Chronic Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. / Anticoagulação Crônica em Pacientes com Fibrilação Atrial e COVID-19: Uma Revisão Sistemática e Metanálise.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability. It remains uncertain whether ongoing anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who later contract COVID-19 improves clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To compare chronic oral anticoagulation with no previous anticoagulation in patients with AF who contracted a COVID-19 infection concerning the outcomes of all-cause mortality, COVID-19 mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospitalization. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for eligible studies from inception to December 2022. We included studies comparing COVID-19 outcomes in patients with versus without prior chronic anticoagulation for AF. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed according to Cochrane recommendations. RESULTS: Ten studies comprising 1,177,858 patients with COVID-19 and AF were identified, of whom 893,772 (75.9%) were on prior chronic anticoagulation for AF. In patients with COVID-19, being on chronic anticoagulation for AF significantly reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.99; p = 0.048; I2 = 89%) and COVID-19-related mortality (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.79; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) when compared with no prior anticoagulation. In contrast, there was no difference between groups regarding hospitalization (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.41; p = 0.587; I2 = 95%) or ICU admission (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.09; p = 0.216; I2 = 69%). CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis, chronic anticoagulation for patients with AF who contracted COVID-19 was associated with significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality and COVID-19-related mortality as compared with no previous anticoagulation.

FUNDAMENTO: A doença por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) está associada à hipercoagulabilidade. Permanece incerto se a anticoagulação contínua para fibrilação atrial (FA) em pacientes que posteriormente contraem COVID-19 melhora os desfechos clínicos. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a anticoagulação oral crônica com ausência de anticoagulação prévia em pacientes com FA que contraíram uma infecção por COVID-19 em relação aos desfechos de mortalidade por todas as causas, mortalidade por COVID-19, admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e hospitalização. MÉTODOS: Buscamos sistematicamente no PubMed, Embase e Cochrane Library estudos elegíveis desde o início até dezembro de 2022. Incluímos estudos que compararam desfechos de COVID-19 em pacientes com e sem anticoagulação crônica prévia para FA. Foram agrupadas razões de risco (RR) com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% por meio de um modelo de efeitos aleatórios. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em p < 0,05. As avaliações da qualidade e do risco de viés foram realizadas de acordo com as recomendações da Cochrane. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 10 estudos abrangendo 1.177.858 pacientes com COVID-19 e FA, dos quais 893.772 (75,9%) estavam em anticoagulação crônica prévia para FA. Em pacientes com COVID-19, a anticoagulação crônica para FA reduziu significativamente a mortalidade por todas as causas (RR 0,75; IC 95% 0,57 a 0,99; p = 0,048; I2 = 89%) e a mortalidade relacionada à COVID-19 (RR 0,76; IC 95% 0,72 a 0,79; p < 0,001; I2 = 0%) quando comparada com a ausência de anticoagulação prévia. Em contrapartida, não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à hospitalização (RR 1,08; IC 95% 0,82 a 1,41; p = 0,587; I2 = 95%) ou internação em UTI (RR 0,86; IC 95% 0,68 a 1,09; p = 0,216; I2 = 69%). CONCLUSÕES: Nesta metanálise, a anticoagulação crônica para pacientes com FA que contraíram COVID-19 foi associada a taxas significativamente mais baixas de mortalidade por todas as causas e mortalidade relacionada à COVID-19 em comparação com a ausência de anticoagulação anterior.

Risk factors and management of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with or without antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy: a multicenter real-world prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet and anticoagulation drugs complicate acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) patients. Limited data about the risk factors and patient management has been presented. This study explored the association between previous antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug usage and clinical outcomes in GIB patients to improve awareness further and optimize treatment. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, non-interventional, real-world prospective study in 106 hospitals in 23 provinces in China. GIB patients confirmed in the emergency department were included and were grouped according to previous drug histories. Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, and multivariate stratification models were performed separately to investigate the associations. RESULTS: A total of 2299 patients (57.23 ± 17.21 years old, 68.3% male) were included, of whom 20.1% and 2.9% received antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy, respectively. The all-cause 28-day mortality rates in patients without antiplatelet or anticoagulants, patients undergoing antiplatelet treatment, and patients with anticoagulation therapy were 2.8%, 4.6%, and 10.5%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, both antiplatelet [odd ratio (OR), 2.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.48-5.76; p = 0.002] and anticoagulation therapy (OR, 8.87; 95% CI, 3.02-26.02; p < 0.001) were associated with higher 28-day mortality. In the subgroup analysis, blood transfusion, especially red blood cell transfusion, in patients undergoing antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy was associated with a decreased death risk. CONCLUSION: We confirmed an association between concurrent antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy in GIB patients and elevated 28-day mortality. Blood transfusions could improve poor outcomes in such patients.

Inferior vena cava filter use at a large community hospital: a retrospective cohort study.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are considered when patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) develop a contraindication to anticoagulation. Use of IVC filters is increasing, despite associated complications and lack of data on efficacy in reducing VTE-related mortality. We characterized the pattern of IVC filter use at a large community hospital between 2018 and 2022. Specifically, we assessed the indications for IVC filter insertion, filter removal rates, and filter-associated complications. Indications for IVC filters were compared to those outlined by current clinical practice guidelines. We reviewed 120 consecutive filter placement events. The most common indications included recent VTE and active bleeding (40.0%) or need for anticoagulation interruption for surgery (25.8%). Approximately one-third (30.0%) of IVC filters were inserted for indications either not supported or addressed by guidelines. Half (50.0%) of patients had successful removal of their IVC filter. At least 13 patients (10.8%) experienced a filter-related complication. In a large community-based practice, nearly one-third of IVC filters were inserted for indications not universally supported by current practice guidelines. Moreover, most IVC filters were not removed, raising the risk of filter-associated complications, and supporting the need for development of comprehensive guidelines addressing use of IVC filters, and post-insertion monitoring practices.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Importance: The influence of race and ethnicity on initiation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is relatively understudied in Medicare data. Objective: To investigate disparities in the initiation of DOACs compared with warfarin by race, ethnicity, and social vulnerability. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used a 50% sample of Medicare fee-for-service data from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019 (mean patient enrollment duration, 7.7 years). Analysis took place between January 2023 and February 2024. A cohort of older adults (aged ≥65 years) with atrial fibrillation who newly initiated warfarin or DOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban) was identified. Exposure: Patients were classified as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic. Main Outcomes and Measures: The likelihood of starting use of DOACs compared with warfarin was modeled, adjusting for race, ethnicity, age, sex, county-level social vulnerability, and other clinical factors. Results: Among 950 698 anticoagulation initiations, consisting of 680 974 DOAC users and 269 724 warfarin users (mean [SD] age, 78.5 [7.6] years; 52.6% female), 5.2% were Black, 4.3% were Hispanic, and 86.7% were White. During the 10-year study period, DOAC use increased for all demographic groups. After adjustment, compared with White patients, Black patients were 23% less likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.75-0.79) and Hispanic patients were 13% less likely (AOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85-0.89) to initiate DOAC use. Disparities in DOAC initiation were greatest among Black patients in the earlier years but attenuated during the study period. For instance, in 2010, the OR of Black patients initiating DOACs was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.50-0.57), attenuating linearly over time to 0.69 by 2013 (95% CI, 0.65-0.74) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.89) by 2017. By 2019, these differences became nonsignificant (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99-1.18). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of Medicare patients with atrial fibrillation, Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to initiate DOACs for atrial fibrillation, although these differences diminished over time. Identifying the factors behind these early disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to novel therapies as they emerge for Black and Hispanic populations.

Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Adherence to Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients in Uruguay: First Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious, frequent, and preventable medical complication in hospitalized patients. Although the efficacy of prophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical) has been demonstrated, compliance with prophylaxis is poor at international and national levels. AIM: To determine the indication and use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients in Uruguay. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study involving 31 nationwide healthcare facilities was conducted. Baseline characteristics associated with hospital admission, the percentage of the population with an indication for thromboprophylaxis, and the percentage of patients receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis were assessed. The VTE risk was determined using the Padua score for medical patients; the Caprini score for surgical patients; the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines for pregnant-postpartum patients. RESULTS: 1925 patients were included, representing 26% of hospitalized patients in Uruguay. 71.9% of all patients were at risk of VTE. Of all patients at risk of VTE, 58.6% received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. The reasons for not receiving thromboprophylaxis were prescribing omissions in 16.1% of cases, contraindication in 15.9% and 9.4% of patients were already anticoagulated for other reasons. Overall, just 68% of patients were "protected" against VTE. Recommendations of major thromboprophylaxis guidelines were followed in 70.1% of patients at risk. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the progress made in adherence to thromboprophylaxis indications, nonadherence remains a problem, affecting one in six patients at risk of VTE in Uruguay.

Reversal or Repletion Treatment Strategies and Outcomes of Patients With Major Bleeding Events Managed in the Emergency Department: Large Real-Life Investigation in the Northwestern Healthcare District of Tuscany.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the incidence of bleeding events in patients on ongoing anticoagulant treatment in the real world and compare the results of different reversal or repletion strategies currently available for pharmacological treatment. METHODS: Patients managed in the emergency department (ED) with major bleeding events, on ongoing anticoagulation were stratified according to bleeding site and reversal or repletion therapy with andexanet alfa (ADX), idarucizumab (IDA), prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), and vitamin K (Vit-K). ENDPOINT: Death at 30 days was compared in the subgroups with cerebral hemorrhage (CH) and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. RESULTS: Of the 809,397 visits in the years 2022-2023 at 6 EDs in the northwestern health district of Tuscany, 5372 patients with bleeding events were considered; 3740 were excluded due to minor bleeding or propensity score matching. Of the remaining 1632 patients with major bleeding, 548 on ongoing anticoagulation were enrolled; 334 received reversal or repletion agents. Patients with CH (n = 176) and GI bleeding (n = 108) represented the primary analysis cohorts in the study's strategic treatment assessment. Overall, 30-day survival of patients on ongoing aFXa treatment receiving on-label ADX versus off-label PCC showed a relative increase of 71%, while 30-day survival of patients on ongoing aFII receiving on-label IDA versus off-label PCC showed a relative increase of 30%; no substantial difference was found when comparing on-label PCC combined with Vit-K versus off-label Vit-K alone. Indeed, patients undergoing on-label ADX or IDA showed a statistically significant difference over off-label PCC (ADX vs. PCC: n = 15, events = 4, mean ± SD 82.50 ± 18.9, vs. 49, 13, 98.82 ± 27, respectively; analysis of variance [ANOVA] variance 8627; P < 0.001; posthoc test diff 32, 95% confidence interval: 28-35; P < 001; IDA vs. PCC: 20, 5, 32.29 ± 15.0 vs. 2, 1, 28.00 ± 0.0, respectively; ANOVA 1484; P < 0.001; posthoc test -29, -29 -29, respectively; P = n.d.). On-label PCC combined with Vit-K showed overall a slight statistically significant difference versus off-label Vit-K alone (52, 16, 100.58 ± 22.6 vs. 53, 11, 154.62 ± 29.8, respectively; ANOVA 310; P < 0.02; posthoc test 4, 0.7-7.2, respectively; P < 0.02). Data were confirmed in the group of patients with CH (ADX vs. PCC: n = 13, events = 3, mean ± SD 91.55 ± 18.6 vs. 78, 21, 108.91 ± 20.9, respectively; ANOVA variance 10,091, F = 261; P < 0.001; posthoc difference test 36, 95% confidence interval: 30-41; P < 0.001; IDA vs. PCC: 10, 2, 4.50 ± 2.5 vs. 78, 21, 108.91 ± 20.9, respectively; ANOVA 16,876,303, respectively; P < 0.001; posthoc test 41, 34-47, respectively; P < 0.001). On-label PCC combined with Vit-K showed an overall slight statistically significant difference compared with off-label Vit-K alone (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 in the subgroups of CH and GI bleeding). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing specific reversal therapy with on-label ADX or IDA, when treated with aFXa or aFII anticoagulants, respectively, showed statistically elevated differences in 30-day death compared with off-label repletion therapy with PCC. Overall, 30-day survival of patients on ongoing aFXa or aFII receiving on-label reversal therapy with ADX or IDA compared with off-label PCC repletion agents showed an increase of 71% and 30%, respectively.

[Atrial fibrillation - what should be taken into account with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis?] / Vorhofflimmern ­ Was ist bei chronischer Nierenerkrankung und Hämodialyse zu beachten?

CKD is a common comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is not validated in patients with severe CKD and has a low predictive value in dialysis patients. As NOACs are partly eliminated by the kidneys the dosage has to be adapted in CKD. Recent studies indicate an acceptable safety profile for NOACs in CKD. However, larger randomized studies are still lacking. The results from prospective studies with placebo i.e., no anticoagulation therapy, are pending.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a potentially lethal subset of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis that may occur as a result of septic and aseptic etiologies. The overall incidence is estimated to be between 0.2 and 1.6 per 100,000 persons; and treatments include antibiotics, anticoagulation, corticosteroids, and surgery. Recent morbidity and mortality estimates are approximately 15% and 11%, respectively. Rapid identification and treatment are essential and may reduce the risk of poor outcome or death.

Tackling a deadly global phenomenon: sepsis induced coagulopathy: A narrative review.

Sepsis is a potentially fatal illness marked by organ failure and the two main causes of which are shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Multi-organ dysfunction in sepsis is mediated by the inflammatory cytokine storm, while sepsis induced coagulopathy is mediated and accelerated by activation of pro-coagulative mechanisms. Regardless of the severity of sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation is a potent predictor of mortality in septic patients. Additionally, oxidative stress in sepsis causes renal ischaemia and eventually acute kidney injury. The first and foremost goal is to initiate resuscitation immediately, with treatment mainly focussing on maintaining a balance of coagulants and anticoagulants. A simpler and more universal diagnostic criteria is likely to improve studies on the spectrum associated with sepsis.

Taking the Patient's Preferences into Account in the Anticoagulation Decision: Largely Lip-Service?

Clinical guidelines for the assessment and management of atrial fibrillation emphasize the importance of taking the patient's preferences into account. A detailed examination of those from the National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Care (NICE) raise serious questions about whether the recommendations embed preferences about crucial trade-offs that pre-empt those of the patient; do not stress the need to provide them with the information on option consequences necessary for them to become an informed patient; and characterise them as 'concordant' or 'discordant' rather than independently valid. American and European guidelines do not differ significantly in these respects.

Safety and efficacy of apixaban versus vitamin K antagonists in patients undergoing dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of apixaban vs. vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients on dialysis. METHODS: All types of studies published on PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 10 September 2023 and comparing outcomes of apixaban vs. VKA in dialysis patients were eligible. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six retrospective studies were included. Apixaban treatment was associated with significantly lower risk of major bleeding (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.77; I2 = 50%) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.98, I2 = 9%) compared to VKA. Meta-analysis also showed that the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.85, I2 = 16%) and intracranial bleeding (RR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.84, I2 = 0%) was significantly reduced with apixaban. Meta-analysis showed no difference in the risk of ischemic stroke (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.06, 2.69, I2 = 0%), mortality (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.74, 2.16, I2 = 94%) and recurrent venous thromboembolism (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.21, I2 = 0%) between the two groups. Subgroup analysis of RCTs showed no difference in bleeding outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Low-quality evidence from a mix of RCTs and retrospective studies shows that apixaban may have better safety and equivalent efficacy as compared to VKA in dialysis patients. Apixaban treatment correlated with significantly reduced risk of major bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding in observational studies but not in RCTs. The predominance of retrospective data warrants caution in the interpretation of results.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Current guidelines recommend the standard-of-care anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonists or low-molecular-weight heparin) in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Herein, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with the current standard of care in patients with CVT. We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases up to December 2023 to identify clinical trials on the effect of DOACs in patients with CVT. A Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model was applied, and the effect measures were expressed as the absolute risk differences (RDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 4 RCTs involving 270 participants were included. In the pooled analysis, DOACs and standard of care had low incidence rates of recurrent VTE and all-cause death, and similar rates of any recanalization (78.2% vs 83.2%; RD = -4%, 95%CI:-14% to 5%) and complete recanalization (60.9% vs 69.4%; RD = -7%, 95%CI:-24% to 10%). Compared with the standard of care, DOACs had non-significant reductions in the rates of major bleeding (1.2% vs 2.4%; RD = -1%, 95%CI: -6% to 3%), intracranial hemorrhage (1.9% vs 3.6%; RD = -2%, 95%CI:-7% to 3%), clinically relevant non-major bleeding (3.8% vs 7.4%; RD = -4%, 95%CI:-9% to 2%), and any bleeding (17.3% vs 21.4%; RD = -4%, 95%CI:-16% to 8%) in patients with CVT. DOACs and standard of care showed similar efficacy and safety profiles for the treatment of CVT. DOACs might be safe and a convenient alternative to vitamin K antagonists for thromboprophylaxis in patients with CVT.

Utility of TTR-INR guided warfarin adjustment protocol to improve time in therapeutic range in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving warfarin.

Warfarin remains the most prescribed oral anticoagulant of choice in atrial fibrillation (AF) patient in resource-limited settings. Despite evidence linking Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) to patient outcomes, its use in clinical practice is not widespread. This prospective study explores the impact of a TTR-INR guided Warfarin adjustment protocol on TTR in AF patients. Conducted at the Warfarin clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. TTR was calculated using the Rosendaal linear interpolation method at baseline, and then at 6 and 12 months post-protocol implementation. The primary outcome was the improvement in TTR following the protocol's implementation. The study analyzed 57 patients, with a mean age of 72 years and an even gender distribution. At baseline, 53% of patients had a TTR of less than 65%. However, TTR significantly improved from 65% at baseline to 80% after 12 months of protocol implementation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients with a TTR of 65% or more, from 47 to 88% (p < 0.001). During the follow-up period in the first 12 months, three patients died, but no ischemic or major bleeding events occurred. The significant improvement in TTR after 12 months of protocol implementation suggests that this strategy could provide additional value in improving TTR and outcomes in AF patients receiving Warfarin.

Oral Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin After inferior Vena cava Filter Implantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared to warfarin after inferior vena cava (IVC) filter implantation. METHOD: This retrospective analysis includes data from 100 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who underwent IVC filter implantation due to a free-floating thrombus (n = 64), thrombus propagation (n = 8), or acute bleeding (n = 8) on therapeutic anticoagulation, catheter-directed thrombolysis (n = 8), or had previously implanted filter with DVT recurrence. Patients were treated with warfarin (n = 41) or rivaroxaban (n = 59) for 3-12 months. Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding events were assessed at 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: Three (7.3%) cases of VTE recurrence without IVC filter occlusion occurred on warfarin and none on rivaroxaban. The only (2.4%) major bleeding occurred on warfarin. Three (5.1%) clinically relevant non-major bleedings were detected on rivaroxaban. No significant differences existed between groups when full and propensity scores matched datasets were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Rivaroxaban seems not less effective and safe than warfarin after IVC filter implantation.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: First Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are becoming increasingly popular clinically, but their safety and effectiveness profile in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is not well-established. Literature from the PubMed and EMBASE databases was systematically screened up to February 2024 to identify relevant studies on the use of DOACs in CTEPH patients. The bias risk of RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. The quality of observational prospective cohorts was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tool. Data pooled from different studies were analyzed. Results from 4 studies were gathered, including 2 randomized controlled trials and 2 prospective cohorts, with a total of 2038 patients, of which 751 were on DOACs and 1287 were on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Similar rates of all-cause mortality (3.33% vs 3.33%, RD = -0.01%, 95% CI [-0.02%, 0.00%], P = .17), VTE recurrence (1.46% vs 2.12%, RD = -0.00%, 95% CI [-0.01%, 0.01%], P = .92) were observed. DOACs were associated with a nonsignificant reduction in bleeding events including major bleeding (2.22% vs 3.71%, RD = -0.01%, 95% CI [-0.04%, 0.01%], P = .30), any bleeding (5.33% vs 9.94%, RD = -0.03%, 95% CI [-0.07%, 0.01%], P = .10), and minor bleeding (4.17% vs 13.3%, RD = -0.06%, 95% CI [-0.23%, 0.10%], P = .45). Data pooled from existing perspective trials suggests the use of DOACs in CTEPH patients as an effective and safe alternative to VKAs.

Mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis: A literature review of treatment strategies.

Mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis (MPVT) is a common complication of valvular implantations. This study compared the efficacy and safety of different treatments for MPVT. A systematic search of electronic databases identified studies evaluating surgical, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic therapies. Although several studies of different types have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these treatment strategies the lack of randomized controlled trials has resulted in the inability to make a definitive conclusion about the pros and cons of these treatments. Recent treatments, such as slow and ultraslow infusion of thrombolytics, showed comparable efficacy and lower complication rates than traditional methods. Inadequate anticoagulant use is a major risk factor for MPVT, highlighting the importance of prevention. Treatment selection should be individualized based on patient factors and available expertise. Overall, slow and ultraslow infusion of thrombolytics may be a promising treatment option for MPVT.

Risk factors for delayed colorectal postpolypectomy bleeding: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To systematically analyze risk factors for delayed postpolypectomy bleeding (DPPB) in colorectum. METHODS: We searched seven large databases from inception to July 2022 to identify studies that investigated risk factors for DPPB. The effect sizes were expressed by relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The heterogeneity was analyzed by calculating I2 values and performing sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles involving 24,074 subjects were included in the study. The incidence of DPPB was found to be 0.02% (95% CI, 0.01-0.03), with an I2 value of 98%. Our analysis revealed that male sex (RR = 1.64), history of hypertension (RR = 1.54), anticoagulation (RR = 4.04), polyp size (RR = 1.19), polyp size ≥ 10 mm (RR = 2.43), polyp size > 10 mm (RR = 3.83), polyps located in the right semicolon (RR = 2.48) and endoscopic mucosal resection (RR = 2.99) were risk factors for DPPB. CONCLUSIONS: Male sex, hypertension, anticoagulation, polyp size, polyp size ≥ 10 mm, polyps located in the right semicolon, and endoscopic mucosal resection were the risk factors for DPPB. Based on our findings, we recommend that endoscopists should fully consider and implement effective intervention measures to minimize the risk of DPPB.