Vascular malformation of tongue with phlebothrombosis/phlebolith in a young patient: an unusual presentation

Venous malformations (VMs) are a type of vascular malformation formed by abnormally developed venous channels, with variations in size, pathway and thickness and are therefore a condition which can predispose to thrombosis. We present the case of a VM associated with phlebothrombosis/phlebolith, located on the lingual dorsum of a 20-year-old female patient. Clinical examination revealed a nodule of approximately 5 mm in diameter involving the anterior third of lingual dorsum, with a firm, compressible and non-pulsatile consistency. Histopathologically, the lesion revealed a VM with evidence of phlebothrombosis and phlebolith development. Although VMs manifest infrequently in this age group, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other lesions with similar characteristics in young people.

Use of intravascular hypo- and hyper-attenuation on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography in diagnosing acute septic thrombophlebitis

Septic thrombi, such as those observed in pylephlebitis and Lemierre's syndrome, are characterized by portal vein thrombosis and venous thrombosis with bacterial infection. Although radiographic findings of septic thrombus on contrast-enhanced computed tomography have been well described, no report has described the characteristics of non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We describe a case series of septic thrombophlebitis exhibiting intravascular hypo- and hyper-attenuation on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography. These radiographic features reflect the pathophysiology of septic thrombus, and therefore, it is important and useful to evaluate thrombus attenuation on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Venous Thromboembolism Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases is Not Related to Increased Thrombophilia: A Case-Control Study

GOAL

The aim was to assess whether thrombophilia significantly contributes to the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

BACKGROUND

Patients with IBD have a high risk of VTE. The underlying mechanism has been only partially defined.

METHODS

A case-control study in adults with IBD and an episode of VTE (IBD-VTE) were matched and compared with non-IBD patients with a VTE (non-IBD-VTE). The study population was comprised of patients seen in 2 tertiary medical centers in Israel between 2000 and 2013. Characteristics of IBD and risk factors for VTE were retrieved from medical charts, and a comprehensive thrombophilia panel was completed in all patients.

RESULTS

Forty-four IBD-VTE cases (27 Crohn's disease) were matched with 127 non-IBD-VTE controls. The majority of VTE had a clear etiology and were considered provoked events. Provoked and unprovoked VTE rates were not different between the 2 groups. Likewise, thrombophilia rates were similar among patients with IBD-VTE and controls (40.9% vs. 53.5%, respectively, P=0.14). However, among patients with unprovoked VTE, thrombophilia rates were significantly lower in the IBD-VTE group compared with controls (42.1% vs. 70.7%, respectively, P=0.03). Among patients with IBD-VTE, an unprovoked event, and negative thrombophilia, 77% had active inflammation at the time of VTE.

CONCLUSION

Thrombophilia rates are similar among patients with IBD-VTE and controls but are less common among patients with unprovoked IBD-VTE. This finding suggests that either inflammation or other novel pathways drive VTE in patients with IBD.

Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of neonatal thrombosis: a single-center cohort study

The incidence of neonatal venous and arterial thrombosis ranges from 6.9 to 15/1000 neonatal ICU (NICU) admissions, and is likely an underestimate based on population demographics, frequency of surveillance and vascular catheterization. This retrospective study involving 234 infants reviewed the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of neonatal thrombosis in a single, tertiary care institution over more than 10 years. The incidence of thrombosis was 25/1000 NICU admissions, with a preterm to term infant ratio of 1.5 : 1 and a slightly higher proportion of male sex (55.1%). The mean (range) gestational age and birth weight was 33.8 weeks (23-41.6) and 2360 g (512-5890). The median age (IQR) of thrombus diagnosis was 7 (3-17) days. Portal vein thrombosis was most prevalent (59.4%) compared with other sites of thrombosis. Almost three-quarter (171/234; 73.1%) of the thrombotic episodes were line-related, while infection and surgery were associated with 19.7% (46/234) and 10.7% (25/234), respectively. Twenty patients (8.3%) were screened for thrombophilia and 3 were positive; 2 for antithrombin deficiency, 1 for factor V Leiden gene mutation. Subjects were followed with imaging for 3 months with a treatment duration, mean (IQR) of 33.5 (10.8-42.5) days. Complete clot resolution was significantly higher in the anticoagulation group (48%; 17%; P = 0.03) compared with untreated patients. No group difference was noted for partial thrombus resolution (33.3%; 12.4%; P = 0.313). Anticoagulation halted thrombus progression (2.6 versus 12.4%; P = 0.025) and fewer treated patients failed to attend follow-up visits (6.5 versus 18.6%; P = 0.022). Well designed, multicenter prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.

Absence of COVID-19-associated changes in plasma coagulation proteins and pulmonary thrombosis in the ferret model

BACKGROUND

Many patients who are diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suffer from venous thromboembolic complications despite the use of stringent anticoagulant prophylaxis. Studies on the exact mechanism(s) underlying thrombosis in COVID-19 are limited as animal models commonly used to study venous thrombosis pathophysiology (i.e. rats and mice) are naturally not susceptible to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Ferrets are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, successfully used to study virus transmission, and have been previously used to study activation of coagulation and thrombosis during influenza virus infection.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the use of (heat-inactivated) plasma and lung material from SARS-CoV-2-inoculated ferrets studying COVID-19-associated changes in coagulation and thrombosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Histology and longitudinal plasma profiling using mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach was performed.

RESULTS

Lungs of ferrets inoculated intranasally with SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated alveolar septa that were mildly expanded by macrophages, and diffuse interstitial histiocytic pneumonia. However, no macroscopical or microscopical evidence of vascular thrombosis in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-inoculated ferrets was found. Longitudinal plasma profiling revealed minor differences in plasma protein profiles in SARS-CoV-2-inoculated ferrets up to 2 weeks post-infection. The majority of plasma coagulation factors were stable and demonstrated a low coefficient of variation.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that while ferrets are an essential and well-suited animal model to study SARS-CoV-2 transmission, their use to study SARS-CoV-2-related changes relevant to thrombotic disease is limited.

Clinical characteristics and disease course of splanchnic vein thrombosis in gastrointestinal cancers: A prospective cohort study

Purpose

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SpVT) in solid tumors has not been well investigated. Therefore, the treatment guidelines for SpVT are not well established. We aimed to conduct this prospective study to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors influencing survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer with SpVT.

Materials and methods

Fifty-one patients with gastrointestinal cancer diagnosed with SpVT were prospectively enrolled. The clinical characteristics and courses of SpVT were analyzed.

Results

SpVT occurred in various clinical situations (at the time of initial cancer diagnosis or tumor recurrence after curative therapy, in the postoperative period, during chemotherapy, or in the period of end-of-life care). Among the total patients, 90.2% had no SpVT-related symptoms at initial SpVT diagnosis, and 82.4% did not receive any anticoagulation therapy. The clinical course of SpVT during the follow-up varied: (1) spontaneous resorption without any anticoagulation (47.1%), (2) resorption with anticoagulation (3.9%), (3) persistent thrombosis without progression (17.6%), and (4) SpVT extension (31.4%). Although the SpVT showed extension in some cases, most of them did not cause symptoms or had little impact on the patient’s cancer treatment course. During the follow-up period, 23 patients died, all of which were caused by tumor progression. In the multivariable analysis, performance status and clinical situation at the time of SpVT diagnosis were significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Clinicians could adopt a strategy of close observation for incidentally detected SpVT in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Anticoagulation should be considered only for SpVT cases selected strictly, weighing the risks and benefits.

Frequency and Predictors of Pulmonary Arterial Stump Thrombosis following Pneumonectomy or Lobectomy

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis (PAST) following pneumonectomies/lobectomies is rare; its clinical importance is unknown. The objectives of this study were to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of PAST and the clinical significance in patients with pneumonectomy/lobectomy.

METHODS

All adult cases who underwent pneumonectomy/lobectomy in our hospital for any reason and who underwent control contrast-enhanced thoracic CT during the follow-up period were included in the study. Demographic and clinical features of the patients, data on surgery, and the features of thrombi were recorded.

RESULTS

During the 4-year study period, a total of 454 patients underwent pneumonectomy/lobectomy (93 pneumonectomy and 361 lobectomy). Among the patients, 202 patients (50 pneumonectomy and 152 lobectomy) with at least one follow-up thorax CT were included in the analyses. PAST was detected in 9 (4.5%) of 202 patients and mostly seen in patients with pneumonectomy (lobectomy: 2.6% vs. pneumonectomy: 10%, p = 0.043) and in patients whose pulmonary artery was ligated by using stapler (suture ligation 1% vs. stapler: 7.4%, p = 0.034). Pulmonary artery stump was also longer in patients with PAST (8.48 ± 11.22 mm vs. 23.55 ± 11.22 mm, p < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that pneumonectomy and longer pulmonary artery stump length were found to be significantly associated with PAST (p = 0.041 and p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PAST was detected in 4.5% of our subjects undergoing lobectomy/pneumonectomy. PAST was found to be significantly higher in subjects who underwent pneumonectomy, those with longer pulmonary artery stump, and those with pulmonary artery stump ligated by using stapler.

Ischemic priapism in a 12-year old patient associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a case report

Infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with changes in blood coagulation resulting in increased incidence of venous thromboembolic events and coagulopathy. Moreover, single cases of ischemic priapism have been reported in adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this report, we describe the case of ischemic priapism in a 12-year-old child with recent SARS- CoV-2 infection.

Evolution intra-hospitalière et à trois mois des thromboses veineuses cérébrales auprès du service de neurologie de Befelatanana, Madagascar: une étude de cohorte rétrospective

Le pronostic des thromboses veineuses cérébrales (TVC) est bien meilleur que celui des infarctus cérébraux d´origine artérielle. Nos objectifs étaient de décrire l´évolution intra-hospitalière et à trois mois des TVC auprès du Service de Neurologie de Befelatanana ainsi que la place de l´anticoagulation dans les TVC sans et avec suffusion hémorragique. Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective des patients ayant eu une TVC du 1^er janvier 2014 au 31 décembre 2019 (72 mois). Leurs caractéristiques cliniques, leurs évolutions intra-hospitalière et après 3 mois ont été collectés. Les données ont été analysées avec le logiciel R en comparant les patients ayant une TVC avec et sans suffusion hémorragique avec un p significatif ≤ 0,05. Nous avons enregistré 21/4227 (0,49%) de cas de TVC dont onze patients (52,38%) ont eu une TVC avec suffusion hémorragique. L´âge moyen était de 38,05 ans. La tranche d´âge de 18 à 34 ans (47,62%) était plus représentée. Le genre féminin prédominait dans 76,19% (n=16). A l´admission, le NIHSS < 10 était de 85,71% (n=18) et le mRS < 3 était de 61,90% (n=13). Tous les patients étaient sous anticoagulation. A la sortie de l´hôpital, le NIHSS < 10 était stable (90,47% (n=19)) avec une augmentation de patient avec un mRS < 3 (85,71% (n=18)) dont 3 étaient du groupe avec suffusion hémorragique. Le séjour hospitalier moyen était de 16,04 jours. Un patient du groupe sans suffusion hémorragique décédait pendant l´hospitalisation. A trois mois de leur sortie, seul 9 patients étaient joignables. Leur état neurologique s´améliorait (NIHSS < 10 dans 100% (n=9), mRS à 0 dans 88,89% (n=8)). Aucune différence statistiquement significative n´était trouvée entre les deux groupes en terme de handicap (p=0,757) avec un RR à 0.91 IC [0.04; 6.55] et de décès (p=0,282) (0 décès dans un groupe) entre les deux groupes mis et non mis sous anticoagulant. La mortalité et le handicap liés à la TVC anticoagulée au cours de son évolution sont très faibles. L´accessibilité à un angioscanner cérébral à faible coût permettra une meilleure prise en charge des TVC dans notre service de Neurologie.

Investigation of two general venous thromboembolism risk-stratification models in predicting venous thromboembolic events in TB patients

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an infectious disease with a high prevalence worldwide and represents a major public health concern. It is known that TB causes a hyper-coagulable state due to its infective nature. Thus, patients are prone to higher incidence rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in comparison with the general population. Although there are many risk assessment models (RAMs) that estimate the risk of VTE incidence in the general population, none have been proven to show significant prognostic value in early and accurate VTE prediction among TB patients. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of general RAMs in prediction of VTE incidence in the population of TB-positive patients.

METHODS

The following survey is a retrospective study among patients afflicted with TB, in whom VTE had occurred either during or at the onset of admission. A total number of 865 smear-positive TB cases were recorded in hospital in a 7-year timespan, among which a total sum of 37 patients (67.6% males, age: 56.19 ± 20 years) experienced at least one episode of thromboembolic incidence. We nominated Padua and Geneva RAMs and calculated the scores with regard to their inpatient hospital records.

RESULTS

Of 865 adult hospitalized smear-positive TB patients, 37 patients happened to develop VTE in the course of infection, after excluding the unacceptable data. The incidence of VTE was calculated at 4.27%. Of all VTEs, 73% turned out to be deep venous thromboembolism (DVT), 18.9% were pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), and 8.1% of patients developed both DVT and PTE during the course of disease. Among all cases, 32.4% revealed Geneva score equivalent or >3. It conveys the meaning that these patients were at greater risk for VTE development and were indicated to receive prophylactic medication. Similarly, Padua model was capable of predicting 29.7% cases scoring >4, which is alarming for elevated VTE probability. 21.6% of TB patients, who had developed VTE during the course of their disease eventually passed away.

CONCLUSION

Our statistics show minimal positive predictive value for Padua and Geneva RAMs, which are seemingly in sharp contrast with the excellent validation of these models verified by numerous surveys in general population. This fact could be attributable to failing to consider TB, or in general chronic infections, as independent indicators of VTE incidence. These findings indicate the need for revising the presenting RAMs or establishing a separate RAM for VTE prediction in TB patients, resembling the VTE risk assessment model for cancer patients.

Casting a NET on cancer: the multiple roles for neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The role of the innate immune system has become widely appreciated in cancer and cancer-associated disorders. Neutrophils, the most abundant circulating leukocytes, have prognostic value in determining cancer progression and survival. One of the ways by which neutrophils negatively impact outcome is by formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) which result in release of nuclear chromatin and bioactive proteins into the extracellular space. Here, we review the evidence for NETs contributions to cancer progression, metastasis, and cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT).

RECENT FINDINGS

NETs are increased across several cancer types and predict progression and adverse outcome. Several preclinical and clinical observations implicate NETs in promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis via distinct pathways. Furthermore, NETs are shown to contribute to resistance to immunotherapy. NETs also emerge as key players in the prothrombotic phenotype associated with cancer that can result in potentially life-threatening arterial and venous thrombosis. Recent mechanistic insights expose several potential targets to inhibit NET formation and disrupt the interaction between NETs and tumor cells.

SUMMARY

Clinical and translational insights highlight the central role of NETs in cancer progression and metastasis, disease resistance and CAT. Targeting NETs and NET-associated pathways may represent a novel approach to treat cancer.

Readability and quality assessment of internet-based patient education materials related to deep vein thrombosis

Access to health-related internet information has increased dramatically during the past decade. A significant proportion of this information has been demonstrated to be set at too high a level for general comprehension. The goal of this study was to evaluate the readability and quality of information available on the internet relating to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A search for 'DVT' and 'Deep Vein Thrombosis' was performed on five most commonly accessed search engines. Top hundred websites were reviewed. Website authorship was classified. Each site was assessed using the recognized quality and readability scoring systems. The presence of the health on the net foundation code of conduct (HON-code), a reported quality-assurance marker, was noted. The majority of web sites (45%) were academic or physician compiled. Only 36% of the websites were HON-code certified. HON-code certified sites achieved significantly greater DISCERN and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) scores. Seventy-three percent of the websites were above the recommended sixth-grade readability level. Flesch--Kincaid readability test (FRES) of more than half of the websites (56%) was below 60, which makes them fairly difficult to read by general public. Internet information relating to DVT is of variable quality and largely set at an inappropriate readability level. Given this variability in quality, healthcare providers should direct patients to known sources of reliable, readable online information. Identification of reliable sources may be aided by known markers of quality such as HONcode certification and to educate them to use academic and physician-provided sites which have been shown to contain better-quality information. Moreover, academic and physician-compiled websites should be written in a fashion appropriate for general public consumption.

Guideline No. 417: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Gynaecological Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide gynaecologists with an algorithm and evidence to guide the use of thromboprophylaxis in gynaecological surgery.

TARGET POPULATION

All patients undergoing gynaecological surgery for benign or malignant indications.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

The implementation of this guideline will benefit patients undergoing gynaecological surgery and provide physicians with a standard algorithm for the use of perioperative thromboprophylaxis.

EVIDENCE

The following search terms were entered into MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane in 2017 and 2018: VTE, PE, DVT, thromboprophylaxis, gynaecological surgery, heparin, graduated compression stocking, intermittent pneumatic stocking, obesity, pediatrics, minimally invasive surgery, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, regional anesthesia). Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the reference lists of these articles. There were no date limits, but search results were limited to English language articles only. Searches were updated and incorporated into the guideline up to September 2018.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

INTENDED USERS

Gynaecologists and other members of the surgical team. RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Indirect CT venography of the lower extremities: impact of scan delay and patient factors on contrast enhancement and examination quality

OBJECTIVES

Indirect computed tomography venography (CTV) is often the next imaging modality for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when sonography is inconclusive. Our aim was to investigate the impact of scan delay and patient factors on contrast enhancement (CE) and examination quality in CTV.

METHODS

Patients with clinical suspicion or clinical mimics of DVT in one large hospital were enrolled. Age, sex, body weight, height, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and cardiac output were registered. CTV of the popliteal veins was obtained at 30 s intervals at 30-210 s delays. The proportions of examinations with CE exceeding predefined cut-offs were estimated and subjective examination quality was rated. Changes in CE with time, and associations between patient factors and time to peak contrast enhancement (TPCE) were modelled with mixed effects non-linear and linear regression, respectively.

RESULTS

The CE increased with increasing scan delay and reached a plateau from 120 to 210 s. The percentages of examinations achieving enhancement above cut-offs across all thresholds from 70 to 100 HU were higher at 120 s compared to 90 s (p < 0.001). After 120 s, there were no differences across scan delays for any thresholds. No patient factors showed a significant effect on TPCE. The percentage of examinations rated as acceptable was higher at 120 s compared to 90 s (p < 0.001). After 120 s, there were no statistically significant differences across scan delays.

CONCLUSIONS

No patient factors were associated with TPCE in CTV. A fixed scan delay of 120-210 s yielded the best examination quality.

KEY POINTS

• Contrast enhancement reached a plateau at scan delay between 90 and 120 s. • A scan delay of 120-210 s yielded the best examination quality. • No patient factors were associated with time to peak contrast enhancement.

Treatment of superficial venous insufficiency in a large patient cohort with retrograde administration of ultrasound-guided polidocanol endovenous microfoam versus endovenous laser ablation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes among symptomatic patients with superficial chronic venous insufficiency treated with retrograde ultrasound-guided polidocanol endovenous microfoam 1% (PEM) or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review from a single vein center between October 2013 and June 2019. Procedures were performed on 1070 patients with CEAP class 2-6 and symptomatic superficial venous reflux of the great saphenous vein (GSV) or anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV).

RESULTS

PEM was used for 550 procedures and followed for 43 +/- 13 months and EVLA was used for 520 procedures and followed for 57 +/- 18 months. Following complete treatment, elimination of reflux was documented in 93.5% (514/550) and 92.8% (482/520) of the PEM and EVLA procedures, respectively. During the follow-up period, 18% of patients treated with EVLA returned for additional treatment to address residual symptoms in the affected leg. In C6 patients treated with PEM, 69% (11/16) of ulcers healed in less than one month, compared to 5% (1/21) of patients treated with EVLA. In C4 patients with lesions, resolution of spontaneous bleeding was 100% in both groups. There were no neurological or cardiac adverse events (NCAEs) in the PEM group. Minor complications included asymptomatic DVT (0.5%), 1 common femoral vein thrombus extension, and superficial venous thrombosis (4%) in the Polidocanol Endovenous Microfoam PEM group and asymptomatic DVT (0.8%) and 2 EHITs in the endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) group.

CONCLUSIONS

PEM is comparable in safety and efficacy to EVLA for the treatment of saphenous reflux and associated symptoms. PEM was an effective intervention for most patients with C6 disease. Closure rates in both groups were maintained 36 months post treatment.

Febrile episode unmasking neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus with lytic lesions caused by secondary autoimmune myelofibrosis: Case report

RATIONALE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by numerous immunological abnormalities that lead to multiorgan involvement. Central and peripheral nervous system manifestations are present in 8% to 92% of the cases of SLE. Furthermore, there have been reported cases of secondary autoimmune myelofibrosis associated with SLE.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present the case of a 64-year-old female who was transferred from the Cardiology Department, where she was admitted for pericardial-pleural-peritoneal effusion after being discharged from another hospital following the resolution of a febrile episode. During hospitalization, she presented multiple oculomotor nerves palsies and weakness in the lower limbs. Serial cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extensive cerebral venous thrombosis. Nerve conduction studies showed sensory-motor axonal polyneuropathy. Thoracic MRI revealed a rare finding in patients with SLE - lytic lesions.

DIAGNOSES

Extensive clinical, imaging, blood, and urine tests were performed. The patient exhibited pancytopenia, elevated inflammatory markers, hyperhomocysteinemia, mild hypoproteinemia, and severe proteinuria. The Hematology consultation ascertained that the peripheral blood smear and the bone marrow aspiration showed no alterations suggestive for a primary hematological disease and the thoracic vertebral-medullary MRI changes had a very low probability of representing osteolytic lesions in the context of plasma cells dyscrasia, but could not exclude their being result of a secondary autoimmune myelofibrosis. Immunology blood tests highlighted the presence of antinuclear antibodies and lupus anticoagulants. In this context, the Rheumatology consultation established the diagnosis of SLE with multiple complications.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received treatment with cyclophosphamide.

OUTCOMES

The ocular motricity problems and the paraparesis showed improvement. However, 1 week later, the patient developed weakness, dyspnea, and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The abdominal-pelvic computed tomography scan indicated an acute right retroperitoneal hematoma with active bleeding for which she underwent arterial embolization of the spinal lumbar arteries with optimal result, but she died a few days later.

LESSONS

We chose to present this case in order to highlight the importance of interdisciplinarity in diagnosing and managing patients with SLE and multiorgan ailments, especially when faced with rare constellations of complications such as extensive cerebral venous thrombosis and osseous lytic lesions caused by secondary autoimmune myelofibrosis.

[Venous thromboembolic disease during pregnancy : diagnosis, treatment and follow-up]

Venous thromboembolism is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality with an overall incidence of 1-2 cases per 1000 pregnancies. The purpose of this article is to summarize more recent recommendations for the management of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and post-partum period.

Novel venous thromboembolism mouse model to evaluate the role of complete and partial factor XIII deficiency in pulmonary embolism risk

BACKGROUND

Venous thrombosis (VT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), collectively venous thromboembolism (VTE), cause high mortality and morbidity. Factor XIII (FXIII) crosslinks fibrin to enhance thrombus stability and consequently may influence PE risk. Elucidating mechanisms contributing to PE is limited by a lack of models that recapitulate human PE characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a mouse model that permits embolization of red blood cell (RBC)- and fibrin-rich VT and determine the contribution of FXIII to PE risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a thrombin-infusion PE model, F13a+/+ , F13a+/- , and F13a-/-  mice had similar incidence of microthrombi in the lungs; however, thrombi were small, with low RBC content (≤7%), unlike human PEs (~70%). To identify a model producing PE consistent with histological characteristics of human PE, we compared mouse femoral vein electrolytic injury, femoral vein FeCl3 injury, and infrarenal vena cava (IVC) stasis models of VT. Electrolytic and FeCl3  models produced small thrombi with few RBCs (5% and 4%, respectively), whereas IVC stasis produced large thrombi with higher RBC content (68%) that was similar to human PEs. After IVC stasis and ligature removal (de-ligation) to permit thrombus embolization, compared to F13a+/+ mice, F13a+/-  and F13a-/-  mice had similar and increased PE incidence, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to thrombin infusion-, electrolytic injury-, and FeCl3 -based models, IVC stasis produces thrombi that are more histologically similar to human thrombi. IVC stasis followed by de-ligation permits embolization of existing RBC- and fibrin-rich thrombi. Complete FXIII deficiency increases PE incidence, but partial deficiency does not.

Effect of Obesity on Percutaneous Thrombectomy Outcomes in the Treatment of Lower Limb Deep Vein Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of obesity on percutaneous thrombectomy (PT) results for the management of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Department of Cardiology, Avcilar Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, between August 2020 and January 2021.

METHODOLOGY

Patients who underwent PT for lower limb DVT were included. Patients' demographic characteristics, operative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were recorded in prospective manner. Patients were divided into two groups, as patients with body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 (Group 1) and patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (Group 2). The two groups were compared according to patient demographic properties, intraoperative results, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Eventually, 62 patients were enrolled into the non-obese group and 30 patients had BMI ≥30 Kg/m2. Comparison of the groups demonstrated that the mean operation time and the mean fluoroscopy time were significantly higher in obese patients (121.5 min vs. 134.5, p = 0.017 and 19.8 min vs. 25.9 min, p = 0.006, respectively). In addition, the mean hospitalisation period and the mean ICU stay were significantly longer in patients with ≥30 kg/m2 (p = 0.025 and p = 0.007). Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score in the first hour was significantly higher in obese patients (2.4 vs. 3.0, p = 0.008). The presence of obesity did not have a significant effect on success and complication rates following PT (p = 0.368 and p = 0.646).

CONCLUSION

Obesity prolonged operation time and fluoroscopy time during PT. Additionally, obesity was associated with significantly longer hospitalisation period, and ICU stay, and higher VAS score in the first hour following PT. Key Words: Complication, Deep vein thrombosis, Obesity, Percutaneous thrombectomy, Success, VAS score.

Attitudes of women towards products containing hormones (hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy): what changes from pre to postmenopause?

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the actual perceptions of hormonal contraceptives (HC) in women of reproductive age in comparison with similar concerns of postmenopausal women in relation to hormone therapy (HT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire-based study was conducted in a population of 370 women, 198 (53.5%) premenopausal and 172 (46.5%) postmenopausal. Perceptions were evaluated using specific questions and Likert scales (-5 to +5).Multivariate regression analyses were adjusted for categories of HC/HT use (never, past and current).

RESULTS

The most reported adverse effect associated with hormonal treatments was venous thrombosis (1.4 ± 0.1), especially for HC use in premenopausal women (p < .0001). According to responses, hormonal treatments can increase the risk of developing venous thrombosis (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.67-0.96, p = .004) and depression (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.69-0.92, p = .002) more in pre-menopause, while they can increase the risk of weight gain more in post-menopause (OR 1.24: 95% CI 1.07-1.42, p = .003).The greatest oncological concern throughout life was about breast cancer (0.9 ± 0.1). There was the perception that hormonal treatments can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer more in post-menopause (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.19-1.75, p = .0002), while they can increase the risk of uterine cervix cancer more in pre-menopause (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.52-0.97, p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that our patients are primarily concerned about the effects of hormonal treatments on venous thrombosis, mood, breast cancer and cervical cancer risk, and, later in life, about their impact on weight gain, breast and ovarian cancer risk.KEY MESSAGESYoung patients are primarily concerned about the effects of hormonal treatments on venous thrombosis, mood, breast cancer and cervical cancer risk.Older patients are primarily concerned about the effects of hormonal treatments on weight gain, breast and ovarian cancer risk.The greatest oncological concern throughout life was about breast cancer.

Sagittal sinus thrombosis in a patient with familial Protein C deficiency: Highlighting the impact of thrombophilia testing

Plasma protein-C is a natural anticoagulant that inactivates factors Va and VIIIa. Familial protein C deficiency is inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder. The homozygous or compound heterozygous type may present early as purpura fulminant, while the heterozygous type can present as thromboembolism later in life. Presented in this report is a case of a 21-year-old female patient with protein-C deficiency, confirmed by thrombophilia investigations. She experienced recurrent deep vein thrombosis and cerebral sinus thrombosis due to thrombotic occlusion. She had a family history of deep vein thrombosis. Hence, high-risk cases should be seriously considered for long term anticoagulation therapy. The utility versus futility of thrombophilia testing in a particular situation is discussed to address and ensure safe practice among patients with thromboembolism.

Anticoagulation treatment for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its clinical effectiveness in 2020: A meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

To better inform efforts to treat and control the current outbreak with effective anticoagulant treatment strategies for coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

METHODS

We searched Cochrane Library, Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCIEXPANDED, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI (Chinese Database), WanFang (Chinese Database), CBM (Chinese Database), VIP (Chinese Database) for studies published from November 1, 2019 to October 1, 2020, and we searched references of identified articles. Studies were reviewed for methodological quality. A random-effects model was used to pool results. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies involving 7681 patients were included. We meta-analyzed the bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism risk between no anticoagulation and prophylactic anticoagulation, and found no significant difference. The same trend occurred in the comparison between with and without anticoagulation. However, when compared with no anticoagulation, both prophylactic anticoagulation (odd ratio [OR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.93) and therapeutic anticoagulation (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.80-1.05) had lower risk of mortality. Furthermore, the risk of overall bleeding among patients with therapeutic anticoagulation was 3.11 times (95% CI: 2.29-4.24) than that of patients with prophylactic anticoagulation. On the contrary, therapeutic anticoagulation had lower risk of deep vein thrombosis than prophylactic anticoagulation (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Among coronavirus disease 2019 patients, preventive and therapeutic anticoagulation were more beneficial than no anticoagulation for reducing mortality rate. The result will inform healthcare providers and public health policy makers in efforts to treat and control the current outbreak.

Determination of risk factors for fever after transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads for hepatocellular carcinoma

This study was to identify risk factors affecting postembolization fever (PEF) of CalliSpheres drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).One hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients with HCC who underwent DEB-TACE with fever between June 2017 and May 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into 4 groups based on the severity of posttransarterial chemoembolization (TACE) fever according to the degrees of body temperature. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistics regression were performed to identify potential risk factors for post-TACE fever.In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, pre-TACE blood urea, small particle size and Cental liqefction (P < .05) were independent risk factors of severe post-TACE fever (P < .05, respectively). Portal vein thrombosis (P < .01), Child-Pugh stage (P < .01), and cycles of DEB-TACE (P < .05) were independent risk factors for clinical death, PEF was not associated with clinical death (P = .754) and 6-month survival (P = .524) in the univariate analysis. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression was performed, and Child-Pugh stage (B vs A) (P = .040) and portal vein thrombosis (yes vs no) (P = .033) were independent factors predicting unfavorable overall survival in HCC patients.Pre-TACE blood urea, small particle size, and Cental liqefction were significantly correlated with the occurrence fever after DEB-TACE. Therefore, these factors should be taken into full consideration for the relief of fever. However, PEF after D-TACE was not associated with clinical death and 6-month survival rate.

Efficacy and safety of combined administration of erythropoietin and iron in comparison to iron therapy alone in orthopaedic surgery: systematic review and metanalysis

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency anaemia in orthopaedic surgery is common and there is increased risk of blood transfusion and associated adverse reactions. The management involves administration of iron (oral or intravenous) and erythropoietin stimulating agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched for PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane database to identify the studies from inception to April 2021. Randomized controlled trials with adult patients undergoing orthopedic surgery were included. The metanalysis compared patients who were administered combination of erythropoietin stimulating agents and iron in one group and iron alone. The primary outcome was the rate of blood transfusion and the secondary outcome studied were postoperative hemoglobin concentration, after treatment hemoglobin levels, and complications like mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and renal dysfunction.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included. The combination of ESA and iron decreased number of patients who required blood transfusion in comparison to patients treated with iron therapy alone (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.91, I.

CONCLUSION

<ref id="2">2</ref> = 65%; p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis with oral and intravenous iron, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.24). Administration of erythropoietin either in high ( 80,000 IU) or low dose ( 80,000 IU) resulted in lower blood transfusion rates (p = 0.0007) with no significant difference between groups. The risk of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism did not significantly increase. Combined administration of ESA and iron versus iron only reduces the number of red blood cell transfusions in the postoperative period in orthopedic procedures with minimal risk of complications.

Deep Venous Thrombosis With Symptomatic Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism After Using an Infrapatellar Strap for Patellofemoral Pain in an Athletic Cardiothoracic Surgeon

ABSTRACT

Knee braces and patellar straps are frequently prescribed devices for treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. In this report, we describe the occurrence of localized deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after use of an infrapatellar strap. Until now, external mechanical compression has not been recognized as a cause of DVT. In young and athletic patients presenting with DVT, after exclusion of the most prominent risk factors, untraditional causes should be considered to mistakenly label a DVT as unprovoked.

Precise Warfarin Management through Personalized Modeling and Control with Limited Clinical Data

Warfarin belongs to a medication class called anticoagulants or blood thinners. It is used for the treatment to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. Patients with venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or who have suffered a heart attack, have an irregular heartbeat, or prosthetic heart valves are prescribed with warfarin. It is challenging to find optimal doses due to inter-patient and intra-patient variabilities and narrow therapeutic index. This work presents an individualized warfarin dosing method by utilizing the individual patient model generated using limited clinical data of the patients with chronic conditions under warfarin anticoagulation treatment. Then, the individual precise warfarin dosing is formalized as an optimal control problem, which is solved using the DORBF control approach. The efficiency of the proposed approach is compared with results obtained from practiced clinical protocol.

Venous and arterial thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

The risk of thromboembolism (TE) is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly due to an increased risk of venous TE (VTE). The risk of arterial TE (ATE) is less pronounced, but an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases needs to be addressed in IBD patients. IBD predisposes to arterial and venous thrombosis through similar prothrombotic mechanisms, including triggering activation of coagulation, in part mediated by impairment of the intestinal barrier and released bacterial components. VTE in IBD has clinical specificities, i.e., an earlier first episode in life, high rates during both active and remission stages, higher recurrence rates, and poor prognosis. The increased likelihood of VTE in IBD patients may be related to surgery, the use of medications such as corticosteroids or tofacitinib, whereas infliximab is antithrombotic. Long-term complications of VTE can include post-thrombotic syndrome and high recurrence rate during post-hospital discharge. A global clot lysis assay may be useful in identifying patients with IBD who are at risk for TE. Many VTEs occur in IBD outpatients; therefore, outpatient prophylaxis in high-risk patients is recommended. It is crucial to continue focusing on prevention and adequate treatment of VTE in patients with IBD.

Hypercoagulable Disorders in Orthopaedics: Etiology, Considerations, and Management

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Hypercoagulable disorders (HCDs) can be inherited or acquired. An HCD of either etiology increases the chance of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs).

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Patients with an HCD often have the condition discovered only after surgical complications.

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We recommend that patients with a concern for or a known HCD be referred to the appropriate hematological specialist for workup and treatment.

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Tourniquet use in the orthopaedic patient with an HCD is understudied and controversial. We recommend that tourniquets be avoided in the surgical management of patients with an HCD, if possible. When tourniquets are applied to patients with unknown HCD status, close follow-up and vigilant postoperative examinations should be undertaken.

Using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method to explore how elastic compression therapy is organised and could be improved from a multistakeholder perspective

OBJECTIVES

Elastic compression stocking (ECS) therapy is an important treatment for patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This study aimed to provide insight into the structure and variability of the ECS therapy process, its effects on outcomes, and to elicit improvement themes from a multiple stakeholder perspective.

DESIGN

Thirty semi-structured interviews with professionals and patients were performed. The essential functions for the process of ECS therapy were extracted to create two work-as-done models using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM). These findings were used to guide discussion between stakeholders to identify improvement themes.

SETTING

Two regions in the Netherlands, region Limburg and region North-Holland, including an academic hospital and a general hospital and their catchment region.

PARTICIPANTS

The interviewees were purposely recruited and included 25 healthcare professionals (ie, general practitioners, internists, dermatologists, nurses, doctor's assistants, occupational therapists, home care nurses and medical stocking suppliers) and 5 patients with DVT or CVI.

RESULTS

Two FRAM models were created (one for each region). The variability of the functions and their effect on outcomes, as well as interdependencies between functions, were identified. These were presented in stakeholder meetings to identify the structure of the process and designated variable and uniform parts of the process and its outcomes. Ultimately, six improvement themes were identified: dissemination of knowledge of the entire process; optimising and standardising initial compression therapy; optimising timing to contact the medical stocking supplier (when oedema has disappeared); improving the implementation of assistive devices; harmonising follow-up duration for patients with CVI; personalising follow-up and treatment duration in patients with DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided a detailed understanding of how ECS therapy is delivered in daily practice by describing major functions and variability in performances and elicited six improvement themes from a multistakeholder perspective.

Remote history of VTE is associated with severe COVID-19 in middle and older age: UK Biobank cohort study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, life-threatening complication of COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 risk-prediction models include a history of VTE. However, it is unclear whether remote history (>9 years previously) of VTE also confers increased risk of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate possible association between VTE and COVID-19 severity, independent of other risk factors.

METHODS

Cohort study of UK Biobank participants recruited between 2006 and 2010. Baseline data, including history of VTE, were linked to COVID-19 test results, COVID-19-related hospital admissions, and COVID-19 deaths. The risk of COVID-19 hospitalization or death was compared for participants with a remote history VTE versus without. Poisson regression models were run univariately then adjusted stepwise for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and comorbid covariates.

RESULTS

After adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders and comorbid conditions, remote history of VTE was associated with nonfatal community (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.02-2.54, p = .039), nonfatal hospitalized (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.06-2.17, p = .024) and severe (hospitalized or fatal) (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04-1.89, p = .025) COVID-19. Associations with remote history of VTE were stronger among men (severe COVID-19: RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14-2.42, p = .009) than for women (severe COVID-19: RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.66-1.74, p = .786).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support inclusion of remote history of VTE in COVID-19 risk-prediction scores, and consideration of sex-specific risk scores.

CHIVA method for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Many surgical approaches are available to treat varicose veins secondary to chronic venous insufficiency. One of the least invasive techniques is the ambulatory conservative hemodynamic correction of venous insufficiency method (in French 'cure conservatrice et hémodynamique de l'insuffisance veineuse en ambulatoire' (CHIVA)), an approach based on venous hemodynamics with deliberate preservation of the superficial venous system. This is the second update of the review first published in 2013.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of the CHIVA method with alternative therapeutic techniques to treat varicose veins.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registries to 19 October 2020. We also searched PUBMED to 19 October 2020 and checked the references of relevant articles to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared CHIVA to other therapeutic techniques to treat varicose veins.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed and selected studies, extracted data, and performed quantitative analysis from the selected papers. A third author solved any disagreements. We assessed the risk of bias in included trials with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We calculated the risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), number of people needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB), and the number of people needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We evaluated the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. The main outcomes of interest were the recurrence of varicose veins and side effects.

MAIN RESULTS

For this update, we identified two new additional studies. In total, we included six RCTs with 1160 participants (62% women) and collected from them eight comparisons. Three RCTs compared CHIVA with vein stripping. One RCT compared CHIVA with compression dressings in people with venous ulcers. The new studies included three comparisons, one compared CHIVA with vein stripping and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and one compared CHIVA with vein stripping and endovenous laser therapy. We judged the certainty of the evidence for our outcomes as low to very low due to inconsistency, imprecision caused by the low number of events and risk of bias. The overall risk of bias across studies was high because neither participants nor personnel were blinded to the interventions. Two studies attempted to blind outcome assessors, but the characteristics of the surgery limited concealment. Five studies reported the outcome clinical recurrence of varicose veins with a follow-up of 18 months to 10 years. CHIVA may make little or no difference to the recurrence of varicose veins in the lower limb compared to stripping (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.20; 5 studies, 966 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether CHIVA reduced recurrence compared to compression dressing (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.96; 1 study, 47 participants; very low-certainty evidence). CHIVA may make little or no difference to clinical recurrence compared to RFA (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.74 to 5.53; 1 study, 146 participants; low-certainty evidence) and endovenous laser (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.06; 1 study, 100 participants; low-certainty evidence). We found no clear difference between CHIVA and stripping for the side effects of limb infection (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.10; 3 studies, 746 participants; low-certainty evidence), and superficial vein thrombosis (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.17; 4 studies, 846 participants; low-certainty evidence). CHIVA may reduce slightly nerve injury (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.98; NNTH 9, 95% CI 5 to 100; 4 studies, 846 participants; low-certainty evidence) and hematoma compared to stripping (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.97; NNTH 11, 95% CI 5 to 100; 2 studies, 245 participants; low-certainty evidence). For bruising, one study found no differences between groups while another study found reduced rates of bruising in the CHIVA group compared to the stripping group. Compared to RFA, CHIVA may make little or no difference to rates of limb infection, superficial vein thrombosis, nerve injury or hematoma, but may cause more bruising (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28; NNTH 8, CI 95% 5 to 25; 1 study, 144 participants; low-certainty evidence). Compared to endovenous laser, CHIVA may make little or no difference to rates of limb infection, superficial vein thrombosis, nerve injury or hematoma. The study comparing CHIVA versus compression did not report side effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There may be little or no difference in the recurrence of varicose veins when comparing CHIVA to stripping (low-certainty evidence), but CHIVA may slightly reduce nerve injury and hematoma in the lower limb (low-certainty evidence). Very limited evidence means we are uncertain of any differences in recurrence when comparing CHIVA with compression (very low-certainty evidence). CHIVA may make little or no difference to recurrence compared to RFA (low-certainty evidence), but may result in more bruising (low-certainty evidence). CHIVA may make little or no difference to recurrence and side effects compared to endovenous laser therapy (low-certainty evidence). However, we based these conclusions on a small number of trials with a high risk of bias as the effects of surgery could not be concealed, and the results were imprecise due to the low number of events. New RCTs are needed to confirm these results and to compare CHIVA with approaches other than open surgery.

Low awareness of venous thromboembolism among the general population: a call for increased public enlightenment programs

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a notable but often ignored cause of disability and death. Improved public awareness of the symptoms and risks associated with VTE reduces the burden of disease.

AIM

We aimed to determine the awareness of VTE among the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study using a pre-tested, pre-validated Ipsos-Reid questionnaire between October 2019 to March 2020. The questionnaire was distributed to consenting adults in the capital cities of Enugu and Ebonyi states of South-Eastern Nigeria to determine their awareness and knowledge of the symptoms and risk factors of VTE.

RESULTS

A total of 284 adults participated with a mean age of 32.73 ± 10.33 years and majority (70.8%) had a post-secondary education. While majority were aware of other medical conditions like a heart attack (96.1%), stroke (97.2%), diabetes (98.2%), HIV/AIDS (98.6%), cancer (97.2%) and malaria (98.2), just a few of the subjects were aware of thrombosis (41.5%) and DVT (33.8%). Less than half (42.4%) correctly described DVT as a blood clot in the vein and 13.7% of the respondents knew what PE feels like. A minority of them knew the risk factors of VTE included hospital stay (19.0%), surgery (37.2%), cancer (31.6%), pregnancy (31.6%) and old age (29.6%). Age and gender showed no statistically significant association with awareness of VTE, p value, 0.491 and 0.287, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The awareness of VTE in the general population is low. Public awareness programs should be a public health priority to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with VTE.

MUFFIN-PTS trial, Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction for the Treatment of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

After deep vein thrombosis, up to 50% of patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS is a chronic condition that reduces quality of life (QOL). Cornerstones of PTS treatment include the use of elastic compression stockings but this treatment is usually incompletely effective and is burdensome. Venoactive drugs have been reported to be effective to treat chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, the level of evidence supporting their use in CVI in general and in PTS in particular is low.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The MUFFIN-PTS trial is an academic, publically funded, multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial assessing the efficacy of micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF, Venixxa), a venoactive drug, to treat PTS. Eighty-six patients with PTS (Villalta score (VS) ≥5) and experiencing at least two of the following PTS manifestations among daily leg heaviness, cramps, pain or oedema will be randomised to receive 1000 mg of oral MPFF or a similar appearing placebo for 6 months, in addition to their usual PTS treatment. Total study follow-up will be 9 months, with visits at inclusion/baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. Primary outcome is the proportion of patients with improvement in VS in each group, where improvement is defined as a decrease of at least 30% in VS or a VS <5 in the PTS-affected leg. Main secondary outcomes include QOL and patient satisfaction.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Primary ethics approval was received from Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) West-Central Montreal Research Ethics Board. Results of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03833024); Pre-results.

May Thurner syndrome: Sixty years later

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) was described sixty years ago. Once ignored for several years, it is currently a recognized pathology in the vascular surgery community; but not long ago due to several factors, it was underdiagnosed and sub-optimally treated. In the last 20 years, with renewed interest in venous pathology, technical imaging advances and the recent interventional procedures, it has become a better known disease. On the other hand, nowadays the easiness in diagnosis and treatment of the syndrome has lead to overtreatment of such patients. In this article, we do a historical review and describe the significant advances and current management of May-Thurner syndrome.

[Cirrhosis and coagulation : implications for clinical practice]

Coagulation disorders related to abnormalities in hepatic synthesis are well known as prognostic factors in hepatic cirrhosis. The risk of bleeding, mainly linked to portal hypertension, must be weighed against the risk of thrombosis, the most frequent manifestation of which is portal venous thrombosis. Conventional laboratory tests are not a reliable reflection of this delicate balance. The use of prophylactic anticoagulation in hospitalized patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis or therapeutic anticoagulation in venous thrombosis is recommended in most cases, in the absence of contraindications.

An investigation of sickle cell trait, body mass index, and fitness in relation to venous thromboembolism among African American adults

BACKGROUND

The relationships of sickle cell trait (SCT), body mass index (BMI), and physical fitness to venous thromboembolism (VTE) in young adults have received little attention.

OBJECTIVES

To test for associations among SCT, BMI, fitness, and VTE.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 48,316 SCT-tested, African American individuals in the US Army during 2011-14. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compute adjusted hazards of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) associated with selected factors.

RESULTS

Incidence rates of DVT and PE were 1.09 and 0.91 cases per 1000 person-years, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for DVT for men and women with SCT were 0.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4-2.0; P = .711) and 1.51 (CI: 0.7-3.2; P = .274), respectively. aHRs for PE for SCT+ men and women were 1.1 (CI: 0.5-2.4; P = .773) and 1.2 (CI: 0.5-3.1; P = .650), respectively. Low physical fitness was associated with DVT and PE in women (DVT aHR =3.1; CI: 1.4-6.5; P = .004; PE aHR =4.6; CI: 2.1-9.9; P < .001) and DVT in men (aHR =2.2; CI: 1.0-4.6; P = .048). Recent weight gain of 1 or more BMI points was associated with DVT in men (aHR =1.8; CI: 1.1-2.8; P = .017).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence of increased VTE risk associated with SCT in this population. However, lower fitness levels and BMI increases were so associated.

Rare Defects: Looking at the Dark Face of the Thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) constitutes a serious and potentially fatal disease, often complicated by pulmonary embolism and is associated with inherited or acquired factors risk. A series of risk factors are known to predispose to venous thrombosis, and these include mutations in the genes that encode anticoagulant proteins as antithrombin, protein C and protein S, and variants in genes that encode instead pro-coagulant factors as factor V (FV Leiden) and factor II (FII G20210A). However, the molecular causes responsible for thrombotic events in some individuals with evident inherited thrombosis remain unknown. An improved knowledge of risk factors, as well as a clear understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of VTE, are crucial to achieve a better identification of patients at higher risk. Moreover, the identification of genes with rare variants but a large effect size may pave the way for studies addressing new antithrombotic agents in order to improve the management of VTE patients. Over the past 20 years, qualitative or quantitative genetic risk factors such as inhibitor proteins of the hemostasis and of the fibrinolytic system, including fibrinogen, thrombomodulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and elevated concentrations of factors II, FV, VIII, IX, XI, have been associated with thrombotic events, often with conflicting results. The aim of this review is to evaluate available data in literature on these genetic variations to give a contribution to our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in physiologic and pathophysiologic clot formation and their role in clinical practice.