Low Incidence of Symptomatic Thrombotic Events in Adult Patients Hospitalized with Coronavirus 19: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) pandemic, there have been many reports of increased incidence of venous thromboembolism and arterial events as a complication. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of symptomatic thrombotic events (TEs) in patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV2 disease (coronavirus 19 [Covid-19]). METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study with adult patients with a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) for SARS-CoV2, included from the date of diagnosis of Covid-19 and followed for 90 days or until death. RESULTS: A total of 1621 patients were included in this study. The median age was 73 years (interquartile range25th-75th [IQR] 53-87 years) and 57% (913) were female. Overall mortality was 21.6% (348). The overall incidence of symptomatic TEs within 90 days of diagnosis was 1.8% (30 of 1621) occurring in 28 patients, including an incidence of pulmonary embolism of 0.9% (15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60%-1.6%), deep venous thrombosis of 0.61% (10, 95% CI 0.2%-1%), ischemic stroke of 0.25% (4, 95% CI 0.09%-0.65%), and ischemic arterial events of 0.06% (1, 95% CI 0.008%-0.43%). No acute coronary syndrome events were recorded. The incidence of symptomatic TEs was significantly lower in the general ward than in intensive care units (1.2% vs 5.7%; p < .001). The median time since positive rt-PCR for SARS-CoV2 to symptomatic TE was 22.5 days (IQR 19-43 days). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients receiving (53.6%) and not receiving thromboprophylaxis (66.5%) and the development of TEs. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of symptomatic TEs among these patients was lower than the incidence previously reported.

The role of Angiology and Vascular Surgery in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Coronavirus Epidemic (2019-nCoV), discovered in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019, presents mainly with pulmonary pneumonia that is preceded by fever, cough and myalgia. However, as the disease spread globally and the number of hospitalizations increased exponentially, it was noted that most serious patients hospitalized by COVID-19 have laboratory changes worthy of attention, such as lymphopenia, neutrophilia, increased time of prothrombin and increased levels of D-dimer. Due to these changes proving to be crucial for the mortality and morbidity rates in this subset of infected people, several studies focusing on the pathophysiology, mainly hematological, of the disease appear every day. Deepening these studies, several published works have shown SarsCoV-2 infection to the installation of a prothrombotic state in hospitalized patients, which leads to the potential occurrence of thrombotic or arterial events in this cohort. Thus, in order to understand how the departments of Angiology and Vascular Surgery are acting in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this work aims to gather studies that reveal from protocols applied in vascular services in the current situation, until to the role of vascular surgeons and angiologists in the clinical and surgical management of patients infected or not, as a way of helping and clarifying this specialty during the context of a pandemic due to the new coranavirus. For the selection of works, the following search criteria were used: "Coronavirus and venous thrombosis", "Coronavirus and thrombosis", "COVID-19 and venous thrombosis" and "COVID-19 Coronavirus and thrombosis".

Efficacy and safety of edoxaban compared with warfarin according to the burden of diseases in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial.

AIMS: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants represent a new option for prevention of embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about the impact of non-cardiac comorbidities on the efficacy and safety profile of these drugs. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a post hoc analysis of the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial, we analysed 21 105 patients with AF followed for an average of 2.8 years and randomized to either a higher-dose edoxaban regimen (HDER), a lower-dose edoxaban regimen, or warfarin. We used the updated Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to stratify the patients according to the burden of concomitant disease (CCI = 0, 1, 2, 3, and ≥4). The treatment groups were then compared for safety, efficacy, and net clinical outcomes across CCI categories. There were 32.0%, 7.3%, 42.1%, 12.7%, and 6.0% of patients with CCI scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and ≥4, respectively. A CCI score ≥4 was associated with significantly higher rates of thromboembolic events, bleeding, and death compared to CCI = 0 (P < 0.05 for each). The annualized rates of the primary net clinical outcome (stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, or death) for CCI = 0, 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 were 5.9%, 8.7%, 6.6%, 10.3%, and 13.6% (Ptrend < 0.001). There were no significant interactions between treatment with HDER vs. warfarin and efficacy, safety, and net outcomes across the CCI groups (P-interaction > 0.10 for each). CONCLUSION: Although increasing CCI scores are associated with worse outcomes, the efficacy, safety, and net clinical outcomes of edoxaban vs. warfarin were independent of the degree of comorbidity present.

Análise do grau de recanalização da trombose venosa profunda: estudo comparativo de pacientes tratados com varfarina versus rivaroxabana / Analysis of recanalization of deep venous thrombosis: a comparative study of patients treated with warfarin vs. rivaroxaban

Contexto A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) afeta anualmente cerca de dez milhões de pessoas no mundo e tem como principais complicações a embolia pulmonar e a síndrome pós-trombótica. O tratamento padrão é a anticoagulação, que pode ser realizada com heparinas, antagonistas da vitamina K, fondaparinux ou, mais recentemente, com anticoagulantes orais diretos (direct oral anticoagulants, DOACs). Os anticoagulantes diminuem a progressão do trombo e facilitam os mecanismos trombolíticos naturais, fato conhecido como recanalização, que pode ocorrer em graus e tempos variados, influenciados por diversos fatores, dentre eles o tipo de anticoagulação utilizado. Objetivos Avaliar o grau e o tempo de recanalização através da análise de laudos de eco-Doppler colorido (EDC) de pacientes com TVP tratados com DOACs ou com heparina + varfarina. Métodos Foram avaliados retrospectivamente os dados demográficos e os laudos dos EDC dos pacientes com TVP, tratados entre janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2016. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a terapêutica utilizada: Grupo I (heparina + varfarina): 26 pacientes; Grupo II (rivaroxabana): 51 pacientes. Os principais itens observados foram o grau e o tempo para a recanalização. Resultados Foram observadas taxas de recanalização aos 30, 90 e 180 dias de 10%, 52,5% e 78,9%, respectivamente, no Grupo I, e de 55,3%, 83,5% e 92,4%, respectivamente, no Grupo II, com diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,041). Conclusões Ambos os tratamentos promoveram recanalização. Houve recanalização mais precoce no grupo de pacientes que utilizaram a rivaroxabana

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) strikes around ten million people worldwide every year and is associated with major complications including pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome. Anticoagulation is the standard treatment, with administration of heparins, vitamin K antagonists, fondaparinux, or, more recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Anticoagulants reduce thrombus progression and facilitate natural thrombolytic mechanisms, leading to a phenomenon known as recanalization, which can occur in varying degrees and over variable periods of time, under influence from many different factors, including the type of anticoagulation employed. Objectives To evaluate the degree of recanalization and the time taken, by analysis of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) reports from patients with DVT treated with DOACs or with heparin + warfarin. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of demographic data and CDU reports from patients with DVT who had been treated from January 2009 to December 2016. These patients were classified into two groups, according to the treatment given: Group I (heparin + warfarin): 26 patients; or Group II (rivaroxaban): 51 patients. The primary outcomes assessed were degree of recanalization and time taken. Results Recanalization rates at 30, 90, and 180 days were 10%, 52.5%, and 78.9%, respectively, in Group I, and 55.3%, 83.5%, and 92.4%, respectively, in Group II, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.041). Conclusions Both treatments led to recanalization. Recanalization occurred earlier among patients treated with rivaroxaban

Miocardiopatia não compactada: um relato de caso na região de Presidente Prudente / Noncompaction cardiomyopathy: a case report in the Presidente Prudente region

A miocardiopatia não compactada (MNC) é uma cardiopatia rara e congênita. Sua origem, possivelmente, ocorre durante o desenvolvimento embrionário, devido às alterações genéticas, cursando com insuficiência cardíaca, arritmia, precordialgia e tromboembolismo venoso. Nesse estudo, descreve-se o caso de uma mulher de 34 anos de idade, diagnosticada com MNC e em acompanhamento em hospital terciário, no oeste do interior paulista, junto ao departamento de Cardiologia. Inicialmente, a paciente apresentou sintomas arrítmicos associados à precordialgia, refratários ao tratamento antiarrítmico. O quadro progrediu, havendo dispneia e sudorese. Diante disso, iniciou-se investigação aprofundada, cogitando-se MNC. Objetivou-se demonstrar o quadro clínico inicial, a progressão da sintomatologia e a eficácia do seguimento realizado pelos profissionais que a assistem

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) is a rare congenital heart disease possibly originating during embryonic development due to genetic changes, and resulting in heart failure, arrhythmia, precordialgia and venous thromboembolism. This study describes the case of a 34-year-old woman, diagnosed with NCC in follow-up with the Cardiology Department at a tertiary hospital in the west of the state of São Paulo. Initially, the patient presented arrhythmic symptoms associated with precordialgia, refractory to antiarrhythmic treatment; the symptoms progressed, with dyspnea and excessive sweating. Therefore, an in-depth investigation was initiated, considering NCC. The objective was to demonstrate the initial clinical symptoms, progression of the symptomatology, and the effectiveness of the follow-up performed by the attending professionals

Tromboembolismo em felino com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica associada / Feline thromboembolism with associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Thrombus is the term used to denote the blood clot formed inside the heart or inside blood vessels. These thrombi can detach and lodge in any artery, causing arterial thromboembolism, which is a frequent complication in feline patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Clinical signs vary depending on the stage of disease progression and thrombus location. For the treatment, it is necessary to use potent analgesics and antithrombotic drugs / anticoagulants, in order to prevent relapses. This paper aims to describe a case of aortic thromboembolism (TEA) in a feline with associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Tromboembolismo em felino com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica associada / Feline thromboembolism with associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Thrombus is the term used to denote the blood clot formed inside the heart or inside blood vessels. These thrombi can detach and lodge in any artery, causing arterial thromboembolism, which is a frequent complication in feline patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Clinical signs vary depending on the stage of disease progression and thrombus location. For the treatment, it is necessary to use potent analgesics and antithrombotic drugs / anticoagulants, in order to prevent relapses. This paper aims to describe a case of aortic thromboembolism (TEA) in a feline with associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).(AU)

Sex Differences in the Use of Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) PINNACLE Registry.

BACKGROUND: Despite higher thromboembolism risk, women with atrial fibrillation have lower oral anticoagulation (OAC) use compared to men. The influence of the CHA2DS2-VASc score or the introduction of non-vitamin K OACs on this relationship is not known. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the PINNACLE National Cardiovascular Data Registry from 2008 to 2014, we compared the association of sex with OAC use (warfarin or non-vitamin K OACs) overall and by CHA2DS2-VASc score and examined temporal trends in OAC use by sex. Multivariable regression models assessed the association between sex and OAC use in those with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2. Temporal analyses assessed changes in OAC use by sex over time. Of the 691 906 atrial fibrillation patients, 48.5% were women. Women were significantly less likely than men to use any OAC overall (56.7% versus 61.3%; P<0.001) and at all levels of CHA2DS2-VASc score (adjusted risk ratio 9% to 33% lower, all P<0.001). Compared to other thromboembolic risk factors, female sex was associated with lower use of OAC (risk ratio 0.90, 95%CI 0.90-0.91). Over time, non-vitamin K OAC use increased at a slightly higher rate in women (56.2% increase per year, 95%CI 54.6% to 57.9%) compared to men (53.6% increase per year, 95%CI 52.0% to 55.2%), yet women remained less likely to receive any OAC at all time points (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with atrial fibrillation, women were significantly less likely to receive OAC at all levels of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Despite increasing non-vitamin K OAC use, women had persistently lower rates of OAC use compared to men over time.

Terapia anticoagulante na ablação e cardioversão elétrica da fibrilação atrial / Anticoagulant therapy in ablation and electric cardioversion of atrial ibrillation

tratamento da FA, os pacientes podem ser submetidos a atendimentos eletivos ou de emergência para a reversão do ritmo, incluindo a cardioversão química ou elétrica, bem como o tratamento intervencionista de ablação por cateter, visando a melhora dos sintomas e da qualidade de vida. Em todas as modalidades do tratamento, a terapia anticoagulante oral (ACO) é um dos pilares do tratamento da FA, indispensável para a prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos. A incorporação dos chamados "anticoagulantes de ação direta" (DOAC) no arsenal do tratamento representou um novo paradigma, com estudos randomizados controlados e as evidências de mundo real demonstrando resultados de eficácia e segurança comparáveis com relação à varfarina, com a vantagem de menor interação medicamentosa e alimentar e menor risco de hemorragias catastróficas. O uso de DOAC para o manejo de pacientes que serão submetidos ao procedimento de ablação por cateter para o tratamento intervencionista da FA ou cardioversão elétrica/química é hoje uma realidade cada vez mais presente e tem respaldo dos estudos randomizados controlados e das experiências em vários centros hospitalares mundiais, com esquema e programação mais simples e melhor comodidade no manejo da anticoagulação

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. During the course of AF, patients may be submitted to elective or emergency approaches for rhythm reversal, including pharmacological or electrical cardioversion, as well interventional treatment with catheter ablation, to improve the symptoms and quality of life. In all treatment modalities, it is important to emphasize that oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC) is one of the pillars of AF treatment, and is indispensable for preventing thromboembolic events. The incorporation of so-called "direct oral anticoagulants" (DOACs) into the arsenal of treatment represented a new paradigm, with randomized controlled trials and real-world clinical evidence demonstrating comparable efficacy and safety to warfarin, with the advantage of less drug and food interaction and less risk of catastrophic bleeding. The use of DOACs for the management of patients undergoing catheter ablation for interventional AF treatment or electrical/pharmacological cardioversion is increasingly used and supported by randomized controlled trials and experiences in several worldwide hospital centers, with a simpler regimen and programming and easier management of anticoagulation

Non-major bleeding with apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the incidence, location and management of non-major bleeding, and assess the association between non-major bleeding and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving anticoagulation therapy enrolled in Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE). METHODS: We included patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug (n=18 140). Non-major bleeding was defined as the first bleeding event considered to be clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) or minor bleeding, and not preceded by a major bleeding event. RESULTS: Non-major bleeding was three times more common than major bleeding (12.1% vs 3.8%). Like major bleeding, non-major bleeding was less frequent with apixaban (6.4 per 100 patient-years) than warfarin (9.4 per 100 patient-years) (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.75). The most frequent sites of non-major bleeding were haematuria (16.4%), epistaxis (14.8%), gastrointestinal (13.3%), haematoma (11.5%) and bruising/ecchymosis (10.1%). Medical or surgical intervention was similar among patients with non-major bleeding on warfarin versus apixaban (24.7% vs 24.5%). A change in antithrombotic therapy (58.6% vs 50.0%) and permanent study drug discontinuation (5.1% (61) vs 3.6% (30), p=0.10) was numerically higher with warfarin than apixaban. CRNM bleeding was independently associated with an increased risk of overall death (adjusted HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.18) and subsequent major bleeding (adjusted HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.04). CONCLUSIONS: In ARISTOTLE, non-major bleeding was common and substantially less frequent with apixaban than with warfarin. CRNM bleeding was independently associated with a higher risk of death and subsequent major bleeding. Our results highlight the importance of any severity of bleeding in patients with AF treated with anticoagulation therapy and suggest that non-major bleeding, including minor bleeding, might not be minor. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00412984; post-results.

Cardiomiopatia Chagásica crônica - diagnóstico e tratamento / Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy - diagnosis and treatment

O diagnóstico de cardiomiopatia chagásica crônica deve ser considerado em todo paciente proveniente de áreas endêmicas, que apresente história de doença cardíaca e anormalidades no exame cardiológico, na vigência de duas reações sorológicas positivas (ELISA, imunofluorescência indireta ou hemaglutinação indireta). O ECG convencional e o ecocardiograma transtorácico são fundamentais para revelar a presença de cardiomiopatia subjacente. O tratamento da cardiomiopatia da doença de Chagas deve contemplar as diferentes formas de apresentação da moléstia ­ dor precordial, tromboembolismo, arritmias cardíacas, morte súbita e insuficiência cardíaca crônica (ICC). A dor precordial deve ser tratada com betabloqueadores, antagonistas do cálcio ou nitratos. O tratamento do tromboembolismo deve ser oferecido para os pacientes com alto risco de desenvolver o fenômeno, ou seja, que apresentam fibrilação atrial, trombose mural, tromboembolismo prévio e aqueles com o aneurisma de ponta do VE. Pacientes com taquicardia ventricular sustentada e aqueles recuperados de morte súbita devem receber implante de desfibrilador-cardioversor para a prevenção secundária de morte súbita cardíaca. O tratamento da ICC deve ser semelhante ao preconizado para a ICC de etiologia não chagásica, visto que a fisiopatologia é semelhante, contemplando-se o uso de mineralocorticoides, betabloqueadores, antagonistas da enzima conversora de angiotensinogênio em angiotensina e diuréticos. A digoxina deve ser usada com cautela nesses pacientes, preferencialmente com monitoração de níveis séricos. A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca parece ser promissora nos pacientes com tratamento medicamentoso otimizado. Na ICC terminal, o transplante cardíaco é opção terapêutica segura, tendo em vista os resultados, no mínimo, semelhantes aos observados em pacientes não chagásicos

The diagnosis of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy should be considered in all patients from endemic areas, presenting history of heart disease and abnormalities in the cardiac examination, in the presence of two positive serologic reactions (ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence, or indirect hemagglutination). The conventional ECG and the transthoracic echocardiography are crucial to reveal the presence of underlying cardiomyopathy. The treatment of Chagas cardiomyopathy should address the different forms of the disease ­ precordial chest pain, thromboembolism, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden death, and chronic heart failure (CHF). Precordial chest pain should be treated with beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, or nitrates. The treatment of thromboembolism should be given to patients at high risk of developing the condition, i.e., that have atrial fibrillation, mural thrombosis, previous thromboembolism, and left ventricular apical aneurysm. Patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia and those with previous cardiac arrest should receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. The treatment of CHF is similar to that recommended to non-Chagas disease heart failure, inasmuch as the pathophysiology is similar, consisting of mineralocorticoids, beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and diuretics. Digoxin should be used with caution in such patients, preferentially with monitoring of serum levels. Cardiac resynchronization therapy seems promising in patients on optimized medical therapy. In end-stage CHF, heart transplantation is a safe therapeutic option, as the results are at least similar to those found in non-Chagas disease patients

Avaliação das alterações hemostáticas e do risco tromboembólico em cães com AHIM / Evaluation of hemostatic abnormalities and thromboembolic risk in dogs with IMHA

A anemia hemolítica imuno-mediada (AHIM) é a causa mais comum dentre as anemias hemolíticas e a doença imuno-mediada de maior prevalência em cães, incluindo causas primárias e secundárias. As AHIM tem sido associadas a estados de hipercoagulabilidade, sendo o tromboembolismo a complicação mais comum. Este estudo teve como objetivo correlacionar as possíveis alterações hemostáticas e o risco tromboembólico nas AHIM e nas anemias por outras etiologias. Para tanto, foram selecionados 76 cães anêmicos (hematócrito ≤ 20%) somados ao menos um sinal clínico comumente associado à AHIM ou possuir pré-disposição racial. Foram realizados os seguintes testes para os animais selecionados: teste de citometria de fluxo e avaliação do perfil hemostático (contagem de plaquetas, TP, TTPA, TT, AT, PDF e Dímeros D); além de hemograma com contagem de reticulócitos, pesquisa de hematozoários em sangue periférico, PCR para Ehrlichia sp. e sorologia para leptospirose. 59 cães foram positivos para AHIM. O estado tromboembólico foi caracterizado pela presença de alteração em três ou mais testes do perfil hemostático. 74,6% casos de AHIM foram atribuídos às doenças infecciosas, sendo em sua maioria associados à Ehrlichia sp. (88,6%). 72,1% apresentaram trombocitopenia e 57,6% apresentaram anemia regenerativa com valores significativamente maiores de metarrubrícitos e contagem de reticulócitos. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos de cães anêmicos (positivos e negativos para AHIM). Os cães anêmicos apresentaram valores médios maiores de TTPA e menores de AT e contagem de plaquetas quando comparados aos cães saudáveis (p < 0,05). 25 cães positivos e sete negativos apresentaram estado tromboembólico. A especificidade de PDF foi menor (30,2%) quando comparada outros estudos. A escolha da classe de Ig não interfere no diagnóstico de AHIM...

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia and the most prevalent immune-mediated disease in dogs, which is classified in primary or secondary. IMHA has been associated with hypercoagulability state and thromboembolism has been referred as the most common complication. The purpose of this study was to correlate the possibility of hemostatic abnormalities and the thromboembolic risk in IMHA and in anemias of other etiologies. 76 dogs were selected, all exhibiting hematocrit lower than 20% and at least one clinical sign commonly associated with IMHA or breed predisposition. These dogs were tested for IMHA by flow cytometry. Hemostatic tests (platelet count, PT, APTT, TT, AT, PDF and D-dimer) as well as CBC, reticulocyte count, blood parasite search in peripheral blood smear, Ehrlichia sp. and leptospirosis tests were performed in all dogs. 59 dogs were positive for IMHA. The thromboembolic risk was characterized by the presence of three or more changes in the tests of the hemostatic profile. 74.6% cases of IMHA were attributed to infectious diseases and was mostly associated with Ehrlichia sp. (88.6%). 72.1% of dogs had thrombocytopenia and 57.6% had regenerative anemia with significantly higher values of metarubricyte and reticulocyte count. There were no significant changes between two anemic groups (positive and negative for IMHA). Anemic dogs had higher APTT mean value and lower AT and platelet counts mean values than the control group (p<0.05). 25 dogs with IMHA and seven dogs without IHMA had thromboembolic state. The specificity of PDF was lower (30.2%) than previous studies. The choice of the Ig class does not affect the diagnosis of IMHA...

Avaliação das alterações hemostáticas e do risco tromboembólico em cães com AHIM / Evaluation of hemostatic abnormalities and thromboembolic risk in dogs with IMHA

A anemia hemolítica imuno-mediada (AHIM) é a causa mais comum dentre as anemias hemolíticas e a doença imuno-mediada de maior prevalência em cães, incluindo causas primárias e secundárias. As AHIM tem sido associadas a estados de hipercoagulabilidade, sendo o tromboembolismo a complicação mais comum. Este estudo teve como objetivo correlacionar as possíveis alterações hemostáticas e o risco tromboembólico nas AHIM e nas anemias por outras etiologias. Para tanto, foram selecionados 76 cães anêmicos (hematócrito ≤ 20%) somados ao menos um sinal clínico comumente associado à AHIM ou possuir pré-disposição racial. Foram realizados os seguintes testes para os animais selecionados: teste de citometria de fluxo e avaliação do perfil hemostático (contagem de plaquetas, TP, TTPA, TT, AT, PDF e Dímeros D); além de hemograma com contagem de reticulócitos, pesquisa de hematozoários em sangue periférico, PCR para Ehrlichia sp. e sorologia para leptospirose. 59 cães foram positivos para AHIM. O estado tromboembólico foi caracterizado pela presença de alteração em três ou mais testes do perfil hemostático. 74,6% casos de AHIM foram atribuídos às doenças infecciosas, sendo em sua maioria associados à Ehrlichia sp. (88,6%). 72,1% apresentaram trombocitopenia e 57,6% apresentaram anemia regenerativa com valores significativamente maiores de metarrubrícitos e contagem de reticulócitos. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos de cães anêmicos (positivos e negativos para AHIM). Os cães anêmicos apresentaram valores médios maiores de TTPA e menores de AT e contagem de plaquetas quando comparados aos cães saudáveis (p < 0,05). 25 cães positivos e sete negativos apresentaram estado tromboembólico. A especificidade de PDF foi menor (30,2%) quando comparada outros estudos. A escolha da classe de Ig não interfere no diagnóstico de AHIM. [...](AU)

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia and the most prevalent immune-mediated disease in dogs, which is classified in primary or secondary. IMHA has been associated with hypercoagulability state and thromboembolism has been referred as the most common complication. The purpose of this study was to correlate the possibility of hemostatic abnormalities and the thromboembolic risk in IMHA and in anemias of other etiologies. 76 dogs were selected, all exhibiting hematocrit lower than 20% and at least one clinical sign commonly associated with IMHA or breed predisposition. These dogs were tested for IMHA by flow cytometry. Hemostatic tests (platelet count, PT, APTT, TT, AT, PDF and D-dimer) as well as CBC, reticulocyte count, blood parasite search in peripheral blood smear, Ehrlichia sp. and leptospirosis tests were performed in all dogs. 59 dogs were positive for IMHA. The thromboembolic risk was characterized by the presence of three or more changes in the tests of the hemostatic profile. 74.6% cases of IMHA were attributed to infectious diseases and was mostly associated with Ehrlichia sp. (88.6%). 72.1% of dogs had thrombocytopenia and 57.6% had regenerative anemia with significantly higher values of metarubricyte and reticulocyte count. There were no significant changes between two anemic groups (positive and negative for IMHA). Anemic dogs had higher APTT mean value and lower AT and platelet counts mean values than the control group (p<0.05). 25 dogs with IMHA and seven dogs without IHMA had thromboembolic state. The specificity of PDF was lower (30.2%) than previous studies. The choice of the Ig class does not affect the diagnosis of IMHA. There were no correlation between the presence of antibodies bound to the RBC surface and the hemostatic tests, but there were a week correlation (p<0,05) between Ht(%) and APTT (r=-0.2621), AT (r=0.4297) and platelets count (r=0.5349) values. [...](AU)

Association between incomplete surgical ligation of left atrial appendage and stroke and systemic embolization.

BACKGROUND: Surgical exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) can frequently yield incomplete closure. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the ischemic stroke/systemic embolization (SSE) risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and complete LAA closure (cLAA) vs incompletely surgically ligated LAA (ISLL) and LAA stump after surgical suture ligation. METHODS: Seventy-two patients (CHA2DS2-VASc score 4.1 ± 1.9) underwent surgical LAA ligation in conjunction with mitral valve/AF surgery and postoperative LAA evaluation using computerized tomographic angiography. RESULTS: Overall, cLAA was detected in 46 of 72 patients (64%), ISLL in 17 patients (24%), and LAA stump in 9 patients (12%). The incidences of oral anticoagulation (OAC) and recurrent AF were similar among the 3 groups during 44 ± 19 months of follow-up. SSE occurred in 2% of patients with cLAA vs 24% with ISLL and 0% with LAA stump (P = .006). None of the patients with SSE were receiving OAC, and all had recurrent AF during follow-up. Additionally, patients with SSE exhibited a significantly smaller ISLL neck diameter (2.8 ± 1.0 vs 7.1 ± 2.1 mm; P = .002). The annualized SSE risk was 1.9% (entire cohort), 6.5% (ISLL patients), 14.4% (ISLL patients not receiving OAC), and 19.0% (ISLL neck diameter ≤5.0 mm) per 100 patient-years of follow-up. The latter risk was nearly 5 times greater than predicted by conventional risk-stratification schemes. Moreover, ISLL emerged as an independent predictor of SSE in univariate analyses and as the sole predictor of SSE in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with AF, ISLL is a predictor of SSE, independent of conventional risk stratification schemes. Consequently, OAC should be strongly considered in this high-risk cohort.

Feasibility and safety of prophylactic uterine artery catheterization and embolization in the management of placenta accreta.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of prophylactic uterine artery catheterization and embolization in the management of placenta accreta (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed of 95 consecutive patients with prenatal suspicion of PA managed in a 10-year period with a strategy that included prophylactic bilateral uterine artery catheterization, delivery of the baby, uterine artery embolization if indicated, and subsequent surgery. Feasibility was defined as catheterization being possible to perform, technical success as embolization being possible when indicated and complete stasis of the vessels achieved, and clinical success as no maternal death or major blood loss. Median gestational age at delivery was 36 weeks (interquartile range, 24-39 wk). RESULTS: PA was confirmed in 79 patients (83%). Feasibility was 97% (92 of 95); in three cases (3%), acute early massive hemorrhage forced emergency delivery without catheterization. Embolization was performed in 83 of 92 patients (87%) to the extent of complete stasis; in the remaining nine, it was unnecessary because spontaneous placental detachment was visualized after fetal delivery (technical success rate, 100%). There were several complications, including bleeding requiring blood transfusion (49%) and bladder surgery (37%), but there were no major complications attributable to the endovascular procedures. There was one minor complication presumably related to embolization (transient paresthesia and decreased temperature of lower limb), with uneventful follow-up. Clinical success rate was 86%, with no maternal deaths, but 14% of patients received large-volume blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic uterine artery catheterization and embolization in the management of PA appeared to be feasible and safe in this consecutive series of patients.