-
1.
Acute treatment of venous thromboembolism.
Becattini, C, Agnelli, G
Blood. 2020;(5):305-316
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
All patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) should receive anticoagulant treatment in the absence of absolute contraindications. Initial anticoagulant treatment is crucial for reducing mortality, preventing early recurrences, and improving long-term outcome. Treatment and patient disposition should be tailored to the severity of clinical presentation, to comorbidities, and to the potential to receive appropriate care in the outpatient setting. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) used in fixed doses without laboratory monitoring are the agents of choice for the treatment of acute VTE in the majority of patients. In comparison with conventional anticoagulation (parenteral anticoagulants followed by vitamin K antagonists), these agents showed improved safety (relative risk [RR] of major bleeding, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.83) with a similar risk of recurrence (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77-1.06). Vitamin K antagonists or low molecular weight heparins are still alternatives to DOACs for the treatment of VTE in specific patient categories such as those with severe renal failure or antiphospholipid syndrome, or cancer, respectively. In addition to therapeutic anticoagulation, probably less than 10% of patients require reperfusion by thrombolysis or interventional treatments; those patients are hemodynamically unstable with acute pulmonary embolism, and a minority of them have proximal limb-threatening deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The choice of treatment should be driven by the combination of evidence from clinical trials and by local expertise. The majority of patients with acute DVT and a proportion of selected hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism can be safely managed as outpatients.
-
2.
Broadening the Categories of Patients Eligible for Extended Venous Thromboembolism Treatment.
Schindewolf, M, Weitz, JI
Thrombosis and haemostasis. 2020;(1):14-26
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Traditionally, venous thromboembolism (VTE) resulting from major transient risk factors (e.g., surgery or trauma) or a major persistent risk factor such as cancer, has been defined as being provoked, whereas unprovoked VTE encompasses events without an identifiable cause. These categorizations influence anticoagulant treatment duration; unlike VTE provoked by major transient risk factors, extended anticoagulation beyond 3 months is advised for patients with cancer or unprovoked VTE due to risk persistence after treatment cessation. However, some patients with VTE provoked by minor transient or minor persistent risk factors may also be candidates for extended anticoagulation therapy due to the continuing risk of recurrence. In patients who require extended therapy, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are effective but are associated with an increased risk of bleeding and various treatment burdens (e.g., anticoagulation monitoring and dose adjustment). Evaluations of extended VTE treatment with the less-burdensome direct oral anticoagulants such as apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban show that they are at least as safe and effective as VKAs in a broad range of patients. In addition, apixaban and rivaroxaban offer more than one dosing option, allowing tailoring of treatment to the patient's specific risk factor profile. Analysis of more granular definitions for risk factor groupings has also yielded vital information on the most appropriate strategies for the treatment of patients with specific risk factors, highlighting that extended anticoagulation treatment may benefit those with minor transient and persistent environmental and nonenvironmental risk factors who commonly receive shorter-duration therapy.
-
3.
Direct oral anticoagulants for extended treatment of venous thromboembolism: insights from the EINSTEIN CHOICE study.
Imberti, D, Pomero, F, Mastroiacovo, D
Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue. 2020;(1):49-57
Abstract
The risk of recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) persists after interruption of the initial anticoagulation therapy. New evidence shows that direct oral anticoagulants are effective for extended treatment of VTE and may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. The optimal duration of anticoagulation after VTE is, however, controversial and complicated by the need for individualised assessment and balance between thrombosis and bleeding risks. Three direct oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban, apixaban and dabigatran) have been studied for extended treatment of VTE. Dabigatran was shown to be safer than vitamin K antagonists and similarly effective for the prevention of recurrent VTE. Dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban resulted in significant decreases in the rate of recurrent symptomatic VTE when compared to placebo, without a statistically significant difference in the risk of major bleeding. The latest guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians suggest the use of low-dose aspirin to prevent VTE recurrence in patients who want to stop anticoagulation. In the randomised, double-blind, phase 3 EINSTEIN CHOICE trial, once-daily rivaroxaban at doses of 20 mg or 10 mg and 100 mg of aspirin were compared in VTE patients for whom there was clinical equipoise for extended anticoagulation. Either a treatment dose (20 mg) or a prophylactic dose (10 mg) of rivaroxaban significantly reduced the risk of VTE recurrence without a significant increase in bleeding risk compared with aspirin. The EINSTEIN CHOICE trial included patients with provoked or unprovoked VTE. Patients with VTE provoked by minor persistent or minor transient risk factors enrolled in this trial had not-negligible VTE recurrence rates. These new findings on extended therapy suggest the possibility of anticoagulation regimens at intensities tailored to the patients' risk profiles and VTE characteristics, with a shift of the risk-benefit balance in favour of extended treatment.
-
4.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Liver Disease in the Era of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Global Epidemic: A Narrative Review.
Ballestri, S, Capitelli, M, Fontana, MC, Arioli, D, Romagnoli, E, Graziosi, C, Lonardo, A, Marietta, M, Dentali, F, Cioni, G
Advances in therapy. 2020;(5):1910-1932
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are highly prevalent and relevant healthcare issues. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now the first-choice for anticoagulant treatment of these conditions displaying a better efficacy/safety profile than vitamin-K antagonists, mainly due to significantly reduced risk of major bleeding, especially of intracranial haemorrhage. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in developed countries showing a continuously growing prevalence. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), its evolutive form, will be the leading cause for liver transplantation by 2020. NAFLD is independently associated with an increased risk of abnormalities of cardiac structure and function, including cardiac rhythm disorders (mainly AF). Moreover, data suggest an increased risk of unprovoked VTE associated with NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, a growing number of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) will be candidate for anticoagulant therapy in the near future. Cirrhosis of any etiology is characterized by an unstable thrombosis/bleeding haemostatic balance, making anticoagulant therapy particularly challenging in this condition. Given that patients with significant active liver disease and cirrhosis were excluded from all pivotal randomized controlled trials on DOACs, this comprehensive review aims at critically discussing real-world evidence, including the latest population studies, regarding the use of DOACs in patients with CLD/cirrhosis.
-
5.
Pathogenesis and Management of Thrombotic Disease in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.
Arachchillage, DR, Laffan, M
Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis. 2019;(6):604-611
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are characterized by clonal expansion of an abnormal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell and include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Venous thrombosis, often at unusual sites, including splanchnic vein thrombosis and arterial thrombosis, as well as a hemorrhagic tendency and a propensity to transform into myelofibrosis or acute leukemia are common complications in patients with MPNs. The pathogenesis of thrombosis in MPN patients is complex and multifactorial. Disease related factors, such as an increase in blood cell counts (i.e., leukocytosis, erythrocytosis, and thrombocytosis), and more importantly presence of JAK2 mutation can interact with non-disease patient related factors such as age, previous history of thrombotic events, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and presence of thrombophilic defects. The overall rate of recurrent thrombosis after venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 6.0 to 6.5 per 100 patient-years in patients with MPN compared to 2.7 to 3.7 per 100 patient-years in patients without MPN, and antithrombotic therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) is associated with a clear benefit, reducing the incidence of recurrence by 48 to 69%. Life-long oral anticoagulation with VKAs is the cornerstone of the antithrombotic treatment for splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). Patients with MPN-related cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) should also be treated with long-term anticoagulation with VKAs. The role of direct acting oral anticoagulants in patients with thrombosis and MPN is not established and the use of these anticoagulants should be considered on an individual basis according to the risk of recurrent of VTE and bleeding.
-
6.
Trends in direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use: health benefits and patient preference.
de Jong, LA, Koops, M, Gout-Zwart, JJ, Beinema, MJ, Hemels, MEW, Postma, MJ, Brouwers, JRBJ
The Netherlands journal of medicine. 2018;(10):426-430
Abstract
In 2012, the Dutch Health Council published a report addressing barriers for an early and broad introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The report raised concerns about the lack of an antidote, adherence, lack of monitoring in the case of overdose and the increased budget impact at DOAC introduction. In the past decade, international studies have shown that DOACs can provide healthcare benefits for a large number of patients. This has led to an increase in the prescription of DOACs, as they are an effective and user-friendly alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Unlike VKAs, DOACs do not need monitoring of the international normalized ratio due to more predictable pharmacokinetics. However, the number of prescriptions of DOACs in the Netherlands is still lagging, compared to other European countries. This article highlights the potential health gains in the Netherlands if the use of DOACs were to increase, based on current international experience.
-
7.
Management of venous thromboembolism with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants: A review for nurse practitioners and pharmacists.
Schmerge, M, Earl, S, Kline, C
Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 2018;(4):185-192
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), including apixaban, betrixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, are as effective and safe as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for primary prophylaxis, treatment, and/or secondary prevention of VTE and present significant advantages in convenience of use. This review provides guidance to nurse practitioners (NPs) and pharmacists on NOAC usage for the management of VTE and examines how traditional anticoagulation clinics can adapt to cater to patients on NOACs. METHODS A review of the scientific literature pertaining to treatment guideline recommendations, large randomized clinical trials, and real-world evidence studies related to VTE management was conducted. CONCLUSIONS With current data suggesting that NOACs may present as better alternatives over VKAs for the management of VTE, comprehensively educating NPs and pharmacists can help incorporate these agents in their clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Repurposing anticoagulation clinics, led by well-informed NPs and pharmacists, will allow effective integration and optimal management of patients with VTE taking NOACs as well as those taking VKAs.
-
8.
Management of Patients on Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in the Acute Care and Periprocedural Setting: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.
Raval, AN, Cigarroa, JE, Chung, MK, Diaz-Sandoval, LJ, Diercks, D, Piccini, JP, Jung, HS, Washam, JB, Welch, BG, Zazulia, AR, et al
Circulation. 2017;(10):e604-e633
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now widely used as alternatives to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and management of venous thromboembolism. In clinical practice, there is still widespread uncertainty on how to manage patients on NOACs who bleed or who are at risk for bleeding. Clinical trial data related to NOAC reversal for bleeding and perioperative management are sparse, and recommendations are largely derived from expert opinion. Knowledge of time of last ingestion of the NOAC and renal function is critical to managing these patients given that laboratory measurement is challenging because of the lack of commercially available assays in the United States. Idarucizumab is available as an antidote to rapidly reverse the effects of dabigatran. At present, there is no specific antidote available in the United States for the oral factor Xa inhibitors. Prothrombin concentrate may be considered in life-threatening bleeding. Healthcare institutions should adopt a NOAC reversal and perioperative management protocol developed with multidisciplinary input.
-
9.
Current challenges and future prospects in oral anticoagulant therapy.
Czuprynska, J, Patel, JP, Arya, R
British journal of haematology. 2017;(6):838-851
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The choice for oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy was previously limited to the vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). The advent of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) brought with it the expectation that oral anticoagulation would become simpler (with the elimination of routine monitoring and introduction of a fixed-dose anticoagulant), and that the use of VKAs would be slowly phased out. Although DOACs have made anticoagulation more convenient and accessible, we are now faced with what can be described as a tyranny of choice, together with many unanswered questions relating to DOAC use. These include optimal DOAC selection and dosing, use in complex 'real-world' patients, the role for monitoring and issues surrounding adherence. Warfarin remains the anticoagulant of choice in certain scenarios (e.g. metallic heart valves). The future holds much excitement: clinical studies are underway to expand the indications for DOACs and experience continues to grow outside the trials setting.
-
10.
Direct oral anticoagulants: now also for prevention and treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism?
Pabinger, I, Riedl, J
Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program. 2017;(1):136-143
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Data on specific studies in cancer patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are still scarce. For preventing VTE with DOACs, current experience is still very limited, so definite conclusions cannot yet be drawn. However, DOACs have so far been compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with acute VTE in 5 studies, and several hundreds of patients included in these studies had either active cancer, a history of cancer, or a new occurrence of cancer during the course of disease. Meta-analyses have revealed an at least similar efficacy and safety profile of DOACs compared with VKAs. A number of studies of cancer patients investigating primary prevention and treatment are underway, and some will be finalized soon. Nevertheless, we might need further trials, specifically on the prevention of VTE in patients who are at particularly high risk. This article also includes a personal opinion on the use of DOACs in cancer patients. In conclusion, the currently available data show that DOACs might be safe and efficacious in the treatment of VTE, however, this has yet to be proven in specifically designed trials in patients with cancer. With regard to prevention, thus far, even less data exist, and the outcomes of the ongoing studies have to be evaluated before DOACs may be used for primary prevention.