Intravenous thrombolysis in patients with stroke warning syndrome: comparison with antiplatelet therapy / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis and antiplatelet therapy in patients with stroke warning syndrome (SWS), as well as influencing factors of the outcome in patients with SWS.Method:Patients with SWS admitted to the 521 st Hospital of Ordnance Group from June 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023 were retrospectively included. Some patients were treated with ateplase intravenous thrombolysis, followed by oral antiplatelet therapy; some patients only received antiplatelet therapy. The main outcome measure was the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days after onset, with a score of 0-2 defined as good outcome. Results:A total of 35 patients with SWS were included, including 26 males (74.3%) with an age of 58.29±11.06 years. Nineteen patients (54.3%) received intravenous thrombolysis, and 27 (77.1%) had good outcome at 90 days. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic, baseline data, and good outcome between the intravenous thrombolysis group and the antiplatelet therapy group. One patient had new stroke and one had transient ischemic attack in the intravenous thrombolysis group. There were statistically significant differences in ABCD2 score, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, highest National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at onset, and symptom duration between the good outcome group and the poor outcome group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis is similar to that of antiplatelet drugs alone in treating SWS. ABCD2 score, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, highest NIHSS score at onset, and duration of symptoms may be influencing factors for the outcome of patients with SWS.

Migraña poscierre percutáneo de defectos septales auriculares / Migraine after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects / Enxaqueca após fechamento percutâneo de comunicação interatrial

La migraña es una enfermedad que se ha visto asociada a defectos septales auriculares y a su cierre percutáneo, estipulándose en la literatura que sería una rara complicación, pero la evidencia al respecto es escasa. Se realizó una revisión narrativa sobre definiciones, epidemiología, fisiopatología y tratamiento de la migraña y de la entidad migraña poscierre percutáneo de defectos del septum auricular, incluyendo trabajos observacionales (retrospectivos, prospectivos), estudios randomizados, reportes de casos, artículos de revisión y metaanálisis existentes en PubMed y Cochrane, para aportar al conocimiento de esta entidad.

Migraine is a disease that has been associated with atrial septal defects and its percutaneous closure, stipulating in the literature that it would be a rare complication, but evidence is scarce. A narrative review was conducted on definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of migraine and the migraine entity after percutaneous closure of atrial septum defects, including observational studies (retrospective, prospective), randomized studies, case reports, review articles and meta-analyses existing in PubMed and Cochrane, to contribute to the knowledge of this entity.

A enxaqueca é uma doença que tem sido associada a defeitos do septo atrial e seu fechamento percutâneo, estipulando na literatura que seria uma complicação rara, mas as evidências são escassas. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa sobre definições, epidemiologia, fisiopatologia e tratamento da enxaqueca e da entidade migranosa após fechamento percutâneo de defeitos do septo atrial, incluindo estudos observacionais (retrospectivos, prospectivos), estudos randomizados, relatos de caso, artigos de revisão e metanálises existentes no PubMed e Cochrane, para contribuir com o conhecimento dessa entidade.

Dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with minor stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack carrying CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles / 国际脑血管病杂志

Dual antiplatelet therapy has been widely used for the secondary prevention in patients with minor stroke and high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). Currently, the commonly used antiplatelet drugs are aspirin and clopidogrel. The therapeutic effect of antiplatelet drugs varies among individuals, namely platelet resistance. Among them, aspirin resistance is often caused by poor drug compliance, while clopidogrel resistance is often associated with CYP2C19 allele mutations. Patients with minor stroke and high-risk TIA carrying CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles have poor preventive effects when using clopidogrel. Early screening of the CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles and targeted measures can benefit such patients. This article reviews the research progress on the selection of antiplatelet therapy for minor stroke or high-risk TIA patients carrying the CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles.

Cardio-cerebral infarction / 国际脑血管病杂志

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are leading causes of death and disability in the world population. Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) is a rare clinical syndrome of AMI combined with AIS, which refers to the critical symptoms of simultaneous acute focal neurological deficits and precordial pain or electrocardiogram changes. The incidence of CCI ranges from 0.09% to 1.6%, but patients have a critical condition, poor prognosis, and high mortality and disability rates. Due to the complexity of the condition, diverse etiology, and limited evidence and mechanistic research, the management of patients with CCI is challenging. This article summarizes the pathogenesis related to CCI, the effectiveness of drug treatment, indications for endovascular treatment, and the selection of surgical sequence, with the aim of shortening thrombolysis/endovascular treatment time and improving outcomes of patients.

High on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack / 国际脑血管病杂志

Antiplatelet drugs are the cornerstone of long-term treatment and secondary prevention for ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) recommended by guidelines, aimed at reducing the risk of recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular events. However, some patients with ischemic stroke/TIA may still experience ischemic events during antiplatelet therapy, known as high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR), which typically occurs in patients taking aspirin or clopidogrel. This article elaborates the incidence, risk factors, and commonly used evaluation methods of HTPR in patients with ischemic stroke/TIA, and elucidates the clinical significance of HTPR in patients with ischemic stroke/TIA, and investigates the antiplatelet treatment protocol of patients with HTPR.

Antithrombotic therapy resumption after intracranial hemorrhage / 中华神经科杂志

Patients with intracranial hemorrhage and indications of antithrombotic therapy are common in clinical practice. However, whether and when to start anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy after intracranial hemorrhage are still debatable. Clinicians are posed with huge challenges without available guidelines. Through reviewing relevant literature, this article analyzed the risks of thromboembolism and hemorrhage recurrence after initiation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy in patients with intracranial hemorrhage due to various etiologies. This article also presented the initiation time and specific antithrombotic plan in current clinical practice, aiming to propose references for clinicians.

Rivaxaban combined with antiplatelet drugs in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and intracranial artery stenosis: comparison with rivaroxaban alone / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban combined with antiplatelet in ischemic stroke patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and moderate or severe intracranial artery stenosis.Methods:The consecutive ischemic stroke patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and moderate or severe intracranial artery stenosis admitted to Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University from August 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively included. According to the secondary prevention drugs, the patients were divided into rivaroxaban and rivaroxaban combined with antiplatelet treatment group. The basic characteristics of the two groups were compared. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate of stroke at 3 months, and the secondary outcome included the incidence of any bleeding event at 3 months, the all-cause mortality rate, the improvement rate of neurological function, and the good outcome rate. The good outcome was defined as the modified Rankin Scale ≤2 points at 3 months.Results:A total of 108 patients aged 70.72±8.08 years old were included in the study. There were 56 patients (51.9%) in the rivaroxaban group and 52 (48.1%) in the combined treatment group. In terms of primary outcome, the recurrence rate of stroke in the combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in the rivaroxaban group at 3 months (7.69% vs. 21.43%; P<0.05). In terms of secondary outcomes, the incidence of bleeding events in the combined treatment group at 3 months was significantly higher than that in the rivaroxaban group (26.92% vs. 7.14%; P<0.05), with one death event in each group. The rate of good outcome in the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that in the rivaroxaban group (75.00% vs. 51.79%; P=0.013). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission was an independent risk factor for poor outcome (odds ratio 1.370, 95% confidence interval 1.057-1.776; P=0.018), while the rivaroxaban combined antiplatelet treatment was an independent protective factor for stroke recurrence (odds ratio 0.203, 95% confidence interval 0.054-0.758; P=0.018). Conclusion:After ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation complicated with moderate and severe stenosis of intracranial artery, rivaroxaban combined with antiplatelet treatment can reduce the recurrence rate of stroke and improve the clinical outcome, but it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Dual antiplatelet therapy in stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a comparison of ticagrelor and clopidogrel / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To compare the safety and efficacy of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in dual antiplatelet therapy for stent-assisted embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.Methods:Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms received stent-assisted embolization in the Department of Neurosurgery, Linyi People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were retrospectively included. According to the preprocedural dual antiplatelet therapy scheme, they were divided into aspirin+clopidogrel group (clopidogrel group) and aspirin+ticagrelor group (ticagrelor group). The incidence of ischemic and bleeding events was compared between the clopidogrel group and the ticagrelor group at 3 months after procedure. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze independent risk factors for postprocedural ischemic and bleeding events. Results:A total of 195 patients were included. Their age was 58.15±10.11 years and 75 were males (38.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of bleeding events (12.8% vs. 5.9%) and ischemic events (14.9% vs. 18.8%) at 3 months after procedure between the ticagrelor group ( n=94) and the clopidogrel group ( n=101). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking (odds ratio [ OR] 6.085; 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.589-13.012; P=0.019], hypertension ( OR 4.547, 95% CI 1.589-13.012; P=0.005), aneurysm at the branch vessel ( OR 3.089, 95% CI 1.122-8.504; P=0.029), and the use of flow diverter ( OR 3.111, 95% CI 1.062-9.110; P=0.038) were the independent risk factors for postprocedural ischemic events. Triglycerides might be an independent risk factor for postprocedural bleeding events ( OR 1.435, 95% CI 0.989-2.082; P=0.057), but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions:In dual antiplatelet therapy for stent-assisted embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, ticagrelor and clopidogrel have the same safety and efficacy.

The addition of Tirofiban infusión to heparin for intraoperative heparin resistance associated with Marfan Syndrome / Adición de una infusión de Tirofiban a heparina en caso de resistencia intraoperatoria a la heparina asociada al Síndrome de Marfan

Abstract Marfan syndrome classically presents with aortic root aneurysms. Aortic ectasia causes diverse blood flow alterations, influencing the behavior of coagulation factors and platelet activity. Heparin resistance has also been reported associated with Marfan Syndrome in a small number of patients, probably due to antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency or various mutations. The ascending aorta and the aortic valve are replaced with prosthetic material during Bentall- de Bonno procedures. Resistance to anticoagulation during extracorporeal circulation, represents a significant challenge for both anesthesiologists and the surgical team. Resistance to heparin was observed in a patient with Marfan syndrome undergoing a Bentall procedure. ATIII concentrate was not available, and Activated Coagulation Time did not increase despite high doses of heparin. An alternate anticoagulation approach was used successfully.

Resumen El síndrome de Marfan clásicamente se presenta con aneurismas de la raíz de la aorta. La ectasia aórtica produce alteraciones en el flujo sanguíneo que influyen sobre el comportamiento de los factores de la coagulación y la actividad de las plaquetas. También se ha reportado resistencia a la heparina asociada al Síndrome de Marfan en un menor número de pacientes, probablemente debido a deficiencia de antitrombina III (ATIII) o a diversas mutaciones. La aorta ascendente y la válvula aórtica se reemplazan con material prostético en los procedimientos Bentall- de Bonno. La resistencia a la anticoagulación durante circulación extracorpórea significa un enorme desafío tanto para los anestesiólogos, como para el equipo quirúrgico. Se observó resistencia a la heparina en un paciente con Síndrome de Marfan sometido a un procedimiento de Bentall. No había disponibilidad de concentrado ATIII y no aumentó el Tiempo de Coagulación Activada a pesar de las elevadas dosis de heparina. Se utilizó exitosamente un abordaje alterno de anticoagulación.

Drogas antiagregantes plaquetárias e anticoagulantes em pacientes que se submeterão à cirurgia oral: conduta / Antiagregant platelet and anticoagulant drugs in patients who will submit oral surgery: conduct

Objetivo: Como a frequência de pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes e antiagragantes plaquetários nos consultórios odontológicos é crescente, este trabalho objetivou avaliar através de Revisão de Literatura, qual o melhor manejo desses medicamentos na prática odontológica perioperatória. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizadas as bases de dados Scielo e PubMed. Foram escolhidos os seguintes descritores disponíveis na BVs e PubMed em inglês "Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors", "Oral Surgical Procedures" e "Antigoagulants" no período de 2016 a 2021. Também foram consultados livros e sites de diretrizes do Governo. Foram escolhidos 20 artigos para elaboração da pesquisa. Resultados: doenças cardiovasculares e outras condições clínicas pró-coagulantes tem prevalência crescente e são conhecidos fatores de risco para a ocorrência de fenômenos tromboembólicos graves. A terapia antitrombótica tem papel definido nesses casos. No perioperatorio de cirurgias orais, a decisão por suspender ou manter a terapia deve ser individualizada e pode ser orientada por guidelines. Conclusão: procedimentos orais de baixo risco de sangramento podem ser conduzidos sem a descontinuação da terapia antitrombótica. Cirurgias de moderado a alto risco frequentemente requerem suspensão temporária das medicações para fins de minimizar os riscos de complicações hemorrágicas... (AU)

Objective: As the frequency of patients using anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents in dental offices is increasing, this study aimed to evaluate, through a Literature Review, which is the best management of these medications in dental perioperative practice. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, being used Scielo and PubMed databases. The following descriptors available in BVs and PubMed "Platelet aggregation inhibitors", "Oral Surgical Procedures" and "Antigoagulants" were used, from 2016 to 2021. In addition, the search was also performed in guideline books and Government websites. Twenty articles were chosen for research elaboration. Results: established cardiovascular disease and other procoagulant clinical conditions have an increasing prevalence, especially among the elderly, and are known risk factors for the occurrence of severe thromboembolic phenomena. Antithrombotic therapy has defined role in these cases. In the perioperative period of oral surgery, the decision to suspend or maintain therapy must be individualized and may be guided by guidelines. Age appears as a clinical criterion in the main ones used. Conclusion: oral procedures with low risk of bleeding can be carried out without discontinuing antithrombotic therapy. Moderate to high-risk surgeries usually require its temporary suspension in order to minimize the risk of bleeding complications... (AU)

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)

Antiplatelet therapy of patients with intracranial aneurysms undergoing stent-assisted coil embolization / 国际脑血管病杂志

Stent-assisted coil embolization is a common endovascular treatment for ruptured/unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Stent implantation process can damage vascular endothelium, activate platelet and coagulation cascade, and then increase the risk of thrombosis. In order to reduce the risk of postoperative embolism, antiplatelet therapy is required. Among them, aspirin combined with clopidogrel dual antiplatelet therapy is a commonly used strategy. For patients with low response to clopidogrel, tigrelol or cilostazol can be used as an alternative drug. Although the scheme has been considered to be effective and safe, it is still controversial.

Effect of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs on bleeding and cardio-cerebral vascular events in perioperative period of catherization for peritoneal dialysis / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To analyze the effect of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs on bleeding and cardio-cerebral vascular events in perioperative period of catherization for peritoneal dialysis.Methods:The clinical data of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis catheterization in Peking University Third Hospital from July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into drugs discontinuation group and drugs continuation group according to whether the anticoagulant drugs or antiplatelet drugs were discontinued or not. Baseline clinical data and bleeding and cardio-cerebral events after surgery were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for bleeding and cardio-cerebral events.Results:A total of 57 patients were included in the study, with 34 males and 23 females. The age was (67.37±13.93) years old (range from 27 to 97 years old). There were 37 patients in drugs discontinuation group and 20 patients in drugs continuation group. The proportions of acute myocardial infarction events in drugs continuation group were higher than those in drugs discontinuation group in 3 months and 6 months before surgery (10/20 vs 3/37, χ2=10.671, P=0.001; 11/20 vs 3/37, χ2=12.980, P<0.001 respectively). The median drugs discontinuation time was 5.0(2.0, 14.0) d (range from 1 to 30 d) before surgery, and median restore medication time was 4.0(3.0, 7.0) d (range from 1 to 14 d) after surgery in drugs discontinuation group. There was no significant difference in the proportion of bleeding (10/37 vs 8/20, χ2=1.011, P=0.315) and cardio-cerebral events (4/37 vs 0/20, χ2=0.964, P=0.326) between drugs discontinuation group and drugs continuation group within 2 weeks after surgery. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that drugs discontinuation before surgery was not an independent influencing factor for bleeding events ( OR=0.656, 95% CI 0.195-2.206, P=0.496), however combination of aspirin and clopidogrel before surgery was an independent influencing factor for bleeding events ( OR=4.038, 95% CI 1.044-15.626, P=0.043). All cardio-cerebral events (4 cases) happened in drugs discontinuation group, and myocardial angina in 6 months before surgery ( OR=9.764, 95% CI 0.928-102.682, P=0.058) and increased serum calcium concentration ( OR=1.491, 95% CI 0.976-2.278, P=0.065) were related with an elevated trend for cardio-cerebral events. Conclusions:Whether anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs are discontinued before catherization surgery for peritoneal dialysis is not an independent influencing factor for bleeding events after surgery. The risk of postoperative bleeding in patients using combination of aspirin and clopidogrel should be paid attention. Myocardial angina in 6 months before surgery and higher serum calcium are related with an elevated trend for cardio-cerebral events after drugs discontinuation.

Effect and safety of Guanxinning tablets combined with antiplatelet therapy on acute coronary syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of Guanxinning tablets combined with antiplatelet therapy on acute coronary syndrome. Methods:A total of 120 patients with acute coronary syndrome who received treatment in Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and a study group ( n = 60/group). The control group was treated with antiplatelet drugs clopidogrel and aspirin. The study group was treated with clopidogrel, aspirin and Guanxinning tablets in combination. All patients were treated for 3 months. The levels of blood lipids (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, endothelin-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor measured before and after treatment as well as the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in each group were significantly decreased compared with those measured before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in each group was significantly increased compared with that measured before treatment ( P < 0.05). After treatment, serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride in the control group were (4.36 ± 1.01) mmol/L, (3.02 ± 0.28) mmol/L, and (1.98 ± 0.12) mmol/L respectively which were significantly higher than (3.98 ± 1.05) mmol/L, (2.52 ± 0.42) mmol/L, (1.58 ± 0.23) mmol/L in the study group ( t = -2.02, -7.67, -11.94, all P <0.05). Serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the control group was significantly lower than that in the study group [(1.26 ± 0.08) mmol/L vs. (2.36 ± 0.16) mmol/L, t = 47.63, P < 0.001). After treatment, serum levels of C-reactive protein and endothelin-1 in the control group were (5.62 ± 0.56) mg/L and (86.24 ± 12.68) pg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (4.32 ± 0.82) mg/L and (75.26 ± 12.46) pg/L in the study group, ( t = -10.14, -4.78, both P < 0.001). After treatment, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor in the control group were (5.62 ± 0.56) mg/L and (76.28 ± 13.52) pg/L, which were significantly lower than (8.76 ± 1.06) mg/L and (86.32 ± 13.46) pg/L in the study group ( t = 20.23, 4.08, both P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group [5.00% (3/60) vs. 8.33% (5/60), χ2 = -0.54, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Guanxinning tablets combined with antiplatelet has a remarkable therapeutic effect on acute coronary syndrome. It is highly safe and has a clinical application value.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source: potential etiology and secondary prevention / 国际脑血管病杂志

The source of the emboli of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is still unclear, and the effect of antithrombotic therapy is also different. The recurrence rate of stroke in patients with ESUS is higher, and antiplatelet therapy is still a commonly used secondary prevention scheme. This article reviews the potential causes, pathogenesis and secondary prevention of ESUS.

Low platelet reactivity in patients with myocardial infarction treated with aspirin plus ticagrelor

ABSTRACT Objective: Low platelet reactivity levels are associated with higher risk of bleeding in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy relative to patients with optimal platelet blockade. This study set out to evaluate the prevalence of low platelet reactivity in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with ticagrelor and aspirin. Methods: Patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction who were already undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticagrelor were enrolled. Blood samples were collected 1 hour before and 2 hours after the maintenance dose of ticagrelor to investigate trough and the peak effects of the drug respectively. Platelet reactivity was measured by three methods: Multiplate®, PFA-100® with Innovance® PFA-P2Y cartridge and PFA-100® with Collagen/ADP cartridge. Platelet reactivity was assessed in the presence of peak levels of ticagrelor and defined according to previously validated cut-offs for each method (<19 AUC, >299 seconds and >116 seconds respectively). The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled (44% with ST-elevation). Median duration of DAPT was 3 days (interquartile range, 2-5 days). On average, peak and trough platelet reactivity were markedly low and did not differ between different methods. Low platelet reactivity was common, but varied according to analytic method (PFA-100®/Innovance®PFA-P2Y: 86%; Multiplate®: 74%; PFA-100®/Collagen/ADP: 48%; p<0.001). Conclusion: Low platelet reactivity was very common in patients with acute myocardial infarction submitted to dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin. Findings of this study justify the investigation of less intensive platelet inhibition strategies aimed at reducing the risk of bleeding in this population, such as lower dose regimens or monotherapy with P2Y12 inhibitors.

Evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews for effects of antithrombotic drugs for lower-limb revascularization. A narrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by progressive narrowing of the arterial lumen, resulting from atherosclerotic plaques. Treatment for PAD aims to control atherosclerosis and improve blood flow. Use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants has played important roles in helping to prevent occlusions and stenosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews regarding the accuracy, effectiveness and safety of use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets in lower-limb revascularization, in patients with peripheral arterial disease. METHODS: Systematic reviews found through searches in the Cochrane Library were included. Two authors evaluated whether the reviews found were in line with the inclusion criteria for this investigation. A qualitative synthesis of their findings was presented. RESULTS: Three systematic Cochrane reviews were included. Patients who underwent prosthetic bypass surgery probably presented greater benefit from use of antiplatelets, and patients who underwent vein revascularization probably presented greater benefit from use of anticoagulants. Patients who received endovascular treatment benefited from both antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment. However, the reliability of the results found was impaired because at the time when these reviews were published, there was no mandatory assessment using the GRADE criteria. CONCLUSION: Despite the evidence found, it is necessary for these reviews to be updated in order to evaluate the degree of certainty of the results found.

Estrategias de antiagregación en síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST / Antiplatelet Strategies in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: Existe información limitada sobre estrategias de tratamiento con inhibidores del receptor P2Y12 (iP2Y12) en síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) en la vida real. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia de eventos cardíacos adversos mayores (MACE)y sangrado BARC ≥2, según la estrategia de tratamiento con iP2Y12 a 6 meses. Material y métodos: Subanálisis preespecificado del registro BUENOS AIRES I (n = 1100). Se estratificó la cohorte según "pretratamiento" con iP2Y12 (antes de conocer la anatomía coronaria), o "tratamiento en sala" (luego de conocer la anatomía coronaria) y se analizó la incidencia de eventos clínicos, según: pretratamiento con clopidogrel/ticagrelor, tratamiento en sala con clopidogrel/ticagrelor. Resultados: La edad media fue 65,4 ± 11,5 años, con 77,2% de sexo masculino. El 79,72% recibió iP2Y12, el 75% como pretratamiento y 25% como tratamiento en sala. Los pacientes con pretratamiento fueron más jóvenes y con más infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), en comparación con el subgrupo de tratamiento en sala. A los 6 meses, no hubo diferencias significativas en la incidencia de MACE (16,4% vs. 14,4%; p = 0,508), o sangrado BARC ≥2 (14,7% vs. 11,1%; p = 0,205), entre los distintos momentos de administración del iP2Y12. El tratamiento con ticagrelor presentó menos MACE en comparación con el clopidogrel (p = 0,044), sin diferencias en sangrados. No se observaron diferencias en MACE entre ticagrelor en pretratamiento o tratamiento en sala (p = 0,893). Conclusiones: El subgrupo de pacientes seleccionados para recibir pretratamiento con iP2Y12 no presentó diferencias en MACE ni sangrado en relación con los tratados en sala. Los pacientes seleccionados para su tratamiento con ticagrelor en sala presentaron un balance beneficioso entre eventos isquémicos y hemorrágicos.

ABSTRACT Background: There is limited real life information on treatment strategies with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (P2Y12i) in nonST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS). Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and BARC bleeding ≥2, according to the treatment strategy with P2Y12i at 6 months. Methods: The study used the pre-specified subanalysis of the BUENOS AIRES I registry (n=1100). The cohort was stratified according to P2Y12i "pretreatment" (before knowing the coronary anatomy), or "ward treatment" (after knowing the coronary anatomy), and the incidence of clinical events was analyzed according to pretreatment or ward treatment with clopidogrel/ ticagrelor. Results: Mean age was 65.4 ± 11.5 years and 77.2% were male patients. In 79.72% of cases patients received P2Y12i, 75% as pretreatment and 25% as ward treatment. Pretreatment patients were younger and with greater prevalence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with the ward treatment subgroup. At 6 months, there were no significant differences in the incidence of MACE (16.4% vs. 14.4%; p = 0.508), or BARC bleeding ≥2 (14.7% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.205), between the different times of P2Y12i administration. Treatment with ticagrelor presented reduced MACE compared with clopidogrel (p = 0.044), with no difference in bleeding. No MACE differences were observed between pretreatment or in ward treatment with ticagrelor (p=0.893). Conclusions: The subgroup of patients selected to receive P2Y12i pretreatment did not present differences in MACE or bleeding relative to those treated in ward. Patients selected for ticagrelor treatment in ward presented a beneficial balance between ischemic and hemorrhagic events.

Cryptogenic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale: potential mechanisms and prevention strategies / 国际脑血管病杂志

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital heart disease that occurs in about 25% of healthy adults. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that PFO is closely associated with cryptogenic stroke (CS). Although it is currently believed that paradoxical embolism is one of the main mechanisms of the pathogenesis of CS, but the exact mechanism is still controversial. In addition, the treatment of CS in patients with PFO is also the focus of controversy. Recent clinical trials have shown that PFO occlusion is significantly better than drug therapy alone in preventing stroke recurrence, especially for patients with a large right-to-left shunt and atrial septal tumor. This article reviews the potential mechanisms and prevention strategies of CS in patients with PFO.

Dual antiplatelet therapy for mild stroke and transient ischemic attack / 国际脑血管病杂志

Patients with mild stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) have a high risk of early recurrence or deterioration. Antiplatelet therapy has been recognized to reduce the risk of ischemic vascular events. All guidelines recommend antiplatelet therapy for patients with ischemic stroke. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) refers to the application of two drugs with different mechanisms to block platelet aggregation and prevent thrombosis. There are many combinations of DAPT, and its safety and effectiveness are still uncertain. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of DAPT in patients with mild stroke and TIA.