Potential drug-drug interactions among patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage treated at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit: a single-center experience

Abstract Our aim was to determine the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) and to identify relevant factors associated with the occurrence of the most dangerous or contraindicated pDDIs (pCDDIs) in hospitalized patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed enrolling all consecutive patients with sICH treated at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Clinical Center in Kragujevac, Serbia, during the three-year period (2012-2014). The inclusion criteria encompassed patients aged 18 years and over, those diagnosed with ICH, and those prescribed at least two drugs during hospitalization, while we did not include patients whose hospitalization lasted less than 7 days, those who were diagnosed with other neurological diseases and patients with incomplete medical files. For each day of hospitalization, the online checker Micromedex® software was used to identify pDDIs and classify them according to severity. A total of 110 participants were analysed. A high prevalence of pDDIs (98.2%) was observed. The median number of pDDIs regardless of severity, was 8.00 (IQR 4.75-13.00;1-30). The pairs of drugs involving cardiovascular medicines were the most commonly identified pDDIs. Twenty percent of the total number of participants was exposed to pCDDIs. The use of multiple drugs from different pharmacological-chemical subgroups and the prescribing of anticoagulant therapy significantly increase the chance of pCDDI (aOR with 95% CI 1.19 (1.05-1.35) and 7.40 (1.13-48.96), respectively). This study indicates a high prevalence of pDDIs and pCDDIs in patients with sICH. The use of anticoagulant therapy appears to be the only modifiable clinically relevant predictor of pCDDIs.

Riesgo de sangrado en pacientes anticoagulados con antagonistas de la vitamina K que reciben antibióticos / Risk of bleeding in anticoagulated patients with vitamin K antagonists who receive antibiotics

Lograr un adecuado nivel de anticoagulación con antagonistas orales de la vitamina K suele ser un desafío frecuente en la práctica clínica, dado que su estrecho rango terapéutico suele verse afectado por diversas interacciones farmacológicas,alimentos y condiciones clínicas. A partir de un caso de un paciente anticoagulado que presenta una hemorragia gastro-intestinal posterior a realizar un tratamiento antibiótico, la autora de este artículo revisó la evidencia sobre el riesgo desangrado secundario a la interacción entre este tipo de anticoagulantes y antibióticos orales. Su conclusión tras realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica y seleccionar la mejor evidencia disponible, es que existe un aumento del riesgo relativo desangrado en pacientes anticoagulados que reciben antibióticos, por lo que deberían evitarse aquellos antibióticos con conocido potencial de interacción. Si ello no fuera posible, se recomienda monitorizar el estado de anticoagulación con dosaje de la razón internacional normatizada (RIN) posterior a la introducción del antibiótico. (AU)

Achieving an adequate level of anticoagulation with oral vitamin K antagonists is often a frequent challenge in clinical practice, given that their narrow therapeutic range is often affected by various drug interactions, food, and clinical conditions. Based on a case of an anticoagulated patient who presented gastrointestinal bleeding after antibiotic treatment, the authorof this article reviewed the evidence on the risk of secondary bleeding due to the interaction between this type of anticoagulants and oral antibiotics. Their conclusion, after performing a literature search and selecting the best available evidence, is that there is an increased relative risk of bleeding in anticoagulated patients receiving antibiotics, so antibiotics with known potential for interaction should be avoided. If it weren't possible, it is recommended to monitor the anticoagulation status with International Normalized Ratio (INR) dosing after the introduction of the antibiotic. (AU)

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.

Fatores de risco para embolia pulmonar em pacientes com COVID-19 anticoagulados na unidade de terapia intensiva submetidos à angiografia por tomografia computadorizada / Pulmonary embolism risk factors for intensive care unit anticoagulated COVID-19 patients undergoing computed tomography angiography

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência de embolia pulmonar, seu relacionamento com os níveis de dímero D e outros possíveis fatores associados, além dos efeitos adversos da anticoagulação e meios de contraste. Métodos: Conduziu-se um estudo de coorte retrospectiva em um hospital público chileno. Foram incluídos os pacientes com idade acima de 18 anos com COVID-19, mecanicamente ventilados na unidade de terapia intensiva, admitidos entre março e junho de 2020. Todos os pacientes receberam tromboprofilaxia com heparina, que foi aumentada até uma dose de anticoagulação com níveis de dímero D acima de 3µg/mL. Resultados: Foram acompanhados 127 pacientes, dos quais 73 foram submetidos à angiografia por tomografia computadorizada (média de idade de 54 ± 12 anos; 49 homens). Sessenta e dois dos 73 pacientes (84,9%) receberam anticoagulação total antes da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada. Além disso, 18 dos 73 pacientes tiveram embolia pulmonar (24,7%). Na comparação entre pacientes com e sem embolia pulmonar, não se observaram diferenças significantes em termos de idade, sexo, obesidade, tabagismo, escores de Wells e Genebra revisado, dímero D ou mortalidade. O uso de anticoagulantes foi similar em ambos os grupos. O número de dias desde o início da anticoagulação até a angiografia por tomografia computadorizada foi significantemente menor no grupo com embolia pulmonar (p = 0,002). Três pacientes tiveram lesão renal aguda após o contraste (4,1%), e um paciente teve sangramento importante. Conclusão: Apesar da anticoagulação, um em cada quatro pacientes com COVID-19 submetidos à ventilação mecânica e avaliados com angiografia por tomografia computadorizada apresentou embolia pulmonar. Com uma maior demora para realização da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada após início de anticoagulação empírica, identificou-se um número significantemente menor de embolias

Abstract Objective: To assess pulmonary embolism incidence, its relationship with D-dimer levels and other possible associated factors in addition to anticoagulation and contrast medium adverse effects. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study at a Chilean public hospital was performed. Intensive care unit mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients older than 18 years old between March and June 2020 were included. All patients received heparin thromboprophylaxis, which was increased to the anticoagulation dose with D-dimer greater than 3µg/mL. Results: A total of 127 patients were followed up, of whom 73 underwent pulmonary computed tomography angiography (mean age, 54 ± 12 years; 49 men). Sixty-two of the 73 patients (84.9%) received full anticoagulation before computed tomography angiography. In addition, 18 of the 73 patients had pulmonary embolism (24.7%). When comparing patients with and without pulmonary embolism, no significant differences were observed in age, sex, obesity, smoking, Wells and revised Geneva scores, D-dimer or mortality. Anticoagulant use was similar in both groups. Days from the start of anticoagulation until computed tomography angiography were significantly lower in the pulmonary embolism group (p = 0.002). Three patients presented post contrast-acute kidney injury (4.1%), and one patient had major bleeding. Conclusion: Despite anticoagulation, one in four COVID-19 patients connected to mechanical ventilation and evaluated with pulmonary computed tomography angiography had pulmonary embolism. With a longer the delay in performing computed tomography angiography once empirical anticoagulation was started, significantly less pulmonary embolism was identified.

COVID-19 and Thromboinflammation: Is There a Role for Statins?

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) showed increased morbidity and mortality rates and worse prognosis in individuals with underlying chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. There is also evidence of possible links among COVID-19, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Emerging evidence suggests a pro-inflammatory milieu and hypercoagulable state in patients with this infection. Despite anticoagulation, a large proportion of patients requiring intensive care may develop life-threatening thrombotic complications. Indeed, the levels of some markers of hemostatic activation, such as D-dimer, are commonly elevated in COVID-19, indicating potential risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. In this review, we critically examine and discuss aspects of hypercoagulability and inflammation in COVID-19 and the possible benefits of statins in this scenario, with emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we present recommendations on the use of antiviral drugs in combination with statins.

Massive thrombosis and phlegmasia cerulea dolens while taking rivaroxaban: case report and review / Trombose maciça e flegmasia cerúlea dolens durante o uso de rivaroxabana: relato de caso e revisão

Abstract Our study describes a fatal case of phlegmasia cerulea dolens and massive venous thrombosis in a patient taking rivaroxaban regularly to treat cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Blood tests samples were positive for lupus anticoagulant. The unique evolution of the case, as well as the positivity for lupus anticoagulant, raises the possibility of an acquired hypercoagulation syndrome. We highlight the fact that the test recommended as the first line for lupus anticoagulant diagnosis (dilute Russell viper venom time) is the most affected by rivaroxaban, leading to a high prevalence of false-positive results. We also discuss potential diagnoses for the current case and review the current state-of-the-art of use of the novel oral anticoagulation agents in this unusual situation. So far, there are no recommendations to use such agents as first options in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or in hypercoagulation syndromes.

Resumo Nosso estudo descreve um caso fatal de flegmasia cerúlea dolens e trombose venosa maciça em um paciente usando regularmente rivaroxabana para o tratamento de trombose de seio venoso cerebral. A investigação laboratorial foi positiva para o anticoagulante lúpico. A evolução única do caso aumenta a possibilidade de uma síndrome de hipercoagulabilidade adquirida, bem como a positividade para o anticoagulante lúpico. Destacamos o fato de que o teste recomendado como primeira linha para o diagnóstico de anticoagulante lúpico (veneno de víbora de Russel diluído) é o mais afetado pela rivaroxabana, levando a uma alta prevalência de resultados falso-positivos. Também discutimos os potenciais diagnósticos para o presente caso e revisamos o estado da arte atual dos novos agentes de anticoagulação oral usados nessa situação incomum. Até o presente momento, não há recomendações para o uso de tais agentes como primeira opção na trombose de seios venosos cerebrais ou nas síndromes de hipercoagulação.

Mechanical heart valve thrombosis during pregnancy under non / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Anticoagulation drugs should be used for patients with mechanical heart valve (MHV) in case of potential risk of thrombosis. Pregnant women with MHV have to change therapies due to teratogenic effect of some anti-coagulation drugs. European Society of Cardiology clinical guidelines for the management of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy gives specific suggestions for anticoagulation therapy.We have treated 2 patients with mechanical heart valve thrombosis (MVT) during pregnancy: One received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) throughout the pregnancy and developed MVT at the third trimester of pregnancy; one developed MVT at the first trimester when replacing vitamin K antagonists (VKA) with LMWH. These patients raised secondary reflection on the balance between clinical guideline and personalized medicine. During LMWH therapy, we should dynamically monitor patients' anti-activated factor X (anti-Xa) level to evaluate coagulation function during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman with MHV develops symptoms of acute heart failure, stuck mechanical valve should be paid attention to and surgery should be promptly performed if necessary.

Problemas Relacionados à Trombocitopenia em Pacientes com Fibrilação Atrial Concomitante que Necessitam de Prevenção Antitrombótica: Um Estudo de Coorte Retrospectivo / Thrombocytopenia-Related Problems in Patients with Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation Requiring Antithrombotic Prevention: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Resumo Baixas doses de edoxabana e enoxaparina sódica foram objeto de uma comparação retrospectiva implementada com a técnica do escore de propensão a fim de mitigar os efeitos das diferenças nas características clínicas basais de duas coortes e minimizar o risco de viés. Posteriormente, usando um modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox, avaliou-se a associação de cada tipo de terapia com o risco do composto de morte por todas as causas, acidente vascular cerebral/ataque isquêmico transitório, hospitalizações e ocorrência de sangramentos maiores. Para essa análise, um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. A terapia com enoxaparina e cirrose hepática como causadora de trombocitopenia estiveram associadas ao aumento do risco do endpoint composto (enoxaparina: hazard ratio (HR): 3,31; IC 95%: 1,54 a 7,13; p = 0,0023; cirrose hepática, HR: 1,04; 95% CI: 1,002 a 1,089; p = 0,0410). Por outro lado, a terapia com edoxabana mostrou-se significativamente associada à diminuição do risco do endpoint composto (HR: 0,071; 95% CI: 0,013 a 0,373; p = 0,0019). Com base nessa análise retrospectiva, o edoxaban em doses baixas seria uma ferramenta farmacológica segura e eficaz para a profilaxia de eventos cardioembólicos em pacientes com FA e trombocitopenia.

Abstract Low-dose edoxaban and enoxaparin sodium have been the subject of a retrospective comparison implemented with the propensity score technique in order to mitigate the effects of the differences in the basal clinical features of two cohorts and minimize the risk of bias. Subsequently, using a Cox proportional-hazards model, the association of each type of therapy with the risk of the composite of all-cause death, stroke/transient ischemic attack, hospitalizations and major bleeding events was assessed. For this analysis, a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Therapy with enoxaparin and liver cirrhosis as causing thrombocytopenia were associated with increased risk of the composite endpoint (enoxaparin: hazard ratio (HR): 3.31; 95% CI: 1.54 to 7.13; p = 0.0023; liver cirrhosis, HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.089; p = 0.0410). Conversely, edoxaban therapy was significantly associated with decreased risk of the composite endpoint (HR: 0.071; 95% CI: 0.013 to 0.373; p = 0.0019). Based on this retrospective analysis, edoxaban at low doses would appear as an effective and safe pharmacological tool for the prophylaxis of cardioembolic events in patients with AF and thrombocytopenia.

Anticoagulação e prevenção de morbidade obstétrica em trombofilias hereditárias: mito ou verdade? / Anticoagulation and prevention of obstetric morbidity in hereditary thrombophilia: myth or truth?

Tem sido observado, corriqueiramente, o uso indiscriminado de anticoagulantes durante a gravidez com a finalidade de evitar perdas gestacionais. A eficácia do uso de anticoagulantes na prevenção de perdas, precoces e tardias, tem sido questionada, levando-se em consideração os impactos econômicos, sociais e psicológicos gerados nas famílias a partir da indicação da utilização dessa terapia. Dada a relevância do tema, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura nos bancos de dados PubMed, Cochrane Library e Medline com a finalidade de avaliar evidências científicas do uso e da eficácia de anticoagulação na gravidez. Na literatura revisada, não foi possível sustentar a hipótese de que a anticoagulação é capaz de intervir ativamente no sucesso do curso da gravidez. Conclui-se, portanto, que mais estudos devem ser realizados a fim de determinar intervenções eficazes ao casal, preservar a saúde do concepto e minimizar o impacto econômico, social e psicológico da utilização de anticoagulantes durante a gravidez.(AU)

In medical practice, the anticoagulants indiscriminate use during pregnancy has been commonly observed to prevent future pregnancy losses. The effectiveness of using anticoagulants in preventing losses, early and late, has been questioned taking into account the economic, social and psychological impacts generated on families from the indication of the use of such drugs. Given the relevance of the topic, a literature review was carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Medline databases in order to assess scientific evidence on the anticoagulation efficacy use in pregnancy. It was not possible to support the hypothesis that anticoagulation is able to actively intervene in the success of the course of pregnancy. It is concluded, therefore, that more studies should be carried out in order to determine effective interventions for the couple, preserve the health of the fetus and minimize the economic, social and psychological impact of the anticoagulants use during pregnancy.(AU)

SBA 2020: Regional anesthesia guideline for using anticoagulants update / SBA 2020: Atualização na diretriz da anestesia regional em uso de anticoagulantes

Abstract The development of protocols to prevent perioperative Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and the introduction of increasingly potent antithrombotic drugs have resulted in concerns of increased risk of neuraxial bleeding. Since the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology 2014 guideline, new oral anticoagulant drugs were approved by international regulating agencies, and by ANVISA. Societies and organizations that try to approach concerns through guidelines have presented conflicting perioperative management recommendations. As a response to these issues and to the need for a more rational approach, managements were updated in the present narrative review, and guideline statements made. They were projected to encourage safe and quality patient care, but cannot assure specific results. Like any clinical guide recommendation, they are subject to review as knowledge grows, on specific complications, for example. The objective was to assess safety aspects of regional analgesia and anesthesia in patients using antithrombotic drugs, such as: possible technique-associated complications; spinal hematoma-associated risk factors, prevention strategies, diagnosis and treatment; safe interval for discontinuing and reinitiating medication after regional blockade.

Resumo Os padrões evolutivos para a prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso perioperatório e a introdução de medicações antitrombóticas cada vez mais potentes resultaram em preocupações com o aumento do risco de sangramento neuroaxial. Após o consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia em 2014, novos medicamentos anticoagulantes orais foram aprovados pelas instituições reguladoras internacionais, assim como pela ANVISA. As sociedades que buscam abordar o manejo perioperatório desses fármacos apresentam recomendações conflitantes. Em resposta a essas questões e à necessidade de uma abordagem mais racional, as condutas foram atualizadas nesta revisão narrativa e feitas declarações de consenso. Elas foram projetadas para encorajar a assistência ao paciente de forma segura e de qualidade, mas não podem garantir um resultado específico. Tal como acontece com qualquer recomendação de orientação clínica, estas estão sujeitas a revisão com o conhecimento de avanços específicos de complicações. O objetivo foi avaliar aspectos da segurança em anestesia e analgesia regional em pacientes em uso de medicações antitrombóticas, tais como: possíveis complicações decorrentes da técnica; fatores de risco associados ao hematoma espinhal, estratégias de prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento; intervalo seguro para suspensão e reinício da medicação após o bloqueio regional.

Thromboprophylaxis during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle - literature review / Tromboprofilaxia no ciclo gravídico-puerperal - revisão da literatura

Abstract Objective To identify current strategies and recommendations for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis associated with the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, a condition of high morbidity and mortality among women. Methods The literature search was performed between May and October 2019, using the PubMed database, including papers published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The terms thromboembolism (Mesh) AND pregnancy (Mesh) OR postpartum (Mesh) were used as descriptors, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and guidelines published from 2009 to 2019, presenting strategies for prevention of thromboembolism during pregnancy and the postpartum. Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Many studies evaluated were excluded because they did not address prevention strategies. We compiled the recommendations from the American Society of Hematologists, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the American College of Chest Physicians and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Conclusion: There are some gaps in the research, and clinical studies with appropriate methodology are needed to support decisions made regarding the risk of thromboembolism in the perigestational period. Thus, the attention of the professionals involved in the care of pregnant and postpartum women is crucial, as it is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar as estratégias e recomendações atuais para profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso associado ao ciclo gravídico-puerperal, condição de alta morbimortalidade entre mulheres. Métodos A busca na literatura ocorreu entre maio e outubro de 2019, com pesquisa na base de dados do PubMed, contemplando trabalhos publicados nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Os termos thromboembolism (Mesh) AND pregnancy (Mesh) OR postpartum (Mesh) foram utilizados como descritores, incluindo ensaios clínicos randomizados, metanálises, revisões sistemáticas e diretrizes publicadas entre 2009 a 20019, apresentando estratégias de prevenção de tromboembolismo venoso durante a gravidez e o pós-parto. Resultados Oito artigos abordando estratégias de tromboprofilaxia primária e secundária durante a gestação, parto e puerpério foram selecionados para a presente revisão sistemática. Muitos estudos avaliados foram excluídos por não abordarem estratégias de prevenção. Foram compiladas as recomendações das seguintes sociedades: American Society of Hematologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, American College of Chest Physicians e Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Conclusão Até o presente momento, há algumas lacunas e estudos clínicos com metodologia adequada se fazem necessários para respaldar a tomada de decisão frente ao risco de tromboembolismo venoso no período perigestacional. Torna-se fundamental a atenção dos profissionais envolvidos no atendimento às gestantes e puérperas, pois trata-se de uma condição associada a alta morbimortalidade.

Trombocitopenia por agregados plaquetarios / Thrombocytopenia by aggregated platelet: case report

Introducción: la pseudotrombocitopenia inducida por EDTA (ácido etilendiamino tetraacético) es un fenómeno de aglutinación de plaquetas que se presenta in vitro, mediado por anticuerpos anti-plaquetarios de tipo IgG, IgA o IgM dirigidos contra el complejo glucoproteínico IIb/IIIa de la membrana plaquetaria. Caso clínico: presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente de 59 años de edad sometida a recambio valvular aórtico; clínicamente con evolución favorable durante el periodo posquirúrgico, sin embargo, en estudios de control se registra trombocitopenia severa, lo que llevo a cuestionar el uso de anticoagulantes y la necesidad de transfusión de plaquetas. Al realizar estudios complementarios se encontró agregados plaquetarios en el frotis de sangre periférica, posteriormente se realizó recuento seriado de plaquetas y comparación del histograma plaquetario, catalogando el caso como pseudotrombocitopenia. Conclusión: La trombocitopenia por agregados plaquetarios es una condición de baja incidencia (0.07% a 0.1%). Se debe a la agregación de plaquetas in vitro asociada al uso de anticoagulantes, frecuentemente etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA), en el presente caso también se asoció al uso de citrato de sodio. Este problema no se asocia a sangrado, sin embargo su desconocimiento pudo haber llevado a realizar procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos innecesarios

Introduction: EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) ­induced by pseudothrombocytopenia is a platelet agglutination phenomenon that occurs in vitro, which are mediated by anti-platelet antibodies of the IgG, IgA or IgM type directed against the glycoprotein complex IIb / IIIa of the platelet membrane . Clinical case: This is a clinical case of a 59-yearsold patient undergoing aortic valve replacement, clinically with a favorable evolution during the postoperative period, however, in control studies, severe thrombocytopenia was recorded, which led to questioning the use of anticoagulants and the need for platelet transfusion. When carrying out complementary studies, aggregated platelet were found in the peripheral blood smear, later, a serial platelet count and comparison of the platelet histogram were performed, classifying the case as pseudotrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia due to aggregated platelet is a low incidence condition (0.07% to 0.1%). It is due to the aggregation of platelets in vitro associated with the use of anticoagulants [frequently ethylenediamine tetra acetic (EDTA)]; in the present case it was also associated with the use of sodium citrate. This problem is not associated with bleeding; however its lack of knowledge leads to unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Alopecia em pacientes anticoagulados / Alopecia in anticoagulated patients

Resumo A alopecia é uma complicação comum da terapia anticoagulante que pode ter repercussões psicológicas importantes nos pacientes, especialmente nos do sexo feminino, e interferir na decisão de extensão da anticoagulação. Esta revisão tem como objetivo descrever os mecanismos potencialmente envolvidos na gênese da alopecia durante a terapia anticoagulante, pois eles ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos, e as terapias existentes, para a adoção das condutas mais adequadas.

Abstract Alopecia is a common complication of anticoagulant therapy that may have important psychological repercussions for patients, especially female patients, and can interfere with the decision to extend anticoagulation. This review aims to describe the mechanisms potentially involved in the genesis of alopecia during anticoagulant therapy, since these are not yet fully understood, and discusses the existing therapies for the most appropriate management.

Pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular tratados con antivitamina K o anticoagulantes directos: perfil de paciente y efectos a largo plazo / Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation on vitamin k antagonists or direct-acting oral anticoagulants: patients profile and long-term follow up outcomes

Resumen Introducción: La llegada de los anticoagulantes directos (ACD) ha supuesto un cambio en el tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) en los últimos años. Los objetivos de este estudio son determinar el grado de control de la anticoagulación con antivitamina K (AVK) y su posible implicación en efectos cardiovasculares adversos mayores (ECAM) y evaluar las diferencias entre el grupo en tratamiento con AVK respecto del grupo con ACD. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluyó a pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados con FANV valorados en el Servicio de Cardiología con un seguimiento de 18 meses. Se analizaron diferencias demográficas, clínicas y analíticas entre grupos, incluido el grado de control de la anticoagulación del grupo AVK y su posible relación con ECAM. Resultados: Se incluyó a 273 pacientes: 46.5% tratados con AVK, 42.5% con ACD y 11% sin tratamiento anticoagulante. El control de la anticoagulación con AVK fue del 62.1%, sin diferencias en ECAM en función de control. El grupo ACD presentó menos ECAM que el grupo de AVK (13.4 vs. 4.3%; HR, 0.90; 0.83-0.98; p = 0.01), con una menor mortalidad cardiovascular (0.0 vs. 5.5%; HR, 0.94; 0.90-0.98; p = 0.01) y total (0.9 vs. 12.6%; HR, 0.88; 0.82-0.94; p menor que 0,01), aunque sin diferencias significativas en eventos hemorrágicos (0.9 vs. 4.7%; p = 0.07) ni isquémicos (2.6 vs. 0.8%; p = 0.27). Discusión: Los pacientes con AVK poseen un perfil clínico diferente en comparación con los que reciben ACD. El control de anticoagulación del grupo de AVK fue inadecuado en casi la mitad de los casos. El grupo de AVK presentó más ECAM que el grupo de ACD.

Abstract Introduction: The arrival of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has led to a change in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in recent years. The objectives of this study are to determine the level of therapeutic control of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and its possible involvement in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to evaluate differences between the group on VKA with respect to the group on DOACs. Patients and methods: Prospective cohort study that included consecutive patients diagnosed with NVAF in Cardiology Consultations with a clinical follow-up of 18 months. Demographic, clinical and analytical differences between groups were analyzed, including the level of therapeutic control of anticoagulation on the VKA group and its association with MACE. Results: Overall, 273 patients were included: 46.5% on VKA, 42.5% on DOACs, 11% without antithrombotic treatment. Patients on VKA spent 62.1% of their time within therapeutic range (TTR by the Rosendaal formule). There were no differences in MACE depending on anticoagulation control. The DOACs group presented lesser MACE rate than the VKA group (13.4 vs. 4.3%; 0.90; HR 0.90; 0.83-0.98 p = 0.01) with lower cardiovascular mortality (0.0 vs. 5.5%; HR, 0.94; 0.90-0.98; p = 0.01) and total mortality (0.9 vs. 12.6%; HR, 0.88; 0.82-0.94; p less 0.01) although without significant differences in hemorrhagic (0.9 vs. 4.7 %; p = 0.07), or ischemic events (2.6 vs. 0.8%, p = 0.27). Conclusions: Patients on VKA have a different clinical profile than those who receive DOACs. Patients on VKA have an inadequate control of the anticoagulation in quite the half of the cases. The VKA group presented more MACE than the DOACs group.