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Radwan S, Mourad DF, Hamdy R, Kamel MM, Abdel-Moneim AS, Elkhashab DM, Kadry DY. Clinical Profiles, Laboratory Biomarkers, and Mortality in Cancer Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:901. [PMID: 38929518 PMCID: PMC11205937 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose a substantial health burden worldwide, especially among immunocompromised groups like cancer patients. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to explore lower respiratory tract infections in cancer patients. We followed 107 cases with clinically or radiologically suspected lower respiratory tract infections until discharge or death, comprising 65 males and 42 females across diverse age groups. Clinical evaluations, including patient history, examination, and malignancy diagnosis, were conducted. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs), sputum samples, and blood samples were collected within 24 h of symptom onset. Multiplex Real-Time PCR allowed for the simultaneous detection of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, while conventional microbiological culture methods were used for bacterial and fungal analysis. SARS-CoV-2 infection was excluded in all of the enrolled patients using real-time RT-PCR. Hematological and biochemical analyses included hemoglobin, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts, along with ALT, AST, creatinine, and CRP levels. Significant differences were noted in clinical presentations, management outcomes, and prognostic markers among patients with different hematological malignancies. Distinct clinical profiles were identified for leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors, with variations in age distribution and symptom prevalence. ICU admission rates varied significantly, with solid tumor patients exhibiting higher rates. The hematological and biochemical biomarkers differed across malignancies, with notable associations between lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and mortality following respiratory episodes. This study highlights the critical role of rapid pathogen detection and infection control measures in safeguarding vulnerable cancer patients from nosocomial transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Radwan
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Dalia F. Mourad
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Rana Hamdy
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M. Kamel
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S. Abdel-Moneim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Taif University, Al-Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina M. Elkhashab
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Dalia Y. Kadry
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
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Fioretti AM, Leopizzi T, La Forgia D, Scicchitano P, Oreste D, Fanizzi A, Massafra R, Oliva S. Incidental right atrial mass in a patient with secondary pancreatic cancer: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:1206-1216. [PMID: 36874413 PMCID: PMC9979295 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i5.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidental detection of a right atrial mass during routine cardioncological workup is a rare condition. The correct differential diagnosis between cancer and thrombi is challenging. A biopsy may not be feasible while diagnostic techniques and tools may not be available.
CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 59-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer and current secondary metastatic pancreatic cancer. She developed deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and was admitted to the Outpatient Clinic of our Cardio-Oncology Unit for follow-up. Transthoracic echocardiogram incidentally found a right atrial mass. Clinical management was difficult due to the abrupt worsening of the patient’s clinical condition and the progressive severe thrombocytopenia. We suspected a thrombus, according to its echocardiographic appearance, the patient’s cancer history and recent venous thromboembolism. The patient was unable to adhere to low molecular weight heparin treatment. Due to worsening prognosis, palliative care was recommended. We also highlighted the distinguishing features between thrombi and tumors. We proposed a diagnostic flowchart to aid diagnostic decision making in the case of an incidental atrial mass.
CONCLUSION This case report highlights the importance of cardioncological surveillance during anticancer treatments to detect cardiac masses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiziana Leopizzi
- Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Ospedale SS. Annunziata, Taranto 74121, Italy
| | - Daniele La Forgia
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Pietro Scicchitano
- Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit, Ospedale “Fabio Perinei”, Altamura (Bari) 70022, Italy
| | - Donato Oreste
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Annarita Fanizzi
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Raffaella Massafra
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Stefano Oliva
- Cardio-Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari 70124, Italy
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Abstract
Blood coagulation is essential to maintain the integrity of a closed circulatory system (hemostasis), but also contributes to thromboembolic occlusion of vessels (thrombosis). Thrombosis may cause deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, and ischemic stroke, collectively the most common causes of death and disability in the developed world. Treatment for the prevention of thromboembolic diseases using anticoagulants such as heparin, coumarins, thrombin inhibitors, or antiplatelet drugs increase the risk of bleeding and are associated with an increase in potentially life-threatening hemorrhage, partially offsetting the benefits of reduced coagulation. Thus, drug development aiming at novel targets is needed to provide efficient and safe anticoagulation. Within the last decade, experimental and preclinical data have shown that some coagulation mechanisms principally differ in thrombosis and hemostasis. The plasma contact system protein factors XII and XI, high-molecular-weight kininogen, and plasma kallikrein specifically contribute to thrombosis, however, have minor, if any, role in hemostatic coagulation mechanisms. Inherited deficiency in contact system proteins is not associated with increased bleeding in humans and animal models. Therefore, targeting contact system proteins provides the exciting opportunity to interfere specifically with thromboembolic diseases without increasing the bleeding risk. Recent studies that investigated pharmacologic inhibition of contact system proteins have shown that this approach provides efficient and safe thrombo-protection that in contrast to classical anticoagulants is not associated with increased bleeding risk. This review summarizes therapeutic and conceptual developments for selective interference with pathological thrombus formation, while sparing physiologic hemostasis, that enables safe anticoagulation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiner K Mailer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Piotr Kuta
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.,Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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Zhang Q, Ding Q, Yan S, Yue QY. Fatal Adverse Events of Dabigatran Combined With Aspirin in Elderly Patients: An Analysis Using Data From VigiBase. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:769251. [PMID: 35002709 PMCID: PMC8727914 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.769251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The elderly are vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases and the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases significantly with age. Dabigatran is a commonly used new oral anticoagulant approved by the FDA for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular AF and VTE treatment and prevention. Aspirin is commonly used as a preventive drug for cardiovascular diseases. AF and coronary heart disease share many risk factors, so these two diseases often coexist and thus dabigatran and aspirin are often combined in those people. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of fatal adverse events of dabigatran combined with aspirin in elderly patients, and to provide references for clinical rational use of drugs.Materials and Methods: Fatal adverse events related to the combined use of dabigatran and aspirin in elderly patients aged over 75 were extracted from the WHO global database of individual case safety reports (VigiBase). Well-documented reports, vigiGrade completeness score ≥0.80, or with an informative narrative, were analyzed with a focus on the clinical features of the cases.Results: From 1968 up to January 19, 2020, there were 112 eligible reports in VigiBase from 13 countries, of which 33 were identified as well-documented. Of these 33, 19 were male (58%) and 14 were female (42%), the average age of the patients was 84 (75–95 years), with five cases of extreme weights (>100 kg in one case, <50 kg in four cases). There were 31 cases of death by internal bleeding (mainly 15 of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 12 of intracranial hemorrhage) and two cases of the sudden death of unknown cause. Medication errors existed in 15 patients. The times to onset (TTO) was provided in 24 cases, ranging from 2 days to 4 years, and in 12 patients occurred within a month. Of the 31 patients with fatal bleeding events, 29 were associated with other factors that increase the risk of bleeding, such as diseases (hypertension, renal impairment, stroke, gastrointestinal related diseases, hypothyroidism, and cancer), drugs (antiplatelets, anticoagulants, thrombolytics, P glycoprotein substrates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and acetaminophen) and other factors (low body weights and alcohol consumption), and 21 of these contained two or more risk factors.Conclusion: The fatal adverse events associated with the combined use of dabigatran and aspirin in elderly patients were mainly serious bleeding events, which often occurred within 1 month. Most of these cases had medication errors and most of the patients had multiple diseases, medications, or other conditions at the same time that increase the risk of bleeding. It is suggested that prescription of dabigatran and aspirin in elderly patients should go along with alertness for medication errors, care for correct dose or control of other bleeding risk factors, and the combined medication time should be as short as possible to minimise serious adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qingxia Zhang, ; Qun-Ying Yue,
| | - Qian Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Suying Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Qun-Ying Yue
- Uppsala Monitoring Centre, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Qingxia Zhang, ; Qun-Ying Yue,
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Yhim HY, Choi WI, Kim SH, Nam SH, Kim KH, Mun YC, Oh D, Hwang HG, Lee KW, Song EK, Kwon YS, Bang SM. Long-term rivaroxaban for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism in patients with active cancer in a prospective multicenter trial. Korean J Intern Med 2019; 34:1125-1135. [PMID: 29788694 PMCID: PMC6718768 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2018.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Limited data are available regarding the efficacy of rivaroxaban for the treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban for the treatment of VTE in active cancer patients. METHODS In this prospective, multicenter, open-label trial (NCT01989845), we enrolled patients with active cancer and objectively diagnosed lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (PE), or both from November 2013 to June 2016. Active cancer was defined as a histologically confirmed malignancy, which was diagnosed or treated within the previous 6 months, or as a recurrent/ metastatic cancer. Patients received oral rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily for first 3 weeks, followed by 20 mg once daily for 6 months. The primary outcome was the symptomatic recurrent VTE and the secondary outcomes included any recurrent VTE, major or clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding events, and overall mortality. All study outcomes were validated by blinded central adjudication. RESULTS Of 124 patients enrolled, 110 (88.7%) had solid cancer, 93 (75.0%) had metastatic disease, and 110 (88.7%) were receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. During the 6-month study period, seven patients experienced symptomatic recurrent VTE (cumulative incidence, 5.9%), and two patients experienced incidental recurrent PE (cumulative incidence of any recurrent VTE, 7.6%). Major bleeding events occurred in six patients (cumulative incidence, 5.3%) and CRNM bleeding events in 11 patients (cumulative incidence, 10.2%). Twenty-eight patients (overall mortality, 24.0%) died. CONCLUSION Rivaroxaban is effective and safe for the treatment of VTE in patients with active cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Young Yhim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Won-Il Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Ha Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeung-Chul Mun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doyeun Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hun-Gyu Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun-Kee Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Yong Shik Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Soo-Mee Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Kirkilesis GI, Kakkos SK, Tsolakis IA. Editor's Choice – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Anticoagulation in the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2019; 57:685-701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Fokin AA, Bagaev KV. [Venous thromboembolic complications in oncological patients: present-day possibilities of effective and safe anticoagulant therapy]. ANGIOLOGIIA I SOSUDISTAIA KHIRURGIIA = ANGIOLOGY AND VASCULAR SURGERY 2019; 25:19-23. [PMID: 30994603 DOI: 10.33529/angio2019102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated thromboembolic complications in malignant neoplasms are commonly encountered. They deteriorate the course of the underlying disease and are frequent causes of death. The oncological patient is at high risk of not only thrombosis but haemorrhage during anticoagulant therapy. Recent randomized clinical trials have positively appreciated the possibilities of direct oral anticoagulants in treatment and prevention of thromboses in oncological patients. Analysing subgroups in these studies demonstrated that direct oral anticoagulants during long-term administration were at least as effective and safe as vitamin K antagonists. The most significant by the number of cases, duration of therapy, and methodology of analysis are the reports regarding rivaroxaban - an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor. There are also findings obtained in a separate randomized study, confirming efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in treatment of patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolic complications as compared with therapy with low-molecular-weight heparins. Namely these results formed the basis for the guidelines of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SSC ISTH), according to which rivaroxaban may be regarded as an alternative to low-molecular-weight heparins in certain clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Fokin
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Additional Professional Education, South Ural State Medical University of the RF Ministry of Public Health, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - K V Bagaev
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Additional Professional Education, South Ural State Medical University of the RF Ministry of Public Health, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Arterial and venous thromboembolic diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and present a major medical burden. Currently used anticoagulants for the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic events including heparins, vitamin K-antagonists and inhibitors of thrombin or factor Xa target enzymes of the coagulation cascade that are critical for fibrin formation. However, fibrin is also necessary for hemostatic mechanisms to terminate blood loss at injury sites. As a result currently used anticoagulants substantially raise the risk of bleeding and are associated with an increase in potentially life-threatening hemorrhage, partially offsetting the benefits of reduced thrombosis. RECENT FINDINGS Within the last decade, experimental and preclinical data have revealed the existence of coagulation mechanisms that principally differ in thrombosis and haemostasis. Some coagulation proteins including, XI and XII have a differential role in haemostasis and thrombosis. Targeting these proteins may provide an opportunity to prevent thromboembolic disease without causing bleeding. SUMMARY This review summarizes recent studies on selective targeting of coagulation proteins that may allow prevention and treatment of thrombosis without causing bleeding. These novel approaches present a possibility for selective interference with fibrin formation in pathologic thrombosis that may lead to a new generation of safe anticoagulant drugs.
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Koike H, Fujino T, Koike M, Yao S, Akitsu K, Shinohara M, Yuzawa H, Suzuki T, Ikeda T. Bleeding with oral anticoagulant dabigatran is highly associated with occult cancers in atrial fibrillation patients. Future Cardiol 2017; 14:27-36. [PMID: 29199852 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2017-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to examine cancer and bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients administered with dabigatran. MATERIALS & METHODS This study enrolled 509 consecutive nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients who received dabigatran. The mean administration period was 14.8 ± 15.7 months. We investigated the prevalence and new development of cancers. Further, the relation between cancer and adverse events was evaluated. RESULTS In the 509 patients, major bleeding occurred in 2.6% and dyspepsia in 8.4%. Further, 16.9% patients had a history of cancer and 3.9% developed new cancers. These adverse events developed in 45% patients who developed new cancers. The cancer (hazard ratio: 6.30; p = 0.003) was a significant predictor of major bleeding. CONCLUSION Bleeding was associated with the presence of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Koike
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Fujino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Koike
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuya Akitsu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Shinohara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yuzawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeya Suzuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanori Ikeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Signorelli JR, Gandhi AS. Evaluation of rivaroxaban use in patients with gynecologic malignancies at an academic medical center: A pilot study. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2017; 25:362-368. [PMID: 29157146 DOI: 10.1177/1078155217739683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with gynecologic malignancies are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism. National guidelines recommend treatment of an acute venous thromboembolism with low molecular weight heparin for 5-10 days followed by long-term secondary prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin for at least six months. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants are not currently recommended to be used in cancer patients for the management of venous thromboembolism because robust data on their efficacy and safety have yet to become available in cancer patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of gynecologic oncology patients with venous thromboembolism using rivaroxaban compared to warfarin or low molecular weight heparin as well as compare the safety and efficacy of these anticoagulants. METHODS This study was a retrospective pilot analysis of adult patients with gynecologic malignancies who received either rivaroxaban, warfarin or low molecular weight heparin for treatment of venous thromboembolism at Augusta University Medical Center from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. Statistical comparisons between the enoxaparin and rivaroxaban group were made using T-tests and Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, where appropriate. RESULTS Out of the 49 patients, 37% (18) patients were on rivaroxaban, 53% (26) on enoxaparin, and 10% (5) on warfarin. Only one patient (4%) in the enoxaparin group experienced a recurrent deep vein thrombosis while there were no cases of recurrent venous thromboembolism in the rivaroxaban and warfarin group. The incidence of major bleeding was 17% (n = 2), 20% (n = 1), and 8% (n = 2) in patients receiving rivaroxaban, enoxaparin, and warfarin, respectively. The rate of switching to a different anticoagulant than originally prescribed was 42% (n = 14) in the enoxaparin arm, and 5.5% (n = 1) in the rivaroxaban arm. CONCLUSION A high proportion of our gynecologic oncology patients received rivaroxaban for the management of venous thromboembolism. The sample size of this pilot analysis was too small to draw any conclusions regarding efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared with enoxaparin and warfarin. High rate of rivaroxaban use in gynecologic oncology patients at our institution highlights the need for larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials to confirm the safety and efficacy of its use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arpita S Gandhi
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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