Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Jul 2021
LetterApixaban and rivaroxaban anti-Xa level utilization for guidance of administration of andexanet alfa: a case series.
Andexanet alfa, a modified recombinant factor Xa (FXa), was FDA approved in 2018 for anticoagulant reversal in patients with life-threatening bleeding associated with FXa inhibitors (FXaI). The ANNEXA-4 investigators administered andexanet alfa to patients within an 18-h from last dose of oral FXaI. In practice, time from last dose is often unknown. Previous studies have shown that clearance of these agents may be impaired by renal and hepatic dysfunction, as well as drug-drug interactions. Decision for use of andexanet alfa is also complicated by its high cost, limited drug availability, and thrombotic risk. This study aimed to describe the utility of anti-Xa DOAC levels as a decision point to administer andexanet alfa. ⋯ In our case series, obtaining anti-Xa DOAC levels prior to administration of andexanet alfa was achievable and facilitated use of reversal agents in patients with major bleeding or emergent procedural need.
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Jul 2021
Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with anticoagulant use for cancer associated venous thromboembolism.
Cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) is a leading cause of death among patients with cancer. It is not clear if non-clinical factors are associated with anticoagulation receipt. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Database of adults with cancer diagnosed between 2009 and 2016 who developed CAT, treated with an outpatient anticoagulant (warfarin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)). ⋯ Patients with higher income levels were more likely to receive LMWH or DOACs compared to warfarin, while patients across all income levels were equally likely to receive LMWH or DOACs. Non-clinical factors including income, education, and region, are associated with anticoagulation receipt three months after an episode of CAT. Sociodemographic factors may result in some patients receiving suboptimal care and contribute to non-guideline concordant care for CAT.
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Jul 2021
Combining lung ultrasound and Wells score for diagnosing pulmonary embolism in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Subpleural consolidations have been found in lung ultrasound in patients with COVID-19, possibly deriving from pulmonary embolism (PE). The diagnostic utility of impact of lung ultrasound in critical-ill patients with COVID-19 for PE diagnostics however is unclear. We retrospectively evaluated all SARS-CoV2-associated ARDS patients admitted to our ICU between March 8th and May 31th 2020. ⋯ When combining the two modalities, comparing patients with considered/probable PE using LUS plus a Wells score ≥ 2 to patients with possible/unlikely PE in LUS plus a Wells score < 2, PE could be predicted with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 80%. Large consolidations detected in lung ultrasound were found frequently in COVID-19 ARDS patients with pulmonary embolism. In combination with a Wells score > 2, this might indicate a high-risk for PE in COVID-19.
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Recent reports have suggested an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) related to COVID-19. The aim of this cohort study is to compare the incidence of PE during a 3-year period and to assess the characteristics of PE in COVID-19. We studied consecutive patients presenting with PE (January 2017-April 2020). ⋯ During the COVID-19 outbreak, a 97.4% increase of PE incidence was observed as compared to 2017-2019 and the proportion of hospitalizations related to PE was 3.7% versus 1.3% in 2018-2019 (p<0.0001). In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic leads to a dramatic increased incidence of PE. Physicians should be aware that PE may be diagnosed at admission, but also after several days of hospitalization, with a different clinical, CT and biological features of thrombotic disease.
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Jul 2021
Comparative Study Observational StudyClinical features of patients with acute coronary syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although a reduction in hospital admissions of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients has been observed globally during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, clinical features of those patients have not been fully investigated. The aim of the present analysis is to investigate the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of patients with ACS during the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who were admitted for ACS at our institution between March 1 and April 20, 2020 and compared with the equivalent period in 2019. ⋯ In sum, a significant reduction in admission for AMI was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 patients were characterized by elevated D-dimer levels on admission, reflecting enhanced COVID-19 related thrombogenicity. The prehospital evaluation by EMS may have played an important role for the timely revascularization for STEMI patients.