Perioperative management of patients who are receiving warfarin therapy: an evidence-based and practical approach

Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Outcomes After Elective Surgery in Preoperatively Anticoagulated Patients

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the incidence and timing of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications in anticoagulated patients undergoing elective surgery.

METHODS

Using institutional American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data, we identified patients receiving preoperative anticoagulation undergoing elective surgery between 2011 and 2021. Medical records review supplemented National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data to detail complication and anticoagulation type and timing. Outcomes for postoperative hemorrhage, acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 1442 patients met inclusion criteria, and 84 patients (5.8%) experienced 1 or more complications. There were 4 CVA (0.3%), 16 VTE (1.1%), and 68 bleeding (4.7%) events postoperatively. Three patients (75%) with CVA, 10 patients (62.5%) with VTE, and 18 patients (26.5%) with postoperative bleeding had resumed therapeutic anticoagulation before the complication. In terms of long-term sequelae in the CVA cohort, there was 1 mortality (25%), and an additional patient (25%) continues to experience long-term physical and mild cognitive impairments. Patients who experienced postoperative VTE required only anticoagulation adjustments. In patients who experienced bleeding complications, 6 (8.8%) required intensive care unit admissions, and there was 1 mortality (1.5%).

CONCLUSION

Despite the increased use of anticoagulation over time, balancing postoperative bleeding and thrombotic risks remains challenging. Bleeding complications were most common in preoperatively anticoagulated patients undergoing elective surgery. Earlier postoperative resumption of anticoagulation is unlikely to prevent thrombotic events as 65% of patients had already resumed therapeutic anticoagulation.

Restarting Antithrombotic Therapies After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Antithrombotic therapies, comprised of both anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, are routinely paused prior to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to reduce the risk of perioperative hemorrhage. At present, no clear guidelines exist to guide otolaryngologists on when to resume these agents after ESS. Our goal was to systematically review the existing literature related to this topic.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically queried the PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases to identify publications reporting on antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy in the context of ESS. The primary outcomes we sought were recommendations on the timing of antithrombotic therapy resumption after ESS.

RESULTS

Of the 104 unique articles identified, all were screened for relevance by 2 independent reviewers based on title and abstract, 20 underwent full-text review, and 6 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Of these, 3 were literature reviews, 2 were case-control studies, and 1 was a cohort study. All publications discussed when to pause antithrombotic therapy prior to surgery while only 3 articles discussed resumption of these agents. Recommendations were mixed.

CONCLUSION

A paucity of literature exists on the resumption of antithrombotic therapies after ESS. As a major determining factor in patient morbidity, guideline-based resumption of these therapies is needed.

Perioperative Management of Oral Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Therapy in Hand and Wrist Surgery

There is wide variability in the management of patients on antithrombotic therapy requiring surgery of the hand and wrist. There are no specific guidelines regarding whether to temporarily cease or continue oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Discontinuation of these medications before surgery can lead to perioperative thromboembolic or ischemic events. On the other hand, continuation can lead to intraoperative or postoperative bleeding complications. This review discusses various anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents with special considerations for their management, analyzes the current literature, summarizes current recommendations, and provides direction for additional research.

Prospective Study of Flap Surgery-Related Complications in Cutaneous Tumors: A Tertiary Care Institutional Experience of 6 Years

Introduction

Flap surgeries are the standard choice for reconstruction of defects post excision of cutaneous tumours. Complications following these surgeries predominantly result as a consequence of bleeding, tension, ischemia, infection.

Study Design

A Prospective study of patients treated for tumor excision and flap reconstruction between the period of 2014 and 2020 were followed up and complications encountered were analysed.

Results

A total of 70 patients with cutaneous malignancies underwent flap surgeries. Complications encountered were bleeding, hematoma, infection, necrosis, pincushioning, keloid, hypertrophic scars.

Conclusion

Successful outcome depends on pre operative evaluation, appropriate technique selection based on site of tumor, intraoperative care, post operative care and timely management of complications if any.

[Hemostatic disorders in neurosurgical patients: diagnostics and correction]

The authors analyzed the main causes of perioperative hemostatic disorders in neurosurgical patients. The problem of preoperative hemostatic screening, intraoperative and postoperative factors contributing to hemostatic disorders are considered. The authors also discuss the methods for correction of hemostatic disorders.

Proximal femur fractures in patients taking anti-coagulants: has anything changed?

With an ever-ageing population, the incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide. Increasing age is not just associated with increasing fractures but also increasing comorbidities and polypharmacy.

Consequently, a large proportion of patients requiring hip fracture surgery (HFS) are also prescribed antiplatelet and anti-coagulant medication. There remains a clinical conundrum with regards to how such medications should affect surgery, namely with regards to anaesthetic options, timing of surgery, stopping and starting the medication as well as the need for reversal agents.

Herein, we present the up-to-date evidence on HFS management in patients taking blood-thinning agents and provide a summary of recommendations based on the existing literature.

AHPBA guidelines for managing VTE prophylaxis and anticoagulation for pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Major abdominal surgery and malignancy lead to a hypercoagulable state, with a risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) of approximately 3% after pancreatic surgery. No guidelines exist to assist surgeons in managing VTE prophylaxis or anticoagulation in patients undergoing elective pancreatic surgery for malignancy or premalignant lesions. A systematic review specific to VTE prophylaxis and anticoagulation after resectional pancreatic surgery is herein provided.

METHODS

Six topic areas are reviewed: pre- and perioperative VTE prophylaxis, early postoperative VTE prophylaxis, extended outpatient VTE prophylaxis, management of chronic anticoagulation, anti-coagulation after vascular reconstruction, and treatment of VTE. A Medline and PubMED search was completed with systematic medical literature review for each topic. Level of evidence was graded and strength of recommendation ranked according to the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system for practice guidelines.

RESULTS

Levels of evidence and strength of recommendations are presented.

DISCUSSION

While strong data exist to guide management of chronic anticoagulation and treatment of VTE, data for anticoagulation after reconstruction is inconclusive and support for perioperative chemoprophylaxis with pancreatic surgery is similarly limited. The risk of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage often exceeds that of thrombosis. The role of universal chemoprophylaxis must therefore be examined critically, particularly in the preoperative setting.

Risk assessment and risk stratification for perioperative complications and mitigation: Where should the focus be? How are we doing?

Various risk stratification tools are used to predict patients' risk of adverse outcomes. Most of these tools are based on type of surgery and patient comorbidities. Accuracy of risk prediction is improved when additional factors such as functional capacity are included. However, these tools are limited because data are obtained from specific patient populations, are simplified to aid ease of use, and do not account for improved treatment modalities that occur over time. Risk estimation allows for shared decision-making among the perioperative care team and the patient, for perioperative planning, and for opportunity for risk mitigation. Technological advancement in data collection will likely improve existing risk assessment and allow development of new options. Future research should focus on establishing and standardizing perioperative outcomes that include meaningful patient-centric considerations such as quality of life. We review available stratification tools and important risk assessment biomarkers that address the most common causes of adverse outcomes.

Is alteration in single drug anticoagulant/antiplatelet regimen necessary in patients who need minor oral surgery? A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review literature about the effect of alteration of the pharmacological regimen in adult patients using anticoagulants or antiplatelets who need minor oral surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search strategy was performed in three databases-PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Embase-and included randomized clinical trials (either parallel or crossover), involving individuals under anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy who underwent oral surgeries. Studies comprised two groups: those who stopped their medication prior to the dental procedure (control) or those who did not (test). Meta-analyses were conducted for the pooled risk ratio (RR) between the groups. Subgroup analyses were performed for anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included. It was found that patients who did not stop therapy had 157% higher intraoperative bleeding occurrences (95%CI: 1.40-4.71). In the subgroup analysis, warfarinazed patients showed significantly higher occurrences of intraoperative bleeding when compared with the control (RR: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.00-3.21). Conversely, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative bleeding between the groups (RR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.54-1.22; p = 0.42).

CONCLUSION

Minor oral surgeries can be safely performed in patients under antiplatelets or anticoagulants without drug regimen modification. Because these patients tend to bleed more during procedures, use of local hemostatic measures is strongly advised.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Management of patients under antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs is still challenging in clinical practice. However, clinicians may perform minor oral surgeries safely without changing the pharmacological regimen. Use of local hemostatic measures is strongly advised during these procedures.

Periprocedural Anticoagulation Management of Patients receiving Warfarin in Qatar: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The use of anticoagulant bridging remains controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate our warfarin periprocedural management in Qatar and investigate the associated clinical outcomes with such management.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was designed to describe the periprocedural clinical practice in warfarin patients in Qatar and to compare clinical safety and efficacy outcomes between anticoagulant bridging and nonbridging.

RESULTS

103 patients were recruited. Bridging occurred in 82% of the participants. No thromboembolic events were observed, while 39.1% of patients experienced bleeding events during the study period. The incidence of overall bleeding and major bleeding were numerically higher for bridging group compared to nonbridging but did not reach statistical significance ([30.6% vs 22.2%, P = 0.478] and [12.9% vs 5.6%, P = 0.375], respectively).

CONCLUSION

Warfarin interruption and bridging are overwhelmingly used in warfarin-treated patients in Qatar. While bridging was numerically associated with increased bleeding events, there is no statistical difference in reported clinical events between bridging and nonbridging strategies.

Development of an Institutional Periprocedural Management Guideline for Oral Anticoagulants

Patients on oral anticoagulation commonly undergo surgery or other invasive procedures. Periprocedural management of oral anticoagulants involves a careful balance of the thromboembolic risk and bleeding risk. To standardize clinical practice at our institution, we developed a guideline for periprocedural management for patients taking oral anticoagulants that incorporates published data and expert opinion. In this article, we present our clinical practice guideline as a decision support tool to aid clinicians in developing a consistent strategy for managing periprocedural anticoagulation and for safely bridging anticoagulation in patients who require it.

South African Society of Anaesthesiologists Perioperative Patient Blood Management Guidelines 2020

Anaesthesiologists regularly request and administer blood components to their patients, a potentially life-saving intervention. All anaesthesiologists must be familiar with the indications and appropriate use of blood and blood components and their alternatives, but close liaison with haematologists and their local haematology blood sciences laboratory is encouraged. In the last decade, there have been considerable changes in approaches to optimal use of blood components, together with the use of alternative products, with a need to update previous guidelines and adapt them for anaesthesiologists working throughout the hospital system.

The role of heparin bridging in lung cancer surgery: a nationwide database analysis

PURPOSE

There is little evidence to demonstrate the impact of heparin bridging (HB) in major surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and risks of HB in lung cancer surgery by comparing HB and non-HB (NHB) groups.

METHODS

We extracted patients who were taking an anticoagulant, were diagnosed with lung cancer, and underwent lung resection between April 2014 and March 2018 from a nationwide database in Japan. We compared the HB and NHB groups to determine the benefits and risks of HB. The proportion of postoperative thromboembolism and bleeding events between the HB and NHB groups was the primary outcome. We performed propensity score matching to remove any HB assignment bias.

RESULTS

We selected 2416 patients, and among these, 1068 patients had HB and 1348 did not. Propensity score matching extracted 1500 patients: 750 with HB and 750 without HB. After matching, a Chi-square test showed no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative thromboembolism (1.5% vs 0.9%, p value = 0.343) and bleeding events (5.9% vs 4.0%, p value = 0.124) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative thromboembolism and bleeding in the patients with and those without HB.

Association Between Treatment With Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, or Warfarin and Risk for Osteoporotic Fractures Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether anticoagulant type is associated with the risk for osteoporotic fracture, a deleterious complication of anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk for osteoporotic fracture between anticoagulants.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Territory-wide electronic health record database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients newly diagnosed with AF between 2010 and 2017 who received a new prescription for warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) (apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban). Follow-up ended on 31 December 2018.

MEASUREMENTS

Osteoporotic hip and vertebral fractures in anticoagulant users were compared using propensity score-weighted cumulative incidence differences (CIDs).

RESULTS

There were 23 515 patients identified (3241 apixaban users, 6867 dabigatran users, 3866 rivaroxaban users, and 9541 warfarin users). Overall mean age was 74.4 years (SD, 10.8), ranging from 73.1 years (warfarin) to 77.9 years (apixaban). Over a median follow-up of 423 days, 401 fractures were identified (crude event number [weighted rate per 100 patient-years]: apixaban, 53 [0.82]; dabigatran, 95 [0.76]; rivaroxaban, 57 [0.67]; and warfarin, 196 [1.11]). After 24-month follow-up, DOAC use was associated with a lower risk for fracture than warfarin use (apixaban CID, -0.88% [95% CI, -1.66% to -0.21%]; dabigatran CID, -0.81% [CI, -1.34% to -0.23%]; and rivaroxaban CID, -1.13% [CI, -1.67% to -0.53%]). No differences were seen in all head-to-head comparisons between DOACs at 24 months (apixaban vs. dabigatran CID, -0.06% [CI, -0.69% to 0.49%]; rivaroxaban vs. dabigatran CID, -0.32% [CI, -0.84% to 0.18%]; and rivaroxaban vs. apixaban CID, -0.25% [CI, -0.86% to 0.40%]).

LIMITATION

Residual confounding is possible.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with AF, DOAC use may result in a lower risk for osteoporotic fracture compared with warfarin use. Fracture risk does not seem to be altered by the choice of DOAC. These findings may help inform the benefit-risk assessment when choosing between anticoagulants.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

The University of Hong Kong and University College London Strategic Partnership Fund.

Development of an application for management of drug holidays in perioperative periods

Before surgery and other invasive treatments, decisions must be made on whether to discontinue drugs and provide appropriate drug holidays especially for antithrombotic drugs, and this is made difficult by the large number of available drugs and associated guidelines. We have therefore developed an online application for perioperative drug discontinuation and resumption management, named Saga Application for Management of Drug Holidays in PeriOperative Periods (SAMPOP).Multidisciplinary medical staff at Saga University Hospital (SUH) worked together to build an evidence-based Perioperative Drug Discontinuation Management Database (PDDMD) and developed the user-friendly SAMPOP online application via preliminary verification at SUH. From September 2018 to February 2020, 420 medical staff at SUH, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, installed and tested SAMPOP.Rate per surgical procedure for forgetting to discontinue antithrombotic drugs preoperatively decreased from 0.18% to 0.09% as of August 2019, 12 months after the introduction of SAMPOP (P = .1359). In addition, six months later, it decreased further to 0.03% as of February 2020 (P = .0436). Forgetting to resume antithrombotic drugs postoperatively decreased from 0.20% to 0.02% as of August 2019, 12 months after the introduction of SAMPOP (P = .0008). There was no case of forgetting to resume the medication in the last 6 months.SAMPOP may be useful for management of drug holidays in the clinic and warrants further evaluation of its safety and efficacy.

Periprocedural Anticoagulation Management For Nonoperating Room Anesthesia Procedures: A Clinical Guide

Non-operating room anesthesia presents unique challenges for anesthesiologists. Limited preprocedural optimization and unfamiliarity with the location and procedure itself add to the difficulties in delivering safe care for these patients. Management of chronic oral anticoagulation can prove especially problematic since risks of bleeding for non-operating room procedures vary widely and differ from traditional surgeries. In addition, many physicians may not be familiar with the growing number of newly approved oral anticoagulants and their periprocedural management. This review will examine common non-operating procedures, their risks of bleeding, as well as pharmacokinetics of oral anticoagulants available on the market and periprocedural management options.

Real-world effectiveness of infection prevention interventions for reducing procedure-related cardiac device infections: Insights from the veterans affairs clinical assessment reporting and tracking program

OBJECTIVE

To measure the association between receipt of specific infection prevention interventions and procedure-related cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort with manually reviewed infection status.

SETTING

Setting: National, multicenter Veterans Health Administration (VA) cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Sampling of procedures entered into the VA Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking-Electrophysiology (CART-EP) database from fiscal years 2008 through 2015.

METHODS

A sample of procedures entered into the CART-EP database underwent manual review for occurrence of CIED infection and other clinical/procedural variables. The primary outcome was 6-month incidence of CIED infection. Measures of association were calculated using multivariable generalized estimating equations logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 101 procedure-related CIED infections among 2,098 procedures (4.8% of reviewed sample). Factors associated with increased odds of infections included (1) wound complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16-24.20), (2) revisions including generator changes (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.59-3.63), (3) an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) >1.5 (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.18), and (4) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus colonization (aOR, 9.56; 95% CI, 1.55-27.77). Clinically effective prevention interventions included preprocedural skin cleaning with chlorhexidine versus other topical agents (aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.76) and receipt of β-lactam antimicrobial prophylaxis versus vancomycin (aOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.96). The use of mesh pockets and continuation of antimicrobial prophylaxis after skin closure were not associated with reduced infection risk.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings regarding the real-world clinical effectiveness of different prevention strategies can be applied to the development of evidence-based protocols and infection prevention guidelines specific to the electrophysiology laboratory.

Large Coronary Arteries Mean No Chance of a Heart Attack, Right? An Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Setting of Holding Anticoagulation for a Routine Colonoscopy

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an uncommon pathology, which is sometimes incidentally found on left heart catheterization (LHC). CAE is occasionally treated with systemic anticoagulation to prevent thrombosis or progression of the clot in the coronary arteries. We present a 63-year-old male with known CAE on warfarin who presented to the hospital with myocardial infarction after a routine colonoscopy for which anticoagulation was held. His myocardial infarction was attributed to a likely coronary thromboembolic event. This case highlights the need for consideration of bridging anticoagulation therapy before and after procedures in patients with CAE to prevent adverse coronary events.

Revisiting the International Normalized Ratio (INR) Threshold for Complications in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 21,239 Cases

BACKGROUND

Consensus guidelines recommend use of the international normalized ratio (INR) to predict the risk of perioperative bleeding in orthopaedic surgery. However, current recommendations for targeting an INR of <1.5 are based on studies across all surgical disciplines. This study examined the impact of the INR on perioperative bleeding, mortality, postoperative infections, length of hospital stay (LOS), and readmissions following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for adult patients who underwent primary TKA from 2010 to 2016. Patients for whom an INR had been recorded within 1 day before the surgery were stratified and analyzed for perioperative bleeding, mortality within 30 days, deep wound and superficial infections, LOS, and readmissions. Multivariable regressions were utilized to adjust for differences in demographics and comorbidities among INR groups.

RESULTS

Of 21,239 patients, 57.2% had an INR of ≤1.0; 38.1% had an INR of >1.0 to 1.25, 3.9% had an INR of >1.25 to 1.5, and 0.8% had an INR of >1.5. After adjustment, a progressively increased bleeding risk was found with an INR of >1.0 to 1.25 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 to 1.31, p = 0.001), an INR of >1.25 to 1.5 (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.63, p = 0.033), and an INR of >1.5 (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.29 to 3.14, p = 0.002) relative to an INR of ≤1.0. Patients with an INR of >1.5 were at increased risk for infection (OR = 5.34, 95% CI = 2.45 to 11.68, p < 0.001), but only patients with an INR of >1.25 to 1.5 were at increased risk for mortality (OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.31 to 8.63, p = 0.011) relative to those with an INR of ≤1.0. Overall and TKA-related readmission rates and LOS were significantly increased for patients with an INR of >1.25 to 1.5 or an INR of >1.5.

CONCLUSIONS

An INR of >1.25 to 1.5 was associated with increased bleeding, infection, and mortality rates following TKA, and an INR of >1.5 was associated with increased bleeding and infection rates. Current INR target recommendations in consensus guidelines should be reconsidered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Safety of urgent hip fracture surgery protocol under influence of direct oral anticoagulation medications

INTRODUCTION

Direct oral anticoagulation agents (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed to older adults. Concerns for perioperative blood loss dictate cessation of anticoagulation treatment and postponement of surgery until the coagulation system returns to normal state. The goal of this study is to compare the estimates of perioperative blood loss and mortality between patients using DOACs and patients receiving no anticoagultaion, in order to challenge the existing policy and question the need for surgery deferral.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort of patients (age > 65) with proximal hip fractures treated with either closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF, n = 1143; DOAC use n = 60) or hemiarthroplasty (HA, n = 571; DOAC use n = 29). Baseline patient characteristics included age, gender, ASA score, socioeconomic level, type of surgica#1: In general a l treatment, duration of surgery and time from admission to surgery. The effect of anticoagulant prescription on percentage of hemoglobin change, odds of receiving blood transfusions and one-month and one-year mortality was evaluated separately for CRIF and HA patients.

RESULTS

Patients receiving DOACs had similar perioperative hemoglobin change, transfusion rates and mortality, compared to subjects without anticoagulants in both CRIF and HA cohorts. DOAC patients undergoing CRIF had a longer delay to surgery (40.2 ± 26.9 vs 31.2 ± 22.2, p = 0.003) and higher mortality rates at one year postoperatively (26.7% vs 16.1%, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

DOAC use was not associated with an increased perioperative blood loss or mortality compared to controls. However, they had to wait longer for surgery, which itself was an independent predictor of mortality. It may be safe to shorten waiting time for surgery in patients using anticoagulation, with the goal to minimize surgery delay.

Postoperative Low-Dose Heparin Infusion Does Not Change Complication Rates after Limb Revascularization

BACKGROUND

Postoperative subtherapeutic low-dose heparin infusion (LDHI) is sometimes administered in patients undergoing extremity arterial revascularization to maintain graft patency and decrease the risk of thrombosis. However, the safety of this management strategy is unknown.

METHODS

From 2013 to 2015, we retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing upper and lower extremity arterial revascularization at a single university-affiliated medical center. Patients were grouped by receipt of LDHI within the first 24-hour postoperative period. Preoperative demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative measures, 30-day postoperative complications, arterial patency rates, and amputation rates were analyzed for each group.

RESULTS

We identified 379 patients who received extremity revascularization, and 56 (14.8%) of them had received LDHI. Patients who received LDHI were less likely to have an elective admission on presentation (26.8% vs. 56%, P < 0.001) or an admission from home (69.6% vs. 81.7%, P = 0.04). They were more likely to have preoperative bleeding (44.6% vs. 22%, P < 0.01) and need for emergent operation (23.2% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.04). Postoperatively, although patients who received LDHI demonstrated a trend toward increased bleeding (48.2% vs. 33.7%, P = 0.053), they did not demonstrate an increase in 30-day mortality (1.79% vs. 1.24%, P = 0.55) or reoperation (19.7% vs. 12.4%, P = 0.21). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that LDHI did not have a significant association with immediate postoperative bleeding (P = 0.99), survival (P = 0.13), primary patency (P = 0.872), and amputation-free survival (P = 0.387).

CONCLUSIONS

Although LDHI was more likely to be administered in patients who received emergent operations, risk-adjusted analysis demonstrated that it was not associated with increased postoperative bleeding, mortality, short-term need for reintervention, or amputation after extremity arterial revascularization.

Implementing Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel for Parkinson Disease: Insights from US Practitioners

Background

Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG, designated in the United States as carbidopa‐levodopa enteral suspension, CLES) was approved in the United States in 2015 for the treatment of refractory motor fluctuations in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Many neurologists in the United States have not had personal experience with implementation and management of the unique delivery system for this treatment.

Methods and Findings

This educational review was developed to provide practitioners with an understanding of LCIG use from the clinician's point of view. Practical recommendations for the use of LCIG from the early planning stages through long‐term patient management were compiled from the published literature, regulatory guidance, and clinical experience. Among the topics reviewed were: assembling a multidisciplinary treatment team, identifying treatment candidates, patient/care partner education, procedural considerations, post‐procedural care, LCIG initiation and titration, troubleshooting issues, and ongoing monitoring. For most of these steps, a considerable amount of individualization is possible, which allows clinicians to tailor protocols based on the needs of their teams, the healthcare system, and the patient and care partner. Although clinical practices are heterogeneous, themes of early planning, ongoing education, and a team‐based approach to management are universal.

Conclusions

By using established protocols and insights gleaned from experienced practitioners, clinicians who are unfamiliar with LCIG can more feasibly incorporate this treatment option into their armamentarium for treating PD motor fluctuations.

Management considerations for patients with uterine fibroids and concurrent venous thromboembolism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose is to provide an update on management strategies for uterine fibroids in the setting of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

RECENT FINDINGS

Uterine fibroids and VTE are independently associated with morbidity and increasing healthcare costs. Women with large uterine fibroids have a higher likelihood of VTE. Current strategies for stratifying patients with VTE take into account the nature of the VTE (i.e., truly provoked or unprovoked) and many patients may only require short-term anticoagulation. In those patients with risk factors for recurrent VTE, longer term anticoagulation may be required.

SUMMARY

In women with large uterine fibroids, the likelihood of concurrent VTE increases. Peri and postoperative management should be determined based on patient-specific risk stratification, with the majority of patients requiring short-term anticoagulation. Further risk stratification may be required for patients with essentially an unprovoked VTE, and consultation with a thrombosis specialist is recommended.

Perioperative management of vitamin K antagonists in patients with low thromboembolic risk undergoing elective surgery: A prospective experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To quantify thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients with low thromboembolic risk, who were chronically receiving vitamin K antagonists and undergoing elective surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive, prospective, single-center study was conducted between December 2010 and July 2014. Patients aged over 18 years old, chronically anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists and admitted for elective surgery were included in the study. We excluded patients with a creatinine clearance<30ml/min, a body weight>120kg, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, pregnant women, carriers of an epidural catheter for analgesia, patients who underwent unscheduled surgery and high thromboembolic risk-patients. Vitamin K antagonists were discontinued 5 days prior to the procedure without administering anticoagulant enoxaparin. The NIR was measured 24h before the procedure. A single dose of 3mg of vitamin K was administered in cases of a NIR>1.5. Vitamin K antagonists was resumed according to the surgical bleeding risk. Events were registered between 5 days prior to the procedure until 30 days after it.

RESULTS

A total of 75 procedures were included in the study. Fifty-six patients (74.7%) received vitamin K antagonists for atrial fibrillation, 15 suffered from venous thromboembolism (20%) and 4 had mechanical heart valves (5.3%). Twenty-six patients (34.5%) underwent high-bleeding risk surgeries and 49 (65.5%) underwent low risk procedures. No thromboembolic event was recorded. Four bleeding events (5.3%) were reported, 3 of which were considered major bleeding events (2 fatal).

CONCLUSIONS

Suspending vitamin K antagonists with no bridging therapy performed in patients with a low thromboembolic risk does not expose such patients to a significant risk of embolic events.

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Considerations in Orthopedic Surgery

Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery have an increased risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). These complications are considered detrimental, as they cause major postoperative morbidity and mortality and lead to a substantial health care burden. Because of the high incidence and serious nature of these complications, it is essential for orthopedic surgeons to have a comprehensive knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of acute DVT and PE. Perioperative management of orthopedic patients to prevent postoperative DVT and PE and optimize postoperative outcomes is also discussed in this review.

Optimal Reversal of Novel Anticoagulants in Trauma

The incidence of patients with trauma on novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for the treatment of thromboembolic disorders is increasing. In severe bleeding or hemorrhage into critical spaces, urgent reversal of this underlying pharmacologic coagulopathy becomes paramount. Optimal reversal strategy for commonly used NOACs is still evolving. Basic tenets of evaluation of patients with trauma and resuscitation remain the same. Clinical outcomes data in bleeding human patients with trauma are lacking, but are needed to establish efficacy and safety in these treatments. This article summarizes the available evidence and provides the optimal reversal strategy for bleeding patients with trauma on NOACs.

Post-procedural Care in Interventional Radiology: What Every Interventional Radiologist Should Know-Part I: Standard Post-procedural Instructions and Follow-Up Care

Interventional radiology (IR) has evolved into a full-fledged clinical specialty with attendant patient care responsibilities. Success in IR now requires development of a full clinical practice, including consultations, inpatient admitting privileges, and an outpatient clinic. In addition to technical excellence and innovation, maintaining a comprehensive practice is imperative for interventional radiologists to compete successfully for patients and referral bases. A structured approach to periprocedural care, including routine follow-up and early identification and management of complications, facilitates efficient and thorough management with an emphasis on quality and patient safety.

Perioperative Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs): A Systemic Review

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are in wide use among patients requiring both short- and long-term anticoagulation, mainly due to their ease of use and the lack of monitoring requirements. With growing use of DOACs, it is imperative that physicians be able to manage patients on these medications, especially in the perioperative period. We aim to provide guidance on the management of DOACs in the perioperative period. In this review, we performed an extensive literature search summarizing the management of patients on direct-acting anticoagulants in the perioperative period. A total of four direct-acting oral anticoagulants were considered appropriate for inclusion in this review. The drugs were dabigatran etexilate mesylate (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and edoxaban (Savaysa). Management of patients on DOACs in the perioperative period involves an assessment of thromboembolic event risk while off anticoagulation compared to the relative risk of bleeding if such drug is continued. DOACs may not need to be discontinued in minor surgeries or procedures, and in major surgeries, they may be discontinued hours prior depending on drug pharmacokinetics and renal function of the patients.

Periprocedural management of patients receiving a vitamin K antagonist or a direct oral anticoagulant requiring an elective procedure or surgery

The periprocedural management of patients receiving chronic therapy with oral anticoagulants (OACs), including vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin and direct OACs (DOACs), is a common clinical problem. The optimal perioperative management of patients receiving chronic OAC therapy is anchored on four key principles: (i) risk stratification of patient-related and procedure-related risks of thrombosis and bleeding; (ii) the clinical consequences of a thrombotic or bleeding event; (iii) discontinuation and reinitiation of OAC therapy on the basis of the pharmacokinetic properties of each agent; and (iv) whether aggressive management such as the use of periprocedural heparin bridging has advantages for the prevention of postoperative thromboembolism at the cost of a possible increase in bleeding risk. Recent data from randomized trials in patients receiving VKAs undergoing pacemaker/defibrillator implantation or using heparin bridging therapy for elective procedures or surgeries can now inform best practice. There are also emerging data on periprocedural outcomes in the DOAC trials for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. This review summarizes the evidence for the periprocedural management of patients receiving chronic OAC therapy, focusing on recent randomized trials and large outcome studies, to address three key clinical scenarios: (i) can OAC therapy be safely continued for minor procedures or surgeries; (ii) if therapy with VKAs (especially warfarin) needs to be temporarily interrupted for an elective procedure/surgery, is heparin bridging necessary; and (iii) what is the optimal periprocedural management of the DOACs? In answering these questions, we aim to provide updated clinical guidance for the periprocedural management of patients receiving VKA or DOAC therapy, including the use of heparin bridging.

Hemostatic management of patients undergoing ear-nose-throat surgery

Perioperative hemostatic management is increasingly important in the field of otolaryngology. This review summarizes the key elements of perioperative risk stratification, thromboprophylaxis and therapies for bridging of antithrombotic treatment. It gives practical advice based on the current literature with focus on patients undergoing ENT surgery.

"Early Trigger" Intravenous Vitamin K: Optimizing Target-Driven Care in Warfarinised Patients With Hip Fracture

Best practice tariff (BPT) was introduced as a financial incentive model to improve compliance with evidence-based care, such as operation for hip fracture within 36 hours of admission. We previously evaluated the impact of warfarin on patients with hip fracture, revealing significant delay to operation and subsequent loss of revenue. As a result of this, an “early trigger” intravenous vitamin K (IVK) pathway was introduced and the service reaudited a year later. The first cycle was a retrospective audit of all cases with hip fracture against BPT standards over a 32-month period. Subsequent protocol change resulted in all warfarinised cases being given 2 mg IVK in the emergency department prior to blood testing. This protocol was reaudited against the same BPT standards 12 months later. An intention-to-treat approach was used, despite breaches of protocol and other reasons for patients not progressing to theater. The data were analyzed with parametric tools to establish true clinical and statistical impact of the introduction of the protocol. In the first cycle, 80 patients were admitted on warfarin with a mean time to theater of 53.71 hours. Of these patients, 79% breached BPT due to anticoagulation. Twelve months following protocol introduction, 42 patients had a mean time to theater of 37.61 hours. Of these patients, 34% breached BPT due to anticoagulation. These data are both clinically and statistically significant (P < .001). No adverse events occurred. We have shown for the first time that “early-trigger” IVK can reduce delay to theater and maximize tariff payments in warfarinised patients with hip fracture. This is in addition to other established benefits associated with early surgery such as decreasing risk of pressure lesions and pneumonia. It affords high-quality patient-centered care while ensuring trauma units achieve maximal financial reimbursement through pay for improved performance and supports a culture of change behavior.

Management of Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Medications in Adults Undergoing Percutaneous Interventions

OBJECTIVE

Many radiologists are unfamiliar with the new antithrombogenic medications and how to modify patient management before nonvascular percutaneous procedures performed in a radiology department. In this article, we review the indications for use, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, dosing, and recommendations for periprocedural management of patients using these medications.

CONCLUSION

To improve patient safety, radiologists involved in percutaneous procedures should have knowledge of the antithrombotics that will be encountered routinely in clinical practice.

Adherence to guidelines for perioperative management of anticoagulation results in decreased bleeding complications: a single-centre experience

Guidelines describing the perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy in patients requiring temporary interruption of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were first published in 2008. The objective of this study is to evaluate the perioperative management of anticoagulation of patients on chronic VKA and the incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications pre and postpublication of the 2008 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines. A retrospective review of 40 patients on chronic VKA requiring temporary discontinuation of VKA due to an invasive or surgical procedure who were referred to a single haematology practice from January 2006 to June 2010. Demographics, indications of VKA, risk factors for thrombosis, type of procedure, bridging regimen and bleeding complications were recorded pre and post-2008 ACCP guidelines. Sixty-one procedures were performed in 40 patients; 60% were women. Indications for anticoagulation were secondary prevention of venous thrombosis (n = 27), arterial thrombosis (n = 8) or both arterial thrombosis and venous thrombosis (n = 4), and primary prevention of arterial thrombosis (n = 1). Twenty patients (50%) had thrombophilia. The most common surgical and invasive procedures were gastrointestinal (33%), gynaecological (15%) and orthopaedic (11%). Bridging regimen with therapeutic-dose subcutaneous low molecular heparin (LMWH) was used in 27 (67.5%) patients, prophylactic-dose LMWH in 12 (30%) and a combination of LMWH therapeutic and prophylactic-dose doses in 11 (27.5%). Three bleeding complications occurred prepublication of the 2008 ACCP practice guidelines, although no bleeding complications occurred after the guidelines were published. Adherence to the 2008 ACCP guidelines for the perioperative management of anticoagulation reduced bleeding complications in patients on chronic VKA treatment.

[Consensus statement: Stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in special consideration of the new direct oral anticoagulants]

The introduction of new direct oral anticoagulants has changed the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, these changes are not yet fully reflected in current guidelines.This consensus statement, endorsed by six Austrian medical societies, provides guidance to current prophylactic approaches of thromboembolic events in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on the basis of current evidence and published guidelines. Furthermore, some special subjects are treated, like changes in laboratory parameters and their interpretation under treatment with direct oral anticoagulants, treatment of bleedings, approach to operations, cardioversion and ablation, and specific neurological aspects. For a CHA2DS2-VASc-Score of ≥ 2, anticoagulation is recommended with a high level of evidence (1A). At the end of the consensus statement, recommendations for a number of specific patient subgroups can be found, in order to help treating physicians to arrive at appropriate therapeutic decisions.

[Prevention of venous thromboembolism in musculoskeletal surgery]

Musculoskeletal surgery is associated with a high risk of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAK) has broadened the possibilities for prevention of venous thromboembolism in the course of orthopedic and trauma surgery. Addressing this recent development, the Austrian Societies of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery (ÖGO), Trauma Surgery (ÖGU), Hematology and Oncology (OeGHO) and of Anaesthesiology, Reanimation und Intensive Care Medicine (ÖGARI) have taken the initiative to create Austrian guidelines for the prevention of thromboembolism after total hip and knee replacement, hip fracture surgery, interventions at the spine and cases of minor orthopedic and traumatic surgery. Furthermore, the pharmacology of the DOAK and the pivotal trial data for each of the three currently available substances - apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban - are briefly presented. Separate chapters are dedicated to "anticoagulation and neuroaxial anesthesia" and "bridging".

The current status of bridging anticoagulation

For patients prescribed chronic vitamin K antagonist therapy requiring a surgical or invasive procedure, the question of whether or not to bridge and how to bridge is commonly encountered in clinical practice. Bridging anticoagulation has evolved over the years and the evidence base for current practice is deficient in many areas. Clinical trials currently being completed with conventional anticoagulants should help strengthen the evidence base for future practice. The availability of novel oral anticoagulants is a welcome addition, though their optimal management peri-procedure is yet to be determined. Prospective multi-centre controlled studies that can provide the evidence base for novel oral anticoagulant peri-procedural management are required.

Suspected intraoperative formation of left atrial thrombus in a patient with atrial fibrillation receiving bridging anticoagulation therapy

We present a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF) in whom a left atrial (LA) thrombus might have formed during laparotomy despite bridging anticoagulation therapy. No evidence of thrombus was detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at the start of surgery; however, a thrombus measuring 13 × 10 mm was found in the LA appendage by the end of the procedure, suggesting that thrombus might develop intraoperatively in patients with AF even when bridging anticoagulation is properly established. Intraoperative TEE can assist in detecting intracardiac thrombus in patients with AF regardless of their anticoagulation status and provides a tool for intervention to prevent systemic embolization.

An update of consensus guidelines for warfarin reversal

• Despite the associated bleeding risk, warfarin is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant in Australia and New Zealand. Warfarin use will likely continue for anticoagulation indications for which novel agents have not been evaluated and among patients who are already stabilised on it or have severe renal impairment. • Strategies to manage over-warfarinisation and warfarin during invasive procedures can reduce the risk of haemorrhage. • For most warfarin indications, the target international normalised ratio (INR) is 2.0-3.0 (venous thromboembolism and single mechanical heart valve excluding mitral). For mechanical mitral valve or combined mitral and aortic valves, the target INR is 2.5-3.5. • Risk factors for bleeding with warfarin use include increasing age, history of bleeding and specific comorbidities. • For patients with elevated INR (4.5-10.0), no bleeding and no high risk of bleeding, withholding warfarin with careful subsequent monitoring seems safe. • Vitamin K1 can be given to reverse the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. When oral vitamin K1 is used for this purpose, the injectable formulation, which can be given orally or intravenously, is preferred. • For immediate reversal, prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) are preferred over fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Prothrombinex-VF is the only PCC routinely used for warfarin reversal in Australia and New Zealand. It contains factors II, IX, X and low levels of factor VII. FFP is not routinely needed in combination with Prothrombinex-VF. FFP can be used when Prothrombinex-VF is unavailable. Vitamin K1 is essential for sustaining the reversal achieved by PCC or FFP. • Surgery can be conducted with minimal increased risk of bleeding if INR ≤ 1.5. For minor procedures where bleeding risk is low, warfarin may not need to be interrupted. If necessary, warfarin can be withheld for 5 days before surgery, or intravenous vitamin K₁ can be given the night before surgery. Prothrombinex-VF use for warfarin reversal should be restricted to emergency settings. Perioperative management of anticoagulant therapy requires an evaluation of the risk of thrombosis if warfarin is temporarily stopped, relative to the risk of bleeding if it is continued or modified.

Perioperative management of patients on chronic antithrombotic therapy

Perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy is a situation that occurs frequently and requires consideration of the patient, the procedure, and an expanding array of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. Preoperative assessment must address each patient's risk for thromboembolic events balanced against the risk for perioperative bleeding. Procedures can be separated into those with a low bleeding risk, which generally do not require complete reversal of the antithrombotic therapy, and those associated with an intermediate or high bleeding risk. For patients who are receiving warfarin who need interruption of the anticoagulant, consideration must be given to whether simply withholding the anticoagulant is the optimal approach or whether a perioperative “bridge” with an alternative agent, typically a low-molecular-weight heparin, should be used. The new oral anticoagulants dabigatran and rivaroxaban have shorter effective half-lives, but they introduce other concerns for perioperative management, including prolonged drug effect in patients with renal insufficiency, limited experience with clinical laboratory testing to confirm lack of residual anticoagulant effect, and lack of a reversal agent. Antiplatelet agents must also be considered in the perioperative setting, with particular consideration given to the potential risk for thrombotic complications in patients with coronary artery stents who have antiplatelet therapy withheld.

Anticoagulation Issues in Patients with AF

The evaluation of the risk of stroke for individual patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a crucial factor in the decision to provide anticoagulation therapy. Novel oral anticoagulants, as compared with warfarin, are associated with a lower or similar rate of stroke and systemic embolism and a lower rate of hemorrhagic stroke. These drugs are administered at a fixed dose, have a shorter peak action and half-life, and do not require international normalized ratio monitoring. After a successful AF ablation, oral anticoagulation therapy discontinuation seems to be feasible in patients with a CHADS2 score greater than or equal to 2 and normal left atrial (LA) function. However, larger prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the safety of this strategy.