RESUMO
Approximately 30% of patients receiving oral anticoagulation using vitamin K antagonists (VKA) require surgery within 2 years. In this context, a clinical decision on the need and the mode of a peri-interventional bridging with heparin is needed. While a few years ago, bridging was almost considered a standard of care, recent study results triggered a discussion on which patients will need bridging at all. Revisiting the currently available recommendations and study results the conclusion can be drawn that the indications for bridging with heparin must nowadays be taken more narrowly and considering the individual patient risk of bleeding and thromboembolism. Bridging with heparin is only needed in patients with a very high risk of thromboembolism. This overview aims to give guidance for a risk-adapted peri-interventional approach to management of patients with a need for long-term anticoagulation using VKA.
Assuntos
Anticoagulantes , Tromboembolia , Vitamina K , Administração Oral , Anticoagulantes/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Assistência Perioperatória , Tromboembolia/prevenção & controle , Vitamina K/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
Approximately 30% of patients receiving oral anticoagulation using vitamin K antagonists (VKA) require surgery within 2 years. In this context, a clinical decision on the need and the mode of a peri-interventional bridging with heparin is needed. While a few years ago, bridging was almost considered a standard of care, recent study results triggered a discussion on which patients will need bridging at all. Revisiting the currently available recommendations and study results the conclusion can be drawn that the indications for bridging with heparin must nowadays be taken more narrowly and considering the individual patient risk of bleeding and thromboembolism. Bridging with heparin is only needed in patients with a very high risk of thromboembolism. This overview aims to give guidance for a risk-adapted peri-interventional approach to management of patients with a need for long-term anticoagulation using VKA.
Assuntos
Anticoagulantes/uso terapêutico , Fibrinolíticos/uso terapêutico , Heparina/uso terapêutico , Vitamina K/antagonistas & inibidores , Coagulação Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Hemorragia/induzido quimicamente , Humanos , Terapia Trombolítica/métodosRESUMO
In outpatient care or the emergency room laboratory tests oftentimes provide the first clues to the medical condition that made the patient seek medical help. Quite commonly, rapid medical decisions are required in these situations. Therefore, laboratory results must be evaluated immediately and interpreted within the broader context of the patient's presentation. During this process test results must be checked for plausibility, their positive and/or negative predictive values for the individual patient must be considered, and finally, the potential clinical implications need to be assessed. The latter in particular is of the utmost importance. This article discusses several laboratory tests commonly ordered for emergency patients and provides some guidance on their relevance in the decision to refer an outpatient to an emergency room or for inpatient care, or whether a patient can be safely diagnosed in the outpatient setting.
Assuntos
Doença Aguda , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/normas , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Contagem de Células Sanguíneas , Análise Química do Sangue , Testes de Coagulação Sanguínea , Técnicas de Laboratório Clínico/estatística & dados numéricos , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Humanos , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
Symptoms of the leg or of both legs, may indicate a need for evaluation and/or treatment, which must be clarified urgently or even as an emergency situation. Among the diseases which must be considered from a vascular viewpoint are critical limb ischemia, suspicion of deep leg vein thrombosis and special forms of venous insufficiency. With respect to infections erysipelas and the syndrome of infected diabetic foot must be considered as well as peripheral and central leg paresis as orthopedic and neurological disorders, respectively. The current review summarizes the main clinical features of these diseases. Criteria are discussed as to which require the particular capabilities of a hospital and which patients can be managed in an outpatient setting.
Assuntos
Assistência Ambulatorial , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Perna (Membro) , Celulite (Flegmão)/diagnóstico , Pé Diabético/diagnóstico , Erisipela/diagnóstico , Humanos , Comunicação Interdisciplinar , Colaboração Intersetorial , Isquemia/diagnóstico , Perna (Membro)/irrigação sanguínea , Úlcera da Perna/diagnóstico , Paresia/diagnóstico , Trombose Venosa/diagnósticoAssuntos
Cardiologia/tendências , Ultrassonografia Doppler Dupla/tendências , Doenças Vasculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Cardiologia/economia , Serviços Contratados/economia , Serviços Contratados/tendências , Análise Custo-Benefício/economia , Análise Custo-Benefício/tendências , Reações Falso-Positivas , Previsões , Alemanha , Humanos , Programas de Rastreamento/economia , Programas de Rastreamento/tendências , Uso Excessivo dos Serviços de Saúde/economia , Uso Excessivo dos Serviços de Saúde/tendências , Ultrassonografia Doppler Dupla/economia , Doenças Vasculares/economia , Doenças Vasculares/etiologiaRESUMO
Nowadays, several technically validated modalities are available for imaging both the extracranial and intracranial segments of arteries supplying blood to the brain. In the acute stroke setting, computed tomography (CT) angiography is of utmost importance because it provides the key diagnostic criteria indicative for the use of catheter-based recanalization techniques. Ultrasound imaging of extracranial arteries is most suitable for detecting an underlying stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), retinal vessel occlusion and amaurosis fugax. Ultrasound imaging enables measurement of the methodologically most reliable criteria for grading stenosis of the ICA, which defines the indications for revascularization procedures in this territory. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the cross-sectional mode is of greatest value in confirming or excluding an arterial dissection even in short arterial segments, whereas MR angiography generates a more global view of the cerebral circulation. In most cases classical digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is no longer needed for diagnostic purposes only. Conversely, it is an indispensable component of any interventional approach and thus of growing importance. Ultrasound imaging is not indicated for the clarification of vertigo or syncope. In addition, there is no evidence that ultrasound screening of the ICA adds any value to the care of asymptomatic persons.
Assuntos
Encéfalo/irrigação sanguínea , Artérias Cerebrais/diagnóstico por imagem , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Angiografia Digital , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Estenose das Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagem , Angiografia Cerebral/métodos , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
Several techniques are available for imaging of the venous system of the legs and pelvic region. In cases of suspected deep leg vein thrombosis Bmode compression ultrasound is applied. Its accuracy is sufficient to either confirm or exclude the diagnosis with certainty. For examination of the iliac veins, however, flow information has to be added by pulsed wave (PW) Doppler or color Doppler sonography. In cases of suspected arm vein thrombosis, ultrasound is also the method of choice. The more proximal or the central parts of the venous system, i. e. brachiocephalic veins or the superior and inferior vena cava can be visualized by cross-sectional imaging procedures. Computed tomography (CT) angiography accurately shows the vessel lumen and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides more details of the surrounding soft tissue. The use of classical contrast medium phlebography is nowadays restricted to interventions on proximal or central parts of the venous system. In addition, venous imaging is required in the field of chronic venous insufficiency. For both differential diagnostics and choice of treatment options, e. g. for varicose veins, the mainstay is venous ultrasound.
Assuntos
Braço/irrigação sanguínea , Veia Ilíaca/diagnóstico por imagem , Perna (Membro)/irrigação sanguínea , Pelve/irrigação sanguínea , Veias/diagnóstico por imagem , Trombose Venosa/diagnóstico por imagem , Braço/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Perna (Membro)/diagnóstico por imagem , Pelve/diagnóstico por imagem , Flebografia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Ultrassonografia , Varizes/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
The diagnostic pathway for the evaluation of patients with dyspnea requires a thorough history taking and physical examination. Based on the results of these basic steps a broad variety of additional diagnostic tests are available. Each test can contribute valuable information when correctly indicated and performed. Among these are electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory parameters, X-ray examination, echocardiography, spirometry and whole body plethysmography and finally spiroergometry. This article presents a focused review of what each of these diagnostic modalities can contribute to the diagnostic process for dyspnea.
Assuntos
Dispneia/diagnóstico , Ecocardiografia/métodos , Exame Físico/métodos , Pletismografia Total/métodos , Testes de Função Respiratória/métodos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Dispneia/etiologia , Humanos , Anamnese/métodosRESUMO
In addition to cardiac and pulmonary diseases there is a broad variety of different underlying causes of dyspnea. The spectrum includes the different forms of anemia, all causes of upper airway obstructions, neuromuscular diseases and psychopathological disorders. This article gives a brief review of the entire spectrum by providing information about differential diagnostics as well as the main therapeutic principles. A field of growing interest is dyspnea in the context of palliative care.
Assuntos
Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/complicações , Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/diagnóstico , Dispneia/diagnóstico , Dispneia/etiologia , Transtornos Mentais/diagnóstico , Doenças Neuromusculares/diagnóstico , Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/terapia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Dispneia/terapia , Humanos , Transtornos Mentais/complicações , Transtornos Mentais/terapia , Doenças Neuromusculares/complicações , Doenças Neuromusculares/terapia , Cuidados Paliativos/métodosRESUMO
Vertigo and syncope are frequently occurring clinical presentations in the physician's practice as well as in the emergency room. Therefore, many physicians and institutions have formulated diagnostic protocols that they follow when a patient with vertigo or syncope presents. This kind of blanket routine may lead to over-diagnosis in many cases, as well as to under-diagnosis in some. The purpose of the following article is to show that a well-focused history based on clear cut concepts of disease and a sound pathophysiological understanding will guide the physician precisely through the diagnostic process in both clinical presentations and will help to avoid manifold diagnostic procedures. Finally, a description of the most frequent pitfalls of the diagnostic work-up is given, along with measures to avoid these.
Assuntos
Algoritmos , Exame Físico/métodos , Avaliação de Sintomas/métodos , Síncope/diagnóstico , Vertigem/diagnóstico , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Diagnóstico por Imagem/métodos , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Neurológico , Humanos , Síncope/classificação , Vertigem/classificaçãoRESUMO
Thrombophilia testing denotes a test battery for inherited or acquired features associated with a tendency for clot formation. Currently, it is being used in a frequency and to an extent which is not supported by evidence. In order to protect patients from unnecessary worry and stigmatization, but also for reasons of cost effectiveness, thrombophilia testing should be reduced to a very small number of medically justifiable indications which are outlined in this review.Those indications include the following: secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients from a thrombophilic family, i.e., with two or more first degree relatives with venous thromboembolism (VTE), or patients with suspected antiphospholipid syndrome; women prior to oral contraception or planning to become pregnant if they had no prior VTE but have one or more first-degree relatives with VTE-provided they are willing to follow the consequences of positive test results; women with recurrent miscarriage. The inappropriate indications are discussed as well.The test panel for inherited thrombophilias includes deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C and protein S, factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210 mutation. Patients with suspicion of antiphospholipid syndrome have to be tested for lupus anticoagulans, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and anti-ß2-glycoprotein I-antibodies. It is important to do the blood sampling at an appropriate point in time.
Assuntos
Fatores de Coagulação Sanguínea/análise , Complicações Hematológicas na Gravidez/diagnóstico , Tempo de Protrombina/métodos , Trombofilia/sangue , Trombofilia/diagnóstico , Tromboembolia Venosa/sangue , Tromboembolia Venosa/diagnóstico , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Programas de Rastreamento/métodos , Gravidez , Complicações Hematológicas na Gravidez/sangue , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
Leg swelling is an extremely frequent symptom with a broad variety of largely differing causes. The most important mechanisms behind the symptom include venous and lymphatic pathology, volume overload, increased capillary permeability, and lowered oncotic pressure. Therefore, the most frequent diseases associated with leg swelling are deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency, primary or secondary lymphedema, cardiac failure, hypoproteinemia due to liver or renal failure, idiopathic cyclic edema, and drug-induced edema. Lipedema as a misnomer represents an important differential diagnosis. History and physical examination, when based on a sound knowledge of the diseases of interest, enable a conclusive diagnosis in most cases. Additional test are required in only a minority of patients. The present review discusses pathophysiology and clinical features of the most prevalent types of leg swelling. Finally, a brief guide to differential diagnosis is given.
Assuntos
Edema/diagnóstico , Insuficiência Cardíaca/diagnóstico , Hiperlipidemias/diagnóstico , Nefropatias/diagnóstico , Linfedema/diagnóstico , Insuficiência Venosa/diagnóstico , Trombose Venosa/diagnóstico , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Edema/etiologia , Insuficiência Cardíaca/complicações , Humanos , Nefropatias/complicações , Perna (Membro)/fisiopatologia , Linfedema/complicações , Insuficiência Venosa/complicações , Trombose Venosa/complicaçõesRESUMO
Deep vein thrombosis is a chronic disease with a continuing risk of recurrence. In a patient with recurrence long term prognosis and treatment are significantly altered both carrying their own risks not only in the acute phase but mainly in the long term perspective. Thus, accurate diagnosis of recurrence is of utmost importance for the fate of the patient. Diagnosis of a first DVT episode is well established and follows an algorithm including clinical prediction rules, D-Dimer testing and compression ultrasound. Due to the previous episode the efficiency of all three elements is impaired in a patient with suspected recurrence. This opens up areas of uncertainty which have to be filled by individual clinical judgement. Guidelines reflect this difficulty by providing mainly weak recommendations based on sparse data. The present review summarizes what is known about the performance of tools for DVT diagnosis, discusses recent guidelines, and finally gives personally weighed recommendations how to deal with this peculiar diagnostic situation. In conclusion, it will turn out that the well accepted diagnostic algorithm for a first DVT may be applied as well if the lower efficiency is regarded. Compression ultrasound largely benefits from a baseline assessment at the end of the previous episode. The order of tests may be discussed according to local and regional attitudes.
Assuntos
Algoritmos , Produtos de Degradação da Fibrina e do Fibrinogênio/análise , Aumento da Imagem/métodos , Ultrassonografia/métodos , Trombose Venosa/sangue , Trombose Venosa/diagnóstico , Biomarcadores/sangue , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Bleeding complications are common side effects of vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) therapy. Data on the in-hospital management and outcomes of these bleeding events are scarce and information is mostly derived from trial cohorts. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to collect data on the management and clinical outcome of hospitalizations owing to VKA-related bleeding in real-world practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter observational cohort study involving 21 secondary and tertiary care hospitals in the administrative district Dresden, Saxony, Germany throughout the year 2005. All consenting patients presenting with VKA-related bleeding complications were included. No exclusion criteria applied. Data were collected at admission, at discharge and at 90 days to evaluate resource consumption, length of hospital stay and risk factors for in-hospital- and 3-month mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety patients were included (median age 74 years; 50.7% male). The main indications for VKA therapy were atrial fibrillation (63.4%), prior thromboembolism (18.6%) and mechanical heart valves (11.4%), and most common bleeding localizations were large hematoma (23.1%), upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract (17.9%) and intracranial bleeding (14.1%). On hospital admission, the median International Normalized Ratio (INR) was 3.0 (range 0.9-12.5, interquartile range [IQR] 2.1-3.9). In-hospital mortality was 7.6% with impaired renal function as the most relevant risk factor. At 90 days mortality was 14.1% and 15.3% of survivors were help-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: VKA-related bleeding leading to hospitalization is associated with long hospitalization, relevant resource utilization, high mortality or persistent sequlae. Patient-related factors such as impaired renal function, chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease and dementia are predictive of in-hospital and 3-month mortality.