Predictors of Hospitalization in Vitamin K Antagonist Users Presenting with Bleeding at the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are indicated for the prevention of thromboembolic events and reduction of mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and patients with valvular prostheses. However, their use is associated with bleeding complications and hospitalizations. Predictors of hospital admission for bleeding in these patients are poorly known. Objectives To define the predictors for hospitalization of VKA users who seek emergency care due to bleeding. Methods Single-center, cross-sectional study, with retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from 03/01/2012 to 02/27/2017. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared between patients who were hospitalized and those who were not. A logistic regression model as used, in which the variables were included using the Backward stepwise method, with a p value of 0.05 as the input criterion, a removal value of 0.20 and a confidence interval of 95%. The p-value was considered statistically significant when <0.05. Results A total of 510 patients with bleeding were included, of whom 158 were hospitalized. Predictors of hospitalization were: INR at supratherapeutic levels (OR 3.45; P <0.01; 95% CI 1.58 - 7.51), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 2.36; P <0.01; CI 95% 1.24 - 4.50), drop in hemoglobin (OR 6.93; P <0.01; 95% CI 3.67 - 13.07), heart failure (OR 1.96; P 0.01; 95% CI 1.16 - 3.30) and need for blood transfusion (OR 8.03; P <0.01; 95% CI 2.98 - 21.64). Conclusion Drop in hemoglobin, heart failure, INR at supratherapeutic levels, gastrointestinal bleeding and need for blood transfusion were associated with hospitalization. Identification of these factors in the initial evaluation would help to define which patients will demand more intensive care.

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)

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.

Use of direct oral anticoagulants for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVES: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is one of the most prevalent forms of pulmonary hypertension and is a major complication of acute pulmonary embolism. One mainstay of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension treatment is lifelong anticoagulation. The recent advent of direct oral anticoagulants for acute pulmonary embolism treatment has provided a viable and effective alternative for treating this condition. However, little is known about the efficacy of this new class of drugs for treating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: A cohort of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients who initiated treatment with direct oral anticoagulants between June 2015 and November 2016 were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Sixteen patients used rivaroxaban, three used dabigatran and one used apixaban for a mean follow-up of 20.9 months. The mean age was 51 years, and eighteen patients were classified as functional class II/III. Eight patients underwent a pulmonary endarterectomy and exhibited clinical, hemodynamic and functional improvement and currently continue to use direct oral anticoagulants. No episode of venous thromboembolism recurrence was identified during the follow-up period, but there was one episode of major bleeding after a traumatic fall. CONCLUSIONS: Although direct oral anticoagulants appear to be a safe and effective alternative for treating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, larger studies are needed to support their routine use.

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.

Eficacia de la vitamina K en los trastornos de coagulación en los pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica / Efficacy of vitamin K in coagulation disorders in patients with chronic liver disease

La coagulopatía es el denominador común en la amplia gama de procesos hepático crónicos, efecto principal de la deficiencia de vitamina K. A pesar de la falta de evidencia que sostiene su eficacia, su administración representa una parte del manejo de muchos pacientes con coagulopatía. Por tanto, el objetivo primario de este estudio fue comparar los tiempos de coagulación tras la administración de vitamina K en pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica y trastornos de coagulación. Se postularon como secundarios la caracterización del paciente hepatópata según grupo nosológico por edad y sexo, así como las diferencias existentes entre las pruebas de coagulación basales con respecto a cada grupo. 72 pacientes fueron reclutados en 4 grupos, grupo 1: hepatitis B inactiva (n=6), grupo 2: hepatitis B crónica-hepatitis C (n=14), grupo 3: cirrosis (n=35) y grupo 4: hepatocarcinoma (n=17), se administraron 3 dosis de vitamina K de 10 mg cada una a intervalos de 24 horas, se midieron tiempo de protrombina (TP), radio normalizado internacional (INR) y tiempo de tromboplastina parcial activado (TPT) basales y cada 24 horas después de cada dosis. Se logró establecer una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la corrección del tiempo de protrombina (31.04±9.62 a 21.69±8.48 P˂0.0001) así como del INR (2.81±1.013 a 1.92±0.81, P˂0.0001), hubo diferencia en cuanto a grupo diagnóstico y edad de presentación, así como en cuanto a tiempos de coagulación basales según diagnóstico. Por tanto, se demostró la efectividad de la vitamina K en la corrección del TP e INR.(AU)

Coagulopathy is the common denominator in the wide range of chronic liver processes, the main effect of vitamin K deficiency. Despite the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy, its administration represents a part of the management of many patients with coagulopathy. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to compare clotting times after vitamin K administration in patients with chronic liver disease and coagulation disorders. The characterization of the liver disease patient according to nosological group by age and sex, as well as the differences between the baseline coagulation tests with respect to each group, were postulated as secondary. 72 patients were recruited into 4 groups, group 1: inactive hepatitis B (n = 6), group 2: chronic hepatitis B-hepatitis C (n = 14), group 3: cirrhosis (n = 35) and group 4: hepatocarcinoma ( n = 17), 3 doses of vitamin K of 10 mg each were administered at 24-hour intervals, prothrombin time (TP), international normalized radius (INR) and baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (TPT) were measured and each 24 hours after each dose. It was possible to establish a statistically significant difference in the correction of prothrombin time (31.04 ± 9.62 to 21.69 ± 8.48 P˂0.0001) as well as the INR (2.81 ± 1.013 to 1.92 ± 0.81, P˂0.0001), there was a difference in terms of group Diagnosis and age of presentation, as well as baseline clotting times according to diagnosis. Therefore, the effectiveness of vitamin K in the correction of TP and INR was demonstrated

Características basales, manejo de terapias antitrombóticas y pronóstico de pacientes chilenos con FA no valvular. Lecciones del Registro GARFIELD AF en Chile / Features, management and prognosis of Chilean patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation: GARFIELD AF registry

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with high rates of death, ischemic stroke and systemic embolism (SE). There is scarce information about clinical characteristics and use of anti-thrombotic therapies in Chilean patients with non-valvular AF. Aim: To describe the characteristics and 1-year outcomes of patients with recently diagnosed AF recruited in Chile into the prospective global GARFIELD-AF registry. Material and Methods: Between 2011-2016, we prospectively registered information of 971 patients recruited at 15 centers, 85% of them from the public system and 15% from the private sector. Demographics, clinical characteristics and use of antithrombotic therapies were recorded for all patients. Adverse clinical outcomes were analyzed in 711 patients with 1-year follow-up. Results: The mean age was 71.5 years (66-79), 50% were men. Mean CHAD2S2 Vasc and HAS BLED scores for stroke risk were 3.3 (2.0-4.0) and 1.5 (1.0-2.0) respectively. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed in 82% of patients. Seventy percent received Vitamin K antagonists, 10% novel direct anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy and only 8% did not receive any antithrombotic therapy. Mean time in optimal therapeutic range (an international normalized ratio of 2 to 3), was achieved in only 40.7% (23.0-54.8) of patients receiving Vitamin K antagonists. One year rates of death, stroke/systemic embolism and bleeding were 4.75 (3.36-6.71), 2.40 (1.47-3.92) and 1.64% (0.91-2.97) per 100 person-years. Ischemic stroke occurred in 1.8% and hemorrhagic stroke in 0.8% of patients at 1-year of follow up. Conclusions: Although the use of vitamin K antagonists at baseline was high, the mean time in optimal therapeutic range was low. Mortality and stroke rates are higher than those reported in other contemporary registries.

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.

Falência hepática aguda em crianças e adolescentes / Acute liver failure in children and adolescents

A halência hepática aguda (FHA) é uma condição rara, mas devastadora, que evolui para falência de múltiplos órgãos e óbito como seu curso natural. A assistência intensiva e o transplante hepático possibilitaram a modificação da história natural e aumento da sobrevida. A FHA, geralmente, se apresenta em uma criança ou adolescente previamente hígido que inicia com sintomas inespecíficos de duração variada e com a evolução do quadro surgem outros sintomas como icterícia, vômitos, hipoglicemia e convulsões, tornando a síndrome clínica evidente. O diagnóstico etiológico é importante, uma vez que algumas doenças de base possuem tratamentos específicos. Contudo, em até 50% dos casos, um diagnóstico específico não é estabelecido. Sua presença será estabelecida se há evidência bioquímica de falência hepática aguda, na ausência de doença hepática crônica e associada à coagulopatia de origem hepática não corrigível pela vitamina K (RNI > 1,5 em paciente com encefalopatia hepática ou RNI ? 2 na ausência de encefalopatia hepática). O tempo entre o início do quadro clínico e o desenvolvimento da encefalopatia deve ser inferior a oito semanas. O reconhecimento e o encaminhamento para centro especializado devem ser o mais precoce possível. A indicação de transplante hepático deve ser avaliada periodicamente. O tratamento intensivo e multidisciplinar é essencial para sobrevida.

The Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is a rare but devastating condition that can lead to multiple organ failure and death as its natural course. Intensive therapy and liver transplantation have changed its natural history and raised survival rates. ALF usually presents in a previously healthy child who initiates with unspecific symptoms of variable duration and then evolve with jaundice, vomiting, hypoglycemia and seizures, when the clinical syndrome becomes evident. The etiologic diagnosis is importantbecause some diseases have specific treatments. However in 50% of the cases a specific diagnosis is not estabilished. The criteria for diagnosing ALF is biochemical evidence of acute hepatic failure without signs of chronic liver disease associated with coagulopathy non responsive to vitamin K (INR>1,5 with encephalopathy or INR>2 regardless the presence of encephalopathy signs). The time between the initial symptoms and the development of encephalopathy must be less than 8 weeks. Recognizing and referring the patient for a reference center must be a priority. The need for liver transplantation should be periodically assessed. Intensive multidisciplinary care is essential for survival.

Control perioperatorio de la anticoagulación con antagonistas de la vitamina K en cirugía electiva

Los pacientes anticoagulados crónicamente que son sometidos a cirugías electivas requieren la suspensión temporaria de los antagonistas de vitamina K. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la incidencia de eventos tromboembólicos y hemorrágicos en pacientes anticoagulados sometidos a un procedimiento invasivo, aplicando un protocolo de manejo de anticoagulación en el perioperatorio. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con datos obtenidos de manera prospectiva, donde se incluyeron mayores de 18 años que ingresaron para la realización de una cirugía electiva. Recibieron sustitución con enoxaparina aquellos con fibrilación auricular(FA) de moderado y alto riesgo de evento tromboembólico, pacientes con reemplazo con válvula cardíaca mecánica(VCM) de moderado y alto riesgo de evento tromboembólico y con tromboembolismo venoso(TEV) de alto riesgo de evento tromboembólico. Se evaluaron los eventos embólicos y hemorrágicos en el perioperatorio. Setenta y ocho recibieron sustitución con enoxaparina en el perioperatorio, edad promedio de 69.4 ± 11.9 años. Veintiocho tenían FA (36.4%), 12 TEV (15.6%) y 37 VCM (48.1%). En el postoperatorio hubo un evento embólico (1.6%) y 12 eventos hemorrágicos (15.4%) de los cuales 10 fueron menores (12.8%) y 2mayores (2.6%). La seguridad de la sustitución con enoxaparina aún es cuestionable, y se deberán esperar estudios aleatorizados, comparando diferentes estrategias de sustitución con heparinas versus la suspensión del tratamiento anticoagulante en el período perioperatorio para una conclusión definitiva.

Anti-coagulated patients who undergo elective surgery require temporary interruption of vitamin K antagonists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolic events and bleeding complications in anti-coagulated patients undergoing elective invasive procedures by using an institutional management protocol. This was a descriptive study with prospective follow-up that included patients over 18 year old anti-coagulated with vitamin K antagonists, undergoing elective surgery. Those with atrial fibrillation (AF) at moderate and high risk of thromboembolic events, with mechanical heart valve (MCV) at moderate and high risk of thromboembolic events, and patients' venous thromboembolism (VTE) at high risk of thromboembolic events received bridging therapy with enoxaparin. Embolic and bleeding events in the pre-operative period were recorded. Seventy- eight received bridging, mean age 69.4 ± 11.9 years. Twenty-eight had AF (36.4 %), 12 had VTE (15.6 %) and 37 had MCV (48.1 %). Postoperatively, 1 embolic event (1.6 %) and 12 bleeding events (15.4 %) were documented, of which 10 were minor (12.8 %) and 2 major (2.6 %). The safety of bridging therapy is still under debate, and we should await the result of randomized studies comparing different strategies of bridging vs. interruption of anticoagulant therapy in the pre-operative period prior to reaching a definitive conclusion.

Uso da vitamina K como rastreador de eventos adversos hemorrágicos por varfarina: um estudo de caso / Use of vitamin K to track hemorrhagic adverse events caused by warfarin: a case study

The medical use of warfarin requires close monitoring because of its narrow therapeutic index. Thus, methods that enable effective monitoring to detect any adverse events (AEs) associated with this drug are necessary to improve the quality of health care. Many authors have proposed the use of triggers to search actively for possibleAEs. The aim of this study was to assess the possible use of vitamin K as a tracker of adverse bleeding events caused by warfarin in a public hospital specialized in cardiology in Rio de Janeiro. We applied the method of trigger tools (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2004; Rozichet al., 2003), which retrospectively analyzed the results of the use of vitamin K (phytomenadione), to screen for adverse bleeding events caused by warfarin, from October 2010 to March 2011. From an analysis of 46 medical records, 14 possible AEs were found. In 23 cases, internal bleeding was the cause of hospitalization. Despite difficulties, especially those related to poor access to data and quality of hospital records, the application of vitamin K as a trigger was found to be of great use in detecting hemorrhagic AEs associated with warfarin. This method has potential applications for monitoring the results of interventions, with a view to reducing the incidence of hemorrhagic adverse events...

O uso de varfarina requer monitoramento rigoroso devido a seu índice terapêutico estreito. Da mesma forma, a aplicação de métodos que permitam o monitoramento adequado de eventos adversos a este medicamento é necessária para que se possa contribuir com a qualidade do cuidado em saúde. O uso de marcadores para o processo de busca ativa de eventos adversos tem sido proposto por muitos autores. Neste trabalho, buscou-se avaliar o potencial de utilização do uso da vitamina K como rastreador de eventos adversos hemorrágicos causados por varfarina em um hospital público de alta complexidade em cardiologia do Rio de Janeiro. O método dos rastreadores ou trigger tools foi aplicado para análise retrospectiva da utilização da vitamina K (fitomenadiona) como rastreador de eventos adversos hemorrágicos causados por varfarina, no período de outubro de 2010 a março de 2011. Com base na análise de 46 prontuários, foram encontrados 14 possíveis eventos adversos. Em 23 casos, a hemorragia foi a causa da internação. Apesar das dificuldades, sobretudo relacionadas ao acesso às informações e à qualidade dos registros, a aplicação da vitamina K como rastreador se mostrou bastante útil na detecção de eventos adversos hemorrágicos por varfarina. A aplicação deste método como estratégia de monitoramento de eventos adversos, tem potencial para uso no acompanhamento dos resultados de intervenções visando à redução da incidência dos eventos adversos hemorrágicos...

Teores de vitamina K em hortaliças consumidas na cidade de São Paulo / Levels of vitamin K in vegetables consumed in the city of São Paulo

Estudos sobre a vitamina K têm evidenciado seu papel na manutenção da saúde óssea e vascular. A atuação desta vitamina em tecidos extra-hepáticos não é considerada na recomendação dietética da DRI de 2001, sendo reconhecidas necessidades maiores para função óssea em pessoas acima dos 60 anos e em indivíduos que fazem uso de medicamentos antivitamina K. Visando colaborar com pesquisas futuras, onde o conhecimento do teor de vitamina K1 é relevante, além de contribuir com dados para Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos - TBCA-USP, o presente trabalho foi conduzido para determinação do teor de filoquinona (vitamina K1) de hortaliças consumidas na cidade de São Paulo. As hortaliças analisadas foram escolhidas após a conclusão de um inquérito alimentar realizado, com adultos e idosos, num projeto de pesquisa desenvolvido junto ao Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição Experimental da FCF/USP visando a análise da ingestão diária de vitamina K. Desta forma, foram analisadas as hortaliças mais consumidas por esses grupos, submetidas ou não ao processo de cocção. Estas amostras foram adquiridas diretamente na CEAGESP - Companhia de Entrepostos e Armazéns Gerais de São Paulo. As metodologias empregadas na determinação da filoquinona (vitamina K1) foram extração e purificação pelo método líquido-líquido utilizando solventes orgânicos e quantificação através da Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Os resultados mostraram que as amostras de hortaliças de colorações verdes mais escuras apresentaram os maiores teores da vitamina como: salsa 491,05 µg/100g; espinafre 375,01 µg/100g, quando comparados com as amostras de colorações verdes mais claras as quais como é o caso da alface americana 113,42 µg/100g e a couve-flor 32,55 µg/100g. A maioria das hortaliças analisadas apresentaram variações entre as diferentes épocas do ano e quando comparadas com dados da literatura

Studies on vitamin K have shown its role in maintaining bone and vascular health. The role of this vitamin in extrahepatic tissues is not considered in the dietary recommendation of DRI 2001. Increased need for vitamin K intake is recognized for the bone function in people over age 60 and individuals who use anti-vitamin K drugs. Aiming at supporting future research, where knowledge of vitamin K1 is relevant, and contribute data to the Brazilian Table of Food Composition - TBCA-USP, this study was conducted to determine the level of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) of vegetables consumed in the city of São Paulo. The vegetables studied were chosen after completion of a nutrition survey carried out with adults and elderly people, a research project developed by the Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition FCF / USP aimed at analyzing the daily intake of vitamin K. Therefore, we analyzed the most consumed vegetables by these groups submitted or not to the cooking process. These samples were acquired directly at CEAGESP - General Warehouses Company of São Paulo. The methodologies employed in the determination of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) were extraction and purification method using liquid-liquid organic solvents followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the samples of darker green vegetables showed the highest levels of vitamin such as parsley (491.05 µg/100g) and spinach (375.01 µg/100g), when compared with samples of lighter coloration (e.g. 113.42 µg/100g lettuce, and 32.55 µg/100g cauliflower). Most vegetables analyzed showed variation in results when compared to the different seasons and the literature data

Estudo transversal das estratégias de tratamento clínico na fibrilação atrial / Cross-sectional study of treatment strategies on atrial fibrillation / Estudio transversal de las estrategias de tratamiento clínico en la fibrilación atrial

FUNDAMENTO: A despeito de elevada prevalência e importância clínica da Fibrilação Atrial (FA), não existem até o momento publicações brasileiras informando o perfil clínico e a estratégia de tratamento (controle de ritmo vs. controle de frequência cardíaca) mais utilizada nesse universo de pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a estratégia de tratamento mais empregada na FA em ambulatório especializado no manejo dessa doença. Secundariamente, procurou-se descrever o perfil clínico dessa população. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que avaliou sequencialmente, em 167 portadores de FA, a estratégia de tratamento mais empregada, bem como o perfil clínico desses pacientes. Utilizou-se questionário padronizado para coleta de dados. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do software SPSS® versão 13.0. RESULTADOS: Nessa população de alto risco para eventos tromboembólicos (61% com score CHADS2 > 2), em que 54% dos indivíduos apresentavam fibrilação atrial paroxística ou persistente, 96,6% utilizavam antagonistas da vitamina K ou AAS, e 76,6% faziam uso de betabloqueador (81,2% frequência x 58,8% ritmo, p < 0,05); a estratégia de controle de frequência foi a mais empregada (79,5% x 20,5%, p < 0,001). Houve uma tendência estatística a maior agrupamento de pacientes com disfunção ventricular (15,2% x 2,9%; p = 0,06), CHADS2 > 2 (60,5% x 39,5%; p = 0,07) e valvopatias (25,8% x 11,8%; p = 0,08) no segmento de controle da frequência. CONCLUSÃO: Nessa população de alto risco para eventos tromboembólicos, a estratégia de controle de frequência cardíaca foi a mais empregada.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence and clinical importance of atrial fibrillation (AF), there is no Brazilian study about the clinical profile of patients with AF and the most used treatment strategy (heart rhythm control vs. heart rate control) for them. OBJECTIVE: To assess the most used treatment strategy for AF in an outpatient clinic specialized in the management of that disease. In addition, the clinical profile of the population studied was provided. METHODS: Cross-sectional study assessing sequentially, in 167 patients with AF, the most used treatment strategy, as well as their clinical profile. A standardized form was used for data collection. The statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS® software, version 13.0. RESULTS: In that population at high risk for thromboembolic events (61% had CHADS2 > 2), 54% of the patients had paroxysmal or persistent AF, 96.6% used vitamin K antagonists or acetylsalicylic acid, and 76.6% used beta-blocker (heart rate, 81.2% x heart rhythm, 58.8%; p < 0.05). Heart rate control was the most used treatment strategy (79.5% x 20.5%; p < 0.001). A statistical tendency towards more patients with ventricular dysfunction (15.2% x 2.9%; p = 0.06), CHADS2 > 2 (60.5% x 39.5%; p = 0.07) and heart valve diseases (25.8% x 11.8%; p = 0.08) was observed in the heart rate control group. CONCLUSION: In that population at high risk for thromboembolic events, the heart rate control strategy was the most used.

FUNDAMENTO: A despecho de la elevada prevalencia y importancia clínica de la Fibrilación Atrial (FA), no existen hasta el momento publicaciones brasileñas informando el perfil clínico y la estrategia de tratamiento (control de ritmo vs. control de frecuencia cardíaca) más utilizada en ese universo de pacientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la estrategia de tratamiento más empleada en la FA en ambulatorio especializado en el manejo de esa enfermedad. Secundariamente, se buscó describir el perfil clínico de esa población. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal que evaluó secuencialmente, en 167 portadores de FA, la estrategia de tratamiento más empleada, así como el perfil clínico de esos pacientes. Se utilizó cuestionario estandarizado para recolección de datos. El análisis estadístico fue realizado por medio del software SPSS® versión 13.0. RESULTADOS: En esa población de alto riesgo para eventos tromboembólicos (61% con escore CHADS2 > 2), en que 54% de los individuos presentaban fibrilación atrial paroxística o persistente, 96,6% utilizaban antagonistas de la vitamina K o AAS, y 76,6% hacían uso de betabloqueante (81,2% frecuencia x 58,8% ritmo, p < 0,05); la estrategia de control de frecuencia fue la más empleada (79,5% x 20,5%, p < 0,001). Hubo una tendencia estadística la mayor agrupamiento de pacientes con disfunción ventricular (15,2% x 2,9%; p = 0,06), CHADS2 > 2 (60,5% x 39,5%; p = 0,07) y valvulopatías (25,8% x 11,8%; p = 0,08) en el segmento de control de la frecuencia. CONCLUSION: En esa población de alto riesgo para eventos tromboembólicos, la estrategia de control de frecuencia cardíaca fue la más empleada.

Tratamento da superdosagem de anticoagulantes orais / Reversal of excessive oral anticoagulation

OBJETIVO - Verificar a resposta de 73 pacientes com superdosagem de droga anti-vitamina K (AVK) a 3 esquemas de tratamento. MÉTODOS - Os 73 pacientes foram avaliadois em 94 ocasiöes e divididos em 3 grupos: grupo A (N=32), suspensäo por dois dias e introduçäo de dose menor; grupo B (N=37), suspensÝo do AVK e reavaliaçäo em 4 dias; grupo C (N=25), vitamina K por via oral. A razäo normalizada internacional (RNI) final foi considerada adequada quando entre 2,0 e 4,0. RESULTADOS - Näo houve diferença entre os tratamentos (x2=2,352, p=0,671) para 61 pacientes com RNI inicial menor que 8. Houve mais pacientes com RNI menor que 2 no grupo C (x2=9,998, p=0,007) entre 33 pacientes com RNI maior que 8. Cinco dos 7 pacientes do grupo B que continuaram com superdosagem tinham RNI menor que 4,5 e pequeno risco de hemorragia. Entretanto 6, dos 10 pacientes do grupo C com anticoagulaçäo insuficiente tinham RNI menor que 1,6 e risco de trombose. Treze pacientes sangraram, mas sem necessidade de transfusäo. Conclusäo - A reversäo da superdosagem de AVK pode ser feita pela suspensäo de transfusÝo da droga Administraçäo de vitamina K, por via oral, deve ser restringir a pacientes com RNI mais elevado para se evitar anticoagulaçäo insuficiente.