Use of the Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy Score to Guide Treatment Duration After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

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.

The role of contraindications in prescribing anticoagulants to patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional analysis of primary care data in the UK

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.

Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Stents Undergoing Elective Noncardiac Surgery: Continue, Stop, or Something in Between?

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.

Review: Indications and appropriate selection of novel oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation

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