Thrombocytopenia following percutaneous coronary intervention

Severe thrombocytopenia induced by tirofiban after percutaneous coronary intervention: a case report

BACKGROUND

Tirofiban is a nonpeptide glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist used widely in patients subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention. While the usage of tirofiban sets an important clinical benefit, severe thrombocytopenia can occur with use of this agent.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old Chinese man was admitted with 1-month history of sudden onset of chest tightness. He was diagnosed as having subacute inferior myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention was performed. After the procedure, patient received tirofiban at 0.15 µg/kg/minute for 4 h. A blood sample was obtained for a complete blood count; severe thrombocytopenia was reported according to routine orders at our hospital. All antiplatelet drugs including tirofiban, aspirin, and clopidogrel were immediately discontinued. The patient received platelet transfusions and was treated with immunoglobulin G. Two days later, the patient's platelet count had increased to 75 × 109/L. There was a significant improvement after day 5, and the platelet count was 112 × 109/L. Seven days after the acute thrombocytopenia, he was discharged with normal platelet count.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be particularly aware of tirofiban-induced thrombocytopenia in routine practice.

Risk for Myocardial Infarction Following 5-Fluorouracil Treatment in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer

Background

Myocardial infarction is a cardiac adverse event associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). There are limited data on the incidence, risk, and prognosis of 5-FU-associated myocardial infarction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the risk for myocardial infarction in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treated with 5-FU compared with age- and sex-matched population control subjects without cancer (1:2 ratio).

Methods

Patients with GI cancer treated with 5-FU between 2004 and 2016 were identified within the Danish National Patient Registry. Prevalent ischemic heart disease in both groups was excluded. Cumulative incidences were calculated, and multivariable regression and competing risk analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 30,870 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 10,290 had GI cancer and were treated with 5-FU and 20,580 were population control subjects without cancer. Differences in comorbid conditions and select antianginal medications were nonsignificant (P > 0.05 for all). The 6-month cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction was significantly higher for 5-FU patients at 0.7% (95% CI: 0.5%-0.9%) versus 0.3% (95% CI: 0.3%-0.4%) in population control subjects, with a competing risk for death of 12.1% versus 0.6%. The 1-year cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction for 5-FU patients was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.7%-1.0%) versus 0.6% (95% CI: 0.5%-0.7%) among population control subjects, with a competing risk for death of 26.5% versus 1.4%. When accounting for competing risks, the corresponding subdistribution hazard ratios suggested an increased risk for myocardial infarction in 5-FU patients, compared with control subjects, at both 6 months (hazard ratio: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.50-2.95; P < 0.001) and 12 months (hazard ratio: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.84; P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Despite a statistically significantly higher 6- and 12-month risk for myocardial infarction among 5-FU patients compared with population control subjects, the absolute risk for myocardial infarction was low, and the clinical significance of these differences appears to be limited in the context of the significant competing risk for death in this population.

Perioperative changes in platelet count in patients with atrial septal defect

BACKGROUND

Platelet count and function change following atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). However, the clinical significance of these changes remains unclear. We examined changes in platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) before and after ASO placement, and the association between platelet count, MPV and various factors. We discussed the mechanism and clinical significance of changes in platelet count and MPV.

METHODS

We evaluated 109 patients with ASD who underwent ASO placement, and we performed various analyses of platelet count and MPV.

RESULTS

Younger patients typically had higher platelet counts and lower MPV on admission. They also had large ASDs relative to their body constitution; larger devices were therefore used. Rates of change in platelet count were higher in younger patients. There were no significant associations between platelet count or MPV before placement and mean pulmonary artery pressure, and Qp/Qs, and between the number of thrombocytopenia and presence or absence of headache or residual ASD. Platelet counts decreased on average by 21.3% for the first 3 days after ASO placement. One month after placement, platelet counts were slightly improved but remained lower than before placement. Conversely, MPV increased significantly after ASO placement and remained high a month after placement. The ASO size was the most influential factor in platelet count reduction after ASD closure by ASO.

CONCLUSIONS

One month after ASO placement, platelet counts decreased and MPVs continued to increase, suggesting that platelet consumption and new production were still occurring a month after placement.

A case report of absolute thrombocytopenia with ticagrelor

BACKGROUND

We report a rare case of absolute thrombocytopenia with ticagrelor after 6 h of single loading dose of ticagrelor.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old male with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia presented with chest pain. He was found to be in new-onset atrial flutter and ruled in for a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. An echocardiogram showed decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, estimated at 15-20% and serum troponin peaked at 0.2 ng/dL, baseline platelet count was 203 × 10³/µL. He underwent a drug-eluting stent placement to the right coronary artery with excellent angiographic results. He received 3000 units of unfractionated heparin and 180 mg of ticagrelor during the procedure. About 6 h after the procedure, he had coffee ground emesis. A complete blood count revealed a platelet count of 2 × 10³ and 0 × 10³/µL on repeat testing. Peripheral smear did not show any evidence of platelet clumping and schistocytes, serum haptoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase were normal. Ticagrelor and heparin were discontinued, while the aspirin was continued. Five units of platelet were transfused. The platelet count improved to 200 × 10³/µL. Since his CHADS₂VASC score was 3, he was discharged on apixaban and clopidogrel in addition to other medication. No thrombocytopenia was seen on outpatient follow-up.

DISCUSSION

The common side effects of ticagrelor include bleeding, dyspnoea, gynaecomastia, and rarely thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Although extremely rare, absolute or profound thrombocytopenia can occur with ticagrelor, hours after administration and should be considered when other potential causes of thrombocytopenia have been ruled out.

Prognostic Significance of In-hospital Acquired Thrombocytopenia in Stable Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

This large cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of acquired thrombocytopenia on the prognosis of patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective PCI were prospectively enrolled during 2013. All patients were followed for a median of 30 months (the 25th and 75th percentiles for follow-up time were 27 and 32 months). After excluding patients with baseline thrombocytopenia (<150 × 10⁹/L), in-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia was defined as lowest platelet count <150 × 10⁹/L or a relative reduction of 50% from the preoperative baseline platelet count after PCI.

RESULTS

A total of 3,614 patients were enrolled; 329 (7.8%) patients developed thrombocytopenia after PCI. Analyses showed no difference in adverse events between groups during hospitalization, while long-term all-cause mortality, minor bleeding and major bleeding were significantly higher in patients with thrombocytopenia than in the control group. After multivariable adjustment, thrombocytopenia remained an independent risk factor for long-term all-cause mortality (HR 2.782, 95% CI 1.182-6.552, P = 0.019), minor bleeding (HR 2.198, 95% CI 1.217-3.972, P = 0.009) and major bleeding (HR 5.409, 95% CI 1.541-8.999, P = 0.008). Predictors of acquired thrombocytopenia were age, body mass index, baseline platelet count and left ventricular ejection fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Acquired thrombocytopenia may predict long-term all-cause mortality and bleeding events in patients with stable coronary artery disease who receive elective PCI.

Thrombocytopenia and declines in platelet counts: predictors of mortality and outcome after mechanical thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has well-known risk factors. The role of platelets in patients treated using mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has not been studied. The aim of this study was to study if there is an association of initial thrombocytopenia (TP) and a decline of platelets counts (DPC) with the clinical outcomes, mortality and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rates in AIS patients treated with MT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a case-control study consecutive MT-stroke patients were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to test for good clinical outcome (mRS 90 days <= 2) and mortality adjusting for age, initial NIHSS, pretreatment with tPA, statins and platelet inhibitors, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to recanalization, initial TP (< 150 × 10⁹/L) and DPC (> 26%). Additionally, rates of ICH were compared.

RESULTS

Of 294 patients included, 9.6% had an initial TP and 23.8% a DPC > 26%. The mortality rate in patients with normal platelet counts was 26.1% vs. 48.3% (p = 0.002) in patients with initial TP with an aOR of 3.47 (CI 1.28-9.4, p = 0.005). No difference regarding the rate of good clinical outcome (p = 0.204) and ICH (p = 0.18) was observed. A DPC of more than 26% during the first 5 days of hospitalization predicted the rate of mortality (aOR 2.4 CI 1.14-5.04, p = 0.021) and the chances of a good clinical outcome (aOR 0.291 CI 0.128-0.666, p = 0.003) without significant differences of ICH rates (p = 0.735).

CONCLUSION

In AIS patients treated with MT an initial TP was independently associated with higher mortality rates and a marked DPC with higher mortality rates as well as poorer clinical outcomes.

Impact of baseline thrombocytopenia on the long-term outcome of patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis of 9,897 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association between baseline thrombocytopenia and long-term clinical outcomes among patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Thrombocytopenia (TP) commonly occurs among patients undergoing PCI. However, whether TP has any influence on the outcome of PCI patients remains controversial.

METHODS

We examined 9,897 consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI in Fuwai Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. Baseline thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count <150 × 10⁹ /L. We compared data on demographic, clinical, laboratory, and 30-month outcomes between nonthrombocytopenic and thrombocytopenic patients. The primary outcome was death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during the 30-month follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of baseline thrombocytopenia.

RESULTS

Baseline thrombocytopenia developed in 1263 (12.76%) patients; of these, 1,172 (11.84%) patients had mild thrombocytopenia and 91 (0.92%) had the moderate or severe type. No differences in all-cause mortality, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, MACE, or bleeding complications were detected between patients with and without thrombocytopenia. Further, advanced age, male sex, previous PCI history, previous myocardial infarction history, and diabetes mellitus history were found to be risk factors of baseline thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Although baseline thrombocytopenia was common among patients who underwent elective PCI, it did not appear to have a clinically significant effect on long-term adverse outcomes, particular bleeding risk. Our results indicated that it seems to be feasible for patients with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia to receive elective PCI as well as guideline-recommended duration of anti-platelet therapy.

Contrast-induced thrombocytopenia following percutaneous coronary intervention

Contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare complication distinguished by acute and severe platelet consumption, with spontaneous recovery within days. We describe a case of acute thrombocytopenia 6 hours after coronary angioplasty in a patient with a negative antiplatelet factor 4 test. The count reached 1 × 10³/µL, but improved spontaneously to 210 × 10³/µL after 8 days. In conclusion, physicians should be aware of this complication, particularly when dual antiplatelet therapy is being considered.

The effect of in-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia on the outcome of patients with acute coronary syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia (TP) is relatively common among patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, its effect on short-term and long-term outcomes has yet to be reviewed systematically.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies assessing the relationship between new-onset in-hospital TP and adverse outcomes among ACS patients. MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies published before March 20, 2016.

RESULTS

Ten studies reporting on a total of 142,161 ACS patients were identified. 8133 patients showed evidence of new-onset TP during the course of their hospitalization. Compared with patients with normal platelet counts, patients with new-onset TP had a prolonged in-hospital stay, significantly higher risk of both short-term mortality (<30days) (Odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 5.58 [3.63-8.57]) and late death (6months to 1year) (OR [95% CI]: 3.45 [2.35-5.07]), as well as a significantly higher risk of major bleeding events in the first 30days (OR [95% CI]: 6.93 [5.13-9.38]). In addition, risk for other secondary cardiovascular endpoints, including recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, in-hospital heart failure, stent thrombosis and unplanned revascularization was also significantly higher in the TP versus the no TP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of TP during the in-hospital management of ACS patients is a significant predictor of both short- and long-term adverse events, including mortality. In the light of this evidence, clinicians should be cautious and closely monitor abnormal platelet counts that present early following an ACS.

A systematic review of the quality of economic models comparing thrombosis inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Thrombosis inhibitors can be used to treat acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, there are various alternative treatment strategies, of which some have been compared using health economic decision models.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of health economic decision models comparing thrombosis inhibitors in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and to identify areas for quality improvement.

DATA SOURCES

The literature databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, EconLit, National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and Health Technology Assessment (HTA).

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

A review of the quality of health economic decision models was conducted by two independent reviewers, using the Philips checklist.

RESULTS

Twenty-one relevant studies were identified. Differences were apparent regarding the model type (six decision trees, four Markov models, eight combinations, three undefined models), the model structure (types of events, Markov states) and the incorporation of data (efficacy, cost and utility data). Critical issues were the absence of particular events (e.g. thrombocytopenia, stroke) and questionable usage of utility values within some studies.

LIMITATIONS

As we restricted our search to health economic decision models comparing thrombosis inhibitors, interesting aspects related to the quality of studies of adjacent medical areas that compared stents or procedures could have been missed.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified areas where recommendations are indicated regarding the quality of future ACS decision models. For example, all critical events and relevant treatment options should be included. Models also need to allow for changing event probabilities to correctly reflect ACS and to incorporate appropriate, age-specific utility values and decrements when conducting cost-utility analyses.