Direct Oral Anticoagulants: An Updated Systematic Review of Their Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Effectiveness and Safety in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Direct oral anticoagulants have been an increasingly used class of drugs in the setting of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, defying vitamin K antagonists' monopoly when it comes to anticoagulation due to its several limitations. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have entered the market as a noninferior and safer option in comparison with vitamin K antagonists, as their respective phase III clinical trials proved. The aim of this article was to update and summarize data on their clinical pharmacology and to review real-world data to know their comparative effectiveness and safety. We performed a systematic review using PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science as search engines. Regarding pharmacodynamics, there were no substantial changes reported from their original profile. There were many advances in the knowledge about clinical pharmacokinetics of DOACs that have had a direct impact on their clinical use, mainly related to drug-drug interactions. In a real-world setting, DOACs have shown to be noninferior in preventing thromboembolic events compared to vitamin K antagonists. In regards to safety, DOACs have shown a lower bleeding risk relative to warfarin. Comparison between DOACs has demonstrated rivaroxaban to have the highest bleeding risk. Overall, the evidence gathered showed few changes from the original data presented in phase III clinical trials, concluding that their real-world use coincides greatly with them.

Thromboprophylaxis of Patients Submitted to Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Cost-Effectiveness Assessment From the Perspective of the Brazilian National Health System.

OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious national and international public health issue. Major orthopedic surgeries, such as a total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasties, are associated with an increased risk of VTE, long-term complications, functional disability, and death resulting from hypercoagulability by surgical trauma. This pharmacoeconomic analysis aimed to identify the most cost-effective anticoagulant alternative in preventing VTE in patients undergoing THA and TKA. METHODS: A decision tree model was developed, comparing direct oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran) with enoxaparin, with separate THA and TKA models a 3-month time horizon from the perspective of the Brazilian National Health System. The results were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and the outcomes analyzed were avoided complications (ACs) after thromboprophylaxis. Comparative effectiveness was obtained from a published meta-analysis. A willingness to pay value of approximately R$ 15 000.00 was used per AC, and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis with the Monte Carlo simulation was conducted. RESULTS: Apixaban was the anticoagulant that presented the best ICER for patients undergoing THA (R$ 207.52/AC) and TKA (R$ 133.59/AC), followed by rivaroxaban (R$ 347.21/AC), dabigatran (R$ 372.56/AC), and enoxaparin (R$ 711.44/AC) for THA and by dabigatran (R$ 194.07/AC), rivaroxaban (R$ 221.12/AC), and enoxaparin (R$ 747.25/AC) for TKA. After ICER analysis, apixaban prevails over the other technologies analyzed for both surgical procedures, confirmed after sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Our model suggests that, in the Brazilian National Health System, apixaban is the most cost-effective alternative in preventing VTE after THA and TKA.

Obesity Paradox in Atrial Fibrillation and its Relation with the New Oral Anticoagulants.

Obesity, a chronic disease established as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization, is considered a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, which has high morbidity and mortality. Although both obesity and AF are diseases associated with negative outcomes, studies have shown the presence of an obesity paradox, in which patients with a high body mass index (BMI) and AF have a better prognosis than patients with a normal BMI. Despite the fact that the mechanisms that lead to this paradox are still uncertain, adequate anticoagulation in obese patients seems to play an important role in reducing adverse events in this group. In this perspective article, the authors discuss the relationship between new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), namely, apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban (factor Xa inhibitors) and dabigatran (direct inhibitor of thrombin), and the obesity paradox, seeking to deepen the understanding of the mechanism that leads to this paradox.

Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Mitral Stenosis.

Rheumatic valve disease is present in 0.4 % of the word population, mainly in lowincome countries. Rheumatic mitral stenosis affects more women and between 40 to 75 % of patients may have atrial fibrillation (AF), more frequently in upper-middle income countries. This rhythm disturbance is due to increased atrial pressure, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and left atrial enlargement. There is also an increase in the prevalence of AF with age in patients with mitral stenosis. The risk of stroke is 4 % per year. Success rates for cardioversion, Cox-Maze procedure, and catheter ablation are low. Therefore, anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist is mandatory for Evaluated Heart valves, Rheumatic or Artificial (EHRA) classification type 1. However, this anticoagulation is used by less than 80 % of those eligible and less than 30 % have the international normalized ratio in the therapeutic range. The safety and efficacy of using rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant, were demonstrated in the RIVER trial with a sample of 1005 patients with AF and bioprosthetic mitral valve. The indication for valve replacement, that is, if severe mitral stenosis or severe mitral regurgitation, was not specified. A randomized, open-label study (DAVID-MS) is underway to compare the effectiveness and safety of dabigatran and warfarin therapy for stroke prevention in patients with AF and moderate or severe mitral stenosis. Thus, the applicability of the use of direct anticoagulants in patients with AF and mitral stenosis and also in those undergoing mitral bioprostheses surgery will be the subject of further studies. The findings may explain if specific atrial changes of mitral stenosis even after the valve replacement will influence thromboembolic events with direct anticoagulants.

Anticoagulantes orales directos en fibrilación auricular no valvular / Direct oral anticoagulants in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fibrilación auricular (FA) representa un importante problema socio-sanitario, siendo la arritmia cardíaca más frecuente en la práctica clínica con una prevalencia actual del 1 al 2% de la población, y donde la FA no asociada a valvulopatías (FANV) es la forma más frecuente. Esta patología favorece la formación de trombos, cuyas complicaciones más severas son el tromboembolismo arterial periférico, el accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico, la insuficiência cardiaca (IC) y la muerte. El tratamiento con anticoagulantes antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) reduce el riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos, sin embargo, estos tienen una eficacia limitada y requieren controles hematológicos estrictos debido a que una proporción elevada de pacientes no se encuentren en rango óptimo de anticoagulación, siendo el tiempo en rango promedio en Argentina de 66,6% (IC 95%: 54 a 80%). El grupo terapéutico de anticoagulantes orales directos (ACODs), que no requieren de controles hematológicos tan estrictos y poseen rangos terapéuticos más estables, se postulan que serían tan o más efectivos que los AVK en la prevención de eventos tromboembólicos en pacientes FANV y podrían presentar un mejor perfil de seguridad en relación a la incidencia de sangrados asociados a la anticoagulación. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente informe es evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguridad y aspectos relacionados a las guías de práctica clínica, políticas de cobertura y económicos del uso de ACODs (apixabán, dabigatrán, rivaroxabán) para pacientes con FANV. METODOLOGIÍA: Como resultado se incluyeron cuatro revisiones sistemáticas con metaanálisis, diez guías de práctica clínica, once políticas de cobertura, una revisión sistemática de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias, diecisiete estudios de costo-efectividad, y se realizó un análisis de impacto presupuestario (AIP). RESULTADOS: Los resultados sobre eficacia y seguridad basados en ensayos clínicos, y validados en estudios de la vida real, han demostrado que ACODs tienen eficacia similar y un mejor perfil de seguridad que los AVK, debido principalmente al menor riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas. Por estos motivos las guías de práctica clínica de las principales sociedades científicas internacionales relevadas (Europa, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Australia, Nueva Zelanda) posicionan a los ACODs como de primera elección frente a los AVK para pacientes con FANV. En relación a la evidencia económica relevada, los países de altos ingresos (Estados Unidos, Europa y Asia) reportan que los ACODs son estrategias costo-efectivas para los umbrales propuestos para cada país. Em América Latina, estudios económicos provenientes de Brasil y Colombia, evidencian resultados dispares especialmente como consecuencia de los costos de adquisición de los ACODs. En Argentina, los estúdios de costo-efectividad de apixabán y dabigatrán frente a AVK (warfarina) los consideran alternativas costoefectivas mientras que el AIP de elaboración propia estima que la incorporación de los ACODs, tanto en primera línea de tratamiento cómo en pacientes refractarios fuera de rango de anticoagulación, generaría un alto impacto presupuestario al sistema de salud argentino, principalmente debido a los elevados precios de adquisición de los ACODs en relación al acenocumarol. Los países de altos ingresos en general brindan cobertura pero existe disparidad entre sí es para primera línea de tratamiento o para pacientes fuera de rango de anticoagulación con AVK. En América Latina, los financiadores de salud relevados no cubren los ACODs para ninguna de las indicaciones evaluadas, mientras que en Colombia y Brasil fueron rechazados explícitamente por el alto costo según estúdios locales. CONCLUSIONES: Apixabán, dabigatrán y rivaroxabán presentan beneficios marcados en la mortalidad y algún grado de beneficio en la prevención de ACV isquémico e infarto de miocardio y presentan menos incidencia de sangrados intracraneales (y en algunos casos también menos sangrados mayores) en comparación con warfarina. Dependiendo del resultado de salud evaluado, varía el grado de certeza de la evidencia. Respecto a políticas de cobertura, los países de altos ingresos relevados brindan cobertura pero varían si es para primera línea de tratamiento o para pacientes fuera de rango de anticoagulación con AVK. En América Latina, los financiadores de salud identificados no cubren los ACODs para ninguna de las indicaciones; mientras que en Colombia y Brasil la cobertura fue rechazada explícitamente por el alto costo de los fármacos, en base a estudios locales.

Dabigatran Dual Therapy vs Warfarin Triple Therapy Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation With/Without a Proton Pump Inhibitor: A Pre-Specified Analysis of the RE-DUAL PCI Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In patients with atrial fibrillation following percutaneous coronary intervention, if a proton pump inhibitor is used, could that allow the use of warfarin triple therapy, or is there additional reduction in bleeding while using it with dual therapy? METHODS: The RE-DUAL PCI trial randomized 2725 patients with atrial fibrillation post-percutaneous coronary intervention to dabigatran dual therapy (110 or 150 mg twice daily, with clopidogrel or ticagrelor) or warfarin triple therapy (with clopidogrel or ticagrelor, and aspirin for 1-3 months). This prespecified subgroup analysis evaluated risks of a first major bleeding event or clinically relevant non-major bleeding event, all gastrointestinal bleeding, and a composite efficacy endpoint of all-cause mortality/thromboembolic event or unplanned revascularization according to baseline use of a proton pump inhibitor. RESULTS: Of 2678 analyzed patients, 1641 (61.3%) were receiving a proton pump inhibitor at baseline. Dabigatran 110 and 150 mg dual therapy reduced the risk of major bleeding events or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events vs warfarin triple therapy regardless of proton pump inhibitor use, with comparable risk of the composite efficacy endpoint (all interaction p values > 0.05). For gastrointestinal bleeding, no interaction was observed between study treatment and proton pump inhibitor use (interaction p values 0.84 and 0.62 for dabigatran 110 and 150 mg dual therapy, respectively, vs warfarin triple therapy). CONCLUSIONS: Dabigatran 110 and 150 mg dual therapy reduced the risk of major bleeding events or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events vs warfarin triple therapy, regardless of proton pump inhibitor use at baseline, in patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Risk of the composite efficacy endpoint appeared to be similar for dabigatran dual therapy vs warfarin triple therapy in patients receiving/not receiving a proton pump inhibitor. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV UNIQUE IDENTIFIER: NCT02164864.

Influence of Direct Thrombin Inhibitor and Low Molecular Weight Heparin on Platelet Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Prospective Interventional Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The interaction between anticoagulants and platelet function is complex. Previous publications showed mixed results regarding the role of heparins in platelet aggregation. On the other hand, the direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) dabigatran might enhance the risk of myocardial infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation, which could be related to increased platelet aggregability. METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional study of patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) taking low-dose aspirin. The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of dabigatran versus enoxaparin on platelet aggregability. Subjects initially were on orally administered dabigatran for 5 days followed by subcutaneously administered enoxaparin after a 30-day washout period. Platelet function was assessed at baseline and after each intervention by multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA-ASPI) (primary endpoint), serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2), VerifyNow Aspirin™, and coagulation tests (secondary endpoints). RESULTS: Compared to baseline MEA-ASPI values, dabigatran increased platelet aggregation while enoxaparin decreased platelet aggregation (+ 5 U ± 24.1 vs - 6 U ± 22.2, respectively, p = 0.012). The TXB2 assay showed the same pattern (+ 2 pg/ml for dabigatran vs - 13 pg/ml for enoxaparin, p = 0.011). None of the additional tests showed significant differences between the groups. Individually, compared to baseline TXB2 results, enoxaparin significantly decreased platelet activation [33 (16.5-95) pg/mL vs 20 (10-52) pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.026], but no significant differences were observed with dabigatran. CONCLUSIONS: DTI and anti-Xa drugs exert opposite effects on platelet function. A significant decrease in platelet activation through COX1 (also known as prostaglandin G/H synthase 1) was observed with enoxaparin, but no significant differences in platelet function were observed with dabigatran. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02389582.

Eficácia e segurança de anticoagulantes orais diretos comparados à anticoagulação tradicional com heparina e varfarina para tratamento de tromboembolismo pulmonar e trombose venosa profunda / Effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants compared to traditional anticoagulation with heparin and varfarine to treat pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis

Tecnologia: Inibidores Diretos do Fator Xa (IDFXa) ­ Rivaroxabana, Apixabana, Edoxabana ­ e Inibidores Diretos da Trombina (IDT) ­ Dabigatrana ­ todos são anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOAC). Indicação: tratamento e prevenção de fenômenos tromboembólicos. Pergunta: Para tratamento de tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) e trombose venosa profunda (TVP), os DOAC são mais eficazes e seguros que a anticoagulação tradicional com heparina e varfarina? Métodos: Levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados Pubmed seguindo estratégias de buscas predefinidas. Avaliação da qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas com a ferramenta Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Resultados: Foram selecionadas e incluídas 4 revisões sistemáticas. Conclusão: Na maioria dos estudos incluídos, os DOAC demonstraram eficácia e segurança similar à anticoagulação tradicional com heparina e varfarina para tratamento de TEP e TVP. Em um estudo, o risco de TVP recorrente foi menor no tratamento de IDFXa (por menos 3 meses de tratamento) e de episódios de sangramento maior foi menor no tratamento de IDT e IDFXa (por mais 3 meses de tratamento)

Technology: Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors (DFXaI) - Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban ­ and Direct Thrombin Inhibitors (DTI) - Dabigatran - all are direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). Indication: treatment and prevention of thromboembolic phenomena. Question: For treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are DOACs more effective and safer than traditional anticoagulation with heparin and warfarin? Methods: Bibliographic survey in the Pubmed database following predefined search strategies. Evaluation of the methodological quality of systematic reviews with the tool Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Results: 4 systematic reviews were selected and included. Conclusion: In most of the included studies, DOAC demonstrated similar efficacy and safety to traditional anticoagulation with heparina and warfarin for the treatment of PTE and DVT. In one study, the risk of recurrent DVT was lower in the treatment of DFXaI (for at least 3 months of treatment) and of major bleeding episodes was lower in the treatment of DTI and DFXaI (for another 3 months of treatment)

Anticoagulantes na prática cirúrgica dermatológica / Anticoagulants in dermatological surgical practice

INTRODUÇÃO: Nas últimas décadas, o uso de anticoagulantes vem se tornando mais frequente na população e em faixas etárias mais jovens.OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse artigo é abordar o risco das medicações anticoagulantes mais utilizadas em cirurgia dermatológica.MÉTODOS: Foi realizada revisão das medicações anticoagulantes mais utilizadas.RESULTADOS: A consulta pré-cirúrgica realizada adequadamente, com ênfase ao histórico clínico do paciente (incluindo função renal nos casos de uso dos novos anticoagulantes orais), a localização anatômica abordada e a exata programação do tratamento cirúrgico são essenciais para um desfecho adequado.CONCLUSÕES: A utilização de medicações anticoagulantes é cada vez mais frequente na prática médica. Em pacientes recebendo medicações anticoagulantes é essencial a estrita adesão às boas práticas cirúrgicas, com especial atenção à hemostasia adequada do campo cirúrgico, aos curativos adequados e compressivos e aos cuidados pós-operatórios, sendo o paciente devidamente informado sobre os maiores riscos aos quais está sujeito(AU).

Introduction: In the last decades, anticoagulants have become more frequent in the population and younger age groups. Objective: This article aims to address the risk of the most used anticoagulant medications in dermatological surgeries. Methods: We reviewed the most common anticoagulant medications. Results: The pre-surgical consultation performed correctly, emphasizing the patient's clinical history (including renal function in cases of use of new oral anticoagulants), the anatomical site addressed, and the surgical treatment schedule is essential for a satisfactory outcome. Conclusions: The use of anticoagulant medications is increasingly common in medical practice. In patients receiving anticoagulant medications, strict adherence to good surgical practices is essential. Special attention to adequate hemostasis of the surgical field, adequate and compressive dressings and postoperative care must be given. The patient should be adequately informed about the most significant risks to which he is subject(AU).

Dabigatran and warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in outpatient clinic practice in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To compare warfarin and dabigatran for thromboembolic event prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort of participants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter using either warfarin or dabigatran in a reference center in Brazil. RESULTS: There were 112 patients (mean age 65.5 years), with 55.3% using warfarin. The median duration of follow-up was 1.9 years for warfarin and 1.6 years for dabigatran (p = 0.167). Warfarin patients had a higher median of medical appointments per year (8.3 [6.8-10.4] vs 3.1 [2.3-4.2], p < 0.001) and the frequency of minor bleeding was more than four times higher (17.7% vs 4.0%, p = 0.035). Among patients with prior stroke, those using warfarin had 2.6 times more medical appointments for person-years of follow-up (8.5 vs 3.3). There was no major bleeding or embolic event during follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The dabigatran group had a lower frequency of minor bleeding and number of medical appointments than the warfarin group, without more embolic events or major bleeding.

Dabigatran and warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in outpatient clinic practice in Brazil / Dabigatrana e varfarina em pacientes com fibrilação atrial não valvar ou flutter em ambulatório especializado no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare warfarin and dabigatran for thromboembolic event prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of participants with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter using either warfarin or dabigatran in a reference center in Brazil. Results: There were 112 patients (mean age 65.5 years), with 55.3% using warfarin. The median duration of follow-up was 1.9 years for warfarin and 1.6 years for dabigatran (p = 0.167). Warfarin patients had a higher median of medical appointments per year (8.3 [6.8-10.4] vs 3.1 [2.3-4.2], p < 0.001) and the frequency of minor bleeding was more than four times higher (17.7% vs 4.0%, p = 0.035). Among patients with prior stroke, those using warfarin had 2.6 times more medical appointments for person-years of follow-up (8.5 vs 3.3). There was no major bleeding or embolic event during follow-up period. Conclusion: The dabigatran group had a lower frequency of minor bleeding and number of medical appointments than the warfarin group, without more embolic events or major bleeding.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar varfarina e dabigatrana para prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes com fibrilação atrial não valvar ou flutter (FA). Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes com FA em uso de varfarina ou dabigatrana em serviço especializado no Brasil. Resultados: Foram avaliados 112 pacientes (média idade 65,5), com 55,3% no grupo varfarina. A mediana do tempo de seguimento foi de 1,9 anos para o grupo varfarina e 1,6 para dabigatrana (p = 0,167). No grupo varfarina houve maior mediana de consultas médicas (CM) por ano (8,3[6,8-10,4] vs. 3,1[2,3-4,2], p < 0,001), com frequência de sangramento menor quatro vezes maior (17,7% vs. 4,0%, p = 0,035). Nos pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico prévio, o grupo varfarina teve 2,6 vezes mais CM por pessoas-ano de seguimento (8,5 vs. 3,3). Não houve sangramento maior ou eventos embólicos no período de seguimento. Conclusão: Pacientes em uso de dabigatrana tiveram menor número de sangramento menor e CM que aqueles em uso de varfarina, sem aumentar eventos embólicos ou sangramentos maiores.

O que mudou nas últimas décadas na profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes internados: artigo de revisão / What has changed in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for hospitalized patients over recent decades: review article

O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) é uma doença frequente e de alta morbimortalidade, sendo considerada a maior causa evitável de mortalidade em pacientes hospitalizados. Apesar da incidência altíssima de TEV em todos os países e das evidências de que a tromboprofilaxia reduz as complicações tromboembólicas em pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos, e a custo baixo, persistem grandes dúvidas quanto à segurança desse tipo de intervenção nos pacientes e quanto à tromboprofilaxia ideal. Inúmeros estudos e recomendações baseadas em evidências comprovam a eficácia da profilaxia na prevenção do TEV e/ou da morte dos pacientes, mas ainda hoje ela é subutilizada. Neste artigo, apresentamos uma ampla revisão dos métodos de profilaxia existentes até os dias atuais, publicados em diretrizes e estudos nacionais e internacionais sobre tromboprofilaxia

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality and is considered the number one cause of avoidable mortality among hospitalized patients. Although VTE incidence is extremely high in all countries and there is ample evidence that thromboprophylaxis inexpensively reduces the rate of thromboembolic complications in both clinical and surgical patients, a great deal of doubt remains with respect to patient safety with this type of intervention and in relation to the ideal thromboprophylaxis methods. Countless studies and evidence-based recommendations confirm the efficacy of prophylaxis for prevention of VTE and/or patient deaths, but it remains underutilized to this day. This article presents a wide-ranging review of existing prophylaxis methods up to the present, from guidelines and national and international studies of thromboprophylaxis

Anticoagulantes orais diretos para o tratamento da trombose venosa profunda: revisão de revisões sistemáticas / Direct oral anticoagulants for treatment of deep vein thrombosis: overview of systematic reviews

A number of limitations of standard therapy with warfarin for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have been established. This overview of systematic reviews presents the baseline results for efficacy and safety of the new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) thrombin inhibitors, and activated factor X (Xa) inhibitors in patients with DVT. Searches were run on PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Twenty-three studies were retrieved, and one systematic review was judged eligible. This review scored maximum according to AMSTAR criteria and included 7,596 patients for analysis of thrombin inhibitors and 16,356 patients for analysis of factor Xa inhibitors. The results of the meta-analysis indicate that DOACs are similar for DVT treatment when compared to standard treatment with warfarin. The incidence of major bleeding is somewhat lower in patients treated with factor Xa inhibitors and similar to standard therapy when treated with direct thrombin inhibitors

A terapia padrão com varfarina para a trombose venosa profunda (TVP) tem uma série de limitações já estabelecidas. Essa revisão de revisões sistemáticas elenca os principais resultados de eficácia e segurança dos anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs), inibidores da trombina e do fator X ativado (Xa), em pacientes com TVP. A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases PubMed e Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Foram recuperados 23 estudos, e uma revisão sistemática foi considerada elegível. Essa revisão atingiu escore máximo no AMSTAR e incluiu 7.596 pacientes para análise dos inibidores da trombina e 16.356 pacientes para a análise dos inibidores do fator Xa. Os resultados da metanálise indicam que os DOACs apresentam eficácia similar à terapia padrão no tratamento da TVP. A incidência de sangramento maior é um pouco menor nos pacientes tratados com os inibidores do fator Xa e similar à terapia padrão no tratamento com inibidores diretos da trombina

Segunda publicación nuevos anticoagulantes orales: guía práctica para los médicos / Second publication new oral anticoagulants: a practical guide for doctors

Resumen Los nuevos anticoagulantes orales suponen una atractiva alternativa para los clásicos antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVKs) en la prevención de ictus en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular. A diferencia de los AVKs, estos anticoagulantes no requieren monitorización ni ajuste de dosis y poseen propiedades farmacológicas favorables. La falta de antídoto efi caz, su coste, o dudas en cuanto a la seguridad en los pacientes con enfermedad renal avanzada pueden explicar su lento ritmo de expansión. El uso seguro y eficaz de estos nuevos medicamentos depende en gran medida de la experiencia clínica entre la comunidad médica. Esta revisión discute las peculiaridades de los nuevos anticoagulantes orales, propor cionando algoritmos prácticos y fáciles de usar para su aplicación en la práctica clínica diaria.

Abstract New oral anticoagulants suppose an attractive alternative for classical vitamin K antagonists (AVKs) in stroke prevention for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Unlike AVKs, these anticoagulants do not require monitoring or dose adjustment and have favourable pharmacological properties. The lack of an effective antidote, its cost, or doubts regarding the safety of patients with advanced kidney disease may explain its slow rate of expansion. The safe and effective use of these new medications depends largely on clinical experience among the medical community. This review discusses the peculiarities of the new oral anticoagulants, providing practical and easy-to-use algorithms for their application in daily clinical practice.

Benefit, risk and cost of new oral anticoagulants and warfarin in atrial fibrillation; A multicriteria decision analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Warfarin and new oral anticoagulants are effective in reducing stroke in atrial fibrillation; however, the benefits and risks rates in clinical trials show heterogeneity for each anticoagulant, and is unknown the cost influence on a model considering most of the treatment consequences. We designed a benefit-risk and cost assessment of oral anticoagulants. DESIGN: We followed the roadmap proposed by IMI-PROTECT and the considerations of emerged good practice to perform Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The roadmap defines the following steps: (1) planning, (2) evidence gathering and data preparation, (3) analyses, (4) explorations, and (5) conclusions. We defined two reference points (0-100) to allocate numerical values for scores and weights, and used an analogue numeric scale to assess physicians' preferences. As benefits of the anticoagulant therapy, we included reductions in stroke and all-cause mortality; intracranial haemorrhage, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, minor bleeding and myocardial infarction were considered risks. We also made an estimation of the annual drug cost per person. MAIN RESULTS: The scores were: Apixaban 33, Dabigatrán 25, warfarin 18 and Rivaroxaban 14 this score reveals the most preferred up to the less preferred option, considering the benefit-risk ratio and drug costs altogether. The relative model weights were: 51.1% for risks, 40.4% for benefits and 8.5% for cost. The sensitivity analysis confirms the model robustness. CONCLUSIONS: From this analysis, apixaban should be considered as the preferred anticoagulant option -due to a better benefit-risk balance and a minor cost influence- followed by dabigatran, warfarin and rivaroxaban.

Anticoagulation in patients with cardiac manifestations of Chagas disease and cardioembolic ischemic stroke.

To describe anticoagulation characteristics in patients with cardiac complications from Chagas disease and compare participants with and without cardioembolic ischemic stroke (CIS). A retrospective cohort of patients with Chagas disease, using anticoagulation, conducted from January 2011 to December 2014. Forty-two patients with Chagas disease who were using anticoagulation were studied (age 62.9±12.4 years), 59.5% female and 47.6% with previous CIS, 78.6% with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and 69.7% with dilated cardiomyopathy. Warfarin was used in 78.6% of patients and dabigatran (at different times) in 38%. In the warfarin group, those with CIS had more medical appointments per person-years of follow-up (11.7 vs 7.9), a higher proportion of international normalized ratios within the therapeutic range (57% vs 42% medical appointments, p = 0.025) and an eight times higher frequency of minor bleeding (0.64 vs 0.07 medical appointments). Patients with Chagas disease and previous CIS had better control of INR with a higher frequency of minor bleeding.

Anticoagulation in patients with cardiac manifestations of Chagas disease and cardioembolic ischemic stroke / Anticoagulação nas manifestações cardíacas da doença de Chagas e acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico cardioembólico

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe anticoagulation characteristics in patients with cardiac complications from Chagas disease and compare participants with and without cardioembolic ischemic stroke (CIS). Methods A retrospective cohort of patients with Chagas disease, using anticoagulation, conducted from January 2011 to December 2014. Results Forty-two patients with Chagas disease who were using anticoagulation were studied (age 62.9±12.4 years), 59.5% female and 47.6% with previous CIS, 78.6% with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and 69.7% with dilated cardiomyopathy. Warfarin was used in 78.6% of patients and dabigatran (at different times) in 38%. In the warfarin group, those with CIS had more medical appointments per person-years of follow-up (11.7 vs 7.9), a higher proportion of international normalized ratios within the therapeutic range (57% vs 42% medical appointments, p = 0.025) and an eight times higher frequency of minor bleeding (0.64 vs 0.07 medical appointments). Conclusion Patients with Chagas disease and previous CIS had better control of INR with a higher frequency of minor bleeding.

RESUMO Objetivos descrever as características da anticoagulação em pacientes com manifestações cardíacas da doença de Chagas (MCDC) e comparar os participantes com sem acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico cardioembólico (AVCIC). Resultados 42 pacientes com MCDC em anticoagulação foram estudados (62,9 ± 12,4 anos), 59,5% do sexo feminino e 47,6% com AVCIC prévio, 78,6% portadores de fibrilação atrial não valvar e 69,7% com cardiomiopatia dilatada. Varfarina foi utilizada em 78,6% dos pacientes e dabigatrana em 38% (em momentos diferentes). No grupo da varfarina, aqueles com AVCIC tiveram mais consultas médicas por pessoas-ano de seguimento (11,7 vs 7,9), maior taxa de RNI na faixa terapêutica (57% vs 42% consultas médicas, p = 0,025) e uma frequência oito vezes maior de sangramento menor (0,64 vs. 0,07 consultas médicas). Conclusão pacientes com MCDC e AVCIC prévio têm melhor controle de RNI com maior frequência de sangramento menor.

Anticoagulantes directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular. De los ensayos clínicos a los registros del mundo real / Direct anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation. From clinical trials to real-world records

Resumen Los resultados de los ensayos clínicos con los anticoagulantes directos en pacientes con fibrilación auricular demuestra mayor eficacia en la prevención del ictus versus warfarina. Las guías de práctica clínica recomiendan que estos fármacos deberían preferirse a los antagonistas de la vitamina K para anticoagular los pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular.

Abstract Direct anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation. From clinical trials to real-world records The results of clinical trials with direct anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation show greater efficacy in the prevention of stroke versus warfarin. Clinical practice guidelines recommend that these drugs should be preferred to vitamin K antagonists to anticoagulate patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.