Antithrombotic treatment with direct-acting oral anticoagulants in patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis and cirrhosis

How I manage myeloproliferative neoplasm-unclassifiable: Practical approaches for 2022 and beyond

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)-unclassifiable (MPN-U) or not otherwise specified represents a rare, poorly defined and heterogeneous group of MPNs. Disease incidence is difficult to define but likely represents close to 5% of all MPNs when strict World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria are applied. Dynamic review over time is required to assess if the disease can be re-classified into another MPN entity. A diagnosis of MPN-U leads to many challenges for both the patient and physician alike including lack of agreed monitoring and therapeutic guidelines, validated prognostic markers and licenced therapies coupled with exclusion from clinical trials. MPN-U has an inherent risk of an aggressive clinical course and transformation in some but who, and when to treat in the chronic phase, including identifying who may require more aggressive therapy at an earlier stage, remains elusive. Moreover, despite the significant thrombotic risk, there is no agreement on systematic primary thromboprophylaxis. We hereby provide a contemporary overview of MPN-U in addition to four illustrative cases providing our collective suggested approaches to clinical challenges.

Efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonist for portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is associated with a higher risk of liver-related complications. Recent guidelines recommend direct-acting anticoagulants (DOAC) in patients with cirrhosis and non-tumoral PVT. However, data on the efficacy and safety of DOAC in these patients remain limited. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of DOAC compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to treat non-tumoral PVT in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of six electronic databases using MeSH term and free text. We selected all studies comparing the use of DOACs with vitamin K antagonist to treat PVT in cirrhosis. The primary outcome was PVT recanalization. Secondary outcomes were and PVT progression, major bleeding, variceal bleeding and death.

RESULTS

From 944 citations, we included 552 subjects from a total of 11 studies (10 observational and 1 randomized trial) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found that DOAC were associated with a higher pooled rate of PVT recanalization (RR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.02, 2.74, I2 = 79%) and lower pooled risk of PVT progression (RR = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.03-0.57, I2 = 0%). The pooled risk of major bleeding (RR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.08-1.01, I2 = 0%), variceal bleeding (RR = 1.29, 95%CI: 0.64-2.59, I2 = 0%) and death (RR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.01-9.578, I2 = 80%) was similar between DOAC and VKA.

CONCLUSION

For the treatment of PVT in patients with cirrhosis, the bleeding risk was comparable between DOAC and VKA. However, DOAC were associated with a higher pooled rate of PVT recanalization. Dedicated randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Dabigatran Reversal With Idarucizumab in 2 Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis Undergoing Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

There are limited data to guide the use of anticoagulation in cirrhotic patients prior to liver transplantation especially when using direct oral anticoagulants. In this article, we present 2 cases. The first is a 42-year-old male with cirrhosis complicated by portal vein thrombosis (PVT) treated with dabigatran who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation without complication. The second case is a 65-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis complicated by PVT treated with dabigatran who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and required reoperation for surgical bleeding. Both patients were treated with dabigatran's reversal agent idarucizumab prior to incision. In this case series, we discuss the treatment of cirrhotic patients with various anticoagulants, considerations for anticoagulant selection and reversal prior to liver transplant, and questions for future investigation.

Safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with advanced liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

While direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used in patients with liver disease, safety data especially in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) are limited.

METHODS

Liver disease patients receiving DOAC treatment (ACLD: n = 104; vascular liver disease: n = 29) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA)/low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH; ACLD: n = 45; vascular: n = 13) between January 2010 and September 2020 were retrospectively included. Invasive procedures and bleeding events were recorded. Calibrated anti-Xa peak levels and thrombomodulin-modified thrombin generation assays (TM-TGAs) were measured in a subgroup of 35/28 DOAC patients.

RESULTS

Among patients receiving DOAC, 55 (41.3%) had advanced liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh-stage [CPS] B/C) and 66 (49.6%) had experienced decompensation. Overall, 205 procedures were performed in 60 patients and procedure-related bleedings occurred in 7 (11.7%) patients. Additionally, 38 (28.6%) patients experienced spontaneous (15 minor, 23 major) bleedings during a median follow-up of 10.5 (IQR: 4.0-27.8) months. Spontaneous bleedings in ACLD patients were more common in CPS-B/C (at 12 months: 36.9% vs CPS-A: 15.9%, subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 3.23 [95% CI: 1.59-6.58], P < .001), as were major bleedings (at 12 months: 22.0% vs 5.0%, SHR: 5.82 [95% CI: 2.00-16.90], P < .001). Importantly, CPS (adjusted SHR: 4.12 [91% CI: 1.82-9.37], P < .001), but not the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma or varices, was independently associated with major bleeding during DOAC treatment. Additionally, ACLD patients experiencing bleeding had worse overall survival (at 12 months: 88.9% vs 95.0% without bleeding; P < .001). Edoxaban anti-Xa peak levels were higher in patients with CPS-B/C (345 [95% CI: 169-395] vs CPS-A: 137 [95% CI: 96-248] ng/mL, P = .048) and were associated with lower TM-TGA. Importantly, spontaneous bleeding rates were comparable to VKA/LMWH patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulants including DOACs should be used with caution in patients with advanced liver disease due to a significant rate of spontaneous bleeding events.

Usage of Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants in Cirrhotic and Non-Cirrhotic Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Systematic Review

Thrombosis of the portal vein (PVT) is generally seen in the setting of liver cirrhosis and to a lesser extent in the absence of cirrhosis. There is no clear guidance in relation to approaching treatment with anticoagulation in this condition. The professional societies and guidelines recommend treatment with traditional anticoagulation like low-molecular-weight heparin and vitamin-K antagonists in patients presenting with acute portal vein thrombosis. There is no clarity in relation to treatment in the setting of chronic PVT and in patients with cirrhosis. Also, the role of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) that are becoming a preferred choice for anticoagulation for various other indications is not clear in the case of PVT. There are a very few studies in the medical literature that have investigated the role of DOACs in patients with PVT in different settings. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the literature to study the use of DOACs in PVT in patients with and without cirrhosis. The results of the available studies show that DOACS appears to be a promising choice for the treatment of patients with PVT. The availability of more data in the future along with better availability of the approved reversal agents for various DOACs is expected to make DOACS a preferred choice for the clinicians to treat patients with PVT.

Current knowledge and management of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognised complication of cirrhosis whose incidence increases in parallel with the severity of cirrhosis. Several risk factors have been associated with the occurrence and progression of PVT. Although the negative effect of complete PVT on the surgical outcome of liver transplant recipients is clear, its impact on cirrhosis progression remains uncertain. Treatment options include anticoagulants and interventional thrombolytic therapies, which are chosen almost on a case-by-case basis depending on the characteristics of the patient and the thrombus. In this manuscript, we review current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and classification, natural history, clinical consequences and treatment of non-neoplastic PVT in cirrhosis.

Anticoagulation and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for the Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation as the mainstay of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) treatment in cirrhosis. However, because of the heterogeneity of PVT, anticoagulation alone does not always achieve satisfactory results. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate an individualized management algorithm using a wait-and-see strategy (i.e., no treatment), anticoagulation, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to treat PVT in cirrhosis.

METHODS

Between February 2014 and June 2018, 396 consecutive patients with cirrhosis with nonmalignant PVT were prospectively included in a tertiary care center, of which 48 patients (12.1%) were untreated, 63 patients (15.9%) underwent anticoagulation, 88 patients (22.2%) underwent TIPS, and 197 patients (49.8%) received TIPS plus post-TIPS anticoagulation. The decision of treatment option mainly depends on the stage of liver disease (symptomatic portal hypertension or not) and degree and extension of thrombus.

RESULTS

During a median 31.7 months of follow-up period, 312 patients (81.3%) achieved partial (n = 25) or complete (n = 287) recanalization, with 9 (3.1%) having rethrombosis, 64 patients (16.2%) developed major bleeding (anticoagulation-related bleeding in 7 [1.8%]), 88 patients (22.2%) developed overt hepatic encephalopathy, and 100 patients (25.3%) died. In multivariate competing risk regression models, TIPS and anticoagulation were associated with a higher probability of recanalization. Long-term anticoagulation using enoxaparin or rivaroxaban rather than warfarin was associated with a decreased risk of rethrombosis and an improved survival, without increasing the risk of bleeding. However, the presence of complete superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was associated with a lower recanalization rate, increased risk of major bleeding, and poor prognosis.

DISCUSSION

In patients with cirrhosis with PVT, the individualized treatment algorithm achieves a high-probability recanalization, with low rates of portal hypertensive complications and adverse events.

Rates of Bleeding and Discontinuation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Studies of the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with cirrhosis have been limited by their small sample size, inclusion of patients with well-compensated cirrhosis, short follow-up times, inadequate validation of cirrhosis diagnoses, and non-standard definitions of bleeding. We aimed to systematically determine the characteristics, indications, and outcomes of patients with cirrhosis of all severity classes who received DOACs.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 138 patients with confirmed cirrhosis (93 with Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores of B or C) at a single center who started DOAC therapy (58,984 person-days; median, 181 days per patient) from September 2011 through April 2019. We collected data on clinical characteristics, indications for DOAC use, and outcomes. Standardized and validated definitions for bleeding complications were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (21%) stopped therapy due to a diagnosis of or perceived bleeding. The most common bleeding events were non-variceal upper and lower intestinal bleeding. No pretreatment laboratory parameters were associated with bleeding while patients received treatment, including platelet count (P = .50), international normalized ratio (P = .34), creatinine (P = .27), and model for end-stage liver disease score (P = .22). Frequency of bleeding events related to DOAC did not differ significantly among patients of different Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes (P = .81), DOAC indications (P = .60), or DOAC dosages (P = .10). Higher proportions of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (P = .01) had major bleeding while receiving.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis have significant bleeding and rates of discontinuation of DOACs when they take them long term. Pretreatment laboratory parameters, DOAC dose, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class were not associated with bleeding; hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with major bleeding.

Treatment of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis

Although patients with cirrhosis are known to be in a state of “rebalance” in that pro- and anticoagulant factors increase the risk for both bleeding and thrombosis, the prevalence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis can be up to 26%. Therefore, physicians should consider anticoagulation for the prevention and management of PVT in patients with cirrhosis who are at high risk of PVT. Vitamin K antagonist or low molecular weight heparin is suggested as the standard treatment for PVT in cirrhosis. With the advent of new direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), there is a paradigm shift of switching to DOACs for the treatment of PVT in patients with cirrhosis. However, the safety and efficacy of DOACs in the treatment of PVT was not well-known in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, this review focused on the current knowledge about the efficacy, safety concerns, and hepatic metabolism of DOACs in patients with cirrhosis and PVT.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants vs. warfarin for portal vein thrombosis treatment.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study. Adult patients initiated on a direct oral anticoagulant or warfarin for treatment of a new portal vein thrombosis were included. The primary failure outcome was the absolute difference in recurrent thromboembolic events 90 days following initiation of a direct oral anticoagulant vs. warfarin. The primary safety outcome was the absolute difference in bleeding events 90 days following initiation of a direct oral anticoagulant vs. warfarin. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact, and Student's t-tests were utilized as appropriate.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included. Thirteen (39.4%) patients received direct oral anticoagulants, and 20 (60.6%) received warfarin. None of the patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants experienced a primary failure event compared to four receiving warfarin (P < 0.001). None of the patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants experienced a primary safety event vs. one receiving warfarin (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Direct oral anticoagulants appear to be effective and safe in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis and in preventing recurrent thromboembolic events. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm direct oral anticoagulants' efficacy in portal vein thrombosis.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: consensus guidance of the Asian Pacific Association for the study of the liver (APASL)

Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a diverse disease with regard to the site of obstruction, the predisposing thrombophilic disorders and clinical presentation across the Asia-Pacific region. The hepatic vein ostial stenosis and short segment thrombosis are common in some parts of Asia-Pacific region, while membranous obstruction of the vena cava is common in some and complete thrombosis of hepatic veins in others. Prevalence of myeloproliferative neoplasms and other thrombophilic disorders in BCS varies from region to region and with different sites of obstruction. This heterogeneity also raises several issues and dilemmas in evaluation and approach to management of a patient with BCS. The opportunity to recanalize hepatic vein in patients with hepatic vein ostial stenosis or inferior vena cava stenting or pasty among those membranous obstruction of the vena cava is a unique opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region to restore hepatic outflow closely mimicking physiology. In order to address these issues arising out of the diversity as well as the unique features in the region, the Asia Pacific Association for Study of Liver has formulated these guidelines for clinicians.

An Update on the Management of Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon condition, caused by obstruction to hepatic venous outflow. It is largely underdiagnosed, and a high index of suspicion is required for any patient with unexplained portal hypertension. The understanding of its etiology and pathology is improving with advances in diagnostic techniques. Recent studies reported an identifiable etiology in > 80% of cases. Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) is the most common etiology, and genetic studies help in diagnosing latent MPN. Better cross-sectional imaging helps delineate the site of obstruction accurately. The majority of BCS patients are now treated by endovascular intervention and anticoagulation which have improved survival in this disease. Angioplasty of hepatic veins/inferior vena cava remains under-utilized at present. While surgical porto-systemic shunts are no longer done for BCS, liver transplantation is reserved for select indications. Some of the unresolved issues in the current management of BCS are also discussed in this review.

Portal vein thrombosis: A concise review (Review)

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients, but it may also exist as a basic vascular condition even without any liver damage. Local and systemic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PVT; yet, in practice, more than one factor may be identified. PVT can be considered a result of liver fibrosis and hepatic insufficiency. The JAK2 mutation has been accepted as a factor producing PVT. In general, the anticoagulants are recommended but this therapy should be used carefully in treating patients that associate coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia and esophageal varices. Acute PVT without bowel infarction has a good prognosis. In liver cirrhosis, the mortality due to hemorrhage is higher than in chronic PVT. Therefore, for the patients with PVT, the survival rate is decreased by 55% in two years, due to hepatic insufficiency. Regarding the treatment, LMWH (low molecular weight heparine) is the most utilized in patients with cirrhosis, non-malignancies, infections, or those who are awaiting a liver transplant. DOACs (direct-acting oral anticoagulants) may be used in the rest of the medical conditions, being safe and equal to LMWH.

Anticoagulation for Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: The Drug and the Duration

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a common cause of splanchnic vein thrombosis, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Indefinite anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy, and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are routinely used since hematologists have the most experience with this drug class. The role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is promising, but still undergoing evaluation. Cytoreduction with hydroxyurea or pegylated interferon is often used when cytosis is present, but their roles are yet to be defined when the complete blood count is normal. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition may have a complementary role in reducing splenomegaly and portal hypertension.

Treatment of portal vein thrombosis: an updated narrative review

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most frequent among the splanchnic vein thrombosis, accounting for 90% of cases. More than half of PVT are provoked by liver cirrhosis, solid cancer or myeloproliferative neoplasms. The remaining cases are non-malignant non-cirrhotic PVT and include either unprovoked events or thrombosis secondary to other less common risk factors (e.g. abdominal surgery, intrabdominal inflammations/infections, or hormonal stimuli). Anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute symptomatic PVT should be started early after diagnosis, if no active bleeding, to obtain greater vessel recanalization and reduce the occurrence of portal-hypertension related complications. Gastroesophageal varices do not represent a contraindication to anticoagulant treatment, as long as adequate measures have been undertaken for the prophylaxis of gastroesophageal bleeding. Different treatment options (unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin, vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants [DOACs]) can be considered. In this narrative review we will discuss the treatment of PVT in the three most common scenarios (cirrhosis-associated, cancer-associated and non-malignant non-cirrhotic PVT). We will also discuss the role of the DOACs and summarise recent guidelines on this topic.

Consensus for management of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis (2020, Shanghai)

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common and severe complication of liver cirrhosis. So far, there have been few consensuses or practice guidelines on the management of PVT in liver cirrhosis. In this expert consensus, we systematically review the epidemiology, risk factors, imaging examinations, diagnosis, assessment of disease severity, and treatment strategy of PVT in liver cirrhosis, based on the most recent evidence and expert opinions, to further standardize the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in clinical practice.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: The dark side of the moon

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with cancer. The risk of emergent VTE is four- to seven-fold higher in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients. Although the therapeutic armamentarium for cancer-associated VTE has been recently implemented, anticoagulant treatment remains challenging because of the increased risk of recurrent VTE and bleeding. Several international societies and expert panels released clinical practice guidelines on VTE treatment which are mostly focused on the general cancer population. Nevertheless, recommendations for the management of VTE in patients with peculiar clinical presentations are inconsistent and remain elusive due to the lack of pertinent evidence. The challenging clinical scenarios include, among others, patients with thrombocytopenia, renal impairment, gastrointestinal cancer, primary or metastatic brain cancer, distal thrombosis of the lower extremities, catheter-related VTE, splanchnic thrombosis, incidental VTE, extreme body weight, recurrent VTE during treatment, as well as the optimal duration of anticoagulant treatment in patients with active disease who have received 3 to 6 months of anticoagulation. Herein, we present a critical overview on VTE management in these challenging clinical settings, discuss potential approaches, and include some calls to action for future clinical research.

Safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate major bleeding in cirrhosis with use of traditional anticoagulation or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), using a standardized definition. Anticoagulation in patients with cirrhosis is often a clinical conundrum for providers as the necessary balance between thrombotic and bleeding risk is complicated by end organ damage. Recent meta-analyses have sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with liver disease. These recent analyses are limited by various bleeding definitions, broad inclusion criteria, and few indications for anticoagulation. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis using a validated definition for major bleeding and compare rates between traditional anticoagulation and DOACs in patients with cirrhosis. Articles were eligible for inclusion if the international society on thrombosis and hemostasis (ISTH) definition of a major bleed was the primary safety outcome. Additionally, only articles including patients with cirrhosis and receiving treatment with anticoagulation for an indication for stroke prevention or venous thromboembolism were eligible. Eligible articles needed a DOAC comparator group against traditional anticoagulant medication. Seven studies met inclusion criteria and compiled data for 683 patients in the meta-analysis. Pooled trial analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of ISTH major bleeding (OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.28-1.07, I² 0%). Individual secondary outcomes of all bleeding, intracerebral hemorrhage, or gastrointestinal bleeding also demonstrated no significant difference between DOACs and traditional anticoagulation. Use of DOACs in patients with mild to moderate cirrhosis carries similar risk to use of traditional anticoagulation.

Prevention of recurrent thromboembolism in myeloproliferative neoplasms: review of literature and focus on direct oral anticoagulants

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (MF) are stem cell clonal neoplasms characterized by expansion of late myeloid cells. Thrombosis risk is elevated in MPNs and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Current consensus guidelines make no specific recommendations regarding anticoagulant choice for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in MPNs, with most evidence supporting the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for secondary prophylaxis. However, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now increasingly being used, although with limited data on safety and efficacy in MPNs specifically. The widespread adoption of DOACs is based on new, high-quality evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy of DOAC treatment for cancer-associated VTE. However, these studies include few if any MPN patients, and MPNs have disease-specific considerations that may elevate thrombosis and bleeding risk. The purpose of this review is to discuss evidence behind current treatment recommendations for thrombosis in MPNs, with special attention to the use of DOACs.

Anticoagulant Treatment for Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

 Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulant therapy for SVT in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

 In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies reporting on SVT recanalization and progression, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding, and overall mortality were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrial.gov up to December 2019. Pooled proportions and risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,475 patients were included in 26 studies (23 observational and 3 randomized controlled trials). In patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, SVT recanalization occurred in 68% (95% CI, 62-74; 571/842 patients; 22 studies), SVT progression in 6% (95% CI, 4-9; 25/748 patients; 22 studies), recurrent VTE in 10% (95% CI, 4-22; 48/399 patients; 7 studies), major bleeding in 6% (95% CI, 4-10; 58/785 patients; 18 studies), and overall mortality in 9% (95% CI, 6-14; 68/787 patients; 17 studies). Anticoagulant treatment was associated with higher SVT recanalization (RR 3.19; 95% CI, 1.42-7.17), lower thrombosis progression (RR 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15-0.52), major bleeding (RR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.97), and overall mortality (RR 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24-0.73) compared with no treatment.

CONCLUSION

 Anticoagulant therapy seems to improve vein recanalization and to reduce SVT progression, major bleeding, and overall mortality in cirrhotic patients with SVT. The incidence of recurrent VTE during anticoagulation remains substantial.

Direct oral anticoagulants for unusual-site venous thromboembolism

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are currently the preferred oral anticoagulant treatment for most of the patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and/or pulmonary embolism. DOACs have several advantages over vitamin K antagonists, such as availability of fixed dosages, fewer drug interactions, faster onset of action, shorter half-life, and lower risk of major and intracranial bleeding. Although the evidence on the use of DOACs in patients with unusual-site venous thromboembolism (VTE) is limited to a few, small randomized controlled trials, these drugs are increasingly used in clinical practice, and several observational cohort studies have been published recently. This narrative review will describe the latest evidence for the use of the DOACs in patients with thrombosis in atypical locations (splanchnic, cerebral, upper extremity, ovarian, and renal vein thrombosis) and will provide some practical advice for their use in patients with unusual-site VTE.

Mortality and Hepatic Decompensation in Patients With Cirrhosis and Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Anticoagulation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Outcomes with anticoagulation (AC) are understudied in advanced liver disease. We investigated effects of AC with warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) on all-cause mortality and hepatic decompensation as well as ischemic stroke, major adverse cardiovascular events, splanchnic vein thrombosis, and bleeding in a cohort with cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation (AF).

APPROACH AND RESULTS

This was a retrospective, longitudinal study using national data of U.S. veterans with cirrhosis at 128 medical centers, including patients with cirrhosis with incident AF, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017 followed through December 31, 2018. To assess the effects of AC on outcomes, we applied propensity score (PS) matching and marginal structural models (MSMs) to account for confounding by indication and time-dependent confounding. The final cohort included 2,694 veterans with cirrhosis with AF (n = 1,694 and n = 704 in the warfarin and DOAC cohorts after PS matching, respectively) with a median of 4.6 years of follow-up. All-cause mortality was lower with warfarin versus no AC (PS matched: hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.76; MSM models: HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40-0.73) and DOACs versus no AC (PS matched: HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.93; MSM models: HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.81). In MSM models, warfarin (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09-0.90) and DOACs (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.79) were associated with reduced ischemic stroke. In secondary analyses, bleeding was lower with DOACs compared to warfarin (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Warfarin and DOACs were associated with reduced all-cause mortality. Warfarin was associated with more bleeding compared to no AC. DOACs had a lower incidence of bleeding compared to warfarin in exploratory analyses. Future studies should prospectively investigate these observed associations.

Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis

While portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequently encountered complication in the cirrhosis population, its management can be challenging for even the most experienced clinicians. Multiple factors must be considered with regards to management, including the degree of underlying portal hypertension and liver dysfunction, risks of therapies including anticoagulation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement, and extent of the thrombosis. Interpreting the available literature to determine the best treatment strategy for any individual patient can be especially challenging given the lack of prospective, randomized controlled trials and the heterogeneity of cohorts studied. This review will provide an overview of PVT in the cirrhosis population, including necessary steps in evaluation and the potential benefits and drawbacks of different treatment approaches.

Outcomes of long-term anticoagulant treatment for the secondary prophylaxis of splanchnic venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease usually related to different underlying clinical conditions. The risk of SVT recurrences is high over time in patients with an underlying permanent prothrombotic condition. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) represent the mainstay of treatment for SVT. Data about the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are reported in the literature for the treatment of acute SVT, but less is known about their application for the secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of long-term DOACs therapy in patients at high-risk of thrombosis, compared to VKA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-centre study including 70 patients with SVT on long-term anticoagulant treatment with VKA followed-up at our Units between January 2017 and December 2019. All the patients were at high thrombotic risk defined as the presence of a permanent prothrombotic condition requiring long-term anticoagulation. During follow-up, 28 patients were shifted to DOACs and their clinical outcomes were compared to those of the patients who continued VKA therapy. All the arterial and venous thrombotic events of the splanchnic and extra-splanchnic districts as well as the haemorrhagic adverse events occurring during follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the seventy patients enrolled in the study, 36 patients (51.4%) had a single-segment involvement thrombosis (28.5% of portal vein, 7.1% of superior mesenteric vein, 4.3% of splenic vein, 11.5% of hepatic veins) and 34 patients (48.6%) had multi-segment involvement at the time of diagnosis. 42 patients (60%) continued VKA therapy and 28 (40%) were switched to DOACs. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 2-8) during VKA and 1.9 years (range 1-5.2) during DOACs. The incidence of thrombotic events was similar between patients on VKA and those on DOACs. Patients on VKA developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and of the patients on DOACs 1 developed NSTEMI and 1 DVT. No major haemorrhagic events occurred. Minor bleedings occurred in 26% of patients on VKA and in none of the DOACs patients (P: 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight that DOACs could represent an effective and safe alternative to the VKA for secondary prophylaxis in SVT patients at high risk of thrombosis.

Anticoagulation in patients with advanced liver disease: an open issue

Liver disease has been long considered as a risk factor for bleeding for the presence of prolongation of global tests of clotting activation and low platelet count. For this reason, the use of anticoagulants in patients with liver disease and an indication to anticoagulation, such as atrial fibrillation of venous thrombosis, has been poorly considered. Furthermore, recent studies underscored the fact that patients with chronic liver disease may experience thrombosis in portal as well as systemic circulation and treatment with anticoagulants should be considered. The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants has increased therapeutic options for thromboprophylaxis; however, evidence on their safety and efficacy in specific populations, such as patients with liver disease, is still scarce and needs further investigation. Thus, atrial fibrillation patients with coexistent liver disease have been excluded from clinical trials with direct oral anticoagulants. Here, we provide an overview on mechanisms of thrombosis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease and a summary of evidence on the use of oral anticoagulants in patients with liver disease and portal vein thrombosis or atrial fibrillation.

Nontumoral Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Challenging Consequence of Liver Cirrhosis

Nontumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognized complication in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial evidence shows that portal flow stasis, complex thrombophilic disorders, and exogenous factors leading to endothelial dysfunction have emerged as key factors in the pathogenesis of PVT. The contribution of PVT to hepatic decompensation and mortality in cirrhosis is debatable; however, the presence of an advanced PVT increases operative complexity and decreases survival after transplantation. The therapeutic decision for PVT is often determined by the duration and extent of thrombosis, the presence of symptoms, and liver transplant eligibility. Evidence from several cohorts has demonstrated that anticoagulation treatment with vitamin K antagonist or low molecular weight heparin can achieve recanalization of the portal vein, which is associated with a reduction in portal hypertension-related events and improved survival in cirrhotic patients with PVT. Consequently, interest in direct oral anticoagulants for PVT is increasing, but clinical data in cirrhosis are limited. Although the most feared consequence of anticoagulation is bleeding, most studies indicate that anticoagulation therapy for PVT in cirrhosis appears relatively safe. Interestingly, the data showed that transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt represents an effective adjunctive therapy for PVT in cirrhotic patients with symptomatic portal hypertension if anticoagulation is ineffective. Insufficient evidence regarding the optimal timing, modality, and duration of therapy makes nontumoral PVT a challenging consequence of cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the current literature and provide a potential algorithm for the management of PVT in patients with cirrhosis.

Causes and Management of Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension​

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) includes a heterogeneous group of conditions. The aim of this paper is to make an overview on the denominations, diagnostical features and management of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) and chronic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) being the main causes of NCPH in the Western world.

RECENT FINDINGS

The management of NCPH consists in the treatment of associated diseases and of portal hypertension (PH). PH due to PSVD or PVT is managed similarly to PH due to cirrhosis. TIPS placement and liver transplantation are considerable options in patients with refractory variceal bleeding/ascites and with progressive liver failure. Anticoagulation is a cornerstone both in the treatment of thrombosis in PSVD and in the prevention of thrombosis recurrence in patients with portal cavernoma. Physicians should be aware of the existence of PSVD and chronic PVT and actively search them in particular settings. To now, the management of portal hypertension-related complications in NCPH is the same of those of cirrhosis. Large cooperative studies on the natural history of NCPH are necessary to better define its management.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Liver Disease: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Liver disease is associated with increased bleeding risk. The efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is a subject of contention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with liver disease.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched to retrieve studies on the efficacy and safety of DOACs versus warfarin in AF patients with liver disease from January 1980 to April 2020. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Six studies involving 41,859 patients were included. Compared with warfarin, DOACs demonstrated significant reduction in ischemic stroke (HR, 0.68; 95% CI (0.54-0.86)), major bleeding (0.74 (0.59-0.92)), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (0.48 (0.40-0.58)), with no significant effect on gastrointestinal bleeding (P = 0.893) in AF patients with liver disease. Similar results were observed in regular-dose, reduced-dose, and active liver disease subgroups, albeit Asian patients had a slight reduction in major bleeding (P = 0.055). Furthermore, the pooled estimates of individual DOAC subgroups indicated that dabigatran and apixaban led to greater safety in major bleeding (P < 0.001), ICH (P < 0.001), and gastrointestinal bleeding (P < 0.005) in these patients. The same trends were observed in AF patients with cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that DOACs significantly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and ICH, with no significant effect on the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in AF patients with liver disease compared with warfarin.

New Insights into the Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent event in patients with cirrhosis regardless of etiology. Notwithstanding the commonality of the problem, the pathophysiology and risk factors for PVT in cirrhosis are largely unknown. The clinical impact of PVT in the natural history of cirrhosis is unclear, indications for PVT treatment are not well defined, and treatment recommendations are based on experts' opinion and consensus only. Therefore, this review aims to summarize current knowledge of mechanisms and risk factors for PVT development and assess the current evidence of PVT management, with a special focus on strategies of anticoagulation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Chronic Liver Disease that Cannot Be Missed

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), or hepatic venous outflow obstruction, is a rare cause of liver disease that should not be missed. Variable clinical presentation among patients with BCS necessitates a high index of suspicion to avoid missing this life-threatening diagnosis. BCS is characterized as primary or secondary, depending on etiology of venous obstruction. Most patients with primary BCS have several contributing risk factors leading to a prothrombotic state. A multidisciplinary stepwise approach is integral in treating BCS. Lifelong anticoagulation is recommended. Long-term monitoring of patients for development of cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, and progression of underlying diseases is important.

A prospective, multicentre study in acute non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis: comparison of medical and interventional treatment

BACKGROUND

To evaluate medical versus interventional treatment (transjugular thrombus fragmentation, local thrombolysis with or without stent implantation) in patients with acute non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

METHODS

This prospective, observational study enrolled 65 patients with acute (<28 days since begin of symptoms, no cavernoma) PVT in nine centres. Thirty patients received medical treatment and 35 patients received interventional treatment. PVT was graded into grade 1: short thrombosis and incomplete occlusion of the vessel lumen and grade 2: extended thrombosis or complete occlusion. Treatment response was classified as partial or complete, if thrombosis was reduced by one grade or to <25% of the vessel diameter respectively.

RESULTS

Partial and complete response rates were 7% and 30% in the medical compared to 17% and 54% (P < 0.001) in the interventional treatment group. In the multivariate analysis, interventional treatment showed a strong positive (OR 4.32, P < 0.016) and a myeloproliferative aetiology a negative (OR 0.09, P = 0.006) prediction of complete response. Complications were rare in the medical group and consisted of septicaemia and upper gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin in one patient each. Interventional treatment was accompanied by mild and self-limiting bleeding complications in nine patients, moderate intra-abdominal bleeding requiring transfusions (2 units) in one patient and peritoneal bleeding requiring surgical rescue in one patient. Four patients in each group developed intestinal gangrene requiring surgery. One patient died 52 days after unsuccessful interventional treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to medical treatment alone, interventional treatment doubled response rates at the cost of increased bleeding complications.

Treatment of unusual thrombotic manifestations

Venous thrombosis rarely occurs at unusual sites such as cerebral, splanchnic, upper-extremity, renal, ovarian, or retinal veins. Clinical features, symptoms, and risk factors of rare thrombotic manifestations are heterogeneous and in large part differ from those typical of the commonest manifestations of venous thrombosis at the lower extremities. The therapeutic approach also varies widely according to the affected site, whether cerebral, abdominal, or extraabdominal. To date, anticoagulant therapy for thrombosis at unusual sites is generally accepted, but the optimal therapeutic approach remains challenging. This review is focused on the treatment of unusual thrombotic manifestations as reported in the most recent guidelines and according to the updated scientific literature.

Edoxaban Versus Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and History of Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver disease have increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding but are typically excluded from trials of direct oral anticoagulant agents.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), clinical efficacy and safety of edoxaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and history of liver disease.

METHODS

ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 (Effective Anticoagulation With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Study 48) was a randomized, double-blind trial comparing edoxaban with warfarin in patients with AF followed for 2.8 years. History of liver disease was defined as investigator-reported liver disease or >2-fold transaminase elevation at randomization. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints of stroke or systemic embolic event (SSEE) and major bleeding were assessed stratified by history of liver disease. PK/PD assessments of edoxaban included endogenous and extrinsic factor Xa activity and edoxaban concentration.

RESULTS

Among 21,105 patients, 1,083 (5.1%) had a history of liver disease; they had a higher prevalence of many comorbidities. The adjusted risks of SSEE were similar (adjusted hazard ratio [HR_adj]: 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67 to 1.22; p = 0.50), but major bleeding was more common in patients with liver disease (HR_adj: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.74; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in PK/PD assessment of edoxaban in patients with versus without liver disease. The HRs for higher-dose edoxaban versus warfarin for SSEE were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.73 to 1.01) in patients without and 1.11 (95% CI: 0.54 to 2.30) with liver disease (p for interaction [p_int] = 0.47), major bleeding 0.80 (95% CI: 0.70 to 0.91) in patients without and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.56 to 1.47) with liver disease (p_int = 0.63). There were no significant differences in hepatic adverse events between the 2 treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with AF receiving oral anticoagulation, bleeding, but not thromboembolic events, was increased in patients with liver disease. A history of liver disease did not alter the relative efficacy and safety of edoxaban compared with warfarin. Hepatic adverse events were similar between edoxaban and warfarin.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Liver Disease in the Era of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Global Epidemic: A Narrative Review

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.

Dabigatran as an oral anticoagulant in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome post-percutaneous endovascular intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Anticoagulants play an important role in the management of Budd-Chiari syndrome. There is a paucity of data on the efficacy and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants-dabigatran, among patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data, the stent patency rates, major bleeding episode, and a composite endpoint of major bleed and/or mortality rates were compared between Budd-Chiari syndrome patients treated with dabigatran (n = 36) or vitamin K antagonists (n = 62) following endovascular intervention.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics, including sites of block and types of interventions, were similar between the two groups. The mean duration of follow-up in the dabigatran and vitamin K antagonist groups was 10.5 ± 6.7 and 14.1 ± 6.9 months (P = 0.006), respectively. The endovascular stent patency rates were comparable between the dabigatran and vitamin K antagonist groups at 6 months (91% vs 96.5%) and 12 months (91% vs 93%), P = 0.296 (log-rank test), respectively. Major bleeding events were comparable between the dabigatran and vitamin K antagonist groups at 6 months (3.5% vs 2%) and 12 months (3.5% vs 6.5%), P = 0.895 (log-rank test), respectively. The composite endpoint of mortality and major bleed was comparable between dabigatran and vitamin K antagonists at 6 months (4% vs 5%) and 12 months (4% vs 8%), P = 0.875 (log-rank test), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dabigatran, as compared with vitamin K antagonists, is associated with similar stent patency rates and complications among patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome post-endovascular intervention.

Cerebral and Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis: Advances, Challenges, and Unanswered Questions

Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) and splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) are two manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE) at unusual sites. They have an incidence at least 25-50 times lower than usual site VTE, but represent true clinical challenges. Recent evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, prognosis, and treatment of CVT and SVT has been published in the last two decades, thus contributing to a better understanding of these diseases. The improvement in imaging techniques and a higher degree of clinical suspicion may have led to the observed increased frequency, whereas a better knowledge of provoking mechanisms could have contributed to reducing the proportion of events classified as unprovoked or idiopathic (13%-21% of CVT, 15%-27% of SVT). Few small randomized clinical trials and a number of observational studies, although hampered by heterogeneous therapeutic approaches, shed light on the safety and effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy in these populations. However, there are still some grey areas that warrant future research. In this narrative review, we discuss recent advances and therapeutic challenges in CVT and SVT.