Idarucizumab for Dabigatran Reversal

Acute Stroke Treatment in an Anticoagulated Patient: When Is Thrombolysis an Option?

Purpose of Review

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs: the factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban and the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran) are the mainstay of stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, there is a residual stroke risk of 1–2% per year despite DOAC therapy. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) reduces morbidity in patients with ischemic stroke and improves functional outcome. Prior DOAC therapy is a (relative) contraindication for IVT but emerging evidence supports its use in selected patients.

Recent Findings

Recent observational studies highlighted that IVT in patients on prior DOAC therapy seems feasible and did not yield major safety issues. Different selection criteria and approaches have been studied including selection by DOAC plasma levels, non-specific coagulation assays, time since last intake, and prior reversal agent use. The optimal selection process is however not clear and most studies comprised few patients.

Summary

IVT in patients taking DOAC is a clinically challenging scenario. Several approaches have been proposed without major safety issues but current evidence is weak. A patient-oriented approach balancing potential benefits of IVT (i.e., amount of salvageable penumbra) against expected bleeding risk including appropriate monitoring of anticoagulant activity seem justified.

[Perioperative management of platelet function and anticoagulation in geriatric patients]

Geriatric patients often have cardiovascular diseases that require differentiated perioperative management of hemostasis. The operation-related bleeding risk and the individual thromboembolism risk mutually influence each other, so that a differentiated preoperative assessment of the further prescription of coagulation-modulating medication is required. In many cases the active coagulation medication can be interrupted without replacement or continued unchanged. In cardiovascular diseases with antiplatelet medication, the preoperative risk-benefit assessment for most operations leads to the continuation of previous platelet aggregation inhibitor monotherapy; however, if there is a high risk of cardiovascular thromboembolism with dual platelet inhibition, the individual perioperative medication should be closely coordinated with a geriatrician or cardiologist.In most cases, the intake of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) can be preoperatively interrupted. In cases of high risk of thromboembolism, a temporary bridging with heparin must be carried out. The introduction of the four new direct oral antagonists (DOAC) has made the perioperative management of anticoagulation much easier. Bridging with heparin is not necessary. Perioperatively, only the dosage and timing of interruption of the DOACs have to be determined individually depending on the operative bleeding risk as well as the age, body weight and kidney function of the patient. If bleeding complications arise under the influence of the DOACs, antidotes are available for three of the four DOACs, which in acute cases can be used in addition to prothrombin complex concentrates and fresh frozen plasma to normalize coagulation.

Anticoagulation in Acute Neurological Disease

While anticoagulation and its reversal have been of clinical relevance for decades, recent academic and technological advances have expanded the repertoire of its application in neurological disease. The advent of direct oral anticoagulants provides effective, mechanistically elegant, and relatively safer therapeutic options than warfarin for eligible patients at risk for neurological sequelae of prothrombotic states, particularly given the recent availability of corresponding reversal agents. In this review, we examine the provenance, indications, safety, and reversal tools for anticoagulant medications in the context of neurological disease, with specific attention to acute ischemic stroke, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and intracerebral hemorrhage. We will use specific clinical scenarios to illustrate the complex factors that must be considered in the use of anticoagulation, including intracranial pathology such as intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, or malignancy; metabolic complications such as chronic kidney disease; pregnancy; and advanced age.

Prophylaxis Against Thromboembolic Events During Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients with advanced germ cell tumors (GCT) receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy have high rates of thromboembolic events (TEE) which can negatively affect their overall survival. While primary TEE prophylaxis during chemotherapy may prevent these events, it is unclear which patients will benefit in this setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of PubMed/Medline was conducted in December 2020 and all pertinent articles were evaluated for relevancy and quality of data for inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

Studies on patients receiving initial cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced GCT have reported up to a 19% rate of TEE. This high rate may be associated with multiple factors including retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, advanced clinical stage, high risk Khorana scores and presence of a central line. Large phase III clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of low-molecular-weight-heparin and direct oral anticoagulants for primary prophylaxis and against recurrent TEE. However, primary prophylaxis is currently underutilized with GCT patients starting chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Precise models to predict TEE risk and consideration of anticoagulation are difficult to develop owing to the relatively uncommon nature of GCT and lack of representation in primary TEE prophylaxis clinical trials. Despite these limitations, we believe that the benefits of prophylactic anticoagulation outweigh the risk of major bleeding in select GCT patients with higher risk of TEE. We have developed a simple algorithm to help guide TEE prophylaxis selection based on patient factors and route of chemotherapy administration. Given the high rate of TEE in GCT patients, we believe better utilization of primary prophylaxis in patient starting cisplatin-based chemotherapy will have clinical benefit.

A cohort study on anticoagulant therapy risks in dental patients after multiple extractions

BACKGROUND

Due to technology and pharmaceutical science and increasing life expectancy, the patient population is continuously aging. Patients requiring dental extractions often have systemic and/or chronic diseases and are undergoing polypharmacologic therapy. Oral surgeons often interface with patients who perform anticoagulant therapy. The main aim of this study was to clarify what the contraindications and short-/long-term complications may be.

METHODS

A sample of 298 patients (mean age 58 years) who required multiple surgical dental extractions has been taken in consideration. Patients were divided into groups and subgroups according to the anticoagulant drug therapy.

RESULTS

Long-term complications represented variable bleeding between groups from 8 hours to 7 days after surgery. The One-Way ANOVA Test was used to compare the results between groups. Patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants showed fewer intraoperative problems, but further studies and further collaboration between doctors, cardiologists and oral dentists/surgeons are certainly needed to manage these patients in a predictable manner.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that using direct oral anticoagulants drugs results in few intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative hemorrhagic complications, and an easier administration of the drugs respect vitamin K antagonists, with mild and manageable complications.

Roles of Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in the Management of Critical Bleeding

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is the term used to describe a pathogen-reduced, lyophilized concentrate that contains therapeutic amounts of at least 4 coagulation factors: Factor II (FII), Factor VII (FVII), Factor IX (FIX), and Factor X (FX). 4F-PCC has proven to be an effective hemostatic agent compared to plasma transfusion in several prospective randomized trials in acute warfarin reversal. In recent years, 4F-PCC has been used in various acquired coagulopathies including post-cardiopulmonary bypass bleeding, trauma-induced coagulopathy, coagulopathy in liver failure, and major bleeding due to anti-FXa (anti-Xa) inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban and apixaban). As transfusion of frozen plasma (FP) has not been found efficacious in the above critical bleeding scenarios, there is increasing interest in expanding the use of 4F-PCC. However, efficacy, safety, and clinical implications of expanded use of 4F-PCC have not been fully elucidated. Prothrombin time and international normalized ratio are commonly used to assess dose effects of 4F-PCC. Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio are standardly use for warfarin titration, but they are not suited for real-time monitoring of complex coagulopathies. Optimal dosing of 4F-PCC outside of the current approved use for vitamin K antagonist reversal is yet to be determined. In this review, we will discuss the use of 4F-PCC in four critical bleeding settings: cardiac surgery, major trauma, end-stage liver disease, and oral anti-Xa reversal. We will discuss recent studies in each area to explore the dosing, efficacy, and safety of 4F-PCC.

Effective Removal of Dabigatran by Idarucizumab or Hemodialysis: A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Analysis

Background

Application of idarucizumab and hemodialysis are options to reverse the action of the oral anticoagulant dabigatran in emergency situations.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to build and evaluate a mechanistic, whole-body physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model of idarucizumab, including its effects on dabigatran plasma concentrations and blood coagulation, in healthy and renally impaired individuals, and to include the effect of hemodialysis on dabigatran exposure.

Methods

The idarucizumab model was built with the software packages PK-Sim® and MoBi® and evaluated using the full range of available clinical data. The default kidney structure in MoBi® was extended to mechanistically describe the renal reabsorption of idarucizumab and to correctly reproduce the reported fractions excreted into urine. To model the PD effects of idarucizumab on dabigatran plasma concentrations, and consequently also on blood coagulation, idarucizumab-dabigatran binding was implemented and a previously established PBPK model of dabigatran was expanded to a PBPK/PD model. The effect of hemodialysis on dabigatran was implemented by the addition of an extracorporeal dialyzer compartment with a clearance process governed by dialysate and blood flow rates.

Results

The established idarucizumab-dabigatran-hemodialysis PBPK/PD model shows a good descriptive and predictive performance. To capture the clinical data of patients with renal impairment, both glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption were modeled as functions of the individual creatinine clearance.

Conclusions

A comprehensive and mechanistic PBPK/PD model to study dabigatran reversal has been established, which includes whole-body PBPK modeling of idarucizumab, the idarucizumab-dabigatran interaction, dabigatran hemodialysis, the pharmacodynamic effect of dabigatran on blood coagulation, and the impact of renal function in these different scenarios. The model was applied to explore different reversal scenarios for dabigatran therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40262-019-00857-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in relation to risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used, with studies showing a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), but overall data for GIB risk remains debatable. The objective was to assess non-fatal and fatal GIB risk in patients on DOACs compared with warfarin from randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

RCTs comparing warfarin and DOACs for various indications (atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism, insertion of mechanical heart valves) were included. The primary endpoint was any GIB event. Other clinical events, such as fatal GIB, and effects of age (≤60 years or older), time in therapeutic range for warfarin, and choice of individual DOACs on GIB risk, were also assessed.

Results

14 RCTs were included, comprising 87,407 participants (DOACs n=46,223, warfarin control n=41,184). The risk of GIB with DOACs was similar to that of warfarin (relative risk [RR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-1.27). Compared with warfarin, rivaroxaban (RR 1.23, 95%CI 1.03-1.48) and dabigatran (RR 1.38, 95%CI 1.12-1.71) had a higher risk of any GIB, whereas fatal GIB risk was lower in the DOACs group (RR 0.36, 95%CI 0.15-0.82). The risk of DOAC-related fatal GIB was lower in patients aged ≤60 years and in those with poor coagulation control (RR 0.39, 95%CI 0.15-0.98).

Conclusions

DOACs compared with warfarin have a lower risk of fatal GIB, especially in those aged <60 years and those with poor coagulation control. However, the risk of GIB was comparable with warfarin and DOACs, except for rivaroxaban and dabigatran.

[Use of antiplatelet therapy and direct oral anticoagulants in candidates for renal transplantation: The French guidelines from the CTAFU]

OBJECTIVE

To define guidelines for the use of antiplatelet therapy (AT) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in candidates for kidney allotransplantation.

METHOD

A review of the medical literature following a systematic approach was conducted by the CTAFU to report the use of AT and DOAC before major surgery and in the setting of advanced chronic kidney disease, defining their managment prior to kidney transplantation with the corresponding level of evidence.

RESULTS

DOAC are not recommended in patients under dialysis. Aspirin therapy, but not anti-P2Y₁₂ and DOAC, may be maintained during renal transplantation. Anti-P2Y₁₂ and DOAC should not be use in patients awaiting a kidney transplant, except when a living donor is scheduled, therefore authorizing treatment interruption in optimal conditions. Further data regarding DOAC reversion and monitoring may improve their use in this setting. Global level of evidence is weak.

CONCLUSION

These French recommendations should contribute to improve surgical management of kidney transplant candidates exposed to AT or DOA.

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

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

A strategy of idarucizumab for pericardial tamponade during perioperative period of atrial fibrillation ablation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate theoptimal idarucizumab (dabigatran antagonist) usage strategy for patients with acute pericardial tamponade receiving uninterrupted dabigatran during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

Ten patients presenting acute pericardial tamponade while receiving uninterrupted dabigatran during catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020 were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. A "wait and see" strategy of idarucizumab was carried out for all patients; in brief, idarucizumab was applied following pericardiocentesis, comprehensive evaluation of bleeding and hemostasis.

RESULTS

There were five males, five paroxysmal AF, and the average age of the patients was 64.0 ± 9.8 years. Among the 10 patients, four were treated with dabigatran 110 mg, six were treated with dabigatran 150 mg, and one was simultaneously given clopidogrel. The average time from pericardial tamponade to the last dose of dabigatran was 8.2 ± 3.4 h. All patients underwent pericardiocentesis successfully, and the average drainage volume was 322.5 ml (220.0 ± 935.0 ml). For reversal anticoagulation, six patients received protamine, and five patients received idarucizumab. Of the five patients who were treated with idarucizumab, four presented exact hemostasis, except for one patient who underwent continuous drainage and finally received surgery repair. The average time to restart anticoagulation was 1.1 ± 0.3 days after the procedure, and no rebleeding, embolism or deaths were observed.

CONCLUSION

The "wait and see" strategy of idarucizumab for acute pericardial tamponade during the perioperative period of catheter ablation for AF may be safe and feasible.

Strategies for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients treated with dabigatran: an update

INTRODUCTION

Although dabigatran is safer than vitamin K antagonists, bleeding still occurs. Bleeding is an important cause of short-term morbidity and rarely mortality and can also have long-term consequences that are often under-appreciated. After bleeding, patients often do not restart treatment or are poorly adherent, which is associated with increased thromboembolism and mortality. Consequently, we need strategies to prevent and treat bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with dabigatran.

AREAS COVERED

We review a) relevant dabigatran pharmacology, b) the burden and consequences of bleeding, c) how to identify patients at high risk of bleeding; and d) existing and novel approaches to prevent and treat bleeding in dabigatran-treated patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Concerns about the risk of bleeding associated with anticoagulant therapy and emerging evidence of increased risk of thromboembolism and mortality after bleeding highlight the need for improved approaches to prevention and treatment of bleeding. Future research priorities should focus on improving our ability to prevent bleeding by identifying modifiable risk factors and the development of safer agents. The current front runners include drugs that selectively target the contact pathway of coagulation (e.g. factor XI). Targeting upstream drivers of thrombosis (e.g. inflammation) could help to further reduce the risk of thromboembolism.

Antithrombotic and Antiplatelet Drug Toxicity

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs target a specific portion of the coagulation cascade or the platelet activation and aggregation pathway. The primary toxicity associated with these agents is hemorrhage. Understanding the pharmacology of these drugs allows the treating clinician to choose the correct antidotal therapy. Reversal agents exist for some of these drugs; however, not all have proven patient-centered outcomes. The anticoagulants covered in this review are vitamin K antagonists, heparins, fondaparinux, hirudin derivatives, argatroban, oral factor Xa antagonists, and dabigatran. The antiplatelet agents reviewed are aspirin, adenosine diphosphate antagonists, dipyridamole, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists. Additional notable toxicities are also reviewed.

Impact of a pharmacist driven anticoagulation reversal program at a large academic medical center

In major/life-threatening bleeding, administration of timely and appropriate reversal agents is imperative to reduce morbidity and mortality. Due to complexities associated with the use of reversal agents, a clinical pharmacist-driven anticoagulation reversal program (ARP) was developed. The goal of this program was to ensure appropriateness of reversal agents based on the clinical scenario, optimize selection and avoid unintended consequences. This study describes the impact of a pharmacist-driven anticoagulation program on patient outcomes and cost. A single center retrospective chart review of adult patients whom the ARP was consulted from October 2018 to January 2020 was performed. Patients were included in the efficacy analysis if they were > 18 years of age and presented with acute bleeding. Patients were excluded from the efficacy analysis if the recommended reversal agent was not administered, if a repeat head CT was not available for patients who presented with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or if the patient was not bleeding. All patients were included in the economic evaluation. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who achieved effective hemostasis within 24 h of anticoagulation reversal. Secondary outcomes include incidence of thromboembolic events, in-hospital mortality, and cost avoidance. One hundred twenty-one patients were evaluated by the ARP with 92 patients included in the efficacy analysis. The primary sites of bleeding were ICH in 46% and gastrointestinal (GI) in 29%. Hemostasis was achieved in 84% of patients. Thrombotic events occurred in 7.4% of patients and in-hospital mortality was 26.4%. Total cost avoidance was $1,005,871.78. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven ARP on clinical and economic outcomes. Implementation of a pharmacist-driven ARP was associated with favorable outcomes and cost savings.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Common yet Disproportionately Deadly Stroke Subtype

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a medical emergency and is disproportionately associated with higher mortality and long-term disability compared with ischemic stroke. The phrase "time is brain" was derived for patients with large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke in which approximately 1.9 million neurons are lost every minute. Similarly, this statement holds true for ICH patients due to a high volume of neurons that are damaged at initial onset and during hematoma expansion. Most cases of spontaneous ICH pathophysiologically stem from chronic hypertension and rupture of small perforating vessels off of larger cerebral arteries supplying deep brain structures, with cerebral amyloid angiopathy being another cause for lobar hemorrhages in older patients. Optimal ICH medical management strategies include timely diagnosis, aggressive blood pressure control, correction of underlying coagulopathy defects if present, treatment of cerebral edema, and continuous assessment for possible surgical intervention. Current strategies in the surgical management of ICH include newly developed minimally invasive techniques for hematoma evacuation, with the goal of mitigating injury to fiber tracts while accessing the clot. We review evidence-based medical and surgical management of spontaneous ICH with the overall goal of reducing neurologic injury and optimizing functional outcome.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants: From Randomized Clinical Trials to Real-World Clinical Practice

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a more manageable alternative than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism. Despite their widespread use in clinical practice, there are still some unresolved issues on optimizing their use in particular clinical settings. Herein, we reviewed the current clinical evidence on uses of DOACs from pharmacology and clinical indications to safety and practical issues such as drugs and food interactions. Dabigatran is the DOAC most affected by interactions with drugs and food, although all DOACs demonstrate a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Management issues associated with perioperative procedures, bleeding treatment, and special populations (pregnancy, renal and hepatic impairment, elderly, and oncologic patients) have been discussed. Literature evidence shows that DOACs are at least as effective as VKAs, with a favorable safety profile; data are particularly encouraging in using low doses of edoxaban in elderly patients, and edoxaban and rivaroxaban in the treatment of venous thromboembolism in oncologic patients. In the next year, DOAC clinical indications are likely to be further extended.

Ticagrelor use and practice patterns among Canadian cardiac surgeons

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor ticagrelor is widely used in patients following acute coronary syndromes or in those who have received coronary stents. Bentracimab is a monoclonal antibody-based reversal agent that is being formally evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Here, we probe the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of cardiac surgeons regarding their perioperative management of ticagrelor and potential application of a ticagrelor reversal agent.

METHODS

A questionnaire was developed by a working group of cardiac surgeons to inquire into participants' practices and beliefs regarding ticagrelor and disseminated to practicing, Canadian-trained cardiac surgeons.

RESULTS

A total of 70 Canadian-trained cardiac surgeons participated. Bleeding risk was identified as the most significant consideration when surgically revascularizing ticagrelor-treated patients (90%). There is variability in the duration of withholding ticagrelor before coronary artery bypass graft procedure in a stable patient; 44.3% wait 3 days and 32.9% wait 4 days or longer. Currently, 15.7% of cardiac surgeons prophylactically give platelet transfusions and fresh frozen plasma intraoperatively following protamine infusion in patients who have recently received ticagrelor. Interestingly, 47.1% of surveyed surgeons were aware of a reversal agent for ticagrelor, 91.4% of cardiac surgeons would consider utilizing a ticagrelor reversal agent if available, and 51.4% acknowledged that the introduction of such an agent would be a major advance in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present survey identified ticagrelor-related bleeding as a major concern for cardiac surgeons. Surgeons recognized the significant unmet need that a ticagrelor reversal agent would address.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Emergency Laparotomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations: Part 1-Preoperative: Diagnosis, Rapid Assessment and Optimization

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols reduce length of stay, complications and costs for a large number of elective surgical procedures. A similar, structured approach appears to improve outcomes, including mortality, for patients undergoing high-risk emergency general surgery, and specifically emergency laparotomy. These are the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of these patients using an ERAS approach.

METHODS

Experts in aspects of management of the high-risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches on English language publications were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on non-emergency patients when appropriate. The Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. The guideline has been divided into two parts: Part 1-Preoperative Care and Part 2-Intraoperative and Postoperative management. This paper provides guidelines for Part 1.

RESULTS

Twelve components of preoperative care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on the best available evidence for an ERAS approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Initial management is particularly important for patients with sepsis and physiological derangement. These guidelines should be used to improve outcomes for these high-risk patients.

Recanalisation therapies for acute ischaemic stroke in patients on direct oral anticoagulants

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as primary therapeutic option for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, patients may have ischaemic stroke despite DOAC therapy and there is uncertainty whether those patients can safely receive intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. In this review, we summarise and discuss current knowledge about different approaches to select patient. Time since last DOAC intake-as a surrogate for anticoagulant activity-is easy to use but limited by interindividual variability of drug pharmacokinetics and long cut-offs (>48 hours). Measuring anticoagulant activity using drug-specific coagulation assays showed promising safety results. Large proportion of patients at low anticoagulant activity seem to be potentially treatable but there remains uncertainty about exact safe cut-off values and limited assay availability. The use of specific reversal agents (ie, idarucizumab or andexanet alfa) prior to thrombolysis is a new emerging option with first data reporting safety but issues including health economics need to be elucidated. Mechanical thrombectomy appears to be safe without any specific selection criteria applied. In patients on DOAC therapy with large vessel occlusion, decision for intravenous thrombolysis should not delay thrombectomy (eg, direct thrombectomy or immediate transfer to a thrombectomy-capable centre recommended). Precision medicine using a tailored approach combining clinicoradiological information (ie, penumbra and vessel status), anticoagulant activity and use of specific reversal agents only if necessary seems a reasonable choice.

Alzheimer's Disease-Rationales for Potential Treatment with the Thrombin Inhibitor Dabigatran

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by neurodegenerative, but also vascular and hemostatic changes in the brain. The oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, which has been used for over a decade in preventing thromboembolism and has a well-known pharmacokinetic, safety and antidote profile, can be an option to treat vascular dysfunction in early AD, a condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Recent results have revealed that amyloid-β proteins (Aβ), thrombin and fibrin play a crucial role in triggering vascular and parenchymal brain abnormalities in CAA. Dabigatran blocks soluble thrombin, thrombin-mediated formation of fibrin and Aβ-containing fibrin clots. These clots are deposited in brain parenchyma and blood vessels in areas of CAA. Fibrin-Aβ deposition causes microvascular constriction, occlusion and hemorrhage, leading to vascular and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. As a result, blood flow, perfusion and oxygen and nutrient supply are chronically reduced, mainly in hippocampal and neocortical brain areas. Dabigatran has the potential to preserve perfusion and oxygen delivery to the brain, and to prevent parenchymal Aβ-, thrombin- and fibrin-triggered inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, leading to synapse and neuron death, and cognitive decline. Beneficial effects of dabigatran on CAA and AD have recently been shown in preclinical studies and in retrospective observer studies on patients. Therefore, clinical studies are warranted, in order to possibly expand dabigatran approval for repositioning for AD treatment.

[Pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of cardioembolic stroke]

Cardioembolic stroke (CS) is the one of the most severe and requiring dynamic monitoring among the all subtypes of ischemic stroke. Patients with CS require joint treatment with cardiologists. CS is characterized by a greater severity of neurological deficits, a high risk of repeated acute cerebral circulatory disorders and fatal outcomes. This review considers the main causes of CS, the etiopathogenesis of thrombus formation in the heart chambers, current verification criteria and therapeutic aspects of CS, recommendations for the prescription of anticoagulant therapy for primary and secondary preventive treatment.

The Role of Provocative Testing and Localization of the Video Capsule Endoscope in the Management of Small Intestinal Bleeding

The cause of small intestinal bleeding (SIB) may be elusive despite exhaustive testing. This article describes the current understanding of SIB regarding evaluation, with emphasis on the use of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) as a diagnostic procedure. This article addresses the utility of provocative testing in challenging cases and the performance of endoscopic procedures on active antithrombotic therapy. Specific recommendations accompany this article, including use of antithrombotic agents to stimulate bleeding when clearly indicated; performance of endoscopic procedures on active antithrombotic therapy; and progressive adoption of VCE and device-assisted enteroscopy in the inpatient setting.

Coagulopathy Management of an Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in a Patient Taking Apixaban

This paper reports the successful management of a patient with acute type A Penn B thoracic aortic dissection who was on apixaban therapy for atrial fibrillation. Emergency surgery was performed due to the patient's clinical deterioration, with innominate artery compromise and severe aortic valve regurgitation. The anesthesia team used point-of-care rotational thromboelastometry-guided coagulation replacement therapy consisting of prothrombin concentrate, fibrinogen, and platelets. The surgical team used a complementary approach with topical hemostatic agents and a pericardial patch. No additional blood products were required. The patient recovered fully and was discharged home.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of portal venous thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis, which can further increase portal vein pressure and aggravate liver function decompensation. However, due to the insidious onset and atypical symptoms, the importance of PVT has been neglected in clinical work for quite a long time. With the development of clinical diagnostic technology, the detection rate of PVT has increased year by year. At present, the well-established treatment methods for PVT include anticoagulant therapy, interventional therapy, and surgical treatment. However, the optimal choice for PVT treatment remains unclear. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of PVT in order to provide a theoretical reference for the refined clinical management of patients with PVT.

Idarucizumab (Praxbind®) for dabigatran reversal in patients undergoing heart transplantation: a cohort of ten patients

Background

Novel oral anticoagulants are used in atrial fibrillation. Idarucizumab has been approved for reversal of dabigatran in situations of life-threatening hemorrhage or emergency surgery.

Objectives

We report a single center experience of ten patients on dabigatran therapy who were given idarucizumab prior to heart transplantation.

Methods & results

The mean plasma concentration of dabigatran prior to reversal was 139 ± 89 ng/ml. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet levels were decreased after surgery. Surgical procedures were successfully performed with no increased risk, especially regarding bleeding complications. All patients were alive after 90 days.

Conclusion

Dabigatran reversal with idarucizumab in contexts of emergency surgery/urgent procedures is an attractive and safe option to be taken into consideration for patients with end stage heart disease awaiting transplantation and indication of anticoagulant therapy.

Expert Consensus Decision Pathway of the American College of Cardiology on Management of Bleeding in Patients With Oral Anticoagulants: A Review of the 2020 Update for Perioperative Physicians

The use and evolution of oral anticoagulation therapies continue to advance for multiple reasons, including a growing segment of older patients with associated chronic prothrombotic illnesses including cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic and oncologic conditions. Correlated to this increased use of oral anticoagulants is bleeding complications associated with their use. Based on these trends, it is expected that perioperative physicians will be facing more and more of these patients requiring scheduled, urgent or emergent surgical procedures During May 2020, the American College of Cardiology updated its Expert Consensus Decision Pathway devoted to the approach of bleeding in patients on oral anticoagulants. This updated version emphasized the expanding role of the direct-acting oral anticoagulants in other conditions beyond nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, such as venous thromboembolism. Several details discussed within this most recent update are pertinent to perioperative physicians, who frequently deal with bleeding in the setting of anticoagulation. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight and expand on these salient points because they relate to perioperative management.

Treatment of acute exacerbation of liver-cirrhosis-associated portal vein thrombosis with direct-acting oral anticoagulant, edoxaban, used as an initial treatment in the early postoperative period after abdominal surgery: a case report

Background

Cirrhosis-associated portal vein thrombosis (CA-PVT) has been reportedly observed in 5–30% of cirrhotic patients. Moreover, the acute exacerbation of CA-PVT is likely to occur after certain situations, such as a status after abdominal surgery. Safety and efficacy of the direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used for cirrhotic patients have been being confirmed. However, use of the DOAC as an initial treatment for CA-PVT appears still challenging especially in the early postoperative period after major surgery in terms of unestablished efficacy and safety in such occasion.

Case presentation

We herein report a case of the acute exacerbation of CA-PVT in the early postoperative period after abdominal surgery, which was successfully treated with DOAC, edoxaban used as an initial treatment. The patient was a 79-year-old Japanese male with alcoholic cirrhosis. The patient suffered choledocholithiasis and had a mural chronic CA-PVT extending from the superior mesenteric vein to the portal trunk. He underwent open cholecystectomy and choledochotomy. Early postoperative clinical course was uneventful except for abdominal distension due to ascites diagnosed on postoperative day (POD)7 when hospital discharge was planned. Contrast enhancement computed tomography (CE-CT) taken on POD 7 revealed the exacerbation of the CA-PVT. Despite recommendation for extension of hospital admission with low molecular weight heparin treatment, the patient strongly hoped to be discharged. Unwillingly, we selected DOAC, edoxaban, as an initial treatment, which was commenced the day after discharge (POD8). As a result, the remarkable improvement of the exacerbated CA-PVT was confirmed by the CE-CT taken on POD21. Any bleeding complications were not observed. Although a slight residue of the CA-PVT remains, the patient is currently doing well 4 years after surgery and is still receiving edoxaban. Any adverse effects of edoxaban have not been observed for 4 years.

Conclusions

A case of successful treatment of the acute exacerbation of CA-PVT with edoxaban was reported. Moreover, edoxaban has been safely administered in a cirrhotic patient for 4 years. The findings obtained from the present case suggest that DOAC can be used as an initial treatment for CA-PVT even in early postoperative period after major abdominal surgery.

2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

This executive summary of the valvular heart disease guideline provides recommendations for clinicians to diagnose and manage valvular heart disease as well as supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 1, 2010, to March 1, 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Reports, and other selected database relevant to this guideline. Structure: Many recommendations from the earlier valvular heart disease guidelines have been updated with new evidence and provides newer options for diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease. This summary includes only the recommendations from the full guideline which focus on diagnostic work-up, the timing and choice of surgical and catheter interventions, and recommendations for medical therapy. The reader is referred to the full guideline for graphical flow charts, text, and tables with additional details about the rationale for and implementation of each recommendation, and the evidence tables detailing the data considered in developing these guidelines.

Idarucizumab Reversal of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Intracranial Hemorrhage: Comparison with Non-idarucizumab-Treated Patients

BACKGROUND

Idarucizumab reverses the anticoagulant dabigatran; it is recommended during intravenous thrombolysis treatment of dabigatran-treated patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and in dabigatran-treated patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

Outcomes of consecutive idarucizumab/dabigatran-treated patients with intravenous thrombolysis-treated AIS (n = 22) were compared with consecutive similar intravenous thrombolysis-treated patients with AIS who were not anticoagulated (n = 182) [primary aim]; idarucizumab/dabigatran-treated patients with ICH (n = 13) were compared with patients with ICH who received the anticoagulants rivaroxaban or apixaban (n = 24) [secondary aim]. Efficacy was estimated by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score changes between admission and discharge and by the modified Rankin score after 3 months; safety was assessed by symptomatic ICH and mortality.

RESULTS

Basal neurological impairment was similar in both idarucizumab/dabigatran-treated and control groups of patients with AIS and ICH. The idarucizumab/dabigatran-treated patients with AIS with subsequent intravenous thrombolysis showed a mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improvement of 84% vs 68% in the control group (p < 0.05). A favorable outcome (modified Rankin score ≤ 2 after 3 months) was achieved significantly more frequently than in the control group (86% vs 57%; p < 0.05). The complication rate was similar in both groups. In patients with ICH, a positive functional outcome (modified Rankin score ≤ 3 after 3 months) was achieved more often in the idarucizumab/dabigatran-treated group than in the control group (70% vs 42%; p = 0.109). The complication rate was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Idarucizumab use in dabigatran-treated patients with AIS resulted in significantly more efficacious intravenous thrombolysis treatment and a non-significantly better outcome in dabigatran-treated patients with ICH compared with controls. There was no difference regarding complications.

CIRSE Standards of Practice on Peri-operative Anticoagulation Management During Interventional Radiology Procedures

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for peri-operative anticoagulation management during interventional radiology procedures.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke comprises about 20% of all strokes, with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) being the most common type. Frequency of ICH is increased where hypertension is untreated. ICH in particularly has a disproportionately high risk of early mortality and long-term disability. Until recently, there has been a paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide evidence for the efficacy of various commonly considered interventions in ICH, including acute blood pressure management, coagulopathy reversal, and surgical hematoma evacuation. Evidence-based guidelines do exist for ICH and these form the basis for a framework of care. Current approaches emphasize control of extremely high blood pressure in the acute phase, rapid reversal of vitamin K antagonists, and surgical evacuation of cerebellar hemorrhage. Lingering questions, many of which are the topic of ongoing clinical research, include optimizing individual blood pressure targets, reversal strategies for newer anticoagulant medications, and the role of minimally invasive surgery. Risk stratification models exist, which derive from findings on clinical exam and neuroimaging, but care should be taken to avoid a self-fulfilling prophecy of poor outcome from limiting treatment due to a presumed poor prognosis. Cerebral venous thrombosis is an additional subtype of hemorrhagic stroke that has a unique set of causes, natural history, and treatment and is discussed as well.

What is the role of andexanet alfa in the reversal of anticoagulant effects?

ABSTRACT

Although using direct oral anticoagulants increases patient risk for hemorrhagic events, FDA-approved options for reversing anticoagulant effects are limited. This article discusses one of the more recent FDA-approved antidotes, andexanet alfa, and provides guidelines for its safe and effective use.

The Interactions of Nintedanib and Oral Anticoagulants-Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Nintedanib is a synthetic orally active tyrosine kinase inhibitor, whose main action is to inhibit the receptors of the platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor families. The drug also affects other kinases, including Src, Flt-3, LCK, LYN. Nintedanib is used in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer. The mechanism of action suggests that nintedanib should be considered one of the potential agents for inhibiting and revising the fibrosis process related to COVID-19 infections. Due to the known induction of coagulation pathways during COVID-19 infections, possible interaction between nintedanib and anticoagulant seems to be an extremely important issue. In theory, nintedanib could increase the bleeding risk, thrombosis and lead to thrombocytopenia. The data from clinical trials on the concomitant use of nintedanib and antithrombotic agents is very limited as this patient group was within the standard exclusion criteria. Nintedanib is an important therapeutic option, despite its interaction with anticoagulants. If anticoagulant therapy is necessary, the more effective and safer option is the concomitant administration of DOACs and nintedanib, especially when drug-monitored therapy will be used in patients at high risk of bleeding complications.

Primary and Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Hemorrhage: JACC Focus Seminar

Stroke is a leading cause of permanent disability. Therefore, primary prevention of first stroke and secondary prevention of recurrent stroke are a high priority. Primary prevention of ischemic stroke includes lifestyle modification and diet, treatment of risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and lipid disorders, antiplatelet therapy for high vascular risk patients, and anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation. Secondary prevention of ischemic stroke includes additional carotid surgery or stenting in selected symptomatic patients, closure of patent foramen ovale after cryptogenic stroke, treatment of insulin resistance, and best medical treatment of intracranial stenosis. The most important preventive strategies in the primary and secondary prevention of cerebral hemorrhage include the treatment of hypertension, reduction in alcohol intake, and occlusion of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation and permanent contraindications for oral anticoagulation.

Acquired bleeding disorders through antithrombotic therapy: the implications for dental practitioners

Antithrombotic medications are one of the most common causes of an acquired bleeding disorder. The majority of these medications are administered orally for a variety of clinical indications. It is important that dental surgeons are aware of these medications, their mechanisms of action and how they can influence the dental management of patients, particularly when undertaking procedures which carry a risk of bleeding.

Treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage: From specific interventions to bundles of care

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represents a major, global, unmet health need with few treatments. A significant minority of ICH patients present taking an anticoagulant; both vitamin-K antagonists and increasingly direct oral anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are associated with an increased risk of hematoma expansion, and rapid reversal reduces this risk and may improve outcome. Vitamin-K antagonists are reversed with prothrombin complex concentrate, dabigatran with idarucizumab, and anti-Xa agents with PCC or andexanet alfa, where available. Blood pressure lowering may reduce hematoma growth and improve clinical outcomes and careful (avoiding reductions ≥60 mm Hg within 1 h), targeted (as low as 120-130 mm Hg), and sustained (minimizing variability) treatment during the first 24 h may be optimal for achieving better functional outcomes in mild-to-moderate severity acute ICH. Surgery for ICH may include hematoma evacuation and external ventricular drainage to treat hydrocephalus. No large, well-conducted phase III trial of surgery in ICH has so far shown overall benefit, but meta-analyses report an increased likelihood of good functional outcome and lower risk of death with surgery, compared to medical treatment only. Expert supportive care on a stroke unit or critical care unit improves outcomes. Early prognostication is difficult, and early do-not-resuscitate orders or withdrawal of active care should be used judiciously in the first 24-48 h of care. Implementation of acute ICH care can be challenging, and using a care bundle approach, with regular monitoring of data and improvement of care processes can ensure consistent and optimal care for all patients.

[Osteosynthetic treatment of proximal femoral fractures: the timing of treatment is delayed in cases of pre-existing anticoagulation : Results of the data of external inpatient quality assurance from North Rhine-Westphalia with 24,786 cases within the framework of using secondary data]

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Proximale Femurfrakturen stellen mit ca. 100.000 Betroffenen/Jahr in Deutschland ein häufiges Krankheitsbild dar. Durch eine zeitnahe Versorgung (<24 h) konnte die Mortalität erheblich gesenkt werden. Ziele der Arbeit waren, die Prävalenz der Antikoagulation und hiermit assoziierte Komplikationen bei osteosynthetisch versorgter, proximaler Femurfraktur und deren Impact auf die präoperative Verweildauer zu analysieren und Potenziale zum optimalen perioperativen Gerinnungsmanagements aufzuzeigen.

Material und Methoden

Die Daten der externen vergleichenden Qualitätssicherung Nordrhein-Westfalen für die Jahre 2015 und 2016 wurden ausgewertet. Dabei wurden ausschließlich Fälle analysiert, bei denen eine hüftgelenknahe Femurfraktur osteosynthetisch versorgt wurde. Insgesamt wurden 24.786 Fälle hüftgelenknaher Femurfrakturen in die Studie eingeschlossen.

Ergebnisse

Von den Patienten mit einer antithrombotischen Dauertherapie (ATDT) wurden in der größten Subgruppe mit ASS-Medikation (n = 4005) 17 %, in der zweitgrößten Gruppe mit Vitamin-K-Antagonisten-Einnahme (n = 2157) 44,6 % und in der drittgrößten Gruppe mit Einnahme von direkten oralen Antikoagulanzien (DOAKs, n = 994) 18,2 % verzögert operiert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Das größte Potenzial zur Verkürzung der präoperativen Verweildauer ergibt sich in der Gruppe der Patienten, die ASS (17 % auffällig) oder einen Vitamin-K-Antagonisten (VKA, 44,6 % auffällig) einnehmen. Eine Antagonisierung der Wirkung von VKA lässt sich innerhalb kurzer Zeit durch die Gabe von Prothrombinkomplex (PPSB) erreichen. Auch unter der Einnahme von DOAKs muss das noch gängige Prozedere einer verzögerten operativen Versorgung kritisch hinterfragt werden. Die Etablierung eines Gerinnungsmanagements ist zu fordern. Neben der medizinischen Intervention (Gabe von Antidota) müssen Strukturen geschaffen werden, die eine zeitnahe Versorgung ermöglichen.

Canadian stroke best practice recommendations: Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage, 7th Edition Update 2020

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a particularly devastating type of stroke with greater morbidity and mortality compared with ischemic stroke and can account for half or more of all deaths from stroke. The seventh update of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations includes a new stand-alone module on intracerebral hemorrhage, with a focus on elements of care that are unique or affect persons disproportionately relative to ischemic stroke. Prior to this edition, intracerebral hemorrhage was included in the Acute Stroke Management module and was limited to its management during the first 12 h. With the growing evidence on intracerebral hemorrhage, a separate module focused on this topic across the care continuum was added. In addition to topics related to initial clinical management, neuroimaging, blood pressure management, and surgical management, new sections have been introduced addressing topics surrounding inpatient complications such as venous thromboembolism, seizure management, and increased intracranial pressure, rehabilitation as well as issues related to secondary management including lifestyle management, maintaining a normal blood pressure and antithrombotic therapy, are addressed. The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR) are intended to provide up-to-date evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and management of stroke and to promote optimal recovery and reintegration for people who have experienced stroke, including patients, families, and informal caregivers.

Real-world experience with reversal of dabigatran by idarucizumab

AIMS

Idarucizumab reverses the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. We aimed to investigate real-world experience with idarucizumab and associated clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational case series on dabigatran users treated with idarucizumab. Using electronic patient records, we identified patients from December 2015 (market introduction) to 31 December 2019 from the Central Denmark Region, covering approximately 1.3 million inhabitants. Treatment indications included need of acute surgery, major bleeding, dabigatran intoxication and need of thrombolysis. Outcomes were defined according to treatment indication, and adverse events were defined as bleeding, thrombosis or death within 30 days of infusion.

RESULTS

A total of 46 dabigatran users were treated with idarucizumab. All patients except one received dabigatran due to atrial fibrillation. Indications for idarucizumab use were need of acute surgery in 22 (48%), severe bleeding in 20 (43%), dabigatran intoxication in three (7%), and prior to thrombolysis in acute stroke in one (2%) patient. There were no reports of excessive bleeding during surgery in patients reversed just prior to surgery. For patients presenting with severe bleeding, all but one achieved effective haemostasis. Among all patients receiving idarucizumab, six (13%) experienced bleeding within 30 days after infusion. None experienced thromboembolic complications. At 30 days follow-up, 38 (83%) patients were alive of whom 35 (92%) had restarted anticoagulant treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study of real-world application of idarucizumab demonstrated effectiveness in terms of surgery performed without excessive bleeding and cessation of severe bleeding in dabigatran-treated patients. Safety appeared high as no patients experienced thromboembolic complications within 30 days.