Thrombotic complications with interruption of direct oral anticoagulants in dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran, are increasingly being used to provide prophylaxis and treatment for arterial and venous thromboembolism. Multiple procedural subspecialties have implemented guidelines detailing time frames for perioperative DOAC interruption; however, the impact of perioperative DOAC interruption in patients undergoing dermatologic surgery is currently unknown, and evidence-based guidelines are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the 30-day postoperative rate of thrombotic complications (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and pulmonary embolism) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) or a history of DVT who underwent perioperative DOAC interruption during dermatologic surgery. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was performed of all patients with AF or a history of DVT who underwent perioperative DOAC interruption during dermatologic surgery at Advanced Dermatologic Surgery and the University of Kansas Medical Center between January 1, 2016, and August 31, 2020. RESULTS: Among 806 operations, comprising 750 Mohs micrographic operations (93.1%) and 56 excisions (6.9%), 1 patient (0.14% of patients with AF) sustained a transient ischemic attack and 2 patients (0.25% of all patients) sustained minor bleeding complications during the 30-day postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Perioperative DOAC interruption appears to be safe and efficacious in dermatologic surgery.

Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in general surgery in Spain. Analysis of a national survey. / Profilaxis del tromboembolismo venoso en cirugía general en España. Análisis de una encuesta nacional.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a serious postoperative complication that can be prevented by adequate thromboprophylaxis. Surveys provide relevant information about clinician's attitudes and preferences regarding VTE prophylaxis. METHODS: Transversal, descriptive study based on a survey sent to general surgeons members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC), that included 31 questions regarding postoperative VTE and its prevention, as well as three clinical scenarios. RESULTS: 530 surgeons, 21.8% of the 2,429 invited by electronic mail to participate, completed the survey. Most of the answering clinicians work on in big teaching hospitals, and 28.5% are residents. VTE represents a serious problem for 28% of participants. Although 81% consider that their knowledge on the prevention of postoperative VTE is adequate, a similar percentage recognizes the need for further education. The vast majority (98.7%) use low molecular weight heparins, which are considered the most effective and safe modality, followed by mechanical methods. The Caprini risk assessment score is used by 81% of surgeons, who usually start pharmacological prophylaxis preoperatively. However, there are remarkable differences in the dosing of heparins, timing of initiation, and duration, especially in non-oncologic surgical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most Spanish surgeons are interested in the prevention of postoperative VTE. Overall, the level of knowledge on thromboprophylaxis is adequate. However, our results indicate that there is a need for better education on relevant practical aspects of prophylaxis that could be achieved by incorporating recommendations from recent guidelines to local hospital-based protocols.

Thrombosis: Risk Factors Among Pediatric Patients With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, inside of a blood vessel. Pediatric patients with cancer are at a higher risk of developing a thrombus because of their underlying disease, as well as their treatment and supportive care. Thrombosis can lead to significant morbidity, such as pulmonary embolism, in pediatric patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for developing a thrombus among pediatric patients with cancer, along with treatment and prevention protocols. This study also examines the clinical nurse's role in preventing thrombosis and caring for pediatric patients who present with thrombosis. METHODS: The thrombosis literature was reviewed to identify risk factors, treatment regimens, and strategies for prevention. FINDINGS: Thrombosis in pediatric patients with cancer requires management of potential complications so that cancer treatment may continue.

Physicians' Perceptions of Their Patients' Attitude and Knowledge of Long-Term Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Bulgaria.

Background and Objectives: Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is widely used in daily clinical practice worldwide for various indications. We aimed to explore the perception of Bulgarian clinicians about their patients' attitude and knowledge of long-term OAC, prescribed for atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or known deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study that involved 226 specialists: 187 (82.7%) cardiologists, 23 (10.2%) neurologists, and 16 (7.1%) vascular surgeons. They filled in a questionnaire, specially designed for our study, answering various questions regarding OAC treatment in their daily clinical practice. Results: The mean prescription rate of OACs in AF patients was 80.3% and in DVT/PE-88.6%. One hundred and eighty-seven (82.7%) of the participants stated they see their patients on OAC at least once per month. According to more than one-third of the inquired clinicians, the patients did not understand well enough the provided information concerning net clinical benefit of OAC treatment. About 68% of the clinicians declared that their patients would prefer a "mutual" approach, discussing with the physician the OAC options and taking together the final decision, whereas according to 43 (19.0%), the patients preferred the physician to take a decision for them. Patients' OAC treatment had been interrupted at least once within the last year due to a physician's decision by 178 (78.8%) of the participants and the most common reason was elective surgery. The most influential factors for a patient's choice of OAC were the need of a specific diet to be kept, intake frequency, and possible adverse reactions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a clinician's continuous medical education, shared decision-making, and appropriate local strategies for improved awareness of AF/DVT/PE patients are key factors for improvement of OAC management.

Thromboprophylaxis After Hospitalization for Joint Replacement Surgery.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of mortality during the perioperative period, with individuals who have undergone hip and knee arthroplasty at the highest risk for VTE. The American College of Chest Physicians recommends 35 days of postoperative thromboprophylaxis and the use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy for mechanical compression after major orthopedic surgery. However, little research has described adherence to these recommendations during recovery at home. The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to describe thromboprophylaxis prescription, use, and education among patients discharged home after major orthopedic surgery. We surveyed patients within 2 years of major orthopedic surgery. A total of 388 subjects completed the survey. More than three-quarters of respondents reported a thromboprophylaxis duration <35 days. Most (93.8%) respondents were prescribed a pharmacologic agent, while 55.9% were prescribed mechanical compression therapy. Of the respondents who were prescribed mechanical compression therapy, 13.4% were prescribed IPC. Adherence to mechanical compression therapy was moderate, with 63% of respondents wearing mechanical compression therapy ≥75% of the time. The results of this study suggest a need for increased duration of thromboprophylaxis and increased use of IPC in the outpatient setting. Additional research describing prescribers' perceptions of thromboprophylaxis is also needed.

Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Treating Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer.

For patients with cancer who experience venous thromboembolism (VTE), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) remains the standard of care in the NCCN Guidelines for VTE, but under certain conditions direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are acceptable alternatives. A growing body of literature suggests that DOACs may more effective than LMWHs in preventing recurrences, but they do carry some increased risk of bleeding. Most of this risk is seen in patients with gastrointestinal or urinary pathology or implanted devices. DOACs are also acceptable when the pain, cost, and inconvenience of LMWHs are expected to be obstacles to compliance. Through careful patient selection, most patients can be treated successfully with a DOAC, although for most patients with gastrointestinal or urinary pathology, LMWH remains the safer choice.

Prevention of perioperative venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients: Guidelines from the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI).

The Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI) Guidelines Working Group on Thromboprophylaxis in Children has reviewed the literature and where possible provided advice on the care of children in the perioperative period. Areas reviewed include the incidence of perioperative venous thromboembolism (VTE), risk factors, evidence for mechanical and chemical prophylaxis, and complications. Safe practice of regional anesthesia with anticoagulant prophylaxis is detailed. In summary, there are few areas of strong evidence. Routine prophylaxis cannot be recommended for young children. Postpubertal adolescents (approximately 13 years and over) are at a slightly increased risk of VTE and should be assessed for prophylaxis and may warrant intervention if other risk factors are present. However, the incidence of VTE is significantly lower than in the adult population. This special interest review presents a summary and discussion of the key recommendations, a decision-making algorithm and a risk assessment chart. For the full guideline, go to www.apagbi.org.uk/publications/apa-guidelines.

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Surgery in the elderly.

: The risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in patients aged more than 70 years and in elderly patients presenting with co-morbidities, for example cardiovascular disorders, malignancy or renal insufficiency. Therefore, risk stratification, correction of modifiable risks and sustained perioperative thromboprophylaxis are essential in this patient population. Timing and dosing of pharmacoprophylaxis may be adopted from the non-aged population. Direct oral anti-coagulants are effective and well tolerated in the elderly; statins may not replace pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. Early mobilisation and use of non-pharmacological means of thromboprophylaxis should be exploited. In elderly patients, we suggest identification of co-morbidities increasing the risk for VTE (e.g. congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disorder, renal failure, lymphoma, metastatic cancer, obesity, arthritis, post-menopausal oestrogen therapy) and correction if present (e.g. anaemia, coagulopathy) (Grade 2C). We suggest against bilateral knee replacement in elderly and frail patients (Grade 2C). We suggest timing and dosing of pharmacological VTE prophylaxis as in the non-aged population (Grade 2C). In elderly patients with renal failure, low-dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) may be used or weight-adjusted dosing of low molecular weight heparin (Grade 2C). In the elderly, we recommend careful prescription of postoperative VTE prophylaxis and early postoperative mobilisation (Grade 1C). We recommend multi-faceted interventions for VTE prophylaxis in elderly and frail patients, including pneumatic compression devices, low molecular weight heparin (and/or direct oral anti-coagulants after knee or hip replacement) (Grade 1C). : This article is part of the European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. For details concerning background, methods, and members of the ESA VTE Guidelines Task Force, please, refer to:Samama CM, Afshari A, for the ESA VTE Guidelines Task Force. European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2018; 35:73-76.A synopsis of all recommendations can be found in the following accompanying article: Afshari A, Ageno W, Ahmed A, et al., for the ESA VTE Guidelines Task Force. European Guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Executive summary. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2018; 35:77-83.

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Day surgery and fast-track surgery.

: In recent years, day surgery and fast-track surgery have experienced a continuous increase in volume. Many procedures are now performed on an outpatient protocol, including general, orthopaedic, oncological, reconstructive or vascular surgery. The management of these patients is safe, but the incidence of venous thromboembolism in this population remains unknown. Several risk factors can be identified and stratified derived from studies of inpatient surgical management (e.g. Caprini score). Recommendations for thromboprophylaxis should be tailored from the assessment of both personal and procedure-related risk factors, although with a lack of evidence for application in outpatient management. For patients undergoing a low-risk procedure without additional risk factors, we recommend only general measures of thromboprophylaxis (early ambulation, optimal hydration) (Grade 1B). For patients undergoing a low-risk procedure with additional risk factors, or a high-risk procedure without additional risk factors, we recommend general measures of thromboprophylaxis (Grade 1B) and we suggest the administration of pharmacological prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins (Grade 2B). For patients undergoing a high-risk procedure with additional risk factors we recommend general measures of thromboprophylaxis (Grade 1B) and pharmacological prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins over other drugs (Grade 1B), or suggest specific mechanical measures in case of increased bleeding risk (Grade 2C). Pharmacological prophylaxis should last a minimum of 7 days (Grade 1B), although in selected cases of fast-track surgery, thromboprophylaxis could be limited to hospitalisation only (Grade 2C) and in specific cases of high-risk procedures, thromboprophylaxis could be extended for up to 4 weeks (Grade 2B).

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Surgery in the obese patient.

: A systematic literature search was performed and patients were selected as obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery or obese patients undergoing nonbariatric surgical procedures. In addition, patients were stratified according to low risk of venous thromboembolism and high risk of venous thromboembolism (age >55 years, BMI >55 kg m, history of venous thromboembolism, venous disease, sleep apnoea, hypercoagulability or pulmonary hypertension). Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism was analysed depending on the type of modality: compression devices of the lower extremities (including intermittent pneumatic compression and graduated compression stockings), pharmacological prophylaxis or inferior vena cava filters. Two prospective studies compared mechanical devices and pharmacological prophylaxis vs. a mechanical device alone without significant differences. A few randomised controlled studies and most of the prospective nonrandomised studies showed that low-dose low molecular weight heparin (3000 to 4000 anti-Xa IU 12 h subcutaneously) was acceptable for obese patients with a lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but a higher dose of low molecular weight heparin (4000 to 6000 anti-Xa IU 12 h subcutaneously) should be proposed for obese patients with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism. Extended prophylaxis for 10 to 15 days was well tolerated for obese patients with a high risk of venous thromboembolism in the postdischarge period. The safety and efficacy of inferior vena cava filters in bariatric surgical patients is highly heterogeneous. There were no randomised trials that analysed prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in obese patients undergoing nonbariatric surgery. Higher doses of anticoagulants could be proposed for obese patients with a BMI more than 40 kg m. The lack of good quality randomised trials with a low risk of bias did not allow us to propose strong recommendations.

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Chronic treatments with antiplatelet agents.

: Antiplatelet agents (APA) are considered first-line therapy in preventing cardiovascular thrombotic events, but they are of limited value in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the perioperative period. Consequently, many patients should receive both an APA and an anticoagulant. This combination can increase the bleeding risk and it is necessary to make some recommendations to minimise that risk. In patients receiving APA chronically, if the risk of VTE outweighs the risk of bleeding, we suggest pharmacological prophylaxis (grade 2C). In patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy undergoing a procedure associated with a high risk of VTE, resuming both APA shortly after the procedure must be prioritised over pharmacological VTE prevention (grade 2C). If the risk of bleeding from a combination of an APA and an anticoagulant outweighs the risk of VTE, we suggest mechanical thromboprophylaxis over anticoagulant prophylaxis, without discontinuing the APA (grade 2C). Patients in whom neuraxial anaesthesia is planned, a higher rate of complications could occur if pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is administered concurrently and postoperative thromboprophylaxis initiation should be suggested (grade 2C). After surgery, the first dose of aspirin should be given once haemostasis is guaranteed (grade 2B). In the case of clopidogrel, give the drug without a loading dose between 24 and 48 h after surgery (grade 2C).

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Surgery during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period.

: Thromboembolic events in the pregnant and postpartum patient remain rare but potentially fatal complications. The aim of this section was to analyse the few prospective studies addressing the issue of thromboprophylaxis following a surgical procedure during and immediately after pregnancy, as well as national guidelines, and to propose European guidelines on this specific condition. Thromboprophylaxis is broadly recommended due to the combined risks of surgery and pregnancy or the postpartum period, regardless of the mode of delivery. We recommend prophylactic thromboprophylaxis following surgery during pregnancy or the postpartum period when they imply, as a consequence, bed rest, until full mobility is recovered (Grade 1C). Similarly, thromboprophylaxis should be used in cases of perioperative infection during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Concerning thromboprophylaxis following a caesarean section, it seems avoidable only in elective procedures in low-risk patients, after a normal pregnancy, and with an early rehabilitation protocol. The duration of thromboprophylaxis following caesarean section should be at least 6 weeks for high-risk patients, and at least 7 days for the other patients requiring anticoagulation (Grade 1C).

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Patients with preexisting coagulation disorders and after severe perioperative bleeding.

: In patients with inherited bleeding disorders undergoing surgery, we recommend assessment of individual risk for venous thromboembolism, taking into account the nature of the surgery and anaesthetic, type and severity of bleeding disorder, age, BMI, history of thrombosis, the presence of malignancy and other high-risk comorbidities. Venous thromboembolism risk should be balanced against the increased bleeding risk associated with anticoagulant use in patients with known bleeding disorders (Grade 1C). In these patients undergoing major surgery, we recommend against routine postoperative use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, especially for patients with haemophilia A and B (Grade 1B). Glomerular filtration rate should be assessed before initiation of each direct oral anticoagulant, and also at least once a year or more frequently as needed, such as postoperatively before the resumption of therapeutic direct oral anticoagulant administration, when it is suspected that renal function could decline or deteriorate (Grade 1C). Reduced dosages of low molecular weight heparins may be used relatively safely during transient severe (<50 × 10 l) thrombocytopaenia (Grade 2C). Monitoring of anti-Xa levels may be used to adjust the doses of low molecular weight heparin in patients with moderate or severe thrombocytopaenia (Grade 2C). The delay between major gastrointestinal bleeding and resuming warfarin should be at least 7 days (Grade 2C). For patients at a high risk of thromboembolism and with a high bleeding risk after surgery, we consider that administering a reduced dose of direct oral anticoagulant on the evening after surgery and on the following day (first postoperative day) after surgery is a good practice (Grade 2B).

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Mechanical prophylaxis.

: Institutional protocols need to address the indications for pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylaxis. The use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) strongly differs between institutions. As a consequence, no strong recommendations can be made based on the contemporary high-level evidence. Although different clinical practices can be supported, such approaches should be part of an institutional strategy to reduce the burden of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We recommend against the use of GCS alone without pharmacological thromboprophylaxis for prevention of VTE in patients at intermediate and high risk. For patients at high risk of VTE with contraindications for pharmacological thromboprophylaxis, we recommend the use of mechanical prophylaxis and suggest the use of IPC over GCS. However, for those patients receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis who are without a very high risk of VTE prophylaxis, we recommend against the routine use of mechanical thromboprophylaxis either with GCS or IPC. We suggest combined mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis in selected patients at very high risk of VTE prophylaxis and suggest IPC rather than GCS in these selected patients.

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Intensive care.

: Venous thromboembolism is a common and potentially life-threatening complication that occurs in 4 to 15% of patients admitted to ICUs despite the routine use of pharmacological prophylaxis. We therefore recommend an institution-wide protocol for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (Grade 1B). The routine use of ultrasonographic screening for deep vein thrombosis is not recommended when thromboprophylactic measures are in place (Grade 1B), as the detection of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis may prompt therapeutic anticoagulation that may increase bleeding risk but has no proven reduction of clinically significant thrombotic events. In critically ill patients, we recommend pharmacological prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin over low-dose heparin (Grade 1B). For critically ill patients with severe renal insufficiency, we suggest the use of low-dose heparin (Grade 2C), dalteparin (Grade 2B) or reduced doses of enoxaparin (Grade 2C). Monitoring of anti-Xa activity may be considered when low molecular weight heparin is used in these patients (Grade 2C). No study has prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in critically ill patients with severe liver dysfunction. Thus, the use of pharmacological prophylaxis in these patients should be carefully balanced against the risk of bleeding. For critically ill patients, we recommend against the routine use of inferior vena cava filters for the primary prevention of venous thromboembolism (Grade 1C). When the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia is suspected or confirmed, all forms of heparin must be discontinued (Grade 1B). In these patients, immediate anticoagulation with a nonheparin anticoagulant rather than discontinuation of heparin alone is recommended (Grade 1C).

Extended Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis after Radical Cystectomy: A Call for Adherence to Current Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Radical cystectomy is inherently associated with morbidity. We assess the timing and incidence of venous thromboembolism, review current guideline recommendations and provide evidence for considering extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in all patients undergoing radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed® for available literature on radical cystectomy and venous thromboembolism, focusing on incidence and timing, evidence supporting extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing radical cystectomy or abdominal oncologic surgery, current guideline recommendations, safety considerations and direct oral anticoagulants. Search terms included "radical cystectomy," "venous thromboembolism," "prophylaxis," and "extended oral anticoagulants" and "direct oral anticoagulants" alone and in combination. Relevant articles were reviewed, including original research, reviews and clinical guidelines. References from review articles and guidelines were also assessed to develop a narrative review. RESULTS: The incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in short-term followup after radical cystectomy is 3% to 11.6%, of which more than 50% of cases will occur after hospital discharge. Meta-analyses of clinical trials in patients undergoing major abdominal oncologic operations suggest a decreased risk of venous thromboembolisms for patients receiving extended (4 weeks) venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Extended prophylaxis should be considered in all radical cystectomy cases. Although the relative risk of bleeding also increases, the overall net benefit of extended prophylaxis clearly favors use for at least 28 days postoperatively. Extrarenal eliminated prophylaxis agents are preferred given the risk of renal insufficiency in radical cystectomy cases, with newer oral anticoagulants providing an alternative route of administration. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing radical cystectomy are at high risk for venous thromboembolism after hospital discharge. There is strong evidence that extended prophylaxis significantly decreases the risk of venous thromboembolism in oncologic surgery cases. Use of extended prophylaxis after radical cystectomy has been poorly adopted, emphasizing the need for better adherence to current urology procedure specific guidelines as extended prophylaxis for radical cystectomy is the standard of care. Specific and rare circumstances may require case by case assessment.

Comparison of the ecarin chromogenic assay and diluted thrombin time for quantification of dabigatran concentrations.

Essentials Routine monitoring is unnecessary but measuring dabigatran levels is helpful in certain situations. We compared ecarin chromogenic assay (STA-ECA-II) and dilute thrombin time (dTT) in patient samples. Both tests provided accurate measurements over a wide range of dabigatran concentrations. Adoption of STA-ECA-II and dTT into routine clinical practice will improve patient care. SUMMARY: Background Although routine coagulation monitoring is unnecessary, measuring plasma dabigatran concentrations can be useful for detecting drug accumulation in renal failure or overdose, assessing the contribution of dabigatran to serious bleeding, planning the timing of urgent surgery or intervention, or determining the suitability for thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Dabigatran concentrations can be quantified using chromogenic or clot-based tests, such as the ecarin chromogenic assay (ECA) and the diluted thrombin time (dTT), respectively. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the results of these assays with dabigatran concentrations measured by the reference standard of mass spectrometry in samples from 50 dabigatran-treated patients collected at peak and trough after at least 4 months of drug intake. Methods Drug levels measured with either the STA Ecarin Chromogenic Assay-II (STA-ECA-II) or dTT were linearly correlated with those determined by mass spectrometry over a wide range of concentrations. Results and Conclusions For detection of levels below 50 ng mL-1 both tests have specificities of at least 96%, suggesting that they accurately detect even low levels of drug. Therefore, regardless of whether a chromogenic or clot-based platform is preferred, the STA-ECA-II and dTT are useful tests for measuring dabigatran concentrations. Unfortunately, neither test is licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Although approved in other jurisdictions, the dTT and STA-ECA-II are not widely or rapidly available in most hospitals. Therefore, cooperation between regulators and hospitals is urgently needed to render these tests readily available to inform patient care.

Update in perioperative medicine: practice changing evidence published in 2016.

This summary reviews 18 key articles published in 2016 which have significant practice implications for the perioperative medical care of surgical patients. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the practice of perioperative medicine, important new evidence is published in journals representing a variety of medical and surgical specialties. Keeping current with the evidence that drives best practice in perioperative medicine is therefore challenging. We set out to identify, critically review, and summarize key evidence which has the most potential for practice change. We integrated the new evidence into the existing body of medical knowledge and identified practical implications for real world patient care. The articles address issues related to anticoagulation, transfusion threshold, immunosuppressive medications, postoperative delirium, myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, postoperative pain management, perioperative management of antihypertensives, perioperative fasting, and perioperative diabetic control.