Impact of prior use of antiplatelets on COVID-19 susceptibility, progression, and severity: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hypercoagulability and thromboembolism are processes that arise from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and are responsible for a high degree of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related morbidity and mortality. This study sought to assess the effect of antiplatelet drugs on COVID-19 severity (risk of hospitalization and mortality), susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, and progression to severe COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study in a northwestern region of Spain in 2020. The study involved 3060 participants with a positive polymerase chain reaction test who were hospitalized, 26 757 participants with a positive polymerase chain reaction test who were not hospitalized, and 56 785 healthy controls. RESULTS: Triflusal seemed to be associated with a significant increase in risk of hospitalization (aOR, 1.97; 95%CI, 1.27-3.04) and susceptibility to infection (OR, 1.45; 95%CI, 1.07-1.96). It also appeared to lead to a nonsignificant increase in the risk of mortality (OR, 2.23; 95%CI, 0.89-5.55) and/or progression to more severe disease stages (OR, 1.42; 95%CI, 0.8-2.51). Aspirin seemed to be associated with a statistically significant decrease in susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (OR, 0.92; 95%CI, 0.86-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Triflusal use appears to increase the risk of susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and an even higher risk of hospitalization, whereas the other antiplatelets could be associated with a reduction in the risk of the various outcomes or have no effect on risk. These findings could support reconsideration of triflusal prescription in COVID-19 pandemic situations.

Estrategia para mejorar la seguridad en la prescripción de dosis altas de ácido acetilsalicílico en atención primaria / Strategy to Improve Safety in the Prescription of High Doses of Acetylsalicylic Acid in Primary Care

Objetivo: Se planteó un estudio cuyo objetivo principal fue cuantificar el cambio en el número de pacientes con edad ≥74 años en tratamiento cróni-co con dosis altas de ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) (> 150 mg), después de una estrategia de intervención del farmacéutico de atención primaria (FAP). Método: estudio transversal de intervención en pa-cientes ≥74 años con AAS >150 mg, dispensados en un periodo de 6 meses (enero-julio 2021), en 40 centros de salud. Resultados: 731 pacientes ≥74 años con dosis al-tas de AAS (3,6%). 56,6% mujeres, edad media=85,0 años (IC 95% 84,6-85,5); media de años con AAS > 150 mg = 6,5 (IC 95% 6,2-6,8). Se consiguió una reducción de la dosis en 394 pacientes (53,9%; IC 95% 50,2 -57,6). El número total de pacientes y porcentaje en el que la aceptación de la interven-ción fue mayor del 50% según el diagnóstico fue: insuficiencia venosa (n=8; 87,5%), enfermedad trombótica venosa (n=4; 75,0%), diagnóstico incier-to (n=56; 69,6%), fibrilación auricular (n=25; 64,0%), prevención primaria de enfermedad cardiovascular (n=102; 62,7%), arteriopatía periférica (n=22; 54,5%) y accidente cerebrovascular (n= 362; 51,7%). Un 17,2% (IC 95% 14,57-20,17) no estaban en trata-miento concomitante con un IBP. Conclusiones: a pesar de la evidencia científica, se siguen encontrando prescripciones de AAS a dosis altas en mayores, exponiéndoles a un mayor riesgo de hemorragias. Esta estrategia ha sido eficaz ya que ha permitido adecuar la dosis a más de la mi-tad de los pacientes. Los FAP pueden desempeñar una importante labor en la detección y resolución de potenciales reacciones adversas. (AU)

Objective: A study was proposed whose main ob-jective was to evaluate the variation in the number of patients aged ≥74 years in chronic treatment with high doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (> 150 mg), after a primary care pharmacist intervention strategy. Methods: It was carried out a cross-sectional and interventional study in ≥74 years old patients treat-ed with ASA >150 mg, dispensed in a period of 6 months (January-July 2021), in 40 health centers.Results: the total number of patients was 731. 56.6% women, mean age=85.0 years (95% CI 84.6-85.5); mean years on treatment with ASA > 150 mg = 6.5 (95% CI 6.2-6.8). A dose reduction was achieved in 394 patients (53.9%; 95% CI 50.2-57.6). The total number of patients and percentage in which the acceptance of the intervention was great-er than 50% according to the diagnosis was: ve-nous insufficiency (n=8; 87.5%), venous thrombotic disease (n=4; 75.0%), uncertain diagnosis (n=56; 69.6%), atrial fibrillation (n=25; 64.0%), primary pre-vention of cardiovascular disease (n=102; 62.7%), peripheral artery disease (n=22 54.5%), stroke (n= 362, 51.7%). 17.2% were not receiving concomitant treatment with a PPI. (IC)Conclusions: despite of the scientific evidence, prescription of a high dose of ASA is still occurring in older patients, increasing bleeding risk without any benefit. This strategy was effective since ASA dose was adjusted in more than half of the affected patients. Primary Care Pharmacists can play an important role in the detection and resolution of potential adverse effects. (AU)

WITHDRAWN: Adherence to European guidelines for the use of aspirin in primary health care

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, 10.1016/j.repc.2022.03.007. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal

Adherence to European guidelines for the use of aspirin in primary health care.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. The administration of low doses of aspirin in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been clearly established. However, the most recent guidelines do not recommend aspirin in primary prevention, reserving it for high-risk patients and after a risk/benefit assessment. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to European guidelines for the use of aspirin in primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD in primary health care. METHODS: The study population consisted of individuals aged >50 years registered at two primary health care units without (primary prevention) and with previous ASCVD events (secondary prevention). RESULTS: We studied a total of 1262 individuals, 720 in primary prevention and 542 in secondary prevention. A total of 61 individuals (8.5%) were under aspirin therapy in primary prevention, most of them taking 150 mg/day (57%). In secondary prevention, 195 patients (27%) were receiving aspirin only, most taking 150 mg/day (52%), and 166 patients (31%) were not under any antithrombotic or anticoagulant therapy. The 100 mg dosage was predominant in patients with ischemic heart disease with (64%) and without (64%) angina, as well as those with myocardial infarction (61.5%) and peripheral vascular disease (62%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of aspirin use in primary prevention was 8.5%. We found that 30% of patients were not taking either antithrombotic or anticoagulation therapy in secondary prevention. In both primary and secondary prevention, the 150 mg dosage was predominant.

Ácido acetilsalicílico versus inibidores dos receptores P2Y12 para prevenção secundária em pacientes tratados por meio de intervenção coronária percutânea / Aspirin versus P2Y12 inhibitors for secondary prevention after percutaneous coronary intervention

Na atualidade, as intervenções coronárias percutâneas com implante de um stent farmacológico constituem o principal método de revascularização miocárdica em centros hospitalares terciários, independentemente da forma clínica de apresentação da doença arterial coronária. É de conhecimento geral que, para sua efetivação, há necessidade do uso de um esquema antiplaquetário duplo, constituído pela associação do ácido acetilsalicílico e um inibidor dos receptores plaquetários P2Y12, que é o cerne da prevenção das tromboses após implantes das endopróteses, sendo também indicado para prevenir a ocorrência de eventos aterotrombóticos na evolução clínica tardia, qualquer que seja o modelo de stent utilizado. Após período variável de tempo, independentemente de fatores como forma clínica de apresentação da coronariopatia e do tipo de stent implantado, esse esquema é interrompido, e, na atualidade, as principais diretrizes preconizam a suspensão do inibidor dos receptores P2Y12 e a manutenção do ácido acetilsalicílico em longo prazo como uma das principais medidas farmacológicas de prevenção secundária da aterosclerose. No entanto, recentemente, em razão de sua maior potência antiplaquetária e provável menor potencial de causar hemorragias significantes, em especial no tubo digestivo, os inibidores P2Y12 têm sido considerados alternativa válida e atraente como antiplaquetário de utilização em longo prazo, alternativa ainda não referendada pelas diretrizes. Esta revisão discute os pormenores relacionados a essa importante decisão que deve ser tomada pelo cardiologista no momento da interrupção dos diferentes esquemas antitrombóticos inicialmente utilizados após uma intervenção coronária percutânea. Em princípio, a escassez de estudos clínicos conclusivos e normativos, em especial na população tratada por meio de uma intervenção percutânea, faz com que o ácido acetilsalicílico ainda se mantenha como o único antiagregante plaquetário com indicação classe I com a finalidade de prevenção secundária da aterosclerose.

Currently, percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent implantation is the main method of myocardial revascularization in tertiary care hospitals, regardless of the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease. It is well known that to be effective, it requires the use of a dual antiplatelet therapy, which is a combination of acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor, which plays a key role in preventing thromboses after endoprosthesis implantation and is also indicated to prevent atherothrombotic events in the late clinical course, regardless of the stent model used. After a variable period of time, depending on some factors, such as the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease and the type of stent implanted, this therapy is discontinued, and the main current guidelines recommend interrupting the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and maintaining acetylsalicylic acid in the long term, as one of the main pharmacological measures for secondary prevention of atherosclerosis. However, recently, due to their greater antiplatelet potency and probable lower potential for significant bleeding, especially in the digestive tract, P2Y12 inhibitors have been considered a valid and attractive option as an antiplatelet agent for long-term use; but this alternative has not been endorsed by guidelines yet. This review discusses the details related to this important decision that must be made by cardiologists when discontinuing the different antithrombotic therapies initially used after percutaneous coronary intervention. In principle, the scarcity of conclusive and normative clinical studies, especially in the population treated by percutaneous intervention, means that acetylsalicylic acid is the only antiplatelet agent with class I indication for secondary prevention of atherosclerosis.

Antitrombóticos en las prótesis valvulares biológicas: ¿cuál es el mejor camino a seguir? / Antithrombotics in biological valve prostheses: what is the best way forward? / Antitrombóticos em próteses de válvulas biológicas: qual é o melhor caminho a seguir?

La enfermedad valvular cardíaca es una condición muy frecuente en la población general y un porcentaje considerable de estos pacientes requieren un tratamiento intervencionista sobre su valvulopatía para lograr atenuar su evolución natural. En este contexto, en la actualidad ha aumentado el uso de las prótesis valvulares biológicas para su tratamiento y, con ello, surge el dilema del manejo antitrombótico en estos pacientes en términos de prevención de tromboembolias y eventos hemorrágicos. ¿Cuál es el fármaco más efectivo y seguro en el período posoperatorio temprano? ¿Qué antitrombóticos podemos utilizar en el período posoperatorio tardío? ¿Qué estrategia seguimos cuando el paciente presenta otras indicaciones de anticoagulación? El objetivo de esta revisión es valorar la evidencia actual respecto al tratamiento antitrombótico en pacientes portadores de prótesis valvulares biológicas con y sin indicaciones adicionales de anticoagulación.

Heart valve disease is a very common condition in the general population and a considerable percentage of these patients require interventional treatment for their valve disease to mitigate its natural evolution. In this context, the use of biological prosthetic valves for their treatment has now increased, and with this, the dilemma of antithrombotic management in these patients arises, in terms of prevention of thromboembolism and hemorrhagic events. What is the most effective and safe drug in the early postoperative period? What antithrombotics can we use in the late postoperative period? What strategy do we follow when the patient presents other indications for anticoagulation? The objective of this review is to assess the current evidence regarding antithrombotic treatment in patients with biological prosthetic valves with and without additional indications for anticoagulation.

A valvopatia é uma condição muito comum na população geral e uma porcentagem considerável desses pacientes necessita de tratamento intervencionista para sua valvopatia para amenizar sua evolução natural. Nesse contexto, o uso de próteses valvares biológicas para seu tratamento tem aumentado, e com isso surge o dilema do manejo antitrombótico nesses pacientes em termos de prevenção de tromboembolismo e eventos hemorrágicos. Qual é o fármaco mais eficaz e seguro no pós-operatório imediato? Que antitrombóticos podemos usar no pós-operatório tardio? Que estratégia seguimos quando o paciente apresenta outras indicações de anticoagulação? O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar as evidências atuais sobre o tratamento antitrombótico em pacientes com próteses valvares biológicas com e sem indicações adicionais de anticoagulação.

Reversal of itraconazole resistance in Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / Reversión de la resistencia a itraconazol en Sporothrix brasiliensis y Sporothrix schenckii con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos

Background: The emergence of resistant isolates has brought challenges to the treatment of sporotrichosis, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Previous studies reported that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) show in vitro activity against several pathogenic fungi, including species of Candida, Cryptococcus, and Trichosporon.AimsThis study aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of three NSAIDs (acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen), alone and in combination with itraconazole, against eleven clinical isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii.MethodsMinimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by the broth microdilution method. Drug interactions and the fractional inhibitory concentration index of NSAIDs and itraconazole were assessed by the checkerboard method.ResultsWhen used alone, ibuprofen was the most active NSAID, followed by acetylsalicylic acid. Combinations of NSAIDs with itraconazole showed synergistic antifungal activity against nine isolates. It was also found that itraconazole combined with acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac sodium, or ibuprofen, led to resistance reversal in two, three, and five of the six drug-resistant isolates, respectively. (AU)

Antecedentes: La aparición de cepas resistentes a los antifúngicos convencionales ha supuesto un nuevo desafío en el tratamiento de la esporotricosis y ha impulsado la búsqueda de nuevas estrategias terapéuticas. Estudios anteriores han descrito que los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) tienen actividad in vitro contra diversos hongos patógenos, incluidas especies de Candida, Cryptococcus y Trichosporon.ObjetivosEste estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la eficacia in vitro de tres AINE (ácido acetilsalicílico, diclofenaco sódico e ibuprofeno), aisladamente y en combinación con itraconazol, contra once aislamientos clínicos de Sporothrix brasiliensis y Sporothrix schenckii.MétodosLas concentraciones inhibitorias mínimas fueron determinadas según el método de microdilución en caldo. Las interacciones farmacológicas y el índice de concentración inhibitoria fraccional de los AINE y de itraconazol fueran evaluadas mediante el método del tablero de ajedrez.ResultadosComo molécula única, el ibuprofeno fue el AINE más activo, seguido del ácido acetilsalicílico. Las combinaciones de los AINE con itraconazol exhibieron actividades antifúngicas sinérgicas frente a nueve aislamientos. También se observó que la combinación de itraconazol con ácido acetilsalicílico, diclofenaco sódico o ibuprofeno provocó la reversión de la resistencia en dos, tres y cinco de los seis aislamientos resistentes a los fármacos, respectivamente. (AU)

Reversal of itraconazole resistance in Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of resistant isolates has brought challenges to the treatment of sporotrichosis, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Previous studies reported that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) show in vitro activity against several pathogenic fungi, including species of Candida, Cryptococcus, and Trichosporon. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of three NSAIDs (acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen), alone and in combination with itraconazole, against eleven clinical isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii. METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by the broth microdilution method. Drug interactions and the fractional inhibitory concentration index of NSAIDs and itraconazole were assessed by the checkerboard method. RESULTS: When used alone, ibuprofen was the most active NSAID, followed by acetylsalicylic acid. Combinations of NSAIDs with itraconazole showed synergistic antifungal activity against nine isolates. It was also found that itraconazole combined with acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac sodium, or ibuprofen, led to resistance reversal in two, three, and five of the six drug-resistant isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the combination of itraconazole and the evaluated NSAIDs are a promising strategy for the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Evaluation of prophylaxis in primary prevention with acetylsalicylic acid in people with diabetes: A scoping review

Background: The efficacy and safety of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) remain controversial in people with diabetes (DM) without ACVD, because the possible increased risk of major bleeding could outweigh the potential reduction in the risk of mortality and of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) considered individually or together. Objective: To evaluate the overall risk-benefit of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention in people with DM and to compare the recommendations of the guidelines with the results of the meta-analyses (MA) and systematic reviews (SR). Material and methods: We searched Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for SR and MA published from 2009 to 2020 which compared the effects of ASA prophylaxis versus placebo or control followed up for at least one year in people with DM without ACVD. Heterogeneity among the randomized clinical trials (RCT) included in the SR and MA was assessed. Cardiovascular outcomes of efficacy (all-cause mortality [ACM], cardiovascular mortality [CVM], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke and MACE) and of safety (major bleeding events [MBE], major gastrointestinal bleeding events [MGIBE], and intracranial and extracranial bleeding) were shown. Results: The recommendations of 12 guidelines were evaluated. The results of 25 SR and MA that included a total of 20 RCT were assessed. None of the MA or SR showed that ASA prophylaxis decreased the risk of ACM, CVM or MI. Only two of the 19 SR and MA that evaluated ischemic stroke showed a decrease in the stroke risk (mean 20.0% [SD±5.7]), bordering on statistical significance. Almost half of the MA and SR showed, bordering on statistical significance, a risk reduction for the MACE composite endpoint (mean 10.5% [SD±3.3]). The significant increases in MGIBE risk ranged from 35% to 55% (AU)

Antecedentes: La eficacia y la seguridad de la profilaxis con ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) para la prevención primaria de la enfermedad cardiovascular arteriosclerótica (ECVA) siguen siendo controvertidas en personas con diabetes (DM) sin ECVA, ya que el posible aumento del riesgo de hemorragias graves podría superar la posible disminución del riesgo de mortalidad y de los principales episodios adversos cardiovasculares (MACE) considerados individualmente o en conjunto. Objetivo: Evaluar el riesgo-beneficio de la profilaxis con AAS en prevención primaria en personas con DM y comparar las recomendaciones de las guías de práctica clínica con los resultados de los metaanálisis (MA) y revisiones sistemáticas (RS). Material y métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas en Medline, Google Scholar, Embase y Biblioteca Cochrane de RS y MA publicados desde 2009 hasta 2020 que compararan los efectos de AAS versus placebo o control en seguimiento durante al menos un año en personas con DM sin ECVA. Se valoraron la heterogeneidad entre los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) incluidos en las RS y MA. Se mostraron los resultados cardiovasculares de eficacia (muerte por cualquier causa [MCC], muerte cardiovascular [MCV], infarto de miocardio [IM], ictus y MACE) y de seguridad (episodios hemorrágicos importantes [EHI], episodios hemorrágicos gastrointestinales importantes [EHGI], hemorragias intracraneales y extracraneales). Resultados: Se valoraron las recomendaciones de 12 guías de práctica clínica. Se evaluaron los resultados de 25 RS y MA que incluyeron un total de 20ECA. Ningún MA ni RS mostró que la profilaxis con AAS disminuyera el riesgo de MCC, MCV o IM. Solo dos de los 19 SR y MA que evaluaron el ictus isquémico mostraron una disminución en el riesgo de ictus (media 20,0% [DE±5,7]), rozando la significación estadística (AU)

Evaluation of prophylaxis in primary prevention with acetylsalicylic acid in people with diabetes: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) remain controversial in people with diabetes (DM) without ACVD, because the possible increased risk of major bleeding could outweigh the potential reduction in the risk of mortality and of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) considered individually or together. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the overall risk-benefit of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention in people with DM and to compare the recommendations of the guidelines with the results of the meta-analyses (MA) and systematic reviews (SR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for SR and MA published from 2009 to 2020 which compared the effects of ASA prophylaxis versus placebo or control followed up for at least one year in people with DM without ACVD. Heterogeneity among the randomized clinical trials (RCT) included in the SR and MA was assessed. Cardiovascular outcomes of efficacy (all-cause mortality [ACM], cardiovascular mortality [CVM], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke and MACE) and of safety (major bleeding events [MBE], major gastrointestinal bleeding events [MGIBE], and intracranial and extracranial bleeding) were shown. RESULTS: The recommendations of 12 guidelines were evaluated. The results of 25 SR and MA that included a total of 20 RCT were assessed. None of the MA or SR showed that ASA prophylaxis decreased the risk of ACM, CVM or MI. Only two of the 19 SR and MA that evaluated ischemic stroke showed a decrease in the stroke risk (mean 20.0% [SD±5.7]), bordering on statistical significance. Almost half of the MA and SR showed, bordering on statistical significance, a risk reduction for the MACE composite endpoint (mean 10.5% [SD±3.3]). The significant increases in MGIBE risk ranged from 35% to 55%. The significant increases in the risk of MBE and extracraneal bleeding were 33.4% (SD±14.9) and 54.5% (SD±0.7) respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall risk-benefit assessment of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention suggests that it should not be applied in people with DM.

Acercamiento a la terapia antiplaquetaria en el contexto de la endoscopia digestiva / Approach to antiplatelet therapy in the context of digestive endoscopy

Introducción: El empleo de agentes antiagregantes plaquetarios se ve cada día más extendido en la población mundial. La decisión en relación al manejo endoscópico de este tratamiento debe estar basada en el tipo de indicación médica que justifica el uso de estos medicamentos. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos publicados en las bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo, Medline y Cochrane, relacionados con el tema. Objetivo: Profundizar en los conocimientos relacionados con la terapia antiplaquetaria periendoscópica digestiva. Desarrollo: Los antiagregantes plaquetarios son clave en el tratamiento y prevención de eventos trombóticos vasculares, cardíacos o cerebrales. Se han establecido las indicaciones de los antitrombóticos, también se ha evaluado el riesgo tromboembólico al suspender el tratamiento. El riesgo tromboembólico puede ser bajo o alto, por lo que se debe evaluar el riesgo - beneficio de suspender la terapia en este contexto. Todos los procedimientos endoscópicos presentan un riesgo de hemorragia, se considera el bajo riesgo de sangrado por debajo del 1 y alto riesgo por encima del 1 por ciento. La decisión acerca de la antiagregación en el periodo perioperatorio/ periprocedimiento, no solo depende del balance entre el riesgo trombótico y hemorrágico, sino también del tipo y la indicación del tratamiento antiplaquetario. Conclusiones: La antiagregación plaquetaria en pacientes que serán sometidos a procederes gastrointestinales intervencionistas se observa cada vez con mayor frecuencia. Esto hace necesario el conocimiento acerca de la valoración del riesgo de fenómenos trombóticos al interrumpir estos fármacos, junto con la determinación del riesgo potencial de sangrado según el procedimiento endoscópico realizado(AU)

Introduction: The use of platelet antiaggregant agents is increasingly widespread in the world population. The decision regarding the endoscopic management of this treatment should be based on the type of medical indication that justifies the use of these medications. A review of the articles published in the Pubmed, Scielo, Medline and Cochrane databases related to the subject was made. Objective: To deepen the knowledge related to periendoscopic digestive antiplatelet therapy. Development: Platelet antiaggregant are key in the treatment and prevention of vascular, cardiac or cerebral thrombotic events. Just as the indications of antithrombotic agents have been established, the thromboembolic risk has also been evaluated when treatment is suspended. The thromboembolic risk may be low or high, so the risk-benefit of discontinuing therapy in this context should be evaluated. All endoscopic procedures present a risk of bleeding considering the low risk of bleeding below 1 percent and high risk above 1 percent. The decision about anti-aggregation in the perioperative / periprocedural period depends not only on the balance between thrombotic and hemorrhagic risks, but also on the type and indication of antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions: Platelet anti-aggregation in patients who will undergo interventional gastrointestinal procedures is observed more and more frequently. This makes knowledge about the risk assessment of thrombotic phenomena necessary when interrupting these drugs, together with the determination of the potential risk of bleeding according to the endoscopic procedure performed(AU)

Estudio comparativo entre enoxaparina y ácido acetilsalicílico en profilaxis antitrombótica para pacientes sometidos a artroplastía total de rodilla / Comparative study between enoxaparin and salicylic acetyl acid in antithrombotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Resumen: Introducción: Aún existe controversia en cuanto a la tromboprofilaxis para la disminución de la enfermedad tromboembólica en la cirugía ortopédica mayor. Objetivo: Responder la siguiente pregunta: ¿existe diferencia en la efectividad y seguridad en el manejo antitrombótico de pacientes con un régimen tradicional de enoxaparina contra ácido acetilsalicílico? Material y métodos: Las cirugías se llevaron a cabo por tres cirujanos, se aleatorizó la muestra y los pacientes fueron sometidos a los criterios del estudio. Evaluamos eficacia y seguridad así como la necesidad de reingreso y variables secundarias como infección, infarto agudo de miocardio, enfermedad vascular cerebral y muerte con un seguimiento de 90 días. Resultados: El total de la muestra fue de 402 pacientes, 214 en el grupo de enoxaparina y 188 en el de aspirina. Se presentaron cinco casos (1.24%) con enfermedad tromboembólica, tres (1.4%) enoxaparina y dos (1.06%) aspirina sin diferencia significativa (p = 0.23). En cuanto a seguridad, el sangrado mayor fue cero en ambos grupos, presentándose sangrado menor en siete pacientes (1.74%), cuatro (1.86%) fueron del grupo enoxaparina y tres (1.59%) del grupo aspirina sin diferencias significativas (p = 0.82). Los resultados secundarios mostraron cinco (1.24%) infecciones de herida quirúrgica superficiales y un IAM en los primeros 30 días del procedimiento en el grupo de enoxaparina. Conclusión: La aspirina como monoterapia es segura y eficaz en profilaxis antitrombótica en pacientes operados de artroplastía total de rodilla.

Abstract: Introduction: There is still controversy regarding thrombo-prophylaxis for the reduction of thromboembolic disease in major orthopedic surgery. Objective: To answer the following question: is there a difference in the effectiveness and safety in the antithrombotic management of patients with a traditional regimen of enoxaparin against acetyl salicylic acid? Material and methods: The surgeries were performed by 3 surgeons; the sample was randomized and the patients were subjected to the study criteria. We evaluated efficacy and safety as well as the need for readmission and secondary variables such as infection, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cerebral vascular disease and death with a follow-up of 90 days. Results: The total sample was 402 patients; 214 in the enoxaparin group and 188 in the aspirin group. There were 5 cases (1.24%) with thromboembolic disease, 3 (1.4%) enoxaparin and 2 (1.06%) aspirin without significant difference (p = 0.23). In terms of safety, major bleeding was zero in both groups, with minor bleeding in 7 patients (1.74%), 4 (1.86%) were from the enoxaparin group and 3 (1.59%) from the aspirin group without significant differences (p = 0.82). Secondary outcomes showed 5 (1.24%) superficial surgical wound infections and one AMI in the first 30 days of the procedure in the enoxaparin group. Conclusion: Aspirin as monotherapy is safe, effective in antithrombotic prophylaxis in patients operated on total knee arthroplasty.

Tratamiento antiagregante de muy corta duración tras la ICP y nuevos SLF: metanálisis de 5 estudios aleatorizados / Very short dual antiplatelet therapy after PCI and new DES: a meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials

Introducción y objetivos La interrupción muy precoz (entre 1 y 3 meses) del tratamiento antiagregante plaquetario doble (TAPD), ha aparecido recientemente en el intervencionismo percutáneo con la nueva generación de stents liberadores de fármacos. El objetivo del presente metanálisis fue evaluar el impacto pronóstico de los diferentes regímenes de doble terapia antiagregante corta o muy corta, comparada con la clásica durante 12 meses en pacientes tratados con intervencionismo coronario percutáneo con un stent liberador de fármacos (SLF) de nueva generación. Métodos Se buscaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados en la literatura y en las principales sesiones científicas. El objetivo primario de eficacia fue la mortalidad y el objetivo primario de seguridad fueron las hemorragias mayores. Un análisis pre-especificado se realizó de acuerdo con el antiagregante elegido a largo plazo. Resultados Se incluyeron 5 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados con un total de 30.621 pacientes; entre los cuales, un 49,97% fueron aleatorizados a una TAPD muy corta (1-3 meses), seguidos de ácido acetilsalicílico o P2Y12I en monoterapia. Una TAPD más corta redujo significativamente el ratio de hemorragias mayores (2 frente a 3,1%, OR=0,62; IC95%, 0,46-0,84; p=0,002; phet=0,02), aunque no se observó un impacto significativo en la mortalidad (1,3 frente a 2%, OR=0,97; IC95%, 0,73-1,29; p=0,84; phet=0,18). La reducción de eventos como las hemorragias fue incluso más significativa en los ensayos aleatorizados en los que los pacientes estaban libres de eventos en el momento de la suspensión de la DAT. La aparición de infarto agudo de miocardio y la trombosis del stent fue similar en ambas estrategias (TAPD muy corta frente a TAPD clásica de 12 meses). Conclusiones Basándonos en el actual metanálisis, un periodo muy breve (1-3 meses) de TAPD se asocia con una reducción significativa de hemorragia mayor en comparación con la terapia clásica de 12 meses... (AU)

Introduction and objectives Very early (1-3 months) discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has been recently proposed in percutaneous coronary interventions with modern drug-eluting stents (DES), with contrasting results. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic impact of very short DAPT regimens vs the standard 12-month regimen in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with new DES. Methods Literature and main scientific session abstracts were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCT). The primary efficacy endpoint was mortality, and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding events. A prespecified analysis was conducted according to the long-term antiplatelet agent. Results We included 5 RCTs, with a total of 30 621 patients; 49.97% were randomized to very short (1-3 months) DAPT, followed by aspirin or P2Y12I monotherapy. Shorter DAPT duration significantly reduced the rate of major bleeding (2% vs 3.1%, OR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.46-0.84; P=.002; Phet=.02), but did not significantly condition overall mortality (1.3% vs 2%, OR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.73-1.29; P=.84; Phet=.18). The reduction in bleeding events was even more significant in trials randomizing event-free patients at the time of DAPT discontinuation. The occurrence of myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis was similar between shorter vs standard 12-month DAPT. Conclusions Based on the current meta-analysis, a very short (1-3 months) period is associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding compared with the standard 12-month therapy, with no increase in major ischemic events and comparable survival. (AU)

Desensibilización rápida en pacientes con hipersensibilidad al ácido acetilsalicílico con indicación de doble antiagregación por enfermedad arterial coronaria. Una guía para el clínico en la unidad de cuidado intensivo / Rapid desensitization in patients with hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid with indication for dual antiplatelet therapy due to coronary artery disease. A guide for the clinician in the intensive care unit

Resumen El ácido acetilsalicílico (Aspirina) es un inhibidor irreversible de la acetil ciclooxigenasa (COX) y su actividad no es restaurada hasta la formación de nuevas plaquetas. Sus efectos benéficos terapéuticos cardiovasculares lo han convertido en la piedra angular del tratamiento del paciente con enfermedad arterial coronaria. Existe una población de pacientes con indicación absoluta para su uso; sin embargo, la presencia o antecedente de hipersensibilidad a esta molécula conlleva un alto riesgo de complicaciones no relacionadas con enfermedad cardiovascular. En algunos de estos pacientes es crucial conocer e implementar protocolos de desensibilización para el ácido acetilsalicílico y, de esta manera, continuar con el uso de esta estrategia terapéutica necesaria e idónea en esta población.

Abstract Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) is an irreversible inhibitor of acetyl cyclooxygenase (COX) and its activity is not restored until new platelets are formed. Its beneficial therapeutic cardiovascular effects have made it the cornerstone of the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. There is a population of patients with absolute indication for its use, however, the presence or history of hypersensitivity to this molecule leads to a high risk of complications unrelated to their cardiovascular disease. It is vital to know and implement in some of these patients, desensitization protocols for acetyl salicylic acid and in this way to continue the use of this therapeutic strategy necessary and appropriate in this population.

Pre-eclampsia: Universal screening or universal prevention for low and middle-income settings? / Pré-eclâmpsia: Rastreamento universal ou prevenção universal para países de baixa e média-renda?

Abstract Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a severe disorder that affects up to 8% of all pregnancies and represents an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The screening of the disease is a subject of studies, but the complexity and uncertainties regarding its etiology make this objective a difficult task. In addition, the costs related to screening protocols, the heterogeneity of the most affected populations and the lack of highly effective prevention methods reduce the potential of current available algorithms for screening. Thus, the National Specialized Commission of Hypertension in Pregnancy of the Brazilian Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics Federation (Febrasgo, in the Portuguese acronym) (NSC Hypertension in Pregnancy of the Febrasgo) considers that there are no screening algorithms to be implemented in the country to date and advocates that Aspirin and calcium should be widely used.

Resumo A Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) é uma doença grave que acomete ~ 8% das gestações e representa importante causa de morbimortalidade, tanto materna quanto perinatal. O rastreamento da doença émotivo de estudos, porém a complexidade e as incertezas quanto a sua etiologia tornam esse objetivo bastante difícil. Além disso, os custos relacionados com o rastreamento, a heterogeneidade das populações mais afetadas e ainda a falta de métodos de prevenção de grande eficácia reduzem o potencial dos algoritmos de rastreamento. Assim, a Comissão Nacional Especializada sobre Hipertensão na Gravidez da Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (CNE Hipertensão na Gravidez da FEBRASGO) considera que não há algoritmos de rastreamento que possam ser aplicados no país nesse momento e defende a utilização dos métodos de prevenção como ácido acetilsalicílico e cálcio de maneira ampla.

Very short dual antiplatelet therapy after PCI and new DES: a meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Very early (1-3 months) discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has been recently proposed in percutaneous coronary interventions with modern drug-eluting stents (DES), with contrasting results. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic impact of very short DAPT regimens vs the standard 12-month regimen in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with new DES. METHODS: Literature and main scientific session abstracts were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCT). The primary efficacy endpoint was mortality, and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding events. A prespecified analysis was conducted according to the long-term antiplatelet agent. RESULTS: We included 5 RCTs, with a total of 30 621 patients; 49.97% were randomized to very short (1-3 months) DAPT, followed by aspirin or P2Y12I monotherapy. Shorter DAPT duration significantly reduced the rate of major bleeding (2% vs 3.1%, OR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.46-0.84; P=.002; Phet=.02), but did not significantly condition overall mortality (1.3% vs 2%, OR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.73-1.29; P=.84; Phet=.18). The reduction in bleeding events was even more significant in trials randomizing event-free patients at the time of DAPT discontinuation. The occurrence of myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis was similar between shorter vs standard 12-month DAPT. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current meta-analysis, a very short (1-3 months) period is associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding compared with the standard 12-month therapy, with no increase in major ischemic events and comparable survival.

Prescription prevalence of low dose aspirin in primary prevention in the Spanish population, trends over time and associated factors. / Prevalencia de prescripción del ácido acetilsalicílico a dosis bajas en prevención primaria en población española, evolución temporal y factores asociados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LD-ASA) in primary prevention is a matter of controversy, but its magnitude is unknown in Spain. The aim of the study was to estimate the proportion of patients who are prescribed LD-ASA for primary prevention and to identify their characteristics. METHODS: In a sample from the primary care database BIFAP we obtained the proportion of persons with prescriptions of LD-ASA over the period 2002-2015, excluding patients with any previous record of occlusive vascular disease, atrial fibrillation or cancer. The proportions were standardized to the Spanish population aged 40-99 years old. We identified the factors associated with the use of LD-ASA through a logistic regression and estimated its prevalence of use according to the presence of such factors. RESULTS: The sample included 102,850 subjects; of which 6,198 were users of LD-ASA. The standardized prevalence of prescription was 2.21% at the start of the period and 3.57% at the end, and increased with age. The factors with the strongest associations were diabetes (OR=3.26; 95%CI: 3.07-3.47), dyslipidaemia (OR=2.08; 1.96-2.21), heart failure (OR=2.02; 1.72-2.37), and hypertension (OR=1.78; 1.67-1.90). Among diabetic patients older than 70 years with hypertension and dyslipidaemia, the prevalence of LD-ASA prescription was 33.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The prescription of LD-ASA for primary prevention in Spain over the study period was low in the general population, but high in older diabetic patients with additional risk factors. After years of controversy, it is time to realign the use of this drug in primary prevention according to recent guidelines.

Caracterización física de películas comestibles a base de cáscara de plátano (Musa Paradisiaca) / Physical characterization of edible films based on banana peel (Musa Paradisiaca)

Edible films are an alternative to the traditional methods of food preservation. Agro-industry produces big amounts of by-products which could be utilized as raw materials for the production of valuable products. In the present work, banana peelpowder and banana peel films were elaborated. Banana peel powder was characterized by the total starch and apparent amylose content together with solubility index and swelling power. Tension resistance, water vapor permeability, opacity, solubility and thickness were measured on the edible films of the present work. Banana peel powder showed appreciable amounts of starch (38.11% ± 3.9) an apparent amylose (42.22% ± 2.18). Therefore banana peel could be utilized on the elaboration of edible films. However, banana peel powder showed low values of solubility (11.41% ± 0.27) and swelling power (4.83% ± 0.15). Physical characteristics of edible films based on banana peel were similar to those produced with starch only, exceptuating water vapor permeability

Las películas comestibles son una alternativa cada vez más estudiada como método de conservación de alimentos. La agroindustria genera una importante cantidad de residuos con gran potencial para ser transformados en productos con valor comercial. En el presente trabajo se elaboró harina de cáscara de plátano y películas a partir de la misma. Se caracterizó la harina de corteza de plátano a través de su contenido de almidón total, amilosa aparente, índice de solubilidad y poder de hinchamiento y a las películas se evaluó la resistencia a la tensión, permeabilidad al vapor de agua, opacidad, solubilidad y espesor. La harina de cáscara de plátano presentó un importante contenido de almidón (38.11% ± 3.9) y amilosa aparente (42.22% ± 2.18), determinándose que es un material adecuado para elaborar recubrimientos comestibles. Sin embargo, presenta bajos valores de solubilidad (11.41% ± 0.27) y poder de hinchamiento (4.83% ± 0.15). Las características físicas de las películas comestibles elaboradas demostraron ser similares a los resultados obtenidos en recubrimientos de almidón puro, a excepción de la permeabilidad al vapor de agua.

Advances in gastrointestinal bleeding. / Avances en hemorragia gastrointestinal.

The main innovations of the latest meeting of the Gastroenterological Association (2016) concerning upper gastrointestinal bleeding from the clinician's perspective can be summarised as follows: a) The Glasgow-Blatchford scale has the best accuracy in predicting the need for surgical intervention and hospital mortality; b) Prognostic scales for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding are also useful for lower gastrointestinal bleeding; c) Preliminary data suggest that treatment with hemospray does not seem to be superior to current standard treatment in controlling active peptic ulcer bleeding; d) Either famotidine or a proton pump inhibitor may be effective in preventing haemorrhagic recurrence in patients taking aspirin, but this finding needs to be confirmed in further studies; e) There was confirmation of the need to re-introduce antiplatelet therapy as early as possible in patients with antiplatelet-associated gastrointestinal bleeding in order to prevent cardiovascular mortality; f) Routine clinical practice suggests that gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications with celecoxib or traditional NSAIDs are very low; g) Dabigatran is associated with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding compared with apixaban or warfarin. At least half of the episodes are located in the lower gastrointestinal tract; h) Implant devices for external ventricular circulatory support are associated with early gastrointestinal bleeding in up to one third of patients; the bleeding is often secondary to arteriovenous malformations.

Microparticle Shedding by Erythrocytes, Monocytes and Vascular Smooth Muscular Cells Is Reduced by Aspirin in Diabetic Patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is associated with an enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is increasing. Diabetes induces metabolic stress on blood and vascular cells, promoting platelet activation and vascular dysfunction. The level of vascular cell activation can be measured by the number and phenotype of microparticles found in the circulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a platelet-inhibitory dose of aspirin on the number and type of microparticles shed to the circulation. METHODS: Forty-three diabetic patients were enrolled in the study and received a daily dose of 100mg of aspirin for 10 days to cover the average platelet life-span in the circulation. Before and after the intervention period, circulating microparticles were characterized and quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Type 1 diabetic patients had about twice the number of tissue factor-positive circulating microparticles (derived both from platelets and monocytes) and endothelial-derived E-selectin positive microparticles than type 2 diabetic patients. Aspirin therapy significantly inhibited platelets since cyclooxygenase 1 derived thromboxane generation levels were reduced by 99%. Microparticles derived from erythrocytes, activated monocytes, and smooth muscle cells were significantly reduced after 10 days of aspirin administration. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that: a) vascular and blood cells in type 1 diabetic patients are exposed to more sustained stress shown by their specific microparticle origin and levels; b) aspirin therapy inhibits vascular wall cell activation and microparticle shedding, and c) the effects of aspirin are similar in type 1 and 2 diabetes.