Biomarkers profile in provoked versus unprovoked deep venous thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), represents a substantial healthcare challenge. Provoked and unprovoked DVT cases carry distinct risks and treatment considerations. Recognizing the limitations of this classification, molecular markers may enhance diagnostic precision and guide anticoagulation therapy duration relying on patient history and risk factors. This preliminary, open-label, prospective cohort study was conducted including 15 patients (10 provoked DVT and 5 unprovoked DVT) and a control group of healthy plasmatic subjects. Plasma levels of 9 biomarkers were measured at diagnosis (baseline, day 0, and D0) and after 30 days (day 30-D30). Patient demographics, clinical data, and biomarker concentrations were analyzed. Serum concentrations of D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, C-reactive protein, and Anti-Xa were elevated in DVT groups at D0 compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between the provoked and unprovoked groups on the day of diagnosis and 30 days later. Over 30 days, the provoked group exhibited significant biomarker changes related to temporal assessment. No significant differences were noted in the biomarker profile between provoked and unprovoked DVT groups. This study is indicative of the concept of individualized thrombosis assessment and subsequent treatment for VTE. Larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings and further define the most appropriate use of the molecular markers.

Primera colocación del dispositivo AMPLATZER™, Amulet™ para cierre de orejuela en Costa Rica utilizando Heart Navigator / First placement of the AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ device for appendage closure in Costa Rica using Heart Navigator

RESUMEN El cierre de la orejuela izquierda mediante un dispositivo facilita la prevención de un accidente cerebrovascular en pacientes con antecedente de fibrilación auricular no valvular y contraindicación para el uso de medicamentos anticoagulantes. Este artículo presenta dos casos de pacientes con historia de fibrilación auricular en el Hospital Calderón Guardia, ambos con el antecedente de sangrado digestivo y contraindicación para la anticoagulación, en los que se logró el cierre de la orejuela izquierda mediante la colocación exitosa del dispositivo AmuletTM, utilizando TAC y Heart Navigator, técnicas de imagen que se están convirtiendo en el estándar de oro de muchos centros internacionales de referencia en cardiología intervencionista.

ABSTRACT Closure of the left atrial appendage with a device facilitates the prevention of stroke in patients with a history of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and a contraindication to the use of anticoagulant medications. This article presents two cases of patients with a history of atrial fibrillation at the Calderón Guardia Hospital, both with a history of digestive bleeding and contraindication to anticoagulation, in whom closure of the left atrial appendage was achieved through successful placement of the AmuletTM device, using CT and Heart Navigator, imaging techniques that are becoming the gold standard in many international reference centers in interventional cardiology.

Informe de un caso clínico con síndrome de Paget-Schroetter / Report of a clinical case with Paget-Schroetter Syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de Paget-Schroetter (SPS) es una trombosis venosa profunda primaria del complejo venoso subclavio-axilar que ocurre después del uso repetitivo y extenuante de los hombros y los brazos. Muestra una incidencia de 1 por 100 000 personas al año. Se informa con mayor frecuencia en atletas jóvenes. Objetivo: Presentar un caso inusual de síndrome de Paget-Schroetter en un individuo joven no deportista. Caso clínico: Varón militar activo de 24 años de edad, sin antecedentes patológicos personales, que ingresó con inflamación del miembro superior izquierdo de 24 horas de evolución. Presentó una trombosis de la vena cefálica izquierda después de un esfuerzo físico de carga y descarga. Tras descartar trastornos secundarios de hipercoagulabilidad se le diagnosticó un SPS. Se le informó de la opción de intervención quirúrgica, pero la rechazó. El diagnóstico fue confirmado con ecografía Doppler y tratado con anticoagulación endovenosa al inicio y luego por vía oral durante 6 meses. Durante el seguimiento no se evidenció trombosis crónica de la vena cefálica izquierda ni formación de intervalo de colaterales vasculares. Conclusiones: El SPS es una condición clínica que necesita un alto índice de sospecha y un diagnóstico oportuno, por tanto, los médicos deben estar atentos a esta rara entidad para su reconocimiento temprano y derivación oportuna a cirugía vascular(AU)

Introduction: Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is a primary deep vein thrombosis of the subclavian-axillary venous complex that occurs after repetitive and strenuous use of the shoulders and arms. It shows an incidence of 1 per 100,000 people per year. It is reported more frequently in young athletes. Objective: To present an unusual case of Paget-Schroetter syndrome in a young non-athlete individual. Clinical case: 24-year-old active military man with no personal pathological history is presented, who was admitted with inflammation of the left upper limb of 24 hours of evolution. He presented a thrombosis of the left cephalic vein after a physical effort of loading and unloading. After ruling out secondary hypercoagulability disorders, he was diagnosed with SPS. He was informed of the option of surgical intervention, but he declined it. The diagnosis was confirmed with Doppler ultrasound and treated with intravenous anticoagulation at the beginning, and then orally for 6 months. During the follow-up of the patient, there was no evidence of chronic thrombosis of the left cephalic vein or interval formation of vascular collaterals. Conclusions: SPS is a clinical condition that requires a high index of suspicion and prompt diagnosis, therefore, physicians must be attentive to this rare entity for early recognition and timely referral to vascular surgery(AU)

Manejo odontológico del paciente en tratamiento de anticoagulante oral sometido a cirugía oral: una revisión narrativa / Stomatological management of anticoagulated patients undergoing oral surgery: a narrative review

Resumen Los pacientes que se encuentran bajo tratamiento de anticoagulantes orales, presentan alteraciones en distintas etapas de la hemostasia, lo que conlleva a tener implicancias y consideraciones médico/quirúrgicas durante su atención. En la actualidad, no existe un consenso en relación con el manejo odontológico de estos pacientes que serán sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos, llevando a protocolos clínicos que siguen diversas posturas, como la de disminuir la ingesta farmacológica del anticoagulante, sustituir con heparina y la de mantener el tratamiento bajo control. Objetivo Establecer el manejo estomatológico del paciente que se encuentra en tratamiento de anticoagulante oral mediante una revisión profunda de la literatura Materiales y método Se realizó una búsqueda de revisión bibliográfica manualmente de artículos indexados a las bases de datos de PUBMED y EBSCO que correspondiesen a las palabras "cirugía bucal", "anticoagulantes", "atención dental" y "hemorragia oral". En cuanto a los criterios de inclusión, se consideraron revisiones bibliográficas, estudios observacionales, ensayos clínicos, guías, revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis publicados entre noviembre de 2005 y 2022, en idiomas inglés o español. Conclusiones Existen múltiples protocolos para la atención del paciente anticoagulado que será sometido bajo procedimiento de cirugía oral menor. Es importante considerar el anticoagulante utilizado, motivo, control de este, el procedimiento a realizar en el paciente y medidas hemostáticas tanto intra como postoperatorias por realizar, tras analizar lo anterior, se advierte que disminuir la ingesta del fármaco para realizar el procedimiento, puede ser más perjudicial al paciente como al clínico, por lo tanto se sugiere mantener el tratamiento antitrombótico y realizar un correcto manejo médico/quirúrgico.

Abstract Patients undertaking oral anticoagulant treatment may experience alterations in different stages of hemostasis, which lead to medical/surgical implications and considerations during their care. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the dental management of these patients, as they go through surgical procedures. This leads to clinical protocols that follow numerous approaches, such as reducing the pharmacological intake of the anticoagulant, replacing it with heparin, and maintaining the controlled treatment. Objective: To establish the stomatological management of the patient undergoing oral anticoagulant treatment through an in depth review of the literature. Materials and Method: A manual bibliographic review search of articles indexed to the PUBMED and EBSCO databases corresponding to the words "oral surgery", "oral bleeding", "anticoagulants" and "dental management" was performed. Regarding the inclusion criteria: bibliographic reviews, observational studies, clinical trials, guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between November 2005 and 2022, in English or Spanish, were considered. Conclusion: There are multiple protocols for the care of the anticoagulated patient who will undergo a minor oral surgery procedure. It is important to reflect on the anticoagulant used, the reason for it, its supervision, the surgical procedure that will be undertaken by the patient, and both intraoperative and postoperative hemostatic measures to be implemented. After analyzing the above, it is noted that reducing the intake of the drug to perform the surgical procedure may be harmful to the patient and to the clinician, therefore it is suggested to maintain the antithrombotic treatment and carry out a correct medical/surgical management.

Infección osteoarticular multifocal en un recién nacido / Multifocal osteoarticular infection in a neonate / Infecção osteoarticular multi-focal num recém-nascido

Tanto la osteomielitis como la osteoartritis séptica en el período neonatal son patologías infrecuentes. La afectación ósea de la columna cervical es aún más rara, siendo excepcional en neonatos. Son patologías graves, con elevada morbimortalidad, donde el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz agresivo son de suma importancia para el pronóstico vital y funcional. Presentamos el caso de un neonato que presentó una sepsis a S. Aureus multirresistente, asociada a una osteomielitis de la primera vértebra cervical y a una osteoartritis séptica de la cadera izquierda. Fue tratado precozmente de forma quirúrgica y con antibioticoterapia, presentando una buena evolución.

Both osteomyelitis and septic osteoarthritis in the neonatal period are infrequent pathologies. Bone involvement of the cervical spine is even rarer, being exceptional in neonates. These are serious pathologies, with high morbimortality, where early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are of utmost importance for the vital and functional prognosis. We present the case of a neonate who presented with sepsis due to multidrug-resistant S. Aureus, associated with osteomyelitis of the first cervical vertebra and septic osteoarthritis of the left hip. He was treated early surgically and with antibiotic therapy, presenting a good evolution

Tanto a osteomielite como a osteoartrose séptica no período neonatal são patologias raras. O envolvimento ósseo da coluna cervical é ainda mais raro, sendo excepcional nos recém-nascidos. Estas são patologias graves, com elevada morbimortalidade, onde o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento agressivo são da maior importância para o prognóstico vital e funcional. Apresentamos o caso de um recém-nascido que apresentou sepse devido a S. Aureus multirresistente, associado a osteomielite da primeira vértebra cervical e osteoartrose séptica da anca esquerda. Foi tratado precocemente cirurgicamente e com terapia antibiótica, com uma boa evolução.

Trombosis de vena mesentérica superior como complicación de apendicitis aguda: una entidad poco frecuente / Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis as a complication of acute appendicitis: a rare entity

Las complicaciones de la apendicitis aguda ha sido ampliamente descrita en la literatura; la trombosis venosa mesenterica es una manifestación poco común de esta patologia correspondiento a menos del 1 % de frecuencia, esto puede desorientar al cirujano general al coexistir en el cuadro de apendicitis aguda. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 58 años, con dolor abdominal de 5 días de evolución, con sintomatologia poco especifica para el diagnóstico concreto de apendicitis. Se realizó una tomografía computarizada de abdomen con hallazgos de apendicitis aguda y trombososis venosa mesenterica con un coágulo de 11.5 cm. Se hizó también apendicectomia abierta y se inició anticoagulación al egreso hospitalario.

The complications of acute appendicitis have been widely described in the literature; Mesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare manifestation of this pathology corresponding to less than 1% frequency, this can confuse the general surgeon as it coexists with acute appendicitis. We present the case of a 58-year-old male patient, with abdominal pain of 5 days of evolution, with symptoms that are not very specific for the specific diagnosis of appendicitis. Computed tomography of the abdomen was performed with findings of acute appendicitis and mesenteric venous thrombosis with a clot of 11.5 cm. An open appendectomy was performed and anticoagulation was started on hospital discharge.

Perfil dos pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes orais diretos atendidos via judicial em um município de médio porte do estado de Minas Gerais / Profile of patients in the use of direct oral anticoagulants assisted judicially in a medium-sized municipality of the state of Minas Gerais

Fundamentos: O sistema de saúde brasileiro é embasado nos princípios estabelecidos na Constituição Federal, que in-cluem igualdade, universalidade, equidade e participação popular, em um modelo de saúde totalmente gratuito. O Brasil vive um grande desafio para ofertar assistência de qualidade para toda população. Muitas vezes, é necessário solicitar à justiça um suporte para conseguir acesso à saúde pública. Entre os processos judiciais envolvendo questões de saúde, a maioria são referentes ao fornecimento de medicamentos. Dentre os medicamentos solicitados, destacam-se os anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs), cujos estudos apontam que apresentam melhor segurança e eficácia similar em relação à varfarina, medicamento padronizado no SUS para o tratamento do tromboembolismo venoso e fibrilação atrial. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos pacientes e das solicitações dos DOACs atendidos por via judicial. Métodos: Estudo documental descritivo realizado em Divinópolis/MG a partir de todos os processos julgados com parecer favorável pela justiça referentes à solicitação dos DOACs. A coleta de dados foi realizada em três fontes secundárias: os pro-cessos judiciários, prontuários dos pacientes nas unidades básicas de saúde e no Sistema de Informações em Saúde. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo um total de 74 processos referentes à solicitação dos DOACs no município de Divinópolis-MG. Observou-se que 74,3% dos indivíduos eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 70 anos. O diagnóstico mais observado foi a fibrilação atrial (36,5%). Cerca de 52,7% dos médicos registraram que houve tenta-tiva terapêutica com varfarina antes da introdução dos DOACs e a comodidade (24,3%) foi a justificativa mais utilizada por optar pelos DOACs seguida por dificuldade em controlar a RNI (20,3%). Outro dado encontrado foi que 25,7% dos pacientes nunca obtiveram na farmácia do SUS o medicamento solicitado por via judicial. Conclusão: Concluímos que a demanda judicial que afoga tanto o sistema judiciário como o sistema de saúde, poderia ser evitada se fossem seguidas as recomendações da Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde para estabelecer a distribuição dos insumos de saúde. Além disso, nos processos judiciais faltam informações importantes para auxiliar o juiz a emitir um parecer, sendo baseadas, na maioria das vezes, em apenas uma opinião médica. (AU)

Fundamentals: The Brazilian health system is based on the principles established in the Federal Constitution, which include equality, universality, equity, and popular participation in a completely free health model. Brazil is under great challenge to offer quality care to the entire population. It is often necessary to ask the court for support to gain access to public health.Among the court proceedings involving health issues, the majority refer to the supply of medicines. Among the drugs requested, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) stand out, which indicate that they have better safety and similar efficacy concerning warfarin, a standardized medication in the SUS to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: Assess the profile of patients and requests for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) served by the court. Methods: Descriptive documental study carried out in Divinópolis/MG from all cases judged with a favorable opinion by the court regarding the request of DOACs. Data collection was carried out from three secondary sources: court proceedings, medical records of patients in basic health units, and the Health Information System (SIS). Results:A total of 74 lawsuits referring to the DOACs request in the city of Divinópolis-MG were included in the study. It was observed that 74.3% of the individuals were female, with a mean age of 70 years. The most common diagnosis was atrial fibrillation (36.5%). About 52.7% of physicians reported that there was a therapeutic attempt with warfarin before the introduction of DOACs, and convenience (24.3%) was the most used justification for choosing DOACs, followed by difficulty in controlling the INR (20.3%). Another finding was that 25.7% of the patients never obtained the medication requested through the courts at the SUS pharmacy. Conclusion: We concluded that the judicial demand that drowns both the judicial system and the health system could be avoided if the recommendations of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System were followed to establish the distribution of health education. In addition, in court proceedings, important information is lacking to assist the judge in issuing an opinion and is most often based on only one medical opinion. (AU)

Aspirin versus Rivaroxaban to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial / Aspirina versus rivaroxabana na prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso após artroplastia total do joelho: Um ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado e duplo-cego

Abstract Objective Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) and rivaroxaban are anticoagulants that have increased in popularity due to ease of use in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ASA compared with that of rivaroxaban on VTE prophylaxis in patients who underwent TKA. Method Forty patients who had primary knee osteoarthritis and would undergo TKA were randomized into two groups. In total, 20 patients in the ASA group used oral aspirin, at a dose of 300 mg/day, for VTE prophylaxis after TKA, while 20 patients in the rivaroxaban group received oral rivaroxaban, at a dose of 10 mg/day. On days 4 and 14 after the operation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs on the operated side was detected through duplex ultrasonography. Other complications were recorded for 14 days. Results There were no positive findings of DVT detected with duplex ultrasonography in the groups of patients, and the occurrence of pulmonary embolism was not observed. In total, 4 patients had subcutaneous ecchymosis on the fourth postoperative day (2 patients in the ASA group and 2 patients in the rivaroxaban group; p= 1.0), and another 4 patients on the fourteenth postoperative day (1 patient in the ASA group and 3 patients in the rivaroxaban group; p= 0.292). No cases of wound hematoma, major organ bleeding, wound infection, or reoperation were observed in the sample. Conclusion Aspirin and rivaroxaban had comparable efficacy to prevent VTE, without increasing the incidence of wound complications and bleeding after TKA.

Resumo Objetivo A aspirina (ácido acetilsalicílico, AAS) e a rivaroxabana são anticoagulantes que vêm ganhando popularidade devido à facilidade de uso na prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) após artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do AAS em comparação com a da rivaroxabana na profilaxia de TEV em pacientes submetidos a ATJ. Método Quarenta pacientes com osteoartrite primária do joelho, que seriam submetidos a ATJ, foram randomizados em dois grupos. No total, 20 pacientes do grupo AAS usaram aspirina oral, na dose de 300 mg/dia, para a profilaxia do TEV após ATJ; e 20 pacientes do grupo rivaroxabana receberam uma dose oral de 10 mg/dia. No 4° e 14° dias do pós-operatório, trombose venosa profunda (TVP) dos membros inferiores no lado da cirurgia foi detectada por meio de ultrassonografia duplex. Foram registradas outras complicações durante catorze dias. Resultados Não foram detectados achados positivos de TVP com a ultrassonografia duplex nos grupos de pacientes, e não se observou a ocorrência de embolia pulmonar. No total, 4 pacientes apresentaram equimose subcutânea no 4° dia do pós-operatório (2 pacientes no grupo AAS e 2 pacientes no grupo rivaroxabana; p= 1,0), e outros 4 pacientes, no 14° dia do pós-operatório (1 paciente no grupo AAS e 3 pacientes no grupo rivaroxabana; p= 0,292). Nenhum paciente da amostra apresentou hematoma da ferida cirúrgica, sangramento de órgão importante, infecção da ferida, ou necessidade de nova cirurgia. Conclusão A aspirina e a rivaroxabana apresentaram eficácia comparável na prevenção do TEV, sem aumentar a incidência de complicações da ferida e sangramento após ATJ.

Tromboprofilaxis entrauma / Thromboprophylaxis in Trauma Santiago Castañeda Palacio1

Introducción: Las lesiones traumáticas son una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. Los pacientes que sufren traumatismos tienen riesgo de estados de hipercoagulación y aumentan el riesgo de sufrir enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. La tromboprofilaxis hace referencia a cualquier intervención usada para prevenir el desarrollo del tromboembolismo venoso como son la trombosis venosa profunda y el tromboembolismo pulmonar. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sobre los principales mecanismos de tromboprofilaxis y sus principales esquemas en relación con el trauma ortopédico. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos de investigaciones originales en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs y Science Direct. Se seleccionaron palabras claves y términos del MeSH relacionados con anticoagulantes, tromboembolismo venoso, y embolismo pulmonar entre otros. La mayoría de bibliografía utilizada tuvo un rango de publicación no mayor a 5 años. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que sufren traumas tienen riesgo de sufrir estados de hipercoagulación y aumentan el riesgo de una enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Con el fin de prevenirla se utilizan en la tromboprofilaxis distintos medicamentos, como heparinas de bajo peso molecular, y dispositivos de compresión(AU)

Introduction: Traumatic injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Up to six million people die due to this cause. Trauma patients are at risk for hypercoagulable states and are at increased risk for venous thromboembolic disease. Thromboprophylaxis refers to any intervention used to prevent the development of venous thromboembolism such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. Objective: To carry out a practical review of the main mechanisms of thromboprophylaxis and its main schemes in relation to orthopedic trauma. Methods: A search for original research articles was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs, and Science Direct databases. The keywords and MeSH terms related to anticoagulants, venous thromboembolism, and pulmonary embolism were selected among others. Most of the bibliography used had a publication range of no more than 5 years. Conclusions: Patients who suffer trauma are at risk of hypercoagulable states and these increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. In order to prevent it, different drugs are used in thromboprophylaxis, such as low molecular weight heparins, among others, as well as other compression devices(AU)

Antiagregación plaquetaria: stents, isquemia y sangrado ¿Qué sabemos al respecto? / Platelet antiaggregation: stents, ischemia and bleeding What do we know about it?

Antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention are two of the most important interventions in the management of coronary artery disease. In the last 20 years there has been groundbreaking advances in the pharmacotherapy and stent technology. Bleeding is the most feared complication of antiplatelet therapy, mainly due to the increase in major adverse cardiovascular events besides the bleeding itself. Different clinical decision tools have developed with the aim to define which patients have a high ischemic or bleeding risk, thus individualizing treatment.

Uso de anticoagulantes orales directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular post implante de TAVI: resultados de una encuesta internacional / Use of anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is beneficial in patients with symptomatic severe Aortic Stenosis (AS). There is no consensus about the best anticoagulation strategy for patients with a recent TAVI and with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective to prevent embolic events with a significant lower incidence of bleeding. There is scarce evidence about the use of these drugs in patients undergoing TAVI. AIM: To assess the management of anticoagulation at the moment of discharge of patients with AF and TAVI. Material and Methods: A four question survey was sent to cardiologists involved in TAVI programs in different international centers. Results: The survey was answered by 72 interventional cardiologists. Even with the lack of randomized evidence, in most of the scenarios DOACs are prescribed at discharge in patients with indication for anticoagulation. Also, in patients with high bleeding risk, most cardiologists would perform a left atrial appendage closure. In patients with concomitant coronary artery disease, if a stent was recently implanted, prescription of the combination of a DOAC and one antiplatelet drug was the most common answer. In patients with a former coronary angioplasty, DOAC or Warfarin was the therapy of choice. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of randomized data, interventional cardiologists prescribe DOACs at discharge to patients with AF and TAVI, without following current guidelines in most cases.

Efectividad de anticoagulación regional con citrato en terapia de reemplazo renal continua / Effectiveness of regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is essential to counteract the coagulation cascade activation, induced by the dialysis circuit. Heparin is the most widely used anticoagulant, followed by regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). AIM: To determine the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant treatment with citrate in CRRT. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of adults in CRRT hospitalized between the years 2014 and 2020 in critical units, who required change to RCA according to established protocols. RESULTS: We studied 24 patients aged 63 ± 13 years (12 females). The reasons for admission were acute kidney injury (AKI) in 80% and stage 5 chronic kidney disease in 20%. The indication of RCA in 75% of patients was by coagulation of more than 3 circuits in 24 hours. The duration of the circuit in RCA was 18.5 ± 4.8 hours versus 11.9 ± 4.9 hours with heparin (p < 0.0001). There were 19 mild complications that did not affect the RCA. Conclusions: RCA is feasible to perform, it is a safe and efficient procedure if it is protocolized, allowing a longer duration of the dialysis circuit.

Síndrome de vena cava superior: una serie de casos consecutivos en pacientes internados en un hospital terciario universitario / Superior vena cava syndrome: a consecutive case series of in-hospital patients in a tertiary teaching hospital

Introducción: el síndrome de vena cava superior resulta de la obstrucción del flujo sanguíneo a través de este vaso. Casi la totalidad de los casos en la actualidad se asocian con tumores malignos. Existen controversias acerca del manejo apropiado de este cuadro. Actualmente, las terapias endovasculares son consideradas de elección. Materiales y métodos: se recolectaron y describieron, a partir de datos de la historia clínica electrónica, los casos de pacientes mayores de 18 años internados ­de forma consecutiva, que desarrollaron el síndrome­ en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires en 2021. Se constataron las características basales, los tratamientos recibidos y los desenlaces clínicos intrahospitaliarios de cada uno de ellos. Resultados: un total de cinco pacientes fueron incluidos en el presente estudio y seguidos durante su instancia intrahospitalaria. Todos los casos descriptos fueron secundarios a enfermedades oncológicas. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron un cuadro de moderada gravedad según las escalas utilizadas. En cuatro de cinco pacientes se optó por terapias endovasculares y dos de ellos fallecieron durante la internación. Discusión: existen controversias respecto del tratamiento óptimo del síndrome de vena cava superior, y heterogeneidad en la práctica clínica. Los estudios futuros deberían centrarse en identificar a aquellos pacientes que más probablemente se beneficien de las estrategias terapéuticas endovasculares, anticoagulantes o antiagregantes. (AU)

Introduction: superior vena cava syndrome results from an obstruction of blood flow through this vessel. Currently, almost all cases are associated with malignancies. There are controversies about the optimal management of this syndrome. Endovascular therapies are considered the first-line therapy. Material and methods: we collected clinical, laboratory and pharmacological data from patients admitted at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, between January 1st and November 1st 2021 with a diagnosis o superior vein cava syndrome. Baseline characteristics, treatment strategies and clinical outcomes were recorded. Results: a total of five patients were included in the present study. All cases were malignancy-related. Most of the patientsdeveloped moderate symptoms. Four out of five patients were treated with endovascular therapies and two patients died during hospitalization. Discussion: controversies regarding optimal management of the superior vena cava syndrome remain. Future research should focus on identifying those patients who are most likely to benefit from endovascular, anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapeutic strategies. (AU)

Low molecular weight heparin is useful in adult COVID-19 inpatients. Experience during the first Spanish wave: observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The intensity of the thromboprophylaxis needed as a potential factor for preventing inpatient mortality due to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between anticoagulation intensity and COVID-19 survival. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational study in a tertiary-level hospital in Spain. METHODS: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) status was ascertained based on prescription at admission. To control for immortal time bias, anticoagulant use was analyzed as a time-dependent variable. RESULTS: 690 patients were included (median age, 72 years). LMWH was administered to 615 patients, starting from hospital admission (89.1%). 410 (66.7%) received prophylactic-dose LMWH; 120 (19.5%), therapeutic-dose LMWH; and another 85 (13.8%) who presented respiratory failure, high D-dimer levels (> 3 mg/l) and non-worsening of inflammation markers received prophylaxis of intermediate-dose LMWH. The overall inpatient-mortality rate was 38.5%. The anticoagulant nonuser group presented higher mortality risk than each of the following groups: any LMWH users (HR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.40-3.15); the prophylactic-dose heparin group (HR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.57-3.64); and the users of heparin dose according to biomarkers (HR 6.52; 95% CI, 2.95-14.41). 3.4% of the patients experienced major hemorrhage. 2.8% of the patients developed an episode of thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS: This observational study showed that LMWH administered at the time of admission was associated with lower mortality among unselected adult COVID-19 inpatients. The magnitude of the benefit may have been greatest for the intermediate-dose subgroup. Randomized controlled trials to assess the benefit of heparin within different therapeutic regimes for COVID-19 patients are required.

Trombose de veia porta não associada à cirrose - desafio terapêutico / Non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis - therapeutic challenge

Resumo A trombose de veia porta (TVP) é uma doença na qual ocorre trombose desde os ramos intra-hepáticos da veia porta, podendo se estender até a veia esplênica e/ou veia mesentérica superior, estando associada, na maioria das vezes, à cirrose hepática. A TVP não associada a cirrose é rara. O objetivo deste artigo foi relatar dois casos de TVP não associados à cirrose, que foram tratados com anticoagulação e tiveram evolução clínica satisfatória.

Abstract Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a disease in which thrombosis occurs from the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein, and may extend to the splenic vein and/or superior mesenteric vein. It is most often associated with liver cirrhosis. PVT not associated with cirrhosis is rare. The aim of this article is to report two cases of PVT in which it was not associated with cirrhosis. Both were treated with anticoagulation and clinical progress afterwards was good.

Tromboprofilaxia na cirurgia de varizes dos membros inferiores no Brasil / Thromboprophylaxis in lower limb varicose vein surgery in Brazil

Resumo Contexto Apesar de todo o investimento na profilaxia primária do tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) em pacientes cirúrgicos nos últimos anos, ainda não existem diretrizes específicas para aqueles que serão submetidos a procedimentos para tratamento de varizes de membros inferiores. Objetivos Avaliar o perfil de conduta de profilaxia do TEV pelos cirurgiões vasculares brasileiros para procedimentos de tratamento de varizes de membros inferiores. Métodos Pesquisa de levantamento por envio de questionário eletrônico a cirurgiões vasculares brasileiros. Os respondentes foram divididos entre os que realizam tratamento de veias safenas por cirurgia convencional e os que realizam termoablação para fim de comparação entre os grupos. Resultados Entre os 765 respondentes, o tratamento de escolha das veias safenas foi a cirurgia convencional para 405 (53%), espuma ecoguiada para 44 (6%) e termoablação (endolaser ou radiofrequência) para 199 (26%). Os cirurgiões que realizam termoablação prescrevem mais farmacoprofilaxia após o procedimento que aqueles que preferem cirurgia convencional (67/199, 34% vs. 112/405, 28%; p = 0,002). O grupo termoablação estratifica o paciente quanto ao risco de TEV com mais frequência que o grupo cirurgia convencional (102/199, 51% vs. 179/405, 44%; p =0,004). Ambos os grupos usam mais frequentemente enoxaparina como medicação para profilaxia, porém o grupo termoablação usa mais anticoagulantes orais diretos proporcionalmente que o grupo cirurgia convencional (26% vs. 10%, p < 0,001). Conclusões Cirurgiões vasculares brasileiros que fizeram o tratamento de veias safenas por termoablação prescrevem farmacoprofilaxia com maior frequência e por um período mais prolongado do que os que realizaram o tratamento por cirurgia convencional.

Abstract Background Despite all the investment in primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for surgical patients in recent years, there are still no specific guidelines for those who undergo procedures to treat lower limb varicose veins. Objectives To evaluate the profile of VTE prophylaxis practices among Brazilian vascular surgeons conducting lower limb varicose vein procedures. Methods Survey design, sending an electronic questionnaire to Brazilian vascular surgeons. Respondents were divided between those who perform saphenous vein treatment with conventional surgery and those who perform thermoablation for the purpose of comparison between groups. Results Of 765 respondents, 405 (53%) treat saphenous veins with conventional surgery for, 44 (6%) with foam, and 199 (26%) with thermoablation (endolaser or radiofrequency). Surgeons who perform thermoablation prescribed more pharmacoprophylaxis after varicose vein surgery than those who perform conventional surgery (67/199, 34% vs. 112/405, 28%; p = 0.002). The thermoablation group stratifies patients for thromboembolism risk more frequently than the conventional surgery group (102/199, 51% vs. 179/405, 44%; p = 0.004). Both groups use enoxaparin as the most frequent drug for prophylaxis, but the thermoablation group uses proportionally more direct oral anticoagulants than the conventional surgery group (26% vs. 10%, p<0.001). Conclusions Brazilian vascular surgeons who perform saphenous vein treatment by thermoablation prescribe pharmacoprophylaxis more frequently and for a longer period than those who use conventional surgery.

Ocupação apical por endomiocardiofibrose associada a trombo diagnosticada com ecocardiografia de contraste e resolvida com tratamento clínico / Apical occupation by endomyocardiofibrosis associated with thrombus diagnosed with contrast echocardiography and resolved with clinical treatment

A endomiocardiofibrose é uma doença negligenciada e predominante em países subdesenvolvidos. Apesar de sua frequência, ainda é considerada rara. Assim, a doença é marcada pelos seguintes achados: distorção arquitetural, alterações no enchimento ventricular e alterações da mobilidade segmentar. Ela afetando não só a dinâmica diastólica e sistólica, como também as funções das válvulas cardíacas. Em uma condição mais avançada da doença, pode haver formação de trombos apicais. Neste relato de caso, revisitamos a endomiocardiofibrose, apresentando um caso desafiador de paciente do sexo feminino de 52 anos, com clínica de insuficiência cardíaca classe funcional IV da New York Heart Association. A eletrocardiografia de repouso revelou ritmo sinusal com sobrecarga do ventrículo esquerdo com vetores de alta voltagem, infradesnivelamento retificado do segmento ST e onda T negativa em região anterolateral, podendo ser compatível com padrão de strain. Já na avaliação de imagens ecocardiográficas, revelou dilatação acentuada do átrio esquerdo, com ventrículos sem dilatações e imagem de ocupação apical hiperrefringente no interior do ventrículo esquerdo, sugerindo grande trombo séssil sobreposto à capa fibrosa endocárdica. Embora a conduta cirúrgica seja a mais apoiada em literatura em tais situações, a paciente aqui apresentada recebeu tratamento com anticoagulação oral por 1 mês e 24 dias. Ela evoluiu clinicamente bem, com melhora da classe funcional da New York Heart Association e, em ecocardiografia realizada 2 meses após o início da anticoagulação oral, houve demonstração da regressão da imagem de trombo apical, apoiada com a técnica de contraste endocavitário.(AU)

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a neglected but prevalent disease in underdeveloped countries. Despite its frequency, it is still considered a rare disease. It is marked by the following findings: architectural distortion, ventricular filling changes, and segmental mobility changes affecting not only diastolic and systolic dynamics but also heart valve function. Apical thrombi can be formed in more advanced disease. In this case report, we revisit EMF and present the challenging case of a 52-year-old woman with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification (FC) IV heart failure. Resting electrocardiography revealed sinus rhythm with left ventricular (LV) overload, high voltage vectors, rectified ST-segment depression, and a negative T-wave in the anterolateral region compatible with the strain pattern. The evaluation of echocardiographic images showed marked left atrial dilation, no ventricular dilatation, and hyper-refringent apical occupation within the LV suggestive of a large sessile thrombus superimposed on the endocardial fibrous layer. Although surgery is the most supported approach in the literature in such situations, this patient was treated with oral anticoagulants (OAC) for 1 month and 24 days. The patient progressed well with an improved NYHA FC. Endocavitary contrast echocardiography performed 2 months after OAC initiation showed regression of the apical thrombus image. (AU)