Dabigatran for Prevention of Stroke after Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

New England Journal of Medicine

RCT (n=5390) found that dabigatran was not superior to aspirin in preventing recurrent stroke, which occurred in 6.6% (4.1%/year) and 7.7% (4.8%/year), of patients, respectively. Incidence of major bleeding was not significantly greater in dabigatran group (1.7 vs. 1.4%).

Frequency of Intracranial Hemorrhage With Low-Dose Aspirin in Individuals Without Symptomatic Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

JAMA Neurology

Review of 13 RCTs (n=134,446) reports low-dose aspirin use among individuals without symptomatic cardiovascular disease (primary prevention) was associated with an increased risk of any intracranial bleeding especially in Asians, or people with a low body mass index.

Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Review found 2 RCTs of 59 haemophiliacs only and reports beneficial effect of systemically administered tranexamic acid & epsilon aminocaproic acid in preventing postoperative bleeding. Definite efficacy in oral or dental procedures however is uncertain, due to limited evidence.

Less dementia and stroke in low-risk patients with atrial fibrillation taking oral anticoagulation

European Heart Journal

Study (n=91,254 with baseline CHA2DS2-VASc score ≤ 1) reports treatment with oral anticoagulation was associated with lower risk of dementia (subhazard ratio 0.6, 95% CI 0.48–0.81) in people aged >65 years; but the risk: benefit profile in <60 years is not so favourable.

Fragmin (dalteparin sodium) approved by FDA as first anticoagulant for children

PharmaTimes

The FDA has approved use in paediatric patients' ≥ 1 month of age to reduce recurrence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism. Approval was based on a single trial of 38 children with symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism treated with Fragmin for up to 3 months.

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

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