Riesgo de sangrado en pacientes anticoagulados con antagonistas de la vitamina K que reciben antibióticos / Risk of bleeding in anticoagulated patients with vitamin K antagonists who receive antibiotics

Lograr un adecuado nivel de anticoagulación con antagonistas orales de la vitamina K suele ser un desafío frecuente en la práctica clínica, dado que su estrecho rango terapéutico suele verse afectado por diversas interacciones farmacológicas,alimentos y condiciones clínicas. A partir de un caso de un paciente anticoagulado que presenta una hemorragia gastro-intestinal posterior a realizar un tratamiento antibiótico, la autora de este artículo revisó la evidencia sobre el riesgo desangrado secundario a la interacción entre este tipo de anticoagulantes y antibióticos orales. Su conclusión tras realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica y seleccionar la mejor evidencia disponible, es que existe un aumento del riesgo relativo desangrado en pacientes anticoagulados que reciben antibióticos, por lo que deberían evitarse aquellos antibióticos con conocido potencial de interacción. Si ello no fuera posible, se recomienda monitorizar el estado de anticoagulación con dosaje de la razón internacional normatizada (RIN) posterior a la introducción del antibiótico. (AU)

Achieving an adequate level of anticoagulation with oral vitamin K antagonists is often a frequent challenge in clinical practice, given that their narrow therapeutic range is often affected by various drug interactions, food, and clinical conditions. Based on a case of an anticoagulated patient who presented gastrointestinal bleeding after antibiotic treatment, the authorof this article reviewed the evidence on the risk of secondary bleeding due to the interaction between this type of anticoagulants and oral antibiotics. Their conclusion, after performing a literature search and selecting the best available evidence, is that there is an increased relative risk of bleeding in anticoagulated patients receiving antibiotics, so antibiotics with known potential for interaction should be avoided. If it weren't possible, it is recommended to monitor the anticoagulation status with International Normalized Ratio (INR) dosing after the introduction of the antibiotic. (AU)

Fatores de risco para embolia pulmonar em pacientes com COVID-19 anticoagulados na unidade de terapia intensiva submetidos à angiografia por tomografia computadorizada / Pulmonary embolism risk factors for intensive care unit anticoagulated COVID-19 patients undergoing computed tomography angiography

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência de embolia pulmonar, seu relacionamento com os níveis de dímero D e outros possíveis fatores associados, além dos efeitos adversos da anticoagulação e meios de contraste. Métodos: Conduziu-se um estudo de coorte retrospectiva em um hospital público chileno. Foram incluídos os pacientes com idade acima de 18 anos com COVID-19, mecanicamente ventilados na unidade de terapia intensiva, admitidos entre março e junho de 2020. Todos os pacientes receberam tromboprofilaxia com heparina, que foi aumentada até uma dose de anticoagulação com níveis de dímero D acima de 3µg/mL. Resultados: Foram acompanhados 127 pacientes, dos quais 73 foram submetidos à angiografia por tomografia computadorizada (média de idade de 54 ± 12 anos; 49 homens). Sessenta e dois dos 73 pacientes (84,9%) receberam anticoagulação total antes da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada. Além disso, 18 dos 73 pacientes tiveram embolia pulmonar (24,7%). Na comparação entre pacientes com e sem embolia pulmonar, não se observaram diferenças significantes em termos de idade, sexo, obesidade, tabagismo, escores de Wells e Genebra revisado, dímero D ou mortalidade. O uso de anticoagulantes foi similar em ambos os grupos. O número de dias desde o início da anticoagulação até a angiografia por tomografia computadorizada foi significantemente menor no grupo com embolia pulmonar (p = 0,002). Três pacientes tiveram lesão renal aguda após o contraste (4,1%), e um paciente teve sangramento importante. Conclusão: Apesar da anticoagulação, um em cada quatro pacientes com COVID-19 submetidos à ventilação mecânica e avaliados com angiografia por tomografia computadorizada apresentou embolia pulmonar. Com uma maior demora para realização da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada após início de anticoagulação empírica, identificou-se um número significantemente menor de embolias

Abstract Objective: To assess pulmonary embolism incidence, its relationship with D-dimer levels and other possible associated factors in addition to anticoagulation and contrast medium adverse effects. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study at a Chilean public hospital was performed. Intensive care unit mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients older than 18 years old between March and June 2020 were included. All patients received heparin thromboprophylaxis, which was increased to the anticoagulation dose with D-dimer greater than 3µg/mL. Results: A total of 127 patients were followed up, of whom 73 underwent pulmonary computed tomography angiography (mean age, 54 ± 12 years; 49 men). Sixty-two of the 73 patients (84.9%) received full anticoagulation before computed tomography angiography. In addition, 18 of the 73 patients had pulmonary embolism (24.7%). When comparing patients with and without pulmonary embolism, no significant differences were observed in age, sex, obesity, smoking, Wells and revised Geneva scores, D-dimer or mortality. Anticoagulant use was similar in both groups. Days from the start of anticoagulation until computed tomography angiography were significantly lower in the pulmonary embolism group (p = 0.002). Three patients presented post contrast-acute kidney injury (4.1%), and one patient had major bleeding. Conclusion: Despite anticoagulation, one in four COVID-19 patients connected to mechanical ventilation and evaluated with pulmonary computed tomography angiography had pulmonary embolism. With a longer the delay in performing computed tomography angiography once empirical anticoagulation was started, significantly less pulmonary embolism was identified.

Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion with AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ Device: Real Life Data with Mid-Term Follow-Up Results / Oclusão Transcateter do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo com a Prótese AMPLATZER™ Amulet™: Dados Reais com Resultados de Seguimento de Médio-Prazo

Abstract Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an alternative therapy for atrial fibrillation patients who have high embolic risk and contraindications to anticoagulant therapy. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and mid-term outcomes of percutaneous LAA occlusion, including device-related thrombosis. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients who had undergone percutaneous LAA occlusion with AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ device from September 2015 to March 2018 were enrolled. Patients were followed for 21 ± 15 months (median - 20 months, interquartile range - 9 to 27 months). The postprocedural assessment was done at the 1(st), 6(th), and 12(th) month. Patients were clinically evaluated, and transesophageal echocardiography was performed at each visit. We evaluated the condition of normality of variables using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. P-values < 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The most common indication for the procedure was major bleeding with anticoagulants (n: 53, 88.3%). The procedure was completed successfully in 59 (98.3%) patients. Periprocedural mortality was observed in one patient. Postprocedural antiplatelet treatment was planned as dual or single antiplatelet therapy or low-dose anticoagulant therapy in 52 (88.1%), 2 (3.4%), and 5 (8.5%) patients, respectively. We found no clinically significant cerebrovascular events, device-related thrombus, or embolization in any patient during the follow-up. Two (3.4 %) patients presented significant peri-device leak (>3 mm) at the 1st month evaluation, which disappeared at the 12th month follow-up. Conclusion: We concluded that LAA occlusion using the Amulet™ LAA occluder can be performed with high procedural success and acceptable outcomes.

Resumo Fundamento: A oclusão do apêndice atrial esquerdo (AAE) é uma terapia alternativa para pacientes com fibrilação atrial que tenham alto risco embólico e contraindicações à terapia anticoagulante. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade, segurança e resultados de médio prazo da oclusão percutânea do AAE, incluindo a trombose relacionada à prótese. Métodos: Sessenta pacientes consecutivos que foram submetidos à oclusão percutânea do AAE com a prótese AMPLATZER™ Amulet™ de setembro de 2015 a março de 2018 foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 21 ± 15 meses (mediana - 20 meses, intervalo interquartílico - 9 a 27 meses). A avaliação pós-procedimento foi feita no 1º, 6º e 12º mês. Os pacientes foram examinados clinicamente e um ecocardiograma transesofágico foi realizado a cada visita. A condição de normalidade das variáveis foi avaliada por meio do teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Os valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: A indicação mais comum para o procedimento foi sangramento significativo com anticoagulantes (n: 53, 88,3%). O procedimento foi concluído com sucesso em 59 (98,3%) pacientes. Mortalidade peri-procedimento ocorreu em um paciente. A tratamento antiplaquetário pós-procedimento foi planejado como terapia antiplaquetária única ou dupla ou terapia anticoagulante de dose baixa em 52 (88,1%), 2 (3,4%) e 5 (8,5%) pacientes, respectivamente. Não foram encontrados eventos cerebrovasculares clinicamente significativos, trombo relacionado à prótese ou embolização nos pacientes durante o seguimento. Dois (3,4%) pacientes apresentaram vazamento peri-prótese significativo (>3 mm) na avaliação do 1º mês, que desapareceu no 12º mês de seguimento. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a oclusão do AAE com o oclusor de AAE Amulet™ pode ser realizada com grande sucesso e resultados aceitáveis.

Interações medicamentosas nos idosos em uso de anticoagulantes orais internados num hospital cardiológico / Drug interactions in elderly people making use of oral anticoagulants and hospitalized in a cardiology hospital / Interacciones medicamentosas en los ancianos en uso de anticoagulantes orales internados en un hospital cardiológico

Objective: The study's purpose has been to relate the drug interactions of oral anticoagulants with other medications used by elderly people hospitalized in a cardiology hospital. Methods: It is a prospective exploratory study with 16 elderly people taking oral anticoagulant, who were hospitalized at a governmental cardiology institution in São Paulo State over the period from November to December 2017. Results: Among 73 medicines prescribed and analyzed in the Micromedex 2.0, 24 (33.3%) interacted with Warfarin, the only prescribed oral anticoagulant. There were found Omeprazole (70; 97.2%); Dipyrone (68; 94.4%); Simvastatin (43; 59.72%); Enoxaparin (42; 58.33%); Amiodarone (29; 40.27%); Sertraline (28; 38.88%); Spironolactone (21; 29.16%); and Atenolol (11; 15.27%), whose interactions could either potentialize or inhibit the anticoagulant action. Considering the interactions, 14 (58.33%) were of moderate severity, 10 (41.66%) of high severity and 14 (58.33%) of fast effect. Conclusion: Polypharmacy and the use of oral anticoagulants in elderly patients bearing heart diseases are common events. Moreover, a better understanding about drug interactions is also required, bearing in mind that they can either potentialize or decrease the anticoagulant effect, with high or moderate severity

Objetivo: Relacionar as interações medicamentosas dos anticoagulantes orais com os medicamentos utilizados por idosos internados em hospital cardiológico. Método: Estudo exploratório, prospectivo, com 16 idosos em uso de anticoagulantes orais, internados numa instituição cardiológica governamental de São Paulo entre novembro e dezembro de 2017. Resultados: Dentre 73 medicamentos prescritos e analisados no Micromedex 2.0, 24 (33,3%) interagiam com a Varfarina, único anticoagulante oral prescrito. Encontrou-se Omeprazol (70;97,2%); Dipirona (68;94,4%); Sinvastatina (43;59,72%); Enoxaparina (42;58,33%); Amiodarona (29;40,27%); Sertralina (28;38,88%); Espironolactona (21;29,16%); e Atenolol (11;15,27%), cujas interações poderiam potencializar ou inibir a ação anticoagulante. Das interações, 14 (58,33%) eram de gravidade moderada, 10 (41,66%) maior e 14 (58,33%) de efeito rápido. Conclusão: A polifarmácia e o uso de anticoagulante oral em idosos cardiopatas é comum e, conhecer as interações medicamentosas, é imperativa, considerando que potencializam ou diminuem a ação anticoagulante, com gravidade maior ou moderada

Objetivo: Relacionar las interacciones medicamentosas de los anticoagulantes orales con los medicamentos utilizados por ancianos internados em um hospital cardiológico. Método:Estudio exploratorio, prospectivo, con 16 ancianos en uso de anticoagulantes orales, internados en una institución cardiológica gubernamental de São Paulo entre noviembre y diciembre de 2017. Resultados:Entre 73 medicamentos prescritos y analizados en el Micromedex 2.0, 24 (33,3%) interactuaban con la Varfarina, único anticoagulante oral prescrito. Se encontró Omeprazol (70, 97,2%); Dipirona (68, 94,4%); Sinvastatina (43, 59,72%); Enoxaparina (42, 58,33%); Amiodarona (29, 40,27%); Sertralina (28, 38,88%); Espironolactona (21, 29,16%); y Atenolol (11, 15,27%), cuyas interacciones podrían potenciar o inhibir la acción anticoagulante. De las interacciones, 14 (58,33%) eran de gravedad moderada, 10 (41,66%) mayor y 14 (58,33%) de efecto rápido. Conclusión: La polifarmacia y el uso de anticoagulante oral en ancianos cardiopatas es común y, conocer las interacciones medicamentosas, es imperativa, considerando que potencian o disminuyen la acción anticoagulante, con gravedad mayor o moderada

Evaluation of the Bleeding Intensity of Patients Anticoagulated with Warfarin or Dabigatran Undergoing Dental Procedures / Avaliação da Intensidade de Sangramento de Procedimentos Odontológicos em Pacientes Anticoagulados com Varfarina ou Dabigatrana

Abstract Background: Thrombotic disorders remain one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. Dabigatran appeared as an alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The risk associated with bleeding due to its use has been documented in several randomized clinical trials, but no large study has examined in detail the risk of bleeding during dental extraction and other dental procedures involving bleeding. Objective: To compare the intensity of bleeding in individuals taking dabigatran or vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) and undergoing dental procedures. Methods: Prospective, single-center, controlled study with one single observer. Patients diagnosed with nonvalvular AF, on warfarin or dabigatran, cared for at a cardiology referral center, and requiring single or multiple dental extractions, were evaluated up to seven days post-extraction. The following outcomes were assessed: bleeding time between the beginning and the end of suture and complete hemostasis; bleeding before the procedure, after 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, during and after suture removal (late); p<0.05 was defined as of statistical relevance. Results: We evaluated 37 individuals, 25 in the warfarin group and 12 in the dabigatran group. Age, sex, weight, height, blood pressure, color, schooling, family income and comorbidities were similar between the two groups. Regarding bleeding after 24 hours of the procedure, no one in the dabigatran group had bleeding, whereas 32% in the warfarin group had documented bleeding (p = 0.028). The other variables analyzed did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that, regarding dental extraction, there is no statistically significant difference in the intensity of bleeding of patients taking dabigatran as compared to those taking warfarin. Bleeding 24 hours after the procedure was less frequent among patients on dabigatran.

Resumo Fundamento: Distúrbios trombóticos permanecem como uma das principais causas de morte no mundo ocidental. A dabigatrana surgiu como alternativa à varfarina para a anticoagulação no tratamento da fibrilação atrial (FA). O risco associado a eventos hemorrágicos com a sua utilização foi documentado em vários ensaios clínicos randomizados, mas nenhum grande estudo analisou detalhadamente o risco de hemorragia durante a extração dentária e em outros procedimentos odontológicos que envolvam sangramentos. Objetivo: Em indivíduos submetidos a procedimentos odontológicos, avaliar a intensidade de sangramento com o uso de dabigatrana em comparação ao uso de anticoagulante oral antagonista da vitamina K (varfarina). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, controlado, unicêntrico, observador único. Pacientes com diagnóstico de FA não valvar atendidos em um centro de referência em cardiologia e com indicação de anticoagulação que necessitavam de tratamento odontológico para exodontia única ou múltipla, estando em uso de varfarina ou dabigatrana e avaliados até sete dias pós-exodontia. Foram avaliados os efeitos sobre: tempo de sangramento entre o início e o fim da sutura e hemostasia completa; sangramento antes do procedimento, após 24 e 48 horas, 7 dias, durante e após a remoção da sutura (tardio), sendo considerado como estatisticamente significativo valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 37 indivíduos, sendo 25 no grupo varfarina e 12 no dabigatrana. Idade, sexo, peso, altura, pressão arterial, cor, escolaridade, renda familiar e comorbidades foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Em relação ao sangramento 24 horas após o procedimento, ninguém do grupo dabigatrana apresentou sangramento, que esteve presente em 32% do grupo varfarina (p = 0,028). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos em relação às outras variáveis analisadas. Conclusões: Os dados deste estudo permitem sugerir que, em indivíduos submetidos a procedimento odontológico de exodontia, não há diferença estatisticamente significante na intensidade de sangramento em uso de dabigatrana em comparação ao uso de varfarina. Há uma menor frequência de sangramento 24 horas após o procedimento nos indivíduos em uso de dabigatrana.

Uninterrupted Use of Oral Anticoagulants for the Ablation of Atrial Flutter: A Single Center Cohort of 154 Patients / Uso Ininterrupto de Anticoagulantes Orais na Ablação de Flutter Atrial Istmo-Cavotricuspídeo Dependente: Coorte Unicêntrica de 154 Pacientes

Abstract Background: The uninterrupted use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for electrophysiology procedures has been more and more recommended. The clinical practice in our service recommends the continuous use of these drugs for atrial flutter ablation. There is little evidence as to the uninterrupted use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in this scenario. Objective: To compare the rates of complications related with the uninterrupted use of different types of oral anticoagulants in patients referred to atrial flutter (AFL) ablation. Methods: Historical, single-center cohort of ablation procedures by AFL conducted from November 2012 to April 2016. The primary outcome was the occurrence of hemorrhagic or embolic complication during the procedure. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in follow-up. The statistical significance level was 5%. Results: There were 288 ablations per AFL; 154 were carried out with the uninterrupted use of OAC (57.8% with VKA and 42.2% with NOAC). Mean age was 57 ± 13 years. The rate of hemorrhagic complication during the procedure was 3% in each group (p = NS). The rate of stroke/TIA was, respectively, of 56/1,000 people-year in the VKA group against zero/1,000 people-year in the NOAC group (p = 0.02). Conclusion: In our population there were no hemorrhagic complications regarding the procedure of OAC use uninterruptedly, including NOACs. There was higher occurrence of stroke/TIA in the follow-up of the group of patients undergoing VKAs; however, this difference may not only be a result of the type of OAC used.

Resumo Fundamento: O uso ininterrupto de anticoagulação oral (ACO) com antagonistas da vitamina K (AVKs) para procedimentos de eletrofisiologia está sendo cada vez mais recomendado. A prática clínica em nosso serviço é de uso continuado dessas drogas para ablação de flutter atrial. Existem poucas evidências quanto ao uso ininterrupto dos anticoagulantes orais não antagonistas da vitamina K (NOACs) nesse cenário. Objetivos: Comparar as taxas de complicações relacionadas ao uso ininterrupto de diferentes tipos de anticoagulantes orais em pacientes referidos para ablação por flutter atrial (FLA). Métodos: Coorte histórica e unicêntrica dos procedimentos de ablação por FLA realizados no período de novembro de 2012 a abril de 2016. O desfecho primário foi o de ocorrência de complicação hemorrágica ou embólica durante o procedimento. O desfecho secundário foi o de ocorrência de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) ou acidente isquêmico transitório (AIT) no acompanhamento. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Foram incluídas 288 ablações por FLA; 154 foram feitas com uso ininterrupto de ACO (57,8% com AVK e 42,2% com NOAC). A idade média foi de 57 ± 13 anos. A taxa de complicação hemorrágica durante o procedimento foi de 3% em cada grupo (p = NS). A taxa de AVC/AIT foi, respectivamente, de 56/1.000-pessoas-ano no grupo AVK contra zero/1.000-pessoas-ano no grupo NOAC (p = 0,02). Conclusão: Em nossa população não ocorreram complicações hemorrágicas relacionadas ao procedimento com uso de ACO de forma ininterrupta, incluindo NOACs. Houve maior ocorrência de AVC/AIT no seguimento no grupo de pacientes em uso de AVK, contudo essa diferença pode não ser decorrente apenas do tipo de ACO em uso.

Evaluación de la estrategia de terapia antitrombótica posterior al cambio valvular aórtico con válvulas biológicas en pacientes de bajo riesgo trombótico / Evaluation of the antithrombotic strategy in low thrombotic risk patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis

Resumen De acuerdo a las guías actuales, aún es materia de debate el uso de anticoagulación en los primeros 3 meses en pacientes de bajo riesgo trombótico sometidos a cambio valvular aórtico con prótesis biológicas. En base a la evidencia actual, la aspirina a dosis bajas es razonable como alternativa a los antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) durante el posquirúrgico temprano en pacientes con prótesis biológicas en posición aórtica. Se comparó la incidencia de complicaciones trombóticas o hemorrágicas de acuerdo a la estrategia de terapia antitrombótica en los pacientes de bajo riesgo trombótico sometidos a cambio valvular aórtico con válvulas biológicas en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. La hipótesis: la aspirina como monoterapia antitrombótica tiene un efecto benéfico comparado con los AVK. Se estudiaron los pacientes de bajo riesgo trombótico sometidos a cambio valvular aórtico con válvulas biológicas en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Se incluyeron los pacientes operados del año 2011 al 2015. Se identificó en el seguimiento a un año la presencia de complicaciones trombóticas o hemorrágicas y si se manejaron con cualquiera de las siguientes: aspirina únicamente, AVK solo y la combinación aspirina más AVK. Se analizaron 231 pacientes. Solo se presentó una complicación hemorrágica en un paciente tratado con AVK. No hubo complicaciones trombóticas. No se presentaron complicaciones trombóticas en pacientes que no recibieron anticoagulación oral formal durante los primeros 3 meses posquirúrgicos, lo que indica que es seguro el uso de aspirina como monoterapia en estos pacientes de bajo riesgo trombótico.

Abstract According to current guidelines, in patients without additional risk factors who have undergone aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis, anticoagulation in the first 3 months after surgery is still a matter of debate. According to current evidence, aspirin in low doses is a reasonable alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). A comparison is made between the incidence of thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications in patients with low thrombotic risk who underwent aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis in the National Institute of Cardiology of Ignacio Chávez of Mexico. The hypothesis: aspirin as monotherapy has a beneficial effect compared to VKA. The studied patients were the low thrombotic risk patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis in the National Institute of Cardiology of Ignacio Chávez of Mexico from 2011 to 2015. The groups studied were: aspirin only, VKA only, and the combination of VKA plus aspirin. The patients were retrospectively followed-up for 12 months, and the thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications were documented. Of the 231 patients included in the study, only one patient in the VKA only group presented with a haemorrhagic complication. No thrombotic complications were observed. In the present study no thrombotic complications were observed in patients who did not receive anticoagulation in the first 3 months after an aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis after a follow up period of 12 months. This suggests that the use of aspirin only is safe during this period.

Efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento anticoagulante con acenocumarol en fibrilación auricular no valvular / Effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulation treatment with acenocoumarol in non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background: Vitamin K antagonists significantly decrease the incidence of stroke but increase the risk of bleeding. Aim: To assess the effectiveness and risk of bleeding of vitamin K antagonists in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 524 patients, 236 women (45%) and 288 men (55%) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) admitted to the oral anticoagulation treatment (OAT) clinic at four public hospitals, between 2009 and 2012. They were followed until March 2013, measuring the quality of OAT, ischemic and bleeding events. Results: The mean follow-up was 26.1 months, with 1,154.7 person-years of follow-up accrued. The percentage of time in therapeutic range (TTR) was 35.2 ± 18%; this was deemed to represent the quality of OAT. The cumulative incidence of ischemic events, either stroke or systemic embolism, was 2.25/100 person-years, being greater in patients with previous embolism (Risk ratio 5.21, 95% confidence intervals 2.31- 11.73, p < 0.01). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding events-extracranial and intracraneal-was 4.08/100 person-years. The main site of extracranial major bleeding was the gastrointestinal tract (32%). Conclusions: In our clinical practice, the effectiveness of OAT with acenocoumarol in NVAF patients is similar to that published abroad. However, the incidence of bleeding complications is higher. The quality of the OAT measured by the TTR was lower than abroad.

Oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo em paciente com fibrilação atrial e malformação arteriovenosa cerebral / Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage in patient with atrial fibrillation and brain arteriovenous malformation

A fibrilação atrial é a arritmia mais relacionada à ocorrência de acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos. A prevenção desses eventos é o principal desafio no tratamento dos portadores de fibrilação atrial. A anticoagulação sistêmica com varfarina, apesar de efetiva, apresenta diversas limitações e o surgimento dos novos anticoagulantes orais expandiu as opções terapêuticas. No entanto, pacientes com elevado risco de sangramento quando expostos à anticoagulação podem se beneficiar da oclusão mecânica do apêndice atrial esquerdo. Ensaios clínicos demonstraram ser a oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo uma alternativa viável na prevenção de acidentes vasculares cerebrais nos pacientes com fibrilação atrial e restrição ao uso de anticoagulantes. Relatamos o primeiro implante da prótese WatchmanTM realizado em Minas Gerais em paciente com elevado risco de fenômenos tromboembólicos e contraindicação ao uso de anticoagulantes, em decorrência de condição vascular intracraniana passível de sangramento grave

Atrial fibrillation is the arrhythmia most closely related to the occurrence of ischemic strokes. The prevention of these events is the major challenge in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Systemic anticoagulation with warfarin while effective has several limitations and the emergence of new oral anticoagulants has expanded therapeutic options. However, patients with high risk of bleeding when exposed to anticoagulation may benefit from mechanical left atrial appendage closure. Clinical trials have demonstrated that percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is a viable alternative to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and restrictions for the use of anticoagulants. We report the first WatchmanTM device implant performed in Minas Gerais in a patient with high risk of thromboembolic events and contraindication to anticoagulants due to an intracranial vascular condition that could lead to severe bleeding

Anticoagulation quality and complications of using vitamin k antagonists in the cardiac surgery outpatient clinic

ABSTRACT Introduction: In patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves or atrial fibrillation requiring anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic events, several factors influence adherence and anticoagulation complications. Objective: To evaluate the factors that interfere with the quality and complications of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 100 patients, in the period from 2011 to 2014, was performed. Anticoagulation conditions in the last year, regarding the presence of complications (embolisms/bleeding) and inadequate treatment were assessed: achievement of less than 8 annual prothrombin times and International Normalized Ratio outside therapeutic target in more than 40% of prothrombin times. Results: There were 31 complications (22 minor bleeding without hospitalization and 9 major complications: 7 bleeding with hospitalization and two emboli); 70 were with International Normalized Ratio outside the target in more than 40% of the tests and 36 with insufficient number of prothrombin times. Socioeconomic factors, anticoagulant type and anticoagulation reason had no relationship with complications or with inadequate treatment. There were more complications in patients with longer duration of anticoagulation (P=0.001). Women had more International Normalized Ratio outside the target range (OR 2.61, CI:1.0-6.5; P=0.04). Patients with lower number of annual prothrombin times had longer times of anticoagulation (P=0.03), less annual consultations (P=0.02) and less dose adjustments (P=0.003). Patients with longer duration of anticoagulation have more complications (P=0.001). Conclusion: There was a high rate of major complications and International Normalized Ratio was outside the goal. Less annual prothrombin times was related to longer duration of anticoagulation, less annual consultations and less dose adjustments. More major complications occurred in patients with longer duration of anticoagulation.

Tratamiento anticoagulante oral en pacientes sometidos a remplazo valvular en un hospital general de Antofagasta, Chile / Oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT) in patients with cardiac valve replacement at a general hospital in Antofagasta, Chile

Introduccion: La atención de pacientes con reemplazo valvular cardíaco constituye una actividad importante en cardiología. Si bien el recambio valvular representa una alternativa terapéutica eficaz para el manejo de esta patología, muchos pacientes requieren de tratamiento anticoagulante oral (TACO) para lograr mayor sobrevida. Objetivos: Describir los resultados terapéuticos obtenidos en un cohorte de pacientes sometidos a recambio valvular, controlados en el Hospital Regional de Antofagasta. Resultados: Se identificaron 180 pacientes con reemplazo valvular de los cuales 135 cumplieron criterios de inclusión. Hubo 76 mujeres (56,3%), 59 hombres (43,7%); la edad global promedio fue 62 años (28-90), 59 años (30-90) en las mujeres y 64 (36-81) en los hombres. La válvula intervenida fue la aórtica en 69 pacientes (51,1%), mitral en 60 (44,5%), aórtica y mitral en 5 (3,7%), y tricúspide en 1 paciente (0,7%). No hubo casos de recambio valvular pulmonar. Se instalaron 122 válvulas mecánicas (90,4%) y 13 válvulas biológicas (9,6%). El INR promedio fue 2,64 (1,11-5,47). Según válvula intervenida el INR promedio fue: mitral 2,50 (1,11-4,89), aórtica: 2,75 (1,19-5,47), mitral y aórtica: 2,65 (1,28-3,74), y tricúspide: 1,87. Del total de cirugías valvulares, 77 (57,03%) se encontraron dentro del rango terapéutico deseado: (mitral 33/60, Aórtica 43/69 mitral y aórtica 0/5, Tricúspide: 0/1). 58 pacientes (42,97%) se encontraron fuera del rango terapéutico deseado. Conclusion: Los resultados obtenidos en nuestro centro se encuentran por debajo de las recomendaciones nacionales. La dificultad por obtener mejores resultados refuerza el uso de prótesis biológicas y la implementación óptima de un policlínico de tratamiento anticoagulante (TACO).

Background: Care of patients with cardiac valve replacement often includes the need for anticoagulation which prevents complications that may decrease survival rate. Aim: to describe the experience with OAT in a cohort of patients with cardiac valve replacement at the Regional Hospital in Antofagasta Results: 135 out of 180 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. There were 76 females (56.3%) and 59 males (43.7%), with a mean of 62 years old (28-90), 59 (30-90) in females and 64 (36-81) in males. The valve replaced was the aortic in 69 patients (51.1%), the mitral in 60 (44.5%), both the aortic and the mitral valve in 5 (3.7%). Only 1 patients had a tricuspid valve replaced. 122 mechanical valves (90.4%) and 13 biological valves (9.6%) were implanted. The overall mean INR was 2.64 (1.11 - 5.47). The mean INR value according to the valve replaced was: mitral valve 2.5 (1,11-4,89), aortic valve 2.75 (1.195.47) and mitral plus aortic valve 2.65 (1.28-3.74). Overall, 58 patients were found to be outside the therapeutic target. Conclusion: These results are less satisfactory than those proposed by national guidelines. The anticoagulant clinic must be optimized and more biological rather than mechanical valves should be used for cardiac valve replacement.

Tratamiento exitoso con fondaparinux en trombocitopenia inducida por heparina y trombosis / Successful treatment with fondaparinux in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis

La trombocitopenia inducida por heparina (TIH) es una reacción adversa inmunológica caracterizada por trombocitopenia y la asociación paradojal de trombosis arterial o venosa. Es causada por la formación de anticuerpos IgG contra el complejo multimolecular de heparina-factor plaquetario 4 (FP4). Fondaparinux es un inhibidor selectivo del factor Xa que tiene escasa afinidad por el FP4 y posee un menor potencial para inducir una respuesta inmunológica, haciendo del mismo un agente potencialmente útil en el tratamiento de la TIH. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 73 años con TIH asociada a fenómenos trombóticos arteriales y venosos, que recibió exitosamente fondaparinux, con normalización del recuento plaquetario y sin progresión trombótica.

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated adverse reaction characterized by thrombocytopenia and paradoxical arterial or venous thrombosis, due to the formation IgG antibodies directed to a multimolecular complex of heparin-platelet factor 4 (PF4). Fondaparinux is a selective factor Xa inhibitor with little affinity for PF4 and thus less likely to induce an immune response, making fondaparinux a potentially useful drug for the treatment of HIT. Herein we report the case of a 73 years old woman with HIT associated with arterial and venous thrombosis that was successfully treated with fondaparinux, with normalization of the platelet countand without progression of thrombosis.

Relato de caso: Insuficiência renal crônica estádio 5 D em paciente com doença renal crônica medicado com varfarina / Case Report: End stage renal disease in a chronic kidney patient on warfarin therapy

Resumo Introdução A terapêutica com varfarina pode provocar hematúria grave e lesão renal aguda pela formação de cilindros eritrocitários oclusivos. Estas alterações são sugestivas de uma doença recentemente conhecida como nefropatia relacionada pela varfarina. Caso Clínico: Apresentamos um doente de 74 anos de idade com doença renal crônica estádio 3 A, que progrediu com declínio na taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) após o início de terapêutica com varfarina devido a um quadro fibrilação atrial. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela histologia renal, que demonstrou a presença de oclusão tubular por cilindros eritrocitários, achados consistentes com este diagnóstico. O paciente não recuperou a TFG, tendo iniciado terapêutica substitutiva da função renal. Discussão: O objetivo da descrição deste caso clínico é alertar para a complicação associada a este fármaco e reforçar a necessidade de monitorização cuidada da função renal e dos parâmetros de coagulação em doentes tratados com a varfarina. A patogênese e o prognóstico desta entidade também serão discutidos. .

Abstract Background: Warfarin therapy can provoke severe hematuria and acute kidney injury with the presence of occlusive red blood cell casts. These findings are compatible with a recently described disease entity, warfarin related nephropathy, which adversely affects renal and patient outcome. Case report: We report a 74-year-old man with chronic kidney disease stage 3 A, who developed a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after the initiation of warfarin therapy due to of atrial fibrillation. The diagnosis could be confirmed by renal histology which showed occlusion of renal tubules by red blood cells and casts consistent with this diagnosis. The patient did not recover the GFR and started renal replacement therapy in June (fourteen months after starting warfarin) 2014. Discussion: The aim of the present report is to alert for this drug recognized complication and reinforce the need of carefully motorization of kidney function and coagulation parameters in patients treated with warfarin. The pathogenesis and outcome of warfarin-related nephropathy is also discussed here. .

Dolor recurrente en fosa iliaca derecha en niños: reporte de dos casos asociados a alergia alimentaria / Recurrent right iliac fossa pain in children: two cases report related to food allergy

Objetivo: Presentar dos casos de alergia alimentaria de presentación poco común y discutir el enfoque diagnóstico de DAR en niños Casos: Caso N° 1: Niña de 11 años, aqueja dolor en fosa iliaca derecha hace 3 meses. Antecedentes: Prematuridad, atopía (dermatitis, rinitis, cólicos). Hermana y madre atópicas. Al examen físico: Dolor exquisito a la palpación de fosa iliaca derecha, cuerda cólica bilateral. Piel seca. Laboratorio: Hematobiometría sin alteraciones. Examen de orina normal, parasitológico seriado (-). EDN (neurotoxina derivada de eosinófilos) fecal >3210 ng/ml (V.N. <360 ng/ml). Colonoscopía: hiperplasia linfoidea de íleon. Caso N° 2: Niño de 9 años. Dolor en fosa iliaca derecha hace tres meses dolor abdominal localizado en fosa iliaca derecha, a predominio nocturno y con irradiación a muslo derecho. Un psiquiatra infantil le prescribe antidepresivos. Antecedentes personales: Lactancia mixta. Atopía: Asma, dermatitis atópica, cólicos de lactante. Antecedentes familiares: Madre alérgica a alimentos, padre presenta rinitis. Al examen físico: Cuerda cólica bilateral. Dolor a la palpación en fosa iliaca derecha. Laboratorio: Inmunoglobulina E 160,5 UI/ml (V.N. < 90). Colonoscopía: Hiperplasia linfoidea en íleon distal. Ambos casos mejoraron con dieta hipoalergénica. Conclusión: En presencia de hiperplasia nodular linfoide de íleon y antecedentes familiares y/o personales de atopía, debemos considerar en el diagnóstico diferencial de dolor abdominal recurrente de fosa iliaca derecha a la alergia alimentaria. La dieta de eliminación es diagnóstica y terapéutica a su vez.

Objective: To present two cases of food allergy of uncommon presentation and discuss the diagnostic approach to give in these cases: Case N° 1: 11-year-old girl, afflicting pain in the right iliac fossa 3 months ago. Background: Prematurity, atopy (dermatitis, rhinitis, cramping). Sister and mother are atopic too. The physical exam show exquisite pain on right iliac fossa at palpation. Laboratory: Urine normal, parasitological serial negative. EDN (neurotoxin derived from eosinophils) fecal >3210 ng/ml (V. N. < 360 ng/ml). Colonoscopy: lymphoid hyperplasia of ileum. Case N° 2: Child of 9 years of age. Right fossa iliac painful three months ago, predominantly nocturnal and with irradiation to right thigh. A child psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants. Personal History: Breastfeeding and formula since newborn. Atopy: asthma, atopic dermatitis, infant colic. Family history: Mother allergic to food, father presents rhinitis. The physical examination: Pain on palpation in the right iliac fossa. Laboratory: Immunoglobulin E 160.5 IU/ml (V. N. < 90) Colonoscopy: lymphoid hyperplasia in the distal ileum. Both cases relieved by hypoallergenic diet. Conclusion: When both, ileal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia and atopy personal or familiar are present, we must be think in food allergy as differential diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain of right iliac fosse in children. The elimination diet is diagnostic and therapeutic.

Estudio de cohorte prospectiva de un programa de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a pacientes anticoagulados ingresados en residencias geriátricas / Prospective cohort study of a pharmacological follow-up program of anticoagulated patients admitted to nursing homes

Introducción: El tratamiento anticoagulante, pese a conseguir un claro beneficio para prevenir y tratar la patología tromboembólica, presenta dificultades para su manejo en la práctica habitual. Ello debido a la variabilidad individual de dosificación, estrecho margen terapéutico, interacciones farmacológicas y efectos secundarios graves. Los pacientes ingresados en residencias geriátricas presentan cada vez más indicaciones para seguir un tratamiento anticoagulante oral, producto de trombosis venosa profunda y, muy especialmente, fibrilación auricular. Se trata de pacientes con un perfil que dificulta la prescripción del tratamiento anticoagulante: edad avanzada, polimedicación y pluripatologías. Objetivos: nos planteamos la hipótesis de que la implantación desde atención primaria de un programa de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico del tratamiento anticoagulante oral en pacientes ingresados en residencias geriátricas, que coordine a distintos profesionales de diferentes estamentos y niveles asistenciales, ha de mejorar su beneficio y disminuir los efectos secundarios. Métodos: se realiza un estudio descriptivo tipo cohorte prospectiva, de un año de evolución, de 27 pacientes ingresados en residencia geriátrica que realizan tratamiento anticoagulante controlado por el equipo de atención primaria. Se analizan distintas variables obtenidas a partir de la historia clínica informatizada, a partir de las cuales se establecen indicadores sobre el procedimiento del programa (indicadores de cobertura y registro) y otros sobre el resultado (indicadores definidos por el Comité Británico de Estándares en Hematología). Resultados: los resultados muestran que el perfil del paciente ingresado en una residencia geriátrica tratado con anticoagulantes es de edad avanzada (84 años), con predominio de mujeres (70 por ciento), con fibrilación auricular como indicación más frecuente (70,4 por ciento)...

Introduction. Anticoagulant treatment, despite providing a clear benefit to prevent and treat thrombo-embolic disease, is difficult to manage in routine practice. This is due to individual variability of dosing, narrow therapeutic margin, drug interactions, and side effects. An increasing number of patients admitted to nursing homes are under oral anticoagulant therapy because of deep venous thrombosis and, especially, atrial fibrillation. These are patients with a profile that makes prescription of anticoagulant treatment more difficult - elderly, taking multiple concomitant medications and with multiple ailments. Objetive. We hypothesized that the implementation of a primary care pharmacological follow-up program of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients admitted to nursing homes, with the purpose of coordinating the different professionals and care levels, would lead to greater benefit and reduction of side effects. Methods. A one-year descriptive prospective cohort study was conducted of 27 patients admitted to nursing homes who are under anticoagulation therapy followed by the primary care team. We analyzed different variables obtained from computerized medical records, from which indicators on the program were established (coverage and registration) as well as outcome indicators (as defined by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology). Results. The profile of patients under anticoagulation and admitted to nursing homes is elderly (84 years), with a predominance of women (70 percent), atrial fibrillation as most frequent indication (70.4 percent), hypertension as major cardiovascular risk factor (92 percent) and most of them on multiple drugs (92 percent). The analysis of the program results showed excellent coverage and registration indicators (100 percent)...

Filtros de vena cava en pacientes con cáncer / Vena cava filters in cancer patients

Los pacientes con tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) y cáncer tienen más complicaciones vinculadas al tratamiento anticoagulante que la población general. Los filtros de vena cava constituyen una herramienta útil para el tratamiento del TEV y su utilización es controvertida en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad. En este trabajo se revisaron las indicaciones, complicaciones y frecuencia de retiro de los filtros de vena cava en una población de pacientes oncológicos con TEV. Se analizaron 27 pacientes a quienes se les había colocado filtros de vena cava. Veinticinco tenían tumores sólidos y dos linfomas no Hodgkin. Veinticinco estaban bajo tratamiento activo (cirugía y/o quimioterapia). Diecinueve se hallaban en estadio IV de su enfermedad. El motivo de su indicación fue profilaxis en el período perioperatorio en 14 casos (51.9%), hemorragia (n = 5), trombocitopenia (n = 4), metástasis en sistema nervioso central (n = 2), accidente cerebrovascular (n = 1) y neurocirugía previa no reciente (n = 1). Se retiraron 8 (29.6%) filtros. La mediana del tiempo de permanencia fue 21 días (6-75). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de retiro entre los filtros colocados en el perioperatorio (6/14) y los colocados por otras contraindicaciones para la anticoagulación (2/13; p = 0.2087). No hubo fracasos ni complicaciones en los procedimientos de colocación y retiro.

Cancer patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) have more complications related to the anticoagulation treatment than the general population. Vena cava filters are a useful tool in cancer patients, but their use in advanced disease is controversial. In this paper, we reviewed the indications, complications and frequency of retrieval of vena cava filters in cancer patients with VTE. Twenty seven patients with vena cava filter placements were analyzed. Twenty five had solid tumors and two non Hodgkin lymphomas. Twenty five were under active treatment (surgery and/or chemotherapy). Nineteen were classified as stage IV of disease. Indications for filter placement were perioperative prophylaxis in 14 cases (51.9%), hemorrhage (n = 5), thrombocytopenia (n = 4), central nervous system metastases (n = 2), stroke (n = 1) and previous neurosurgery (n = 1). Eight (29.6%) filters were retrieved. The median time to retrieval was 21 days (range: 6-75). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of retrieval between perioperative prophylaxis placement (6/14) and other contraindications for anticoagulation treatment (2/13; p = 0.2087). There were no adverse events related to the placement or retrieval procedures.

Predictors of the risk of falls among elderly with chronic atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: Though elderly persons with chronic atrial fibrillation have more comorbidities that could limit indications for the chronic use of anticoagulants, few studies have focused on the risk of falls within this particular group. To evaluate the predictors of the risk of falls among elderly with chronic atrial fibrillation, a cross-sectional, observational study was performed. METHODS: From 295 consecutive patients aged 60 years or older with a history of atrial fibrillation who were enrolled within the last 2 years in the cardiogeriatrics outpatient clinic of the Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 107 took part in this study. Their age was 77.9±6.4 years, and 62 were female. They were divided into two groups: a) no history of falls in the previous year and b) a history of one or more falls in the previous year. Data regarding the history of falls and social, demographic, anthropometric, and clinical information were collected. Multidimensional assessment instruments and questionnaires were applied. RESULTS: At least one fall was reported in 55 patients (51.4%). Among them, 27 (49.1%) presented recurrent falls, with body lesions in 90.4% and fractures in 9.1% of the cases. Multivariate logistic regression showed that selfreported difficulty maintaining balance, use of amiodarone, and diabetes were independent variables associated with the risk of falls, with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 44.9%. CONCLUSION: In a group of elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who were relatively independent and able to attend an outpatient clinic, the occurrence of falls with recurrence and clinical consequences was high. Difficulty maintaining balance, the use of amiodarone and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of the risk for falls. Thus, simple clinical data predicted falls better than objective functional tests.