Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH
-
J. Thromb. Haemost. · Jun 2015
ReviewExtracorporeal life support: the precarious balance of hemostasis.
Extracorporeal life support is by far the most extraordinary and complex form of extracorporeal technology used in the practice of critical care medicine. It is used to support critically ill patient who suffer acute respiratory or cardiac failure unresponsive to conventional support. ⋯ The management of a patient on ECLS is the same as for any critically ill patient with the added need for anticoagulation to maintain patency of the extracorporeal circuit without causing bleeding within the patient and thrombosis within the circuitry or the patient. This is the precarious balance of hemostasis during ECLS.
-
J. Thromb. Haemost. · Jun 2015
ReviewTreatment of acute ischemic stroke: from fibrinolysis to neurointervention.
Thrombolytic therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is well established as a beneficial treatment for patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The odds of a favorable clinical outcome (living independently) increase as the time between stroke onset and treatment with IV thrombolysis decreases. ⋯ Alternative options include new and emerging endovascular therapies that have recently proven effectiveness at restoring cerebral blood flow to the ischemic brain parenchyma. This review article will briefly outline some of the key evidence for intravenous thrombolysis as well as endovascular therapy for AIS.
-
J. Thromb. Haemost. · Jun 2015
ReviewAntithrombotic therapy for left ventricular assist devices in adults: a systematic review.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have dramatically increased the survival of adults with end-stage systolic heart failure. However, rates of bleeding and thromboembolism remain high. ⋯ Of 977 manuscripts, 24 articles met the inclusion criteria of adults with implanted LVADs where clinical outcomes were defined based on anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet regimen. Most studies reported treatment with unfractionated heparin post-operatively which was transitioned to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Goal INR varied between 1.5-3.5. Antiplatelet regimens ranged from no treatment to dual therapy. Definition of major bleeding differed between trials and incidence varied between 0% and 58%. The available evidence could not demonstrate a clear benefit of aspirin compared with VKA therapy alone [stroke RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.49-2.1)]. There was a suggestion that treatment with aspirin and dipyridamole decreased the risk of thromboembolism compared to aspirin [RR 0.50 (0.36-0.68)], but the comparison is limited by differences in demographics, devices, and INR goals among studies. Additionally, most studies did not blind investigators to outcomes thus contributing to an increased risk for bias. Clinical equipoise exists as to the most appropriate antithrombotic therapy in LVAD patients. Randomization between regimens within a prospective trial is needed to define the treatment regimen that minimizes both bleeding and thrombotic complications.
-
J. Thromb. Haemost. · Jun 2015
ReviewAntithrombotic therapy for left ventricular assist devices in adults: a systematic review.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have dramatically increased the survival of adults with end-stage systolic heart failure. However, rates of bleeding and thromboembolism remain high. ⋯ Of 977 manuscripts, 24 articles met the inclusion criteria of adults with implanted LVADs where clinical outcomes were defined based on anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet regimen. Most studies reported treatment with unfractionated heparin post-operatively which was transitioned to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Goal INR varied between 1.5-3.5. Antiplatelet regimens ranged from no treatment to dual therapy. Definition of major bleeding differed between trials and incidence varied between 0% and 58%. The available evidence could not demonstrate a clear benefit of aspirin compared with VKA therapy alone [stroke RR 1.02 (95% CI 0.49-2.1)]. There was a suggestion that treatment with aspirin and dipyridamole decreased the risk of thromboembolism compared to aspirin [RR 0.50 (0.36-0.68)], but the comparison is limited by differences in demographics, devices, and INR goals among studies. Additionally, most studies did not blind investigators to outcomes thus contributing to an increased risk for bias. Clinical equipoise exists as to the most appropriate antithrombotic therapy in LVAD patients. Randomization between regimens within a prospective trial is needed to define the treatment regimen that minimizes both bleeding and thrombotic complications.
-
J. Thromb. Haemost. · Jun 2015
ReviewAcquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: new therapeutic options and their optimal use.
Advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of both congenital and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) have led to both an increased understanding of the disease and novel approaches to therapy. The efficacy of rituximab in acquired TTP has led to consideration of rituximab as a prophylactic therapy to prevent relapse of TTP. ⋯ Additionally, a recombinant ADAMTS13 protease has been developed which may be an important therapeutic option for both congenital and acquired TTP. The development of these new therapeutic options for patients diagnosed with TTP has increased the importance of conducting prospective, randomized studies with these agents to both confirm their efficacy and more importantly understand their most appropriate role in the treatment of patients with TTP.