Annals of Internal Medicine
Retrospective analysis of 1970 patients undergoing PCI reports prolonged dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) resulted in harm in patients with low DAPT scores but reduced risk for ischaemic events in patients with high scores receiving paclitaxel-eluting stents.
Antithrombotic treatment after stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
This review of two RCTs (n=121) concludes there is insufficient evidence to support or discourage the use of antithrombotic treatment after ICH. RCTs comparing starting vs avoiding antiplatelets /anticoagulants after ICH appear justified and are needed in clinical practice.
British Journal of General Practice
Analysis (2004-2012) found presence/absence of recorded contraindications (CIs) has little influence on decision to prescribe anticoagulants (ACs) for prevention of stroke in AF patients. Nationally, 38,000 with AF and CIs were treated with ACs, which has safety implications.
It Is Time to End the Dualistic Short Versus Long Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Debates
Circulation
Viewpoint suggests it is time to end academic debate and begin clinical discussion, with a shift in focus away from dualistic short versus long duration thinking and towards discussions on which patients are best treated with short, standard or prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy.
Journal of the American Medical Association
Viewpoint notes that based on available, evidence, there is no clear link between antiplatelet strategy and rates of perioperative major adverse CV events and bleeding, even though physiological reasons would suggest that antiplatelet agents should be a factor in the risk of both.
Heart
This review notes that in the absence of RCT evidence, patient-specific factors such as dosing preference (daily vs twice a day), renal function, liver function, gastrointestinal bleeding risks and drug–drug interactions can help guide treatment choice.
The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:
http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services