American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Gynecologic Surgery: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 232

Effects of Routine Catheterization on Urinary Tract Infection Rates After Minor Gynecologic Surgeries

This pilot study describes urinary tract infection (UTI) rates after routine single catheterization during minor gynecologic surgeries at a tertiary care community hospital. Records from 762 patients from 2021 were reviewed, including procedures such as hysteroscopy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, and dilation and curettage. Findings revealed a 42.4% catheterization rate, with a significantly higher proportion of catheterized patients having UTIs (5.6%) compared with noncatheterized patients (2.5%). This study suggests that catheterization, unless medically necessary, should be avoided to reduce nosocomial infection risk. These results advocate for reconsidering current practices to enhance patient care and minimize preventable UTIs.

Medical Clinics of North America-Periprocedural Antithrombotics: Prophylaxis and Interruption

Anticoagulation management in the surgical patient requires clinical expertise and careful attention. For patients already receiving anticoagulation for a defined indication (ie, stroke prevention for atrial fibrillation, treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), or presence of a mechanical heart valve), understanding how to manage these agents by weighing the risks of thromboembolic events and bleeding is paramount. Additionally, prevention of VTE in the surgical patient involves the identification of patient-specific and procedure-specific risk factors for both VTE and bleeding. With this information, as well as familiarity with the several antithrombotic options available, an appropriate prophylaxis strategy can be employed.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Correlation with Caprini Score of Deep Vein Thrombosis After Colpocleisis with/without Concomitant Hysterectomy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Elderly Women

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in elderly women undergoing colpocleisis for pelvic organ prolapse and to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the Caprini scores.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent colpocleisis from August 2019 to April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was DVT detected by ultrasonography within 7 days of surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify independent risk factors. Efficacy parameters of the Caprini scores were analyzed and optimal cut-off values were selected.

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 8.4% (22 out of 262) developed DVT postoperatively. After statistical analysis, the duration of menopause, history of inflammatory bowel disease, as well as higher levels of preoperative cholesterol and preoperative D-dimer, were identified as independent risk factors. There was a significant difference in the Caprini scores between the DVT and non-DVT groups (7.27 ± 1.28 vs 6.15 ± 0.80, p < 0.001), and the risk of DVT tended to increase with higher Caprini scores. The best performance was achieved when the threshold for the Caprini score was set to 7, at which point the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.758, the sensitivity was 0.773, and the specificity was 0.662.

CONCLUSION

There was a strong correlation between the occurrence of DVT after colpocleisis and the Caprini score, with higher Caprini scores indicating a higher risk of postoperative DVT. A significantly increased risk was suggested when this score was ≥ 7.

Is pharmacologic venous Thromboprophylaxis necessary for patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for endometrial Cancer? A systematic review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Given the low incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in endometrial cancer patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery, coupled with the existing uncertainties within guidelines regarding pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in this area, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive literature review. This review aims to evaluate the necessity of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in these patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception to March 10, 2024. The analysis was performed using R version 4.2.3.

RESULTS

Seven studies involving 3931 endometrial cancer patients were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis results revealed that within 30 days postoperatively, the incidence of VTE was 0.51% (5 out of 990) in the pharmacologic prophylaxis group and 0.70% (7 out of 995) in the mechanical prophylaxis group, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.14 (95% CI 0.19-6.95), indicating no significant difference between the groups. Additionally, within the same timeframe, the incidence of VTE was 0.37% (4 out of 1083) in the extended pharmacologic prophylaxis group and 1.14% (4 out of 352) in the non-extended pharmacologic prophylaxis group, yielding an RR of 0.41 (95% CI 0.11-1.54), again showing no significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that routine pharmacological VTE prophylaxis may not be imperative for endometrial cancer patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery, as mechanical prophylaxis alone seems to be efficacious. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that a subset of high-risk patients may derive benefit from pharmacological prophylaxis or even extended regimens. Nonetheless, the absence of a validated risk prediction model for identifying such patients underscores the need for further research in this area.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

CRD 42024516595.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism risk in patients with vulvar carcinoma: An analysis of the National surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database

Objectives

Due to low incidence of vulvar cancer (VC), incidence and predictors for development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are poorly understood. We examined incidence and risk factors associated with VTE in patients undergoing surgery for VC.

Methods

We included patients who underwent surgery for VC from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. VTE within the 30-day postoperative period was captured with Current Procedural Terminology codes. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without VTE. Univariable and multivariable-adjusted exact logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between risk factors and VTE.

Results

We identified 1414 patients undergoing procedures for VC from the NSQIP database. Overall, 11 (0.8 %) patients developed VTE. Univariable predictors of VTE included surgery type [compared with simple vulvectomy: radical vulvectomy only (OR = 7.97, 95 % CI = 1.44, infinity) and radical vulvectomy plus unilateral IFN (OR = 15.98, 95 % CI = 2.70, infinity)], unplanned readmission (OR = 11.56, 95 % CI = 2.74, 46.38), deep surgical site infection (OR = 16.05, 95 % CI = 1.59-85.50), and preoperative thrombocytosis (OR = 6.53, 95 % CI = 0.00, 34.86). In a multivariable-adjusted model, longer operative time (≥72 min OR = 11.33, 95 % CI = 1.58-499.03) and preoperative functional status [compared with complete independence: total dependence (OR = 53.88, 95 % CI = 0.85, infinity) and partial dependence (OR = 53.88, 95 % CI = 0.85, infinity)] were associated with VTE.

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients with VC undergoing radical vulvectomy, VTE incidence was low. Surgery type, longer operative time, dependent functional status, and wound disruption were identified as risk factors. Our findings highlight opportunities for prophylactic intervention in certain patients.

Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism Following Hysterectomy in the Department of Defense

INTRODUCTION

Hysterectomy is the most common major gynecologic procedure performed in the USA. Surgical complications, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), are known risks that can be mitigated by preoperative risk stratification and perioperative prophylaxis. Based on recent data, the current post-hysterectomy VTE rate is found to be 0.5%. Postoperative VTE significantly impacts health care costs and patients' quality of life. Additionally, for active duty personnel, it can negatively impact military readiness. We hypothesize that the incidence of post-hysterectomy VTE rates will be lower within the military beneficiary population because of the benefits of universal health care coverage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Military Health System (MHS) Data Repository and Management Analysis and Reporting Tool was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of postoperative VTE rates within 60 days of surgery among women who underwent a hysterectomy at a military treatment facility between October 1, 2013, and July 7, 2020. Patient demographics, Caprini risk assessment, preoperative VTE prophylaxis, and surgical details were obtained by chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and Student t-test.

RESULTS

Among the 23,391 women who underwent a hysterectomy at a military treatment facility from October 2013 to July 2020, 79 (0.34%) women were diagnosed with VTE within 60 days of their surgery. This post-hysterectomy VTE incidence rate (0.34%) is significantly lower than the current national rate (0.5%, P < .0015). There were no significant differences in postoperative VTE rates with regard to race/ethnicity, active duty status, branch of service, or military rank. Most women with post-hysterectomy VTE had a moderate-to-high (4.29 ± 1.5) preoperative Caprini risk score; however, only 25% received preoperative VTE chemoprophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

MHS beneficiaries (active duty personnel, dependents, and retirees) have full medical coverage with little to no personal financial burden for their health care. We hypothesized a lower VTE rate in the Department of Defense because of universal access to care and a presumed younger and healthier population. The postoperative VTE incidence was significantly lower in the military beneficiary population (0.34%) compared to the reported national incidence (0.5%). Additionally, despite all VTE cases having moderate-to-high preoperative Caprini risk scores, the majority (75%) received only sequential compression devices for preoperative VTE prophylaxis. Although post-hysterectomy VTE rates are low within the Department of Defense, additional prospective studies are needed to determine if stricter adherence to preoperative chemoprophylaxis can further reduce post-hysterectomy VTE rates within the MHS.

A Scoping Review: Bariatric Providers' Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Contraceptive Counseling

Bariatric surgery is a common treatment for obesity, and about half of patients undergoing these procedures are patients of reproductive age. Following bariatric procedures, rapid weight loss and an increase in fertility occur. Guidelines recommend pregnancy delay for 12-24 months postoperatively. It is important that patients capable of pregnancy undergoing bariatric procedures receive preoperative contraceptive counseling. Studies surveying bariatric providers demonstrate that most providers understand the importance of delaying pregnancy and contraceptive counseling. However, deficiencies in bariatric provider knowledge, comfort, and practice with contraceptive counseling were identified. These gaps highlight opportunities for improvement in preoperative care to ensure patients are receiving appropriate contraception.

Risk of thrombosis and bleeding in gynecologic cancer surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide procedure-specific estimates of the risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism and major bleeding in the absence of thromboprophylaxis, following gynecologic cancer surgery.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted comprehensive searches on Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for observational studies. We also reviewed reference lists of eligible studies and review articles. We performed separate searches for randomized trials addressing effects of thromboprophylaxis and conducted a web-based survey on thromboprophylaxis practice.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Observational studies enrolling ≥50 adult patients undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery procedures reporting absolute incidence for at least 1 of the following were included: symptomatic pulmonary embolism, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, symptomatic venous thromboembolism, bleeding requiring reintervention (including reexploration and angioembolization), bleeding leading to transfusion, or postoperative hemoglobin <70 g/L.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, performed data extraction, and evaluated risk of bias of eligible articles. We adjusted the reported estimates for thromboprophylaxis and length of follow-up and used the median value from studies to determine cumulative incidence at 4 weeks postsurgery stratified by patient venous thromboembolism risk factors. The GRADE approach was applied to rate evidence certainty.

RESULTS

We included 188 studies (398,167 patients) reporting on 37 gynecologic cancer surgery procedures. The evidence certainty was generally low to very low. Median symptomatic venous thromboembolism risk (in the absence of prophylaxis) was <1% in 13 of 37 (35%) procedures, 1% to 2% in 11 of 37 (30%), and >2.0% in 13 of 37 (35%). The risks of venous thromboembolism varied from 0.1% in low venous thromboembolism risk patients undergoing cervical conization to 33.5% in high venous thromboembolism risk patients undergoing pelvic exenteration. Estimates of bleeding requiring reintervention varied from <0.1% to 1.3%. Median risks of bleeding requiring reintervention were <1% in 22 of 29 (76%) and 1% to 2% in 7 of 29 (24%) procedures.

CONCLUSION

Venous thromboembolism reduction with thromboprophylaxis likely outweighs the increase in bleeding requiring reintervention in many gynecologic cancer procedures (eg, open surgery for ovarian cancer and pelvic exenteration). In some procedures (eg, laparoscopic total hysterectomy without lymphadenectomy), thromboembolism and bleeding risks are similar, and decisions depend on individual risk prediction and values and preferences regarding venous thromboembolism and bleeding.

Timing of Major Postoperative Bleeding Among Patients Undergoing Surgery

Importance

Although major bleeding is among the most common and prognostically important perioperative complications, the relative timing of bleeding events is not well established. This information is critical for preventing bleeding complications and for informing the timing of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis.

Objective

To determine the timing of postoperative bleeding among patients undergoing surgery for up to 30 days after surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Patients aged 45 years or older who underwent inpatient noncardiac surgery were recruited in 14 countries between 2007 and 2013, with follow-up until December 2014. Data analysis was performed from June to July 2023.

Exposure

Noncardiac surgery requiring overnight hospital admission.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome (postoperative major bleeding) was a composite of the timing of the following bleeding outcomes: (1) bleeding leading to transfusion, (2) bleeding leading to a postoperative hemoglobin level less than 7 g/dL, (3) bleeding leading to death, and (4) bleeding associated with reintervention. Each of the components of the composite primary outcome (1-4) and bleeding independently associated with mortality after noncardiac surgery, which was defined as a composite of outcomes 1 to 3, were secondary outcomes.

Results

Among 39 813 patients (median [IQR] age, 63.0 [54.8-72.5] years; 19 793 women [49.7%]), there were 5340 major bleeding events (primary outcome) in 4638 patients (11.6%) within the first 30 days after surgery. Of these events, 42.7% (95% CI, 40.9%-44.6%) occurred within 24 hours after surgery, 77.7% (95% CI, 75.8%-79.5%) by postoperative day 7, 88.3% (95% CI, 86.5%-90.2%) by postoperative day 14, and 94.6% (95% CI, 92.7%-96.5%) by postoperative day 21. Within 48 hours of surgery, 56.2% of major bleeding events, 56.2% of bleeding leading to transfusion, 56.1% of bleeding independently associated with mortality after noncardiac surgery, 51.8% of bleeding associated with hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL, and 51.8% of bleeding associated with reintervention had occurred.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, of the major postoperative bleeding events in the first 30 days, more than three-quarters occurred during the first postoperative week. These findings are useful for researchers for the planning future clinical research and for clinicians in prevention of bleeding-related surgical complications and in decision-making regarding starting of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis after surgery.

Safety and efficacy of extended thrombophilia screening directed venous thromboembolic events (VTE) prophylaxis in live liver donors: do we really need extended thrombophilia screening routinely?

Background and aims

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of hereditary thrombophilia, and stratify its severity among live liver donors in Pakistan. Also, the authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of thrombophilia profile testing directed venous thromboembolic events (VTE) prophylaxis while balancing bleeding risk and the need for routine thrombophilia testing before live liver donation among living donor candidates.

Materials and methods

Protein S (PS), protein C (PC), anti-thrombin (AT) III, and anti-phospholipid antibody panel (APLA) levels were measured in 567 potential donor candidates. Donors were divided into normal, borderline and high-risk groups based on Caprini score. The safety endpoints were VTE occurrence, bleeding complications or mortality.

Results

Among 567 donors, 21 (3.7%) were deficient in protein C, and 14 (2.5%) were deficient in anti-thrombin-III. IgM and IgG. Anti-phospholipids antibodies were positive in 2/567 (0.4%) and 2/567 (0.4%), respectively. IgM and IgG lupus anticoagulant antibodies were positive in 3/567 (0.5%) and 3/567 (0.5%), respectively. VTE events, bleeding complications and postoperative living donors liver transplantation-related complications were comparable among the three donor groups (P>0.05). One donor in the normal donor group developed pulmonary embolism, but none of the donors in either borderline or high-risk group developed VTE. The mean length of ICU and total hospital stay were comparable. No donor mortality was observed in all donor groups.

Conclusions

Due to thrombophilia testing directed VTE prophylaxis, VTE events were comparable in normal, borderline and high-risk thrombophilia donor groups, but more evaluations are required to determine the lower safe levels for various thrombophilia parameters including PC, PS and AT-III before surgery among living donor candidates.

Longitudinal profile of estrogen-related thrombotic biomarkers after cessation of combined hormonal contraceptives

ABSTRACT

The persistence of risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), after their cessation, is unknown but important to guide clinical practice. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to define the time until normalization of estrogen-related thrombotic biomarkers after CHC cessation. We enrolled women aged 18 to 50 years who had decided to stop their CHC, excluding those with a personal history of VTE, anticoagulation, or pregnancy. The study started before cessation of CHC, with 6 visits afterwards (at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks after cessation). Primary outcomes were normalized sensitivity ratios to activated protein C (nAPCsr) and to thrombomodulin (nTMsr), with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) as a secondary end point. We also included control women without CHC. Among 66 CHC users, from baseline until 12 weeks, average levels of nAPCsr, nTMsr, and SHBG decreased from 4.11 (standard deviation [SD], 2.06), 2.53 (SD, 1.03), and 167 nmol/L (SD, 103) to 1.27 (SD, 0.82), 1.11 (SD, 0.58), and 55.4 nmol/L (SD, 26.7), respectively. On a relative scale, 85.8%, 81.3%, and 76.2% of the decrease from baseline until 12 weeks was achieved at 2 weeks and 86.7%, 85.5%, and 87.8% at 4 weeks after CHC cessation, respectively. Levels were not meaningfully modified throughout the study period among 28 control women. In conclusion, CHC cessation is followed by a rapid decrease in estrogen-related thrombotic biomarkers. Two to 4 weeks of cessation before planned major surgery or withdrawal of anticoagulants in patients with VTE appears sufficient for the majority of women. The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03949985.

Projected impact of guidelines on incidence of venous thromboembolism after cesarean delivery in the United States

BACKGROUND

There is large variation in recommended for postcesarean delivery venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among commonly used guidelines.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to estimate implications of adoption of VTE prevention guidelines for rates of receipt of VTE prophylactic therapy and VTE following cesarean delivery (CD).

METHODS

We used administrative data from the 2015-2019 Nationalwide Readmissions Database to identify cesarean deliveries and rates of VTE stratified by risk factors, leading to different prophylactic strategies based on several national guidelines. We used input parameters from the literature to construct a hybrid decision tree/Markov model to project the implications of guideline adoption on VTE rates for the first 6 weeks following delivery.

RESULTS

Adoption of either the 2011 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the 2018 American Society for Hematology guidelines would avert a relatively small proportion (5%) of VTE cases, albeit with little low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use (87-115 doses per 1000 CD patients). The 2012 American College of Chest Physicians guidelines were predicted to be more effective at averting VTE (21.2% reduction) with more LMWH usage (570 doses per 1000 deliveries). The 2015 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines and universal use of 6 weeks of LMWH would avert an even larger proportion of cases (37.4% and 57.6%, respectively), at the cost of much higher rates of LMWH utilization (7233 doses per 1000 patients and 38 648 doses per 1000 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Adoption of different guidelines would have notably varying implications for clinical practice and potential for alteration of the national rate of VTE following CD.

Caprini Model Integration into an Electronic Medical Record to Improve Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

This quality-improvement retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing major elective nononcologic gynecologic surgery compares the proportion of patients receiving appropriate perioperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis before and after a novel integration of the Caprini risk-assessment model (RAM) into the electronic medical record (EMR). A sample size of 83 patients in each group (166 total) was calculated to provide 80% power and show a 20% increase in appropriate administration of VTE prophylaxis, with an alpha of 0.05. Heparin was appropriately used in 24 patients (28.9%) in the pre-Caprini-RAM group and 39 patients (47.0%) in the post-Caprini-RAM group ( P =.016). There were no differences in bleeding events, transfusions, or other secondary outcomes. Integrating the Caprini-RAM into an EMR for patients undergoing nononcologic gynecologic surgery significantly improved appropriate use of VTE chemoprophylaxis.

Caprini assessment utilization and impact on patient safety in gynecologic surgery

PURPOSE

Postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) can potentially be associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to determine the utilization of Caprini guideline indicated VTE in elective gynecologic surgery patients and its impact on postoperative VTE and bleeding complications.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of elective gynecologic surgical procedures performed between January 1, 2016, and May 31, 2021. Two study cohorts were generated: (1) those who received and (2) those who did not receive VTE prophylaxis based on Caprini score risk stratification. Outcome measures were then compared between the study cohorts and included the development of a VTE up to 90-days postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative bleeding events.

RESULTS

A total of 5471 patients met inclusion criteria and the incidence of VTE up to 90 days postoperatively was 1.04%. Overall, 29.6% of gynecologic surgery patients received Caprini score-based guideline VTE prophylaxis. 39.2% of patients that met high-risk VTE criteria (Caprini > 5) received appropriate Caprini score-based prophylaxis. In multivariate regression analysis, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (OR 2.37, CI 1.27-4.45, p < 0.0001) and Caprini score (OR 1.13, CI 1.03-1.24, p = 0.008) predicted postoperatively VTE occurrence. Increasing Charlson comorbidity score (OR 1.39, CI 1.31-1.47, P < 0.001) ASA score (OR 1.36, CI 1.19-1.55, P < 0.001) and Caprini score (OR 1.10, CI 1.08-1.13, P < 0.001) were associated with increased odds of receiving appropriate inpatient VTE prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

While the overall incidence of VTE was low in this cohort, enhanced adherence to risk-based practice guidelines may provide more patient benefit than harm to postoperative gynecologic patients.

Considerations for pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis following inpatient brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies

PURPOSE

Brachytherapy irradiation carries risks of both bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE). No screening or management recommendations for VTE in this setting have been developed. Our study aims to understand the incidence of VTE, compile published anticoagulation guidelines, and call for future guidelines to address thromboprophylaxis in this population.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective, single institution study of patients undergoing brachytherapy irradiation between 2012 and 2022 was undertaken. We analyzed 2 cohorts: 87 patients undergoing brachytherapy with an inpatient admission, and 66 patients assessed for risk of VTE or bleeding after discharge from an inpatient admission for brachytherapy. Caprini risk scores were calculated for each patient, and statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were included, and 25% had a VTE diagnosis. Forty-seven (54%) of patients included underwent brachytherapy as definitive treatment of cervical cancer, and 16 (18%) received brachytherapy irradiation to treat recurrent endometrial cancer. In the cohort of 66 patients assessed for risk of VTE or bleeding after brachytherapy discharge, 23 (34.8%) were discharged with thromboprophylaxis, and 43 (65.2%) were discharged without thromboprophylaxis. None of the patients discharged on thromboprophylaxis were diagnosed with a VTE within 90 days of discharge after brachytherapy, whereas 3 of 43 (7%) discharged without thromboprophylaxis were diagnosed with a VTE, OR and 95% CI: 0.25 (0.01-5.29), p = 0.37. Of the 23 patients discharged on thromboprophylaxis, 1 was readmitted for bleeding OR and 95% CI: 5.8 (0.22-155.18), p = 0.29. The median Caprini score was 11.

CONCLUSIONS

VTE is a common occurrence in patients undergoing brachytherapy. Patients undergoing brachytherapy irradiation who require inpatient admission represent a unique population, and specialty organizations should develop consensus recommendations to address these clinical challenges.

Abnormal uterine bleeding in anticoagulated patients by drug class: outcomes and management

BACKGROUND

Although abnormal uterine bleeding is a known adverse effect of anticoagulant drugs, true rates have not been widely studied. Society-backed recommendations and guidelines do not yet exist for prevention and management of abnormal uterine bleeding among anticoagulated patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the incidence of new-onset abnormal uterine bleeding among patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation by anticoagulant class, and to evaluate gynecologic treatment patterns.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted an institutional review board-waived retrospective chart review of female patients aged 18 to 55 years and prescribed therapeutic anticoagulants, including vitamin-K antagonists, low-molecular-weight heparins, and direct oral anticoagulants, in an urban hospital network from January 2015 through January 2020. We excluded patients with antecedent abnormal uterine bleeding and menopause. Associations between abnormal uterine bleeding, anticoagulant class, and other covariates were evaluated with Pearson chi-square and analysis-of-variance tests. The primary outcome, abnormal uterine bleeding odds by anticoagulant class, was modeled with logistic regression. Age, antiplatelet therapy, body mass index, and race were included in our multivariable model. Secondary outcomes included emergency department visits and treatment patterns.

RESULTS

Of the 2479 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 645 were diagnosed with abnormal uterine bleeding after initiating therapeutic anticoagulation. After adjusting for age, race, body mass index, and concurrent use of antiplatelet therapy, those receiving all 3 classes of anticoagulants had higher odds of experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding (adjusted odds ratio, 2.63; confidence interval, 1.70-4.08; P<.001), whereas those taking only direct oral anticoagulants had the lowest odds (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; confidence interval, 0.51-0.97; P=.032), with vitamin-K antagonists as the reference group. Race other than White was associated with higher odds of abnormal uterine bleeding, as was lower age. The most common hormone therapies used among patients with abnormal uterine bleeding were levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (7.6%; 49/645) and oral progestins (7.6%; 49/645). Sixty-eight patients (10.5%; 68/645) had an emergency department visit for abnormal uterine bleeding; 29.5% (190/645) of patients received a blood transfusion; 12.2% (79/645) began any pharmacologic therapy for bleeding; and 18.8% (121/645) underwent any gynecologic procedure.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal uterine bleeding occurs frequently among patients on therapeutic anticoagulation. Incidence in this sample varied considerably by anticoagulant class and race; use of single-agent direct oral anticoagulation carried the lowest risk. Important sequelae such as bleeding-related emergency department visits, blood transfusions, and gynecologic procedures were common. Balancing bleeding and clotting risk in patients on therapeutic anticoagulation requires a nuanced approach and should involve collaborative management between hematologists and gynecologists.

Changes and significance of vascular endothelial injury markers in patients with diabetes mellitus and pulmonary thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

To investigate the changes and clinical significance of vascular endothelial injury markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled patients with T2DM hospitalized in one hospital from January 2021 to June 2022. Soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) (ELISA), von Willebrand factor (vWF) (ELISA), and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) (flow cytometry) were measured. PE was diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA).

RESULTS

Thirty participants were enrolled in each group. The plasma levels of sTM (151.22 ± 120.57 vs. 532.93 ± 243.82 vs. 1016.51 ± 218.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and vWF (9.63 ± 2.73 vs. 11.50 ± 2.17 vs. 18.02 ± 3.40 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and the percentage of CECs (0.17 ± 0.46 vs. 0.30 ± 0.08 vs. 0.56 ± 0.18%, P < 0.001) gradually increased from the control group to the T2DM group to the T2DM + PE group. sTM (OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 1.002-1.025, P = 0.022) and vWF (OR = 1.168, 95%CI: 1.168-2.916, P = 0.009) were associated with T2DM + PE. sTM > 676.68 pg/mL for the diagnosis of T2DM + PE achieved an AUC of 0.973, while vWF > 13.75 ng/mL achieved an AUC of 0.954. The combination of sTM and vWF above their cutoff points achieved an AUC of 0.993, with 100% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2DM show endothelial injury and dysfunction, which were worse in patients with T2DM and PE. High sTM and vWF levels have certain clinical predictive values for screening T2DM accompanied by PE.

Timing of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The timing at which venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs after major surgery has major implications for the optimal duration of thromboprophylaxis. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the timing of postoperative VTE up to 4 weeks after surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL databases was performed between 1 January 2009 and 1 April 2022. Prospective studies that recruited patients who underwent a surgical procedure and reported at least 20 symptomatic, postoperative VTE events by time were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies according to the eligibility criteria, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias. Data were analysed with a Poisson regression model, and the GRADE approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Some 6258 studies were evaluated, of which 22 (11 general, 5 urological, 4 mixed, and 2 orthopaedic postoperative surgical populations; total 1 864 875 patients and 24 927 VTE events) were eligible. Pooled evidence of moderate certainty showed that 47.1 per cent of the VTE events occurred during the first, 26.9 per cent during the second, 15.8 per cent during the third, and 10.1 per cent during the fourth week after surgery. The timing of VTE was consistent between individual studies.

CONCLUSION

Although nearly half of symptomatic VTE events in first 4 weeks occur during the first postoperative week, a substantial number of events occur several weeks after surgery. These data will inform clinicians and guideline developers about the duration of postoperative thromboprophylaxis.

Pilot Study of Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in the Immediate Peri-Operative Period on Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients After Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery

The randomized controlled study investigated the impacts of immediate peri-operative Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on hemodynamic indicators in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic gynecologic surgery were randomized to control (IPC not used), pre-operative IPC, post-operative IPC, and peri-operative IPC (performed both before and after surgery) groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured at different time points. The results showed that SBP changes not obviously over time in the control and peri-operative IPC group. Compared with values before surgery, the pre-operative IPC group had a lower SBP (P < 0.01) at the end of PACU stay, whereas the post-operative IPC group had a higher SBP (P < 0.01) after surgery. All groups exhibited little or no variation in HR, CO and SVR. Conclusion is peri-operative IPC has no major adverse effects on hemodynamic parameters.

Should Combined Hormonal Contraception Be Stopped in the Perioperative Period?

Should Combined Hormonal Contraception Be Stopped in the Perioperative Period?A 34-year-old woman is scheduled to undergo surgery to manage a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee. Her only medication is an estrogen- and progestin-containing oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Should she stop her combined oral contraception to reduce the risk of a postoperative blood clot?