American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: prophylaxis for hospitalized and nonhospitalized medical patients

Hemostasis Testing in the Emergency Department: A Narrative Review

Routine laboratory screening is typically performed at initial evaluation of the vast majority of presentations to the emergency department (ED). These laboratory results are crucial to the diagnostic process, as they may influence up to 70% of clinical decisions. However, despite the usefulness of biological assessments, many tests performed are inappropriate or of doubtful clinical relevance. This overutilization rate of laboratory testing in hospitals, which represents a significant medical-economic burden, ranges from 20 to 67%, with coagulation tests at the top of the list. While reviews frequently focus on nonintensive care units, there are few published assessments of emergency-specific interventions or guidelines/guidance to date. The aim of this review is to highlight current recommendations for hemostasis evaluation in the emergency setting with a specific analysis of common situations leading to ED admissions, such as suspected venous thrombosis or severe bleeding. We revisit the evidence related to the assessment of patient's hemostatic capacity based on comprehensive history taking and physical examination as well as best practice recommendations for blood sample collection to ensure the reliability of results. This review also includes an examination of various currently available point of care tests and a comprehensive discussion on indications, limitations, and interpretation of these tests.

Supportive care for systemic amyloidosis: International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) expert panel guidelines

Systemic amyloidosis refers to a group of protein misfolding disorders resulting in organ deposition with amyloid, leading to organ dysfunction, ultimately resulting in organ failure and death if not successfully treated. Treatment is type-specific and aimed at the underlying source of the misfolded protein. In the past decades, treatments have become increasingly available across the various amyloidosis types with improved response rates and longer survival. Supportive care measures are an integral part of care for patients with systemic amyloidosis to improve symptom burden and quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and potentially prolong survival while type-directed therapy takes effect. In these guidelines, we provide supportive care recommendations across eight areas of interest in systemic amyloidosis: cardiology, nephrology, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system involvement, autonomic neuropathy, gastroenterology, coagulopathy and bleeding, nutrition and hematology. These guidelines were developed on behalf of the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) by experts in the above fields and provide the best available evidence and expertise for supportive care in these rare disorders.

Estimated Impact of Model-Guided Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis versus Physician Practice

Background

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) recommends assessing venous thromboembolism (VTE) and major bleeding risk to optimize pharmacological VTE prophylaxis for medical inpatients. However, the clinical utility of model-guided approaches remains unknown.

Methods

Our objective was to estimate differences in VTE and major bleeding event rates and efficiency with prophylaxis guided by risk models versus prophylaxis based on physician judgment. Patients were adults admitted to one of 10 Cleveland Clinic hospitals between December 2017 and January 2020. We compared physician practice with hypothetical prophylaxis recommended by model- based prophylaxis strategies, including ASH-recommended risk scores (Padua and IMPROVE) and locally derived Cleveland Clinic risk prediction models. For each strategy we quantified the prophylaxis rate, VTE and major bleeding rates, and the incremental number-needed-to-treat (NNT) to prevent one event (VTE or bleeding).

Results

Physicians prescribed prophylaxis to 62% of patients whereas model-based strategies recommended prophylaxis for 17-87%. Model-guided prophylaxis produced more VTEs and fewer major bleeds than physicians, but total events varied among strategies. Overall, per 1,000 patients, model- based strategies produced 14.0-16.1 events compared with 14.3 for physicians. The Padua/IMPROVE models recommended prophylaxis for the fewest patients but caused the most total events. The most efficient model-based strategy recommended prophylaxis to 28% of patients with an incremental NNT (relative to no prophylaxis) of 80. Compared to physicians, it reduced prophylaxis by 55% and total events by 0.14%.

Conclusions

Physicians often prescribed inappropriate prophylaxis, highlighting the need for decision support. A model-based strategy maximized efficiency, reducing both events and prophylaxis relative to physicians.

Guidelines for the management of emergencies and critical illness in pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease

Forty-two questions were evaluated concerning management of emergencies and critical illnesses in paediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease. The assessment covered the following areas: patient referral, vaso-occlusive crisis, acute chest syndrome, transfusion therapy, and priapism. The patient referral category included guidelines for admission to intensive care unit and management at specialized reference centers. The vaso-occlusive crisis topic encompassed pain management, hydration, incentive spirometry, and target oxygen saturation levels. For acute chest syndrome, the focus areas included imaging techniques such as lung ultrasound, computed tomography scans, and echocardiography; treatment with systemic corticosteroids; non-invasive ventilation; prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation; and procalcitonin and antibiotic therapy. The section on transfusion therapy addressed indications and methods of transfusion, as well as the diagnosis and prediction of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. A total of 45 recommendations were proposed, including 14 specific to adults, 13 specific to pediatrics, and 18 applicable to both adults and children, along with three therapeutic algorithms. The Grade of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was adhered to throughout the process. Sixteen recommendations were based on a low level of evidence (GRADE 2+ or 2-), while 26 were based on evidence that could not be classified under the GRADE system and were therefore considered expert opinions. Finally, for three aspects of sickle cell disease management, the experts concluded that no reliable recommendations could be made based on the current state of knowledge. The recommendations and therapeutic algorithms received strong agreement from the experts.

Use of a Risk Assessment Model for Venous Thromboembolism Is Associated with Decreased Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is often overprescribed to patients at low risk for VTE. Whether risk assessment models (RAMs) reduce prescribing to low-risk patients is unknown. We incorporated a validated RAM into admission order sets to help physicians determine risk of VTE.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify RAM use, determine its association with prophylaxis, and identify patient factors associated with concordance between calculated VTE risk and prophylaxis use. We hypothesized that use of the RAM would be associated with less prophylaxis.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. We excluded surgical, COVID, and intensive care unit patients, and patients with contraindication to prophylaxis or already on anticoagulation.

PARTICIPANTS

Medical inpatients aged ≥18 years admitted to 10 US hospitals from December 2020 to March 2023.

INTERVENTIONS

Physician RAM use.

MAIN MEASURES

Physician prophylaxis prescription and patient characteristics.

KEY RESULTS

Among 131,441 patient encounters, RAM use varied across hospitals from 54 to 99%. Overall, physician ordering was concordant with the RAM's recommendation for 68% of patients. Prophylaxis prescription was less common when the RAM was used than when it was not (44% vs. 73%, p < 0.001). When calculated risk was high (i.e., >0.75%), 96% of patients had prophylaxis prescribed versus 37% when risk was low. Across hospitals, prophylaxis prescription rates varied more for low-risk (21 to 77%) than for high-risk patients (87 to 98%). Among low-risk patients, prophylaxis was associated with male sex, older age, reduced mobility, and history of DVT, stroke, heart or respiratory failure, or active cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the RAM was associated with reduced prophylaxis prescribing, but many low-risk patients still received prophylaxis, especially if they had a risk factor for VTE. Physicians appear to agree with high-risk assessments but are less comfortable not prescribing prophylaxis to patients at low risk.

Age-related risk factors and manifestations in deep venous thrombosis

ObjectiveThe incidence, risk factors, and clinical presentation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) vary with age. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics of DVT among patients of different ages.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 938 patients with symptomatic lower extremity DVT admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and January 2024. Patients were categorized into youth (<40 years), middle-aged (40-64 years), and elderly (>65 years) groups. Demographic data, comorbidities, risk factors, clinical presentations, and management approaches were collected and analyzed.ResultsMost participants were middle-aged or elderly, with young patients constituting only 11.19% of the study population. The youth group had a slight female predominance, while the middle-aged and elderly group had a balanced gender distribution. The elderly group were more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes and malignancies, though they had a lower prevalence of autoimmune diseases compared to younger patients. Congenital risk factors were relatively rare in the overall population, yet were present in 22.86% of young patients, a significantly higher proportion than in the middle-aged and elderly groups. Most patients with DVT were provoked, especially in the elderly group. The prevalence of concurrent congenital and acquired factors was 13.33% in the youth group, compared to only 4.97% in the middle-aged group and 2.88% in the elderly group. Proximal DVT was most frequent in middle-aged patients, while young patients were more likely to seek treatment in the acute phase and undergo surgical intervention. Anticoagulation noncompliance was noted in nearly 40% of elderly patients but only 6.67% of young patients.ConclusionRisk factors and clinical characteristics of DVT vary significantly with age, particularly between young and elderly patients. Young patients were more inclined to seek prompt and effective treatment and demonstrated better adherence to anticoagulation therapy.

Enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized underweight adult patients: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Enoxaparin is commonly used for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in adult hospitalized patients. Although anti-Xa levels are inversely related to body weight, limited studies evaluated clinical outcomes of dose reduction in the underweight population.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of bleeding and VTE in underweight patients receiving reduced doses of enoxaparin (< 40 mg daily) versus the standard dose (40 mg daily) for VTE prophylaxis.

METHODS

This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar. We included hospitalized patients with a total body weight ≤ 57 kg or body mass index (BMI) ≤ 18.5 kg/m2 who received prophylactic enoxaparin for at least 48 h. The outcomes were bleeding, VTE, and composite unfavourable outcome (bleeding or VTE). Inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

We identified 1,130 eligible patients, of whom 124 patients (11%) received the reduced dose, and 1,006 patients (89%) received the standard dose. Bleeding occurred in one patient (0.8%) of the reduced dose group compared to 15 patients (1.5%) in the standard dose group (p > 0.99), VTE occurred in two patients (1.6%) in the reduced dose group compared to four patients (0.4%) in the standard dose group (p = 0.13). In the IPTW analysis, there was no significant difference in overall bleeding (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% CI 0.18-10.75, p = 0.74), VTE (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.05-1.81, p = 0.19), or the composite unfavourable outcome (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.2-2.75, p = 0.66).

CONCLUSION

There is no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding or VTE between the reduced dose and the standard dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in underweight adult patients. Due to the low event rates in both groups, larger studies are required to delineate any differences between the two dosing strategies.

Venous thromboembolism after hospitalization for COVID-19: venous thrombosis virtual surveillance in COVID) study

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 induces a prothrombotic state that increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients, but the incidence of postdischarge VTE is not well characterized in prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of symptomatic VTE after hospitalization with COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

The Venous Thrombosis Virtual Surveillance in COVID (VVIRTUOSO) study was a prospective multicenter cohort study (2021 to 2022) conducted at 6 sites in Canada. Patients ≥18 years, hospitalized for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or diagnosed during hospitalization within 1 week of hospital discharge, were included and followed virtually for 90 days (telephone or video). Exclusion criteria included unconfirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, no access to a telephone, computer, or tablet for virtual assessment, therapeutic-dose anticoagulation after hospital discharge, or patients (or their delegate) unable or unwilling to provide informed consent. The primary outcome was symptomatic, objectively confirmed acute VTE at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included 30-day incidence of symptomatic VTE, major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 513 participants were enrolled, and 411 participants completed 90-day follow-up. Mean age was 58 years and 46% were females. At 90 days, the cumulative incidence of symptomatic VTE was 0.90% (95% CI, 0.30%-2.18%). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 0.20% (95% CI, 0.02-1.10), clinically relevant non-major bleeding was 1.47% (95% CI, 0.66-2.90), and mortality was 3.19% (95% CI, 1.86-5.08).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of symptomatic VTE after hospitalization with COVID-19 infection is low. Our findings suggest that routine postdischarge pharmacological thromboprophylaxis may not offer net clinical benefit for unselected patients.

Risk factors for venous thrombosis after discharge from medical hospitalizations: the Medical Inpatient Thrombosis and Hemostasis study

BACKGROUND

Many studies on hospital-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) do not specifically assess the risk factors for events after discharge.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify risk factors for postdischarge venous thromboembolism (PD-VTE) after a medical hospitalization.

METHODS

Patients discharged from a medical hospitalization at the University of Vermont Medical Center between January 2010 and September 2019 were followed up for inpatient and outpatient VTE events for up to 90 days. Age-adjusted, sex-adjusted, race-adjusted, and length of stay-adjusted Cox models estimated the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs for potential risk factors for PD-VTE.

RESULTS

Among 22 599 admissions, there were 180 PD-VTE events (90-day cumulative incidence of 0.8%). The median time from discharge to PD-VTE was 29 days. Of previously identified in-hospital VTE risk factors, only history of VTE (HR, 3.34; 95% CI, 2.26-4.93) and active cancer (HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 2.31-4.23) were associated with increased risk of PD-VTE. Compared to <2-day hospital stays, longer hospital stays (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.23-2.75, for 6-10 days and HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.93, 2.90, for 11+ days) were associated with increased risk of PD-VTE. Both mortality (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06-1.41 per SD higher) and readmission (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.50, per SD higher) Elixhauser comorbidity indices were associated with increased risk of PD-VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for VTE after discharge from medical hospitalization differ from risk factors for in-hospital VTE. These data support that characteristics of the hospitalization influence PD-VTE risk, and if indicated, PD-VTE risk should be assessed at discharge.

A nomogram for predicting risk factors for lower limb deep venous thrombosis in elderly postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit

AimTo investigate the incidence and risk factors for lower limb deep venous thrombosis in elderly postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit.DesignA retrospective study.MethodsFour hundred and one elderly patients (defined as aged ≥60 years) with severe traumatic brain injury who had undergone surgery and were admitted to the intensive care unit were enrolled in this study. We collected data on the incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and analyzed its influencing factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the associations between these factors and the occurrence of DVT. A nomogram was developed, and calibration curves were utilized to evaluate the model's accuracy. Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to assess the model's clinical discriminatory power.ResultsThe incidence of lower limb deep venous thrombosis in elderly postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit was 25.69%. The final nomogram included age, intraoperative hypothermia, intraoperative bleeding volume, surgery time, D-dimer level, any organ failure, and body mass index as independent risk factors. The standard curve fit well with the calibrated prediction curve. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.976 (95% CI: 0.958-0.994), and the model had good discrimination ability and reliability.ConclusionsThe risk factors for lower limb deep venous thrombosis in elderly postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit can be preliminarily assessed via the nomogram prediction model. This information may help guide medical staff in making reasonable decisions regarding the management of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.Patient or Public ContributionElderly postoperative patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit participated in the retrospective investigation of this study.

Improving Guideline Development Processes: Integrating Evidence Estimation and Decision-Analytical Frameworks

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Despite using state-of-the-art methodologies like Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), current guideline development frameworks still rely heavily on panellists' intuitive integration of evidence related to the benefits and harms/burdens of health interventions. This leads to the 'black-box' and 'integration' problems, highlighting the lack of transparency in guideline decision-making. Combined with humans' limited capacity to process the large volumes of information presented in Summary of Findings (SoF) tables-the primary output of systematic reviews that underpin guideline recommendations-this reliance on non-explicit processes raises concerns about the trustworthiness of clinical practice guidelines.

METHODS

SoF tables provide the best available evidence, derived from frequentist or Bayesian estimation frameworks. Decision analysis, which integrates both types of estimates but considers intervention consequences, is the only analytical approach that combines multiple outcomes (benefits, harms and costs) into a single metric to support decision-making. Such analysis seeks to identify the optimal decision by balancing harms, benefits and uncertainties. This paper leverages the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparison(s), Outcome) as a conceptual basis for deriving SoF tables. Subsequently, we propose a solution to GRADE's "black-box" and "integration" problems by matching PICO-based SoF with decision models.

RESULTS

We succeeded in connecting the PICO framework to simple decision-analytical models, restricted to time frames supported by empirically verifiable evidence, to calculate which competing intervention offers the greatest benefit (net differences in expected utility; ΔEU). The single metric [ΔEU] enabled a simple, transparent and easy-to-understand assessment of the superiority of competing management strategies across multiple outcomes (considering both benefits and harms), addressing the 'black-box' and 'integration' problems. Completing a SoF-based decision model takes about 10 min. Not surprisingly, the recommendations based on ΔEU may differ from the intuitive recommendations of panels.

CONCLUSION

We propose that incorporating the straightforward and transparent modelling into guideline panels' decision-making processes will enhance their intuitive judgements, resulting in more trustworthy recommendations. Given the simplicity of calculating ΔEU, we advocate for its immediate inclusion in systematic reviews and SoF tables.

Preferences for thromboprophylaxis in the intensive care unit: An international survey

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients, who often have multiple risk factors. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is widely applied to lower this risk, but guidelines lack dosing recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

This survey aims to assess current thromboprophylaxis preferences and willingness to participate in future randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on this topic.

METHOD

We conducted an international online survey between February and May 2023 among intensive care unit (ICU) physicians, including 16 questions about preferences in relation to thromboprophylaxis and preferences on topics for a future RCT. The survey was distributed through the network of the Collaboration for Research in Intensive Care.

RESULTS

A total of 715 physicians from 170 ICUs in 23 countries contributed information, with a mean response rate of 36%. In most ICUs, both pharmacological (n = 166, 98%) and mechanical thromboprophylaxis (n = 143, 84%) were applied. A total of 36 pharmacological thromboprophylaxis regimens were reported. Use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was most common (n = 149 ICUs, 87%), followed by subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (n = 44 ICUs, 26%). Seventy-five percent of physicians indicated that they used enoxaparin 40 mg (4000 IU), dalteparin 5000 IU, or tinzaparin 4500 IU once daily, whereas 25% reported the use of 16 other LMWH type and dose combinations. Dose adjustment according to weight was common (78 ICUs, 46%). Participants perceived high variation in the application of thromboprophylaxis and were willing to consider an alternative LMWH type (n = 542, 76%) or dose (n = 538, 75%) in the context of an RCT.

CONCLUSION

LMWH was the preferred agent for thromboprophylaxis in critically ill patients. There was considerable variation in the application of LMWH for prophylaxis, reflected by the use of different types, doses, and dosing strategies. Most physicians would be willing to participate in an RCT on thromboprophylaxis.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

This survey demonstrates current patterns in implementation preferences for critically ill patients. While there is one approach and drug that is commonly preferred, these findings show that there is some variation in practice.

Basics of diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The symptoms and signs of VTE are nonspecific. Well-established integrated diagnostic strategies combining clinical probability scores and D-dimer are used to identify patients with a low probability of VTE, where the diagnosis can be safely excluded without imaging. In patients with confirmed VTE, anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment. However, patients with high-risk features at presentation may benefit from advanced reperfusion therapies such as thrombolysis and/or interventional approaches to reduce early mortality and/or long-term morbidity. The advent of direct oral anticoagulants has greatly simplified the treatment of VTE for most patients, with a persisting role for low molecular weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists in select patient groups. Following an initial 3 to 6 months of anticoagulation, those with major transient provoking factors can safely discontinue anticoagulation. Balancing the risk of recurrent VTE and bleeding risk is central to decisions regarding long-term anticoagulation, and patients should be included in shared decision-making. Assessment and recognition of common long-term complications such as postthrombotic syndrome and post-PE syndrome are also essential, given they are associated with significant adverse impact on long-term quality of life, with a significant risk of mortality associated with the less frequent complication of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This review provides a basic overview and framework for the diagnostic approach to deep vein thrombosis and PE, risk stratification of confirmed diagnoses, and management.

Comparative Validation of Risk Assessment Models for Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Hospitalized Medical Patients: Insights from a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The optimal risk assessment model (RAM) for venous thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the prognostic performance of Padua, International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines' RAMs.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in 15 Spanish hospitals, monitoring consecutive medical inpatients for symptomatic venous thromboembolism over a 90-day follow-up period. The discriminative performance was evaluated using time-to-event analyses and competing risk models accounting for nonvenous thromboembolism-related mortality. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated to assess predictive accuracy.

RESULTS

Among 1273 patients, the 90-day cumulative venous thromboembolism incidence was 1.0%. After adjusting for pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, high-risk patients did not exhibit a significantly increased venous thromboembolism risk compared to low-risk patients according to Padua (aSHR 5.71; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.70-46.86), IMPROVE (aSHR 3.72; 95% CI 1.00-13.87), and NICE RAM (aSHR 0.97; 95% CI 0.30-3.18). Padua had the highest sensitivity (92.3% [95% CI, 62.1%-99.6%]) but lowest specificity (32.3% [95% CI, 29.7%-35.0%]), whereas IMPROVE exhibited the highest specificity (52.9% [95% CI, 50.1%-55.7%]) with moderate sensitivity (76.9% [95% CI, 46.0%-93.8%]). Discriminative performance was suboptimal for all RAMs (area under the curve: Padua 62.3%, IMPROVE 64.9%, NICE 50.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Padua, IMPROVE, and NICE RAMs demonstrated poor predictive accuracy in stratifying venous thromboembolism risk among hospitalized medical patients. These findings underscore the need for more precise, dynamic RAMs tailored to real-world clinical settings to enhance thromboprophylaxis and patient outcomes.

Prophylactic Enoxaparin Dosing and Anti-Xa Levels in Medicine Patients With Obesity

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that the manufacturer's standard fixed dosing of enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis leads to sub-prophylactic anti-Xa levels in medicine patients with obesity. Yet, there is limited literature describing higher dosing strategies in this patient population, and an optimal dosing regimen has not been well-established. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate mean doses (mg/kg/d) of prophylactic enoxaparin that are associated with goal anti-Xa levels in medicine patients with obesity across 3 body mass index (BMI) groups (40-49 kg/m2, 50-59 kg/m2, ≥60 kg/m2). Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients (age ≥18 years) with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 admitted to a medicine team with at least 1 appropriately drawn anti-Xa level between January 2018 and July 2023. The institution's goal anti-Xa level for VTE prophylaxis was 0.2 to 0.4 units/mL. The primary outcome was the comparison of mean dose between those within anti-Xa at goal and not at goal. Secondary outcomes included the percentages of initial anti-Xa levels below, within, or above goal range and the incidence of new VTE and major bleeding events during hospitalization while on enoxaparin. All outcomes were stratified into 3 BMI groups: 40-49 kg/m2, 50-59 kg/m2, and ≥60 kg/m2. Results: Median dose of those with final anti-Xa level at goal was significantly higher than that of those not in goal anti-Xa range across all 3 BMI groups (0.57 vs 0.50 mg/kg/d; P < 0.05). The majority of the initial anti-Xa levels were subprophylactic, with only 35.7% of patients (or 75 of 210 patients) had initial anti-Xa within the goal range. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of blood transfusions or VTE events between the groups. Conclusion: Findings suggest that medicine patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 may require enoxaparin doses higher than 0.5 mg/kg/d to reach goal prophylactic anti-Xa level. However, more robust data are necessary to further validate these results and the clinical implications.

Patterns of Prophylactic Anticoagulation Among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: An Analysis of the American Heart Association COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry

BACKGROUND

Limited knowledge exists about prophylactic anticoagulation patterns in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using American Heart Association COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry data from May 2020 to March 2022. We included patients without preexisting indications for or contraindications to anticoagulation, excluding those with missing anticoagulation data. Patients were categorized by the highest anticoagulation dose received. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between anticoagulation use/dose, patient demographics, clinical presentation, in-hospital course, institutional characteristics, and admission date, accounting for hospital clustering. Among 26 775 patients, 4157 (16%) received no anticoagulation, 15 617 (58%) low-dose, 3071 (11%) intermediate-dose, and 3930 (15%) full-dose anticoagulation. Significant hospital-level variability occurred for any anticoagulation use (range, 0%-98%; P<0.0001) and by dose (full anticoagulation range, 0%-85%; P<0.0001). Controlling for hospital variability, older age, male sex, non-White race, higher body mass index, higher platelets, corticosteroid use, and intensive care unit admission were positively associated with any anticoagulation use. Older age, male sex, higher body mass index, higher platelets, corticosteroid use, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and admission before October 2020 were associated with higher anticoagulation dose (full versus low dose). Rates of no anticoagulation significantly increased in both intensive care unit and non-intensive care unit strata over time (P trend=0.01 and <0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large real-world analysis, nearly 1 in 6 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 received no prophylactic anticoagulation. Patient and disease characteristics associated with thrombotic risk and COVID-19 severity correlated with anticoagulation strategy. Importantly, substantial institutional differences emerged, highlighting gaps between clinical practice and guideline recommendations.

Delphi panel consensus on recommendations for thromboprophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in endogenous Cushing's syndrome: a position statement

The objective of this study was to establish recommendations for thromboprophylaxis in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS), addressing the elevated risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with hypercortisolism. A Delphi method was used, consisting of 4 rounds of voting and subsequent discussions. The panel included 18 international experts from 11 countries and 4 continents. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement among participants. Recommendations were structured into the following categories: thromboprophylaxis, perioperative management, and VTE treatment. Consensus was reached on several critical areas, resulting in 14 recommendations. Key recommendations include: thromboprophylaxis should be considered at time of CS diagnosis and continued for 3 months after biochemical remission, provided there are no obvious contraindications. The standard weight-based prophylactic dose of low molecular-weight heparin is the preferred agent for thromboprophylaxis in patients with CS. Additionally, perioperatively and around inferior petrosal sinus sampling, thromboprophylaxis should be reconsidered if not already initiated at diagnosis. For VTE treatment, extended thromboprophylaxis is advised continuing for 3 months after Cushing is resolved. These Delphi consensus-based recommendations aim to standardize care practices and enhance patient outcomes in CS by providing guidance on thromboprophylaxis, including its initiation and continuation across various disease states, as well as the preferred agents to use. The panel also highlighted key areas for further research, particularly regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants in CS and the management of mild CS and mild autonomous cortisol secretion. Additionally, the optimal duration of anticoagulant prophylaxis following curative treatment remains uncertain.

Rehabilitation After Lower Limb Fracture Fixation in Osteoporotic Bone

Background

Osteoporotic fractures, particularly in the lower limbs, are a significant health burden, especially in elderly patients. With an increasing aging population globally, effective fracture fixation and rehabilitation are critical to restoring mobility and reducing complications.

Objectives

This study aims to review rehabilitation approaches following lower limb fracture fixation in osteoporotic bones, emphasizing the biomechanics of fracture fixation and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Methods

A detailed analysis of current surgical techniques for fixing osteoporotic fractures is presented, including internal fixation strategies, the use of implants, and their biomechanical performance. In addition, rehabilitation protocols post-surgery are reviewed to highlight early mobilization strategies and their impact on recovery outcomes.

Results

The review highlights that, despite challenges posed by osteoporotic bone quality, advancements in surgical implants and fixation techniques allow for stable fracture management. Early mobilization, while previously controversial, is increasingly supported by recent evidence, showing improved functional outcomes and reduced complications, particularly in elderly patients.

Conclusions

Early rehabilitation and weight-bearing strategies play a pivotal role in restoring function after osteoporotic fractures of the lower limbs. This review advocates for tailored rehabilitation protocols, considering patient age, fracture type, and the mechanical stability of the fixation.

Investigation on the Implementation of Mechanical Prophylaxis Procedures for Deep Venous Thrombosis in ICU in Southwest China: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

For ICU patients at high risk of bleeding or those already bleeding, it is recommended to use mechanical prophylaxis methods such as intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), graduated compression stockings (GCS), or a venous foot pump (VFP).

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to examine the implementation of mechanical prophylaxis measures for DVT in ICUs in Southwest China and provide a foundation for improving their adoption and effectiveness.

METHOD

In this study, a questionnaire developed by the researchers, based on existing literature, was used as the data collection tool. Following ethical approval, data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from 780 ICU nurses across 124 ICUs in Southwest China, between August and December 2022. Of these, 67.7% (84/124) were from Grade III hospitals, and 32.3% (40/124) were from Grade II hospitals. Additionally, 66.5% (519/780) of nurses had received training on DVT prophylaxis knowledge, whereas 33.5% (261/780) had not. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0, with descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests applied for analysis.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed among hospitals of different grades in several aspects, including the professional management team, dynamic assessments, risk assessment records, bedside warning signs, and implement sign-in communication for high-risk patients (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found between nurses who had received training on DVT prevention and those who had not, in terms of excluding related contraindications, conducting monthly inspections and preventive maintenance, having a specially assigned person for management, and providing clear precautions (p < 0.05). All ICUs were equipped with at least one type of mechanical prophylaxis equipment, but the proportion and duration of equipment use varied between hospitals. The top three factors hindering the implementation of mechanical prophylaxis were insufficient equipment, inadequate human resources, and failure to reset equipment in a timely manner after disuse.

CONCLUSION

Hospital grade, DVT prevention training, resource allocation for mechanical prophylaxis, and the implementation of prophylactic measures all influence the management of DVT mechanical prophylaxis in ICU patients. Moving forward, personalized DVT mechanical prophylaxis strategies should be tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of hospitals at different levels, with a focus on strengthening the establishment of systems, enhancing nurse training, improving equipment availability, and increasing equipment usage duration to improve the overall effectiveness of DVT prevention management.

Anticoagulants: From chance discovery to structure-based design

Taking a historical perspective, we review the discovery, pharmacology, and clinical evaluation of the old and new anticoagulants that have been approved for clinical use. The drugs are discussed chronologically, starting in the 1880s, and progressing through to 2024. The innovations in technology used to develop novel anticoagulants came in fits and starts and reflected the advances in science and technology over these decades, whereas the shift from anecdote to evidence-based use of anticoagulants was delayed until the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics were introduced into clinical trial design and to the approval process. Hirudin, heparin, and vitamin K antagonists were discovered by chance, and were used clinically before their mechanism of action was elucidated and before their net clinical benefits were evaluated in randomized clinical trials. Subsequent anticoagulants were designed based on a better understanding of the structure and function of coagulation proteins, including antithrombin, thrombin, and factor Xa, and underwent more rigorous preclinical and clinical evaluation before regulatory approval. By simplifying oral anticoagulation, the direct oral anticoagulants have revolutionized anticoagulation care and have enhanced the uptake of anticoagulation, but bleeding has not been eliminated and there is a need for more effective and convenient anticoagulants for thrombosis triggered by the contact pathway of coagulation. The newly developed factor XIa and XIIa inhibitors have the potential to address these unmet clinical needs and are undergoing clinical evaluation for several indications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Anticoagulant therapy is the cornerstone of treatment and prevention of thrombosis, which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elucidation of the structure and function of coagulation enzymes, their cofactors, and inhibitors, coupled with advances in structure-based design led to the discovery of more convenient, safer, and more effective anticoagulants that have revolutionized the management of thrombotic disorders.

External Validation of the IMPROVE Risk Score for Predicting Bleeding in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding, but no standardized bleeding risk assessment tool has been recommended.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the predictive value of the IMPROVE Bleeding Risk Score (BRS) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

DESIGN

A multicenter, prospective cohort of 3,886 hospitalized COVID-19 patients across six tertiary hospitals in China between December 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients were objectively diagnosed with COVID-19 by pathogen or antibody detection and followed for 90 days.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary outcomes were major bleeding (MB) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB). We evaluated the IMPROVE BRS predictive performance using hazard ratios (HRs), positive and negative predictive values, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration.

KEY RESULTS

Among 3,886 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (median age 74, IQR 62-84), 42 MB (1.1%) and 47 CRNMB (1.2%) events occurred within 90 days. The IMPROVE BRS performed well in predicting MB events, with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.77-0.91) at 90 days. Calibration plots indicated good calibration. High-risk patients had a significantly higher bleeding risk than low-risk patients, even after adjusting for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis (MB: adjusted HR 6.63, 95% CI 3.62-12.15; CRNMB: adjusted HR 3.69, 95% CI 2.04-6.71). Subgroup analysis indicated that LMWH thromboprophylaxis significantly increased MB risk in elderly patients with high bleeding risk (14 days: adjusted HR 5.45, 95% CI 1.15-25.94; 30 days: adjusted HR 4.16, 95% CI 1.11-15.53).

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPROVE BRS effectively predicted MB risk in COVID-19 patients and provided valuable guidance for LMWH thromboprophylaxis in elderly patients. Further research is needed to validate its applicability in different populations and refine threshold values for improved predictive accuracy.

Low-dose aspirin versus placebo in postpartum venous thromboembolism: a multi-national, pilot, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the morbidity and mortality of venous thromboembolism, there is little evidence to guide postpartum thromboprophylaxis in patients at moderate risk. We aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a double-blind, randomised trial of aspirin versus placebo in postpartum individuals with two or more venous thromboembolism risk factors, mild-to-moderate thrombophilia, or both.

METHODS

The pilot PARTUM trial, a multi-national, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, was conducted in seven centres across Canada, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Postpartum individuals aged 18 years or older with venous thromboembolism risk factors, including mild-moderate inherited thrombophilia, antepartum immobilisation, pre-pregnancy BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher, pre-pregnancy smoking, previous superficial vein thrombosis, and other pregnancy-related conditions, were eligible. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) within 48 h of delivery to aspirin 81 mg (80 mg in Europe) orally daily (low-dose aspirin group) or placebo orally once daily (placebo group) for 42 days. Follow-up visits occurred at 6 weeks and 90 days postpartum. The primary outcome was the mean recruitment rate (participants per site per month). Additional feasibility metrics were reported, and clinical outcomes were analysed by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04153760, and EudraCT, 2020-000619-58, and is completed.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 2, 2020, and June 19, 2023, 10 040 patients were assessed for eligibility and 808 met all eligibility criteria, of whom 257 (32%) provided consent and were enrolled. 127 were randomly assigned to the low-dose aspirin group and 130 to the placebo group. The median follow-up was 91 days (IQR 89-96). The median age was 34·0 years (IQR 30·0-37·0), and 161 (63%) of participants were White. The mean recruitment rate was 6·3 (95% CI 5·5 to 7·2) patients per site per month. No venous thromboembolism events occurred in the low-dose aspirin group, and one participant had distal deep vein thrombosis in the placebo group (-0·82 [95% CI -2·42 to 0·78]). No major bleeds occurred. Three (2%) participants in the low-dose aspirin group versus one (1%) in the placebo group had clinically relevant non-major bleeds (absolute risk difference 1·66 [95% CI -1·54 to 4·86]). Ten serious adverse events occurred in nine (4%) of 257 participants, and 11 serious adverse events occurred in ten (4%) of 271 infants of participants. No treatment-related death occurred.

INTERPRETATION

A global postpartum thromboprophylaxis trial evaluating low-dose aspirin is possible and needed to provide high-quality data.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the INVENT-VTE Network.

Regional anesthesia in the patient receiving antithrombotic or thrombolytic therapy: American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Evidence-Based Guidelines (fifth edition)

Hemorrhagic complications associated with regional anesthesia are extremely rare. The fifth edition of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine's Evidence-Based Guidelines on regional anesthesia in the patient receiving antithrombotic or thrombolytic therapy reviews the published evidence since 2018 and provides guidance to help avoid this potentially catastrophic complication.The fifth edition of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine's Evidence-Based Guidelines on regional anesthesia in the patient receiving antithrombotic or thrombolytic therapy uses similar methodology as previous editions but is reorganized and significantly condensed. Therefore, the clinicians are encouraged to review the earlier texts for more detailed descriptions of methods, clinical trials, case series and pharmacology. It is impossible to perform large, randomized controlled trials evaluating a complication this rare; therefore, where the evidence is limited, the authors continue to maintain an 'antihemorrhagic' approach focused on patient safety and have proposed conservative times for the interruption of therapy prior to neural blockade. In previous versions, the anticoagulant doses were described as prophylactic and therapeutic. In this version, we will be using 'low dose' and 'high dose,' which will allow us to be consistent with other published guidelines and more accurately describe the dose in the setting of specific patient characteristics and indications. For example, the same 'high' dose may be used in one patient as a treatment for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and in another patient as prophylaxis for recurrent DVT. Due to the increasing ability to obtain drug-specific assays, we have included suggestions for when ordering these tests may be helpful and guide practice. Like previous editions, at the end of each recommendation the authors have clearly noted how the recommendation has changed from previous editions.

Enoxaparin Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Dosing in Critically Ill Underweight Patients

Purpose: Optimal dosing of VTE prophylaxis for specific patient populations remains an area of concern as insufficient evidence exists regarding dosing for underweight patients. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of major bleeding events in underweight patients given different prophylactic doses of enoxaparin. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis performed at multiple hospitals within a single health care system. Patients with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they received at least 1 prophylactic dose of enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously once daily or enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily. Underweight adult patients were included if they were admitted to an ICU for at least 48 hours and received at least 1 dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis during their ICU admission. The primary aim was to compare the incidence of clinically significant bleeding between dosing strategies. Secondary aims included the incidence of VTE during admission, ICU length of stay, overall hospital length of stay, and all-cause mortality 30 days post-discharge. Results: A total of 310 patients met inclusion criteria for this study, with 80 patients in the 30 mg group and 230 patients in the 40 mg group. There was no significant difference in major bleeding events between the 2 groups (P = .61). No significant differences in incidence of VTE (P = .455 ), ICU length of stay (P = .466), overall hospital stay (P = .502), or all-cause mortality (P = .925) were found between groups. Conclusions: No difference was found in clinically significant bleeding between underweight critically ill patients receiving VTE prophylaxis with enoxaparin 30 mg once daily or 40 mg once daily. Further studies are needed to evaluate the optimal dosing of VTE prophylaxis with enoxaparin in underweight patients.

Massive pulmonary thromboembolism in a pediatric patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case-based review emphasizing management

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) are at an increased risk of arterial and venous thromboembolism (AVTE). Although the exact mechanisms underlying AVTE remain unclear, eosinophils play a pivotal role in AVTE.

MAIN BODY

Current guidelines lack evidence-based recommendations, particularly concerning anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatments for this condition. Herein, we document a pediatric EGPA patient with deep venous thrombosis presenting with massive pulmonary thromboembolism during a relapse, treated with immunosuppressive and anticoagulant therapy to raise awareness among clinicians. Additionally, we performed a literature review to highlight various aspects of pediatric AVTE. Moreover, we evaluated the management strategies employed for the patients identified in the literature review and summarized the current practice guidelines regarding pediatric EGPA patients with AVTE to provide recommendations to clinicians on the management of this challenging complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Most AVTE events occur during periods of high disease activity. Notably, EGPA patients with VTE often present with thrombocytopenia due to consumption, a finding not typically expected during disease exacerbation. Venous thrombosis generally requires both anticoagulation and immunosuppressive treatment. Although our review indicates a favorable prognosis for AVTE, the small number of reported cases prevents us from drawing definitive conclusions. Future studies should explore the efficacy of mepolizumab and other eosinophil-targeted therapies for AVTE, in addition to investigating the roles of anticoagulation and antiplatelet treatments.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Leading to Air Travel-Induced Thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism, characterized by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is the third cardiovascular disease in the world. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in areas of impaired blood flow, and it is significantly affected by environmental factors. Local hypoxia, caused by venous stasis, plays a critical role in deep vein thrombosis under normal conditions, and this effect is intensified when the Po2 decreases, such as during air travel or high-altitude exposure. The lower oxygen levels and reduced pressure at high altitudes further contribute to deep vein thrombosis development. These conditions increase the pro-coagulant activity of neutrophils, platelets, and red blood cells, which interact on the surface of activated endothelial cells, promoting clot formation. Understanding the mechanisms involved in thrombus formation when Po2 is reduced, with or without pressure reduction, is crucial for preventing the development of venous thromboembolisms in such conditions and identifying innovative therapeutic targets. This literature review explores the mechanisms involved in thrombus formation related to high-altitude conditions and discusses the pro-coagulant consequences induced by environmental disturbances.

Same-day emergency care: a retrospective observational study of the incidence and predictors of venous thromboembolism following hospital-based acute ambulatory medical care

BACKGROUND

Same-day emergency care (SDEC) is an expanding area of hospital acute medical care. It aims to minimize delays and manage medical emergency patients within the same day, enabling hospitalization to be avoided; the expectation is that the patients would have required inpatient hospitalization in the absence of the SDEC service. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention is a key medical inpatient safety measure. Whether VTE prevention should be considered for SDEC patients is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the incidence and predictors of VTE diagnosed within 90 days of SDEC assessment.

METHODS

Data were obtained from electronic health records of people who received SDEC at our hospital during a 5-year period (April 2016 to March 2021).

RESULTS

There were 40 045 attendance episodes by 33 715 individuals. Median age was 60 years (IQR, 41.0-76.0 years), and 55.2% were women. Three hundred forty-nine patients (0.9%) developed a VTE within 90 days of SDEC. Increased risk of VTE was associated with age more than 60 years, prior malignancy (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.12; 95% CI, 3.19-5.32; P < .0001), history of diseases of the circulatory system (adjusted OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 2.27-3.76; P < .0001), and having 1 or more additional SDEC attendances within 30 days (adjusted OR, 4.61; 95% CI, 3.65-5.82; P < .0001). In the 90 days prior to VTE diagnosis, 36.6% of patients had a separate inpatient admission in addition to SDEC. There was no association with completion of an electronic VTE risk assessment (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76-1.20).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of VTE following SDEC is similar to that reported for symptomatic VTE in traditional medical inpatients without thromboprophylaxis.

Predictors for the prescription of pharmacological prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism during hospitalization in Internal Medicine: a sub-analysis of the FADOI-NoTEVole study

Patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine Units (IMUs) may frequently experience both an increased risk for thrombosis and bleeding. The use of risk assessment models (RAMs) could aid their management. We present a post-hoc analysis of the FADOI-NoTEVole study, an observational, retrospective, multi-center study conducted in 38 Italian IMUs. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the predictors associated with the prescription of thromboprophylaxis during hospitalization. The secondary objective was to evaluate RAMs adherence. Univariate analyses were conducted as preliminary evaluations of the variables associated with prescribing pharmacological thromboprophylaxis during hospital stay. The final multivariable logistic model was obtained by a stepwise selection method, using 0.05 as the significance level for entering an effect into the model. Thromboprophylaxis was then correlated with the RAMs and the number of predictors found in the multivariate analysis. Thromboprophylaxis was prescribed to 927 out of 1387 (66.8%) patients with a Padua Prediction score (PPS) ≥ 4. Remarkably, 397 in 1230 (32.3%) patients with both PPS ≥ 4 and an IMPROVE bleeding risk score (IBS) < 7 did not receive it. The prescription of thromboprophylaxis mostly correlated with reduced mobility (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.90-2.81), ischemic stroke (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.34-2.91), history of previous thrombosis (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.49-4.07), and the presence of a central venous catheter (OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.99-4.54). The bleeding risk assessment using the IBS did not appear to impact physicians' decisions. Our analysis provides insight into how indications for thromboprophylaxis were determined, highlighting the difficulties faced by physicians with patients admitted to IMUs.

Direct oral anticoagulant prescribing trends for venous thromboembolism among adult patients with obesity at University of Utah Health

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulants, including warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), are used to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) which is common in patients with obesity. Guidance statements regarding use of DOACs for VTE treatment in this patient population have been updated.

OBJECTIVE

Examine DOAC prescribing trends in patients with obesity and VTE.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single-site cross-sequential study of DOAC prescribing trends in adult patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) and objectively confirmed VTE diagnosis between 2014 and 2022. The primary outcome of interest was the proportion of patients with obesity prescribed DOACs.

RESULTS

A total of 1826 patients were included in our analysis. Most patients were of White race (85.8 %) and approximately half were female. Pulmonary embolism was the most common VTE type (62.2 %). A total of 1018 patients were prescribed DOAC therapy (55.8 %), 524 warfarin therapy (28.7 %), and 284 enoxaparin (15.6 %). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the utilization of DOACs exhibited a significant upward trend from 2017 to 2022 (odds ratio [OR] 1.85 to 14.08 compared to 2014), but not from 2015 to 2016 (OR 1.30 to 1.52). Patients with BMI ≥ 40 and ≥ 50 were twice and 4-times as likely to be prescribed warfarin than DOACs, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Between 2017 and 2022, the proportion of patients with obesity prescribed DOACs for the treatment of VTE increased significantly. This suggests an increasing likelihood to prescribe DOACs in this patient population despite the lack of safety and efficacy data from randomized controlled trials except for very heavy patients.

Protocol for the Catheter-Related Early Thromboprophylaxis With Enoxaparin (CRETE) Studies

OBJECTIVES

In post hoc analyses of our previous phase 2b Bayesian randomized clinical trial (RCT), prophylaxis with enoxaparin reduced central venous catheter (CVC)-associated deep venous thrombosis (CADVT) in critically ill older children but not in infants. The goal of the Catheter-Related Early Thromboprophylaxis with Enoxaparin (CRETE) Studies is to investigate this newly identified age-dependent heterogeneity in the efficacy of prophylaxis with enoxaparin against CADVT in critically ill children.

DESIGN

Two parallel, multicenter Bayesian superiority explanatory RCTs, that is, phase 3 for older children and phase 2b for infants, and an exploratory mechanistic nested case-control study (Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04924322, June 7, 2021).

SETTING

At least 15 PICUs across the United States.

PATIENTS

Older children 1-17 years old ( n = 90) and infants older than 36 weeks corrected gestational age younger than 1 year old ( n = 168) admitted to the PICU with an untunneled CVC inserted in the prior 24 hours. Subjects with or at high risk of clinically relevant bleeding will be excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Prophylactic dose of enoxaparin starting at 0.5 mg/kg then adjusted to anti-Xa range of 0.2-0.5 international units (IU)/mL for older children and therapeutic dose of enoxaparin starting at 1.5 mg/kg then adjusted to anti-Xa range of greater than 0.5-1.0 IU/mL or 0.2-0.5 IU/mL for infants while CVC is in situ.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Randomization is 2:1 to enoxaparin or usual care (no enoxaparin) for older children and 1:1:1 to either of 2 anti-Xa ranges of enoxaparin or usual care for infants. Ultrasonography will be performed after removal of CVC to assess for CADVT. Subjects will be monitored for bleeding. Platelet poor plasma will be analyzed for markers of thrombin generation. Samples from subjects with CADVT will be counter-matched 1:1 to subjects without CADVT from the opposite trial arm. Institutional Review Board approved the "CRETE Studies" on July 1, 2021. Enrollment is ongoing with planned completion in July 2025 for older children and July 2026 for infants.

External validation of a novel cancer-associated venous thromboembolism risk assessment score in a safety-net hospital

Background

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a leading cause of death in patients diagnosed with cancer. However, pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis use in cancer patients must be carefully evaluated due to a 2-fold increased risk of experiencing a major bleeding event within this population. The electronic health record CAT (EHR-CAT) risk assessment model (RAM) was recently developed, and reports improved performance over the widely used Khorana score. Extensive RAM external validation is crucial to determine accuracy across diverse patient populations prior to clinical utilization.

Objectives

To externally validate EHR-CAT using data from 2103 patients with cancer at the Boston Medical Center (BMC), New England's largest safety-net hospital, and to compare this RAM with the Khorana score.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of BMC cancer patients diagnosed between January 2014 and December 2022 using data from the BMC tumor registry and EHR system. We validated the RAM using measures of discrimination and calibration.

Results

The EHR-CAT score exhibited a strong ability to discriminate the risk of CAT (C statistic, 0.67), which was substantially higher than the classic Khorana score (C statistic, 0.58). This increased discrimination power reflects the 20% of patients that were reclassified into high or low risk by the expanded score. Model calibration was also strong in this dataset.

Conclusion

In our external validation, the recently published EHR-CAT score showed clear and improved separation of patients at high and low risk for CAT. The utilization of this expanded CAT score could facilitate improved targeting of at-risk cancer patients for prophylactic therapy.

Standard- versus extended-duration anticoagulation for primary venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes two interrelated conditions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Risk factors include dehydration, prolonged immobilization, acute medical illness, trauma, clotting disorders, previous thrombosis, varicose veins with superficial vein thrombosis, exogenous hormones, malignancy, chemotherapy, infection, inflammation, pregnancy, obesity, smoking, and advancing age. It is estimated that hospitalized patients are 100 times more likely to develop VTE and, compared with surgical patients, medical patients often have more severe forms of VTE. VTE carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic strategies, including mechanical and pharmacological methods, are recommended for patients at risk of VTE. Pharmacological prophylaxis is considered the standard practice for acutely ill medical patients at risk of developing VTE in the absence of contraindications. For hospitalized patients, the risk of VTE extends beyond hospital stay and up to 90 days, with most events occurring within 45 days of discharge. Despite that, it remains unclear whether extended-duration anticoagulation for primary VTE prophylaxis would provide benefits without added risks or harm.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and risks of standard- versus extended-duration anticoagulation for primary VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science databases, as well as the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers up to 27 March 2023. We also searched reference lists of all included studies for additional references and searched the last five years of the American Society of Hematology conference proceedings.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing standard-duration versus extended-duration anticoagulation for primary VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients (adults being treated in a medical inpatient setting).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures set by Cochrane. At least two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion and performed data extraction. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. We analyzed outcomes data using the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome. Our outcomes of interest were assessed in the short term (during the treatment period and within 45 days of hospitalization) and long term (assessed beyond 45 days of hospitalization). Primary outcomes were symptomatic VTE, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were total VTE, a composite of fatal and irreversible vascular events (including myocardial infarction, non-fatal PE, cardiopulmonary death, stroke), fatal bleeding, and VTE-related mortality.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of seven RCTs fulfilled our inclusion criteria, comprising 40,846 participants. All studies contributing data to our outcomes were at low risk of bias in all domains. Most studies reported the outcomes in the short term. Extended-duration anticoagulation, compared with standard-duration anticoagulation, for primary VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients reduced the risk of short-term symptomatic VTE (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.78; standard-duration 12 per 1000, extended-duration 7 per 1000, 95% CI 6 to 10; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome [NNTB] 204, 95% CI 136 to 409; 4 studies, 24,773 participants; high-certainty evidence). This benefit, however, was offset by an increased risk of short-term major bleeding (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.79; standard-duration 3 per 1000, extended duration 6 per 1000, 95% CI 5 to 8; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome [NNTH] 314, 95% CI 538 to 222; 7 studies, 40,374 participants; high-certainty evidence). Extended-duration anticoagulation, compared with standard-duration, results in little to no difference in short-term all-cause mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.08; standard-duration 34 per 1000, extended-duration 33 per 1000, 95% CI 30 to 37; 5 studies, 38,080 participants; high-certainty evidence), reduced short-term total VTE (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.85; standard-duration 37 per 1000, extended duration 28 per 1000, 95% CI 25 to 32; NNTB 107, 95% CI 76 to 178; 5 studies, 33,819 participants; high-certainty evidence), and short-term composite of fatal and irreversible vascular events (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.91; standard-duration 41 per 1000, extended-duration 29 per 1000, 95% CI 23 to 37; NNTB 85, 95% CI 50 to 288; 1 study, 7513 participants; high-certainty evidence). Extended-duration anticoagulation may result in little to no difference in short-term fatal bleeding (RR 2.28, 95% CI 0.84 to 6.22; standard-duration 0 per 1000, extended-duration 0 per 1000, 95% CI 0 to 1; 7 studies, 40,374 participants; low-certainty evidence), and likely results in little to no difference in short-term VTE-related mortality (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.05; standard-duration 5 per 1000, extended-duration 4 per 1000 95% CI 3 to 6; 6 studies, 36,170 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In the short term, extended- versus standard-duration anticoagulation for primary VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients reduced the risk of symptomatic VTE at the expense of an increased risk of major bleeding. Extended-duration anticoagulation resulted in little to no difference in all-cause mortality. Extended-duration anticoagulation reduced the risk of total VTE and the composite of fatal and irreversible vascular events, but may show little to no difference in fatal bleeding and VTE-related mortality. Further data, with longer follow-up, are needed to determine the optimal agent and duration for primary VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients.

From Code to Clots: Applying Machine Learning to Clinical Aspects of Venous Thromboembolism Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management

The high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) globally and the morbidity and mortality burden associated with the disease make it a pressing issue. Machine learning (ML) can improve VTE prevention, detection, and treatment. The ability of this novel technology to process large amounts of high-dimensional data can help identify new risk factors and better risk stratify patients for thromboprophylaxis. Applications of ML for VTE include systems that interpret medical imaging, assess the severity of the VTE, tailor treatment according to individual patient needs, and identify VTE cases to facilitate surveillance. Generative artificial intelligence may be leveraged to design new molecules such as new anticoagulants, generate synthetic data to expand datasets, and reduce clinical burden by assisting in generating clinical notes. Potential challenges in the applications of these novel technologies include the availability of multidimensional large datasets, prospective studies and clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy, continuous quality assessment to maintain algorithm accuracy, mitigation of unwanted bias, and regulatory and legal guardrails to protect patients and providers. We propose a practical approach for clinicians to integrate ML into research, from choosing appropriate problems to integrating ML into clinical workflows. ML offers much promise and opportunity for clinicians and researchers in VTE to translate this technology into the clinic and directly benefit the patients.

Factors associated with venous thromboembolism pharmacoprophylaxis initiation in hospitalized medical patients: the Medical Inpatients Thrombosis and Hemostasis study

BACKGROUND

Although guidelines recommend risk assessment for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) to inform prophylaxis decisions, studies demonstrate inappropriate utilization of pharmacoprophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients. Predictors of pharmacoprophylaxis initiation in medical inpatients remain largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To determine factors associated with HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis initiation in adults hospitalized on medical services.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study using electronic health record data from adult patients hospitalized on medical services at 4 academic medical centers between 2016 and 2019. Main measures were candidate predictors of HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis initiation, including known HA-VTE risk factors, predicted HA-VTE risk, and bleeding diagnoses present on admission.

RESULTS

Among 111 550 admissions not on intermediate or full-dose anticoagulation, 48 520 (43.5%) received HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis on the day of or the day after admission. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and study site, the strongest clinical predictors of HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis initiation were malnutrition and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thrombocytopenia and history of gastrointestinal bleeding were associated with decreased odds of HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis initiation. Patients in the highest 2 tertiles of predicted HA-VTE risk were less likely to receive HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis than patients in the lowest (first) tertile (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.81-0.86 for the second tertile; OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98 for the third tertile).

CONCLUSION

Among patients not already receiving anticoagulants, HA-VTE pharmacoprophylaxis initiation during the first 2 hospital days was lower in patients with a higher predicted HA-VTE risk and those with risk factors for bleeding. Reasons for not initiating pharmacoprophylaxis in those with a higher predicted HA-VTE risk could not be assessed.

Cost Analysis of Thromboprophylaxis in Patients at High Thromboembolic Risk with Enoxaparin, Dalteparin and Nadroparin in Colombia: A Systematic Literature Review-Based Study

Purpose

To analyze the costs of high thromboembolic risk patients who require low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) as a thromboprophylaxis strategy.

Methods

Cost analysis was conducted to assess LMWHs (enoxaparin versus comparators: nadroparin and dalteparin) as thromboprophylaxis for hospitalized patients with high thromboembolic risk in Oncology, General or Orthopedic Surgery, and Internal Medicine services from the healthcare provider's perspective in Colombia. A decision tree was developed, and the health outcomes considered in the analysis were deep vein thrombosis, major bleeding, pulmonary thromboembolism, and chronic pulmonary hypertension. Clinical inputs were obtained from a systematic review of the literature and the economic parameters from micro-costing. Inputs were validated by three clinical experts. Costs were expressed in 2020 US dollars (USD).

Results

In a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 patients with a thromboprophylaxis use rate of 40%, the use of enoxaparin was less costly than that of dalteparin in Oncology (difference of USD 624,669), Orthopedic Surgery (difference of USD 275,829), and Internal Medicine (difference of USD 109,119) patients. For these services, using enoxaparin was more efficient than using nadroparin (cost differences of USD 654,069, USD 416,927, and USD 92,070, respectively). Sensitivity analysis showed an important influence of the number of patients undergoing thromboprophylaxis, as well as the unit cost, and the risk of events (DVT, PTE, and CTEPH).

Conclusion

Enoxaparin is the least expensive health technology for thromboprophylaxis in most of the medical contexts analyzed in Colombia due to its efficacy and the lower risk of complications than dalteparin and nadroparin.

The Incidence and Predictive Factors of Thromboembolism During Hospitalizations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flare-Ups: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Thromboembolism (TE) notably increase morbidity and mortality among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Despite ECCO's 2024 guidelines advocating routine anticoagulant prophylaxis, its application in Asia remains inconsistent due to a lack of regional studies. This research investigates the incidence and predictors of TE during IBD-related hospitalizations in Taiwan, aiming to improve prevention strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our retrospective cohort study included 282 adult IBD patients, accounting for 515 flare-up related hospitalizations at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2001 to March 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on the occurrence of TE.

RESULTS

The incidence of TE was 1.55%. The TE group had significantly lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin and albumin levels but higher rate of sepsis and concurrent autoimmune diseases compared to the non-TE group. Multivariate analysis indicated that concurrent autoimmune diseases and hypoalbuminemia were independent predictors of TE. The optimal serum albumin cutoff was established at 3.01 g/dL, with sensitivities and specificities of 87.5% and 77.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This pioneering Asian study identifies concurrent autoimmune diseases and low serum albumin as key predictors of TE in hospitalized IBD patients. We recommend targeted anticoagulant prophylaxis for IBD patients with these risk factors, especially when serum albumin falls below 3.01 g/dL.

A Prediction Rule for Occurrence of Chronic Thromboembolic Disease After Acute Pulmonary Embolism

BACKGROUND

Occurrence of chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) after 3 or 6 months of standard and effective anticoagulation is not uncommon in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). To date, there has been no scoring model for the prediction of CTED occurrence.

METHODS

A Prediction Rule for CTED (PRC) was established in the establishment cohort (n=1,124) and then validated in the validation cohort (n=211). Both original and simplified versions of the PRC score were provided by using different scoring and cut-offs.

RESULTS

The PRC score included 10 items: active cancer (3.641; 2.338-4.944; p<0.001), autoimmune diseases (2.218; 1.545-2.891; p=0.001), body mass index >30 kg/m2 (2.186; 1.573-2.799; p=0.001), chronic immobility (2.135; 1.741-2.529; p=0.001), D-dimer >2,000 ng/mL (1.618; 1.274-1.962; p=0.005), PE with deep vein thrombosis (3.199; 2.356-4.042; p<0.001), previous venous thromboembolism (VTE) history (5.268; 3.472-7.064; p<0.001), thromboembolism besides VTE (4.954; 3.150-6.758; p<0.001), thrombophilia (3.438; 2.573-4.303; p<0.001), and unprovoked VTE (2.227; 1.471-2.983; p=0.001). In the establishment cohort, the sensitivity, specificity, Youden index (YI), and C-index were 85.5%, 79.7%, 0.652, and 0.821 (0.732-0.909) when using the original PRC score, whereas they were 87.9%, 74.6%, 0.625, and 0.807 (0.718-0.897) when using the simplified one, respectively (Kappa coefficient 0.819, p-value of McNemar's test 0.786). In the validation cohort, the sensitivity, specificity, YI, and C-index were 86.3%, 76.3%, 0.626, and 0.815 (0.707-0.923) when using the original PRC score, whereas they were 85.0%, 78.6%, 0.636, and 0.818 (0.725-0.911) when using the simplified one, respectively (Kappa coefficient 0.912, p-value of McNemar's test 0.937); both were better than that of the DASH score (72.5%, 69.5%, 0.420, and 0.621 [0.532-0.710]).

CONCLUSIONS

A prediction score for CTED occurrence, termed PRC, predicted the likelihood of CTED occurrence after 3 or 6 months of standard anticoagulation in hospitalised patients with a diagnosis of acute PE.

External validation of the Leiden Thrombosis Recurrence Risk Prediction models (L-TRRiP) for the prediction of recurrence after a first venous thrombosis in the Heart and Vascular Health study

Background

Long-term outcome after a first venous thromboembolism (VTE) might be optimized by tailoring anticoagulant treatment duration on individual risks of recurrence and major bleeding. The L-TRRiP models (A-D) were previously developed in data from the Dutch Multiple Environment and Genetic Assessment of Risk Factors for Venous thrombosis study to predict VTE recurrence.

Objectives

We aimed to externally validate models C and D using data from the United States Heart and Vascular Health (HVH) study.

Methods

Data from participants with a first VTE who discontinued initial anticoagulant therapy were used to determine model performance. Missing data were imputed, and results were pooled according to Rubin's rules. To determine discrimination, Harrell's C-statistic was calculated. To assess calibration, the observed/expected (O/E) ratio was estimated, and calibration plots were created, in which we accounted for the competing risk of death. A stratified analysis based on age <70 or >70 years was performed.

Results

Of 1430 participants from the HVH study, 187 experienced an unprovoked VTE recurrence during follow-up. The C-statistics of L-TRRIP models C and D were 0.62 (95% CI, 0.56-0.67) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.55-0.67), respectively. The O/E ratio (1.00; 95% CI, 0.84-1.17 and 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91-1.27, respectively) and calibration plots indicated good calibration. The discrimination was similar between participants <70 or >70 years, whereas overall calibration was lower in participants <70 years.

Conclusion

The L-TRRiP models showed moderate discrimination and good calibration in a different population and can be used to guide clinical decision making. To assess the added value in daily clinical practice, a management study is needed.

Incidence of venous thromboembolic disease and risk of bleeding in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to describe the use of thromboprophylaxis and the incidence of VTE/bleeding in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies (HM).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (2014-2022).

SETTING

Medic-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a tertiary care academic center.

PATIENTS

Adult patients admitted to ICU with a concomitant diagnosis of a hematological malignancy.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST

We analyzed demographic data, use of thromboprophylaxis and secondary outcomes that included incidence of VTE (venous thromboembolism), bleeding, mortality, severity scores and organ support. We applied a multivariable logistic regression model to examine the risk of thrombosis in the ICU.

RESULTS

We included 862 ICU admissions (813 unique patients). Thromboprophylaxis was given during 65% of admissions (LMWH 14%, UFH 8%, and SCDs 43%); in 21% it was contraindicated due to thrombocytopenia; 14% of cases lacked documentation on prophylaxis. There were 38 unique incident cases of VTE (27 DVT, 11 PE), constituting 4.4% of ICU episodes. Most of VTE cases happened in patients with various degrees of thrombocytopenia. In the multivariable analysis, SOFA score on the first ICU day was independently associated (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.96) with the risk of VTE. Bleeding occurred in 7.2% (minor) and 14.4% (major) of episodes; most frequent sites being CNS, abdomen/GI and pulmonary.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of critically ill patients with HM, there was considerable variability in the utilization of DVT prophylaxis, with predominant use of SCDs. The incidence of VTE was 4.4% and major bleeding 14%.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05396157. Venous Thromboembolism in Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients: a Retrospective Study (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

Low-molecular-weight heparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism among patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

It remains unclear whether low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is effective and safe for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. This study presents a meta-analysis for elucidating effect of LMWH on preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) among ICH patients.

METHODS

Articles were located by systematically searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG DATA, VIP, and SinoMed databases. The literature was independently screened by two authors, who also extracted data and conducted a qualitative evaluation. With regard to outcomes, their risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed, and the findings were combined using the random effects model by using Mantel-Haenszel approach.

RESULTS

30 studies involving 2904 patients were analyzed and compared to control group. According to our findings, early low-dose LMWH, prophylaxis for VTE, was related to the markedly reduced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (3.6% vs. 17.5%; RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.18-0.35; p-value<0.00001) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.4% vs. 3.2%; RR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.57; p-value = 0.003), while the non-significantly increased hematoma progression (3.8% vs. 3.4%; RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.68-1.68; p-value = 0.79) and gastrointestinal bleeding (3.6% vs. 6.1%; RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.31-1.28; p-value = 0.20). Also, mortality (14.1% vs. 15.8%; RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.63-1.28; p-value = 0.55) did not show any significant difference in LMWH compared with control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggested that early low-dose of LMWH are safe and effective in ICH patients. More extensive, multicenter, high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be conducted to validate the findings and inform clinical practice.

Pulmonary Embolism in Critically Ill Patients-Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management

Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are often immobilized and on mechanical ventilation, placing them at increased risk for thromboembolic diseases, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and, to a lesser extent, pulmonary embolism (PE). While these conditions are frequently encountered in the emergency department, managing them in the ICU presents unique challenges. Although existing guidelines are comprehensive and effective, they are primarily designed for patients presenting with PE in the emergency department and do not fully address the complexities of managing critically ill patients in the ICU. This review aims to summarize the available data on these challenging cases, offering a practical approach to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PE, particularly when it is acquired in the ICU.

Oral Corticosteroids for Skin Disease in the Older Population: Minimizing Potential Adverse Effects

Corticosteroids play a crucial role as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents in dermatology and other medical specialties; however, their therapeutic benefits are accompanied by significant risks, especially in older adults. This review examines the broad spectrum of adverse effects (AEs) associated with oral corticosteroid therapy and offers strategies to prevent, monitor, and manage these issues effectively in older adults. AEs associated with systemic corticosteroids include immune suppression, gastrointestinal problems, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, weight gain, cardiovascular complications, ocular issues, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, muscle weakness, collagen impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and adrenal suppression. To minimize these AEs, tailored dosing and duration, frequent monitoring, and additional preventative measures can be employed to optimize corticosteroid treatment. By customizing management plans to the specific needs and risk factors associated with each patient, clinicians can promote the safe and effective use of oral corticosteroids, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with inflammatory dermatologic disorders.

Risk of venous thromboembolism and arterial events in patients with hypoalbuminemia: a comprehensive meta-analysis of more than 2 million patients

BACKGROUND

Albumin has antiplatelet and anticoagulant functions. Hypoalbuminemia, as defined by serum values of <3.5 g/dL, is associated with arterial thrombosis; its impact on venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the VTE risk in patients with hypoalbuminemia.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to January 2024 for observational studies and randomized trials reporting data of interest. Primary outcome was the risk of VTE, while secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction and stroke risk in patients with hypoalbuminemia versus those without hypoalbuminemia. The risk of bias was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Cochrane tool. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies for a total of 2 531 091 patients (39 738 medical and 2 491 353 surgical) were included in primary analysis; 79.1% of the studies used 3.5 g/dL cut-off value for hypoalbuminemia definition. Follow-up duration was 30 days in 60.5% of studies. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a higher risk of VTE (RR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.66-2.13). RRs were similar in both medical (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.53-2.27) and surgical patients (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.61-2.16) and in patients with (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.66-2.10) and without cancer (RR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.47-2.44). Risk of myocardial infarction (RR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.54-2.31) and stroke (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.26-2.48) was higher in patients with hypoalbuminemia.

CONCLUSION

Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for VTE in both medical and surgical patients irrespective of cancer coexistence. Serum albumin analysis may represent a simple and cheap tool to identify patients at VTE risk.

Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Rehabilitation: A Review and Practice Suggestions

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication of acute hospital care, and this extends to inpatient rehabilitation. The timely use of appropriate thromboprophylaxis in patients who are at risk is a strong, evidence-based patient safety priority that has reduced clinically important venous thromboembolism, associated mortality and costs of care. While there has been extensive research on optimal approaches to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in acute care, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence specific to patients in the rehabilitation setting, and there are no clinical practice guidelines that make recommendations for (or against) thromboprophylaxis across the broad spectrum of rehabilitation patients. Herein, we provide an evidence-informed review of the topic with practice suggestions. We conducted a series of literature searches to assess the risks of venous thromboembolism and its prevention related to inpatient rehabilitation as well as in major rehabilitation subgroups. Mobilization alone does not eliminate the risk of venous thromboembolism after another thrombotic insult. Low molecular weight heparins and direct oral anticoagulants are the principal current modalities of thromboprophylaxis. Based on the literature, we make suggestions for venous thromboembolism prevention and include an approach for consideration by rehabilitation units that can be aligned with local practice.

Thromboembolic Complications in Continuous Versus Interrupted Anticoagulation During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES

Continuous, therapeutic anticoagulation is the standard of care for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The risks of hemorrhage exacerbated by anticoagulation must be weighed with the thrombotic risks associated with ECMO. We hypothesized increased thrombotic events in patients who had interrupted (vs. continuous) anticoagulation during venovenous ECMO.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective, observational study.

SETTING

Enrollment of individuals took place at three adult ECMO centers in Minnesota from 2013 to 2022.

PATIENTS

This study consists of 346 patients supported with venovenous ECMO.

INTERVENTIONS

Anticoagulation administration was collected from electronic health records, including frequency and duration of anticoagulation interruptions (IAs) and timing and type of thrombotic events, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 156 patients had IA during their ECMO run and 190 had continuous anticoagulation. Risk adjusted logistic regression demonstrated that individuals in the IA group were not statistically more likely to experience a thrombotic complication (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.27-1.70) or require ECMO circuit change (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.52-3.49). Subgroup analysis demonstrated greater frequency of overall thrombotic events with increasing frequency and duration of anticoagulation being interrupted (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our multicenter analysis found a similar frequency of thrombotic events in patients on ECMO when anticoagulation was interrupted vs. administered continuously. Further investigation into the impact of the frequency and duration of these interruptions is warranted.

Development and internal validation of the Cleveland Clinic Bleeding Model to predict major bleeding risk at admission in medical inpatients

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis for acutely ill medical patients at acceptable bleeding risk, but only the International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) model has been validated for bleeding risk assessment.

OBJECTIVES

We developed and internally validated a risk assessment model (RAM) to predict major in-hospital bleeding using risk factors at admission and compared our model with IMPROVE.

METHODS

We selected patients admitted to medical services at 10 hospitals in the Cleveland Clinic Health System from 2017 to 2020. We identified major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria, using a combination of diagnostic codes and laboratory values, and confirmed events with chart review. We fit a least absolute shrinkage selection operator logistic regression model in the training set and compared the discrimination and calibration of our model with the IMPROVE model in the validation set.

RESULTS

Among 46 314 admissions, 268 (0.58%) had a major bleed. The final RAM included 16 risk factors, of which prior bleeding (odds ratio [OR] = 4.83), peptic ulcer (OR = 3.82), history of sepsis (OR = 3.26), and steroid use (OR = 2.59) were the strongest. The Cleveland Clinic Bleeding Model had better discrimination than IMPROVE (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve = 0.85 vs 0.70; P < .001) and, at equivalent sensitivity (52%), categorized fewer patients as high risk (7.2% vs 11.8%; P < .001). Calibration was adequate (Brier score = 0.0057).

CONCLUSION

Using a large population of medical inpatients with verified major bleeding events, we developed and internally validated a RAM for major bleeding whose performance surpassed the IMPROVE model.