Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis (J Thromb Thrombolysis)

Publications in this journal

• Article: Influence of VKORC1 gene polymorphisms on the effect of oral vitamin K supplementation in over-anticoagulated patients.

  Priccila Zuchinali, Gabriela C Souza, Graziella Aliti, Mariana R Botton, Lívia Goldraich, Katia G Santos, Mara H Hutz, Eliane Bandinelli, Luis E Rohde
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  ABSTRACT: Significant inter-individual variability on the effect of vitamin K to reverse overanticoagulation has been identified. Genetic polymorphisms of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) gene might explain in part this variability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of VKORC1 -1639G>A and 3730G>A polymorphisms on the effect of oral vitamin K supplementation in overanticoagulated patients. We performed an interventional trial of oral vitamin K supplementation in over-anticoagulated outpatients (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 4). Subjects received vitamin K (2.5-5.0 mg) according to baseline INR and were genotyped by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). INR values were determined at 3, 6, 24 and 72 h after supplementation. We evaluated 33 outpatients, 61 % were males, with a mean age of 62 ± 12 years old. There was a significant decrease in INR values over time for both polymorphisms after oral vitamin K. At 3 h after supplementation, patients carrying the G allele for the -1639G>A polymorphism had a greater decrease in INR values compared to AA patients (p < 0.05 for difference among groups; p < 0.001 for time variation; p = 0.001 for time × group interaction), with differences of -1.01 for GG versus AA (p = 0.003) and -0.84 for GA versus AA (p = 0.024). Mean INR value at 24 h was 1.9 ± 0.6 and at 72 h was 2.1 ± 0.7, with no differences among genotypes. No significant interaction was identified between the 3730G>A polymorphism and vitamin K supplementation. Our study indicated that the VKORC1 -1639G>A polymorphism plays a role in the response to acute vitamin K supplementation in over-anticoagulated patients, with faster decrease of INR value in patients carrying the G allele.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 06/2013;
• Article: Lupus anticoagulant, warfarin, and alternative laboratory monitoring of anticoagulation.

  Siva S Ketha, Rajiv K Pruthi, Robert D McBane, Waldemar E Wysokinski
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 06/2013;
• Article: Warfarin use and long-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation.

  James A Nelson, John P Vavalle, Christopher H May, Aijing Zhang, L Kristin Newby, Linda K Shaw, Sana M Al-Khatib, John H Alexander, Christopher B Granger, Renato D Lopes
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  ABSTRACT: Warfarin use in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging. We describe use of warfarin up to 1 year after hospitalization among patients with AMI and AF according to stroke and bleeding risk, and identify factors associated with long-term mortality in this population. Patients with AMI and AF who underwent cardiac catheterization during their AMI hospitalization in 1995-2007 were identified from the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease. Warfarin use at discharge, 6 months, and 1 year as well as long-term vital status were assessed by surveys. Rates of warfarin use were presented according to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc stroke and ATRIA bleeding risk scores. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine whether warfarin use at discharge was independently associated with 1-year mortality. A total of 879 patients hospitalized with AMI with AF were identified. Median age was 72 (25th, 75th percentiles: 64, 79), and median follow-up was 4.1 years (1.3, 7.4). The rate of warfarin use at discharge was 24 % and did not differ by CHADS2, CHA2DS2VASc, or ATRIA risk scores. Warfarin use remained similar at 6 months (26 %) and 1 year (27 %). Long-term mortality was high and did not differ by whether warfarin was or was not prescribed at discharge (72 and 71 %, respectively). Factors associated with 1-year mortality were history of heart failure (HR 1.58, 95 % CI 1.32-1.90), higher Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.11-1.28), and older age (HR 1.03 per 1-year increase, 95 % CI 1.02-1.05). Warfarin use at discharge among patients hospitalized for AMI who had comorbid AF was low and remained low at 1 year. Warfarin use at hospital discharge was not associated with either 1-year mortality or long-term mortality.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 06/2013;
• Article: Hyperintensity in the subarachnoid space on contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery magnetic resonance imaging after central venous catheter removal.

  Kyusik Kang, Sehoon Lee
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  ABSTRACT: Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of central venous catheterization. A 61-year-old man developed a left-sided hemiparesis immediately after his right jugular venous catheter removal. A diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained 2 h after the symptom onset was normal. However, postgadolinium cerebral spinal fluid enhancement was seen on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery MRI. A repeat diffusion-weighted MRI, 18 h later, showed restricted diffusion in the bilateral hemispheres. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier caused by the air bubbles might lead to accumulation of gadolinium in the subarachnoid space. Postgadolinium cerebral spinal fluid enhancement may be an early, sensitive predictor of blood-brain barrier disruption and impending cerebral infarct after air embolism.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 06/2013;
• Article: Urokinase-coated chitosan nanoparticles for thrombolytic therapy: preparation and pharmacodynamics in vivo.

  Hai-Jiang Jin, Hao Zhang, Min-Li Sun, Bai-Gen Zhang, Ji-Wei Zhang
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  ABSTRACT: Blood reperfusion of affected limbs is the most effective therapy for peripheral vascular thrombotic disease, restoring nutrition and blood flow to threatened tissues. Because it is more cost-effective than other thrombolytics, urokinase (UK) is widely used to treat venous thrombosis in China. However, its use is limited because of the risk of UK-related hemorrhagic complications. UK-coated nanoparticles (NPs) may decrease adverse effects while simultaneously increasing thrombolytic benefits. The aim of this study was to combine the sustained-release properties of NPs with the clinical benefits of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) to create a promising new therapy. NPs were prepared via self-assembled chitosan and tripolyphosphate, introduced into a thrombosis model in New Zealand white rabbits, and the ratio of the residual thrombus cross-sectional area to the vascular cross-sectional area was calculated. The NPs had a drug-bearing efficiency of 14.5 ± 1.3 %, an encapsulation efficiency of 94.8 ± 2.1 % while the particle size of UK-coated NPs was 236 nm. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the shape of the NPs were spherical and regular. Whether delivered by intravenation or catheter, UK-coated NPs produced a significant increase in the thrombolytic effect compared with free UK and confirmed the superiority of CDT for improving clot lysis over drug-induced systemic thrombolysis. The intravenous NPs caused an abnormal increase in fibrinogen. In conclusion, a water-soluble UK-WCS-NP suspension with good encapsulation efficiency was easily prepared UK-WCS-NPs were capable of maintaining UK activity, provided sustained-release of UK and exhibited better thrombolytic function than free UK.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 06/2013;
• Article: Resident performed two-point compression ultrasound is inadequate for diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in the critically III.

  Jonathan Caronia, Adrian Sarzynski, Babak Tofighi, Ramyar Mahdavi, Charles Allred, Georgia Panagopoulos, Bushra Mina
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  ABSTRACT: Doppler ultrasonography is a standard in diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) but is often delayed. Clinician-performed focused vascular sonography (FVS) has proven to accurately diagnose DVT in the ambulatory and emergency room settings. Whether trained medical residents can perform quality FVS in the critically ill is unknown. Medical residents were trained in a 2-hour module in FVS assessing for complete compressibility of common femoral and popliteal veins. Residents imaged consecutive medical ICU and intermediate care patients awaiting comprehensive, sonographer-performed and radiologist-interpreted examinations. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the focused examination were calculated against the comprehensive study. Fleiss Kappa (κ), the degree of agreement between resident and radiologist, was calculated. Time savings was measured. Nineteen residents performed 143 studies on 75 patients. Twelve patients had above-the-knee DVTs, a prevalence of 16 %. All 6 common femoral and 7 of 9 popliteal vein DVTs were identified. None of 6 isolated superficial femoral DVTs were identified. Sensitivity for above-the-knee DVT was 63 %, specificity 97 %. Sensitivity for common femoral and popliteal DVT was 86 %, specificity 97 %. Residents showed substantial agreement with radiologists for diagnosis of DVT (κ = 0.70, SE 0.114, p < 0.001).Time from order of a formal ultrasound to a radiologist's read averaged 14.7 h. The two-point compression ultrasound method demonstrated insufficient sensitivity in a cohort of critically ill medical patients due to a high-incidence of superficial femoral DVT. However, residents demonstrated substantial agreement with radiologists for the diagnosis of clinically relevant DVT after a 2-hour course. FVS should include the superficial femoral vein and is associated with a significant time savings.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Modern antiplatelet management of coronary artery bypass patients: a role of platelet function testing in decision making.

  Mate Petricevic, Bojan Biocina, Ivica Safradin, Davor Milicic
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Intravascular blood sampling using the Thrombuster II catheter does not cause artifactual platelet activation.

  Gabrielle J Pennings, Justine Siegwald, Andy S C Yong, Leonard Kritharides, Harry C Lowe
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  ABSTRACT: Platelets and leukocytes play an important role in atherosclerotic plaque progression. Determining the activation state of both the platelet and leukocyte population at the lesion site has become increasingly of interest. A novel thrombus aspiration catheter, the Thrombuster II (Kaneka Medical Products, Osaka, Japan), has recently been introduced into clinical practice, and is finding rapidly increasing use. This catheter is capable of local blood collection within the coronary tree, but to our knowledge has not previously been validated to demonstrate lack of platelet activation. This study therefore aims to establish whether or not blood sampling via the Thrombuster II results in artefactual platelet activation. Duplicate blood samples were obtained from the descending aorta using both the Thrombuster II and a femoral arterial sheath (control). The samples were collected into CTAD (to minimize ex vivo activation) blood collection tubes and processed for flow cytometry analysis. Platelet activation was assessed based on the expression of CD62P, PAC-1 binding and platelet CD147 expression. Platelet-leukocyte aggregates were also examined. No significant difference was noted between the sheath samples and the Thrombuster II catheter. The Thrombuster II catheter is a novel thrombus aspiration device capable of providing the assessment of platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregates in coronary arteries.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: EPC mobilization after erythropoietin treatment in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: the REVEAL EPC substudy.

  Thomas J Povsic, Samer S Najjar, Kristi Prather, Jiying Zhou, Stacie D Adams, Katherine L Zavodni, Francine Kelly, Laura G Melton, Vic Hasselblad, John F Heitner, Subha V Raman, Gregory W Barsness, Manesh R Patel, Raymond J Kim, Edward G Lakatta, Robert A Harrington, Sunil V Rao
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  ABSTRACT: Erythropoietin (EPO) was hypothesized to mitigate reperfusion injury, in part via mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The REVEAL trial found no reduction in infarct size with a single dose of EPO (60,000 U) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. In a substudy, we aimed to determine the feasibility of cryopreserving and centrally analyzing EPC levels to assess the relationship between EPC numbers, EPO administration, and infarct size. As a prespecified substudy, mononuclear cells were locally cryopreserved before as well as 24 and 48-72 h after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. EPC samples were collected in 163 of 222 enrolled patients. At least one sample was obtained from 125 patients, and all three time points were available in 83 patients. There were no significant differences in the absolute EPC numbers over time or between EPO- and placebo-treated patients; however, there was a trend toward a greater increase in EPC levels from 24 to 48-72 h postintervention in patients receiving ≥30,000 U of EPO (P = 0.099 for CD133(+) cells, 0.049 for CD34(+) cells, 0.099 for ALDH(br) cells). EPC numbers at baseline were inversely related to infarct size (P = 0.03 for CD133(+) cells, 0.006 for CD34(+) cells). Local whole cell cryopreservation and central EPC analysis in the context of a multicenter randomized trial is feasible but challenging. High-dose (≥30,000 U) EPO may mobilize EPCs at 48-72 h, and baseline EPC levels may be inversely associated with infarct size.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Giant right atrial thrombus in premature newborn.

  Ali Baykan, Abdullah Ozyurt, Levent Korkmaz, Ozge Pamukcu, Mustafa Argun, Adnan Ozturk, Selim Kurtoglu, Nazmi Narin
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  ABSTRACT: Pediatric guidelines for treatment options of right atrial thrombosis in newborn are quite limited. Herein we present a case with giant atrial thrombosis resulting from umbilical venous catheter and intend to discuss the therapy in the area of current literature on right atrial thrombus in newborn and children.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.

  E Conti, L Zezza, E Ralli, C Comito, L Sada, J Passerini, D Caserta, S Rubattu, C Autore, M Moscarini, M Volpe
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  ABSTRACT: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy or early after delivery, remaining a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in both states. The absolute incidence of pregnancy-associated VTE has been reported as 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 2,000 deliveries. With 5-6 million new births computed in Europe in 2010, the potential clinical relevance of diagnosing and treating gravidic VTE is immediately evident. Fivefold higher in a pregnant as compared with a non-pregnant woman, VTE risk is also higher in postpartum than antepartum period. Ranked absolute and relative thrombotic risk may be described in the several thrombophilic conditions experienced by women at risk, according to which specific prophylactic and therapeutic recommendations have been formulated by recent guidelines. The main purpose of the present review article was to emphasize the most recent findings and recommendations in diagnostic strategies, discussing thrombophilic risk evaluation, as well as risks and benefits of various diagnostic techniques for both mother and fetus.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Lemierre's syndrome: the forgotten disease.

  Katrine Johannesen, Uffe Bødtger, Ole Heltberg
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  ABSTRACT: Lemierre's syndrome is an often un-diagnosed disease seen in previously healthy young subjects, presenting with symptoms of pharyngitis, fever and elevated markers of inflammation. The syndrome is characterised by infectious thrombosis of the jugular vein due to infection with Fusobacteria, causing a variety of infectious complications. Rapid diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid severe complications or death. Close collaboration with local microbiologist is pivotal. Treatment consists of longterm treatment with penicillin and metronidazole. This is a case report of Lemierre's syndrome.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Prednisone versus high-dose dexamethasone for untreated primary immune thrombocytopenia. A retrospective study of the Japan Hematology & Oncology Clinical Study Group.

  Kana Sakamoto, Hideki Nakasone, Shigeharu Tsurumi, Ko Sasaki, Kinuko Mitani, Michiko Kida, Akira Hangaishi, Kensuke Usuki, Ayako Kobayashi, Ken Sato, Mariko Karasawa-Yamaguchi, Koji Izutsu, Yasushi Okoshi, Shigeru Chiba, Yoshinobu Kanda
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  ABSTRACT: High-dose dexamethasone (HDD) has been shown to be an effective initial treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but it is not clear whether HDD offers any advantages over conventional-dose prednisone (PSL). We retrospectively compared the efficacy and toxicity of HDD and PSL for newly diagnosed ITP. The response was evaluated according to the International Working Group (IWG) criteria. We analyzed data from 31 and 69 patients in the HDD and PSL groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups except for the incidence of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The response rate was better in the HDD group (42.7 vs. 28.4 %), and this difference was statistically significant when adjusted for other factors including the eradication of H. pylori. In the HDD group, a response was achieved earlier (28 vs. 152 days in median) and steroids were more frequently discontinued at 6 months (64.5 vs. 37.7 %). Among patients who achieved a response, there was no significant difference in the incidence of loss of response. There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse events, transition to chronic ITP, and splenectomy. In conclusion, HDD might enable the early cessation of steroids without a loss of response.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Clinical features in patients with pulmonary embolism at a community hospital: analysis of 4 years of data.

  Navin Bajaj, Andrew L Bozarth, Juan Guillot, Joseph Kojokittah, Sri Ram Appalaneni, Cesar Cestero, Raymond Kofi Amankona, James A Pippim
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  ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to assess the various clinical features, risk factors, and electrocardiographic (EKG) findings associated with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Knowledge gained from the study may enable health care providers in diagnosis of PE, thus allowing them to carry out appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment after recognition of this potentially lethal disease. PE is common but frequently under-diagnosed clinical problem, associated with potentially fatal outcomes. Clinical presentation is highly variable, non-specific and most patients have an underlying identifiable risk factor. The presentation of PE can easily be confused with other cardio-pulmonary or systemic disorders. Prompt diagnosis of this potentially deadly disease is of utmost importance. Knowledge of salient features associated with PE may enable health care providers in diagnosis of PE, thus allowing them to carry out appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment after its recognition. We performed a single-center, cross-sectional descriptive study including all inpatient and emergency department encounters ≥18 years of age diagnosed with PE at our institution, a 300-bed inner city community hospital, during the dates January 2007 to December 2010. All patients were diagnosed with multi-detector 64-slice spiral computed tomography angiography. Using a standardized form, we performed simultaneous retrospective chart review to collect the necessary data required for the study. PE was confirmed in 334 patients during the 4 years study period. Mean age of subjects was 65.8 years (±16.4, range 22-98). Females represented 54 % of study subjects. Dyspnea, chest pain, and cough were present in 72, 38, and 19 % of the patients, respectively. Dyspnea was the only presenting symptom in 29 %. Tachypnea, hypoxia, tachycardia, and signs of DVT were present in 39, 35, 33, and 29 %, respectively. Cancer was most common risk factor present in 27 %, followed by prior history of venous thromboembolism (DVT or PE), immobilization, and surgery in 19, 15, and 15, respectively. EKG interpretation revealed normal sinus rhythm in 53 %, sinus tachycardia in 31 %, S1Q3T3 pattern in 6 %, and atrial fibrillation (AF) in 6 %.We also noted that 8 % of elderly patients had new onset AF at the time of diagnosis of PE. Diagnosis of PE remains a challenging task due to its variable presentation. Many of the classical features associated with this potentially fatal disease are often missing. This data re-emphasizes a wide spectrum of clinical presentation and non-specificity of symptoms of PE. Clinical suspicion of PE is a critical step and of paramount importance for further objective investigations, which would assist in the diagnosis and appropriate timely management of PE.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Discrepant ratios of arterial versus venous thrombosis in hemophilia A as compared with hemophilia B.

  Antonio Girolami, Irene Bertozzi, Giulia Berti de Marinis, Valentina Tasinato, Luisa Sambado
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  ABSTRACT: The occurrence of thrombosis in patients with congenital bleeding disorders represents an exceptional event. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B patients have been showed to present both arterial and venous thrombosis (85 cases of arterial thrombosis and 34 cases of venous thrombosis). The great majority of arterial thrombosis are myocardial infarction or other acute coronary syndromes, whereas the majority of venous thrombosis are deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolisms. However there are discrepancies in the proportion of arterial and venous thrombosis seen in hemophilia A versus hemophilia B. The ratio of arterial versus venous thrombosis in hemophilia A is 3.72 whereas that for hemophilia B is 1.12. This indicates that arterial thrombosis is more frequent in hemophilia A as compared to hemophilia B and the opposite is true for venous thrombosis. The potential significance of this discrepancy is discussed.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: The effect of CYP2C9, VKORC1 and CYP4F2 polymorphism and of clinical factors on warfarin dosage during initiation and long-term treatment after heart valve surgery.

  Vacis Tatarunas, Vaiva Lesauskaite, Audrone Veikutiene, Pranas Grybauskas, Povilas Jakuska, Laima Jankauskiene, Ruta Bartuseviciute, Rimantas Benetis
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  ABSTRACT: The dosage of warfarin is restricted due to its narrow therapeutic index, so, the required dose must be adapted individually to each patient. Variations in warfarin dosage are influenced by genetic factors, the changes in patient diet, anthropometric and clinical parameters. To determine whether VKORC1 G3730A and CYP4F2 G1347A genotypes contribute to warfarin dosage in patients during initiation and long-term anticoagulation treatment after heart valve surgery. From totally 307 patients, who underwent heart valve surgery, 189 patients (62 %) who had been treated with warfarin more than 3 months, were included into the study. A hierarchical stepwise multivariate linear regression model showed, that during initiation clinical factors can explain 17 % of the warfarin dose variation. The addition of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 G-1639A genotype raises the accuracy about twice-to 32 %. The CYP4F2 G1347A genotype can add again about 2-34 %. During long-term treatment clinical factors explain about 26 % of warfarin dose variation. If the CYP2C9 *2, *3, VKORC1*2 alleles are detected, model can explain about 49 % in dose variation. The *3 allele of VKORC1 raises the accuracy by 1-50 %. The carriers of CYP4F2 A1347A genotype required higher daily warfarin doses during initiation of warfarin therapy after heart valve surgery than comparing to G/G and G/A carriers, but during the longer periods of warfarin use, the dosage of warfarin depended significantly on VKORC1 *3 allele (G3730A polymorphism) and on the thyroid stimulating hormone level in the blood plasma.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Dabigatran-associated subdural hemorrhage: using thromboelastography (TEG(®)) to guide decision-making.

  Ron Neyens, Nicole Bohm, Madelyne Cearley, Charles Andrews, Julio Chalela
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  ABSTRACT: Novel oral anticoagulants present challenges and uncertainties in the management of hemorrhagic emergencies. An 84-year-old man taking dabigatran presented with a subdural hematoma requiring neurosurgical intervention. Routine coagulation assays were prolonged at admission and following administration of Factor VIII Inhibitor Bypassing Activity (FEIBA). Thromboelastography (TEG(®)) was utilized to assess clot dynamics prior to placement of a subdural drain, which was safely inserted despite a prolonged thrombin time (TT). Exclusive reliance on the TT may delay necessary interventions. TEG(®) may be a valuable tool to investigate hemostasis in patients on dabigatran requiring emergent procedures.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: Reversal of target-specific oral anticoagulants.

  Scott Kaatz, Mark Crowther
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  ABSTRACT: The target-specific oral anticoagulants represent the first new oral anti-thrombotic therapy in over 50 years and have the potential to make therapy easier and hence more accessible to many patients. Like any new therapy, the potential benefits must be weighed against the potential challenges and one of the most concerning aspects of the new target-specific oral anticoagulants is the lack of a proven method to reverse their effect. Unlike the vitamin K antagonist, i.e. warfarin, there is no specific antidote for these medications. This paper will review the limited data on the use of non-specific therapies to reverse anticoagulation for the new agents. We hope to prepare clinicians who are faced with a patient who has serious bleeding or needs emergent surgery while taking dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;
• Article: A 1-year drug utilization evaluation of protamine in hospitalized patients to identify possible future roles of heparin and low molecular weight heparin reversal agents.

  Charles E Mahan
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  ABSTRACT: Despite widespread use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), protamine sulfate remains the only reversal agent for UFH that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration within the US. Availability of new reversal agents for approved anticoagulants and those in development may improve patient safety and care. Delparantag (PMX-60056) is a novel small molecule that shows ability to neutralize the anticoagulation effects of UFH and LMWH in animals and humans. This study examined the 1-year utilization of protamine within an acute care hospital in order to determine the need for a novel reversing agent like delparantag. All patients having documented protamine administration within a 1-year period were included. Pharmacy automated dispensing machines and computerized medication management systems were queried for all doses of protamine withdrawn, billed for, or dispensed. Scanned medical records were reviewed and protamine and anticoagulant information was abstracted. Primary procedural group categorizations for protamine patients were coronary artery bypass graft, cardiac valve surgeries, abdominal aortic aneurysm and other open abdominal surgeries, fistula placement, non-cardiac vascular, cardiac catheter and electrophysiology lab, and "other." Average doses of protamine administered were 439, 423, 126, 26, 46, 36, and 35 mg in these groups, respectively. Four major bleeds and one serious adverse event occurred over the year period. Protamine is used in a wide array of procedures. Evaluating protamine's current use may be beneficial in identifying roles for future UFH and LMWH reversal agent use.
  Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 05/2013;