Oral anticoagulants: mechanism of action, clinical effectiveness, and optimal therapeutic range

Effects of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 on INR variations and dose requirements during initial phase of anticoagulant therapy

Introduction: Anticoagulants of the coumarin type are effective drugs for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases. However, they have a narrow therapeutic range and show inter- and intra-individual variability in dose requirement, largely conditioned by both environmental and genetic factors. Methods: This prospective study investigated, during the initial phase of acenocoumarol therapy, the effect of CYP2C9 variant alleles and VKORC1 haplotypes, single and in combination, in 220 Italians. Results: CYP2C9*3 was associated with a 25% dose reduction and an increased risk of over-anticoagulation (International Normalized Ratio [INR] > 6) on day 4. Two copies of the VKORC1*2 haplotype were associated with a 45% dose reduction and an increased risk of over-anticoagulation. Homozygosity for VKORC1*3 and VKORC1*4 was associated with an increased dose requirement and a reduced risk of over-anticoagulation. The VKORC1*3 or *4 plus CYP2C9*1 genotype combination was associated with the highest dose requirement and the lowest INR on day 4; VKORC1*2 plus CYP2C9*3 was associated with the lowest dose requirement, the highest INR and an increased risk of over-anticoagulation. Even though they spent approximately 50% of the time within the target therapeutic range, VKORC1*3 or *4 plus CYP2C9*1 carriers spent a large percentage of the remaining time below and carriers of VKORC1*2 plus CYP2C9*3 above the target range. Discussion: The determination of VKORC1*3 and VKORC1*4 haplotypes may be an important addition to CYP2C9 and VKORC1*2 genotyping to identify patients at risk of being outside the target range during initial anticoagulation with acenocoumarol.

Antithrombotic therapy in neonates and children: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition)

This chapter about antithrombotic therapy in neonates and children is part of the Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do, or do not, outweigh risks, burden, and costs, and Grade 2 suggests that individual patient values may lead to different choices (for a full understanding of the grading, see Guyatt et al in this supplement, pages 123S-131S). In this chapter, many recommendations are based on extrapolation of adult data, and the reader is referred to the appropriate chapters relating to guidelines for adult populations. Within this chapter, the majority of recommendations are separate for neonates and children, reflecting the significant differences in epidemiology of thrombosis and safety and efficacy of therapy in these two populations. Among the key recommendations in this chapter are the following: In children with first episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE), we recommend anticoagulant therapy with either unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) [Grade 1B]. Dosing of IV UFH should prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to a range that corresponds to an anti-factor Xa assay (anti-FXa) level of 0.35 to 0.7 U/mL, whereas LMWH should achieve an anti-FXa level of 0.5 to 1.0 U/mL 4 h after an injection for twice-daily dosing. In neonates with first VTE, we suggest either anticoagulation or supportive care with radiologic monitoring and subsequent anticoagulation if extension of the thrombosis occurs during supportive care (Grade 2C). We recommend against the use of routine systemic thromboprophylaxis for children with central venous lines (Grade 1B). For children with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) without significant intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), we recommend anticoagulation initially with UFH, or LMWH and subsequently with LMWH or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for a minimum of 3 months (Grade 1B). For children with non-sickle-cell disease-related acute arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), we recommend UFH or LMWH or aspirin (1 to 5 mg/kg/d) as initial therapy until dissection and embolic causes have been excluded (Grade 1B). For neonates with a first AIS, in the absence of a documented ongoing cardioembolic source, we recommend against anticoagulation or aspirin therapy (Grade 1B).

Potentially inappropriate prescribing to hospitalised patients

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in hospitalised patients in correlation with patient's age and number of drugs prescribed and to determine the prevalence of inappropriate drugs prescribed to elderly patients.

METHODS

Drugs prescribed during 1 day to all hospitalised patients at seven wards of Department of Medicine in University Hospital Rijeka were recorded by reviewing patient medical charts. Potential DDIs were evaluated using a list of potentially harmful drug combinations compiled from the literature. Beers criteria were used to identify potentially inappropriate medications in patients aged 65 years or older.

RESULTS

The study included 225 patients that received a total of 1301 drugs. Twenty-two percent of the patients receiving drug therapy were prescribed drug combinations that are potentially harmful. The most common potentially harmful drug combination was an ACE inhibitor with a potassium supplement (33.9% of all combinations). In the multivariate analysis, age and number of drugs are significantly associated with potential DDIs (r = 0.8629). One quarter of elderly patients received a drug potentially inappropriate considering their age. The most commonly prescribed potentially inappropriate drug was amiodarone, followed by diazepam.

CONCLUSION

Polypharmacy and older age have been proven to be important risk factors for potential drug interactions. We identified a high rate of prescribing potentially inappropriate medications among elders. Results of this study indicate that particular caution should be given when prescribing drugs to patients already receiving drugs and to elderly patients, considering the risk of drug-related problems.

Assessment of bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover in children under long-term oral anticoagulant therapy

Oral anticoagulants antagonize vitamin K action and potentially impair the carboxylation of osteocalcin, a protein essential for normal bone matrix formation. In the present study, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers were evaluated in 23 children under long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. BMD of the lumbar spine was assessed (Dual Energy x-ray Absorptiometry) and reported as z score. Osteoblast [bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin (Gla-Oc), amino-terminal procollagen 1 extension peptide] and osteoclast (urinary calcium and deoxypyridinoline, serum cross-linked C telopeptide) activity markers were measured. Vitamin D {[25(OH) D], parathormone, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium} and vitamin K status [factors II, VII, IX, X, protein C, protein S, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (Glu-Oc)] were determined. The above parameters were also evaluated in 25 healthy controls. Patients presented with higher levels in Glu-Oc, parathormone, and bone resorption markers, lower levels in bone formation markers and 25(OH) D, whereas 52% of them showed signs of osteopenia (-1>BMD z score>-2.5). Statistical analysis demonstrated that anticoagulant therapy was an independent predictor of alterations in Glu-Oc, Gla-Oc, bone alkaline phosphatase, amino-terminal procollagen 1 extension peptide, and serum cross-linked C telopeptide levels. It seems that long-term use of coumarin derivatives may cause osteopenia in children with the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

The role of cytochrome P2C19 in R-warfarin pharmacokinetics and its interaction with omeprazole

Previous studies reported omeprazole to be an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and suggested the pharmacokinetic interaction of omeprazole with R-warfarin. The aim of this study was to compare possible effects of omeprazole on the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin between CYP2C19 genotypes. Seventeen subjects, of whom 10 were homozygous extensive metabolizers (hmEMs) and seven were poor metabolizers (PMs) for CYP2C19, were enrolled in this randomized crossover study, and they ingested 20 mg omeprazole or placebo once daily for 11 days. On day 7, they administered a single dose of 10 mg racemic warfarin. The plasma concentrations of warfarin enantiomers and prothrombin time expressed as international normalized ratio were monitored up to 120 hours. During the placebo phase, area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and elimination half-life (t1/2) of R-warfarin in PMs was significantly greater than those in hmEMs (AUC[0-infinity], 42,938/34,613 ng h/mL [PM/hmEM], P = 0.004; t1/2, 48.8/40.8 hours [PM/hmEM], P = 0.013). Omeprazole treatment significantly increased the AUC(0-infinity) (41,387 ng h/mL, P = 0.004) and t1/2 (46.4 hours, P = 0.017) of R-warfarin in hmEMs to levels comparable to those in the PMs. There were no differences in S-warfarin pharmacokinetics between the CYP2C19 genotypes (AUC[0-infinity], 15,851/16,968 ng*h/mL [PM/hmEM]; t1/2, 22.7/25.4 h [PM/hmEM]), or between the two treatment phases (AUC[0-infinity], 14,756/18,166 ng h/mL [PM/hmEM]; t1/2, 27.0/25.4 hours [PM/hmEM] in the omeprazole phase) as well as anticoagulant effects. These results indicate that CYP2C19 activity was one of determinants on the R-warfarin disposition because the pharmacokinetics of warfarin enantiomers were different between the CYP2C19 genotypes and the omeprazole affected the R-warfarin pharmacokinetics of CYP2C19 in only hmEMs. However, the phamacodynamic effect of the interaction of warfarin with omeprazole would be of minor clinical significance.

Pharmacogenomics of 4-hydroxycoumarin anticoagulants

Oral anticoagulants of the 4-hydroxycoumarin class, typified by warfarin, are used worldwide to treat thromboembolic disease. These drugs show the beneficial attributes of high efficacy and low cost, but patient management can be complicated by their narrow therapeutic index and wide inter-individual variability in dosing. Our understanding of the latter complication has improved significantly in recent years due to intense investigation of genetic factors influencing drug pharmacokinetics (CYP2C9) and pharmacodynamic response (VKORC1). In particular, the discovery of polymorphisms in the VKORC1 gene that strongly impact oral anticoagulant dose has heightened expectations that genetic testing for a relatively small cadre of warfarin-response genes might substantially enhance patient care in this area, especially during the initiation phase of therapy. However, enthusiasm for genotype-based dosing of oral anticoagulants must be balanced against the ready availability of both a simple phenotypic test (prothrombin time) and an antidote to over-anticoagulation (vitamin K). Wide-spread acceptance of genetically based tests for establishing therapy with warfarin and its congeners will likely require additional evidence that such an approach offers protection against a variety of negative anticoagulation outcomes, especially severe bleeding, as well as offering utility across many racial populations. This article will review recent events in these and other related areas.

Vitamin K-induced modification of coagulation phenotype in VKORC1 homozygous deficiency

BACKGROUND

Combined vitamin K-dependent clotting factor (VKCF) deficiency type 2 (VKCFD2) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by mutated vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) gene.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An Italian patient with moderate to severe bleeding tendency was genotyped, and found to be homozygous for the unique VKORC1 mutation (Arg98Trp) so far detected in VKCFD2. The activity levels of VKCFs were differentially reduced, and inversely related to the previously estimated affinity of procoagulant factor propeptides for the gamma-carboxylase. The normal (factor IX) or reduced antigen levels (other VKCFs) produced a gradient in specific activities. Vitamin K supplementations resulted in reproducible, fast and sustained normalization of PT and APTT. At 24 h the activity/antigen ratios of VKCFs were close to normal, and activity levels were completely (factor VII and IX), virtually (prothrombin, factor X and protein C) or partially (protein S) restored. Thrombin generation assays showed a markedly shortened lag time. The time to peak observed at low tissue factor concentration, potentially mimicking the physiological trigger and able to highlight the effect of reduced protein S levels, was shorter than that in pooled normal plasma. At 72 h the thrombin generation times were normal, and the decrease in activity of procoagulant VKCFs was inversely related to their half-life in plasma. The improved coagulation phenotype permitted the uneventful clinical course after invasive diagnostic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Modification of coagulation phenotypes in VKCFD2 after vitamin K supplementation was clinically beneficial, and provided valuable patterns of factor specific biosynthesis, half-life and decay.

Warfarin therapy: in need of improvement after all these years

BACKGROUND

Warfarin therapy has been used clinically for over 60 years, yet continues to be problematic because of its narrow therapeutic index and large inter-individual variability in patient response. As a result, warfarin is a leading cause of serious medication-related adverse events, and its efficacy is also suboptimal.

OBJECTIVE

To review factors that are responsible for variable response to warfarin, including clinical, environmental, and genetic factors, and to explore some possible approaches to improving warfarin therapy.

RESULTS

Recent efforts have focused on developing dosing algorithms that included genetic information to try to improve warfarin dosing. These dosing algorithms hold promise, but have not been fully validated or tested in rigorous clinical trials. Perhaps equally importantly, adherence to warfarin is a major problem that should be addressed with innovative and cost-effective interventions.

CONCLUSION

Additional research is needed to further test whether interventions can be used to improve warfarin dosing and outcomes.

A New Generation Prothrombin Time Method for INR

Prothrombin time (PT) is the leading test for monitoring oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT). We sought to determine INR taking into account only active coagulation factors FII, FVII and FX without inhibition in patient plasmas and calibrator kits.We measured PT using a combined thromboplastin reagent. The calculation was based on a new PT method, which measures active coagulation factors (F II, F VII, FX) and corrects the errors caused by inactive coagulation factors.On this basis, an INR result with and without inhibition for individual patient samples was also calculated and applied to 200 plasma samples obtained from OAT patients. Conspicuous variation in inhibition between the four calibration kits was noted. The kinetics of this inhibition was closest to a noncompetitive pattern.The need of correction for INRs of single patients increases with higher INRs. At the same level of patient INRs the coagulation inhibiton varies markedly.It has been known that different thromboplastin reagents possess variable sensitivities, but this may depend on sensitivity in inactive coagulation factors. PT methods today measure the sum of active coagulation factors and inhibition of inactive coagulation factors. ISI calibrators contain variable amounts of inactive coagulation factors, which renders harmonisation of INR results.Application of the Acf-PT (INR(Acf)) presented in this work develops the PT methodology to measure the true coagulation activity in vivo for patient warfarin therapy without inhibition. INR(Inh) can evidently also be used for the diagnostics and follow-up of certain liver diseases.

The feasibility of tissue Doppler acceleration as a new predictor of thrombogenesis in the left atrial appendage associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Tissue acceleration utilizing the tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) technique is a new marker of ventricular contraction. We evaluated whether the left atrial appendage (LAA) wall acceleration was associated with thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODS

Seven NVAF patients with thromboembolism (TE), eight without TE, and eight with normal sinus rhythm (NSR) were studied using transesophageal echocardiography. TDI was used to evaluate the LAA wall acceleration.

RESULTS

There was a decrease in the peak flow velocity in the TE group compared with the other two groups. There was greater LAA expansion in NVAF with TE groups (with TE [8.9 +/- 2.1 cm(2)] compared with the group without TE [7.3 +/- 2.8 cm(2)]), but the difference was not statistically significant; the difference was statistically significant compared with the NSR group (5.3 +/- 1.2 cm(2); P = 0.0035). The average of the continuous 40-frames area where tissue Doppler acceleration (TDA) was >0.024 cm/sec(2) was significantly lower in the TE group (0.12 +/- 0.05 cm(2)) compared to the group without TE (0.33 +/- 0.17 cm(2); P = 0.0017) and NSR group (0.30 +/- 0.13 cm(2); P = 0.0042), although wall velocity was not significantly different comparing the two NVAF groups. Furthermore, peak flow velocity of LAA was well correlated with LAA wall acceleration (r = 0.864, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

LAA wall acceleration obtained utilizing the TDI technique may be a new predictor of thrombogenesis in patients with NVAF.

Pharmacokinetic properties of TDP4815 after single intravenous and oral administrations to rat, rabbit, monkey, dog and in vitro drug metabolism

The pharmacokinetics of TDP4815 was evaluated in rats, rabbits, dogs and monkeys. After intravenous administration, TDP4815 achieved C(O) of 3255 ng/ml in rats at 5 mg/kg, 9066 ng/ml in rabbits and 7858 ng/ml in monkeys at 6 mg/kg, and 4457 ng/ml in dogs at 3 mg/kg. The clearance (C(L)) was 3105, 1692, 835 and 640 ml/h/kg in rats, rabbits, monkeys and dogs, respectively. The volume of distribution (V(Z)) was more than 3861 ml/kg in all species, except 1915 ml/kg in monkeys. The oral bioavailability was rabbit >rat> monkey compared at 100 mg/kg, but it was much higher in dogs (>64%) after oral administrations. The calculated intrinsic clearance data suggested that the clearance of dog and human was restricted by binding to the plasma protein, and the clearance of rat and monkey was dependent on both the free fraction of plasma protein binding and the liver blood flow rate. The unbound hepatic intrinsic clearance of monkey was close to its C(L) suggesting that the hepatic clearance was an important excretion in monkeys. The poor oral bioavailability in the monkey may be related to the extensive glucuronidation. The V(Z).kg and C(L).kg in test species showed good correlation with the animal body weights (R(2)=0.87 and 0.96).

Laboratory reporting of the international normalized ratio: progress and problems

CONTEXT

The international normalized ratio (INR) is widely used to monitor oral anticoagulation and to evaluate patients with coagulation disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the variability of the performance and reporting of the INR and to evaluate laboratory calculation of the INR.

DESIGN

Between 1993 and 2003, laboratories participating in proficiency testing were surveyed. Participants provided the international sensitivity index and the mean normal prothrombin time used to calculate the INR. The INR was calculated from the data provided and compared with the INR reported to determine if the calculation was correct.

RESULTS

Survey data regarding the INR collected between 1993 and 2003 demonstrate an improvement in reporting, using appropriate anticoagulant, using lower international sensitivity index reagents, and matching international sensitivity index and prothrombin time method. The all-method coefficient of variation of the INR improved from 18% to 5.8%. Among 3813 laboratories studied in 2002 and 2003, 4.1% miscalculated INR. Of 29 laboratories that reported investigation of the INR miscalculation, 11 (38%) reported correcting an INR that was being reported in patient results and that this error was corrected as a result of the study. Since beginning grading of the INR calculation, miscalculation of the INR has fallen to less than 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations for change in laboratory practice made by consensus conferences are implemented during the course of many years. Difficulty calculating the INR was documented, and both the calculation and the variability in the reporting of the INR showed improvement. Proficiency testing, when closely evaluated and acted on, can have a direct impact on the quality of patient care.

Ximelagatran/melagatran against conventional anticoagulation: A meta-analysis based on 22,639 patients

BACKGROUND

The oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran, and its active form, melagatran, have been tested in various clinical conditions as a promising alternative to conventional anticoagulant therapy (CAT), despite some concerns over potentially serious liver injury.

OBJECTIVES

To assess its risk/benefit profile, a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing xi-/melagatran to CAT was performed.

METHODS

Leading medical databases were searched. The rates of major adverse events (MAE: all cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal thromboembolic stroke, nonfatal pulmonary embolism), major bleeds (MB), and hepatotoxicity were compared. Out of 140 potentially relevant citations, 13 RCTs enrolling 22,639 patients were included. Indications for treatment were: 1) perioperative prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); 2) management of DVT; and 3) stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Overall, the risk of MAE (OR 0.98 [0.83-1.17]) and MB (OR 1.01 [0.69-1.47]) did not differ significantly between xi-/melagatran and CAT. There was a clear trend towards an increased risk of hepatotoxicity (OR 1.74 [0.50-6.01]), with an incidence of 5.8% with xi-/melagatran versus 2.3% with CAT (p<0.001); more specifically, the rate of hepatotoxicity was markedly augmented in the management of DVT (OR 5.16 [3.38-7.89]), for treatment durations > or = 3 months (OR 6.73 [5.01-9.05]), and in the prevention of atrial fibrillation-related stroke (OR 8.31 [5.65-12.23]). Two fatal cases of liver injury occurred with xi-/melagatran.

CONCLUSIONS

Although comparable to CAT in terms of MAE and MB, xi-/melagatran carries a prohibitive risk of hepatotoxicity that cannot be ignored. Newer long-term alternatives are urgently needed.

A randomized trial comparing INR monitoring devices in patients with anticoagulation self-management: evaluation of a novel error-grid approach

BACKGROUND

In addition to the metrological quality of international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring devices used in patients' self-management of long-term anticoagulation, the effectiveness of self-monitoring with such devices has to be evaluated under real-life conditions with a focus on clinical implications. An approach to evaluate the clinical significance of inaccuracies is the error-grid analysis as already established in self-monitoring of blood glucose. Two anticoagulation monitors were compared in a real-life setting and a novel error-grid instrument for oral anticoagulation has been evaluated.

METHODS

In a randomized crossover study 16 patients performed self-management of anticoagulation using the INRatio and the CoaguChek S system. Main outcome measures were clinically relevant INR differences according to established criteria and to the error-grid approach.

RESULTS

A lower rate of clinically relevant disagreements according to Anderson's criteria was found with CoaguChek S than with INRatio without statistical significance (10.77% vs. 12.90%; P = 0.787). Using the error-grid we found principally consistent results: More measurement pairs with discrepancies of no or low clinical relevance were found with CoaguChek S, whereas with INRatio we found more differences with a moderate clinical relevance. A high rate of patients' satisfaction with both of the point of care devices was found with only marginal differences.

CONCLUSIONS

A principal appropriateness of the investigated point-of-care devices to adequately monitor the INR is shown. The error-grid is useful for comparing monitoring methods with a focus on clinical relevance under real-life conditions beyond assessing the pure metrological quality, but we emphasize that additional trials using this instrument with larger patient populations are needed to detect differences in clinically relevant disagreements.

Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of LMWHs in venous thrombosis and stroke in neonates, infants and children

Since the early nineties it has been shown that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has significant advantages over unfractionated heparin and oral anticoagulants for both the treatment and the prevention of thrombosis, not only in adults, but also in children. The present review was based on an 'EMBASE', 'Medline' and 'PubMed' search including literature published in any language since 1980 on LMWH in neonates, infants and children. It included paediatric pharmacokinetic studies, the use of LMWH in children with venous thrombosis, LMWH administration in paediatric patients with ischaemic stroke, and its use in order to prevent symptomatic thromboembolism in children at risk. An increasing rate of off-label use of LMWH in children has been reported, showing that LMWHs offer important benefits to children with symptomatic thromboembolic events and poor venous access. Two well-conducted pharmacokinetic studies in this age group showed that neonates and younger infants require higher LMWH doses than older children to achieve the targeted anti-Xa levels, due to an increased extra vascular clearance. Recurrent symptomatic thromboses under LMWH occur in approximately 4% of children treated for venous thrombosis, and in 7% of children treated for stroke; major bleed was documented in 3% of children with therapeutic target LMWH anti-Xa levels, whereas minor bleeding was reported in approximately 23% of children receiving either therapeutic or prophylactic doses, respectively. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to evaluate the optimum duration and application for different LMWH indications in children.

The direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran/melagatran: a systematic review on clinical applications and an evidence based assessment of risk benefit profile

The direct thrombin inhibitor, ximelagatran, and its active form, melagatran (X/M), have been compared against conventional anticoagulant therapy (CAT) in many clinical settings. Their risk-benefit profile drove large debate until withdrawal by the manufacturer. A systematic review of all published randomized trials has been performed and a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial (RCT) of X/M versus CAT. Major medical databases were searched for RCTs. Major adverse events (MAE: all cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal thromboembolic stroke, pulmonary embolism), major bleeds (MB), minor bleeds and the rate of hepatotoxicity (HT) were compared. In terms of efficacy, X/M was at least as effective as, or even superior to, CAT. In terms of safety, the overall risk of MAE, MB, minor bleeds and HT was not significantly different for X/M compared with CAT. According to individual clinical settings, X/M was associated with a lower risk of MB but a prohibitive higher risk of HT in those clinical settings requiring prolonged treatment.

Warfarin metabolism and anticoagulant effect: a prospective, observational study of the impact of CYP2C9 genetic polymorphism in the presence of drug-disease and drug-drug interactions

BACKGROUND

Cytocbrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 polymorphism affects the warfarin dosage requirement in stable outpatients. However, it is not known whether the CYP2C9 genotype contributes to the variability in warfarin dosage in the presence of drug-disease and drug-drug interactions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CYP2C9 genetic polymorphism on warfarin dosage requirements in patients with severe comorbid conditions and those treated with medications that potentially interact with warfarin.

METHODS

This prospective, observational study was conducted at Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. Data from consecutive patients treated with warfarin for at least 3 months and admitted to the internal medicine ward were eligible for inclusion. Clinical data, international normalized ratio (INR), and warfarin dosage were recorded from medical records. The CYP2C9 genotype was determined using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism, and plasma concentrations of (S)- and (R)-warfarin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using chiral methods.

RESULTS

One hundred nineteen subjects (52% women) were studied. Mean age was 65.8 years (95% CI, 63.1-68.4), and weight was 74.9 kg (95% CI, 72.1-77.7). The mean warfarin dosage was 33% lower in patients with the CYP2C9-*1/*3 genotype (mean [SEM], 0.045 [0.006] mg/kg x d(-1)) compared with the CYP2C9-*1/*1 genotype (0.067 [0.004] mg/kg x d(-1)) (P=0.008); an intermediate value was found for the CYP2C9-*1/*2 genotype (0.062 [0.008] mg/kg x d(-1)). However, despite the lower dosage, INR was significantly higher in patients with the *1/*3 genotype (mean [95% CI], 3.29 [2.44-4.14]) (n=18) compared with the *1/*1 genotype (2.52 [2.34-2.71]) (n=64) (P=0.029). In addition to genotype, older age, congestive heart failure (CHF), and treatment with antibiotics were associated with lower warfarin dosages, whereas treatment with drug-metabolism inducers was associated with higher warfarin dosages. In addition, the ratios of (S)- to (R)-warfarin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with *1/*3 compared with those in patients with the *1/*1 genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study population of patients with severe comorbid conditions and those treated with medications that potentially interact with warfarin, CYP2C9 *1/*3 genotype, older age, CHF, and the use of antibiotics were associated with lower warfarin dosage requirements. The CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype, compared with CYP2C9 *1/*1, was associated with 33% lower mean warfarin dosage requirements and higher INR values, which were higher than the upper therapeutic range of INR (ie, 3). Genetic CYP2C9 polymorphism contributed to the variability in warfarin dosage requirements in the presence of drug-disease and drug-drug interactions.

Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Octogenarians with Atrial Fibrillation

The authors examined warfarin use in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Medical records were abstracted from a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries with atrial fibrillation who were discharged from Kansas hospitals. Data were analyzed for warfarin and aspirin use and risk factors for stroke or bleeding in patients 65-79 years of age or 80 years and older. Stroke risk factors other than age and atrial fibrillation were seen in 98% of 142 patients less than 80 years of age and 100% of 141 octogenarians. Warfarin use was similar in the younger and older age groups (50% vs. 45%, respectively; p = ns) and was not associated with the number of stroke or bleeding risk factors. Compared to patients less than 80 years of age, octogenarians were less likely to receive aspirin (38% vs. 27%, respectively; p < 0.05). Anticoagulation rates for high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation were low and poorly explained by stroke or bleeding risks.

CYP2C19 polymorphism in Korean patients on warfarin therapy

This study was designed to assess the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism on warfarin dosage requirements and bleeding complications in the Korean population. Patients were placed into one of four groups according to the dose of warfarin they received and the presence of bleeding complications: regular dose control, regular dose bleeding, low dose control, and low dose bleeding. Genotyping for CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method for each patient and each study group. The measured internal normalized ratio (INR) in each dose group was similar even though the administered dosage was significantly different. A total of 66 patients were evaluated for CYP2C19 polymorphism. Among them 25 patients (37.9%) were homozygous wild type. Four patients (6.1%) had heterozygous mutations at both loci. Others had mutations on either the CYP2C19*2 or *3 locus. Higher genetic variation was observed in CYP2C19*2 than in CYP2C19*3 among Korean patients on warfarin therapy. Our data suggested that there is a higher incidence of bleeding complications in patients who have a higher allele frequency of CYP2C19. It was also revealed that the distribution of CYP2C19 polymorphism among Asian populations is more similar than of the distribution among Caucasian populations.

Simultaneous Determination of Warfarin Enantiomers and Its Metabolite in Human Plasma by Column-Switching High-Performance Liquid Chromatography With Chiral Separation

A simple and sensitive column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of warfarin enantiomers and their metabolites, 7-hydroxywarfarin enantiomers, in human plasma is described. Warfarin enantiomers, 7-hydroxywarfarin enantiomers, and an internal standard, diclofenac sodium, were extracted from 1 mL of a plasma sample using diethyl ether-chloroform (80:20, v/v). The extract was injected onto column I (TSK precolumn BSA-C8, 5 microm, 10 mm x 4.6 mm inside diameter) for cleanup and column II (Chiralcel OD-RH analytical column, 150 mm x 4.6 mm inside diameter) coupled with a guard column (Chiralcel OD-RH guard column, 10 mm x4.6 mm inside diameter) for separation. The mobile phase consisted of phosphate buffer-acetonitrile (84:16 v/v, pH 2.0) for clean-up and phosphate buffer-acetonitrile (45:55 v/v, pH 2.0) for separation. The peaks were monitored with an ultraviolet detector set at a wavelength of 312 nm, and total time for chromatographic separation was approximately 25 minutes. The validated concentration ranges of this method were 3 to 1000 ng/mL for (R)- and (S)-warfarin and 3 to 200 ng/mL for (R)- and (S)-7-hydroxywarfarin. Intra- and interday coefficients of variation were less than 4.4% and 4.9% for (R)-warfarin and 4.8% and 4.0% for (S)-warfarin, and 5.1% and 4.2% for (R)-7-hydroxywarfarin and 5.8% and 5.0% for (S)-7-hydroxywarfarin at the different concentrations. The limit of quantification was 3 ng/mL for both warfarin and 7-hydroxywarfarin enantiomers. This method was suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of warfarin enantiomers and was applied in a pharmacokinetic study requiring the simultaneous determination of warfarin enantiomers and its metabolite, 7-hydroxywarfarin enantiomers, in human volunteers.

The quality of oral anticoagulant therapy and recurrent venous thrombotic events in the Leiden Thrombophilia Study

BACKGROUND

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) target range is a relatively narrow range in which the efficacy of oral anticoagulant treatment, i.e. prevention of extension and recurrence of thrombosis, is balanced with the risk of hemorrhagic complications. Over the years, different INR target ranges have been implemented for individual indications, depending on their thrombotic potential. In most of the studies defining these INR targets, the treatment of the patients was aimed at a certain INR range, but in the analysis no account was taken of the time that the patients spent within this range in reality.

METHODS

The Leiden Thrombophilia Study (LETS) is a population-based case-control study on risk factors for venous thrombosis, in which many genetic and acquired factors have been investigated. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the quality of the oral anticoagulant therapy for the initial venous thrombosis and its relationship with recurrence of thrombosis. Quality of anticoagulation was defined as the time spent at various INR levels during treatment, and we focused on the effect of sustained intensities above a certain INR in preventing recurrences later on.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-six patients with a total follow-up of 2495 patient-years were studied. The mean duration of the initial anticoagulant therapy was 194.5 days (range 48-4671). During follow-up, 58 recurrences were diagnosed (cumulative recurrence rate of 21.8% over 9 years). The mean INR during initial therapy was 2.90, with 90.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 88.4-92.3%] of the time being spent above an INR of 2.0, and 39.1% (95% CI 35.5-42.7%) above an INR of 3.0. Patients who spent more time below the target range, or who had a shorter duration of anticoagulation, did not experience a higher risk of recurrence after the initial period of anticoagulation had passed.

CONCLUSION

Provided that oral anticoagulant treatment is adequately managed, according to international guidelines, recurrent thrombosis cannot be ascribed to variation in the primary treatment. Further attempts to reduce the risk of recurrence should therefore be aimed at identifying other explanatory factors, and subsequently fine-tuning the target ranges.

A rapid method for the quantification of the enantiomers of Warfarin, Phenprocoumon and Acenocoumarol by two-dimensional-enantioselective liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

We describe a new fully validated enantioselective LC-MS/MS method for stereospecific quantification of both the racemic forms of Warfarin (WF), Phenprocoumon and Acenocoumarol in human plasma. Measurement specificity was assessed by using different blank donor plasma samples, where no interfering reagent peak appeared at the retention time (RT) of the targeted analytes. Response was linear for all analytes. Typical linear regression coefficients have >0.99. The recoveries ranged from 98% to 118%. Determinations in 10 normal healthy individuals revealed a high reproducibility of RTs. These findings confer to the method suitability for large population studies.

Interaction potential between cranberry juice and warfarin

PURPOSE

The interaction potential between warfarin and cranberry juice is discussed.

SUMMARY

Reports from the United Kingdom have raised concern over the interaction potential between cranberry juice and warfarin. Warfarin is the most commonly prescribed oral medication for anticoagulation therapy. Cranberry juice is a flavonoid, which has been shown to induce, inhibit, or act as a substrate for the biosynthesis of several cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes. Specifically, cranberry juice may inhibit the activity of CYP2C9, the primary isoenzyme involved in the metabolism of S-warfarin. A search of the medical literature identified three peer-reviewed case reports and two peer-reviewed, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials using metabolic surrogates of warfarin (flurbiprofen and cyclosporine) that described possible interactions between cranberry juice and warfarin. Two case reports suggested that cranberry juice increased the International Normalized Ratio (INR) of patients taking warfarin, but neither clearly identified cranberry juice as the sole cause of INR elevation. One case report appeared to show a correlation between the effects of cranberry juice and warfarin metabolism. Both clinical trials indicated the lack of an interaction between cranberry juice and CYP isoenzymes 2C9 and 3A, both of which are necessary in warfarin metabolism. More studies are required to determine the potential interaction between cranberry juice and warfarin.

CONCLUSION

The available data do not seem to show a clinically relevant interaction between cranberry juice and warfarin; however, patients taking warfarin with cranberry juice should be cautioned about the potential interaction and monitored closely for INR changes and signs and symptoms of bleeding.

Warfarin dose and the pharmacogenomics of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 - rationale and perspectives

Warfarin is the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant, but there is greater than 10-fold interindividual variability in the dose required to attain a therapeutic response. Information from pharmacogenomics, the study of the interaction of an individual's genotype and drug response, can help optimize drug efficacy while minimizing adverse drug reactions. Pharmacogenetic analysis of two genes, the warfarin metabolic enzyme CYP2C9 and warfarin target enzyme, vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 VKORC1, confirmed their influence on warfarin maintenance dose. Possession of CYP2C9*2 or CYP2C9*3 variant alleles, which result in decreased enzyme activity, is associated with a significant decrease in the mean warfarin dose. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VKORC1 are associated with warfarin dose across the normal dose range. Haplotypes based on these SNPs explain a large fraction of the interindividual variation in warfarin dose, and VKORC1 has an approximately three-fold greater effect than CYP2C9. Algorithms incorporating genetic (CYP2C9 and VKORC1), demographic, and clinical factors to estimate the warfarin dosage, could potentially minimize the risk of over dose during warfarin induction.

Perioperative management of patients receiving vitamin K antagonists

PURPOSE

As the number of patients taking vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is growing, the clinician is increasingly faced with having to make decisions regarding anticoagulation therapy before, during and immediately after surgery. In this article we review the indications for VKA and assess their use in the perioperative period based on available pharmacological and clinical data.

SOURCE

An on-line computerized search of Medline was conducted limited to English and French language articles. The bibliographies of relevant articles and additional material from other published sources were retrieved and reviewed.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Assessment of patients taking VKA who need surgery must include three factors: 1) the indication for anticoagulation, which determines the thromboembolic risk; 2) the pharmacokinetics of VKA, which determine the moment at which treatment should be discontinued; and 3) the type of surgery, which determines the hemorrhagic risk. Some patients will need to stop VKA treatment and start a substitution or "bridging" anticoagulant therapy, such as unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin, prior to and after surgery. In patients requiring emergency surgery, prothrombin complex concentrate can be used to improve coagulation and is preferable to, although more expensive than fresh frozen plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

For the perioperative setting, further studies are required to determine the optimal substitution ("bridging") regimen and the clinical circumstances that necessitate substitution therapy.

Pharmacogenetics of warfarin: current status and future challenges

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is difficult to use because of the wide variation in dose required to achieve a therapeutic effect, and the risk of serious bleeding. Warfarin acts by interfering with the recycling of vitamin K in the liver, which leads to reduced activation of several clotting factors. Thirty genes that may be involved in the biotransformation and mode of action of warfarin are discussed in this review. The most important genes affecting the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of warfarin are CYP2C9 (cytochrome P(450) 2C9) and VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1). These two genes, together with environmental factors, partly explain the interindividual variation in warfarin dose requirements. Large ongoing studies of genes involved in the actions of warfarin, together with prospective assessment of environmental factors, will undoubtedly increase the capacity to accurately predict warfarin dose. Implementation of pre-prescription genotyping and individualized warfarin therapy represents an opportunity to minimize the risk of haemorrhage without compromising effectiveness.

Study on warfarin plasma concentration and its correlation with international normalized ratio

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for warfarin determination in plasma of patients who undertook cardiac valve replacement and were on anticoagulation with warfarin. The method described proved to be accurate, sensitive, easy to perform, reproducible and specific for plasma warfarin measurement with relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of <5.27% for inter-day and <6.89% for intra-day. The assay was linear in warfarin concentration ranges of 0.12-3 microg/ml (r=0.9995) with mean recovery of 94.6%. The mean warfarin plasma concentration of 58 patients with heart valve replacement within 1 month of post operation was 567.6+/-122.3 ng/ml. The anticoagulant effect of the drug was monitored by international normalized ratio (INR). The correlation of warfarin dosage and concentration with INR was analysed, and the coefficients were 0.21, 0.1<p<0.2 and 0.30, 0.02<p<0.1, respectively. The correlation of warfarin dosage or concentration with INR is very poor, and hence in order to adjust the dosage more objectively and accurately, concentration monitoring is necessary and helpful for the patient management. It is needed especially when the ideal INR is difficult to target.

National Stroke Association guidelines for the management of transient ischemic attacks

OBJECTIVE

Transient ischemic attacks are common and important harbingers of subsequent stroke. Management varies widely, and most published guidelines have not been updated in several years. We sought to create comprehensive, unbiased, evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with transient ischemic attacks.

METHODS

Fifteen expert panelists were selected based on objective criteria, using publication metrics that predicted nomination by practitioners in the field. Prior published guidelines were identified through systematic review, and recommendations derived from them were rated independently for quality by the experts. Highest quality recommendations were selected and subsequently edited by the panelists using a modified Delphi approach with multiple iterations of questionnaires to reach consensus on new changes. Experts were provided systematic reviews of recent clinical studies and were asked to justify wording changes based on new evidence and to rate the final recommendations based on level of evidence and quality. No expert was allowed to contribute to recommendations on a topic for which there could be any perception of a conflict of interest.

RESULTS

Of 257 guidelines documents identified by systematic review, 13 documents containing 137 recommendations met all entry criteria. Six iterations of questionnaires were required to reach consensus on wording of 53 final recommendations. Final recommendations covered initial management, evaluation, medical treatment, surgical treatment, and risk factor management.

INTERPRETATION

The final recommendations on the care of patients with transient ischemic attacks emphasize the importance of urgent evaluation and treatment. The novel approach used to develop these guidelines is feasible, allows for rapid updating, and may reduce bias.

Early postoperative anticoagulation after mechanical valve replacement: a systematic review

The optimal approach to early postoperative anticoagulation after mechanical valve implantation remains controversial. This review article examines the pathogenesis of thrombus formation and the different strategies for early postoperative anticoagulation. The most commonly reported anticoagulation regimens had the after estimates of early postoperative thromboembolism and hemorrhage: oral anticoagulation alone (0.9%, 3.3%); oral anticoagulation with intravenous unfractionated heparin (1.1%, 7.2%); and oral anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin (0.6%, 4.8%). Although intravenous heparin may be associated with a higher incidence of hemorrhage, a randomized trial is needed to provide the best evidence regarding early postoperative anticoagulation after mechanical valve implantation. Nearly four decades have passed since the first mechanical prosthetic valves were implanted. Frequent thromboembolic complications with the first mechanical valves led to recommendations of universal anticoagulation for these patients. Since then, several design changes and modifications have been made to improve the longevity, hemodynamics, and thrombogenicity of newer generation mechanical valves. With improved blood flow, less stasis, and less thrombogenic materials, lower rates of thromboembolism have been reported. Despite these advances however, thromboembolism and anticoagulant-related bleeding continue to account for 75% of all complications after mechanical valve replacement. Occurring most commonly within six months after implantation, these complications can adversely affect mortality and quality of life. Furthermore, the threat of their occurrence creates a psychological burden for each patient with a mechanical valve. The need for life-long anticoagulation in patients with mechanical valves is not in dispute, and the perioperative management of anticoagulation during non-cardiac surgery has been reviewed extensively. However, the approach to early postoperative anticoagulation after mechanical valve implantation is still a matter of debate. The optimal intensity and timing of anticoagulation to prevent early thromboembolism after valve replacement surgery without postoperative bleeding complications is unknown. Hence, many anticoagulation protocols have been proposed, but a lack of consensus remains. The objectives of this study were (1) to reexamine the pathogenesis of thrombus formation and the need for anticoagulation; (2) to critically review the literature on early postoperative anticoagulation strategies; and (3) provide an estimate of the incidence of bleeding and thromboembolism for each approach to early postoperative anticoagulation.

Clopidogrel plus aspirin versus oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in the Atrial fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial with Irbesartan for prevention of Vascular Events (ACTIVE W): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Oral anticoagulation therapy reduces risk of vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, long-term monitoring is necessary and many patients cannot achieve optimum anticoagulation. We assessed whether clopidogrel plus aspirin was non-inferior to oral anticoagulation therapy for prevention of vascular events.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled if they had atrial fibrillation plus one or more risk factor for stroke, and were randomly allocated to receive oral anticoagulation therapy (target international normalised ratio of 2.0-3.0; n=3371) or clopidogrel (75 mg per day) plus aspirin (75-100 mg per day recommended; n=3335). Outcome events were adjudicated by a blinded committee. Primary outcome was first occurrence of stroke, non-CNS systemic embolus, myocardial infarction, or vascular death. Analyses were by intention-to-treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00243178.

RESULTS

The study was stopped early because of clear evidence of superiority of oral anticoagulation therapy. There were 165 primary events in patients on oral anticoagulation therapy (annual risk 3.93%) and 234 in those on clopidogrel plus aspirin (annual risk 5.60%; relative risk 1.44 (1.18-1.76; p=0.0003). Patients on oral anticoagulation therapy who were already receiving this treatment at study entry had a trend towards a greater reduction in vascular events (relative risk 1.50, 95% CI 1.19-1.89) and a significantly (p=0.03 for interaction) lower risk of major bleeding with oral anticoagulation therapy (1.30; 0.94-1.79) than patients not on this treatment at study entry (1.27, 0.85-1.89 and 0.59, 0.32-1.08, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Oral anticoagulation therapy is superior to clopidogrel plus aspirin for prevention of vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke, especially in those already taking oral anticoagulation therapy.

Rationale and design of ACTIVE: the atrial fibrillation clopidogrel trial with irbesartan for prevention of vascular events

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently occurring cardiac arrhythmia with often serious clinical consequences. Many patients have contraindications to anticoagulation, and it is often underused in clinical practice. The addition of clopidogrel to aspirin (ASA) has been shown to reduce vascular events in a number of high-risk populations. Irbesartan is an angiotensin receptor-blocking agent that reduces blood pressure and has other vascular protective effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ACTIVE W is a noninferiority trial of clopidogrel plus ASA versus oral anticoagulation in patients with AF and at least 1 risk factor for stroke. ACTIVE A is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of clopidogrel in patients with AF and with at least 1 risk factor for stroke who receive ASA because they have a contraindication for oral anticoagulation or because they are unwilling to take an oral anticoagulant. ACTIVE I is a partial factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of irbesartan in patients participating in ACTIVE A or ACTIVE W. The primary outcomes of these studies are composites of vascular events. A total of 14000 patients will be enrolled in these trials.

CONCLUSIONS

ACTIVE is the largest trial yet conducted in AF. Its results will lead to a new understanding of the role of combined antiplatelet therapy and the role of blood pressure lowering with an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with AF.

The role of low-molecular-weight heparins as supportive care therapy in cancer-associated thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of malignant disease, affecting approximately 1 in 200 cancer patients. Oncology nurses are instrumental in identifying patients with cancer at high risk of venous thromboembolism. Risk factors include: stage of disease, chemotherapy, the patient's degree of immobility, a history of recent surgery, and the presence of a central venous catheter. The treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer usually involves a sequential combination of unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), followed by oral warfarin or LMWH. LMWHs are an alternative to warfarin for secondary prophylaxis and long-term treatment. LMWH is given by subcutaneous injection, does not require hospitalization for administration or routine laboratory monitoring. Recent clinical trial results have shown that LMWH use is associated with improved survival in cancer patients with relatively good prognoses. Patients receiving any anticoagulant therapy should be monitored for signs of pulmonary embolism or bleeding and intravenous sites (if present) should be monitored for oozing. Appropriate patient selection, a carefully constructed treatment plan, extensive patient education, and regular patient contact are integral elements for the nursing care of patients with cancer-associated thrombosis treated in the outpatient setting.

Pharmacogenetics of oral anticoagulants

The use of oral anticoagulants (OA) is problematic due to its association with hemorrhagic complications. OA metabolism relies on the CYP2C9 complex. Genetic variations compromising metabolic competence of this complex may explain the risk of excessive and hazardous anticoagulation. A pharmacogenetics-based approach to this issue could be beneficial for choosing adequate dose and duration of treatment, in addition to having a better understanding of pharmacological interactions to which OA are susceptible. However, evidence from several basic and clinical studies indicates that both a complicated system of regulation of expression of multiple genes and the influence of a wide variety of epigenetic factors could be responsible for adverse drug reactions associated with the use of OA. Emphasis on understanding the gene-environment interactions could attain new paths to facilitate the use of these important drugs in the quotidian clinical practice.

Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

To provide oncology nurses with an understanding of therapeutic options for cancer-associated thrombosis, strategies to prevent recurrence, and practical issues in patient management.

DATA SOURCES

Primary and tertiary literature and the author's clinical experience.

CONCLUSION

Oncology nurses monitor patients throughout the care continuum for signs and symptoms indicating vascular thromboembolism and need to know the steps to take to expedite an accurate diagnosis and ensure prompt treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses must keep informed about the evolving evidence that leads to practice changes. They should be able to teach patients about therapeutic options and their potential for improving outcomes.

Anticoagulation management in hip fracture patients on warfarin

The management of patients admitted with a fracture requiring surgery who are taking warfarin anticoagulation is unclear. We examined the anticoagulation management for 33 hip fracture patients on warfarin at the time of admission. Hospital course and complications were recorded on all patients. The mean INR on admission was 3.2 and prior to surgery 2.2. Eight patients (24%) had percutaneous cancellous screws for an intracapsular fracture regardless of the admission INR. In 21 (64%) patients, surgery was delayed whilst the INR came down, with an average delay of 72 h from admission to surgery. No specific treatment to lower the INR, other than wait and watch policy adopted in 11 (33%) of these patients. Pharmacological methods used to reduce the INR were fresh frozen plasma in nine cases, and intravenous Vitamin K in four patients. One patient died from post-operative haematemesis and three died from medical complications unrelated to the warfarin therapy. There were no wound haematomas or other bleeding complications. Delaying surgery whilst waiting for the INR to fall to acceptable levels may result in significant delays to surgery and we would recommend a more aggressive policy to enable earlier surgery.

Stereospecific pharmacokinetic characterisation of phenprocoumon metabolites, and mass-spectrometric identification of two novel metabolites in human plasma and liver microsomes

Phenprocoumon belongs to the group of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), for example warfarin and acenocoumarol. It is widely used for therapeutic anticoagulation and clinically administered as a racemate. Both enantiomers are partially metabolized by the polymorphic CYP2C9 enzyme. The pharmacokinetics are, however, substantially less dependent on CYP2C9 activity or genotype than for other CYP2C9-metabolised VKAs, and pharmacokinetic differences for the enantiomers are only minor. We have investigated the stereospecific pharmacokinetics of the monohydroxylated phenprocoumon metabolites in human plasma by achiral-chiral LC-LC-MS-MS coupling. In addition to the known metabolites, 4'-, 6-, and 7-hydroxyphenprocoumon, two other monohydroxylated metabolites (M1 and M2) were detected in plasma and human liver microsomal incubations. One of these was identified as 2'-hydroxyphenprocoumon by comparison with synthetic standards; the other seemed to be a side-chain-hydroxylated derivative. Analysis of enantiomeric metabolite ratios after a single oral dose of phenprocoumon revealed changes over time with an overall preponderance of the respective (R) enantiomers. The minor role of CYP2C9 in 4'-hydroxy-PPC formation and the effect of CYP2C9 genotype for (S)-6- and (S)-7-hydroxy-PPC were confirmed. M1 and M2 are formed highly stereoselectively, without dependence on CYP2C9 genotype. These may be interpreted as alternative metabolic pathways that render phenprocoumon less dependent on CYP2C9 activity or genotype.

The impact of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic polymorphism and patient characteristics upon warfarin dose requirements: proposal for a new dosing regimen

Current dosing algorithms do not account for genetic and environmental factors for warfarin dose determinations. This study investigated the contribution of age, CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotype, and body size to warfarin-dose requirements. Studied were 297 patients with stable anticoagulation with a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0 to 3.0. Genetic analyses for CYP2C9 (*2 and *3 alleles) and VKORC1 (-1639 polymorphism) were performed and venous INR and plasma R- and S-warfarin concentrations determined. The mean warfarin daily dose requirement was highest in CYP2C9 homozygous wild-type patients, compared with those with the variant *2 and *3 alleles (P &lt; .001) and highest in patients with the VKORC1 (position -1639) GG genotype compared with those with the GA genotype and the AA genotype (P &lt; .001). Mean warfarin daily dose requirements fell by 0.5 to 0.7 mg per decade between the ages of 20 to 90 years. Age, height, and CYP2C9 genotype significantly contributed to S-warfarin and total warfarin clearance, whereas only age and body size significantly contributed to R-warfarin clearance. The multivariate regression model including the variables of age, CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotype, and height produced the best model for estimating warfarin dose (R2 = 55%). Based upon the data, a new warfarin dosing regimen has been developed. The validity of the dosing regimen was confirmed in a second cohort of patients on warfarin therapy.

Development and implementation of a pharmacist-managed inpatient warfarin protocol

Because of the complexities of warfarin administration and its bleeding complications, a pharmacist-managed protocol for warfarin administration was developed at Baylor University Medical Center. The protocol incorporated current clinical guidelines and evidence-based medicine. Clinical outcomes under the protocol were compared with those of usual care, physician management, in a pilot study. Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the protocol group and 22 in the control group between August 2004 and November 2004. Results showed that patients in both groups achieved therapeutic ranges of warfarin within 6 days. However, the pharmacist-managed patients exhibited a trend toward fewer adverse drug reactions (7% vs 14%) and fewer supratherapeutic international normalized ratios (17% vs 27%) than the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Based on these results and the results of similar larger studies showing the effectiveness of pharmacist-managed warfarin administration, Baylor University Medical Center made the protocol available for use in the hospital in May 2005.

Hämostaseologie

The design and development of new antithrombotics, i.e. anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, is a rapidly expanding area of pharmacological research. New anticoagulants, i.e. inhibitors of thrombin formation and action have been developed and some of them are already in clinical use. This includes hirudin and its analogs, such as bivalirudin. In contrast to heparins, these compounds as well as low-molecular weight inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa directly inhibit thrombus-associated generation and action of thrombin, eventually associated with a reduced bleeding tendency. Orally active compounds are available and currently subject of clinical trials. It appears possible that these new agents may replace cumarins as oral anticoagulants, specifically in long-term use, in the near future. The introduction of clopidogrel marks another important development in the field of antiplatelet drugs. Synergistic actions of this compound with acetylsalicylic acid and GP-IIb/IIIa-antagonists because of their different mode of action enhance the antithrombotic potential considerably and have been clinically confirmed. Despite of this optimistic outlook, the individual risk/benefit ratio of these new drugs, in particular in the area of anticoagulants, still needs to be defined.

Venous Thromboembolism in the ICU and Reversal of Bleeding on Anticoagulants

Venous thromboembolic disease is a very common complication in the ICU. This article reviews incidence, prevention, and therapy related to venous thromboembolism, including both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Special diagnostic and treatment considerations in the ICU setting are highlighted. The increased use of antithrombotic agents has led to an increased number of patients who experience bleeding complications on anticoagulant therapy. This review also addresses the methods of reversing various anticoagulants.

Warfarin dose related to apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype

OBJECTIVE

Warfarin is an anticoagulant which acts through interference with the recycling of vitamin K in the liver, leading to reduced activation of several clotting factors. Apolipoprotein E plays a central role in the uptake of the lipid-soluble vitamin K. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles E2, E3 and E4 encode the three major isoforms of apolipoprotein E. The aim of this project was to evaluate whether variation in the APOE gene influences warfarin dose.

METHODS

We genotyped APOE in 183 warfarin-treated patients. Information about warfarin dose, prothrombin time, age, gender, body weight, treatment indication and duration, other diseases and concurrent medication was taken from the patients' medical records. Cytochrome P450 2C9 genotyping had been performed previously, and patients were stratified according to CYP2C9 genotype.

RESULTS

Patients homozygous for APOE*E4 tended to receive higher warfarin doses than others. Among CYP2C9 extensive metabolisers, APOE*E4 homozygous patients received significantly higher warfarin doses than patients with one or no E4 alleles; 56.9 compared with 34.3 and 34.6 mg/week, (Bonferroni corrected P=0.008 and 0.007, respectively). APOE genotype explains 6% of warfarin dose variance among CYP2C9 extensive metabolisers (analysis of variance, P=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Previous studies have shown that individuals carrying the APOE*E4 allele have a faster uptake of lipoproteins into the liver and lower levels of circulating vitamin K than others. It is therefore plausible that patients carrying E4 alleles have an enhanced uptake of vitamin K into the liver and require higher doses of warfarin to compensate for this.