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Thalidomide Use Reduces Risk of Refractory Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices. ASAIO J 2021; 66:645-651. [PMID: 31425265 DOI: 10.1097/mat.0000000000001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common complication seen in patients with implanted continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD), often attributed to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Whether thalidomide reduces recurrent GI bleeding risk in CF-LVAD patients has been incompletely evaluated. We conducted a retrospective review of all CF-LVAD patients at our institution with GI bleeding from AVMs who had a trial both off and on thalidomide. The primary endpoint was time to rebleed, while secondary endpoints included overall GI bleeding events, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion requirements, and adverse events related to thalidomide. We report on 24 patients with recurrent AVM-associated GI bleeding who met criteria for and received thalidomide therapy, of which 17 had sufficient follow-up to be ultimately included for final analysis. We found the risk of rebleeding was significantly reduced in those on thalidomide therapy versus off (hazard ratio = 0.23, p = 0.022). The median number of GI bleeds per year was reduced from 4.6 to 0.4 (p = 0.0008) and the PRBC requirement was lower (36.1 vs. 0.9 units per year, p = 0.004) in those on thalidomide therapy. The adverse event rate with thalidomide was 59%, with symptoms resolution in most following dose reduction without increased bleeding. Thalidomide reduced the risk of AVM-associated GI rebleeding, number of bleeding events, and PRBC requirements in CF-LVAD patients. When initiating therapy, potential side effects and overall clinical context should be considered.
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Heo Y, Park HS, Shin CS, Yoo KC, Kim D, Lee T. Successful Treatment of Life-Threatening Small Bowel Bleeding With Thalidomide After Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2019; 51:3092-3098. [PMID: 31623898 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal bleeding after kidney transplantation is a complication that can occur from immunosuppressant use. We present a case of refractory small bowel bleeding treated successfully with thalidomide after multiple failed attempts of conventional treatment. A 65-year-old male patient with diabetic nephropathy underwent living donor kidney transplantation. The surgery was uneventful, however, he developed immunosuppressant-induced melena with unstable vital signs 11 days later. There were a total of 4 bleeding episodes until the 90th postoperative day, and he received a total of 290 units of red blood cell transfusion during this period. Endoscopic clipping, transarterial embolization, and 2 surgical interventions failed to stop the bleeding. A trial of thalidomide 100 mg per day finally stopped the bleeding and the patient was discharged on the 110th postoperative day with a functioning renal graft. This case shows that thalidomide can be a safe option to treat immunosuppressant-induced refractory gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of kidney transplantation. Additionally, this is the first case that reports the survival of a renal graft after more than 3000 mL of transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonjung Heo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyung Sub Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea; Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Sik Shin
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kwon Cheol Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | | | - Taeseung Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea; Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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McFarlane M, O’Flynn L, Ventre R, Disney BR. Emerging role of thalidomide in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding. Frontline Gastroenterol 2018; 9:98-104. [PMID: 29588836 PMCID: PMC5868454 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2017-100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide was initially synthesised in 1954 and marketed as a sedative and antiemetic for morning sickness. It was withdrawn in 1961 due to the realisation that it was teratogenic with over 10 000 children born with congenital abnormalities. Since then it has been used for treatment of dermatological and oncological conditions, including myeloma. In 1994, it was found to have a potent antiangiogenic effect via downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This has led to its use in gastrointestinal bleeding, as vascular abnormalities such as angiodysplasia have been found to have elevated VEGF levels. This article will review the current evidence of the use of thalidomide in bleeding associated with gastrointestinal vascular malformations, including angiodysplasia, gastric cancer and radiation-induced proctitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McFarlane
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Lauren O’Flynn
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Rachel Ventre
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Benjamin R Disney
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
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Loyaga-Rendon RY, Jani M, Fermin D, McDermott JK, Vancamp D, Lee S. Prevention and Treatment of Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Complications in Patients Supported by Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2018; 14:465-477. [PMID: 29075955 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-017-0367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge in prevention and treatment of thrombotic (pump thrombosis and ischemic stroke) and bleeding (gastrointestinal and hemorrhagic stroke) complications in patients supported by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD). RECENT FINDINGS Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are now widely used for the management of end-stage heart failure. Unfortunately, in spite of the indisputable positive impact LVADs have on patients, the frequency and severity of complications are limitations of this therapy. Stroke, pump thrombosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding are among the most serious and frequent complications in these patients. The balance between hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in patients supported with CF-LVAD is difficult as most patients do not necessarily fit a "bleeder" or a "clotter" profile but rather move from one side to the other of the thrombotic/bleeding spectrum. Further research is necessary to better understand the risk factors and mechanisms involved in the development of these complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Y Loyaga-Rendon
- Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Section, Spectrum Health, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Suite 200, MC258, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| | - Milena Jani
- Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Section, Spectrum Health, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Suite 200, MC258, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - David Fermin
- Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Section, Spectrum Health, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Suite 200, MC258, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Jennifer K McDermott
- Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Section, Spectrum Health, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Suite 200, MC258, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Diane Vancamp
- Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Section, Spectrum Health, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Suite 200, MC258, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Sangjin Lee
- Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation Section, Spectrum Health, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Suite 200, MC258, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
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Novel use of low-dose thalidomide in refractory gastrointestinal bleeding in left ventricular assist device patients. Int J Artif Organs 2017; 40:636-640. [PMID: 28708213 DOI: 10.5301/ijao.5000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a complication reported in patients post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation that is associated with high mortality rates. Thalidomide is an anti-angiogenic compound that may offer a potential option for management of refractory LVAD-related GIB. METHODS A single-center, retrospective review was conducted from January 2009 to October 2016 at a tertiary cardiology center. It included LVAD patients initiated on thalidomide for refractory GIB. RESULTS All patients (n = 11) were started on thalidomide 50 mg nocte and there was resolution of GIB in all patients except one (90.9%) during initial thalidomide treatment.The median duration of thalidomide therapy was 98 days (interquartile range: 34-215). The dose of thalidomide was reduced for 2 patients due to adverse effects. Thalidomide therapy was discontinued in 6 patients due to cessation of GIB (n = 4) and adverse effects (n = 2). Reported adverse effects included LVAD thrombosis (n = 2), somnolence (n = 1), neuropathy (n = 1), constipation (n = 1), and transaminitis (n = 1).Recurrent GIB occurred in 4 patients (45.4%) post-discontinuation of thalidomide therapy, which led to the re-initiation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide appears to be a safe and effective option for management of refractory LVAD-related GIB. Monitoring for recurrent GIB should be performed closely following cessation of thalidomide therapy.
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Wang Y, Zhang JP, Niu Y, Li JS. Re-bleeding events in patients with small intestinal vascular malformation: Risk factors and effect of treatment with thalidomide. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:552-559. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i6.552] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the risk factors for re-bleeding events in patients with small intestinal vascular malformation and assess the influence of thalidomide on the re-bleeding rate.
METHODS This study involved patients with gastrointestinal bleeding referred to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for capsule endoscopy (CE) and enteroscopy between January 2012 and December 2014. Only patients with small intestinal vascular malformation were included in the study. Follow-up data were obtained through medical records review, telephone interviews or follow-up clinic visits to identify the risk factors associated with re-bleeding. Based on the follow-up data, the re-bleeding rate was compared between patients who had been treated with thalidomide and those who had not.
RESULTS A total of 156 patients were included in the study, and all of them completed the follow-up, with a mean follow-up duration of 10.78 ± 7.64 mo. Multiple regression analysis identified that presence of hypertension (HR = 1.994, 95%CI: 1.236-3.125, P = 0.005), multiple lesions (≥3) (HR = 1.644, 95%CI: 1.002-2.703, P = 0.049) and liver cirrhosis (HR = 2.116, 95%CI: 1.063-4.212, P = 0.033) were significant independent predictors of re-bleeding, while treatment with thalidomide was a protecting factor (HR = 0.497, 95%CI: 0.303-0.816, P = 0.006). The cumulative re-bleeding rates in patients who were treated with thalidomide and those who were not were 35.71% and 54.65%, respectively, and the difference reached statistical significance (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION The re-bleeding rate in patients with small bowel vascular malformation is relatively high, especially those with hypertension, multiple lesions (≥3) and liver cirrhosis. Repeated CE or enteroscopy is recommended for those patients with risk factors for re-bleeding within 2 years. Treatment with thalidomide for patients without contraindication can reduce the re-bleeding rate.
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Chan LL, Lim CP, Lim CH, Tan TE, Sim D, Sivathasan C. Novel Use of Thalidomide in Recurrent Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Case Series. Heart Lung Circ 2016; 26:1101-1104. [PMID: 28131776 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2016.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bleeding is an important and common complication of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). One of the common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding is arteriovenous malformations. However, the source of bleeding is often hard to identify. Thalidomide is efficacious in treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in non-LVAD patients. We report our experience of the use of thalidomide in the treatment of GI bleeding in four patients with LVAD. METHOD AND RESULTS Four patients who had recurrent GI bleeding from May 2009 to December 2014 were started on thalidomide. All of them responded to treatment and had no further gastrointestinal bleeding while on thalidomide. One patient developed constipation, requiring thalidomide to be stopped. Another patient developed symptomatic neuropathy, that resolved with reduction of dosage. CONCLUSION Thalidomide appears safe and efficacious in LVAD patients with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Boey JP, Hahn U, Sagheer S, McRae SJ. Thalidomide in angiodysplasia-related bleeding. Intern Med J 2016; 45:972-6. [PMID: 26332623 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal haemorrhage from angiodysplastic lesions is not only difficult to identify, but often refractory to endoscopic intervention. Patients often require substantial transfusion support. Thalidomide has emerged as a promising medical strategy in angiodysplasia-related bleeding. We present our experience and report the findings from a review of the literature. Despite its side-effect profile, thalidomide remains the therapeutic modality with the best evidence in this difficult clinical scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Boey
- Department of Haematology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - U Hahn
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - S Sagheer
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - S J McRae
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Colletti G, Dalmonte P, Moneghini L, Ferrari D, Allevi F. Adjuvant role of anti-angiogenic drugs in the management of head and neck arteriovenous malformations. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:298-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Engelen ET, van Galen KPM, Schutgens REG. Thalidomide for treatment of gastrointestinal bleedings due to angiodysplasia: a case report in acquired von Willebrand syndrome and review of the literature. Haemophilia 2015; 21:419-29. [PMID: 25929157 DOI: 10.1111/hae.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acquired von Willebrand syndrome is a rare bleeding disorder and treatment of the associated gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplasia is challenging. AIM The aim of this study was to present a new case on the successful use of thalidomide in a patient with acquired von Willebrand syndrome and recurrent angiodysplasia-related GI bleedings, and to conduct a literature review on the use of thalidomide in patients with GI angiodysplasia. METHODS A literature review was conducted, searching the electronic databases PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. RESULTS We present a 75-year-old woman with IgG MGUS-associated acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) who suffered from recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) bleedings and epistaxis. Treatment with immunoglobulins, desmopressin, Haemate-P and blood transfusions failed to achieve long-term haemostasis. Eventually, after these bleedings relapsed for almost a decade at 1- to 3-month intervals, thalidomide was prescribed. Since then, only one single nose bleed and one single melaena episode had occurred. She currently remains in remission of GI bleeds after 3 years and 3 months follow-up. The literature review revealed a beneficial effect of thalidomide in reducing GI bleeding due to angiodysplasia, including four case reports on inherited von Willebrand disease. CONCLUSION In conclusion, thalidomide can be a reasonable option for the treatment of recurrent GI bleeding due to angiodysplasia in AVWS and we report for the first time that refractory or relapsing GI bleeding in patients with AVWS can successfully be controlled with thalidomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Engelen
- Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K P M van Galen
- Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R E G Schutgens
- Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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