ANMCO/SIMEU consensus document on the use of reversal agents for antithrombotic therapies in patients with ongoing bleeding or at high risk of haemorrhagic events.

In recent decades, an incredible evolution in antithrombotic therapies used for treating patients with atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolism has been observed, leading to the availability of increasingly safe drugs. Nonetheless, bleeding complications remain a significant concern, with considerable health, social, and economic implications. To improve the acute management of patients experiencing or at risk for major bleeding events, specific reversal agents for antithrombotic drugs have been recently developed. While these agents demonstrate effectiveness in small-scale pharmacodynamic studies and clinical trials, it is imperative to balance the benefits of reversing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy against the risk of prothrombotic effects. These risks include the potential loss of antithrombotic protection and the prothrombotic tendencies associated with bleeding, major surgery, or trauma. This joint document of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri) and the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (Società Italiana di Medicina d'Emergenza-Urgenza) delineates the key features and efficacy of available reversal agents. It also provides practical flowcharts to guide their use in patients with active bleeding or those at elevated risk of major bleeding events.

Reversal of Platelet Inhibition in Patients Receiving Ticagrelor.

Antiplatelet treatment is one of the pillars of contemporary therapy in acute coronary syndromes. It is based on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Antiaggregatory treatment reduces ischemic events, but at cost of increased bleeding rates. As a result of irreversible inhibition of platelet P2Y12 receptors, the antiplatelet action of clopidogrel and prasugrel is prolonged for the lifespan of thrombocytes and lasts up to 7 days. The antiaggregatory effect of ticagrelor may persist up to 5 days despite its reversible nature of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. These pharmacodynamic properties may prove problematic in patients requiring immediate reversal of antiplatelet effects due to severe or life-threatening bleeding, or in presence of indications for an urgent surgery. The current review summarizes available knowledge on different strategies of restoring platelet function in patients treated with ticagrelor. Non-specific methods are discussed, including platelet transfusion, human albumin supplementation and hemadsorption. Finally, bentracimab, the first specific antidote for ticagrelor, and in fact against any antiplatelet agent, is described.