Hemodialysis for the treatment of pulmonary hemorrhage from dabigatran overdose

Reversal and resumption of anticoagulants in patients with anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage

The use of anticoagulants has become more frequent due to the progressive aging population and increased thromboembolic events. Consequently, the proportion of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (AAICH) in stroke patients is gradually increasing. Compared with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients without coagulopathy, patients with AAICH may have larger hematomas, worse prognoses, and higher mortality. Given the need for anticoagulant reversal and resumption, the management of AAICH differs from that of conventional medical or surgical treatments for ICH, and it is more specific. Understanding the pharmacology of anticoagulants and identifying agents that can reverse their effects in the early stages are crucial for treating life-threatening AAICH. When patients transition beyond the acute phase and their vital signs stabilize, it is important to consider resuming anticoagulants at the right time to prevent the occurrence of further thromboembolism. However, the timing and strategy for reversing and resuming anticoagulants are still in a dilemma. Herein, we summarize the important clinical studies, reviews, and related guidelines published in the past few years that focus on the reversal and resumption of anticoagulants in AAICH patients to help implement decisive diagnosis and treatment strategies in the clinical setting.

Antithrombotic and Antiplatelet Drug Toxicity

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

Hemoptysis in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background:

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from respiratory system. Clinical entities associated with hemoptysis in renal transplant recipients differ from those causing hemoptysis in common population. This review summarizes all reported clinical conditions related to hemoptysis in renal transplant patients, their causes, diagnostic approach and management.

Methods and Materials:

Primary literature was researched through MEDLINE/PubMed database and Google Scholar without restrictions. Relevant and current literatures related to hemoptysis in renal transplant recipients were used.

Results:

Overall 23 articles were included, since they report clinical conditions associated with hemoptysis in renal transplant recipients. Opportunistic lung infections, pulmonary hemorrhage associated with drugs and malignancies are usual causes of hemoptysis in these patients, sometimes with a fatal outcome.

Conclusions:

Hemoptysis is an important manifestation in renal transplant patients, caused frequently by rare clinical entities, different from those in common population.

Management of epistaxis in patients on novel oral anticoagulation therapy

BACKGROUND

Individuals on anticoagulation therapy are at increased risk of bleeding, including epistaxis. There is a lack of available reversal agents for novel oral anticoagulation therapy.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews the current literature on epistaxis in the context of novel oral anticoagulation use, in order to recommend guidelines on management.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of published literature was conducted to identify all relevant articles published up to April 2019.

RESULTS

Patients on oral anticoagulation therapy are over-represented in individuals with epistaxis. Those on novel oral anticoagulation therapy were more likely to relapse compared to patients on classic oral anticoagulants or non-anticoagulated patients. Idarucizumab is an effective antidote for bleeding associated with dabigatran use. Recommendations for epistaxis management in patients on novel oral anticoagulation therapy are outlined.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians need to be aware of the potential severity of epistaxis and the increased likelihood of recurrence. High-quality studies are required to determine the efficacy and safety of andexanet alfa and ciraparantag, as well as non-specific reversal agents.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants and Their Reversal Agents-An Update

Background: Over the last ten years, a new class of drugs, known as the direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), have emerged at the forefront of anticoagulation therapy. Like the older generation anticoagulants, DOACs require specific reversal agents in cases of life-threatening bleeding or the need for high-risk surgery. Methods: Published literature was searched, and information extracted to provide an update on DOACS and their reversal agents. Results: The DOACs include the direct thrombin inhibitor—dabigatran, and the factor Xa inhibitors—rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and betrixaban. These DOACs all have a rapid onset of action and each has a predictable therapeutic response requiring no monitoring, unlike the older anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Two reversal agents have been approved within the last five years: idarucizumab for the reversal of dabigatran, and andexanet alfa for the reversal of rivaroxaban and apixaban. Additionally, ciraparantag, a potential “universal” reversal agent, is currently under clinical development. Conclusions: A new generation of anticoagulants, the DOACs, and their reversal agents, are gaining prominence in clinical practice, having demonstrated superior efficacy and safety profiles. They are poised to replace traditional anticoagulants including warfarin.

Management of Patients on Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in the Acute Care and Periprocedural Setting: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now widely used as alternatives to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and management of venous thromboembolism. In clinical practice, there is still widespread uncertainty on how to manage patients on NOACs who bleed or who are at risk for bleeding. Clinical trial data related to NOAC reversal for bleeding and perioperative management are sparse, and recommendations are largely derived from expert opinion. Knowledge of time of last ingestion of the NOAC and renal function is critical to managing these patients given that laboratory measurement is challenging because of the lack of commercially available assays in the United States. Idarucizumab is available as an antidote to rapidly reverse the effects of dabigatran. At present, there is no specific antidote available in the United States for the oral factor Xa inhibitors. Prothrombin concentrate may be considered in life-threatening bleeding. Healthcare institutions should adopt a NOAC reversal and perioperative management protocol developed with multidisciplinary input.

Antithrombotic medications in dialysis patients: a double-edged sword

In the clinical context of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), thrombosis and bleeding risks are simultaneously increased and may have devastating consequences. While anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are indispensable for the prevention of thromboembolic events, the significantly higher bleeding risk makes their handling extremely complicated. In ESRD, they are frequently administered for a wide array of conditions. For example, atrial fibrillation is quite common in ESRD and warrants the use of anticoagulants like warfarin. Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparins are typically used for clotting prevention in the hemodialysis extracorporeal circuit. The antithrombotics use dilemma has worsened because ESRD patients have been excluded from major clinical trials that defined standard indications, contraindications and optimal management of these medications. That limits our knowledge and results in that the process of decision-making depends on weaker data. Besides the substantial bleeding risk, warfarin may also increase cardiovascular risk because it is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular calcifications in ESRD. The present article attempts to offer a comprehensive overview of practical considerations for the use of the most common antithrombotic medications in ESRD linking them, at the same time, to the best available evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

Update on Anticoagulation: What the Interventional Radiologist Needs to Know

The novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) represent a major advance in the treatment of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism (VTE). They have several advantages over vitamin-K antagonists such as warfarin, including more predictable pharmacokinetics and improved safety, particularly with fatal bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. However, several issues remain surrounding the use of NOACs in certain subpopulations and with the approach to reversal. The periprocedural management of anticoagulation with these relatively new agents can also present several challenges. This article reviews the basic pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of these drugs. Several populations at higher risk for complications with use of NOACs are discussed, including those undergoing procedures. Finally, several target-specific reversal agents have either received FDA approval or likely will be approved in the near future; these agents and their roles in the approach to anticoagulation reversal will also be discussed.

Enhanced elimination of dabigatran through extracorporeal methods

Several pharmacokinetic studies have suggested that dabigatran possesses a number of ideal properties for expedited removal via extracorporeal methods. However, this practice has not been prospectively evaluated in patients with life-threatening bleeding or requiring emergency surgery secondary to dabigatran-associated coagulopathy. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the published evidence surrounding extracorporeal removal of dabigatran in the setting of emergency surgery or life-threatening bleeding. A query of MEDLINE, Web of Science, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Google Scholar using the terms dabigatran, dabigatran etexilate, hemodialysis, renal replacement therapy, hemorrhage, and atrial fibrillation was used to retrieve relevant literature. Furthermore, a manual search of the references of the identified literature was performed to capture additional data. Current evidence suggests that extracorporeal removal of dabigatran may play a role in the setting of life-threatening bleeding and emergent surgery. Conflicting evidence exists with regard to the potential for redistribution based on serum dabigatran concentrations. In addition, a number of practicalities must be considered before incorporating this technique in the clinical setting. Extracorporeal removal of dabigatran may be a treatment modality in selected patients who require emergency reversal.

Comparison of novel oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) including apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban have been approved by international regulatory agencies to prevent venous thromboembolism as well as treat atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, alterations in their metabolism in the setting of CKD may impact their efficacy and lead to an increased risk of bleeding. This review summarizes the current literature on the efficacy and safety of these agents in individuals with moderate CKD.

RECENT FINDINGS

In clinical trials, the use of the NOACs in patients with moderate CKD has demonstrated efficacy and safety similar to those seen with vitamin K antagonists. However, no universal reversal agent for the anticoagulant effect of the NOACs exists in the setting of bleeding. Limited data have demonstrated that hemodialysis has been effectively used to aid in reversing the effects of dabigatran, and the use of prothrombin complex concentrate has also been used for serious and major adverse bleeding events with some success.

SUMMARY

As the use of the NOACs in patients with CKD increases, it will be important to monitor their safety, and clinicians who prescribe them should carefully monitor kidney function and recognize the potential for adverse effects.

Hemodialysis for the treatment of dabigatran-associated bleeding: a case report and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is effective for the treatment of venous thromboembolism and the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism resulting from atrial fibrillation. The most effective way of reversing the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran in patients who have bleeding complications is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To document the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) for dabigatran-associated bleeding.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE up to May 2015. Articles were selected if the patients presented with dabigatran-associated bleeding, underwent RRT for dabigatran removal, and reported an effect on bleeding.

RESULTS

The search yielded 22 studies representing 35 unique patient cases. The median patient age was 74.1 years (range, 56-94 years). Thirteen patients (37.1%) were female, and 32 (91.4%) patients received dabigatran for atrial fibrillation. Twenty-three patients (65.7%) underwent intermittent hemodialysis, 10 patients (28.6%) underwent continuous RRT (CRRT), and two patients underwent both intermittent hemodialysis and CRRT. Following RRT, there were significant reductions in dabigatran concentrations (P = 0.001). Rebound of the dabigatran concentration was reported in 12 (57.1%) patients following cessation of RRT. Hemostasis was reportedly achieved in 24 patients (70.6%), and 10 patients (29.4%) died because of bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with dabigatran-associated bleeding, RRT appears to be effective in reducing dabigatran concentrations, and in case reports this has been associated with a reduction in the duration and/or severity of bleeding. However, a rebound in concentrations may be seen following withdrawal of RRT, suggesting that a prolonged course of RRT may be more effective.

Considerations for Systemic Anticoagulation in ESRD

In the setting of end-stage kidney disease, the incidence and risk for thrombotic events are increased and use of anticoagulants is common. The incidence of bleeding, however, is also a frequent issue and creates additional challenges in the management of anticoagulation therapy. Patients with end-stage renal disease are typically excluded from large clinical trials exploring the use of anticoagulants, which limits our knowledge of optimal management approaches. Furthermore, varying degrees of renal failure in addition to conditions that alter the pharmacokinetics of various anticoagulants or pharmacodynamic response may warrant alternative approaches to dosing. This review will explore systemic chronic anticoagulation therapy in the setting of chronic kidney disease where hemodialysis is required. Agents discussed include vitamin K antagonists, low-molecular-weight heparins, fondaparinux, oral factor Xa antagonists, and direct thrombin inhibitors. Clinical challenges, approaches to dosing regimens, and tools for measuring responses and reversal will be explored.

Potential antidotes for reversal of old and new oral anticoagulants

The prescription of new oral anticoagulants is on the rise. As opposed to vitamin K antagonists and heparins the new agents have single targets in the coagulation cascade, more predictable pharmacokinetics and they lack validated and available antidotes. In general, the new agents have similar or lower bleeding risk than vitamin K antagonists, especially risk of intracranial bleeding. Risk factors for bleeding are typically the same for old and new anticoagulants. Old age, renal dysfunction and concomitant antiplatelet agents seem to be recurring risk factors. Adequate supportive care and temporary removal of all antithrombotic agents constitute the basis for management of serious bleeding complications. With the exception of vitamin K (for vitamin K antagonists) and protamine (for heparin) the same array of prohemostatic agents--unactivated or activated prothrombin complex concentrate, and activated factor VIIa--have been tried for almost all anticocoagulants in different models, and for some agents also in patients, with varying success. Hemodialysis can reduce the level of dabigatran efficiently and activated charcoal may be used for very recent oral ingestion of lipophilic agents. In view of the shorter half life of the new agents compared to warfarin the need for reversal agents may be less critical. Nevertheless, highly specific reversal agents for the thrombin- and factor Xa-inhibitors are under development and might be available within two years.

Comparison of intermittent and continuous extracorporeal treatments for the enhanced elimination of dabigatran

CONTEXT

Severe bleeding associated with dabigatran frequently requires intensive care management. An antidote is currently unavailable and data reporting the effect of dialysis on elimination of dabigatran are encouraging, but limited. Objective. To report the effect of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) at enhancing elimination of dabigatran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were identified by existing collaborative networks. Pre-filter dabigatran plasma concentrations were measured in all patients, and in dialysate of three patients.

RESULTS

Seven patients received dialysis, five with active bleeding and two requiring emergent surgery. Five received IHD and two received CRRT. The plasma elimination half-life of dabigatran was 1.5-4.9 h during IHD, and 14.0-27.5 h during CRRT. Mean dabigatran plasma clearance during IHD was 85-169 mL/min in three patients. Time to obtain a subtherapeutic dabigatran concentration depended on the initial concentration, being 8-18 h for IHD in three patients while 4 h was insufficient in a supratherapeutic case. A 38% rebound in dabigatran levels occurred after one case during IHD, and thrombin time increased after IHD in another, but not after 144 h CRRT or 17 h IHD in two others; data were incomplete in three cases. The amount removed during IHD was proportional to the pre-IHD concentration and clearance, but was consistently low at 3.3-17.4 mg in three patients where this was determined. Moderate bleeding occurred while obtaining vascular access in one patient. Two patients died from intracerebral bleeding, and the influence of treatments could not be determined in these cases.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

IHD enhanced elimination of dabigatran more efficiently than CRRT, but their net effect remains poorly defined. Dialysis decisions, including modality and duration, must be individualized based on a risk-benefit assessment.

Venovenous haemodiafiltration for the management of dabigatran overdose in intensive care unit

Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor indicated for thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The procedure to manage dabigatran-associated haemorrhages is not well formalized. Conventional haemodialysis has been evaluated with good results. Patients with dabigatran-associated bleeding may be unstable and convective techniques like venovenous haemodiafiltration (HDF) can be interesting. We report the case of a 74-year-old, critically ill patient with haemorrhagic shock and dabigatran overexposure due to acute kidney injury. He underwent HDF and dabigatran blood concentrations decreased from 325.3 ng/mL to 160.5 ng/mL. We report here key pharmacokinetics parameters (half-life, extraction coefficient, clearance).

Strategies for urgent reversal of target-specific oral anticoagulants

The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) that have emerged onto the market for use in some indications similar to those for warfarin; in addition, edoxaban is seeking FDA approval. Similar indications include reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation for all 3 agents, for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis that may lead to pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing hip or knee surgery for rivaroxaban and apixaban, and for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. As anticoagulants, they are all associated with a risk of bleeding, and, unfortunately, there are no approved antidotes for reversal of these agents. A number of small studies in human subjects and in human/animal models exposed to TSOACs have evaluated the use of activated charcoal, hemodialysis for dabigatran, or clotting factor concentrates for their ability to neutralize the anticoagulant effects or reduce drug concentrations of TSOACs. Clotting factor concentrates that have been used include prothrombin complex concentrates and recombinant factor VII. This review examines studies and case reports evaluating these strategies for expedited or emergent reversal of TSOACs.

What is the role of hemodialysis for dabigatran-associated major bleeding?

A 70-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation who is being anticoagulated with dabigatran etexilate presents to the emergency room with melena. He reports taking his most recent dose of dabigatran more than 2 hours ago. On examination, he is hypotensive and tachycardic, and he continues to have melanotic stools. Laboratory testing reveals a calculated creatinine clearance of 15 mL/min, a prothrombin time of 16.5 seconds (reference range: 11.8-15.2 seconds), an international normalized ratio of 1.2 (reference range: 0.9-1.2), and an activated partial thromboplastin time of 50 seconds (reference range: 22.2-33.0 seconds). You are asked by the emergency medicine physician whether hemodialysis should be considered to decrease the patient's plasma dabigatran level.

Management of hemorrhage with the target-specific oral anticoagulants

The target-specific oral anticoagulants have recently been introduced as alternatives to warfarin for both prophylactic and therapeutic indications. Although their efficacy and side-effect profiles have been favorable, there is significant concern about management of hemorrhage with these agents as there is no direct reversal agent available. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these agents and the issues that surround them. Most of the management of hemorrhage is based on expert opinion and case reviews. Given the potentially catastrophic consequences of acute hemorrhage while patients are on anticoagulation, specific treatments are needed. Some methods that have been described include activated charcoal, hemodialysis, prohemostatic agents, and transfusions. Target-specific therapies have been shown to be effective in early studies in animal models; however, the effects in humans are still under investigation. More investigation is needed on the management of bleeding complications from target-specific oral anticoagulants.

Management of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients anticoagulated with dabigatran compared with warfarin: a retrospective, comparative case review

BACKGROUND

Dabigatran etexilate, was found to be effective for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Given its predictable pharmacodynamics, laboratory monitoring is not required. Moreover, the risks of overall bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and life-threatening hemorrhage from dabigatran were found to be lower than warfarin. However, a higher risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding caused by dabigatran from the randomized evaluation of long-term anticoagulant therapy (RE-LY) trial has raised the concern regarding clinical outcomes of patients with GI bleeding caused by dabigatran compared with warfarin.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients who were hospitalized for GI bleeding from dabigatran compared with warfarin with therapeutic anticoagulation monitoring during 2009 to 2012. Initial laboratory findings at presentation, number of transfused packed red blood cells (PRBCs), acute kidney injury, clinical outcomes (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia), length of stay, and death were compared.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients taking dabigatran and 26 patients who were on warfarin with therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) were hospitalized during the study period. Demographic data and baseline parameters between the two groups were not significantly different except for concurrent aspirin use (84.6% vs. 50%, P=0.036). Fifty-four percent of patients taking dabigatran did not have activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) level performed at presentation (7/13). The patients with GI bleeding from warfarin received significantly more PRBC transfusions compared with the dabigatran group (1.92±2.2 vs. 0.69±1.1 units, P=0.024). After controlling for initial hemoglobin and history of chronic kidney disease by using multivariate analysis, the patients in the warfarin group were likely to receive more PRBC. Hypotension at presentation was more common in GI bleeding caused by warfarin than dabigatran but the P value was insignificant (30.8% vs. 7.7%, P=0.11). Nevertheless, no differences in clinical outcomes or length of stay were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

From our data, the patients with GI bleeding from dabigatran were likely to receive fewer PRBC transfusions; however, clinical outcomes and length of stay were comparable to GI bleeding caused by warfarin. Our sample generalizes to an elderly population (mean age of 77.9±10 years old) with creatinine clearance (CrCl) >30 mL/min who experience GI bleeding during chronic anticoagulation.

An evaluation of oral dabigatran etexilate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in hemodialysis

Dabigatran etexilate represents a possible improved alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective was to determine dabigatran plasma concentrations and anticoagulant effects following administration of a single 110 mg oral dose of dabigatran etexilate to 10 adult patients immediately prior to starting hemodialysis. Mass spectrometry and the Hemoclot® assay were used, respectively, to determine free (unconjugated) dabigatran concentrations and thrombin time (TT) in plasma samples collected intermittently over 48 hours. The median time (tmax ) to reach the maximum plasma-free dabigatran concentration (Cmax ) was 2 hours (range 1-3 hours). The mean free dabigatran Cmax was 95.5 ± 33.4 ng/mL. The mean elimination half-lives on and off hemodialysis were, respectively, 2.6 ± 1.3 and 30.2 ± 7.8 hours. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran with an extraction ratio of 0.63 ± 0.07. The maximal TT ratio was 2.1 and the TT ratio demonstrated a strong linear dependence on free dabigatran concentration (r(2)  = 0.741). A 110 mg oral dabigatran dose prior to hemodialysis was rapidly absorbed and achieved therapeutic concentrations. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran from the plasma and may be an effective means of accelerating the elimination of dabigatran in circumstances of excessive anticoagulation.

Dabigatran anticoagulation and Stanford type A aortic dissection: lethal coincidence: Case report with literature review

BACKGROUND

Novel oral anticoagulants are now encountered in patients needing emergency surgery. Knowledge and treatment options are limited.

METHODS AND RESULT

We present the case of a 76-year-old patient who suffered from an acute Stanford type A aortic dissection, needing emergency surgical aortic repair. He was anticoagulated with dabigatran due to past atrial fibrillation. Despite haemodiafiltration, surgical revision and massive transfusion of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, coagulation factors, and recombinant factor VIIa, the patient died from intractable bleeding with sustained therapeutic levels of dabigatran.

CONCLUSION

After reviewing the literature, we summarize the limited treatment options and show possible approaches for patients treated with dabigatran needing emergency surgery.

[Perioperative management of new oral anticoagulants]

New oral anticoagulants do represent a major step forward as compared to low molecular weight heparins and vitamin K antagonists. Several issues deserve attention regarding their perioperative management. Three (and very soon four or five) active molecules are available on the market, adding to the major intra- and inter-individual variability, to the high number of drug-drug interactions, and to the interferences of renal function and many other parameters. New tests are available including the diluted thrombin time for dabigatran and a specific anti-Xa test for rivaroxaban and apixaban. No antidote is approved yet. Scheduled surgery: the safest suggestion is to mimic the perioperative management of vitamin K antagonist, with a 5-day interruption and low molecular weight heparin bridging whenever necessary. Emergency procedures: several suggestions issued from the Groupe d'Intérêt en Hémostase Péri-opératoire are proposed.

Massive haemoptysis following dabigatran administration in a patient with bronchiectasis

We report a case of life-threatening haemoptysis after administration of dabigatran in a patient with bronchiectasis. A 72-year-old woman had received dabigatran at a dose of 110 mg twice daily for chronic atrial fibrillation. She was admitted to our hospital for cerebral infarction after a few days of self-interruption of dabigatran. After the diagnosis of cerebral infarction, administration of dabigatran was restarted. Seven days later, she suffered acute-onset massive haemoptysis and required mechanical ventilation. Dabigatran treatment was discontinued, and bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) was performed twice. The bleeding continued for 11 days, but she recovered and was discharged on day 58 after admission.

Coagulopathy and Extremely Elevated PT/INR after Dabigatran Etexilate Use in a Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease

Introduction. Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor which has been approved for prophylaxis of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The use of dabigatran etexilate increased rapidly due to many benefits. However, questions have been raised constantly regarding the safety of dabigatran etexilate. Case. A 58-year-old Caucasian male with a history of recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation status after pacemaker and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis came to the Emergency Department with the complaint of severe epistaxis. He had been started on dabigatran 150 mg twice a day about 4 months ago as an outpatient by his cardiologist. His prothrombin time (PT) was 63 seconds with international normalized ratio (INR) of 8.8 and his activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was 105.7 seconds. Otherwise, all labs were unremarkable including the liver function test. Dabigatran was stopped immediately. His INR and aPTT trended downward, reaching normal levels 5 days after admission. Conclusion. Dabigatran is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney insufficiency as it is predominantly excreted via the kidney (~80%). Elderly patients over 75 and patients with chronic renal impairment should be carefully evaluated before starting dabigatran. Despite studies showing only mild increase in aPTT and PT/INR in patients receiving dabigatran, close monitoring may be reasonable in patients with renal insufficiency.