Fondaparinux Sodium Compared With Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins for Perioperative Surgical Thromboprophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Unlocking the potential of fondaparinux: guideline for optimal usage and clinical suggestions (2023)

Background: Thromboembolic disease is associated with a high rate of disability or death and gravely jeopardizes people's health and places considerable financial pressure on society. The primary treatment for thromboembolic illness is anticoagulant medication. Fondaparinux, a parenteral anticoagulant medicine, is still used but is confusing due to its disparate domestic and international indications and lack of knowledge about its usage. Its off-label drug usage in therapeutic settings and irrational drug use are also common. Objective: The aim of this guideline is to enhance the judicious clinical application of fondaparinux by consolidating the findings of evidence-based research on the drug and offering superior clinical suggestions. Methods: Seventeen clinical questions were developed by 37 clinical pharmacy experts, and recommendations were formulated under the supervision of three methodologists. Through methodical literature searches and the use of recommendation, assessment, development and evaluation grading techniques, we gathered evidence. Results: This guideline culminated in 17 recommendations, including the use of fondaparinux for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and treatment, perioperative surgical prophylaxis, specific diseases, special populations, bleeding and overdose management. For different types of VTE, we recommend first assessing thrombotic risk in hospitalized patients and then administering the drug according to the patient's body mass. In surgical patients in the perioperative period, fondaparinux may be used for VTE prophylaxis, but postoperative use usually requires confirmation that adequate hemostasis has been achieved. Fondaparinux may be used for anticoagulation prophylaxis in patients hospitalized for oncological purposes, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after resuscitation, in patients with cirrhosis combined with portal vein thrombosis (PVT), in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fondaparinux should be used with caution in special populations, such as pregnant female patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or platelet counts less than 50 × 109/L, pregnant patients with a prethrombotic state (PTS) combined with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), and children. For bleeding caused by fondaparinux, dialysis may partially remove the drug. Conclusion: The purpose of this guideline is to provide all healthcare providers with high-quality recommendations for the clinical use of fondaparinux and to improve the rational use of the drug in clinical practice. Currently, there is a lack of a dedicated antidote for the management of fondaparinux. The clinical investigation of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant activated factor VII (rFⅦa) as potential reversal agents is still pending. This critical gap necessitates heightened scrutiny and research emphasis, potentially constituting a novel avenue for future inquiries into fondaparinux sodium. A meticulous examination of adverse events and safety profiles associated with the utilization of fondaparinux sodium will contribute significantly to a more comprehensive understanding of its inherent risks and benefits within the clinical milieu.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a complex and multifactorial process arising from a variety of factors, including recent surgical procedures, traumatic events, and periods of prolonged immobility. The extended period of stasis post-orthopedic surgery places patients at a notably high risk of developing DVT, and DVT-related pulmonary embolism (PE) ranks as the third most common cause of death in orthopedic surgery patients. This review examines the multifaceted risk factors contributing to the development of DVT in orthopedic patients. Additionally, it addresses the importance of DVT prophylaxis in orthopedic settings, the efficacy and safety of various prophylactic methods encompassing both mechanical and pharmacological approaches, and the economic dimensions of DVT prophylaxis, including scrutiny of cost-effectiveness and the exploration of strategies for optimization.

Standard and Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, frequently experience venous thromboembolism (VTE), a potentially fatal consequence. The pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to VTE include inflammation, modifications in coagulation factors, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet activation. Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, have a significant impact on the thrombotic cascade. Patients with IBD are more likely to suffer VTE for a variety of causes. Exacerbations of preexisting conditions, admission to the hospital, surgical intervention, immobilization, corticosteroid usage, central venous catheterization, and hereditary susceptibility all fit into this category. The mainstay of therapy for VTE in IBD patients includes anticoagulation that is individualized for each patient depending on the thrombosis site, severity, bleeding risk, and interaction with other drugs. In some high-risk IBD patients, such as those having major surgery or hospitalized with severe flare, preventive anticoagulation may play a role. However, the acceptance rate for this recommendation is low. Additionally, there is a subset of patients who would require extended thromboprophylaxis. The majority of the studies that looked into this question consisted of patients in the surgical setting. Emerging data suggest that risk factors other than surgery can also dictate the duration of anticoagulation. While extending anticoagulation in all patients may help reduce VTE-related mortality, identifying these risk factors is important. Hence, the decision to initiate prophylaxis should be individualized, considering the overall thrombotic and bleeding risks. This review explores the relationship between IBD and VTE, including risk factors, epidemiology, and prevention. A multifactorial approach involving aggressive management of underlying inflammation, identification of modifiable risk factors, and judicious use of anticoagulant therapy is essential for reducing the burden of VTE in this vulnerable population.

How to cite this article

Harindranath S, Varghese J, Afzalpurkar S, et al. Standard and Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2023;13(2):133-141.

Pregnancy outcomes and adverse events in patients with recurrent miscarriage receiving fondaparinux versus low molecular-weight heparin: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Current opinion on the superiority of fondaparinux versus low molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in treating recurrent miscarriage is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively compare the pregnancy outcomes and adverse events in patients with recurrent miscarriage receiving fondaparinux versus LMWH.

METHODS

EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (CQVIP) databases were searched for articles reporting fondaparinux versus LMWH in treating recurrent miscarriage till June 10, 2022. Inclusion criteria for study screening were: (i) randomized, controlled trials (RCT), non-randomized controlled studies, or observational studies; (ii) patients aged over 18 years; (iii) patients with recurrent miscarriage during gestation period; (iv) patients in the experimental/observational group who received FD, and patients in the control group who received LMWH; (v) studies involving at least one outcome of interest for the current analysis. Exclusion criteria were: (i) systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, or animal studies; (ii) duplicated studies; (iii) incomplete or inconsistent data. Quality assessment was conducted with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria or Cochrane Collaboration. Data of live birth, abortion, birth weight, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and adverse events were extracted and synthesized.

RESULTS

Six eligible studies (4 observational studies and 2 RCTs) with 321 patients receiving fondaparinux and 546 patients receiving LMWH were enrolled. Live birth (relative risks (RR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97 ∼ 1.14, P = 0.217), abortion (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.50 ∼ 1.08, P = 0.113), birth weight (weighted mean difference = 167.20, 95% CI = -236.89 ∼ 571.30, P = 0.417), and FGR (RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.25 ∼ 3.59, P = 0.942) were of no difference between patients receiving fondaparinux and LMWH. Regarding adverse events, the incidence of ecchymosis (RR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03 ∼ 0.46, P = 0.002) and skin reaction at injection site (RR = 0.15 95% CI = 0.05 ∼ 0.44, P = 0.001) were lower in patients receiving fondaparinux compared with those receiving LMWH, while that of thrombocytopenia (RR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.09 ∼ 2.14, P = 0.315), vagina bleeding (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.62 ∼ 1.71, P = 0.646), and oral mucosa hemorrhage (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.33 ∼ 3.51, P = 0.899) did not vary between these patients receiving these two treatments. However, most studies were conducted in China, which could induce regional and ethnic bias.

CONCLUSION

Fondaparinux is attributable to fewer adverse events and similar pregnancy outcomes compared with LMWH in patients with recurrent miscarriage.

Safety and effectiveness of fondaparinux as a postpartum thromboprophylaxis during puerperium among muslim women: A single centre prospective study

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, with postpartum period carrying the greatest risk. Perinatal thromboprophylaxis is often administered based on risk-factor assessment. Low molecular weight heparin has a proven safety profile in the obstetrics population, however, its porcine-derived content may lead to reduced uptake amongst certain religious groups. We aimed to evaluate the safety of fondaparinux as an alternative postpartum thromboprophylaxis.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, single arm, open label study from September 2017 until March 2018. Women who fulfilled the criteria for post natal thromboprophylaxis based on the 2015 RCOG guidelines were recruited. Each patient received subcutaneous injection of Fondaparinux, 2.5 mg daily for 10 days. A telephone interview was conducted on day 10 post delivery. Each woman was subsequently reviewed in the outpatient clinic 6 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis suggestive by clinical symptoms and assessment. Secondary outcome measures were allergic reaction and bleeding tendency such as secondary post-partum haemorrhage, spinal site bleeding and wound haematoma. Allergic reaction and bleeding tendency in neonates were also recorded.

Results: Sixty women were included in the analysis. There were no VTE cases amongst our cohort. No major bleeding was recorded. Two patients (3.3%) had wound haematoma, one of which occurred 3 weeks post delivery. No adverse effect in neonates was noted.

Conclusion: Fondaparinux is a safe alternative thromboprophylaxis for postpartum women.

Clinical use of low-dose parenteral anticoagulation, incidence of major bleeding and mortality: a multi-centre cohort study using the French national health data system

PURPOSE

Low-dose parenteral anticoagulation has demonstrated its efficacy for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in randomized trials. However, current practice is not widely documented. In ambulatory settings, we aimed to provide an overview of the clinical use of low-dose parenteral anticoagulation in France and to assess the incidence of major bleeding and death rates.

METHODS

A population-based prospective cohort study using the French national health data system (SNIIRAM) identified 142,815 adults living in five well-defined geographical areas who had a course of low-dose parenteral anticoagulants (a total of 150,389 courses) in the period 2013-2015. The main outcome measures were the types of low-dose parenteral anticoagulant, the duration and the clinical context. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) were derived from Poisson models.

RESULTS

Enoxaparin was the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant (58.9%) followed by tinzaparin (27.3%) and fondaparinux (10.9%). Patients receiving unfractionated heparin (N = 766, 0.53%) were older, more frequently had renal disease (48.75%) and had a higher modified HAS-B(L)ED score (≥ 3 in 61.6%) than patients receiving low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Surgical thrombo-prophylaxis was the most frequent indication (47.6%), followed by medical prophylaxis (29.9%). Course durations were in line with regulatory agency specifications. Only 43 (0.028%) major bleeding events and 478 (0.32%) deaths were observed. Adjusted IRRs for major bleeding or death were not significantly different for dalteparin/nadroparin, tinzaparin or fondaparinux compared to enoxaparin.

CONCLUSION

Very low incidence rates of major bleeding and all-cause mortality were observed. Our study confirms the safety of LMWHs and fondaparinux in thrombo-prophylaxis in ambulatory settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02886533.

Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Gynecologic Surgery: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 232

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are collectively referred to as "venous thromboembolic events" (VTE). Despite advances in prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment, VTE remains a leading cause of cost, disability, and death in postoperative and hospitalized patients (1, 2). Beyond the acute sequelae of leg pain, edema, and respiratory distress, VTE may result in chronic conditions, including postthrombotic syndrome (3), venous insufficiency, and pulmonary hypertension. This Practice Bulletin has been revised to reflect updated literature on the prevention of VTE in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery and the current surgical thromboprophylaxis guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians (4). Discussion of gynecologic surgery and chronic antithrombotic therapy is beyond the scope of this document.

Fondaparinux Use in Patients With COVID-19: A Preliminary Multicenter Real-World Experience

The use of heparin has been shown to decrease the mortality in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical impact of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with fondaparinux versus enoxaparin among 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The incidence of pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, major bleeding (MB), clinically relevant non-MB, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and in-hospital mortality was compared between patients on fondaparinux versus enoxaparin therapy. The 2 groups were homogeneous for demographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics. In a median follow-up of 28 (IQR: 12-45) days, no statistically significant difference in venous thromboembolism (14.5% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.20), MB and clinically relevant non-MB (3.2% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.76), ARDS (17.7% vs. 15.8%; P = 0.83), and in-hospital mortality (9.7% vs. 10.5%; P = 0.97) has been shown between the enoxaparin group versus the fondaparinux group. Our preliminary results support the hypothesis of a safe and effective use of fondaparinux among patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in internal medicine units.

Fondaparinux Sodium Compared With Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins for Perioperative Surgical Thromboprophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Fondaparinux sodium has been compared with low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWH) in randomized controlled trials for perioperative surgical thromboprophylaxis. However, the results from these studies are inconsistent in terms of efficacy and safety to reach a clinical decision. The objective of this study was to systematically review the randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux and LMWH for perioperative surgical thromboprophylaxis.

Methods and Results

Systematic search in various databases was done to identify randomized controlled trials comparing fondaparinux and LMWH published during the years 2000 to 2017. Outcomes of interest in this study included venous thromboembolism up to day 15, all‐cause mortality up to day 90, major bleeding, and minor bleeding during the treatment period. Analyses were performed with the relative odds based on a random‐effects model using Mantel‐Haenszel statistics. Results were presented as odds ratios with their 95% CIs. The assessment of study quality was performed as per Cochrane collaboration. After screening 10 644 articles, 12 randomized controlled trials including 14 906 patients were included in the final analyses. Pooled analyses showed the odds of venous thromboembolism in the fondaparinux group were 0.49 times the odds in LMWH group (OR=0.49 [0.38–0.64]). However, the odds of major bleeding in the fondaparinux group were 1.48 times the odds in the LMWH group (OR=1.48 [1.15–1.90]).

Conclusions

Fondaparinux was associated with a superior efficacy in terms of reduction of venous thromboembolism in this meta‐analysis. However, it was also associated with increased odds of major bleeding.

Programmable One-Pot Synthesis of Heparin Pentasaccharide Fondaparinux

The clinically approved Fondaparinux (Arixtra) has been used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and acute pulmonary embolism since 2002 and is considered to be better than the low-molecular weight heparin in terms of anticoagulation response, duration of action, and biosafety. However, the synthetic methods previously developed for its manufacture are relatively complicated, thus restricting its extensive use. We report here a potentially scalable and programmable one-pot synthesis of Fondaparinux using the [1,2,2] strategy and designed thioglycosides with well-defined reactivity as building blocks.