VTE Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill adults are at increased risk of VTE, including DVT, and pulmonary embolism. Various agents exist for venous thromboprophylaxis in this population. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the comparative efficacy and safety of prophylaxis agents for prevention of VTE in critically ill adults? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating efficacy of thromboprophylaxis agents among critically ill patients. We searched six databases (including PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline) from inception through January 2021 for RCTs of patients in the ICU receiving pharmacologic, mechanical, or combination therapy (pharmacologic agents and mechanical devices) for thromboprophylaxis. Two reviewers performed screening, full-text review, and extraction. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation to rate certainty of effect estimates. RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs (9,619 patients). Compared with control treatment (a composite of no prophylaxis, placebo, or compression stockings only), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) reduced the incidence of DVT (OR, 0.59 [95% credible interval [CrI], 0.33-0.90]; high certainty) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) may reduce the incidence of DVT (OR, 0.82 [95% CrI, 0.47-1.37]; low certainty). LMWH probably reduces DVT compared with UFH (OR, 0.72 [95% CrI, 0.46-0.98]; moderate certainty). Compressive devices may reduce risk of DVT compared with control treatments; however, this is based on low-certainty evidence (OR, 0.85 [95% CrI, 0.50-1.50]). Combination therapy showed unclear effect on DVT compared with either therapy alone (very low certainty). INTERPRETATION: Among critically ill adults, compared with control treatment, LMWH reduces incidence of DVT, whereas UFH and mechanical compressive devices may reduce the risk of DVT. LMWH is probably more effective than UFH in reducing incidence of DVT and should be considered the primary pharmacologic agent for thromboprophylaxis. The efficacy and safety of combination pharmacologic therapy and mechanical compressive devices were unclear. TRIAL REGISTRY: Open Science Framework; URL: https://osf.io/694aj.

Rethinking decongestive lymphoedema treatment during the pandemic.

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, lymphoedema and community clinicians have had to modify how they implement intensive treatments for patients with lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Using novel approaches to treat and move patients towards self-management regimes has enabled patients to be in control of their condition, particularly if they are unable to attend normal clinic appointments. This article explores how using Haddenham easywrap instead of time- and resource-intensive bandaging regimes, alongside the Haddenham LymphFlow Advance, as part of self-management programmes, can benefit patients' quality of life, reduce costs and resource use and enable patients to self-manage this long-term chronic condition more effectively.

Prevention and treatment of COVID-19-associated hypercoagulability: Recommendations of the Algerian society of transfusion and hemobiology.

Since December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, has spread throughout the world. Coagulation dysfunction is one of the major causes of death in patients with severe COVID-19. Several recent observations in Algeria and elsewhere maintain that a pulmonary embolism is frequent in patients with COVID-19 with a high incidence in intensive care. In addition, other studies have shown that many deceased patients have diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) set by the International society of hemostasis and thrombosis (ISTH). The office of the Algerian society of transfusion and hemobiology composed of hemostasis and blood transfusion experts from Algerian hospitals on the epidemic front line have established a consensus on the issue through 4 axes: Indication of thromboprophylaxis, monitoring of hemostasis, indications of transfusion in the event of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and anticoagulant treatment after discharge.

Postpartum Atypical Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a COVID-19 Patient - An Obstetric Emergency.

Encephalopathy in COVID-19 has been widely reported with several reports of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) speculated to be due to an abrupt surge in blood pressure caused by coronavirus disease. Though peripartum posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is well recognized, its atypical variant with hemorrhage is uncommon. Peripartum atypical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with COVID-19 requires early recognition and warrants dedicated inter-disciplinary management. We present a case of postpartum atypical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with good maternal and fetal outcome. Our clinical and treatment approach with differential diagnosis are discussed in this hitherto unreported obstetric emergency with COVID-19.