Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Nov 2005
Letter Clinical TrialLepirudin: is the approved dosing schedule too high?
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Nov 2005
Multicenter StudyDifferential value of risk factors and clinical signs for diagnosing pulmonary embolism according to age.
The diagnostic value of clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncertain in the elderly, who often have concomitant cardiopulmonary diseases that may mimic PE. The aim of our study was to assess the differential value of risk factors, symptoms and clinical signs of venous thromboembolism, results of electrocardiogram and chest X-ray for the diagnosis of PE in suspected patients according to age. ⋯ Some risk factors, symptoms and signs of VTE are less strongly or even not at all associated with PE in the elderly. Physicians should take this into account when attending elderly patients suspected of PE and when assessing their clinical probability of PE.
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Sep 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialRecombinant activated factor VII in treatment of bleeding complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Bleeding is a common complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and standard hemostatic treatment is often ineffective. We conducted a multicentre, randomized trial of the efficacy and safety of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven) in the treatment of bleeding following HSCT. ⋯ Despite no overall effect of rFVIIa treatment on primary endpoint, post hoc analysis showed an improvement in the control of bleeding for 80 microg kg(-1) rFVIIa vs. standard hemostatic treatment. The heterogeneity of the population may have contributed to the lack of an increasing effect with increased dose. Further trials should focus upon identifying the patient populations that may benefit from treatment with rFVIIa.
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Sep 2005
Management of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) by D-dimer and multi-slice computed tomography in outpatients: an outcome study.
A prospective outcome study designed to evaluate a simple strategy for the management of outpatients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), based on clinical probability, D-dimer, and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). ⋯ This simple and non-invasive strategy combining clinical probability, D-dimer, and MSCT for the management of outpatients with suspected PE appears to be safe and effective.
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This overview summarizes the history of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from its initial recognition in 1924 as a most often fatal disease to the discovery in 1997 of ADAMTS-13 deficiency as a major risk factor for acute disease manifestation. The cloning of the metalloprotease, ADAMTS-13, an essential regulator of the extremely adhesive unusually large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers secreted by endothelial cells, as well as ADAMTS-13 structure and function are reviewed. The complex, initially devised assays for ADAMTS-13 activity and the possible limitations of static in vitro assays are described. ⋯ We believe that, at present, patients without severe acquired ADAMTS-13 deficiency should be treated with plasma exchange as well, until better strategies become available. Constitutional TTP can be treated by simple FFP infusion that rapidly reverses acute disease and--given prophylactically every 2-3 weeks--prevents relapses. There remains a large research agenda to improve diagnosis of TMA, gain further insight into the pathophysiology of the various TMA and to improve and possibly tailor the management of affected patients.