Search

Copyright of Die Kardiologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Resumen: Introducción: Se describen las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los casos de síndrome de trombosis con trombocitopenia (STT) notificados en España. Métodos: Se incluyeron los casos de trombosis venosa o arterial con trombocitopenia tras recibir vacuna con vectores de adenovirus no replicantes frente a la COVID-19 (AstraZeneca y Janssen) del 1 de febrero al 26 de septiembre de 2021. Se describe la tasa de notificación (número de casos notificados/número de dosis administradas), y el análisis de casos observados vs. esperados (O/E). Se evaluaron los predictores de mortalidad. Resultados: Se notificaron 61 casos, cumpliendo 45 los criterios de elegibilidad, 82% mujeres. La tasa de notificación global fue 4/1.000.000 dosis y 14-15/1.000.000 dosis entre los 30-49 años. El número de casos de trombosis de senos cerebrales observados fue 6-18 veces superior al esperado en menores de 49 años. Los síntomas comenzaron 10 (rango intercuartílico: 7-14) días tras la vacunación. El 80% (intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95%: 65-90%) tenía trombocitopenia en el momento de su visita a urgencias y el 65% (IC 95%: 49-78%) elevación del dímero D (> 2.000 ng/mL). La trombosis fue de múltiples localizaciones en 36% y fatal en 24% de los pacientes. Un valor nadir de trombocitopenia < 50.000 /μL (odds ratio [OR]: 7,4; IC 95%: 1,2-47,5) y la presencia de hemorragia cerebral (OR: 7,9; IC 95%: 1,3-47,0) se asociaron a un desenlace fatal. Conclusiones: Debe sospecharse el STT en pacientes que presenten síntomas unos 10 días tras la vacunación y presenten trombocitopenia y/o elevación de dímero D. Abstract: Background: We describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) cases reported in Spain. Methods: We included all venous or arterial thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following adenovirus vector-based vaccines (AstraZeneca or Janssen) to prevent COVID-19 disease between February 1st and September 26th, 2021. We describe the crude rate and the standardized morbidity ratio. We assessed the predictors of mortality. Results: Sixty-one cases were reported and 45 fulfilled eligibility criteria, 82% women. The crude TTS rate was 4/1,000,000 doses and 14-15/1,000,000 doses between 30-49 years. The number of observed cases of cerebral venous thrombosis was 6-18 higher than the expected in patients younger than 49 years. Symptoms started 10 (interquartile range [IQR]: 7-14) days after vaccination. Eighty percent (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65-90%) had thrombocytopenia at the time of the emergency department visit, and 65% (95% CI: 49-78%) had D-dimer >2,000 ng/mL. Patients had multiple location thrombosis in 36% and fatal outcome in 24% cases. A platelet nadir < 50,000/μL (odds ratio [OR]: 7.4; CI 95%: 1.2-47.5) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR: 7.9; IC 95%: 1.3-47.0) were associated with fatal outcome. Conclusion: TTS must be suspected in patients with symptoms 10 days after vaccination and thrombocytopenia and/or D-dimer increase.

Abstract Background New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, increasing the risk of embolism and stroke. There is a lack of information on the use of anticoagulants in this context. The choice between Warfarin and Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) also is not well-established. This randomized study aimed to compare the feasibility and safety of Warfarin and Rivaroxaban in preventing thrombotic events in POAF patients after isolated CABG. Methods A total of 66 patients were randomized parallelly with 1:1 allocation to receive either Rivaroxaban (n = 34) or Warfarin (n = 32). Major bleeding events within 30 days after discharge were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included minor bleeding events and thrombotic episodes. Clinical characteristics, medication regimens, and left atrial diameter were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests. Results No thrombotic episodes were observed in either treatment arm. No major bleeding events occurred in either group. Four minor bleeding events were reported, with no significant difference between the treatment groups (P = 0.6). Patients with atrial fibrillation had significantly larger left atrial diameters compared to those with normal sinus rhythm (40.5 vs. 37.8 mm, P = 0.01). Conclusions This pilot study suggests that Warfarin and Rivaroxaban are both safe and effective for preventing thrombotic episodes in POAF patients after isolated CABG. No significant differences in major bleeding events were observed between the two anticoagulants. These findings may support the preference for DOACs like Rivaroxaban due to their convenience and easier maintenance. Trial registration Number IRCT20200304046696N1, Date 18/03/2020 https//irct.behdasht.gov.ir/ .

Background: New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, increasing the risk of embolism and stroke. There is a lack of information on the use of anticoagulants in this context. The choice between Warfarin and Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) also is not well-established. This randomized study aimed to compare the feasibility and safety of Warfarin and Rivaroxaban in preventing thrombotic events in POAF patients after isolated CABG. Methods: A total of 66 patients were randomized parallelly with 1:1 allocation to receive either Rivaroxaban (n = 34) or Warfarin (n = 32). Major bleeding events within 30 days after discharge were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included minor bleeding events and thrombotic episodes. Clinical characteristics, medication regimens, and left atrial diameter were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests. Results: No thrombotic episodes were observed in either treatment arm. No major bleeding events occurred in either group. Four minor bleeding events were reported, with no significant difference between the treatment groups (P = 0.6). Patients with atrial fibrillation had significantly larger left atrial diameters compared to those with normal sinus rhythm (40.5 vs. 37.8 mm, P = 0.01). Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that Warfarin and Rivaroxaban are both safe and effective for preventing thrombotic episodes in POAF patients after isolated CABG. No significant differences in major bleeding events were observed between the two anticoagulants. These findings may support the preference for DOACs like Rivaroxaban due to their convenience and easier maintenance. Trial registration: Number IRCT20200304046696N1, Date 18/03/2020 https//irct.behdasht.gov.ir/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anticoagulant use in specific clinical scenarios such as venous thromboembolic disease or atrial fibrillation is common, with clearly established management guidelines. However, there is currently no unified clinical guidance for managing thrombosis in unusual scenarios, presenting a significant therapeutic challenge. Objective: To review the indications for anticoagulation and their regimens in unusual clinical situations based on available evidence. Methods: A literature review was conducted from 1997 to 2022, using relevant MeSH terms for anticoagulation, oral anticoagulants, embolism, and thrombosis. Information was extracted and synthesized in a structured manner. Results: In nephrotic syndrome, warfarin is recommended, although alter-natives such as low molecular weight heparins, aspirin, or direct oral anti-coagulants exist. For intracavitary thrombus, warfarin is the drug of choice, with demonstrated equivalent efficacy to direct oral anticoagulants. For peripheral arterial disease, rivaroxaban at vascular protection dose + aspirin has shown benefit in major adverse cardiovascular outcomes depending on individual profile. Conclusions: Management of these scenarios requires proper clinical assessment and selection of the type of anticoagulant, ensuring maximum reduction of both thrombosis and bleeding risks.

Simple Summary: Patients with cancer are at high risk of blood clots in the arteries, leading to complications, such as stroke and heart attack. In this review, we discuss the risk factors associated with arterial blood clots in cancer patients, provide explanations on the cause of the arterial blood clots, and report on the current strategies for the prevention and treatment of arterial blood clots in cancer patients. Patients with cancer are at increased risk of arterial thromboembolic disease due to the presence of risk factors common to both the development of cancer and arterial thrombosis, the cancer itself, and the treatments provided to treat cancer. We review here the epidemiology and pathophysiology of arterial thromboembolic disease in cancer, along with its prevention and treatment strategies. We also propose a generalized approach for the management of arterial thromboembolic disease in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Paradoxical embolism is a thrombotic event originating in the venous circulation, which manifests as arterial embolism through an anatomical cardiac or pulmonary defect. It is mainly associated with stroke, also presenting as acute myocardial infarction, renal infarction, and other ischemic events. Clinical case. A 47-year-old patient was admitted due to abdominal pain, which required emergency surgical management, finding significant intestinal ischemia. Additional studies found protein S deficiency and evidence of a patent foramen ovale. Discussion. Arterial thrombosis is known as unusual thrombosis; this situation requires to rule out associated thrombophilia or other prothrombotic diseases. Protein S deficiency is a rare thrombophilia, which in adults causes venous thrombosis. In the presence of anatomical defects, such as a patent foramen ovale, it can progress to arterial embolism, presenting a picture of paradoxical embolism. The study work of these patients requires imaging that demonstrates the aforementioned defect, as well as the possible origin of the emboli. Management is based on full anticoagulation, treatment of existing thrombotic manifestations, and management of the anatomical defect. Conclusions. Paradoxical embolism should be suspected in case of unusual thrombosis. It requires exhaustive studies based on imaging, and management should consist of anticoagulation and closure of the defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an elderly male patient with frequent episodes of dizziness due to a complete atrioventricular block who underwent temporary pacemaker insertion in a local hospital. After the implantation of a permanent pacemaker and removal of the temporary pacemaker lead, the patient developed sudden neurological symptoms, upon which an acute cerebellar infarction was diagnosed via head CT. We will discuss the adequacy of the periprocedural administration.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a main contributor to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Biomarkers with the potential to predict cancer-associated VTE are continually sought. Of these, markers of thrombin generation present a likely option. The present systematic review examines the ability of three widely used biomarkers of thrombin generation: prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and ex vivo thrombin generation, to predict VTE in both solid and hematologic adult cancer patients. Relevant studies were identified in the PubMed and Embase databases, and the review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Each study was evaluated using the quality assessment tool from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO with identifier CRD42022362339. In total, 24 papers were included in the review: 11 reporting data on F1.2, 9 on TAT, and 12 on ex vivo thrombin generation. The quality ratings of the included studies varied from good (n = 13), fair (n = 8), to poor (n = 3) with a high heterogenicity. However, F1.2, TAT complex, and ex vivo thrombin generation were all found to be associated with the development of VTE. This association was most pronounced for F1.2. Furthermore, the determination of F1.2 was able to improve the precision of several established risk assessment scores. In conclusion, markers of thrombin generation were found to be elevated in cancer patients with VTE, and particularly, F1.2 was found to be a promising predictor of cancer-associated VTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perioperative management of patients medicated with antithrombotic agents who require elective spinal surgery is extremely challenging because of the increased risk of surgical bleeding and the concurrent need to minimize the thromboembolic risk. The aims of the present systematic review are to: (1) identify clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations (CPRs) on this topic and (2) assess their methodological quality and reporting clarity. An electronic systematic search of the English Medical Literature up to January 31, 2021 was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Two raters assessed the methodological quality and reporting clarity of the gathered CPGs and CPRs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. The agreement between the two raters was assessed using Cohen’s kappa. Of the initially gathered 38 CPGs and CPRs, 16 fulfilled our eligibility criteria and were evaluated using the AGREE II instrument. The reports published by “Narouze 2018” and “Fleisher 2014” were scored as being of “high-quality” and having an adequate interrater agreement (Cohen’s kappa ≥0.60). Overall, the AGREE II domains of “clarity of presentation” and “scope and purpose” yielded the highest scores (100%), whereas the domain “stakeholder involvement” scored the lowest score (48.5%). The perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in elective spine surgery may be challenging. Because of the lack of high-quality data in this field, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal practices to balance the risk of thromboembolism against that of bleeding.

Background: We conducted a single‐center, retrospective comparison of adult patients who received warfarin and ASA or warfarin alone after HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD placement. Methods: The primary outcome was a composite of bleeding and thrombotic events. Results: Of 81 patients, 53 patients received warfarin and ASA, and 28 patients received warfarin alone. A primary outcome event occurred in 22 of 53 patients (41.4%) in the warfarin and ASA group and in 2 of 28 patients (7.1%) in the warfarin alone group (p = 0.0533). The odds of a bleeding event occurring were higher in the warfarin and ASA group (32.1% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.01309). The odds of a thrombotic event occurring were not significantly different between the warfarin and ASA group and the warfarin alone group (9.4% vs. 0%, respectively, p = 0.1582). Conclusion: The complete omission of ASA from the antithrombotic regimen of patients with a HM3 LVAD was associated with less bleeding events without an increase in thrombotic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perioperative management of patients medicated with antithrombotic agents who require elective spinal surgery is extremely challenging because of the increased risk of surgical bleeding and the concurrent need to minimize the thromboembolic risk. The aims of the present systematic review are to: (1) identify clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations (CPRs) on this topic and (2) assess their methodological quality and reporting clarity. An electronic systematic search of the English Medical Literature up to January 31, 2021 was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Two raters assessed the methodological quality and reporting clarity of the gathered CPGs and CPRs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. The agreement between the two raters was assessed using Cohen's kappa. Of the initially gathered 38 CPGs and CPRs, 16 fulfilled our eligibility criteria and were evaluated using the AGREE II instrument. The reports published by "Narouze 2018" and "Fleisher 2014" were scored as being of "high-quality" and having an adequate interrater agreement (Cohen's kappa =0.60). Overall, the AGREE II domains of "clarity of presentation" and "scope and purpose" yielded the highest scores (100%), whereas the domain "stakeholder involvement" scored the lowest score (48.5%). The perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in elective spine surgery may be challenging. Because of the lack of high-quality data in this field, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal practices to balance the risk of thromboembolism against that of bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The present study describes the preferences and current practices of a sample of knee surgeons in Brazil regarding thromboprophylaxis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Method In the present internet survey, surgeons from the Brazilian Knee Surgery Society (SBCJ, in the Portuguese acronym) voluntarily answered an anonymous questionnaire including time of personal surgical experience, perceptions about the best thromboprophylaxis options, and actual practices in their work environment. Results From December 2020 to January 2021, 243 participants answered the questionnaire. All, except for 3 (1.2%), reported using thromboprophylaxis, and most (76%) combined pharmacological and mechanical techniques. The most prescribed drug was enoxaparin (87%), which changed to rivaroxaban (65%) after discharge. The time of thromboprophylaxis initiation varied according to the length of training of the knee surgeon (p ≤ 0.03), and their preferences and practices differed according to the Brazilian region (p< 0.05) and the health system in which the surgeons work (public or private sector; p= 0.024). The option for mechanical thromboprophylaxis also depended on the training time of the surgeon. Conclusion Thromboprophylaxis preferences and practices in TKA are diverse across Brazilian regions and health systems (public or private sectors). Given the lack of a national clinical guideline, most orthopedists follow either their hospital guidelines or none. The mechanical prophylaxis method and the little use of aspirin are the points that most diverge from international guidelines and practices.