Age-adjusted D-dimer, clinical pre-test probability-adjusted D-dimer, and whole leg ultrasound in ruling out suspected proximal and calf deep venous thrombosis.

D-dimer (DD) and ultrasonography (US) are part of the diagnostic workup for lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Recent studies have shown that adjusting DD level cut-offs by age or clinical pre-test probability (PTP) decreases the use of US. We compared diagnostic accuracy of PTP-adjusted DD and age-adjusted DD in 3883 patients (F: 61.1%; age: 65.3 ± 16.8 y) referred to our unit for clinically suspected DVT. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, DD, and US. Proximal DVT was detected in 477 (12.4%) patients, and distal DVT was isolated in 342 (8.9%) patients. In the remaining 3064 patients there were 23 venous thromboembolic events (0.75%, 95% CI: 0.50-1.12) during the 3-month follow-up. The specificities of DD, age-adjusted DD, and PTP-adjusted DD in patients without high PTP levels were 47% (95% CI: 45-49), 61% (95% CI: 59-62), and 67% (95% CI: 65-68), respectively. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI: 95-97) for all diagnostic strategies. When only proximal DVTs were considered, the NPV increased to 99% (95% CI: 98-99). US was avoided in 37% (95% CI: 36-38) of patients with a fixed cut-off DD, 48% (95% CI: 47-50) with age-adjusted DD, and 52% (95% CI: 51-54) with PTP-adjusted DD. The failure rate for all DVTs of DD, age-adjusted DD, and PTP-adjusted DD was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.6-2.5), 2.7% (95% CI: 2.2-3.2), and 2.5% (95% CI: 2.1-3.0), respectively. Compared with the standard DD cut-off, both age-adjusted and PTP-adjusted DD reduced the proportion of patients who required US at the cost of a small increase in failure rate.

Capsular Warning Syndrome: Features, Risk Profile, and Prognosis in a Large Prospective TIA Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Features and prognosis of capsular warning syndrome (CWS) have been poorly investigated prospectively. AIMS: The study aimed to characterize CWS clinical features, risk profile, short- and long-term prognosis, among a large TIA cohort. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of consecutive TIAs was conducted from August 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017. Demographic and clinical characteristics, risk profile, primary (stroke and composite outcome) and secondary (TIA recurrence, cerebral hemorrhage, new onset atrial fibrillation) outcomes were compared between CWS, lacunar (L), and nonlacunar (NL) TIAs. RESULTS: 1,035 patients (33 CWS, 189 L-TIAs, 813 NL-TIAs) were enrolled. Newly diagnosed (ND) hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, and leukoaraiosis were independent risk factors of CWS (p < 0.05). CWS showed the highest stroke (30.3% vs. 0.5% and 1.5% for L-TIAs and NL-TIAs, respectively) and composite outcome risk at follow-up (p < 0.001), but better 3-month post-stroke prognosis (mRS 0-2 90.0% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.002). CWS-related stroke mostly occurred <48 h (80.0%) and had a small vessel occlusion etiology (100%), affecting more often the internal capsule (60.0%). Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus single antiplatelet therapy was associated with lower 3-month cumulative stroke incidence (12.5% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.010). Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) showed similar 3-month efficacy and safety in strokes after TIAs groups (median mRS 0, IQR 0-1; p = 0.323). CONCLUSIONS: CWS is associated with higher stroke risk and better functional prognosis than L- and NL-TIAs. CWS risk profile is consistent with severe small vessel disease, and ND hypertension could represent a major risk factor. DAPT and IVT seem effective and safe in preventing and treating stroke following CWS.

Long-Term Risk for Major Bleeding During Extended Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for First Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The long-term risk for major bleeding in patients receiving extended (beyond the initial 3 to 6 months) anticoagulant therapy for a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of major bleeding during extended anticoagulation of up to 5 years among patients with a first unprovoked VTE, overall, and in clinically important subgroups. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 23 July 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies reporting major bleeding among patients with a first unprovoked VTE who were to receive oral anticoagulation for a minimum of 6 additional months after completing at least 3 months of initial anticoagulant treatment. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed study quality. Unpublished data required for analyses were obtained from authors of included studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Among the 14 RCTs and 13 cohort studies included in the analysis, 9982 patients received a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and 7220 received a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). The incidence of major bleeding per 100 person-years was 1.74 events (95% CI, 1.34 to 2.20 events) with VKAs and 1.12 events (CI, 0.72 to 1.62 events) with DOACs. The 5-year cumulative incidence of major bleeding with VKAs was 6.3% (CI, 3.6% to 10.0%). Among patients receiving either a VKA or a DOAC, the incidence of major bleeding was statistically significantly higher among those who were older than 65 years or had creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, a history of bleeding, concomitant use of antiplatelet therapy, or a hemoglobin level less than 100 g/L. The case-fatality rate of major bleeding was 8.3% (CI, 5.1% to 12.2%) with VKAs and 9.7% (CI, 3.2% to 19.2%) with DOACs. LIMITATION: Data were insufficient to estimate incidence of major bleeding beyond 1 year of extended anticoagulation with DOACs. CONCLUSION: In patients with a first unprovoked VTE, the long-term risks and consequences of anticoagulant-related major bleeding are considerable. This information will help inform patient prognosis and guide decision making about treatment duration for unprovoked VTE. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Canadian Institutes of Health Research. (PROSPERO: CRD42019128597).

Relevance of immobility as a risk factor for symptomatic proximal and isolated distal deep vein thrombosis in acutely ill medical inpatients.

Immobility is a well-recognized risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients, whereas the level of DVT risk conferred by immobility is less defined in patients on medical wards. The aim of this study was to establish whether immobility and its duration are associated with the risk of DVT in acutely ill medical inpatients. We conducted a cohort study in acutely ill medical inpatients. Patients underwent whole leg ultrasound for suspected lower extremity DVT and were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of immobility, defined as total bed rest or sedentary without bathroom privileges. The endpoint was the detection of proximal DVT or isolated distal DVT (IDDVT). Among the 252 acutely ill medical inpatients with immobility (age 82.6 ± 10.3 years, female 63.9%), ultrasound showed 36 (14.3%) proximal DVTs and 39 (15.5%) IDDVTs, while there were 11 (4.4%) proximal DVTs and 26 (10.5%) IDDVTs among the 248 inpatients without immobility (age 73.6 ± 14.2 years, female 54.8%). The risk of proximal DVT was higher in immobile than in mobile patients (OR 3.59, 95% CI: 1.78-7.23, p = 0.0001), whereas the risk of IDDVT was similar between the two groups (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 0.92-2.66, p = 0.111). During the first 3 days of hospitalization, the frequency of all DVTs was similar in patients with and without immobility, but it was 0.26 ± 0.03 vs 0.18 ± 0.03, respectively, after 4 days. In conclusion, immobility for more than 3 days is a risk factor for proximal DVT in acutely ill medical inpatients.

Andexanet alfa to reverse the anticoagulant activity of factor Xa inhibitors: a review of design, development and potential place in therapy.

Direct oral anticoagulants are associated with rates of major bleeding which are not negligible, albeit lower than those associated with vitamin K antagonists. No specific reversal agent for factor Xa (FXa) direct inhibitors is currently available for clinical use. A modified activated human FXa decoy protein, andexanet alfa, is being developed that binds FXa direct inhibitors in their active site, thus reversing their anticoagulant effect. The purpose of this article is to review the design, development and clinical trials of andexanet alfa. Andexanet alfa was shown to reverse FXa inhibitors anticoagulant activity both in thrombosis animal models, healthy volunteers and patients with acute major bleeding. Andexanet alfa has been studied in double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II and III studies. A preliminary report of the phase III study showed that an effective hemostasis was obtained after andexanet alfa infusion in the majority of the patients with acute major bleeding associated with FXa inhibitors. Additional studies are ongoing and andexanet alfa is expected to be launched in the market in the near future.

Duration of anticoagulation after isolated pulmonary embolism.

In the D-dimer and ULtrasonography in Combination Italian Study (DULCIS), serial D-dimer measurement in combination with assessment of residual thrombosis (in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) identified patients who safely discontinued anticoagulation after an unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE).In this subgroup analysis, the value of D-dimer tests was assessed in patients with isolated pulmonary embolism (PE) compared with those with DVT, with or without PE (DVT/PE). The DULCIS database was reanalysed in relation to this target.26.8% of the DULCIS patients had isolated PE as the index event; this was more prevalent in females (34.1%) than in males (21.1%; p<0.0001). The rate of positive D-dimer was similar in isolated PE and DVT/PE. The rate of recurrences was not different in isolated PE or DVT/PE patients (4.8% ppy versus 3.8% ppy; nonsignificant) who stopped anticoagulation for negative D-dimer, but it was markedly high (11.2% ppy; p<0.0001) in those with isolated PE who remained without anticoagulation despite positive D-dimer. Recurrences were more frequently new isolated PE in patients with isolated PE than with DVT/PE (six (46.2%) out of 13 versus two (7.4%) out of 27; p=0.0085).Serial D-dimer assessment can inform on the risk of recurrent VTE and help determine the duration of anticoagulation in patients with isolated PE.

D-dimer to guide the duration of anticoagulation in patients with venous thromboembolism: a management study.

The optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. We investigated whether persistently negative D-dimers in patients with vein recanalization or stable thrombotic burden can identify subjects at low recurrence risk. Outpatients with a first VTE (unprovoked or associated with weak risk factors) were eligible after at least 3 months (12 in those with residual thrombosis) of anticoagulation. They received serial D-dimer measurements using commercial assays with predefined age/sex-specific cutoffs and were followed for up to 2 years. Of 1010 patients, anticoagulation was stopped in 528 (52.3%) with persistently negative D-dimer who subsequently experienced 25 recurrences (3.0% pt-y; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-4.4%). Of the remaining 482 patients, 373 resumed anticoagulation and 109 refused it. Recurrent VTE developed in 15 patients (8.8% pt-y; 95% CI, 5.0-14.1) of the latter group and in 4 of the former (0.7% pt-y; 95% CI, 0.2-1.7; hazard ratio = 2.92; 95% CI, 1.87-9.72; P = .0006). Major bleeding occurred in 14 patients (2.3% pt-y; 95% CI, 1.3-3.9) who resumed anticoagulation. Serial D-dimer measurement is suitable in clinical practice for the identification of VTE patients in whom anticoagulation can be safely discontinued. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00954395.

Measurement of factor XIII (FXIII) activity by an automatic ammonia release assay using iodoacetamide blank-procedure: no more overestimation in the low activity range and better detection of severe FXIII deficiencies.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory investigation with specific factor XIII (FXIII) assays plays a crucial role in diagnosis of FXIII deficiency. According to the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH), it is necessary a blank sample with iodoacetamide, provided by the kit or locally prepared, when the ammonia release assays are used, to avoid FXIII activity overestimation. METHODS: In this study we set up a modification of the Berichrom FXIII chromogenic assay, in which iodoacetamide was added by the BCS analyzer in the reaction mixture of the blank sample, without modifications of the original reagents. We analyzed 100 plasma samples of outpatients with clinical symptoms suggestive of a bleeding diathesis (20 samples had FXIII activity <20%). RESULTS: In all samples blank subtraction significantly reduced FXIII activity, mostly in the low activity range group (from 10.1% to 2.4%, p<0.0001). In this group correction with iodoacetamide also increased the agreement with the immunoassay and allowed FXIII activity measure up to 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low number of samples included in the study, the described automatic procedure seemed to decrease FXIII activity overestimation and, especially for low activity range samples (<20%), to improve the agreement between FXIII activity and concentration. Our data suggested that iodoacetamide correction could allow the detection of severe FXIII deficiencies (activity <5%) otherwise undiagnosed using the original method.

Rivaroxaban in the Treatment of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic condition and it is associated with increased in vivo thrombin generation that needs to be treated with non-heparin anticoagulants such as direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs). DTIs require parenteral administration and are associated with a non negligible risk of major bleeding. We describe a case of HIT treated with rivaroxaban, a direct oral factor Xa inhibitor which could be used to inhibit the generation of thrombin, instead of DTIs. A 68 year-old man with a thrombosis confined to the internal gastrocnemius and soleal veins developed HIT during enoxaparin 80 mg twice a day. Enoxaparin was stopped and rivaroxaban 20 mg once a day was started. Platelet count returned to base line after 6 days from enoxaparin withdrawal. After 3 months rivaroxaban was stopped and the patient had an uneventful course. This case report supports the hypothesis that rivaroxaban may be candidate for treatment of HIT, and larger studies are justified.

Safety and feasibility of a diagnostic algorithm combining clinical probability, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography for suspected upper extremity deep venous thrombosis: a prospective management study.

BACKGROUND: Although well-established for suspected lower limb deep venous thrombosis, an algorithm combining a clinical decision score, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography has not been evaluated for suspected upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT). OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and feasibility of a new diagnostic algorithm in patients with clinically suspected UEDVT. DESIGN: Diagnostic management study. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01324037) SETTING: 16 hospitals in Europe and the United States. PATIENTS: 406 inpatients and outpatients with suspected UEDVT. MEASUREMENTS: The algorithm consisted of the sequential application of a clinical decision score, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography. Patients were first categorized as likely or unlikely to have UEDVT; in those with an unlikely score and normal d-dimer levels, UEDVT was excluded. All other patients had (repeated) compression ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the 3-month incidence of symptomatic UEDVT and pulmonary embolism in patients with a normal diagnostic work-up. RESULTS: The algorithm was feasible and completed in 390 of the 406 patients (96%). In 87 patients (21%), an unlikely score combined with normal d-dimer levels excluded UEDVT. Superficial venous thrombosis and UEDVT were diagnosed in 54 (13%) and 103 (25%) patients, respectively. All 249 patients with a normal diagnostic work-up, including those with protocol violations (n = 16), were followed for 3 months. One patient developed UEDVT during follow-up, for an overall failure rate of 0.4% (95% CI, 0.0% to 2.2%). LIMITATIONS: This study was not powered to show the safety of the substrategies. d-Dimer testing was done locally. CONCLUSION: The combination of a clinical decision score, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography can safely and effectively exclude UEDVT. If confirmed by other studies, this algorithm has potential as a standard approach to suspected UEDVT. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.

Thigh-length versus below-knee compression elastic stockings for prevention of the postthrombotic syndrome in patients with proximal-venous thrombosis: a randomized trial.

Although below-knee compression elastic stockings (CES) are effective for the prevention of the postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), a substantial number of patients with deep venous thrombosis still develop PTS. In the present open-label, randomized clinical trial, we compared thigh-length with below-knee CES for the prevention of PTS. A total of 267 patients with the first episode of proximal deep venous thrombosis were randomized to wear either thigh-length or below-knee CES for 2 years. After 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, they were assessed for PTS manifestations according to the Villalta scale. PTS developed in 44 (32.6%) of the 135 patients randomized to thigh-length CES and in 47 (35.6%) of the 132 allocated to below-knee CES, for an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.41). Severe PTS developed in 3 patients in each group. CES-related side effects developed in 55 (40.7%) of the 135 patients allocated to thigh-length CES and in 36 (27.3%) of those randomized to the below-knee group (P = .017), and led to premature discontinuation of their use in 29 (21.5%) and 18 (13.6%) patients, respectively. We conclude that thigh-length CES do not offer a better protection against PTS than below-knee CES and are less well tolerated.

Anticoagulants (heparin, low molecular weight heparin and oral anticoagulants) for intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulant treatment for intermittent claudication might improve functional capacity and prevent acute cardiovascular complications caused by peripheral obstructive arterial disease. This is an update of the review first published in 2001. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of anticoagulant drugs (heparin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and oral anticoagulants) in patients with intermittent claudication (Fontaine stage II) in terms of improving walking capacity (pain-free walking distance or absolute walking distance), mortality, cardiovascular events, ankle/brachial pressure index, progression to surgery, amputation-free survival and side effects of these drugs. SEARCH METHODS: For this update the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched May 2013) and CENTRAL (2013, Issue 4). SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised trials of anticoagulants used to treat patients with intermittent claudication. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Seven studies were included. Only three studies (two evaluating oral anticoagulants, one evaluating heparin) met the high quality methodological inclusion criteria and were included in the primary analysis. Four other studies were included in the sensitivity analysis. The authors extracted the data independently. MAIN RESULTS: No new studies were included for this update. Seven studies with a combined total of 802 participants were included in this review. No significant difference was observed between heparin treatment and control groups for pain-free walking distance or maximum walking distance at the end of treatment. There were no data to indicate that LMWHs benefit walking distance. Revascularisation or amputation-free survival rates were reported in one study only with a five year follow-up. No study reported a significant effect on overall mortality or cardiovascular events and the pooled odds ratios were not significant for these outcomes either. Major and minor bleeding events were significantly more frequent in the group treated with oral anticoagulants compared to control, with a non-significant increase in fatal bleeding events. No major bleeding events were reported in the study evaluating heparin, while a non-significant increase in minor bleeding events was reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of heparin, LMWHs and oral anticoagulants for treatment of intermittent claudication has not been established while an increased risk of major bleeding events has been observed, especially with oral anticoagulants. There is no clear evidence to support the use of anticoagulants for intermittent claudication at this stage.

Sex Differences in Clinical Presentation of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Background: Differences between men and women in the clinical features and extent of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may influence DVT diagnostic algorithms involving pretest clinical probability (PTP) assessment, D-dimer, and compression ultrasonography (CUS). Aims: To assess differences in DVT clinical presentation between men and women and their effect on PTP and D-dimer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in outpatients referred for suspected DVT of the lower limbs to our vascular emergency department from January 2005 to December 2019. Patients underwent PTP assessment with the Wells score, D-dimer testing, and CUS. Results: More women were referred for suspected DVT than men (M/F: 1,785/2,821; F: 61.4%; p < 0.0001). Women were older than men (median age: 71 vs. 67 years; p = 0.0001), DVT was diagnosed in 436 patients (9.4%) but in more men than women (M: 210 [11.8%] vs. F: 226 [8%]; p = 0.0002), with more proximal DVT in men than women (M: 131 7.3% vs. F: 124 [4.4%]; p = 0.00021). PTP was more likely in men (355 [19.9%]) than women (455 [16.2%]) (p = 0.0011); more men had swelling in the entire limb, increased calf circumference by >3 cm compared with the contralateral limb, and pitting edema, than women. D-dimer levels (available in 65% of patients) were more frequently positive in women with DVT than in men (94.6% vs. 85.7%; p = 0.016). However, a positive D-dimer and/or likely PTP was similarly frequent in men (92%) and women (96%) with DVT. Conclusions: More women than men are referred for suspected DVT, and men have a higher prevalence of proximal DVT. However, current algorithms for DVT diagnosis perform similarly in men and in women.

Gynecological Cancer and Venous Thromboembolism: A Narrative Review to Increase Awareness and Improve Risk Assessment and Prevention.

The prevention and appropriate management of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients is of paramount importance. However, the literature data report an underestimation of this major problem in patients with gynecological cancers, with an inconsistent venous thromboembolism risk assessment and prophylaxis in this patient setting. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the available evidence regarding the management of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients, focusing on the specific context of gynecological tumors, exploring the literature discussing risk factors, risk assessment, and pharmacological prophylaxis. We found that the current understanding and management of venous thromboembolism in gynecological malignancy is largely based on studies on solid cancers in general. Hence, further, larger, and well-designed research in this area is needed.

D-dimer and risk of venous thromboembolism recurrence: Comparison of two studies with similar designs but different laboratory and clinical results.

BACKGROUND: D-dimer testing may help deciding the duration of anticoagulation in subjects at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence. Two management studies on this issue have been published (DULCIS in 2014 and APIDULCIS in 2022). They had similar designs but had important different results. Aim of this article is to compare their results. METHODS: Both studies were finalized to extend anticoagulation [with vitamin K anticoagulants (VKAs) in DULCIS or apixaban 2.5 mg BID (kindly provided by BMS-Pfizer Collaboration) in APIDULCIS] only in patients with positive D-dimer results. RESULTS: More D-dimer assays resulted positive in APIDULCIS than in DULCIS (61.1 % vs 47.7 %, respectively; p < 0.0001). While only 4 (0.5 %) refused low dose apixaban in APIDULCIS, the 22.6 % of patients with positive D-dimer refused to resume VKAs in DULCIS; their rates of recurrence were 187 and 8.8 per 100 person-years, respectively (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 21.2). The incidence of bleeding was low in those receiving apixaban vs those who resumed VKAs (0.4 vs 2.3 per 100 person-years, respectively; IRR 0.17;). While the recurrence rate was low and similar in the studies in subjects who resumed anticoagulation, it was significantly higher in APIDULCIS than in DULCIS in those who stopped anticoagulation for negative D-dimer (5.6 vs 3.0 per 100 person-years, respectively; IRR 1.9). CONCLUSION: The low dose Apixaban for extended VTE treatment is effective and safe, and well accepted by patients. Why subjects who stopped anticoagulation for negative D-dimer had a higher recurrence rate in APIDULCIS than in DULCIS remains to be explained.

Enhancing stroke risk prediction in patients with transient ischemic attack: insights from a prospective cohort study implementing fast-track care.

Background and aims: Fast-track care have been proved to reduce the short-term risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA). We aimed to investigate stroke risk and to characterize short- and long-term stroke predictors in a large cohort of TIA patients undergoing fast-track management. Methods: Prospective study, enrolling consecutive TIA patients admitted to a Northern Italy emergency department from August 2010 to December 2017. All patients underwent fast-track care within 24 h of admission. The primary outcome was defined as the first stroke recurrence at 90 days, 12 and 60 months after TIA. Stroke incidence with 95% confidence interval (CI) at each timepoint was calculated using Poisson regression. Predictors of stroke recurrence were evaluated with Cox regression analysis. The number needed to treat (NNT) of fast-track care in preventing 90-day stroke recurrence in respect to the estimates based on baseline ABCD2 score was also calculated. Results: We enrolled 1,035 patients (54.2% males). Stroke incidence was low throughout the follow-up with rates of 2.2% [95% CI 1.4-3.3%] at 90 days, 2.9% [95% CI 1.9-4.2%] at 12 months and 7.1% [95% CI 5.4-9.0%] at 60 months. Multiple TIA, speech disturbances and presence of ischemic lesion at neuroimaging predicted stroke recurrence at each timepoint. Male sex and increasing age predicted 90-day and 60-month stroke risk, respectively. Hypertension was associated with higher 12-month and 60-month stroke risk. No specific TIA etiology predicted higher stroke risk throughout the follow-up. The NNT for fast-track care in preventing 90-day stroke was 14.5 [95% CI 11.3-20.4] in the overall cohort and 6.8 [95% CI 4.6-13.5] in patients with baseline ABCD2 of 6 to 7. Conclusion: Our findings support the effectiveness of fast-track care in preventing both short- and long-term stroke recurrence after TIA. Particular effort should be made to identify and monitor patients with baseline predictors of higher stroke risk, which may vary according to follow-up duration.

Inappropriate Underdosing of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Results from the START2-AF Registry.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are recommended for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. We aimed to describe the prevalence of inappropriate DOACs dose prescription in the START2-AF Registry, the outcomes according to the appropriateness of the dosage, and the factors associated with inappropriate dose prescription. Methods: Patients' demographics and clinical data were prospectively collected as electronic files in an anonymous form on the website of the START2-Registry; DOACs dosage was determined to be appropriate when prescribed according to the European Heart Rhythm Association Guidelines. Results: We included 5943 NVAF patients on DOACs; 2572 (46.3%) were female patients. The standard dose (SD) was prescribed to 56.9% of patients and the low dose (LD) was prescribed to 43.1% of patients; 38.9% of all NVAF patients received an inappropriate LD DOAC and 0.3% received inappropriate SD. Patients treated with LD DOAC had a significantly higher rate of all bleedings (RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-2.0), major bleedings (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-1.7), and mortality (RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.9-4.1) with respect to patients treated with SD DOAC. No difference was found among patients treated with appropriate and inappropriate LD regarding bleeding, thrombotic, and mortality rates. Age, body weight <60 kg, and renal failure were significantly associated with inappropriate LD DOAC prescription. Conclusions: Inappropriate LD DOACs in NVAF patients is not associated with a reduction in bleeding risk, nor with an increased thrombotic risk. Instead, it is associated with higher mortality rate, suggesting that, in clinical practice, underdosing is preferred for patients at particularly high risk for adverse events.

Risk assessment tools for bleeding in patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism: an analysis of the PLATO-VTE study.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines suggest indefinite anticoagulation after unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) unless the bleeding risk is high, yet there is no consistent guidance on assessing bleeding risk. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 5 bleeding risk tools (RIETE, VTE-BLEED, CHAP, VTE-PREDICT, and ABC-Bleeding). METHODS: PLATO-VTE, a prospective cohort study, included patients aged ≥40 years with a first unprovoked VTE. Risk estimates were calculated at VTE diagnosis and after 3 months of treatment. Primary outcome was clinically relevant bleeding, as per International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria, during 24-month follow-up. Discrimination was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Patients were classified as having a "high risk" and "non-high risk" of bleeding according to predefined thresholds; bleeding risk in both groups was compared by hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Of 514 patients, 38 (7.4%) had an on-treatment bleeding. AUROCs were 0.58 (95% CI, 0.48-0.68) for ABC-Bleeding, 0.56 (95% CI, 0.46-0.66) for RIETE, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.43-0.64) for CHAP, 0.50 (95% CI, 0.41-0.59) for VTE-BLEED, and 0.50 (95% CI, 0.40-0.60) for VTE-PREDICT. The proportion of high-risk patients ranged from 1.4% with RIETE to 36.9% with VTE-BLEED. The bleeding incidence in the high-risk groups ranged from 0% with RIETE to 13.0% with ABC-Bleeding, and in the non-high-risk groups, it varied from 7.7% with ABC-Bleeding to 9.6% with RIETE. HRs ranged from 0.93 (95% CI, 0.46-1.9) for VTE-BLEED to 1.67 (95% CI, 0.86-3.2) for ABC-Bleeding. Recalibration at 3-month follow-up did not alter the results. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, discrimination of currently available bleeding risk tools was poor. These data do not support their use in patients with unprovoked VTE.

D-Dimers in diagnosis and prevention of venous thrombosis: recent advances and their practical implications.

D­Dimers derive from degradation of cross­linked fibrin by plasmin, and thus their level is a marker of coagulation and fibrinolytic system activation. Guidelines recommend that D­dimers are determined if the pretest probability (PTP) is low or intermediate, to exclude venous thromboembolism (VTE), either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and to avoid imaging tests. If the PTP is high or D­dimer level is above the suggested thresholds, imaging is recommended. D­Dimer assays offer high sensitivity and low specificity, as D­dimer levels can be above the threshold in several other conditions than thrombosis, and they increase with age. As a result, there have been several proposals to improve the diagnostic accuracy of D­dimer levels by adjusting the cutoffs according to patient characteristics, such as age, PTP, pregnancy, renal function, or cancer. D­Dimer levels can also predict clinical severity of COVID­19, and escalated anticoagulation based on D­dimer levels can be associated with a lower risk of mortality in patients with severe COVID­19. Finally, D­dimer levels have been incorporated in prediction models for recurrent VTE to help identify patients who may benefit from prolonged anticoagulation.

Incidence and clinical outcomes of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: 11 year experience in a tertiary care university hospital.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare immuno-mediated adverse reaction with high thrombotic and mortality risk. To evaluate incidence and outcomes of HIT cases diagnosed at a tertiary care hospital from 2007 to 2018. A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with suspected HIT underwent 4Ts score assessment and anti-heparin PF4 IgG antibodies ELISA screening test. If the latter was positive, platelet aggregation test (PAT) was performed. If the latter was positive, any form of heparin was stopped, alternative anticoagulants were started and then overlapped with warfarin. HIT incidence was calculated by dividing HIT cases by the mean yearly number of admitted patients over 11 years. Follow-up was 90 days. Among 2125 screening tests, 96 (4.5%) were positive with confirmatory PAT in 82/90 (3.8% for missing data in 6). Median age was 75; 39 patients were surgical and 51 medical. The median 4Ts score was 5. Unfractionated heparin was employed in 34 (37%). HIT incidence was 0.16/1000/patient/years (95% CI: 0.12-0.23) in surgical and 0.15/1000/patient/years (95%: 0.12-0.20) in medical patients. HIT with thrombosis (HIT-T) was observed in 31 patients (0.05/1000/patient/years 95% CI: 0.04-0.1), with venous thromboses in 25 (80%). HIT without thrombosis was observed in 59 patients (0.1/1000 patient/years; 95% CI: 0.08-0.13, twofold vs HIT-T). All cause mortality was 25.5% (95% CI: 17.6-35.4), major bleeding 7.7% (95% CI:3.2-15.3), and thromboembolic complications 3.3% (95% CI:1.1-9.3). HIT is a rare event with high mortality, despite the use of non heparin anticoagulants.