Safety of ECT in patients receiving an oral anticoagulant

Introduction

This study assessed the use, tolerability, and safety of anticoagulation via direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin in medical and psychiatric inpatients receiving ECT.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 32 patients who received ECT while on either a direct oral anticoagulant (9) or warfarin (23) and spanned 247 encounters at Maine Medical Center between December 2012 and December 2018. Data are presented descriptively and analyzed using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel version 2016.

Results

Among the 247 ECT patient encounters, there were few major adverse effects of ECT in this medically complex population. These adverse effects included headache during 4 encounters (1.6%), respiratory distress during 2 encounters (0.8%) and a cardiovascular event during 1 encounter (0.4%). One patient (3.1%) who was receiving concurrent rivaroxaban and venlafaxine experienced gastrointestinal bleeding that was determined to be unrelated to ECT. One patient on fluoxetine and warfarin experienced hemoptysis thought to be secondary to epistaxis. No other major bleeding or clotting event occurred during an ECT session nor for the duration of the hospitalization.

Discussion

Direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin appear safe in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation or acute venous thromboembolism who are receiving concomitant ECT. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis in COVID-19 adult respiratory distress syndrome

Early reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features describe a hypercoagulable state, and recent guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation for patients with COVID-19 with low-molecular-weight heparin, but this would be contraindicated in the presence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We address the key clinical question whether HIT is also present during COVID-19. We report 3 cases of thrombocytopenia with antiplatelet factor 4 antibodies among 16 intubated patients with COVID-19 with adult respiratory distress syndrome, a higher-than-expected incidence of 19%. Each patient had evidence of thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, upper extremity venous thromboses, and skin necrosis, respectively). The serotonin release assay confirmed HIT in 1 case, and 2 cases were negative. We believe this is the first reported case of HIT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognition that the thrombocytopenia represented HIT in the confirmed case was delayed. We recommend clinicians monitor platelet counts closely during heparin therapy, with a low threshold to evaluate for HIT.

Low-dose Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Warfarin-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage with INR Less Than 2.0

BACKGROUND

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have become the first-line therapy for warfarin reversal in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage. Randomized, controlled studies comparing agents for warfarin reversal excluded patients with international normalized ratio (INR) <2, yet INR values of 1.6-1.9 are also associated with poor outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our use of a low-dose (15 units/kg) strategy of 4-factor PCC (4F-PCC) on warfarin reversal (INR 1.6-1.9) in the setting of both traumatic and spontaneous intracranial bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 21/134 (15.7%) patients with either spontaneous or traumatic intracranial hemorrhage presented with an INR value of 1.6-1.9. Nine patients (43%) presented with traumatic bleeding and 12 (57%) with spontaneous bleeding. The median (IQR) presenting INR was 1.8 (1.7, 1.9) which decreased to 1.3 (1.2, 1.3) following the administration of low-dose 4F-PCC (median dose = 1062 units; 15.2 units/kg). A total of 19/20 (95%) patients achieved a goal INR value of ≤1.5 on the first check following dosing and 17/20 (85%) achieved an INR value ≤1.3. One patient did not have follow-up INR testing due to withdrawal of life support. No patient experienced hematoma expansion within 48 h of 4F-PCC, and there were no thromboembolic events within 72 h of administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of low dose (15 units/kg) of 4F-PCC for urgent warfarin reversal in the setting of CNS hemorrhage was effective in correcting the INR in patients presenting with INR values of 1.6-1.9. Further assessment of low-dose PCC for urgent reversal of modest INR elevation is warranted.

Implementation of a Simplistic Bivalirudin-Warfarin Transition Protocol Is Associated With Improved Achievement of INR Values Within the Therapeutic Range

Background: Transition from bivalirudin to long-term warfarin therapy is often difficult to execute due to bivalirudin prolongation of the international normalized ratio (INR), and literature to help guide this transition is extremely limited. Objective: To assess the transition from bivalirudin to warfarin after implementation of an institution-wide transition protocol. Methods: In this retrospective quasiexperimental study, adult patients receiving bivalirudin directly followed by warfarin for nonprocedural systemic anticoagulation were evaluated to determine the frequency of successful transition to warfarin. Participants were compared before (preprotocol) and after (postprotocol) the implementation of the transition protocol. Results: A total of 39 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis (preprotocol = 19; postprotocol = 20). The percentage of patients achieving a successful transition was significantly higher in the postprotocol group compared with the preprotocol group (80.0% vs 42.1%, P = 0.015). Bleeding events were similar between the 2 groups (23.1% vs 16.7%, P = 0.689). Withholding of warfarin doses or the use of anticoagulant reversal agents or blood transfusions for supratherapeutic INR levels, surgical procedures, or drop in hemoglobin was numerically lower in the postprotocol group compared with the preprotocol group (16.7% vs 46.2%, P = 0.202). Conclusion: Implementation of a simplistic bivalirudin-warfarin transition protocol significantly increased the frequency of therapeutic INR results on bivalirudin discontinuation. Additionally, patients treated according to this protocol were less likely to have warfarin doses withheld or require reversal agents. Larger studies testing this transition strategy are warranted.

Key articles and guidelines in the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Significant numbers of patients undergo cardiac surgery worldwide each year. A large evidence base exists regarding the optimal pre-, intra-, and postoperative mediation management for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, valve replacements or repairs, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Prevention and treatment of perioperative arrhythmias, perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, prevention of thrombosis, and bleeding through proper management of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, and the use of pharmacotherapy to optimize both short- and long-term patient outcomes after cardiac surgery are the focus of this first compilation of guidelines and key articles in this patient population to be published in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice.

Cefepime-Induced Neurotoxicity: A Review of the Evidence

Purpose

Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is a relatively underappreciated and unrecognized adverse event in current clinical practice. Because cefepime is widely used in many hospitals, it is vital that clinicians be aware of this adverse event.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to highlight the current evidence linking cefepime and neurotoxicity.

Results

More than 40 case reports were identified and analyzed for evidence of cefepime-induced neurotoxicity. Confusion, encephalopathy, coma, myoclonus, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, and frank seizures have been described. Most cases occurred in patients with impaired renal function. Onset of neurotoxicity ranged from 1 to 16 days. On discontinuation of cefepime, neurologic function returned to baseline.

Conclusions

Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity occurs primarily in patients with impaired renal function; however, several cases have occurred in patients with normal renal function. Most cases of neurotoxicity have arisen in patients who did not receive appropriate dose adjustment for renal impairment. The range of toxicity and latency are broad, thus clinicians must be aware of this adverse event and take all of the necessary steps to prevent the occurrence of neurotoxicity.