Discontinuation and management of direct-acting anticoagulants for emergency procedures

Delayed Surgery Does Not Reduce Transfusion Rates in Low-Energy Hip Fractures on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

OBJECTIVES

To compare transfusion rates in patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with nonanticoagulated patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and, secondarily, to determine whether time to surgery or complications differ between these groups.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Three tertiary care, academic, Level I trauma centers.

PATIENTS

Acute, operatively treated, low-energy hip fracture patients 55 years of age and older were included. Anticoagulated patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio to "control" nonanticoagulated hip fracture patients using propensity score matching.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was incidence of perioperative transfusion. The secondary outcomes included time to surgery, length of stay, and 90-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-two patients with hip fracture admitted on DOACs were identified (107 factor Xa inhibitors, 25 dabigatran) and were matched to 262 "control" nonanticoagulated patients. There was no difference in overall transfusion rates between anticoagulation and control groups (43.2%; n = 57 DOAC vs. 39.7%; n = 104 control; P = 0.517). The median time from admission to surgery was 41.7 hours in the DOAC group and 26.0 hours in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no differences in 90-day complication, readmission, reoperation, or mortality rates between DOAC and control groups. Comparing DOAC patients undergoing surgery within 24 hours and after 24 hours, there were no differences in transfusion rates (P = 0.558) or overall complication rates (P = 0.179).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports growing evidence that DOAC use should not be a determining factor in delaying surgery for patients with hip fracture who are otherwise medically optimized.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy: a case-based narrative review

The periprocedural management of patients who are receiving vitamin K antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet therapy is a common and challenging clinical scenario as the decision to interrupt or continue these medications is anchored on patient and procedure-related risks for bleeding and thrombosis. Adding to the complexity of clinical management is the fact that anticoagulants have varied pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and indications for clinical use. In many minimal-bleed-risk procedures, anticoagulants can be safely continued, without interruption, whereas in cases where anticoagulants cannot be safely continued, the timing of interruption and resumption, as well as the need for heparin bridging requires consideration. Perioperative antithrombotic management scenarios occur most often in patients with atrial fibrillation, mechanical heart valves, coronary stents, and cerebrovascular disease as such patients are likely to be prescribed anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy. The objective of this case-based narrative review is to provide a practical evidence-based approach to the perioperative management of patients on anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. Four clinical scenarios will be provided: (1) managing patients in whom anticoagulants can be continued; (2) perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulants; (3) management of patients on dual antiplatelet therapy; and (4) anticoagulant management for emergency or urgent surgery.

Emergency cardiac surgery in patients on oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications

BACKGROUND

Emergency surgery, blood transfusion, and reoperation for bleeding have been associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality. The recent increased use of direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications has made the above more challenging. In addition, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with its associated hemodilution, fibrinolysis, and platelet consumption, may exacerbate the pre-existing coagulopathy and increase the risk of bleeding.

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine available literature with regard to treating patients who are on the above medications and require emergency cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

Management decisions are typically made on a case-by-case basis. Surgery is delayed when possible, and less invasive percutaneous options should be considered if feasible. Attention is paid to exercising meticulous techniques, avoiding excessive hypothermia, and treating coexisting issues such as sepsis. Ensuring a dry operative field upon entry by correcting the coagulopathy with reversal agents is offset by the concern of potentially hindering efforts to anticoagulate the patient (heparin resistance) in preparation for CPB, in addition to possibly increasing the risk of thromboembolism.

CONCLUSION

Proper knowledge of anticoagulants, their reversal agents, and the usefulness of laboratory testing are all essential. Platelet transfusion remains the mainstay for antiplatelet medications. Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is considered in patients on oral anticoagulants if CPB needs to be instituted quickly. Specific reversal agents such as idarucizumab and andexanet alfa can be considered if significant tissue dissection is anticipated, such as redo sternotomy, but are costly and may lead to heparin resistance and anticoagulant rebound.

Impact of clinical characteristics of colonic diverticular bleeding in extremely elderly patients treated with direct oral anti-coagulant drugs: a retrospective multi-center study

Since there were no available data about colonic diverticular bleeding in extremely elderly patients (>80 years old) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), we tried to determine clinical characteristics in those with colonic diverticular bleeding taking DOACs and to compare clinical outcomes of those in DOAC-treated to those in warfarin-treated . We enrolled DOAC-treated (n = 20) and warfarin-treated (n = 23) extremely elderly patients with diverticular bleeding diagnosed by colonoscopy. We performed a retrospective review of patients’ medical charts and endoscopic findings. We classified colonic diverticular bleeding based on endoscopic features due to modified previous study following three groups, type A (active bleeding), type B (non-active bleeding) and type C (bleeding suspected). Clinical outcomes such as number of recurrent bleeding, thrombotic events and mortality were estimated. There were no differences in endoscopical features and clinical characteristics between patients treated with DOAC and warfarin therapy. However, the number of recurrent bleeding, frequency of required blood transfusions and units of blood transfusion in warfarin-treated patients were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to those in DOAC-treated groups. In addition, mortality and thrombotic events did not differ between DOAC- and warfarin-treated patients. Clinical outcomes suggest that DOACs can be recommended for extremely elderly patients with colonic diverticular disease.

SCAI expert consensus update on best practices in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: This statement was endorsed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) in April 2021

The current document commissioned by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and endorsed by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society represents a comprehensive update to the 2012 and 2016 consensus documents on patient-centered best practices in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Comprising updates to staffing and credentialing, as well as evidence-based updates to the pre-, intra-, and post-procedural logistics, clinical standards and patient flow, the document also includes an expanded section on CCL governance, administration, and approach to quality metrics. This update also acknowledges the collaboration with various specialties, including discussion of the heart team approach to management, and working with electrophysiology colleagues in particular. It is hoped that this document will be utilized by hospitals, health systems, as well as regulatory bodies involved in assuring and maintaining quality, safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of patient throughput in this high volume area.

Guidelines for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. Consensus document of Spanish Societies of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Cardiovascular Surgery (SECCE) and Perfusionists (AEP)

The ERAS guidelines are intended to identify, disseminate and promote the implementation of the best, scientific evidence-based actions to decrease variability in clinical practice. The implementation of these practices in the global clinical process will promote better outcomes and the shortening of hospital and critical care unit stays, thereby resulting in a reduction in costs and in greater efficiency. After completing a systematic review at each of the points of the perioperative process in cardiac surgery, recommendations have been developed based on the best scientific evidence currently available with the consensus of the scientific societies involved.

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.

Is anticoagulation reversal necessary prior to surgical treatment of geriatric hip fractures?

OBJECTIVE

Hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients on anticoagulants may increase the risk for blood loss. Anticoagulation reversal may lower these risks; however, data on blood loss and transfusions are limited. The study purpose was to compare outcomes between hip fracture patients 1) not on anticoagulants 2) whose anticoagulants were reversed, and 3) whose anticoagulants were not reversed.

METHODS

This four-year retrospective cohort study at six Level 1 Trauma Centers enrolled geriatric patients (≥65) with isolated hip fractures. The primary outcome was total hospital blood loss (ml). Secondary outcomes: hospital length of stay (HLOS) and volume of packed red blood cells (pRBC) transfusions (ml). Statistical analyses included: Fisher's, chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis, linear mixed-effect and logistic regression. Bonferroni adjusted alpha = 0.025.

RESULTS

Of the 459 patients, 189 (41%) were not on anticoagulants, 186 (41%) were reversed, and 84 (18%) were not reversed. The LS mean (SE) blood loss was 134 ml (12) for not reversed patients and 159 (17) for reversed patients; no significant difference compared to those not on anticoagulants [138 (12)], p-diff = 0.14 and 0.83, respectively. The LS mean (SE) HLOS was significantly longer for the reversed patients, 7.7 (0.4) days, when compared to those not on anticoagulants, 6.8 (0.4), p = 0.02, and when compared to those not reversed, 6.3 (0.6), p = 0.01. There was no significant difference in pRBC transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Not reversing anticoagulants for geriatric hip fractures was not associated with increased volume of blood loss or transfusions when compared to those reversed. Delayed surgery for anticoagulant reversal may be unnecessary and contributing to an increased HLOS.

Emergent Reversal of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Permitting Neurosurgical Intervention for Nonhemorrhagic Pathology

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are becoming the medication of choice for the management of venous thromboembolism and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation because of simplified dosing, a more predictive pharmacokinetic profile, and better clinical outcomes when compared with traditional vitamin K antagonists. Recently, reversal agents for DOACs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in managing life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding; however, for acute nonhemorrhagic conditions requiring surgical intervention, such as acute hydrocephalus requiring ventriculostomy, there is little evidence to help guide appropriate management for patients on DOACs.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the use of andexanet alfa to counteract rivaroxaban treatment in a 28-year-old woman who developed herniation syndrome and acute hydrocephalus from a cerebellar tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe how appropriate timing of administration of the DOAC reversal agent may permit urgent neurosurgical intervention.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate before Urgent Surgery in Patients Treated with Rivaroxaban and Apixaban

INTRODUCTION

Patients treated with direct Xa inhibitors may require urgent surgery. Administration of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in this setting is common; however, it is based on limited experience in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the population receiving PCC for apixaban/rivaroxaban reversal prior to an urgent surgery and evaluate its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in 2 tertiary hospitals. Bleeding was evaluated based on surgical reports, hemoglobin drop, and the use of blood products or additional PCC during 48 h. Safety measures were thrombotic complications and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients aged 80.7 ± 9 years, treated with apixaban (39.63%) or rivaroxaban (23.37%), received PCC before an urgent surgery/procedure. Most underwent abdominal operation (61%), orthopedic surgery (13%), or transhepatic cholecystostomy insertion (10%). Bleeding during surgery was reported in 3 patients (5%), no patient required additional PCC, and 16 patients (26%) received packed cells (median: 1 unit, range: 1-5). The 30-day mortality and thrombosis rates were 21% (n = 13) and 3% (n = 2), respectively. The cause of death was related to the primary disease, most commonly sepsis. No patient died due to bleeding/thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the use of PCC to achieve hemostasis in patients treated with Xa inhibitors prior to an urgent surgery.

Perioperative and Periprocedural Management of Antithrombotic Therapy: Consensus Document of SEC, SEDAR, SEACV, SECTCV, AEC, SECPRE, SEPD, SEGO, SEHH, SETH, SEMERGEN, SEMFYC, SEMG, SEMICYUC, SEMI, SEMES, SEPAR, SENEC, SEO, SEPA, SERVEI, SECOT and AEU

During the last few years, the number of patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy has increased worldwide. Since this is a chronic treatment, patients receiving it can be expected to need some kind of surgery or intervention during their lifetime that may require treatment discontinuation. The decision to withdraw antithrombotic therapy depends on the patient's thrombotic risk versus hemorrhagic risk. Assessment of both factors will show the precise management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in these scenarios. The aim of this consensus document, coordinated by the Cardiovascular Thrombosis Working Group of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, and endorsed by most of the Spanish scientific societies of clinical specialities that may play a role in the patient-health care process during the perioperative or periprocedural period, is to recommend some simple and practical guidelines with a view to homogenizing daily clinical practice.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) - Management of emergency situations

The worldwide increase in the aging population and the associated increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism as well as the widespread use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have resulted in an increase of the need for the management of bleeding complications and emergency operations in frail, elderly patients, in clinical practice. When severe bleeding occurs, general assessment should include evaluation of the bleeding site, onset and severity of bleeding, renal function, and concurrent medications with focus on anti-platelet drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). The last intake of the DOAC and its residual concentration are also relevant. The site of bleeding should be immediately localized, anticoagulation should be interrupted, and local measures to stop bleeding should be taken. In life-threatening bleeding or emergency operations immediate reversal of the antithrombotic effect may be indicated. If relevant residual DOAC-concentrations are expected and surgery cannot be postponed, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and/or a specific antidote should be given. While idarucizumab, the specific antidote for dabigatran, has been recently approved for clinical use, the recombinant factor X protein andexanet alfa, an antidote for the reversal of inhibitors of coagulation factor Xa, and ciraparantag, a universal antidote, are not available. Future cohort studies are necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of specific and unspecific reversal agents in "real-life" conditions. This was the rationale for introducing the RADOA-registry (RADOA: Reversal Agent use in patients treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants or vitamin K antagonists), a prospective non-interventional registry, which will evaluate the effects of specific and unspecific reversal agents in patients with life-threatening bleeding or emergency operations either treated with DOACs or vitamin K antagonists.

Bleeding with Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs Warfarin: Clinical Experience

The risk of bleeding in the setting of anticoagulant therapy continues to be re-evaluated following the introduction of a new generation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Interruption of DOAC therapy and supportive care may be sufficient for the management of patients who present with mild or moderate bleeding, but in those with life-threatening bleeding, a specific reversal agent is desirable. We review the phase 3 clinical studies of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, in the context of bleeding risk and management.

Preclinical and Clinical Data for Factor Xa and "Universal" Reversal Agents

Oral Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, a growing class of direct-acting anticoagulants, are frequently used to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism. These drugs reduce the risk of clotting at the expense of increasing the risk of bleeding, and currently they have no specific reversal agent. However, andexanet alfa, a recombinant modified FXa decoy molecule, is in a late-phase clinical trial in bleeding patients, and ciraparantag, a small molecule that appears to reverse many anticoagulants including the FXa inhibitors, is in development. This review summarizes the published data to date on both drugs, which have the potential to change the management approach to patients with FXa inhibitor-associated major hemorrhage.

Preclinical and clinical data for factor Xa and "universal" reversal agents

Oral Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, a growing class of direct-acting anticoagulants, are frequently used to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism. These drugs reduce the risk of clotting at the expense of increasing the risk of bleeding, and currently they have no specific reversal agent. However, andexanet alfa, a recombinant modified FXa decoymolecule, is in a late-phase clinical trial in bleeding patients, and ciraparantag, a small molecule that appears to reverse many anticoagulants including the FXa inhibitors, is in development. This review summarizes the published data to date on both drugs, which have the potential to change the management approach to patients with FXa inhibitoreassociated major hemorrhage.