Perfil dos pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes orais diretos atendidos via judicial em um município de médio porte do estado de Minas Gerais / Profile of patients in the use of direct oral anticoagulants assisted judicially in a medium-sized municipality of the state of Minas Gerais

Fundamentos: O sistema de saúde brasileiro é embasado nos princípios estabelecidos na Constituição Federal, que in-cluem igualdade, universalidade, equidade e participação popular, em um modelo de saúde totalmente gratuito. O Brasil vive um grande desafio para ofertar assistência de qualidade para toda população. Muitas vezes, é necessário solicitar à justiça um suporte para conseguir acesso à saúde pública. Entre os processos judiciais envolvendo questões de saúde, a maioria são referentes ao fornecimento de medicamentos. Dentre os medicamentos solicitados, destacam-se os anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs), cujos estudos apontam que apresentam melhor segurança e eficácia similar em relação à varfarina, medicamento padronizado no SUS para o tratamento do tromboembolismo venoso e fibrilação atrial. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos pacientes e das solicitações dos DOACs atendidos por via judicial. Métodos: Estudo documental descritivo realizado em Divinópolis/MG a partir de todos os processos julgados com parecer favorável pela justiça referentes à solicitação dos DOACs. A coleta de dados foi realizada em três fontes secundárias: os pro-cessos judiciários, prontuários dos pacientes nas unidades básicas de saúde e no Sistema de Informações em Saúde. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo um total de 74 processos referentes à solicitação dos DOACs no município de Divinópolis-MG. Observou-se que 74,3% dos indivíduos eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 70 anos. O diagnóstico mais observado foi a fibrilação atrial (36,5%). Cerca de 52,7% dos médicos registraram que houve tenta-tiva terapêutica com varfarina antes da introdução dos DOACs e a comodidade (24,3%) foi a justificativa mais utilizada por optar pelos DOACs seguida por dificuldade em controlar a RNI (20,3%). Outro dado encontrado foi que 25,7% dos pacientes nunca obtiveram na farmácia do SUS o medicamento solicitado por via judicial. Conclusão: Concluímos que a demanda judicial que afoga tanto o sistema judiciário como o sistema de saúde, poderia ser evitada se fossem seguidas as recomendações da Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde para estabelecer a distribuição dos insumos de saúde. Além disso, nos processos judiciais faltam informações importantes para auxiliar o juiz a emitir um parecer, sendo baseadas, na maioria das vezes, em apenas uma opinião médica. (AU)

Fundamentals: The Brazilian health system is based on the principles established in the Federal Constitution, which include equality, universality, equity, and popular participation in a completely free health model. Brazil is under great challenge to offer quality care to the entire population. It is often necessary to ask the court for support to gain access to public health.Among the court proceedings involving health issues, the majority refer to the supply of medicines. Among the drugs requested, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) stand out, which indicate that they have better safety and similar efficacy concerning warfarin, a standardized medication in the SUS to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: Assess the profile of patients and requests for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) served by the court. Methods: Descriptive documental study carried out in Divinópolis/MG from all cases judged with a favorable opinion by the court regarding the request of DOACs. Data collection was carried out from three secondary sources: court proceedings, medical records of patients in basic health units, and the Health Information System (SIS). Results:A total of 74 lawsuits referring to the DOACs request in the city of Divinópolis-MG were included in the study. It was observed that 74.3% of the individuals were female, with a mean age of 70 years. The most common diagnosis was atrial fibrillation (36.5%). About 52.7% of physicians reported that there was a therapeutic attempt with warfarin before the introduction of DOACs, and convenience (24.3%) was the most used justification for choosing DOACs, followed by difficulty in controlling the INR (20.3%). Another finding was that 25.7% of the patients never obtained the medication requested through the courts at the SUS pharmacy. Conclusion: We concluded that the judicial demand that drowns both the judicial system and the health system could be avoided if the recommendations of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System were followed to establish the distribution of health education. In addition, in court proceedings, important information is lacking to assist the judge in issuing an opinion and is most often based on only one medical opinion. (AU)

Avaliação do conhecimento sobre a terapêutica medicamentosa de indivíduos em uso de anticoagulantes orais / Evaluation of knowledge about drug therapeutics of individuals using anticoagulants / Evaluación del conocimiento sobre drogoterapéutica de personas que usan anticoagulantes

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento sobre a terapêutica medicamentosa de indivíduos em uso de anticoagulantes orais. Métodos: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, com participação de 90 indivíduos em uso de anticoagulantes orais acompanhados em ambulatório de anticoagulação em Recife-PE. Os dados foram coletados de abril a julho de 2020 através de dois questionários, analisados por estatística descritiva e dispostos em tabelas. Resultados: A maioria dos indivíduos (42,2%) apresentou conhecimento adequado acerca do tratamento. Na associação do conhecimento com outras variáveis, houve significância estatística entre conhecimento adequado com resultados do International Normalized Ratio dentro da faixa indicada (p=0,001) e com idade menor que 60 anos (p=0,018), e entre conhecimento inadequado com baixa escolaridade (p=0,045), hipertensão (p=0,009) e tabagismo (p=0,041). Conclusão: A maioria dos indivíduos apresentou conhecimento adequado acerca do tratamento. Houve associação significativa entre conhecimento adequado e resultados do INR e entre a idade, assim como conhecimento inadequado e baixa escolaridade, não ser tabagista e hipertensão. (AU)

Objective: to assess knowledge about drug therapy using oral anticoagulant drugs. Methods: Cross-sectional, quantitative study, with the participation of 90 users using anticoagulants or followed up in an anticoagulation clinic in Recife-PE. Data were collected from April to July 2020 through two questionnaires, dispersed by descriptive statistics and arranged in tables. Results: Most owners (42.2%) have adequate knowledge of the treatment. In the association of knowledge with other variables, there was significance between adequate knowledge with results of the International Normalized Ratio within the given range (p = 0.001) and aged less than 60 years (p = 0.018), and between inadequate knowledge with low education (p = 0.018) p = 0.045), hypertension (p = 0.009) and smoking (p = 0.041). Conclusion: Most individuals had adequate knowledge about the treatment. There was a significant association between adequate knowledge and INR results and between age, as well as inadequate knowledge and low education, not being a smoker and hypertension. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar el conocimiento sobre farmacoterapia de personas que utilizan anticoagulantes orales. Métodos: Estudio transversal, cuantitativo, en el que participaron 90 personas en tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales seguidos en una clínica de anticoagulación en Recife-PE. Los datos fueron recolectados de abril a julio de 2020 a través de dos cuestionarios, analizados por estadística descriptiva y ordenados en tablas. Resultados: La mayoría de los individuos (42,2%) tenía un conocimiento adecuado sobre el tratamiento. En la asociación de conocimiento con otras variables, hubo significancia estadística entre conocimiento adecuado y resultados de la Razón Internacional Normalizada dentro del rango indicado (p = 0.001) y menor de 60 años (p = 0.018), y entre conocimiento inadecuado con baja educación (p = 0,045), hipertensión (p = 0,009) y tabaquismo (p = 0,041). Conclusión: La mayoría de las personas tenían un conocimiento adecuado sobre el tratamiento. Hubo una asociación significativa entre el conocimiento adecuado y los resultados del INR y entre la edad, así como el conocimiento inadecuado y la baja escolaridad, no ser fumador e hipertensión. (AU)

Aspirin versus Rivaroxaban to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial / Aspirina versus rivaroxabana na prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso após artroplastia total do joelho: Um ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado e duplo-cego

Abstract Objective Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) and rivaroxaban are anticoagulants that have increased in popularity due to ease of use in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ASA compared with that of rivaroxaban on VTE prophylaxis in patients who underwent TKA. Method Forty patients who had primary knee osteoarthritis and would undergo TKA were randomized into two groups. In total, 20 patients in the ASA group used oral aspirin, at a dose of 300 mg/day, for VTE prophylaxis after TKA, while 20 patients in the rivaroxaban group received oral rivaroxaban, at a dose of 10 mg/day. On days 4 and 14 after the operation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs on the operated side was detected through duplex ultrasonography. Other complications were recorded for 14 days. Results There were no positive findings of DVT detected with duplex ultrasonography in the groups of patients, and the occurrence of pulmonary embolism was not observed. In total, 4 patients had subcutaneous ecchymosis on the fourth postoperative day (2 patients in the ASA group and 2 patients in the rivaroxaban group; p= 1.0), and another 4 patients on the fourteenth postoperative day (1 patient in the ASA group and 3 patients in the rivaroxaban group; p= 0.292). No cases of wound hematoma, major organ bleeding, wound infection, or reoperation were observed in the sample. Conclusion Aspirin and rivaroxaban had comparable efficacy to prevent VTE, without increasing the incidence of wound complications and bleeding after TKA.

Resumo Objetivo A aspirina (ácido acetilsalicílico, AAS) e a rivaroxabana são anticoagulantes que vêm ganhando popularidade devido à facilidade de uso na prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) após artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do AAS em comparação com a da rivaroxabana na profilaxia de TEV em pacientes submetidos a ATJ. Método Quarenta pacientes com osteoartrite primária do joelho, que seriam submetidos a ATJ, foram randomizados em dois grupos. No total, 20 pacientes do grupo AAS usaram aspirina oral, na dose de 300 mg/dia, para a profilaxia do TEV após ATJ; e 20 pacientes do grupo rivaroxabana receberam uma dose oral de 10 mg/dia. No 4° e 14° dias do pós-operatório, trombose venosa profunda (TVP) dos membros inferiores no lado da cirurgia foi detectada por meio de ultrassonografia duplex. Foram registradas outras complicações durante catorze dias. Resultados Não foram detectados achados positivos de TVP com a ultrassonografia duplex nos grupos de pacientes, e não se observou a ocorrência de embolia pulmonar. No total, 4 pacientes apresentaram equimose subcutânea no 4° dia do pós-operatório (2 pacientes no grupo AAS e 2 pacientes no grupo rivaroxabana; p= 1,0), e outros 4 pacientes, no 14° dia do pós-operatório (1 paciente no grupo AAS e 3 pacientes no grupo rivaroxabana; p= 0,292). Nenhum paciente da amostra apresentou hematoma da ferida cirúrgica, sangramento de órgão importante, infecção da ferida, ou necessidade de nova cirurgia. Conclusão A aspirina e a rivaroxabana apresentaram eficácia comparável na prevenção do TEV, sem aumentar a incidência de complicações da ferida e sangramento após ATJ.

Influence of blood/anticoagulant ratio and storage temperature on platelet parameters using Cell Dyn Ruby® analyzer / Influência da relação sangue/anticoagulante e da temperatura de armazenamento em parâmetros plaquetários utilizando o analisador Cell Dyn Ruby®

Introduction: The pre-analytical phase directly influences the laboratory result, such as the method of collection, transport, and storage of biological samples. Therefore, the stability of the biological sample is a crucial and determinant aspect of the quality of results in a clinical laboratory. Studies show that some platelet parameters may suffer alterations in the presence of altered blood/anticoagulant ratio, with increased storage time and/or variations in storage temperature, possibly leading to unrepresentative results. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of platelet parameters regarding the effect of the anticoagulant/blood ratio and storage temperature in samples stored for up to 24 hours after collection using the Cell Dyn Ruby® equipment.Methodology: A total of 351 blood samples were evaluated under different analysis periods: 2, 5, 12, and 24 hours and storage methods: at room temperature (25 °C) and 4 °C, in addition to the analysis of anticoagulant/blood ratio. The Platelet parameters selected were: PLT (total platelet count), MPV (mean platelet volume), PDW (Platelet Distribution Width) and PCT (plateletcrit). The imprecision of the results was evaluated by the CVa (%) within the maximum allowed analytical variation, as well as by the mean difference of the results concerning the baseline sample (2 hours). Results: The total platelet count was the only parameter evaluated that showed reproducibility of results in all conditions analyzed. Regarding the other platelet parameters, it could be observed an imprecision of results emitted by Cell Dyn Ruby® after five hours of storage, both at room and refrigerated temperature. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that pre-analytical factors, such as storage temperature and storage time, can affect the variability of platelet parameters, which may produce erroneous results. Thus, the correct blood/anticoagulant ratio must be respected to avoid the late processing of the sample (AU)

Introdução: O resultado laboratorial é diretamente influenciado por etapas da fase pré-analítica, como método de coleta, transporte e armazenamento das amostras biológicas. Desta forma, a estabilidade da amostra biológica é um aspecto crucial e determinante para a qualidade dos resultados de um laboratório clínico. Estudos demonstram que alguns parâmetros plaquetários podem sofrer modificações na presença da relação sangue/anticoagulante alterada, com aumento do tempo de estocagem e/ou alterações na temperatura de armazenamento, podendo levar a resultados não representativos. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a confiabilidade dos parâmetros plaquetários com relação ao efeito da relação anticoagulante/sangue e da temperatura de armazenamento, em amostras estocadas por até 24 horas após a coleta, utilizando o equipamento Cell Dyn Ruby®. Métodos: Foram avaliados 351 hemogramas, em diferentes tempos de análise: 2, 5, 12 e 24 horas e formas de estocagem: à temperatura ambiente (25°C) e à 4°C, além da relação anticoagulante/sangue. Foram selecionados os seguintes parâmetros plaquetários: PLT (contagem total de plaquetas), VPM (volume plaquetário médio), PDW (amplitude de variação do tamanho das plaquetas) e PCT (plaquetócrito). A confiabilidade dos resultados foi avaliada pelo CVa (%), dentro da variação analítica máxima permitida, assim como pela diferença de média dos resultados em relação à amostra de base (2 horas). Resultados: A contagem total de plaquetas foi o único parâmetro avaliado que apresentou reprodutibilidade de resultados em todas as condições analisadas. Em relação aos demais parâmetros plaquetários, foi observado imprecisão dos resultados emitidos pelo Cell Dyn Ruby®, a partir de 5 horas de estocagem, tanto em temperatura ambiente quanto refrigerada. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que fatores pré-analíticos, como a temperatura de armazenamento e o tempo de estocagem, podem afetar a variabilidade dos parâmetros plaquetários, podendo produzir resultados equivocados. Deste modo, deve-se respeitar a correta relação sangue/anticoagulante e evitar o processamento tardio da amostra (AU)

Drogas antiagregantes plaquetárias e anticoagulantes em pacientes que se submeterão à cirurgia oral: conduta / Antiagregant platelet and anticoagulant drugs in patients who will submit oral surgery: conduct

Objetivo: Como a frequência de pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes e antiagragantes plaquetários nos consultórios odontológicos é crescente, este trabalho objetivou avaliar através de Revisão de Literatura, qual o melhor manejo desses medicamentos na prática odontológica perioperatória. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizadas as bases de dados Scielo e PubMed. Foram escolhidos os seguintes descritores disponíveis na BVs e PubMed em inglês "Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors", "Oral Surgical Procedures" e "Antigoagulants" no período de 2016 a 2021. Também foram consultados livros e sites de diretrizes do Governo. Foram escolhidos 20 artigos para elaboração da pesquisa. Resultados: doenças cardiovasculares e outras condições clínicas pró-coagulantes tem prevalência crescente e são conhecidos fatores de risco para a ocorrência de fenômenos tromboembólicos graves. A terapia antitrombótica tem papel definido nesses casos. No perioperatorio de cirurgias orais, a decisão por suspender ou manter a terapia deve ser individualizada e pode ser orientada por guidelines. Conclusão: procedimentos orais de baixo risco de sangramento podem ser conduzidos sem a descontinuação da terapia antitrombótica. Cirurgias de moderado a alto risco frequentemente requerem suspensão temporária das medicações para fins de minimizar os riscos de complicações hemorrágicas... (AU)

Objective: As the frequency of patients using anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents in dental offices is increasing, this study aimed to evaluate, through a Literature Review, which is the best management of these medications in dental perioperative practice. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, being used Scielo and PubMed databases. The following descriptors available in BVs and PubMed "Platelet aggregation inhibitors", "Oral Surgical Procedures" and "Antigoagulants" were used, from 2016 to 2021. In addition, the search was also performed in guideline books and Government websites. Twenty articles were chosen for research elaboration. Results: established cardiovascular disease and other procoagulant clinical conditions have an increasing prevalence, especially among the elderly, and are known risk factors for the occurrence of severe thromboembolic phenomena. Antithrombotic therapy has defined role in these cases. In the perioperative period of oral surgery, the decision to suspend or maintain therapy must be individualized and may be guided by guidelines. Age appears as a clinical criterion in the main ones used. Conclusion: oral procedures with low risk of bleeding can be carried out without discontinuing antithrombotic therapy. Moderate to high-risk surgeries usually require its temporary suspension in order to minimize the risk of bleeding complications... (AU)

Antiagregación plaquetaria: stents, isquemia y sangrado ¿Qué sabemos al respecto? / Platelet antiaggregation: stents, ischemia and bleeding What do we know about it?

Antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention are two of the most important interventions in the management of coronary artery disease. In the last 20 years there has been groundbreaking advances in the pharmacotherapy and stent technology. Bleeding is the most feared complication of antiplatelet therapy, mainly due to the increase in major adverse cardiovascular events besides the bleeding itself. Different clinical decision tools have developed with the aim to define which patients have a high ischemic or bleeding risk, thus individualizing treatment.

Cuidados que o cirurgião-dentista deve tomar no momento de tratar cirurgicamente um paciente em uso de anticoagulantes ou antiagregantes plaquetários / Care that the dental surgeon must take when treating surgically a patient using anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents

Os anticoagulantes e antiagregantes plaquetários são medicamentos utilizados por uma grande parcela da população mundial. Eles são utilizados para prevenir que pacientes de risco desenvolvam doenças cardiovasculares, como o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) ou o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Por serem muito utilizados, constantemente o cirurgião-dentista poderá se deparar em sua rotina clínica, com pacientes usuários de anticoagulantes ou antiagregantes. Neste caso, o profissional precisará estar ciente das normas mais atuais de manejo com cada um dos tipos de medicamentos, para que o tratamento seja realizado com sucesso. No presente trabalho, é proposto um Protocolo Operacional Padrão (POP), que pode ser seguido no momento de realizar cirurgias orais em pacientes em uso de Varfarina, Ácido Acetil Salicílico, Heparina de Baixo Peso Molecular, Heparina Não Fracionada, Rivaroxabana e Clopidogrel.

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are drugs used by a large portion of the world population. They are used to prevent at-risk patients from developing cardiovascular diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke (stroke). Because they are widely used, the dental surgeon may constantly encounter patients using anticoagulants or anti-aggregating agents in their clinical routine. In this case, the professional will need to be aware of the most current management standards with each type of medication, so that the treatment is carried out successfully. In the present work, a Standard Operational Protocol (POP) is proposed, which can be followed when performing oral surgeries on patients using Warfarin, Acetyl Salicylic Acid, Low Molecular Weight Heparin, Unfractionated Heparin, Rivaroxaban and Clopidogrel.

Como realizar o manejo do paciente anticoagulado com Varfarina no pré, trans e pós-operatório / How to manage the anticoagulated patient with Warfarin in the pre, trans and postoperative period

A Varfarina é um anticoagulante da classe dos antagonistas da vitamina K que atua prevenindo a formação e a expansão do coágulo sanguíneo. É indicada para indivíduos com risco de trombose, pacientes pós-acidentes vasculares isquêmicos e portadores de trombofilias, dentre outros. O manejo do paciente anticoagulado pode gerar dúvidas, devido ao risco de complicações hemorrágicas ou da ocorrência de eventos tromboembólicos. Este trabalho visa orientar, de forma direta, o acadêmico e profissional de odontologia, diante de pacientes em uso de Varfarina.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant in the class of vitamin K antagonists that works by preventing the formation and expansion of the blood clot. It is indicated for individuals at risk of thrombosis, ischemic post-stroke patients and patients with thrombophilia, among others. The management of anticoagulated patients may raise doubts, due to the risk of hemorrhagic complications or the occurrence of thromboembolic events. This work aims to direct, directly, the academic and professional of dentistry, before patients using Warfarin.

Síndrome de vena cava superior: una serie de casos consecutivos en pacientes internados en un hospital terciario universitario / Superior vena cava syndrome: a consecutive case series of in-hospital patients in a tertiary teaching hospital

Introducción: el síndrome de vena cava superior resulta de la obstrucción del flujo sanguíneo a través de este vaso. Casi la totalidad de los casos en la actualidad se asocian con tumores malignos. Existen controversias acerca del manejo apropiado de este cuadro. Actualmente, las terapias endovasculares son consideradas de elección. Materiales y métodos: se recolectaron y describieron, a partir de datos de la historia clínica electrónica, los casos de pacientes mayores de 18 años internados ­de forma consecutiva, que desarrollaron el síndrome­ en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires en 2021. Se constataron las características basales, los tratamientos recibidos y los desenlaces clínicos intrahospitaliarios de cada uno de ellos. Resultados: un total de cinco pacientes fueron incluidos en el presente estudio y seguidos durante su instancia intrahospitalaria. Todos los casos descriptos fueron secundarios a enfermedades oncológicas. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron un cuadro de moderada gravedad según las escalas utilizadas. En cuatro de cinco pacientes se optó por terapias endovasculares y dos de ellos fallecieron durante la internación. Discusión: existen controversias respecto del tratamiento óptimo del síndrome de vena cava superior, y heterogeneidad en la práctica clínica. Los estudios futuros deberían centrarse en identificar a aquellos pacientes que más probablemente se beneficien de las estrategias terapéuticas endovasculares, anticoagulantes o antiagregantes. (AU)

Introduction: superior vena cava syndrome results from an obstruction of blood flow through this vessel. Currently, almost all cases are associated with malignancies. There are controversies about the optimal management of this syndrome. Endovascular therapies are considered the first-line therapy. Material and methods: we collected clinical, laboratory and pharmacological data from patients admitted at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, between January 1st and November 1st 2021 with a diagnosis o superior vein cava syndrome. Baseline characteristics, treatment strategies and clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: a total of five patients were included in the present study. All cases were malignancy-related. Most of the patientsdeveloped moderate symptoms. Four out of five patients were treated with endovascular therapies and two patients died during hospitalization. Discussion: controversies regarding optimal management of the superior vena cava syndrome remain. Future research should focus on identifying those patients who are most likely to benefit from endovascular, anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapeutic strategies. (AU)

Experience in the Use of Video Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Unexplained Iron Deficiency Anemia / Experiencia con el uso de la videocápsula endoscópica en pacientes con anemia ferropénica inexplicada

Abstract Introduction: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in developed countries has been estimated between 2-5 %, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Etiological identification is sometimes difficult and requires diagnostic methods, such as video capsule endoscopy (VCE). Aim: This study intends to characterize the findings of this technique in patients with unexplained iron deficiency anemia. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational retrospective study. We describe the VCE findings (PillCamSB2-SB3) in all patients seen between 2011 and 2019. The findings were interpreted according to the Saurin classification: normal (P0), uncertain potential (P1), and high bleeding potential (P2). Results: Of the 490 VCEs performed during the study period, 155 indicated iron deficiency anemia; 106 were women (68.4 %), and the mean age was 57.1 ± 16.6 years. The main comorbidities were cardiovascular in 23 (18.3 %) and arterial hypertension in 16 (12.6 %). Antiplatelets were present in 18 (15.4 %) and anticoagulants in six (5.1 %). Small bowel lesions were vascular in 44 studies (28.4 %), inflammatory in 33 (21.2 %), and neoplastic in seven (4.5 %). Angiectasias were the most frequent lesions in 33 cases (21.3 %). P2 lesions were present in 53 VCEs (34.2 %). Conclusions: VCE is helpful in the study of iron deficiency anemia and helps detect positive findings in the midgut in three out of four patients for which it is indicated. The most frequent significant P2 lesions were vascular. These findings allow providing adequate treatment.

Resumen Introducción: la prevalencia de la anemia ferropénica en países desarrollados se ha estimado entre 2 %-5 %, asociada con una alta morbimortalidad. La identificación etiológica a veces es difícil, y requiere de métodos diagnósticos, como la videocápsula endoscópica (VCE). Objetivo: el objeto del presente estudio fue caracterizar los hallazgos de esta técnica en pacientes con anemia ferropénica inexplicada. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Se describen los hallazgos de VCE (PillCamSB2-SB3) en todos los pacientes atendidos entre 2011 y 2019. Los hallazgos se interpretaron según la clasificación de Saurin: normal (P0), potencial incierto (P1) y alto potencial de sangrado (P2). Resultados: del total de 490 VCE realizadas durante el período del estudio, 155 se efectuaron con indicación de anemia ferropénica; 106 fueron mujeres (68,4 %) y la edad media fue de 57,1 ± 16,6 años. Las comorbilidades principales fueron cardiovasculares en 23 (18,3 %) e hipertensión arterial en 16 (12,6 %). La ingesta de antiplaquetarios se presentó en 18 (15,4 %) y anticoagulantes en 6 (5,1 %). Las lesiones en el intestino delgado fueron vasculares en 44 estudios (28,4 %), inflamatorias en 33 (21,2 %) y neoplásicas en 7 (4,5 %). Las angiectasias fueron las lesiones más frecuentes en 33 casos (21,3 %). En 53 VCE se presentaron lesiones P2 (34,2 %). Conclusiones: la VCE es útil en el estudio de la anemia ferropénica, y ayuda a detectar hallazgos positivos en el intestino medio en 3 de cada 4 pacientes en los cuales se indica su uso. Las lesiones P2 significativas más frecuentes fueron las vasculares. Estos hallazgos permiten enfocar un tratamiento adecuado.

Trombosis de seno venoso asociada con infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Cerebral venous thrombosis associated with SARS-Cov-2 infection

RESUMEN INTRODUCCION: La trombosis del seno venoso se considera una de las causas más infrecuentes de enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV), prevalente en la edad joven. Suele tener un inicio insidioso, lo cual dificulta su diagnóstico y el inicio oportuno del tratamiento, y se encuentra asociada con múltiples factores de riesgo, incluyendo estados de hipercoagulabilidad, como en aquellos pacientes que cursan con infección por SARS-CoV-2. REPORTE DE CASO: Se presentan dos casos clínicos de pacientes con alteraciones neurológicas, diplopia y estatus epiléptico, en quienes se documentó por medio de la sintomatologia y de estudios imagenológicos, trombosis venosas extensas de localización infrecuente, se descartaron las principales etiologías asociadas, y el único nexo asociado fue la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Ambos pacientes recibieron tratamiento con anticoagulación parenteral, al que respondieron de forma exitosa, por lo cual se logró el alta posteriormente con anticoagulación oral. DISCUSIÓN: Es imprescindible el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, asociada con una alta sospecha diagnóstica, dadas sus manifestaciones clínicas variadas y su asociación cada vez más frecuente con infección por covid-19.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Venous sinus thrombosis is considered one of the most infrequent causes of cerebrovascular disease (CVD), prevalent in young people. It usually has an insidious onset which difficult its diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment and is associated with multiple risk factors including hypercoagulable states, as in those patients with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) infection. CASE REPORT: The following are 2 clinical cases of patients with neurological alterations, diplopia, and status epilepticus, in whom extensive venous thrombosis of infrequent location was documented through symptomatology and imaging studies, ruling out the main associated etiologies, with the only associated nexus: SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both patients received treatment with parenteral anticoagulation, responding successfully and were subsequently discharged with oral anticoagulation. DISCUSSION: It is essential to be aware of this disease associated with a high diagnostic suspicion given its varied clinical manifestations and its increasingly frequent association with COVID-19 infection.

Low molecular weight heparin is useful in adult COVID-19 inpatients. Experience during the first Spanish wave: observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The intensity of the thromboprophylaxis needed as a potential factor for preventing inpatient mortality due to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between anticoagulation intensity and COVID-19 survival. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational study in a tertiary-level hospital in Spain. METHODS: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) status was ascertained based on prescription at admission. To control for immortal time bias, anticoagulant use was analyzed as a time-dependent variable. RESULTS: 690 patients were included (median age, 72 years). LMWH was administered to 615 patients, starting from hospital admission (89.1%). 410 (66.7%) received prophylactic-dose LMWH; 120 (19.5%), therapeutic-dose LMWH; and another 85 (13.8%) who presented respiratory failure, high D-dimer levels (> 3 mg/l) and non-worsening of inflammation markers received prophylaxis of intermediate-dose LMWH. The overall inpatient-mortality rate was 38.5%. The anticoagulant nonuser group presented higher mortality risk than each of the following groups: any LMWH users (HR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.40-3.15); the prophylactic-dose heparin group (HR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.57-3.64); and the users of heparin dose according to biomarkers (HR 6.52; 95% CI, 2.95-14.41). 3.4% of the patients experienced major hemorrhage. 2.8% of the patients developed an episode of thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS: This observational study showed that LMWH administered at the time of admission was associated with lower mortality among unselected adult COVID-19 inpatients. The magnitude of the benefit may have been greatest for the intermediate-dose subgroup. Randomized controlled trials to assess the benefit of heparin within different therapeutic regimes for COVID-19 patients are required.

Estratégias Econômicas e Sociais para Anticoagulação de Pacientes com Fibrilação Atrial / Economy- and Social-Based Strategies for Anticoagulation of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação atrial é um problema de saúde pública associado com um risco cinco vezes maior de acidente vascular cerebral e mortalidade. A análise de custos é importante para a introdução de novas terapias, e deve ser reconsiderada em situações especiais, tais como a pandemia do coronavírus em 2020. Objetivo: Avaliar os custos (em um período de um ano) relacionados à terapia anticoagulante e a qualidade de vida de pacientes com fibrilação atrial tratados em um hospital público universitário. Métodos: Os custos do paciente foram aqueles relacionados à anticoagulação e calculados pela média de custos mensais da varfarina ou de anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs). As despesas não médicas, como alimentação e transporte, foram calculadas a partir de dados obtidos de questionários. O questionário brasileiro SF-6D foi usado para medir a qualidade de vida. Valores p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: A população do estudo consistiu em 90 pacientes, 45 em cada braço (varfarina vs. DOACs). Os custos foram 20% mais altos no grupo dos DOACs (US$55 532,62 vs. US$46 385,88), e principalmente relacionados ao preço dos medicamentos (US$23 497,16 vs. US$1903,27). Os custos hospitalares foram mais altos no grupo da varfarina (US$31 088,41 vs $24 604,74), e relacionados às visitas ao ambulatório. Ainda, as despesas não médicas foram duas vezes maiores no grupo varfarina ($13 394,20 vs $7 430,72). A equivalência de preço entre os dois medicamentos seria alcançada por uma redução de 39% no preço dos DOACs. Não foram observadas diferenças quanto à qualidade de vida. Conclusões: Os custos totais foram mais altos no grupo de pacientes tratados com DOACs que no grupo da varfarina. No entanto, uma redução de cerca de 40% no preço dos DOACs tornaria viável a incorporação desses medicamentos no sistema de saúde público brasileiro.

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation is a public health problem associated with a fivefold increased risk of stroke or death. Analyzing costs is important when introducing new therapies and must be reconsidered in special situations, such as the novel coronavirus pandemic of 2020. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the costs related to anticoagulant therapy in a one-year period, and the quality of life of atrial fibrillation patients treated in a public university hospital. Methods: Patient costs were those related to the anticoagulation and calculated by the average monthly costs of warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Patient non-medical costs (eg., food and transportation) were calculated from data obtained by questionnaires. The Brazilian SF-6D was used to measure the quality of life. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The study population consisted of 90 patients, 45 in each arm (warfarin vs direct oral anticoagulants). Costs were 20% higher in the DOAC group ($55,532.62 vs $46,385.88), and mainly related to drug price ($23,497.16 vs $1,903.27). Hospital costs were higher in the warfarin group ($31,088.41 vs $24,604.74) and related to outpatient visits. Additionally, non-medical costs were almost twice higher in the warfarin group ($13,394.20 vs $7,430.72). Equivalence of price between the two drugs could be achieved by a 39% reduction in the price of DOACs. There were no significant group differences regarding quality of life. Conclusions: Total costs were higher in the group of patients taking DOACs than those taking warfarin. However, a nearly 40% reduction in the price of DOACs could make it feasible to incorporate these drugs into the Brazilian public health system.

Material basis and molecular mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix in activating blood:based on computer-aided drug design / 中国中药杂志

Angelicae Sinensis Radix excels in activating blood, but the scientific mechanism has not been systematically analyzed, thus limiting the development of the medicinal. This study employed the computer-aided drug design methods, such as structural similarity-based target reverse prediction, complex network analysis, molecular docking, binding free energy calculation, cluster analysis, and ADMET(absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) calculation, and enzyme activity assay in vitro, to explore the components and mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix in activating blood. Target reverse prediction and complex network analysis yielded 40 potential anticoagulant targets of the medicinal. Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the targets mainly acted on the complement and coagulation cascade signaling pathway to exert the anticoagulant function. Among them, the key enzymes thrombin(THR) and coagulation factor Xa(FXa) in coagulation cascade and thrombosis were the drug targets for thromboembolic diseases. At the same time, molecular docking and cluster analysis showed that the medicinal had high selectivity for FXa. According to binding free energy score, 8 potential active components were selected for enzyme activity assay in vitro. The results demonstrated that 8 components inhibited THR and FXa, and the inhibition was stronger on FXa than on THR. The pharmacophore model of 8 active compounds was constructed, which suggested that the components had the common pharmacophore AAHH. The ADMET calculation result indicated that they had good pharmacokinetic properties and were safe. Based on target reverse prediction, complex network analysis, molecular docking and binding free energy calculation, anticoagulant activity in vitro, spatial binding conformation of molecules and targets, pharmacophore model construction, and ADMET calculation, this study preliminarily clarified the material basis and molecular mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix in activating blood from the perspective of big data, and calculated the pharmacology and toxicology parameters of the active components. Our study, for the first time, revealed that the medicinal had obvious selectivity and pertinence for different coagulation proteins, reflecting the unique effect of different Chinese medicinals and the biological basis. Therefore, this study can provide clues for precision application of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and the development of the blood-activating components with modern technology.

Study on anticoagulant material basis and mechanism of Trichosanthis Semen and its shell and kernel based on spectrum-effect relationship integrated molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the anticoagulant material basis and mechanism of Trichosanthis Semen and its shell and kernel based on spectrum-effect relationship-integrated molecular docking. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprints of Trichosanthis Semen and its shell and kernel were established. Prothrombin time(PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) in mice in the low-and high-dose(5, 30 g·kg~(-1), respectively) Trichosanthis Semen, the shell, and kernel groups were determined as the coagulation markers. The spectrum-effect relationship and anticoagulant material basis of Trichosanthis Semen and its shell and kernel were analyzed with mean value calculation method of Deng's correlation degree(MATLAB) and the common effective component cluster was obtained. Then the common targets of the component cluster and coagulation were retrieved from TCMSP, Swiss-TargetPrediction, GenCLiP3, GeneCards, and DAVID, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment of the targets. The main anticoagulant molecular mechanism of the component cluster was verified by SYBYL-X 2.1.1. The spectrum-effect relationship of Trichosanthis Semen and its shell and kernel was in positive correlation with the dosage. The contribution of each component to anticoagulation was not the same, suggesting that the material basis for anticoagulation was different, but they have common effective components(i.e. common material basis), such as adenine(peak 3), uracil(peak 4), hypoxanthine(peak 6), xanthine(peak 9), and adenosine(peak 11). Network pharmacology showed that these components can act on multiple target proteins such as NOS3, KDR, and PTGS2, and exert anticoagulant effect through multiple pathways such as VEGF signaling pathway. They involved the biological functions such as proteolysis, cell component such as cytosol, and molecular functions. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding free energy of these components with NOS3(PDB ID: 1 D0 C), KDR(PDB ID: 5 AMN), and PTGS2(PDB ID: 4 COX) was ≤-5 kJ·mol~(-1), and the docking conformations were stable. Spectrum-effect relationship-integrated molecular docking can be used for the optimization, virtual screening, and verification of complex chemical and biological information of Chinese medicine. Trichosanthis Semen and its shell and kernel have the common material basis for anticoagulation and they exert the anticoagulant through multiple targets and pathways.

Trauma-induced pulmonary thromboembolism: What's update? / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Trauma-induced pulmonary thromboembolism is the second leading cause of death in severe trauma patients. Primary fibrinolytic hyperactivity combined with hemorrhage and consequential hypercoagulability in severe trauma patients create a huge challenge for clinicians. It is crucial to ensure a safe anticoagulant therapy for trauma patients, but a series of clinical issues need to be answered first, for example, what are the risk factors for traumatic venous thromboembolism? How to assess and determine the status of coagulation dysfunction of patients? When is the optimal timing to initiate pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism? What types of prophylactic agents should be used? How to manage the anticoagulation-related hemorrhage and to determine the optimal timing of restarting chemoprophylaxis? The present review attempts to answer the above questions.