease as well as in aging populations as a means of primary prevention. The potentially life-threatening consequences of a postoperative hemorrhagic complication after neurosurgical operative procedures are well known. In the present study, we evaluate the risk of continued ASA use as it relates to postoperative hemorrhage and cardiopulmonary complications in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 200 consecutive clipping procedures performed between 2008 and 2018. Two different statistical models were applied. The first model consisted of two groups: (1) group with No ASA impact - patients who either did not use ASA at all as well as those who had stopped their use of the ASA medication in time (> = 7 days prior to operation); (2) group with ASA impact - all patients whose ASA use was not stopped in time. The second model consisted of three groups: (1) No ASA use; (2) Stopped ASA use (> = 7 days prior to operation); (3) Continued ASA use (did not stop or did not stop in time, <7 days prior to operation). Data collection included demographic information, surgical parameters, aneurysm characteristics, and all hemorrhagic/thromboembolic complications. A postoperative hemorrhage was defined as relevant if a consecutive operation for hematoma removal was necessary. An ASA effect has been assumed in 32 out of 200 performed operations. A postoperative hemorrhage occurred in one out these 32 patients (3.1%). A postoperative hemorrhage in patients without ASA impact was detected and treated in 5 out of 168 patients (3.0%). The difference was statistically not significant in either model (ASA impact group vs. No ASA impact group: OR = 1.0516 [0.1187; 9.3132], p = 1.000; RR = 1.0015 [0.9360; 1.0716]). Cardiopulmonary complications were significantly more frequent in the group with ASA impact than in the group without ASA impact (p = 0.030). In this study continued ASA use was not associated with an increased risk of a postoperative hemorrhage. However, cardiopulmonary complications were significantly more frequent in the ASA impact group than in the No ASA impact group. Thus, ASA might relatively safely be continued in patients with increased cardiovascular risk and cases of emergency cerebrovascular surgery.

Adherence and persistence analysis in patients treated with double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) at two years in real life

IntroductionDouble antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is indicated for the treatment of coronary artery diseases (CAD). The optimal duration of therapy with DAPT continues to be a subject of debate in the scientific community. To improve adherence to DAPT, the FDC (fixed dose combination) of Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel was developed into a single pill instead of two separate pills thus facilitating the dosage and administration of the therapy and increasing compliance. The aim of this study was to assess adherence and persistence over a period of two years in patients treated with DAPT composed of: ASA/clopidogrel, ASA/prasugrel, ASA/ticagrelor and FDC with ASA and clopidogrel in real life and to assess whether the use of ASA and clopidogrel FDC is associated with improved adherence. Materials and MethodsIn the following retrospective pharmacological-observational non-interventional study, all patients treated with DAPT in the Hospital of Pescara from January 2010 to October 2019 were considered. Persistence to treatment is defined as the duration of time from initiation to discontinuation of treatment. Adherence was calculated as the ratio between Received Daily Dose (RDD) and Prescribed Daily Dose (PDD). Results277 patients treated with ASA/clopidogrel, 77 patients treated with ASA/prasugrel, 57 patients treated with ASA/ticagrelor and 108 patients treated with FDC of ASA/clopidogrel were analysed. Persistence curves at two years showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Adherence to therapy was optimal with an absolute value at two years of 0.96. Adherence was better in patients treated with ASA/prasugrel with a value of 0.98 and with 97 % of patients with an adherence value greater than or equal to 0.8, while, it was worse in patients treated with FDC ASA/clopidogrel with an absolute value of 0.94 and with 88 % of patients with an optimal adherence value. No statistically significant difference was found between the ASA/clopidogrel FDC in comparison to each component taken as a separate pill (p = 0.0752). ConclusionDAPT along with ASA/clopidogrel showed a statistically significant better persistence than ASA/ticagrelor and ASA/prasugrel. Whereas, to our knowledge and as per the current literature no statistically significant differences were found, in terms of adherence in real life, between the use of ASA/Clopidogrel FDC and the use of two different pills.

Dieulafoy's lesion as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding: a single-center experience

To define the clinical characteristics of Dieulafoy’s lesion (DL),determine the localization features, and investigate endoscopic treatments and their results. This retrospective study included 20 patients who presented to the Department of Gastroenterology due to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding between January 2015 and December 2019 and were diagnosed with DL. Age, gender, comorbidities, medications used, presentation findings, hemoglobin and hematocrit values at the time of presentation, number and type of transfusions if applied, length of hospitalization in days, mortality/survival, and endoscopic procedure parameters, including the number of procedures, localization of DL, type of bleeding stigmata, and the applied technique were recorded for all patients. Ten (50%) of the patients were women, and the mean age of all patients were 66.8±17.8 years. One or more comorbidities were present in 90% of the patients. The use of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) was present in five (25%) patients, ASA+ clopidogrel in five (25%), warfarin in two (10%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in two (10%). The most common complaint was observed to be hematemesis and/or melena in 16 patients (80%). DL was most frequently seen in the stomach (n=10; 50%) where it was most commonly located in the proximal corpus (n=6; 60%). The most prevalent bleeding stigma was active bleeding, which was seen in nine (45%) patients during endoscopy. Eight (40%) patients received endoscopic treatment combined with a mechanical method, and nine (45%) patients only received a mechanical treatment (endoscopic band ligation or hemoclip). The median number of hospitalizations was five days (2-22). Transfusion was required by 13 patients (65%). The mortality rate was determined as 5%. DL should be considered especially in older patients with chronic diseases who present with recurrent GI bleeding. An endoscopic examination is the first method to be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of DL. Mechanical methods should be prioritized in endoscopic treatment.

Significance of MPV, RDW and PDW with the Severity and Mortality of COVID-19 and Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid Use.

We aimed to investigate association between mean platelet volume (MVP), platelet distribution width (PDW) and red cell distribution width (RDW) and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and find out in which patients the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) affects the prognosis due to the effect of MPV on thromboxan A2. A total of 5142 patients were divided into those followed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and those followed in the ward. Patient medical records were examined retrospectively. ROC analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) values were 0.714, 0.750, 0.843 for MPV, RDW and D-Dimer, the cutoff value was 10.45fl, 43.65fl, 500.2 ng/mL respectively. (all P < .001). Survival analysis showed that patients with MPV >10.45 f/l and D-Dimer >500.2 ng/mL, treatment with ASA had lower in-hospital and 180-day mortality than patients without ASA in ICU patients (HR = 0.773; 95% CI = 0.595-0.992; P = .048, HR = 0.763; 95% CI = 0.590-0.987; P = .036). Administration of low-dose ASA in addition to anti-coagulant according to MPV and D-dimer levels reduces mortality.