Current Therapeutic Approach to Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Congenital Hemophilia

Advances in the treatment of hemophilia have made the life expectancy of hemophiliacs similar to that of the general population. Physicians have begun to face age-related diseases not previously encountered in individuals with hemophilia. Treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is particularly challenging because the therapeutic strategies influence both the patient's thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk. As progress has been made in the treatment of AMI over the last decade, we performed an in-depth analysis of the available literature, highlighting the latest advances in the therapy of AMI in hemophiliacs. It is generally accepted that after the optimal substitution therapy has been provided, patients with hemophilia should be treated in the same way as those in the general population. New-generation stents that allow short dual antiplatelet therapy and potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors have begun to be successfully used. At a time when specific recommendations and relevant data are scarce, our study provides up-to-date information to physicians involved in the treatment of AMI in hemophiliacs.

Hemorrhagic transformation and stroke recurrence in children with cardiac disease receiving antithrombotic therapy for secondary stroke prevention

BACKGROUND

Antithrombotic therapy is currently recommended for stroke prevention in pediatric cardioembolic stroke where the recurrence risk is high; however, safety concerns remain. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic predictors of hemorrhagic transformation and stroke recurrence in children with cardiac disease to ascertain the safety and failure rates for secondary stroke prevention.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of a prospectively enrolled cohort of children with radiologically confirmed cardioembolic stroke from January 2003 to December 2017 treated with institutional guidelines.

RESULTS

Eighty-two children met inclusion criteria (male 44 [54%]; neonates 23 [28%]; median age 0.43 years [0.08-4.23]). Hemorrhagic transformation occurred in 20 (24%) with the majority (75% of 20) being petechial and asymptomatic. One death (1%) was reported from hemorrhagic transformation. Four children (5%) had major extracranial hemorrhage. Most (95%) received antithrombic therapy, with anticoagulation being favored (82%). Greater stroke volume was associated with hemorrhagic transformation using the pediatric Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (6.1 ± 3.3 vs. 3.5 ± 2.3; p = .006). Stroke recurred in 11 (13%) children at a median 32 days (5.5-93) from the index event and the majority (90%) were on treatment at the time of recurrence. Children with univentricular physiology were less likely to have hemorrhagic transformation (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.09-0.96, p = .04); however, they had higher rates of recurrent stroke before final palliative repair.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the 24% hemorrhagic transformation rate, antithrombotic therapy has a positive risk-balance in certain cardioembolic stroke subgroups, particularly in those with single-ventricle physiology, when accounting for stroke volume.

[Are there alternatives to dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting of peripheral arteries?]

It is estimated that more than 200 million people worldwide suffer peripheral artery disease and the rate of amputations remains at a high level. The basis of treatment is timely revascularization wherein the fraction of interventions performed endovascularly has steadily been growing both in Russia and abroad. Nevertheless, the parameters of long-term patency of endovascular reconstructions of the infrainguinal segment are still inferior to open interventions. In order to select an optimal method of revascularization and to predict the duration of patency of the reconstruction modern clinical guidelines suggest using the GLASS and WIfI scales, which may improve the remote results of the intervention. Moreover, modern paclitaxel-coated stents and balloons may help increase primary patency of the reconstruction after endovascular procedures. A not less important method of improving remote results of endovascular treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease is considered to be the use of contemporary regimens of antithrombotic therapy. The VOYAGER PAD trial showed that in patients with peripheral artery disease after endured revascularization of lower limbs rivaroxaban prescribed at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily in a combination with conventional antithrombocytic therapy made it possible to decrease the risk of such ischaemic complications as acute limb ischaemia, major amputation, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and death of cardiovascular causes.

Ischemic stroke as a presenting manifestation of polycythemia vera: a narrative review

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative disorder associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases. In this narrative review, we aimed to analyze the relationships between acute ischemic stroke and PV. We conducted a PubMed/Medline and Web of Sciences Database search using MeSH major terms. We found 75 articles and finally considered 12 case reports and 11 cohort studies. The ischemic stroke resulted as the first manifestation of PV in up to 16.2% of cases; the cumulative rate of cerebrovascular events was up to 5.5 per 100 persons per year and stroke accounted for 8.8% of all PV-related deaths; age, mutations, and a previous history of thrombosis were the main risk factors. The best approach to reduce stroke recurrence risk is unclear, even if some evidence suggests a potential role of lowering hematocrit below 45%. Ischemic stroke represents one of the most common PV manifestations but, despite their relationship, patients with both diseases have a very heterogeneous clinical course and management. PV-related strokes often remain underdiagnosed, especially for the low prevalence of PV. An early diagnosis could lead to prompt treatment with phlebotomy, cytoreduction, and low-dose aspirin to decrease the risk of recurrences. Clinicians should be aware of PV as a risk factor for stroke when approaching the differential diagnosis of cryptogenic strokes. An early diagnosis could positively influence patients' management and clinical outcomes. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of PV treatments in the prevention of cerebrovascular disease.

Endoloop closure following gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection to prevent delayed bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy

OBJECTIVES

Given the high risk of bleeding in post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, a new effective method is needed to prevent delayed bleeding among such patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of endoloop closure, using an endoloop and clips, after gastric ESD to prevent bleeding among patients receiving antithrombotic therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients taking antithrombotic agents who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer between March 2016 and January 2019. Patients were classified into two groups: the endoloop closure group and the control group (no prophylactic treatment). We compared the rates of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding between the two groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 178 patients were included, with 37 patients in the endoloop closure group and 141 patients in the control group. The rate of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding was in general lower in the endoloop closure group than in the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (8% vs. 23%, p = 0.06). Among patients with a resected specimen size <40 mm and those using multiple antithrombotic agents, the endoloop closure group showed a lower rate of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding (0% vs. 16%, p = 0.03 and 10% vs. 70%, p = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Closure using an endoloop and endoclips after gastric ESD might prevent post-procedure bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, particularly in those patients with a resected specimen <40 mm and those receiving multiple antithrombotic agents.

Cerebral microbleeds in neurological practice: concepts, diagnostics and clinical aspects

INTRODUCTION

Due to the widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neurological diagnostics, the number of patients detected as having cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) continues to increase. However, their clinical impact still remains controversial, especially the question of whether CMBs significantly increase the risk of life-threatening intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), or in patients on anticoagulant therapy or statins.

STATE OF THE ART

The term 'CMB' is a radiological concept that aims to illustrate microscopic pathology of perivascular hemosiderin deposits corresponding most probably to small foci of past bleeding. MRI images in sequence T2*-GRE and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) are used for a diagnosis of a CMB. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding the definition, prevalence, genetics, risk factors, radiological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of a CMB. We discuss its role as an indicator of future ischaemic or haemorrhagic events in high risk patients or those on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, and its prognostic value for reperfusion strategies and for the development of dementia.

FUTURE DIRECTION

The place of CMBs in current guidelines is explored herein. It must be emphasised that the recommendations relating to CMBs are expert opinions. Therefore, at the end of this review, we pose a number of questions that future clinical trials should answer.

New antithrombotic strategies and coronary stent technologies for patients at high bleeding risk undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Patients at high bleeding risk (HBR) are a sizable part of the population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent implantation. This population historically lacks standardized definition, thus limiting trial design, data generalizability, and clinical decision-making. To overcome this limitation the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) has recently released comprehensive guidelines defining HBR criteria for study design purpose and daily clinical practice. Furthermore, several risk scores have been developed aiming to discriminate HBR patients and support physicians for clinical decision making when faced with this complex subset of patients. Accordingly, the first part of this review article will explore guideline-recommended risk scoring as well as ARC-HBR criteria and their relative application for daily clinical practice. The second part of this review article will explore the complex interplay between risk of bleeding, and coronary thrombotic events in patients deemed at HBR. Indeed, several features that identify these patients, are also independent predictors of recurrent ischemic events, thus challenging revascularization strategies and optimal antithrombotic therapy. Accordingly, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new generation of coronary platforms and different antithrombotic strategies for HBR patients to minimize both ischemic and bleeding events. Accordingly, in this part we discuss current guidelines, trials and observational data evaluating antithrombotic strategies and stent technologies for patients at HBR.

Prior Antithrombotic Therapy is Associated with Increased Risk of Death in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Findings from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) Study

The association of preceding antithrombotic therapy with outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been well clarified. We investigated the characteristics and associations of prior antithrombotic therapy (oral anticoagulants, antiplatelet therapy or both) in outcomes of in-hospital patients with ICH. Data were derived from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) database. Enrolled patients were categorized by the different types of preceding antithrombotic therapy: antiplatelet therapy (APT), oral coagulants (OAs), both OAs and APT use and no-antithrombotic therapy (no-ATT). Among 85705 patients enrolled, 4969 (5.8%), 720 (0.8%), 905 (1.1%) and 79111 (92.3%) patients were on APT, OAs, both OAs and APT, and non-ATT respectively prior to their admission. Crude in-hospital death was 149(3.0%), 41(5.7%), 46(5.1%) and 1781(2.3%) in APT, OAs, both OAs and APT, and non-ATT groups, respectively (P<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients in prior OAs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-3.21; P=0.0091) and both OAs and APT groups (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.15, P=0.0094) were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared with the non-ATT group, but not in those who were on APT (aOR 1.12, 95% 0.93-1.36, P=0.2372). In the subgroup analysis, a stronger association between prior OAs and in-hospital death was found among patients who were older ≥ 65 years (P for interaction is 0.0382). In this nationwide prospective study, prior OAs and concomitant use of OAs and APT but not prior ATP were associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality compared with ICH patients who were on no-ATT.

Antithrombotic Therapy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment option for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who are candidates for a bioprosthesis across the entire spectrum of risk. However, TAVR carries a risk for thrombotic and bleeding events, underscoring the importance of defining the optimal adjuvant antithrombotic regimen. Antithrombotic considerations are convoluted by the fact that many patients undergoing TAVR are generally elderly and present with multiple comorbidities, including conditions that may require long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) (eg, atrial fibrillation) and antiplatelet therapy (eg, coronary artery disease). After TAVR among patients without baseline indications for OAC, recent data suggest dual-antiplatelet therapy to be associated with an increased risk for bleeding events, particularly early postprocedure, compared with single-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin. Concerns surrounding the potential for thrombotic complications have raised the hypothesis of adjunctive use of OAC for patients with no baseline indications for anticoagulation. Although effective in modulating thrombus formation at the valve level, the bleeding hazard has shown to be unacceptably high, and the net benefit of combining antiplatelet and OAC therapy is unproven. For patients with indications for the use of long-term OAC, such as those with atrial fibrillation, the adjunctive use of antiplatelet therapy increases bleeding. Whether direct oral anticoagulant agents achieve better outcomes than vitamin K antagonists remains under investigation. Overall, single-antiplatelet therapy and OAC appear to be reasonable strategies in patients without and with indications for concurrent anticoagulation. The aim of the present review is to appraise the current published research and recommendations surrounding the management of antithrombotic therapy after TAVR, with perspectives on evolving paradigms and ongoing trials.

Outcomes of systemic anticoagulation with bivalirudin for Impella 5.0

Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices are used for the management of cardiogenic shock. The Impella 5.0 (Abiomed; Danvers, MA) (IMP5) is a commonly used, surgically implanted, tMCS device that requires systemic anticoagulation and purge solution to avoid pump failure. To avoid heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) from unfractionated heparin (UFH) use, our program has explored the utility of bivalirudin (BIV) for systemic anticoagulation in IMP5. This single center, retrospective study included patients supported on IMP5 with BIV based AC. The efficacy and safety end points were recovery, bridge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD), cardiac transplant (HTX), or death as well as clinically significant bleeding, incidence of Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) use for suspected pump thrombosis, stroke, and device failure. There were 31 patients included, and 26 (84%) received BIV purge solutions. The median duration of IMP5 was 6 (IQR 4-10) days. Most patients were bridged to LVAD (39%, 12); 16% (5) were bridged to HTX, 16% (5) recovered, and 29% (9) died. One patient (3%) suffered from ischemic stroke and 12% (4) patients developed clinically significant bleeding. tPA was administered to 8 (26%) patients. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that duration of IMP5 was a significant predictor of tPA use (OR 1.28; 95% Confidence Interval 1.04-1.56). There were no cases of pump failure. Our experience highlights the feasibility of utilizing BIV for routine AC use in IMP5.

Antithrombotic Management for Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention or With Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Update

Combined antithrombotic regimens for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with coronary artery disease, particularly for those who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), presents a great challenge in the real-world clinical scenario. Conventionally, a triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT), which consists of combined oral anticoagulant therapy to prevent systemic embolism or stroke along with dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent coronary arterial thrombosis (CAT), is used. However, TAT has been associated with a significantly increased risk of bleeding. With the emergence of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a better risk-to-benefit ratio of dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) in combination of a NOAC and with a P2Y12 inhibitor than vitamin K antagonist-based TAT. The results of these studies have impacted the recommendations of current international guidelines, which favor a DAT with a NOAC and P2Y12 inhibitor (especially clopidogrel) in this clinical setting. Additionally, aspirin can be administered during the periprocedural period, while the treatment duration of TAT should be as short as possible. In this article, we summarize the up-to-date evidence regarding antithrombotic regimens for AF patients with PCI or ACS, with a specific focus on the optimal approach and critical discussions of key scientific data and future developments for antithrombotic management in these patients.

Clinical Outcome in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Stratified by Type of Antithrombotic Therapy

Background: Antithrombotic therapy influences clinical outcome after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, evidence on the effect of different antithrombotic therapies on outcome and a comparison between different therapies is scarce, while this is important for medical decision making. Therefore, we investigated clinical outcome after ICH stratified by type of antithrombotic therapy.

Patients/Methods: We performed a cohort study selecting consecutive ICH patients from our database, excluding patients without data on medication or therapeutic heparin use. Primary outcome was poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 4) after 90 days. Secondary outcome was mortality at 90 days. We analyzed outcome and survival in patients with ICH using vitamin K antagonists (VKA), antiplatelet therapy (AP), and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) compared to no antithrombotic therapy adjusted for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), infratentorial localization, intraventricular extension, history of hypertension, diabetes, or stroke, and interaction between age and NIHSS.

Results: We included 916 patients (223 AP, 161 VKA, and 40 DOAC). VKA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–6.3) and AP (aOR = 2.0, 95%CI: 1.1–3.7) were associated with poor outcome. DOAC use did not reach statistical significance (aOR = 2.4, 95%CI: 0.8–7.7). Patients who used any antithrombotic therapy had poorer survival compared to patients without antithrombotic treatment and patients using AP and DOAC had better survival compared to VKA after adjustment.

Conclusions: Patients with antithrombotic therapy have worse clinical outcome after ICH. Patients using VKA have higher risk of poor outcome and mortality compared to patients using AP. These findings highlight the deleterious effect of antithrombotic therapy in patients with ICH and stress the need for effective therapies for ICH patients.

Impact of Preinjury Antithrombotic Therapy on 30-Day Mortality in Older Patients Hospitalized With Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Objective: Elderly patients are frequently in need of antithrombotic therapy for reducing thrombotic events. The association between antithrombotic drugs and survival after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, nevertheless, unclear.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients ≥65 years admitted to a Norwegian Level 1 trauma center with TBI identified on cerebral computed tomography (cerebral-CT) during 2014–2019. Preinjury use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants was compared to the prescription rate in the general Norwegian population. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses estimated the association between the use of antithrombotic drugs and mortality.

Results: The study includes 832 consecutive TBI patients ≥65 years. The median age was 76 years, 58% were males, 51% had moderate or severe TBI, and 39% had multiple traumas. Preinjury use of antithrombotics was registered in 471/832 (55.6%) patients; antiplatelet therapy alone in 268, anticoagulant therapy alone in 172, and combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in 31. Antiplatelet use did not differ between the study cohort and the general Norwegian population ≥65 years (31 vs. 31%, p = 0.87). Anticoagulant therapy was used more commonly in the study cohort than in the general Norwegian population (24 vs. 19%, p = 0.04). Combined use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy was significantly associated with 30-day mortality, while preinjury antiplatelet or anticoagulation treatment alone was not. No difference in 30-day mortality between patients using VKA, DOACs, or LMWH was encountered.

Conclusions: In this cohort, neither antiplatelet nor anticoagulant therapy alone was associated with increased 30-day mortality. Anticoagulant use was more prevalent among TBI patients than the general population, suggesting that anticoagulation might contribute to the initiation of intracranial bleeding after blunt head trauma. Combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy posed increased risk of 30-day mortality.

Effect of Antithrombotic Therapy on Secondary Bleeding After Proctological Surgery

Introduction

Surgery for patients taking antithrombotic drugs for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, is increasing because of the aging society. In patients with moderate to high risk for cardiovascular events, receiving antiplatelet therapy, and requiring noncardiac surgery continuing antiplatelet drugs perioperatively is recommended. To date, there have been limited reports on the risk of secondary bleeding after proctological surgery in patients who are administered antithrombotic drugs. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and severity of secondary bleeding after proctological surgery for patients with or without antithrombotic therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 113 patients who underwent proctological surgery in our hospital from March 2009 to February 2019. In general, antiplatelet drugs were continued and anticoagulant drugs were either substituted or withdrawn prior to surgery. The severity of secondary bleeding was classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results

Eighteen patients underwent antithrombotic therapy (A group) and 95 patients did not undergo antithrombotic therapy (N group). Secondary bleeding was observed in nine patients (8.0%) and patients in the A group exhibited a significantly higher rate of secondary bleeding than those in the N group (39% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.01). The median interval from surgery to the onset of secondary bleeding was five days (range: 0-11). The severity of bleeding was the highest in patients administered direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and was the lowest in those administered aspirin. There was no mortality or cardiovascular event.

Conclusion

Antithrombotic therapy carries a high risk of secondary bleeding after proctological surgery. Delaying the postoperative resumption of anticoagulants is considered while balancing the risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications against secondary bleeding.

Role of Different Antithrombotic Regimens after Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Large Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Optimal antithrombotic therapy after left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of different antithrombotic regimens after the procedure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analyzed data of 260 patients who underwent LAA occlusion and divided them into four groups according to therapy at discharge: dual antiplatelet therapy (group A, 71.5%); oral anticoagulants (group B, 19%); "minimal" antithrombotic therapy (single antiplatelet agent or without any antithrombotic therapy; group C, 4.5%) and other therapeutic regimens (such as a combination of antiplatelets and anticoagulants; group D, 4.5%). We analyzed baseline characteristics, procedural data, and clinical and transesophageal follow-up for each group. The incidence of adverse events was low in the whole population and had a similar distribution among groups. The majority of bleeding events was registered during the first 3 months after the procedure (34 out of 46, 70%). Ischemic events (2%), as well as silent left atrial thrombosis, were rare and not significantly higher in the population discharged with "minimal" antithrombotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our experience seems to suggest that LAA occlusion was associated with a low incidence of adverse events, regardless of antithrombotic therapy. A "minimal" drug regimen may be feasible without losing efficacy on embolic prevention for patients with high bleeding risk.

[Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, comorbid atrial fibrillation]

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is caused by the deposition of β-amyloid in small vessels in the cerebral cortex and leptomeninges. Nowadays, CAA is recognized more often due to the development of neuroimaging technologies. The frequency of CAA increases in old age that explains its frequent association with cardiovascular diseases. Combination of CAA with atrial fibrillation (AF) causes particular difficulties in managing of the patients, since antithrombotic drugs prescribed to patients with AF mostly contraindicated in CAA because of increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhages. The article presents a case report of the patient with AF who was admitted to the stroke center with acute ischemic stroke. According to MRI, the focus of acute ischemia was small and localized in the cerebellum. This stroke was regarded as having an undetermined etiology according TOAST classification. Small-vessel occlusion subtype was not diagnosed because the TOAST criteria do not attribute an ischemic focus in the cerebellum to a lacunar stroke, while cardioembolic subtype was rejected due to a small (less than 1.5 cm in diameter) size of the focus. Probable CAA in the patient was diagnosed on the basis of the following MRI data: multiple cortical-subcortical micro-hemorrhages (T2*GRE); a single cortical focus with features of the hemorrhage at the stage of intracellular methemoglobin deposition (T1- weighted MR images); bilateral enlargement of perivascular spaces in semioval centers (FLAIR); a negative fronto-occipital gradient (T2-weighted MR images). A diagnosis of CAA was made in accordance with the 2010 Boston criteria and 2019 recommendations of the International CAA Association. The article discusses the hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic MRI features of CAA. Frequency of occurrence of cortical microinfarcts in CAA is discussed as well as their differences from small cardioembolic infarcts in AF. Algorithms for antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with CAA and AF are considered.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Prior Stroke

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and prior cerebrovascular events (CVE) are frequently faced in clinical practice and present a high rate of both ischemic and bleeding events. For these reasons, the antithrombotic management is particularly challenging in this subgroup of patients. Recent trials suggest that, although a potent antiplatelet strategy is safe in the acute phases of myocardial ischemia for these patients, the risk of major bleeding complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, is extremely high when the antithrombotic therapy is prolonged for a long period of time. Therefore, especially in patients with chronic CAD and history of CVE, the antithrombotic management should be carefully balanced between ischemic and bleeding risks. The present review is aimed at critically evaluating the available evidence to help make these crucial clinical decisions regarding the better antithrombotic therapy to use in this high-risk subgroup of patients.

Thromboembolic Complications in Covid-19: From Clinical Scenario to Laboratory Evidence

SARS-Cov-2 infection, a pandemic disease since March 2020, is associated with a high percentage of cardiovascular complications mainly of a thromboembolic (TE) nature. Although clinical patterns have been described for the assessment of patients with increased risk, many TE complications occur in patients with apparently moderate risk. Notably, a recent statement from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) atherosclerosis and vascular biology working group pointed out the key role of vascular endothelium for the recruitment of inflammatory and thrombotic pathways responsible for both disseminated intravascular coagulation and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiological process linking infection to increased TE risk is needed in order to understand the pathways of this dangerous liaison and possibly interrupt it with appropriate treatment. In this review, we describe the histological lesions and the related blood coagulation mechanisms involved in COVID-19, we define the laboratory parameters and clinical risk factors associated with TE events, and propose a prophylactic anticoagulation treatment in relation to the risk category. Finally, we highlight the concept that a solid risk assessment based on prospective multi-center data would be the challenge for a more precise risk stratification and more appropriate treatment.

[Amputation as an anticipated consequence of peripheral artery disease and ways to improve the prognosis of limb salvage]

Peripheral artery disease is a common and acute social burden worldwide. The main method of treatment of PAD consists in open surgical or endovascular revascularization. However, despite steady growth of the number and quality of interventions, the incidence of lower-limb amputation still remains at a high level. Lower-limb amputation is a severe psychological blow for the patient and leads to significant deterioration of his or her quality of life, as well as has an extremely negative prognosis concerning the frequency of subsequent complications and survival. Consequences of amputations include not only severe disability but also an unfavourable prognosis of life, thus determining the necessity of adequate prevention of such events. Reconstructive and endovascular operations, as well as amputations are associated with a significant increase of the probability of the development of major adverse cardiovascular events, the frequency of repeat hospitalizations and, finally, the cost of treatment. Prescribing pathogenetically substantiated antithrombotic therapy is considered to be one of the methods to improve the results of surgical treatment and prognosis for the patient. Presented in the article is a literature review making it possible to assess the risks and consequences of amputations in patients with PAD, as well as to determine therapy capable of improving the prognosis.

Risk Stratification after an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Significance of Antithrombotic Therapy

The impact of the de-escalation strategy of antiplatelet therapy (APT) on the life expectancy after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requires an assessment in real clinical practice. Into the Russian multicentral observational trial (ORACLE II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04068909), 1803 patients with ACS and PCI indications were enrolled. During 12 months of follow-up, 228 all-cause deaths have occurred. The analysis of death predictors was carried out by the classification tree method. Age, an option of antithrombotic therapy, a history of chronic heart failure, and uric acid level had the greatest prognostic value. The death prediction model's sensitivity was 82.1% in the training cohort and 79.2% in the test cohort. During the observation period, ticagrelor was replaced with clopidogrel (APT de-escalation) in 357 patients. The groups of patients with different antiplatelet therapy options were adjusted for clinical parameters by the pseudorandomization method. The de-escalation group had the lowerest all-cause death rate. The incidence of bleeding and recurrent nonfatal coronary events in the study groups did not differ significantly. Thus, the APT regimen's advantage of changing from the maximum in the first weeks after ACS to moderate at follow-up has been confirmed. There is an obvious need to study the possibilities of individualizing antiplatelet therapy in patients after acute coronary syndromes.

Review: Tissue Engineering of Small-Diameter Vascular Grafts and Their In Vivo Evaluation in Large Animals and Humans

To date, a wide range of materials, from synthetic to natural or a mixture of these, has been explored, modified, and examined as small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (SD-TEVGs) for tissue regeneration either in vitro or in vivo. However, very limited success has been achieved due to mechanical failure, thrombogenicity or intimal hyperplasia, and improvements of the SD-TEVG design are thus required. Here, in vivo studies investigating novel and relative long (10 times of the inner diameter) SD-TEVGs in large animal models and humans are identified and discussed, with emphasis on graft outcome based on model- and graft-related conditions. Only a few types of synthetic polymer-based SD-TEVGs have been evaluated in large-animal models and reflect limited success. However, some polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), show favorable biocompatibility and potential to be further modified and improved in the form of hybrid grafts. Natural polymer- and cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM)-based SD-TEVGs tested in large animals still fail due to a weak strength or thrombogenicity. Similarly, native ECM-based SD-TEVGs and in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs that contain xenogeneic molecules or matrix seem related to a harmful graft outcome. In contrast, allogeneic native ECM-based SD-TEVGs, in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs with allogeneic banked human cells or isolated autologous stem cells, and in-body tissue architecture (IBTA)-based SD-TEVGs seem to be promising for the future, since they are suitable in dimension, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and availability.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: Disproportionate Thrombotic Tendency and Management Recommendations

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS COV-2 virus. Patients with COVID-19 are susceptible to thrombosis due to excessive inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and circulatory stasis, resulting in an increased risk of death due to associated coagulopathies. In addition, many patients receiving antithrombotic therapy for pre-existing thrombotic diseases can develop COVID-19, which can further complicate dose adjustment, choice and laboratory monitoring of antithrombotic treatment. This review summarizes the laboratory findings, the prohemostatic state, incidence of thromboembolic events and some potential therapeutic interventions of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy. We explore the roles of biomarkers of thrombosis and inflammation according to the severity of COVID-19. While therapeutic anticoagulation has been used empirically in some patients with severe COVID-19 but without thrombosis, it may be preferable to provide supportive care based on evidence-based randomized clinical trials. The likely lifting of travel restrictions will accelerate the spread of COVID-19, increasing morbidity and mortality across nations. Many individuals will continue to receive anticoagulation therapy regardless of their location, requiring on-going treatment with low-molecular weight heparin, vitamin K antagonist or direct-acting anticoagulants.

Efficacy and safety of restarting antiplatelet therapy for patients with spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The benefits and risks of restarting antiplatelet therapy (APT) for patients with spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) remain controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to explore the efficacy and safety of restarting APT for these patients.

METHODS

We followed the recommended PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI and the Cochrane Library were systematically retrieved from the inception of each database to 31 July 2020. We also manually retrieved studies of reference.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this study, seven cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) with subjects were included. APT resumption after spontaneous ICH did not significantly increase the risk of major haemorrhagic events (HR 1.15; 95% CI: 0.70-1.89; p = .59). However, it did not significantly reduce the risk of a composite endpoint concerning occlusive/thromboembolic events (HR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.81-1.19; p = .83) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.80-1.08; p = .35).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Restarting APT for patients with spontaneous ICH is generally safe. However, the benefits of reducing the risk of ischaemic vascular events and all-cause mortality were not apparent. More RCTs are required.