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Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Feb 2023Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) represents a common thrombotic disorder. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) represents a common thrombotic disorder.
OBJECTIVES
In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in RVO.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to December 2021 for observational studies and randomized controlled trials including patients with RVO. Efficacy outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity improvement, recurrent RVO, fluorescein angiography improvement, cardiovascular events, and safety outcomes were major bleeding and intraocular bleeding.
RESULTS
A total of 1422 patients (15 studies) were included. Antiplatelet therapy was administered to 477 patients (13 studies), anticoagulant therapy to 312 patients (12 studies), and 609 (7 studies) patients received no antithrombotic treatment. The treatment duration ranged between 0.5 and 3 months. The median follow-up duration was 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity improvement was reported in 58% of the patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 45%-69%) overall, 64% (95% CI, 58%-71%) in those on anticoagulant therapy, and 33% (95% CI, 21%-47%) in those on antiplatelet therapy. The rates of recurrent RVO was 11% (95% CI, 7%-17%), 7% (95% CI, 2%-19%), and 15% (95% CI, 8%-28%), respectively. The rate of recurrent RVO in untreated patients was 9% (95% CI, 6%-14%). The rate of major bleeding was 5% (95% CI, 3%-9%) overall, 4% (95% CI, 2%-9%) in those on anticoagulant therapy, and 7% (95% CI, 2%-23%) in those on antiplatelet therapy.
CONCLUSION
Anticoagulant therapy was associated with higher visual acuity improvement and fewer recurrent RVO events than antiplatelet therapy, at the cost of an acceptable proportion of bleeding complications.
Topics: Humans; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Retinal Vein Occlusion; Anticoagulants; Thrombosis; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 36700511
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2022.10.003 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2019Despite increasing technical improvement and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-related knowledge over the past three decades, morbidity and mortality...
Despite increasing technical improvement and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-related knowledge over the past three decades, morbidity and mortality associated with bleeding and clotting complications remain high in pediatric patients undergoing ECMO. Platelets, a key element of the coagulation system, have been proposed to be the main cause of coagulopathy in the setting of ECMO. This systematic review aims to summarize and discuss the existing knowledge of platelet phenotype and function in the pediatric ECMO population. A systematic review was conducted for the Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The detailed study selection process yielded a total of 765 studies and only 3 studies that fulfilled the selection criteria were included in this review. Techniques used to assess platelet function in the three existing studies included platelet aggregometry, flow cytometry, and thromboelastography-platelet mapping. The finding that is common to the three studies is reduced platelet function in pediatric patients during ECMO either compared to before the initiation of ECMO or in non-survivors compared to survivors. Two studies demonstrated reduced platelet aggregation that are irreversible by platelet transfusion during ECMO. Two studies reported bleeding events and mortality in children on ECMO and none of the studies investigated thrombotic events. This systematic review demonstrates the extremely limited information available for platelet phenotype and function in the pediatric ECMO population. Evidence from the existing literature suggests reduced platelet aggregation and increased platelet activation in children during ECMO. However, this needs to be interpreted with care due to the limitations associated with the techniques used for platelet function testing. Furthermore, the association between platelet dysfunction and clinical outcomes in the pediatric ECMO population remains elusive. Multiple research gaps have been identified when it comes to the knowledge of platelet phenotype and function of children on ECMO, highlighting the need for robust, well-designed studies in this setting.
PubMed: 31620448
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00137 -
Systematic Reviews Oct 2023Antiplatelet agents are central in the management of vascular disease. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for the management of thromboembolic complications... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Antiplatelet agents are central in the management of vascular disease. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for the management of thromboembolic complications must be weighed against bleeding risk in the perioperative setting. This balance is critical in patients undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery. The management of patients on DAPT for any indication (including stents) is not clear and there is limited evidence to guide decision-making. This review summarizes current evidence since 2015 regarding the occurrence of major adverse events associated with continuing, suspending, or varying DAPT in the perioperative period.
METHODS
A research librarian searched PubMed and Cochrane from November 30, 2015 to May 17, 2022, for relevant terms regarding adult patients on DAPT for any reason undergoing surgery, with a perioperative variation in DAPT strategy. Outcomes of interest included the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events, major adverse limb events, all-cause death, major bleeding, and reoperation. We considered withdrawal or discontinuation of DAPT as stopping either aspirin or a P2Y12 inhibitor or both agents; continuation of DAPT indicates that both drugs were given in the specified timeframe.
RESULTS
Eighteen observational studies met the inclusion criteria. No RCTs were identified, and no studies were judged to be at low risk of bias. Twelve studies reported on CABG. Withholding DAPT therapy for more than 2 days was associated with less blood loss and a slight trend favoring less transfusion and surgical re-exploration. Among five observational CABG studies, there were no statistically significant differences in patient death across DAPT management strategies. Few studies reported cardiac outcomes. The remaining studies, which were about procedures other than exclusively CABG, demonstrated mixed findings with respect to DAPT strategy, bleeding, and ischemic outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The evidence base on the benefits and risks of different perioperative DAPT strategies for patients with stents is extremely limited. The strongest signal, which was still judged as low certainty evidence, is that suspension of DAPT for greater than 2 days prior to CABG surgery is associated with less bleeding, transfusions, and re-explorations. Different DAPT strategies' association with other outcomes of interest, such as MACE, remains uncertain.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
A preregistered protocol for this review can be found on the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of systematic reviews ( http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ; registration number: CRD42022371032).
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aspirin; Hemorrhage; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Stents; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 37838696
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02360-9 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Oct 2022Carotid web (CaW) is non-atheromatous, shelf-like intraluminal projection, generally affecting the posterolateral wall of the proximal internal carotid artery, and...
BACKGROUND
Carotid web (CaW) is non-atheromatous, shelf-like intraluminal projection, generally affecting the posterolateral wall of the proximal internal carotid artery, and associated with embolic stroke, particularly in younger patients without traditional stroke risk factors. Treatment options for symptomatic CaWs include interventional therapy with carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting versus medical therapy with antiplatelet or anticoagulants. As safety and efficacy of these approaches have been incompletely delineated in small-to-moderate case series, we performed a systematic review of outcomes with interventional and medical management.
METHODS
Systematic literature search was conducted and data analyzed per PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) from January 2000 to October 2021 using the search strategy: "Carotid web" OR "Carotid shelf" OR "Web vessels" OR "Intraluminal web". Patient-level demographics, stroke risk factors, technical procedure details, medical and interventional management strategies were abstracted across 15 series. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
Among a total of symptomatic 282 CaW patients across 14 series, age was 49.5 (44-55.7) years, 61.7% were women, and 76.6% were black. Traditional stroke risk factors were less frequent than the other stroke causes, including hypertension in 28.6%, hyperlipidemia 14.6%, DM 7.0%, and smoking 19.8%. Thrombus adherent to CaW was detected on initial imaging in 16.2%. Among 289 symptomatic CaWs across 15 series, interventional management was pursued in 151 (52.2%), carotid artery stenting in 87, and carotid endarterectomy in 64; medical management was pursued in 138 (47.8%), including antiplatelet therapy in 80.4% and anticoagulants in 11.6%. Interventional and medical patients were similar in baseline characteristics. The reported time from index stroke to carotid revascularization was median 14 days (IQR 9.5-44). In the interventional group, no periprocedural mortality was noted, major periprocedural complications occurred in 1/151 (0.5%), and no recurrent ischemic events were observed over follow-up range of 3-60 months. In the medical group, over a follow-up of 2-55 months, the recurrence cerebral ischemia rate was 26.8%.
CONCLUSION
Cumulative evidence from multiple series suggests that carotid revascularization is a safe and effective option for preventing recurrent ischemic events in patients with symptomatic carotid webs.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Carotid Artery, Internal; Carotid Stenosis; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Risk Factors; Stents; Stroke; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35998383
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106682 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2020Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a non-atherosclerotic, segmental inflammatory pathology that most commonly affects the small and medium sized arteries,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a non-atherosclerotic, segmental inflammatory pathology that most commonly affects the small and medium sized arteries, veins, and nerves in the upper and lower extremities. The aetiology is unknown, but involves hereditary susceptibility, tobacco exposure, immune and coagulation responses. In many cases, there is no possibility of revascularisation to improve the condition. Pharmacological treatment is an option for patients with severe complications, such as ischaemic ulcers or rest pain.This is an update of the review first published in 2016.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of any pharmacological agent (intravenous or oral) compared with placebo or any other pharmacological agent in patients with Buerger's disease.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials register to 15 October 2019. The review authors searched LILACS, ISRCTN, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, EU Clinical Trials Register, clincialtrials.gov and the OpenGrey Database to 5 January 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving pharmacological agents used in the treatment of Buerger's disease.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors, independently assessed the studies, extracted data and performed data analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
No new studies were identified for this update. Five randomised controlled trials (total 602 participants) compared prostacyclin analogue with placebo, aspirin, or a prostaglandin analogue, and folic acid with placebo. No studies assessed other pharmacological agents such as cilostazol, clopidogrel and pentoxifylline or compared oral versus intravenous prostanoid. Compared with aspirin, intravenous prostacyclin analogue iloprost improved ulcer healing (risk ratio (RR) 2.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 6.11; 98 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence), and helped to eradicate rest pain after 28 days (RR 2.28; 95% CI 1.48 to 3.52; 133 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence), although amputation rates were similar six months after treatment (RR 0.32; 95% CI 0.09 to 1.15; 95 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). When comparing prostacyclin (iloprost and clinprost) with prostaglandin (alprostadil) analogues, ulcer healing was similar (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.69; 89 participants; 2 studies; I² = 0%; very low-certainty evidence), as was the eradication of rest pain after 28 days (RR 1.57; 95% CI 0.72 to 3.44; 38 participants; 1 study; low-certainty evidence), while amputation rates were not measured. Compared with placebo, the effects of oral prostacyclin analogue iloprost were similar for: healing ischaemic ulcers (iloprost 200 mcg: RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.54 to 2.29; 133 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence, and iloprost 400 mcg: RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.93; 135 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence), eradication of rest pain after eight weeks (iloprost 200 mcg: RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.63; 207 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence, and iloprost 400 mcg: RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.59; 201 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence), and amputation rates after six months (iloprost 200 mcg: RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.56; 209 participants; 1 study, and iloprost 400 mcg: RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.13 to 1.31; 213 participants; 1 study). When comparing folic acid with placebo in patients with Buerger's disease and hyperhomocysteinaemia, pain scores were similar, there were no new cases of amputation in either group, and ulcer healing was not assessed (very low-certainty evidence). Treatment side effects such as headaches, flushing or nausea were not associated with treatment interruptions or more serious consequences. Outcomes such as amputation-free survival, walking distance or pain-free walking distance, and ankle brachial index were not assessed by any study. Overall, the certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate, with few studies, small numbers of participants, variation in severity of disease of participants between studies and missing information (for example regarding baseline tobacco exposure).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that intravenous iloprost (prostacyclin analogue) is more effective than aspirin for eradicating rest pain and healing ischaemic ulcers in Buerger's disease, but oral iloprost is not more effective than placebo. Very low and low-certainty evidence suggests there is no clear difference between prostacyclin (iloprost and clinprost) and the prostaglandin analogue alprostadil for healing ulcers and relieving pain respectively in severe Buerger's disease. Very low-certainty evidence suggests there is no clear difference in pain scores and amputation rates between folic acid and placebo, in people with Buerger's disease and hyperhomocysteinaemia. Further well designed RCTs assessing the effectiveness of pharmacological agents (intravenous or oral) in people with Buerger's disease are needed.
Topics: Adult; Alprostadil; Amputation, Surgical; Aspirin; Epoprostenol; Folic Acid; Hematinics; Humans; Iloprost; Male; Middle Aged; Pain; Placebos; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prostaglandins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thromboangiitis Obliterans; Ulcer
PubMed: 32364620
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011033.pub4 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021To assess the efficacy and safety of PNS on antiplatelet therapy in the treatment of AIS. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of PNS on antiplatelet therapy in the treatment of AIS.
METHODS
We searched 7 literature databases and 2 clinical studies databases for randomized controlled studies (RCTs) evaluating PNS as an adjuvant therapy for AIS. Relevant studies were retrieved and screened, and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool. Meta-analysis was carried out with the Rev Man 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Of 8267 records identified, 43 RCTs met our inclusion criteria ( = 4170 patients). Patients assigned to PNS with conventional treatments (CTs) had improved functional independence at 90 days compared with those assigned to CTs alone ( = 1.87, 95% = 1.37, to 2.55, < 0.0001). Patients who received PNS combined with CTs showed significantly high improvements in neurological function among individuals with AIS on the neurologic deficit score (NDS) ( = -5.71, 95% = -9.55 to -1.87, =0.004; = -3.94, 95% = -5.65 to -2.23, < 0.00001). The results also showed PNS contributed to a betterment in activities of daily living (ADL) on the Barthel index ( = 4.86, 95% = 2.18, to 7.54, < 0.00001; = 13.92, 95% = 11.46 to 16.38, < 0.00001; = 7.16, 95% = 0.60, to 13.72, < 0.00001). In addition, PNS, compared with CTs alone, could significantly improve overall response rate (ORR) ( = 1.20, 95% = 1.16, to 1.24, < 0.00001; = 1.15, 95% = 1.08, to 1.24, < 0.0001), hemorheological parameters, maximum platelet aggregation rate (MPAR) ( = -6.82, 95% = -9.62 to -4.02, < 0.00001), platelet parameters ( = 4.85, 95% = 1.82 to 7.84, =0.002; = -0.79, 95% = -1.09 to -0.48, < 0.00001), and serum CD62P ( = -0.21, 95% = -0.29 to -0.13, < 0.00001). The incidence of adverse reactions in PNS was lower than that in the control group ( = 0.62, 95% = 0.39 to 0.97, =0.04). Adverse reactions in the PNS were mild adverse reactions.
CONCLUSION
PNS may be effective and safe in treating AIS on ameliorating neurological deficit, improving activities of daily living function, and enhancing antiplatelet effects. However, more high-quality evidence is needed before it can be recommended for routine antiplatelet therapy in patients with AIS.
PubMed: 34335808
DOI: 10.1155/2021/4694076 -
Journal of Indian Society of... 2023Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rising major health problem comprising pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis. It is of concern due to premature mortality,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rising major health problem comprising pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis. It is of concern due to premature mortality, increased morbidity, and associated healthcare costs and hospitalization. Periodontitis can increase the risk of VTE by way of systemic inflammation induced by infection that can contribute to hypercoagulability and platelet aggregation. This systematic review aims to synthesize all the evidence concerning periodontal infection as a risk factor for thromboembolic disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A search for articles published from 1967 till December 2020 was conducted in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and EMBASE data bases.
RESULTS
Five hundred and five articles were retrieved after running search strategies in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE search databases. Based on the inclusion criteria, three clinical studies, two case series, and ten case reports were included for qualitative analysis. The presence of periodontal disease was reported to influence the occurrence of venous thromboembolic disease with a statistical significance of <0.010. Case series and case reports of septic PE due to periodontal disease showed complete resolution of lung lesions and subsiding of symptoms after dental treatment and antimicrobial therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this systematic review suggested for an association between periodontal disease and the incidence of thromboembolic disease. As most of the included/available studies are case series and case reports, the strength of evidence is weak. Evidence generated from well-designed longitudinal controlled clinical trials may be helpful to further assess the strength of the association.
PubMed: 37346852
DOI: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_576_21 -
Clinical and Applied... 2024Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is a standard therapy in patients with ischemic vascular diseases (IVD) including coronary artery,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is a standard therapy in patients with ischemic vascular diseases (IVD) including coronary artery, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial diseases, although the optimal duration of this treatment is still debated. Previous meta-analyses reported conflicting results about the effects of long-term and short-term as well as non-DAPT use in various clinical settings. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of different durations of DAPT.
METHODS
We reviewed relevant articles and references from database, which were published prior to April 2023. Data from prospective studies were processed using RevMan5.0 software, provided by Cochrane Collaboration and transformed using relevant formulas. The inclusion criteria involved randomization to long-term versus short-term or no DAPT; the endpoints included at least one of total or cardiovascular (CV) mortalities, IVD recurrence, and bleeding.
RESULTS
A total of 34 randomized studies involving 141 455 patients were finally included. In comparison with no or short-term DAPT, long-term DAPT reduced MI and stroke, but did not reduce the total and CV mortalities. Meanwhile, bleeding events were increased, even though intracranial and fatal bleedings were not affected. Besides, the reduction of MI and stroke recurrence showed no statistical significance between long-term and short-term DAPT groups.
CONCLUSION
Long-term DAPT may not reduce the mortality of IVD besides increasing bleeding events, although reduced the incidences of MI and stroke early recurrence to a certain extent and did not increase the risk of fatal intracranial bleeding.
Topics: Humans; Aspirin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hemorrhage; Myocardial Infarction; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38571479
DOI: 10.1177/10760296241244772 -
The Journal of Arthroplasty May 2024The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of early surgery in hip fracture patients who took clopidogrel and/or aspirin. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of early surgery in hip fracture patients who took clopidogrel and/or aspirin.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, for studies relating to early arthroplasty or internal fixation for femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures in patients taking clopidogrel and/or aspirin. A total of 20 observational studies involving 3,077 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and analyzed in groups of early surgery versus delayed surgery, and clopidogrel and/or aspirin versus nonantiplatelet agents.
RESULTS
Patients in the clopidogrel and/or aspirin group who underwent early surgery had significantly more intraoperative blood loss than those in the non-antiplatelet group (mean difference = 17.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [4.37, 31.55], P = .01), and patients in the clopidogrel and/or aspirin group had a lower overall incidence of complications after early surgery than those in the delayed surgery group (odds ratio = 0.26, 95% CI [0.14, 0.29], P < .001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (odds ratio = 0.26, 95% CI [0.14, 0.29], P < .001). There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality and other related indicators.
CONCLUSIONS
Early surgery in hip fracture patients taking clopidogrel and/or aspirin appears to be safe based on the available evidence and needs to be clarified by higher quality studies. However, the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with discontinuation of clopidogrel or clopidogrel combined with aspirin dual antiplatelet therapy requires attention in the perioperative period.
Topics: Humans; Clopidogrel; Aspirin; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Hip Fractures; Femoral Neck Fractures; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37972664
DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.11.012 -
Anesthesia, Essays and Researches 2021It has been more than a year since the whole world is struggling with COVID-19 pandemic and may experience resurgences in the near future. Along with severe pneumonia,...
BACKGROUND
It has been more than a year since the whole world is struggling with COVID-19 pandemic and may experience resurgences in the near future. Along with severe pneumonia, this disease is notorious for extensive thromboembolic manifestations. That is why experts advocated aggressive anticoagulation as a part of the therapy since the beginning. However, from May 2020 onwards, cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are being reported. HIT in itself is an autoimmune entity leading to life-threatening thrombosis in the setting of thrombocytopenia. Continuation of heparin can have disastrous consequences in case of unrecognized HIT. Hence, timely recognition of HIT is of utmost value to modify the anticoagulation strategy and salvaging lives. We performed a systemic review trying to find all reported cases of HIT in COVID-19.
METHODS
It involved extensive search of the databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase in an attempt to find all reported literature in the last 1 year (November 1, 2019-December 25, 2020) using keywords in various combinations. Literature search resulted in a total of 27 articles and 12 articles were finally selected based on the study design and their relevance pertaining to the intervention done and the outcome of interest.
RESULTS
A total of 35 patients were included (mean age 56.7 ± 12.8 years, male-to-female ratio = 2:1). The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension. Fifty-seven percent of cases were with low-molecular weight heparin and the rest with unfractionated heparin. Confirmatory functional assay was done in 85.7% of cases (67% by serotonin-release assay [SRA] and 33% by heparin-induced platelet aggregation [HIPA]). All cases tested with HIPA were positive, while with SRA, only 30% were positive. The most common alternate anticoagulation used was argatroban infusion. The new arterial thrombotic event was seen in only 5.7% of cases as repeat myocardial infarction, stroke, and splenic infarction, while clinically significant bleeding was seen in 17.1% of cases. Fifty percent of bleeding episodes were seen where conventional doses of argatroban were used, while no mortality was seen with low-dose argatroban infusion. However, only 45.7% of patients were discharged, 31.4% of patients died, while the outcome was pending for 23% of patients.
CONCLUSION
Severe endotheliitis and immune dysregulation giving rise to HIT antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies have been demonstrated in COVID-19 and modifying our therapy becomes indispensable when it is pathogenic with potentially fatal consequences. In the light of interim results of REMAP-CAP study in severe COVID-19 cases where heparin does not improve the outcome, the present anticoagulation strategy needs re-evaluation. Unrecognized HIT can be catastrophic and close clinical monitoring is required for patients on heparin therapy.
PubMed: 35422550
DOI: 10.4103/aer.aer_151_21