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Revista Clinica Espanola Jun 2024Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is key in atrial fibrillation (AF) thromboprophylaxis, but Spain lacks substantial real-world evidence. We aimed to analyze the prevalence,...
INTRODUCTION
Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is key in atrial fibrillation (AF) thromboprophylaxis, but Spain lacks substantial real-world evidence. We aimed to analyze the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns among patients with AF undertaking OAC, using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study included AF patients on OAC from 15 Spanish hospitals (2014-2020). Using EHRead® (including NLP and ML), and SNOMED_CT, we extracted and analyzed patient demographics, comorbidities, and OAC treatment from electronic health records. AF prevalence was estimated, and a descriptive analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Among 4,664,224 patients in our cohort, AF prevalence ranged from 1.9% to 2.9%. A total of 57,190 patients on OAC therapy were included, 80.7% receiving Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and 19.3% Direct-acting OAC (DOAC). The median age was 78 and 76 years respectively, with males constituting 53% of the cohort. Comorbidities like hypertension (76.3%), diabetes (48.0%), heart failure (42.2%), and renal disease (18.7%) were common, and more frequent in VKA users. Over 50% had a high CHA2DS2-VASc score. The most frequent treatment switch was from DOAC to acenocoumarol (58.6% to 70.2%). In switches from VKA to DOAC, apixaban was the most chosen (35.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Utilizing NLP and ML to extract RWD, we established the most comprehensive Spanish cohort of AF patients with OAC to date. Analysis revealed a high AF prevalence, patient complexity, and a marked VKA preference over DOAC. Importantly, in VKA to DOAC transitions, apixaban was the favored option.
PubMed: 38849073
DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2024.06.002 -
The Journal of the Association of... Oct 2023Warfarin has been the most extensively used oral anticoagulant (OAC) in medical settings for over 60 years. Its uses, potential adverse effects, and methods for... (Review)
Review
Warfarin has been the most extensively used oral anticoagulant (OAC) in medical settings for over 60 years. Its uses, potential adverse effects, and methods for reversing its effects have been firmly established, rendering it a routine medication in medical settings where most professionals feel at ease employing it. Compared to other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), such as acenocoumarol, warfarin offers benefits like diminished prothrombin time (PT) assays leading to enhanced oral anticoagulation. Observations over the past few years have seen the inclusion of novel/direct OACs (NOACs/DOACs) in the anticoagulant armamentarium. Although DOACs have several advantages, warfarin still has an important role in subsets of patients where DOACs are contraindicated, not well-tolerated, or cannot afford DOACs due to higher costs. Moreover, there are patient profiles where warfarin is still considered a superior choice compared to DOACs, such as age group of >75 years, kidney failure with creatinine clearance (CrCl) below 30 mL/minute, and prosthetic mechanical valve replacement. Precise management of the international normalized ratio (INR) is crucial for the effectiveness of warfarin treatment. INR monitoring is the major concern in the Indian context due to the lack of laboratories for standardized measurement. Adopting strategies such as point-of-care INR monitoring devices and anticoagulation clinics can help to improve clinical outcomes with warfarin therapy. The present review provides a critical overview of the role of warfarin therapy in the current OAC arsenal and strategies for improving therapeutic control and patient adherence. : Nair T. Critical Appraisal on the Role of Warfarin in the Current Era. J Assoc Physicians India 2023;71(10):31-36.
Topics: Humans; Warfarin; Anticoagulants; International Normalized Ratio; Drug Monitoring
PubMed: 38716521
DOI: 10.59556/japi.71.0378 -
Cureus Mar 2024Aortic stenosis is the most common heart valve disease, especially among the elderly. Symptomatic aortic valve stenosis is linked to a poor prognosis and a high...
Reversing the Tide: A Case of a Mechanical Aortic Valve Recipient Lost to Follow-up, Education on Rivaroxaban Contraindications, and the Vital Role of Acenocoumarol in Preventing Valve Thrombosis.
Aortic stenosis is the most common heart valve disease, especially among the elderly. Symptomatic aortic valve stenosis is linked to a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate if left untreated. The only effective treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis is aortic valve replacement using either a mechanical or a biological prosthesis. Mechanical valve prostheses, while highly durable, are thrombogenic, necessitating lifelong anticoagulation with oral anti-vitamin K agents, such as acenocoumarol. Conversely, bioprosthetic valves, though less durable, carry a minimal thrombogenic risk and do not require anticoagulation. Currently, there is no proven role for direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with mechanical heart valves due to insufficient clinical trial data regarding their safety in this patient population. Herein, we present the case of a 59-year-old female known to have aortic stenosis, who underwent surgical treatment with mechanical aortic valve replacement eight years ago. Post-surgery, acenocoumarol was initiated. However, 18 months prior to presenting at our institution, the patient started taking rivaroxaban (a DOAC) instead of acenocoumarol due to the unavailability of acenocoumarol during the ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon, without consulting her cardiologist. Although she was followed up by her general practitioner and reported having a mechanical valve, her son contradicted this, claiming she had a biological valve. After thorough investigations, including chest X-ray, echocardiography, and fluoroscopy, it was confirmed that the patient indeed had a normally functioning mechanical aortic valve. Immediate corrective measures were taken, starting with IV unfractionated heparin and acenocoumarol, targeting an International Normalized Ratio (INR) between 2.5 and 3, while educating the patient about her condition and the importance of adhering to acenocoumarol therapy.
PubMed: 38681325
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57059 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Jul 2024The effect of the vitamin K antagonist acenocoumarol on coagulation needs to be reversed when patients undergo an invasive procedure with considerable bleeding risk. A...
The effect of administering preprocedural VITamin K on the international normalized ratio in patients anticoagulated with ACEnocoumarol (VITKACE-study): a prospective cohort study.
BACKGROUND
The effect of the vitamin K antagonist acenocoumarol on coagulation needs to be reversed when patients undergo an invasive procedure with considerable bleeding risk. A strategy to achieve this is by administering oral vitamin K before a procedure while continuing acenocoumarol.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect on periprocedural international normalized ratio (INR) values and safety using oral vitamin K as anticoagulant reversal method.
METHODS
In this prospective cohort study, consecutive patients using acenocoumarol undergoing elective procedures between 2019 and 2022 were included. According to standard of care in our hospital, patients took 10 mg oral vitamin K 36 to 48 hours before the procedure while continuing their normal use of acenocoumarol. Effectiveness to lower INR to <1.8 preprocedural was assessed. Bleeding and thrombotic complications within 30 days after the procedure were assessed. Periprocedural course of INR was monitored by collecting additional blood samples.
RESULTS
Seventy-four patients were included for analysis. On the day of the procedure, an adequate INR of <1.8 was achieved in 99% of patients. One clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding complication and no thrombotic complications were observed during the first 30 days after the procedure. INR gradually restored to therapeutic level during the days after the procedure.
CONCLUSION
Using oral vitamin K while patients continue acenocoumarol intake is an effective way to adequately lower INR before an invasive procedure. Low amount of bleeding complications and absence of thromboembolic complications suggest that this is a safe strategy. The INR values returned gradually to therapeutic range after the procedure, probably contributing to the observed low bleeding rate.
Topics: Humans; Acenocoumarol; Vitamin K; International Normalized Ratio; Prospective Studies; Anticoagulants; Aged; Female; Male; Blood Coagulation; Middle Aged; Administration, Oral; Aged, 80 and over; Hemorrhage; Treatment Outcome; Elective Surgical Procedures; Time Factors; Drug Monitoring; Drug Administration Schedule
PubMed: 38580096
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.03.016 -
Cureus Feb 2024Warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) is a rare disease that leads to the destruction of red blood cells in the reticuloendothelial system through the...
Warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) is a rare disease that leads to the destruction of red blood cells in the reticuloendothelial system through the mediation of agglutinins (immunoglobulin G (IgG) type in most cases) that attach to the erythrocyte wall at 37 °C. The association of WAIHA and venous thromboembolism (VTE) seems to be higher than other hemolytic disorders classically associated with VTE and there is a current investigation aimed at clarifying this association and establishing some criteria to use anticoagulant treatment in patients with WAIHA. Despite this, WAIHA is a rare cause for the development of recurrent VTE under secondary prophylactic anticoagulant treatment, with only a few cases described in the literature. We present the case of a patient who developed a recurrence of deep vein thrombosis during a WAIHA episode despite treatment with acenocoumarol and a review of the literature.
PubMed: 38500896
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54361 -
Cureus Jan 2024Acenocoumarol is one of the most common drugs used as a part of the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Linezolid, on the other hand, is an antibiotic...
Acenocoumarol is one of the most common drugs used as a part of the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Linezolid, on the other hand, is an antibiotic prescribed post-operatively. Reports of any interaction between the two are very few. Here, we are presenting four case reports of patients admitted to the Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Department of a tertiary healthcare center in North East India. Drug-drug interactions can lead to long-term and life-threatening effects, and also hamper the management of patients post-operatively. Due to the limited literature, assessing such interactions is difficult. The cases reported here were treated with fresh frozen plasma, and the patients responded well to the treatment and were discharged without further complications.
PubMed: 38264177
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52753 -
Revista Espanola de Cardiologia... Jun 2024The management of atrial fibrillation is complex and requires improvement at strategic points, such as in the control of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists. The... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The management of atrial fibrillation is complex and requires improvement at strategic points, such as in the control of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on health outcomes of a nonvalvular atrial fibrillation decision support tool based on visualization of the time in therapeutic range in primary care.
METHODS
The present randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2018 with a 1-year follow-up in 325 primary care centers in Catalonia. In the intervention centers, the decision support tool was installed to control the time in therapeutic range of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists. The tool was not visualized in the control group.
RESULTS
In total, 44 556 patients were studied. The intervention protected against admission for stroke (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.55-0.88). The number needed to treat was 3502 (95%CI, 3305-3725) while the number of admissions for stroke avoided was 12.63 (95%CI, 11.88-13.38). The intervention also protected against mortality (adjusted OR, 0.78; 95%CI, 0.67-0.90), with a number needed to treat of 13 687 (95%CI, 10 789-18 714) and number of deaths avoided of 3.23 (95%CI, 2.36-4.10).
CONCLUSIONS
The decision support tool was associated with slight reductions in the numbers of admissions for ischemic stroke and mortality. Although the follow-up time was short and the effect of the intervention was small, the results are valuable and could improve implementation of the tool. This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03367325).
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Male; Female; Anticoagulants; Primary Health Care; Aged; Administration, Oral; Stroke; Spain; Follow-Up Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38056770
DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2023.11.009 -
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology... Aug 2023Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common gastrointestinal disease leading to hospitalizations and unexpected deaths. The development of AP leads to damage of the...
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common gastrointestinal disease leading to hospitalizations and unexpected deaths. The development of AP leads to damage of the pancreatic microcirculation with a cascade of subsequent events resulting, among others, in coagulopathy. Previous research showed that anticoagulants can be important therapeutic agents. Heparin and acenocoumarol can alleviate the course of AP, as well as accelerate healing and post-inflammatory regeneration of the pancreas. The aim of this study was to determine whether warfarin, a drug with more stable effects than acenocoumarol, affects the healing and regeneration of the pancreas in the cerulein-induced AP. AP was evoked in Wistar male rats by intraperitoneal administration of cerulein. The first dose of warfarin (45, 90 or 180 μg/kg) was administered 24 hours after the first dose of cerulein and the doses of warfarin were repeated once a day in subsequent 10 days. The severity of AP was assessed immediately after the last dose of cerulein, as well as at days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 after AP induction. Treatment with warfarin dose-dependently increased international normalized ratio (INR) and attenuated the severity of pancreatitis in histological examination and accelerated pancreatic recovery. These effects were accompanied with a faster reduction in the AP-evoked increase in serum activity of amylase and lipase, the serum concentration of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β, and the plasma level of D-Dimer. In addition, treatment with warfarin decreased pancreatic weight (an index of pancreatic edema) and improved pancreatic blood flow in rats with AP. The therapeutic effect was particularly pronounced after the administration of warfarin at a dose of 90 μg/kg. We conclude that treatment with warfarin accelerated regeneration of the pancreas and recovery in the course of cerulein-induced mild-edematous acute pancreatitis.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Pancreatitis; Warfarin; Ceruletide; Rats, Wistar; Acenocoumarol; Acute Disease; Pancreas
PubMed: 37865961
DOI: 10.26402/jpp.2023.4.08 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Oct 2023Renal artery infarction (RI) is the presence of blood clot in the main renal artery or its branches causing complete or partial obstruction of the blood supply. Its...
AIM
Renal artery infarction (RI) is the presence of blood clot in the main renal artery or its branches causing complete or partial obstruction of the blood supply. Its etiology is either related with disorders of the renal vasculature or with cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the SARSCoV- 2 virus is an emerging cause of thromboembolic events and the incidence of RI is anticipated to increase after the pandemic.
METHODS
A systematic review based on COVID-19 associated RI was conducted.
PROTOCOL
A systematic review of the Medline/Pubmed and Scopus databases was conducted in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (the PRISMA statement). Search strategy and information sources: A hand-search was performed using the terms "SARS-Cov-2" OR "COVID-19" AND "renal thrombosis" OR "renal infarction" OR "renal "thromboembolism".
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
all types of publications (case reports, case series, letters to the editor, short communications) were evaluated for relevance. Inclusion criteria were: confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection irrespectively of the age, diagnosis of RI during or after the onset of viral infection, and exclusion of other potential causes of thromboembolic event except of SARS-Cov-2. Patients with renal transplantation were also considered. Study criteria selection: after checking for relevance based on the title and the abstract, the full texts of the selected papers were retrieved and were further evaluated. Duplicated and irrelevant cases were excluded. Any disagreement was resolved by consensus with the involvement of a third reviewer. Quality of studies: The assessment of the quality case reports was based on four different domains: selection, ascertainment, casualty and reporting. Each paper was classified as "Good", "Moderate" and "Poor" for any of the four domains. Data extractions: Crucial data for the conduct of the study were extracted including: age, sex, time from SARS-Cov-2 infection till RI development, medical history, previous or current antithrombotic protection or treatment, laterality and degree of obstruction, other sites of thromboembolism, treatment for thromboembolism and SARS-Cov-2 and final outcome.
DATA ANALYSIS
methods of descriptive statistics were implicated for analysis and presentation of the data.
RESULTS
The systematic review retrieved 35 cases in 33 reports. In most cases, RI was diagnosed within a month from the SARSCov- 2 infection albeit 17 out of 35 patients were receiving or had recently received thromboprophylaxis. Right, left, bilateral and allograft obstruction was diagnosed in 7, 15, 8 and 5 patients respectively. 17 cases experienced additional extrarenal thromboembolism primarily in aorta, spleen, brain and lower limbs. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) (usually 60-80 mg enoxaparine bid) was the primary treatment, followed by combinations of unfractionated heparin and salicylic acid, apixaban and rivaraxaban, warfarin, acenocoumarol or clopidogrel. Kidney replacement therapy was offered to five patients while invasive therapies with thrombus aspiration or catheter directed thrombolysis were performed in two. Regarding the outcomes, five of the patients died. The total renal function was preserved in 17 cases and renal impairment with or without hemodialysis was recorded in 5 patients, two of them having lost their kidney allografts.
LIMITATIONS
The majority of included studies are of moderate quality. The results and the conclusions are based on case-reports only and crucial data are dissimilarly presented or missing through the relevant publications.
CONCLUSIONS
Thromboprophylaxis may not offer adequate protection against SARS-Cov-2 induced thrombosis. Most patients could be effectively treated with conservative measures, while in more severe cases aggressive treatment could be recommended.
IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Therapeutic doses of LMWH could be considered for protection against RI in SARS-Cov-2 cases. Interventional treatment could be offered in a minority of more severe cases after carful balancing the risks and benefits.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Anticoagulants; Heparin; Renal Artery; Venous Thromboembolism; Thrombosis; Infarction
PubMed: 37791549
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11625 -
Research in Social & Administrative... Dec 2023Interdisciplinary collaboration between general practitioner, nurses and pharmacists can favour the control of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA),...
Clinical, economic, and humanistic impact of a multidisciplinary medication review with follow-up for anticoagulated patients treated with vitamin K antagonists in primary care: A cluster randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Interdisciplinary collaboration between general practitioner, nurses and pharmacists can favour the control of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), increasing their safety and effectiveness. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical interventions on patients treated with VKA within the framework of a Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up service on clinical, economic and humanistic outcomes.
METHODS
Controlled and randomized study in patients from two health areas of Zaragoza in treatment with VKA with Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) according to the Rosendaal method less than 70% in the last 6 months. Patients were recruited at the pharmacy and assigned to two groups: control and intervention. A Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up Program was established for the intervention group for 6 months. The outcome variables were INR stability, pharmacological adherence, vitamin K intake, knowledge about the use of acenocoumarol, quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, associated costs and avoided costs. A descriptive analysis was performed, and the Students' T test or Mann-Whitney U test was used for the association between quantitative variables and Chi-square or Fisher's test for qualitative variables.
RESULTS
A total of 123 patients were included, 65 in the intervention group (IG) and 58 in the control group (CG). A total of 108 interventions were conducted (1.7 interventions/patient) and the most common were those related to the proper taking of medications (41.0%). In IG, TTR (p = 0.019), adherence to treatment (p = 0.038) and knowledge about acenocoumarol (p = 0.031) improved, compared to CG. A higher proportion of patients in IG achieved a TTR>65% (p = 0.024). In addition, patients whose interventions were accepted by the physician (p = 0.027) and those who received vitamin K optimization interventions (p = 0.003) achieved TTR>65% in greater proportion.
CONCLUSIONS
Community pharmacist medication review, in collaboration with general practitioners improve knowledge and adherence of patients treated with oral anti-vitamin K agents and enhances the achievement of their therapeutic INR ranges. Investment needed to achieve this clinical impact is low and patient satisfaction is high.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study has been registered with Clinical Trials.gov dated 25/05/2017: NCT03154489.
PubMed: 37704534
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.08.007