Dabigatran etexilate for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism in children (DIVERSITY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 2b/3, non-inferiority trial

The Lancet Haematology
RCT (n=328) found age/weight adjusted dabigatran non-inferior to standard of care (LMWH/unfractionated heparin/vit K antagonists/fondaparinux) for the composite efficacy endpoint of thrombus resolution, & no recurrent VTE or VTE-death: 42%vs 46%; p<0.0001).

Short dual antiplatelet therapy followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy vs. prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention with second-generation drug-eluting stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

European Heart Journal
Review (5 RCTs, n=32,145) reports 1–3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by P2Y12 inhibitor single antiplatelet therapy is associated with lower major bleeding and similar stent thrombosis, all-cause death, myocardial infarction & stroke vs. prolonged DAPT.

Association Between Prehospital Tranexamic Acid Administration and Outcomes of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

JAMA Neurology
Prospective study (n=1,827) found prehospital tranexamic acid increased mortality in patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury (OR 4.49; 95% CI, 1.57-12.87; p=0.005), highlighting need for judicious use of the drug when there is no evidence for extracranial haemorrhage.

Meta-Analysis of Safety and Efficacy of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin According to Time in Therapeutic Range in Atrial Fibrillation

American Journal of Cardiology
Review of RCTs investigating time in therapeutic range (TTR) found, across all TTR levels, DOACs had lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism vs warfarin (HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.61-0.88). There was a lower risk of major bleeding for DOACs vs warfarin in medium or low TTR only.

Risk factors for emergency department revisit in elderly patients with gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to anticoagulant therapy

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
Study in 80 patients on oral anticoagulants who visited the emergency department (ED) for gastrointestinal bleeding found 13.7% revisited the ED for bleeding episodes 30 days after hospital discharge, with no particular differences between the types of anticoagulant prescribed.

Retinal vascular occlusions

The Lancet
This review article looks at management of retinal vascular occlusions, which are common causes of visual impairment. Acute management of retinal artery occlusions involves a multidisciplinary approach, whereas treatment of retinal vein occlusions is provided by ophthalmologists.

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