NIHR Signal: Reminders to assess clotting risk increase the use of preventive measures

National Institute for Health Research

Expert commentary is provided for a review of 13 RCTs (n=35,997) which found that alert based interventions increased the proportion of patients who received mechanical or drug prophylaxis vs standard care. Unfortunately, trial data are lacking on multifaceted interventions.

Long-term antithrombotic therapy and risk of intracranial haemorrhage from cerebral cavernous malformations: a population-based cohort study, systematic review, and meta-analysis

The Lancet Neurology

Scottish cohort study (n=300) found antithrombotic therapy linked to lower risk of subsequent intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) or focal neurological deficit. Meta-analysis of 6 cohort studies (n=1342) also noted lower ICH risk (3 vs. 14%; IRR 0.25; 95% CI,0.13–0.51;p<0.0001).

Meta-Analysis of Oral Anticoagulant Monotherapy as an Antithrombotic Strategy in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

American Journal of Cardiology

Analysis of 6 trials (n=8855) found no significant difference in major adverse CV event in patients on oral anticoagulant (OAC) plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) vs. OAC monotherapy. OAC plus SAPT was linked to higher risk of major bleeding (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.38-1.87).

Perioperative Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving a Direct Oral Anticoagulant

JAMA Internal Medicine

Cohort study (n=3007) followed up post-operatively for 30 days suggests DOAC therapy interruption without heparin bridging or coagulation function testing before elective surgery were associated with low rates of major bleeding (<2%) and arterial thromboembolism.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis and Treatment in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update

Journal of Clinical Oncology

This updated guideline now recommends thromboprophylaxis with apixaban, rivaroxaban, or low molecular weight heparin to selected high-risk outpatients with cancer, whilst rivaroxaban and edoxaban have been added as options for VTE treatment.

Thromboembolic events around the time of cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in patients receiving antiplatelet treatment in the ACTIVE trials

European Heart Journal

Study (n=962) found that thromboembolic risk increased in 30 days before cardioversion and persisted until 30 days post-cardioversion (0.47% and 0.96%, respectively; HR 2.2, 95% CI 0.7–7.1). Authors suggest that this increased risk may not be entirely causal.

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