Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Dec 2003
Clinical TrialThromboprophylaxis with unmonitored intermediate-dose low molecular weight heparin in pregnancies with a previous arterial or venous thrombotic event.
The comparatively high rate of complications, both to the mother and foetus, of warfarin and unfractionated heparin have led to an increased use of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in pregnant women at risk of thrombosis. However, despite reliable pharmacokinetics of LMWH, current practice is that anti-activated factor X levels are monitored in this group of patients. We report the use of unmonitored dalteparin in 27 pregnancies of 25 women who had previous thrombotic events. ⋯ In this cohort of patients there was a low complication rate. None of the women developed recurrent venous thromboses during these pregnancies but two women with known cerebral antiphospholipid syndrome developed recurrent cerebral ischaemia, which responded to an increase in dose. In our small group of patients, we have found that the use of intermediate-dose LMWH in pregnant women does not need to be monitored, and that it is safe and probably effective in preventing recurrent venous but not arterial thromboembolic events in high-risk pregnancies.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Dec 2003
A rapid quantitative D-dimer assay at admission correlates with the severity of community acquired pneumonia.
Previous research has shown a link between infectious inflammatory processes and hemostatic abnormalities. No data exist, however, on whether coagulation markers correlate with the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) at admission. We conducted a prospective, observational study in an Emergency Medicine Department of a primary care hospital. ⋯ Mean D-dimer levels of patients for whom hospitalization is recommended, according to PORT guidelines, were significantly higher than D-dimer levels of patients for whom hospitalization is not recommended (1.47 +/- 1.05 microg/ml and 0.71 +/- 0.79 microg/ml respectively; P = 0.006). The correlation between D-dimer levels and time to defervescence, development of organ system failure and outcome was not statistically significant. We conclude that D-dimer levels at admission may predict the severity of CAP.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jul 2003
Comparative StudyPotential dosing errors using portable prothrombin time monitoring devices.
Portable prothrombin time (PT) monitors facilitate the control of warfarin therapy. Few studies have compared the influence of using different monitors on dosage decisions. We determined the comparability of data generated by two portable PT monitors, Coaguchek S, (Roche Diagnostics Boehringer-Mannheim) and Hemochron Jr (International Technidyne Corporation Ltd.), with that of a reference laboratory. ⋯ The Coaguchek S monitor provides measurements for INR values within the therapeutic range that agree well with the standard laboratory. The Hemochron Jr measurements result in different dosage adjustments even within the therapeutic range, but especially for INR values > 4.0. For both monitors, agreement of INR measurements with the standard decreases with increasing INR values.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jul 2003
Reversal of the International Normalized Ratio with recombinant activated factor VII in central nervous system bleeding during warfarin thromboprophylaxis: clinical and biochemical aspects.
Major bleeding is a frequent and hazardous complication associated with thromboprophylaxis using vitamin-K antagonists (VKA). Suggested regimens for control of highly elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR) and hemorrhagic events during VKA treatment include administration of vitamin K, infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). In contrast, this communication present the first report on the efficacious use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) as additional therapy in seven patients presenting with central nervous system (CNS) bleeding emergencies. ⋯ In ex-vivo experimental studies, profiles of continuous whole blood clot formation were evaluated by thrombelastography in 25 patients on VKA treatment (INR 1.7-4.3), demonstrating a significantly prolonged initiation phase and diminished propagation of clot formation. Ex-vivo supplementation with rFVIIa to blood of six patients returned a distinct reduction of the prolonged initiation but variable changes in the maximum velocity of clot formation. The ex-vivo experiments and our clinical data support recent suggestions that rFVIIa might substitute for infusion of FFP or PCC in acute reversal of VKA treatment.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jun 2003
ReviewUpdate on Novo Nordisk's clinical trial programme on NovoSeven.
Recombinant coagulation factor VIIa (rFVIIa; Novoseven, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) is registered in most regions of the world for the treatment of bleeding episodes in haemophilia patients with inhibitors to factor VIII or IX. Since its initial availability, there have been several case stories on the investigational use of rFVIIa as a haemostatic agent in a variety of bleeding patients. Novo Nordisk recognizes the need to establish clinical guidance, and when possible, regulatory approvals for indications with bleeding episodes of various aetiologies. ⋯ The remaining focus is on the prophylactic use of rFVIIa to improve haemostasis during surgery (orthotopic liver transplantation and liver resection), with the aim of avoiding or reducing the need for blood transfusions. In addition, Novo Nordisk is also continuing studies in haemophilia patients with inhibitors to increase therapeutic knowledge within this indication. Studies addressing dosages and regimens in subpopulations are presently ongoing.