Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate versus andexanet alfa for direct oral anticoagulant reversal.

BACKGROUND: Optimal reversal agent for direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-associated major bleeding has not been described. Before the approval of andexanet alfa (AA) in 2018, 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) was recommended by major guidelines. Currently, AA is recommended as the first-line agent by most guidelines. With a paucity of literature comparing the 2 agents, there is clinical value in assessing hemostatic efficacy and safety of the 2 agents. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate hemostatic efficacy and safety of AA and 4F-PCC in all DOAC-associated major bleedings. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective chart review was performed of adult subjects who were admitted for a DOAC-associated major bleeding and received 4F-PCC from February 2018 to May 2019 or AA from May 2019 to September 2021. Some of the exclusion criteria included not receiving a DOAC, receiving multiple reversal agents during the same hospitalization, receiving reversal for any nonmajor bleeding indication, and not receiving the full dose of a reversal agent. The primary outcome was hemostatic efficacy 24 hours after the end of the reversal agent administration. Secondary outcomes included time to administration, hospital mortality, length of stay, need for surgery, and need for additional blood product. Safety outcome was incidence of thrombotic events. RESULTS: There were 99 subjects included in the 4F-PCC group and 84 subjects in the AA group. Hemostatic efficacy was achieved in 69 subjects (69.7%) in the 4F-PCC group and 63 subjects (75%) in the AA group (P = 0.927). In-hospital mortality was seen in 20 subjects (20.2%) in the 4F-PCC group and 10 subjects (11.9%) in the AA group. Thrombotic events were seen in 7 subjects (7.1%) in the 4F-PCC group and 6 subjects (7.1%) in the AA group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in hemostatic efficacy, in-hospital mortality, and number of thrombotic events between 4F-PCC and AA.

Improving Clinician Confidence in Insulin Prescriptions at Discharge for Individuals With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes.

Background In a questionnaire, we found that pediatric clinicians at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital (BTUH) have low confidence levels in prescribing multiple daily injections (MDI) for newly diagnosed pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We designed and evaluated locally tailored prescription guidance to improve confidence in MDI discharge prescriptions for pediatric doctors of all grades. Methods We designed a prescription guidance tool by adapting existing local guidelines to improve clinician familiarity with MDI prescriptions and prevent prescription errors. The intervention was delivered in a single pediatric unit to doctors of all levels. Feedback was collected, and the clinicians' confidence in their MDI prescriptions was evaluated before and after the intervention. Questionnaires were distributed to all pediatric doctors within the unit to assess their confidence in prescribing MDIs using a five-point Likert Scale. Furthermore, the questionnaires aimed to determine whether clinicians regularly consulted the existing local guidelines. Local guidelines were adapted in consultation with the local pediatric diabetic multidisciplinary team (MDT) and with reference to the East of England Pediatric Diabetes Network to present MDI guidance in a more concise format, which includes an example MDI discharge medication checklist. Following approval by the local guidelines management group, additional changes were made to enhance the practicality and accessibility of the discharge prescription guidance for clinicians. These guidelines were distributed to the pediatric MDT via email and displayed in visible areas of the department. Results Out of the 13 doctors surveyed, 10 provided pre- and post-intervention feedback (77%). Statistical significance was calculated using unpaired t-tests. Ninety percent of pediatric doctors routinely refer to local guidelines for guidance on MDI prescriptions. However, 50% of respondents felt that existing local guidelines were not easily accessible, given the time and effort required to locate them. The mean confidence score for completing MDI prescriptions at discharge before the intervention was 1.9 (SD: 0.83). After the intervention, it increased to 4 (SD: 0.63) (95% CI: 2.79-1.41, p<0.0001). Ninety percent of pediatric doctors felt that the design and display of the MDI guidelines optimized patient care. Conclusions Following the presentation of the project at a local audit and quality improvement (QI) meeting, the adapted guidelines were included in the junior doctor induction program at BTUH and made accessible on the local intranet. The production of locally tailored prescription guidance for MDI prescriptions at discharge has led to an increase in the confidence of pediatric doctors when writing their prescriptions. We aimed to continue updating this guidance as necessary and making further developments to enhance clinician confidence.