Relatively mild symptoms after chronic overdose with a double-dose encorafenib: a case report.

Encorafenib (Braftovi) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation, in combination with binimetinib (Mektovi). According to the product label of encorafenib, there are no specific treatment recommendations in case of an overdose. We report on a 63-year-old man who ingested a double dose (900 mg) of encorafenib for 16 days. He developed overall minor chronic overdose symptoms such as nausea and vomiting grade 1 and muscle pain. Based on the most occurring adverse events of encorafenib, liver values, kidney function parameters and QTc interval were measured. Kidney function parameters were normal, whereas liver values were slightly increased (grade 1) and QTc slightly prolonged. The plasma concentration 3 h after the last dose was 2110 ng/mL. We describe the course of a case with a chronic overdose during 16 days of the double dose of encorafenib as well as the followed approach, which could be taken into account when observing an encorafenib overdose. Providing information in times of Covid-19 is challenging, but remains necessary for good clinical care.

Phase I Assessment of Safety and Therapeutic Activity of BAY1436032 in Patients with IDH1-Mutant Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: BAY1436032, an inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mIDH1), was active against multiple IDH1-R132X solid tumors in preclinical models. This first-in-human study was designed to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of BAY1436032, and to evaluate its potential pharmacodynamics and antitumor effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised of dose escalation and dose expansion cohorts. BAY1436032 tablets were orally administered twice daily on a continuous basis in subjects with mIDH1 solid tumors. RESULTS: In dose escalation, 29 subjects with various tumor types were administered BAY1436032 across five doses (150-1,500 mg twice daily). BAY1432032 exhibited a relatively short half-life. Most evaluable subjects experienced target inhibition as indicated by a median maximal reduction of plasma R-2-hydroxyglutarate levels of 76%. BAY1436032 was well tolerated and an MTD was not identified. A dose of 1,500 mg twice daily was selected for dose expansion, where 52 subjects were treated in cohorts representing four different tumor types [lower grade glioma (LGG), glioblastoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and a basket cohort of other tumor types]. The best clinical outcomes were in subjects with LGG (n = 35), with an objective response rate of 11% (one complete response and three partial responses) and stable disease in 43%. As of August 2020, four of these subjects were in treatment for >2 years and still ongoing. Objective responses were observed only in LGG. CONCLUSIONS: BAY1436032 was well tolerated and showed evidence of target inhibition and durable objective responses in a small subset of subjects with LGG.

Adverse events associated with encorafenib plus binimetinib in the COLUMBUS study: incidence, course and management.

BACKGROUND: Dual inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway with BRAF/MEK inhibitor (BRAFi/MEKi) therapy is a standard treatment for BRAFV600-mutant metastatic melanoma and has historically been associated with grade III pyrexia or photosensitivity depending on the combination used. The objective of this study was to fully describe adverse events from the COLUMBUS study evaluating the most recent BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination encorafenib+binimetinib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600-mutant melanoma were randomised to receive encorafenib 450 mg once daily plus binimetinib 45 mg twice daily, encorafenib 300 mg once daily or vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily. Adverse events that represent known effects of available BRAFi and/or MEKi were evaluated. RESULTS: The safety population included a total of 570 patients (encorafenib+binimetinib = 192; encorafenib = 192; vemurafenib = 186). Median duration of exposure was longer with encorafenib+binimetinib (51 weeks) than with encorafenib (31 weeks) or vemurafenib (27 weeks). Common BRAFi/MEKi toxicities with encorafenib+binimetinib were generally manageable, reversible and infrequently associated with discontinuation. Pyrexia was less frequent with encorafenib+binimetinib (18%) and encorafenib (16%) than with vemurafenib (30%) and occurred later in the course of therapy with encorafenib+binimetinib (median time to first onset: 85 days versus 2.5 days and 19 days, respectively). The incidence of photosensitivity was lower with encorafenib+binimetinib (5%) and encorafenib (4%) than with vemurafenib (30%). The incidence of serous retinopathy was higher with encorafenib+binimetinib (20%) than with encorafenib (2%) or vemurafenib (2%), but no patients discontinued encorafenib+binimetinib because of this event. CONCLUSION: Encorafenib+binimetinib is generally well tolerated and has a low discontinuation rate in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma, with a distinct safety profile as compared with other anti-BRAF/MEK targeted therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01909453) and with EudraCT (number 2013-001176-38).

Decentralized care with generic direct-acting antivirals in the management of chronic hepatitis C in a public health care setting.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody in Punjab, India is 3.6%, with 728,000 people estimated to have viremic chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund, launched on 18th June 2016, provides no-cost generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with sofosbuvir + ledipasvir ±â€¯ribavirin or sofosbuvir + daclatasvir ±â€¯ribavirin with the goal of eliminating CHC from Punjab. We assessed the safety and efficacy of decentralized treatment of CHC in a public health care setting. METHODS: Primary care providers from 3 university and 22 district hospitals were trained to provide algorithm-based DAA treatment and supervised by telehealth clinics conducted fortnightly. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on clinical and radiological evidence, including aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI ≥2.0) and FIB-4 score (>3.25), or on liver stiffness measurement ≥12.5 kPa on Fibroscan®. RESULTS: We enrolled 48,088 individuals with CHC (63.8% male; mean age 42.1 years; 80.5% rural; 14.8% compensated cirrhosis; 69.9% genotype [GT] 3) between 18th June 2016 to 31st July 2018. While 36,250 (75.4%) patients completed treatment, 5,497 (11.4%) had treatment interruptions and 6,341 (13.2%) patients are currently ongoing treatment. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12) was achieved in 91.6% of patients per protocol, 67.6% in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, where all interruptions were treated as failures, and 91.2% in a modified ITT analysis where all patients with successful SVR12 in the interruptions arm were included as cured. SVR12 rates in patients with and without cirrhosis and GT3 versus non-GT3 were comparable. The SVR12 rate was 84.4% in patients who had treatment interruptions. CONCLUSION: Decentralized care of patients with CHC using generic all-oral DAA regimens is safe and effective regardless of genotype or presence of cirrhosis. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01110447. LAY SUMMARY: We assessed the safety and efficacy of public health care using no-cost all-oral generic direct-acting antiviral drugs against hepatitis C in the state of Punjab, India. The goal is elimination of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) by 2030 and involves primary care providers at 25 sites in the state. We enrolled 48,088 individuals (63.8% male; mean age 42.1 years; 80.5% rural; 14.8% compensated cirrhotic; 69.9% genotype 3) between 18th June 2016 to 31st July 2018. Cure was achieved in 91.6% of patients, demonstrating that decentralized care of CHC with generic all-oral regimens is safe and effective.

Fixed-dose vs free-dose combinations for the management of hypertension-An analysis of 81 958 patients.

Fixed-dose combinations (FDC) have been developed to reduce the pill burden for hypertensive patients. Data on fixed-dose or free-dose (freeDC) ramipril/amlodipine (R/A) or candesartan/amlodipine (C/A) combination treatment initiation were assessed. 71 463 patients were prescribed R/A and 10 495 C/A. For both R/A and C/A, FDC patients were younger (both P < .001) and less comorbid. Prior MI (OR: 0.61 and 0.60), prior stroke (OR: 0.68 and 0.70) and CHD (OR: 0.68 and 0.64) were negatively associated with FDC use, whereas hyperlipidemia was positively associated (OR: 1.26 and 1.19). Use of antihypertensive comedication (OR: 0.78; OR: 0.55) and treatment discontinuation within 12 months (HR: 0.65 and 0.82) were less likely in FDC patients, who also showed superior adherence (mean MPR; both P < .001). Cost of the combination was higher for FDCs (both P < .001). FDCs improve persistence and adherence, although they are more commonly prescribed in patients with less cardiovascular disease.

Assessment of preclinical pharmacokinetics and acute toxicity of pioglitazone and telmisartan combination.

The prevalence of hypertension is very common amongst the diabetic patients and is reported as the major cause of mortality in diabetes. Pioglitazone reported to have an ability to alter the blood cholesterol level and cardioprotective efficiency along with its antidiabetic activity. Telmisartan, through activation of PPAR-γ receptor exerts insulin sensitizing property in addition to its primary cardioprotective efficiency. Theoretically, a combination of pioglitazone and telmisartan may be beneficial to effectively control the high blood glucose level and management of coexisting cardiovascular complication in diabetes. The aim of this research was to experimentally evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction of pioglitazone and telmisartan when are coadministered in rat. Pioglitazone and telmisartan were administered orally as a single dose individually and in combination to the rats. The plasma samples of the pharmacokinetic study were analyzed using a validated LCMS method. The acute toxicity of the combination with a high dose in rats was also evaluated as a part of the determination of its safety profile. There was no significant change in pharmacokinetic parameters were resulted due to the coadministration of pioglitazone and telmisartan in rat. Absence of major toxicological effect supports the in vivosafety of the combination.

Impact of the Commercialization of Three Generic Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers on Adverse Events in Quebec, Canada: A Population-Based Time Series Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Once the patent of a brand-name drug expires, generic drugs are commercialized, and substitution from brand-name to generics may occur. Generic drug equivalence is evaluated through comparative bioavailability studies. Few studies have assessed outcomes after generic drug commercialization at a population level. We evaluated the impact of 3 generic angiotensin II receptor blockers commercialization on adverse events: hospitalizations or emergency room consultations. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is an interrupted time series analysis using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System. Rates of adverse events for losartan, valsartan, and candesartan users (N=136 177) aged ≥66 years were calculated monthly, 24 months before and 12 months after generics commercialization. Periods before and after generics commercialization were compared by negative binomial segmented regression models. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. For all users, there was a monthly mean rate of 100 adverse events for 1000 angiotensin II receptor blocker users before and after generic commercialization. Among generic users of losartan, valsartan, and candesartan, there was an increase in rates of adverse events of 8.0% (difference of proportions versus brand-name, 7.5% [95% confidence interval, -0.9% to 15.9%]; P=0.0643), 11.7% (difference of proportions, 17.1% [95% confidence interval, 9.9%-24.3%]; P<0.0001), and 14.0% (difference of proportions, 16.6% [95% confidence interval, 7.9%-25.3%]; P<0.0001), respectively, the month of generic commercialization. The monthly trend of adverse events was affected for generic versus brand-name losartan users only (difference of proportions, 2.0% [0.7%-3.4%]; P=0.0033) ≤1 year after generics commercialization. Similar results were found in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Among generic users, immediate or delayed differences in adverse events rates were observed right after generic commercialization for 3 antihypertensive drugs. Rates of adverse events remained higher for generic users. Increases were more pronounced for generic candesartan, which is the studied product with the largest difference in comparative bioavailability. Risk and survival analysis studies controlling for several potential confounding factors are required to better characterize generic substitution.

Effectiveness of interferon-free therapy for the treatment of HCV-patients with compensated cirrhosis treated through the Irish early access program.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the real-world effectiveness of interferon-free regimens for the treatment of patients with compensated cirrhosis infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHOD: Using the Irish national HCV treatment registry, the effectiveness and safety of interferon-free regimens for HCV-infected patients treated between April 2015 and August 2016, was determined. RESULTS: A SVR12 was achieved in 86% of subjects treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin (SOF/LDV±RBV), 93% treated with paritaprevir, ombitasvir and ritonavir combined with dasabuvir ± ribavirin (3D±RBV) and 89% treated with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin (SOF/DCV±RBV). The discontinuation rate was 5% and the on-treatment mortality rate was 1%. CONCLUSION: The availability of interferon-free regimens represents a significant breakthrough for the treatment of HCV infection. Treatments options, with high SVR12 rates, are now available for patients with compensated cirrhosis who were unsuitable for treatment with interferon-based regimens. Data obtained from studies conducted in real world practice provide robust information fundamental for input into future economic evaluations for agents used for the treatment of HCV infection.

Residues and dissipation kinetics of carbendazim and diethofencarb in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and intake risk assessment.

Dissipation behaviors and residues of carbendazim and diethofencarb in combination in tomato were investigated. The half-lives were 2.1-3.4 days for carbendazim, and 1.8-3.2 days for diethofencarb at a dose of 1.5 times of the recommended dosage. The residues of carbendazim and diethofencarb were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in China one day after application of the combination. The ultimate residues were significantly lower than the maximum permissible intake (MPI) in China at the recommended high dose for both child and adult. The values of the maximum dietary exposure for carbendazim and diethofencarb were 0.26 and 0.27 mg per person per day, respectively. The theoretical maximum daily intake (TMDI) values for carbendazim and diethofencarb were 1.5 and 0.5 mg/day, respectively. The dietary exposure was lower than the MPI, which indicates the harvested tomato samples under the experimental conditions (open field) are safe for human consumption at the recommended high dosage of the wettable powder.

Comparative risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and warfarin: population based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the real world risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the use of the novel oral anticoagulants dabigatran and rivaroxaban compared with warfarin. DESIGN: Retrospective, propensity matched cohort study. SETTING: Optum Labs Data Warehouse, a large database including administrative claims data on privately insured and Medicare Advantage enrollees. PARTICIPANTS: New users of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and warfarin from 1 November 2010 to 30 September 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence rates (events/100 patient years) and propensity score matched Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate rates of total gastrointestinal bleeds, upper gastrointestinal bleeds, and lower gastrointestinal bleeds for the novel oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin in patients with and without atrial fibrillation. Heterogeneity of treatment effect related to age was examined using a marginal effects model. RESULTS: The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with dabigatran was 2.29 (95% confidence interval 1.88 to 2.79) per 100 patient years and that associated with warfarin was 2.87 (2.41 to 3.41) per 100 patient years in patients with atrial fibrillation. In non-atrial fibrillation patients, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was 4.10 (2.47 to 6.80) per 100 patient years with dabigatran and 3.71 (2.16 to 6.40) per 100 patient years with warfarin. With rivaroxaban, 2.84 (2.30 to 3.52) gastrointestinal bleeding events per 100 patient years occurred in atrial fibrillation patients (warfarin 3.06 (2.49 to 3.77)/100 patient years) and 1.66 (1.23 to 2.24) per 100 patient years in non-atrial fibrillation patients (warfarin 1.57 (1.25 to 1.99)/100 patient years). In propensity score matched models, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with novel oral anticoagulants was similar to that with warfarin in atrial fibrillation patients (dabigatran v warfarin, hazard ratio 0.79 (0.61 to 1.03); rivaroxaban v warfarin, 0.93 (0.69 to 1.25)) and in non-AF patients (dabigatran v warfarin, hazard ratio 1.14 (0.54 to 2.39); rivaroxaban v warfarin, 0.89 (0.60 to 1.32)). The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increased after age 65, such that by age 76 the risk exceeded that with warfarin among atrial fibrillation patients taking dabigatran (hazard ratio 2.49 (1.61 to 3.83)) and patients with and without atrial fibrillation taking rivaroxaban (2.91 (1.65 to 4.81) and 4.58 (2.40 to 8.72), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding related to novel oral anticoagulants was similar to that for warfarin. Caution should be used when prescribing novel oral anticoagulants to older people, particularly those over 75 years of age.

Warfarin versus dabigatran etexilate: an assessment of efficacy and safety in patients with atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Oral anticoagulation is the mainstay for stroke and thromboembolic event prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Given limitations of warfarin therapy, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants have been developed including direct thrombin inhibitors (i.e., dabigatran etexilate). Dabigatran etexilate has been tested thoroughly in terms of efficacy and safety in clinical trials and studies, involving 'real-world' cohorts. In this review, currently available evidence in patients with non-valvular AF is discussed. AREAS COVERED: The pharmacology, efficacy and safety, and current aspects of use of dabigatran etexilate in patients with non-valvular AF are reviewed in a comparative manner to warfarin both for chronic anticoagulation and in different clinical settings. EXPERT OPINION: Dabigatran etexilate appeared to have several pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages over warfarin, as well as a favorable efficacy and safety profile being at least noninferior and often superior to warfarin in patients with non-valvular AF. The latter was shown in the clinical trials, meta-analyses and studies with 'real-world' data. Currently ongoing trials will expand the body of evidence on warfarin and will aid decision making in currently controversial areas. Important limitations of dabigatran etexilate include contraindications for its use in patients with prosthetic heart valves and end-stage chronic kidney disease.

Risk of bleeding with dabigatran in atrial fibrillation.

IMPORTANCE: It remains unclear whether dabigatran etexilate mesylate is associated with higher risk of bleeding than warfarin sodium in real-world clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of bleeding associated with dabigatran and warfarin using Medicare data. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this retrospective cohort study, we used pharmacy and medical claims in 2010 to 2011 from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries. We identified participants as those newly diagnosed as having atrial fibrillation from October 1, 2010, through October 31, 2011, and who initiated dabigatran or warfarin treatment within 60 days of initial diagnosis. We followed up patients until discontinued use or switch of anticoagulants, death, or December 31, 2011. EXPOSURES: Dabigatran users (n = 1302) and warfarin users (n = 8102). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We identified any bleeding events and categorized them as major and minor bleeding by anatomical site. Major bleeding events included intracranial hemorrhage, hemoperitoneum, and inpatient or emergency department stays for hematuria, gastrointestinal, or other hemorrhage. We used a propensity score weighting mechanism to balance patient characteristics between 2 groups and Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the risk of bleeding. We further examined the risk of bleeding for 4 subgroups of high-risk patients: those 75 years or older, African Americans, those with chronic kidney disease, and those with more than 7 concomitant comorbidities. RESULTS: Dabigatran was associated with a higher risk of bleeding relative to warfarin, with hazard ratios of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.20-1.41) for any bleeding event, 1.58 (95% CI, 1.36-1.83) for major bleeding, and 1.85 (95% CI, 1.64-2.07) for gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage was higher among warfarin users, with a hazard ratio of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.20-0.50) for dabigatran compared with warfarin. Dabigatran was consistently associated with an increased risk of major bleeding and gastrointestinal hemorrhage for all subgroups analyzed. The risk of major bleeding among dabigatran users was especially high for African Americans and patients with chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Dabigatran was associated with a higher incidence of major bleeding (regardless of the anatomical site), a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, but a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Thus, dabigatran should be prescribed with caution, especially among high-risk patients.

Cardiovascular, bleeding, and mortality risks in elderly Medicare patients treated with dabigatran or warfarin for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The comparative safety of dabigatran versus warfarin for treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in general practice settings has not been established. METHODS AND RESULTS: We formed new-user cohorts of propensity score-matched elderly patients enrolled in Medicare who initiated dabigatran or warfarin for treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation between October 2010 and December 2012. Among 134 414 patients with 37 587 person-years of follow-up, there were 2715 primary outcome events. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) comparing dabigatran with warfarin (reference) were as follows: ischemic stroke, 0.80 (0.67-0.96); intracranial hemorrhage, 0.34 (0.26-0.46); major gastrointestinal bleeding, 1.28 (1.14-1.44); acute myocardial infarction, 0.92 (0.78-1.08); and death, 0.86 (0.77-0.96). In the subgroup treated with dabigatran 75 mg twice daily, there was no difference in risk compared with warfarin for any outcome except intracranial hemorrhage, in which case dabigatran risk was reduced. Most patients treated with dabigatran 75 mg twice daily appeared not to have severe renal impairment, the intended population for this dose. In the dabigatran 150-mg twice daily subgroup, the magnitude of effect for each outcome was greater than in the combined-dose analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In general practice settings, dabigatran was associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and death and increased risk of major gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared with warfarin in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. These associations were most pronounced in patients treated with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily, whereas the association of 75 mg twice daily with study outcomes was indistinguishable from warfarin except for a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage with dabigatran.

Does the current fungicide risk assessment provide sufficient protection for key drivers in aquatic ecosystem functioning?

The level of protection provided by the present environmental risk assessment (ERA) of fungicides in the European Union for fungi is unknown. Therefore, we assessed the structural and functional implications of five fungicides with different modes of action (azoxystrobin, carbendazim, cyprodinil, quinoxyfen, and tebuconazole) individually and in mixture on communities of aquatic hyphomycetes. This is a polyphyletic group of fungi containing key drivers in the breakdown of leaf litter, governing both microbial leaf decomposition and the palatability of leaves for leaf-shredding macroinvertebrates. All fungicides impaired leaf palatability to the leaf-shredder Gammarus fossarum and caused structural changes in fungal communities. In addition, all compounds except for quinoxyfen altered microbial leaf decomposition. Our results suggest that the European Union's first-tier ERA provides sufficient protection for the tested fungicides, with the exception of tebuconazole and the mixture, while higher-tier ERA does not provide an adequate level of protection for fungicides in general. Therefore, our results show the need to incorporate aquatic fungi as well as their functions into ERA testing schemes to safeguard the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Novel oral anticoagulants in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in clinical practice, reaching 2% of the people in the world and is associated with systemic embolism. Thus, the use of anticoagulants is indicated if CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 or in patients with previous transient ischemic attack or stroke. For decades, warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, was the only choice for chronic oral anticoagulation. Recently, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been introduced, offering similar (or better) effectiveness, safety, and convenience to the vitamin K antagonists. Dabigatran was the first NOAC approved and is a direct thrombin inhibitor. Rivaroxaban and apixaban are factor Xa inhibitors. They display rapid onset of action, more predictable of pharmacological profile, less interactions with other drugs, lack of significant effects in the diet, and less risk of intracranial hemorrhage than warfarin. Despite that dose adjustment is necessary for patients with chronic kidney disease or according to body weight, these new drugs do not require regular monitoring. There are recommendations for the start and follow-up therapy with NOACs, planning for cardioversion, ablation and surgical interventions and the management of bleeding. This article is a review of the major studies of the NOACs. The clinical use of these drugs in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation is presented.

[Laboratory assessment of haemostatic parameters in patients taking a direct thrombin inhibitor].

The problem of prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications has a significant place in clinical practice for many years. The gold-standard agents in long-term protection from embologenic strokes, secondary prevention of venous thromboses and embolisms still remain vitamin K antagonists (in Russia - warfarin). However, despite high efficacy, administration of warfarin is fraught with dangers and associated with a series of inconveniences. A direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran etexilate (hereinafter referred to as dabigatran) was approved in the Russian Federation for prevention of thromboembolic complications in orthopaedic practice (2009), for prevention of ischaemic embologenic stroke in atrial fibrillation (2011) and for treatment of recurrent thrombosis of deep veins and pulmonary artery thromboembolism (2014). A characteristic feature of a therapeutic agent possessing an anticoagulation effect is correlation between intensity of hypocoagulation and haemorrhage. The effect of dabigatran on the laboratory parameters of haemostasis has been studied insufficiently, with no practical guidelines on assessing these alterations for prediction of the risk for haemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. The present study included a total of 65 patients with non-valvular aetiology atrial fibrillation, taking dabigatran during from 6 to 18 months. All patients underwent laboratory assessment of the coagulation level and measuring blood coagulation activation markers in dynamics 10-14 days, 1, 6, 12 and 18 months after taking the agent. Thromboembolic and haemorrhagic risks were also assessed. It was revealed that administration of dabigatran leads to alterations in the main parameters of coagulogram. Determination of prothrombin (in % according to Quick's method) and activated partial thromboplastin time may be used for qualitative assessment of hypocoagulation. During the follow up period no statistically significant changes in the coagulation activation markers level were observed.