Discontinuation of oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation and risk of ischaemic stroke

Heart
Population-based cohort study with nested case–control analysis (76 882 UK;41526 Denmark) found pts who discontinued oral anticoagulation therapy had a two to threefold higher risk of ischaemic stroke vs current users (UK OR 2.99; 95% CI 2.31 to 3.86: Denmark 2.30; 1.79 to 2.95).

Bleeding with Apixaban and Dalteparin in Patients with Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: Results from the Caravaggio Study

Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Study reports no excess in GI bleeding in patients who received apixaban, including those with GI cancer; major bleeding occurred in 22 of 576 on apixaban (3.8%) and in 23 of 579 patients on dalteparin (4.0%). The sites of major bleeding were similar between the two groups.

Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: Looking Forward

Circulation
Review summarises the major advances in stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation during the past 30 years and focuses on novel diagnostic and treatment approaches currently under investigation in ongoing clinical trials.

Erythromycin: caution required due to cardiac risks (QT interval prolongation); drug interaction with rivaroxaban

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Erythromycin should not be given to patients with a history of QT interval prolongation or ventricular cardiac arrhythmia. A potential drug interaction between rivaroxaban and erythromycin resulting in increased risk of bleeding has also been identified.

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