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Hemorrhagic Complications (hemorrhagic + complications)
Selected AbstractsManagement of anticoagulation following central nervous system hemorrhage in patients with high thromboembolic riskJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 7 2010G. W. J. HAWRYLUK Summary.,Background:,Patients who present with central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage while on anticoagulation (AC) for thromboembolic (TE) risk factors are a challenge to manage. Objective: We sought to inform decisions surrounding the timing and intensity of AC resumption by performing a systematic review. Methods:,Three reviewers screened publications from Medline and EMBASE and extracted data. Hemorrhagic and TE adverse events that occurred subsequent to the index hemorrhage were recorded, as was their timing relative to presentation and covariates that might influence their occurrence. Results:,Data were extracted from 63 publications detailing 492 patients; 7.7% of patients experienced hemorrhagic complications and 6.1% experienced TE complications. Hemorrhagic complications were more common within 72 h of presentation while TE complications were more common thereafter. Patients restarted on AC after 72 h were significantly more likely to have a TE complication (P = 0.006) and those restarted before 72 h were more likely to hemorrhage (P = 0.0727). Factors associated with re-hemorrhage included younger age, traumatic cause, subdural hematomas and failure to reverse AC. TE complications were more common in younger patients and those with spinal hemorrhage, multiple hemorrhages, and non-traumatic causes of the index hemorrhage. Re-initiation of AC at a lower intensity also significantly increased the risk of TE complications. Interpretation:,Our results suggest that it may be prudent to re-initiate AC earlier than previously thought, with the timing and intensity modified based on predictors of TE and hemorrhagic complications. These findings must be explored in a prospective study because of limitations inherent to the analyzed studies. [source] Liver laceration associated with severe seizures after living donor liver transplantationLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2006Kazushige Sato Hemorrhagic complications commonly occur early after liver transplantation (LT), sometimes requiring emergent relaparotomy. However, active bleeding from the liver graft itself is a rare but life-threatening complication after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We report an unusual case of liver laceration with massive bleeding, associated with severe epileptic seizures as a result of tacrolimus-induced leukoencephalopathy, after LDLT. The patient was successfully rescued by conventional surgical management without a second transplantation. In conclusion, to our knowledge this is the first reported case of graft rupture due to immunosuppression-associated leukoencephalopathy after LT. Liver Transpl12:152,155, 2006. © 2005 AASLD. [source] Role of Transthoracic Echocardiography in Atrial FibrillationECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2000RICHARD W. ASINGER M.D. Atrial fibrillation is a major clinical problem that is predicted to be encountered more frequently as the population ages. The clinical management of atrial fibrillation has become increasingly complex as new therapies and strategies have become available for ventricular rate control, conversion to sinus rhythm, maintenance of sinus rhythm, and prevention of thromboembolism. Clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic features are important in determining etiology and directing therapy for atrial fibrillation. Left atrial size, left ventricular wall thickness, and left ventricular function have independent predictive value for determining the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Left atrial size may have predictive value in determining the success of cardioversion and maintaining sinus rhythm in selected clinical settings but has less value in the most frequently encountered group, patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, in whom the duration of atrial fibrillation is the most important feature. When selecting pharmacological agents to control ventricular rate, convert to sinus rhythm, and maintain normal sinus rhythm, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) allows noninvasive evaluation of left ventricular function and hence guides management. The combination of clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic features also allows risk stratification for thromboembolism and hemorrhagic complications in atrial fibrillation. High-risk clinical features for thromboembolism supported by epidemiological observations, results of randomized clinical trials, and meta-analyses include rheumatic valvular heart disease, prior thromboembolism, congestive heart failure, hypertension, older (> 75 years old) women, and diabetes. Small series of cases also suggest those with hyperthyroidism and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at high risk. TTE plays a unique role in confirming or discovering high-risk features such as rheumatic valvular disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular function. Validation of the risk stratification scheme used in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation-III trial is welcomed by clinicians who are faced daily with balancing the benefit and risks of anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism inpatients with atrial fibrillation. [source] Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time in thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing cesarean sectionJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2010Shigeki Matsubara Abstract Aim:, Hemorrhage is an important complication of heparin-thromboprophylaxis after surgery. We attempted to clarify the incidence rate of prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), representative of hemorrhagic tendency, in Japanese women who received thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated subcutaneous heparin administration after cesarean section (CS). We also determined factors which affected postoperative APTT. Methods:, We studied 280 women who were administered thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated subcutaneous heparin 5000 IU two times per day after CS. Postoperative APTT under heparin was measured and the incidence of its prolongation was determined. Preoperative APTT, blood loss during surgery, postoperative hematocrit, postoperative serum total protein level, and postpartum body weight were measured, and their correlation with postoperative APTT was determined. Results:, Preoperative and postoperative APTT values were 28.3 (26.7,30.3) and 33.8 (31.0,37.5) seconds for median (interquartile range), respectively. Overall, 7.1% of patients showed ,45 s postoperative APTT. Two patients (0.7%) showed ,60 s APTT, one of whom suffered subcutaneous hemorrhage around the abdominal incision with complete healing. There were no other hemorrhagic complications. Preoperative APTT positively, and postpartum body weight inversely, correlated with postoperative APTT. The amount of blood loss, postoperative hematocrit, and postoperative serum total protein level did not correlate with postoperative APTT. No discernible deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred. Conclusion:, Although 7.1% of women under heparin-thromboprophylaxis showed a prolonged APTT that was 150% of the preoperative APTT, serious side effects were not observed. Subcutaneous administration of unfractionated heparin, if checking APTT prolongation 1 day after surgery, may be safe method of thromboprophylaxis after CS. [source] Management of anticoagulation following central nervous system hemorrhage in patients with high thromboembolic riskJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 7 2010G. W. J. HAWRYLUK Summary.,Background:,Patients who present with central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage while on anticoagulation (AC) for thromboembolic (TE) risk factors are a challenge to manage. Objective: We sought to inform decisions surrounding the timing and intensity of AC resumption by performing a systematic review. Methods:,Three reviewers screened publications from Medline and EMBASE and extracted data. Hemorrhagic and TE adverse events that occurred subsequent to the index hemorrhage were recorded, as was their timing relative to presentation and covariates that might influence their occurrence. Results:,Data were extracted from 63 publications detailing 492 patients; 7.7% of patients experienced hemorrhagic complications and 6.1% experienced TE complications. Hemorrhagic complications were more common within 72 h of presentation while TE complications were more common thereafter. Patients restarted on AC after 72 h were significantly more likely to have a TE complication (P = 0.006) and those restarted before 72 h were more likely to hemorrhage (P = 0.0727). Factors associated with re-hemorrhage included younger age, traumatic cause, subdural hematomas and failure to reverse AC. TE complications were more common in younger patients and those with spinal hemorrhage, multiple hemorrhages, and non-traumatic causes of the index hemorrhage. Re-initiation of AC at a lower intensity also significantly increased the risk of TE complications. Interpretation:,Our results suggest that it may be prudent to re-initiate AC earlier than previously thought, with the timing and intensity modified based on predictors of TE and hemorrhagic complications. These findings must be explored in a prospective study because of limitations inherent to the analyzed studies. [source] The quality of oral anticoagulant therapy and recurrent venous thrombotic events in the Leiden Thrombophilia StudyJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2007A. P. A. GADISSEUR Summary.,Background:,The International Normalized Ratio (INR) target range is a relatively narrow range in which the efficacy of oral anticoagulant treatment, i.e. prevention of extension and recurrence of thrombosis, is balanced with the risk of hemorrhagic complications. Over the years, different INR target ranges have been implemented for individual indications, depending on their thrombotic potential. In most of the studies defining these INR targets, the treatment of the patients was aimed at a certain INR range, but in the analysis no account was taken of the time that the patients spent within this range in reality. Methods:,The Leiden Thrombophilia Study (LETS) is a population-based case-control study on risk factors for venous thrombosis, in which many genetic and acquired factors have been investigated. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the quality of the oral anticoagulant therapy for the initial venous thrombosis and its relationship with recurrence of thrombosis. Quality of anticoagulation was defined as the time spent at various INR levels during treatment, and we focused on the effect of sustained intensities above a certain INR in preventing recurrences later on. Results:,Two hundred and sixty-six patients with a total follow-up of 2495 patient-years were studied. The mean duration of the initial anticoagulant therapy was 194.5 days (range 48,4671). During follow-up, 58 recurrences were diagnosed (cumulative recurrence rate of 21.8% over 9 years). The mean INR during initial therapy was 2.90, with 90.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 88.4,92.3%] of the time being spent above an INR of 2.0, and 39.1% (95% CI 35.5,42.7%) above an INR of 3.0. Patients who spent more time below the target range, or who had a shorter duration of anticoagulation, did not experience a higher risk of recurrence after the initial period of anticoagulation had passed. Conclusion:,Provided that oral anticoagulant treatment is adequately managed, according to international guidelines, recurrent thrombosis cannot be ascribed to variation in the primary treatment. Further attempts to reduce the risk of recurrence should therefore be aimed at identifying other explanatory factors, and subsequently fine-tuning the target ranges. [source] A randomized clinical trial of high-intensity warfarin vs. conventional antithrombotic therapy for the prevention of recurrent thrombosis in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (WAPS),JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2005G. FINAZZI Summary.,Background:,The optimal intensity of oral anticoagulation for the prevention of recurrent thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is uncertain. Retrospective studies show that only high-intensity oral anticoagulation [target international normalized ratio (INR) >3.0] is effective but a recent randomized clinical trial comparing high (INR range 3.0,4.0) vs. moderate (INR 2.0,3.0) intensities of anticoagulation failed to confirm this assumption. Methods:,We conducted a randomized trial in which 109 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and previous thrombosis were given either high-intensity warfarin (INR range 3.0,4.5, 54 patients) or standard antithrombotic therapy (warfarin, INR range 2.0,3.0 in 52 patients or aspirin alone, 100 mg day,1 in three patients) to determine whether intensive anticoagulation is superior to standard treatment in preventing symptomatic thromboembolism without increasing the bleeding risk. Results:,The 109 patients enrolled in the trial were followed up for a median time of 3.6 years. Mean INR during follow-up was 3.2 (SD 0.6) in the high-intensity warfarin group and 2.5 (SD 0.3) (P < 0.0001) in the conventional treatment patients given warfarin. Recurrent thrombosis was observed in six of 54 patients (11.1%) assigned to receive high-intensity warfarin and in three of 55 patients (5.5%) assigned to receive conventional treatment [hazard ratio for the high intensity group, 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49,7.89]. Major and minor bleeding occurred in 15 patients (two major) (27.8%) assigned to receive high-intensity warfarin and eight (three major) (14.6%) assigned to receive conventional treatment (hazard ratio 2.18; 95% CI 0.92,5.15). Conclusions:,High-intensity warfarin was not superior to standard treatment in preventing recurrent thrombosis in patients with APS and was associated with an increased rate of minor hemorrhagic complications. [source] Individualized duration of oral anticoagulant therapy for deep vein thrombosis based on a decision modelJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 12 2003R. Vink Summary.,Background:,The optimal duration of oral anticoagulant therapy for patients with a first episode of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is still a matter of debate. However, according to the ACCP consensus strategy a limited stratification in treatment duration is advocated, i.e. 3 months for patients with a transient risk factor and 1 year or longer for patients with recurrent disease or a consistent risk factor such as thrombophilia or cancer. This consensus strategy is founded on the mean optimal duration of therapy obtained in large cohorts of patients and is mainly based on the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), with only minimal consideration for the patient's bleeding risk. Objective:,The aim of this study is to optimize the anticoagulant treatment strategy with vitamin K antagonists for the individual patient with DVT. Methods:,Based on an extensive literature study, a mathematical model was constructed to balance the risk of recurrent VTE against the risk of major hemorrhagic complications. The following parameters are incorporated in the model: baseline estimates and risk factors for recurrent VTE and bleeding, clinical course of DVT, and efficacy of treatment with vitamin K antagonists. With the use of these parameters, the risk for a recurrent VTE and a bleeding episode can be calculated for the individual patient. The optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy can be defined as the timepoint at which the benefit of treatment (prevention of VTE) is counterbalanced by its risk (bleeding). Results/conclusions:,How long a patient should receive anticoagulant treatment is a matter of balancing the benefits and risks of treatment. The model shows that the optimal treatment duration varies greatly from patient to patient according to the patient's unique bleeding and recurrence risk. [source] Liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index,LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2009André A. S. Dick Controversies exist regarding the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index (BMI). A review of the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 1987 through 2007 revealed 73,538 adult liver transplants. Patients were stratified into 6 BMI categories established by the World Health Organization: underweight, <18.5 kg/m2; normal weight, 18.5 to <25 kg/m2; overweight, 25 to <30 kg/m2; obese, 30 to <35 kg/m2; severely obese, 35 to <40 kg/m2; and very severely obese, ,40 kg/m2. Survival rates were compared among these 6 categories via Kaplan-Meier survival curves with the log-rank test. The underweight and very severely obese groups had significantly lower survival. There were 1827 patients in the underweight group, 1447 patients in the very severely obese group, and 68,172 patients in the other groups, which became the control. Groups with extreme BMI (<18.5 and ,40) were compared to the control to assess significant differences. Underweight patients were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications (P < 0.002) and cerebrovascular accidents (P < 0.04). When compared with the control, the very severely obese patients had a higher number of infectious complications and cancer events (P = 0.02) leading to death. In 3 different eras of liver transplantation, multivariable analysis showed that underweight and very severe obesity were significant predictors of death. In conclusion, liver transplantation holds increased risk for patients at the extremes of BMI. Identifying these patients and instituting aggressive new policies may improve outcomes. Liver Transpl 15:968,977, 2009. © 2009 AASLD. [source] Treatment for Mechanical Valve Thrombosis in the Right Heart: Combined Pharmacological and Mechanical ThrombolysisARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 8 2010Shigeaki Aoyagi Abstract We report clinical results of combined pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis for mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) in the right heart. Between January 1992 and December 2008, combined thrombolysis, which consisted of an intravenous infusion of urokinase together with mechanical disruption of thrombus in a prosthetic valve by temporarily increasing the cardiac pacing rate, was performed in three patients with four cases of mechanical PVT in the right heart. The prosthetic valve in all three patients was a bileaflet mechanical valve, and was located in the tricuspid position in two patients and in the pulmonary position in the remaining patient. PVT was diagnosed by echocardiography and cineradiography. Thrombolysis was successful in all four cases in the three patients, and no hemorrhagic complications or clinically symptomatic pulmonary embolisms were observed. Mechanical disruption of thrombus using a pacemaker appears to be an effective adjunctive modality to thrombolysis with fibrinolytic agents for PVT in the right heart. Combined pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis may improve success rates and reduce the time required for thrombolysis of PVT. [source] Temozolomide in advanced malignant melanoma with small brain metastasesCANCER, Issue 2 2007Can we Withhold Cranial Irradiation? Abstract BACKGROUND. The efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in patients who have brain metastases from melanoma is limited. In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy of treatment with temozolomide in patients with metastatic melanoma, including small brain metastases, who did not require immediate RT and investigated the feasibility of deferring RT. METHODS. Patients with brain metastasis were identified from 3 prospective studies of temozolomide (with or without immunotherapy) for metastatic melanoma. Patients with brain metastasis that measured >2 cm, extensive edema, and localization in the brain stem were excluded from the study. For the current analysis, patients with leptomeningeal metastasis and patients who received previous stereotactic RT were excluded. In patients who achieved a systemic response or stabilization to temozolomide, the response of brain metastasis and the necessity for palliative cranial RT were evaluated. RESULTS. Among 179 patients who received temozolomide for advanced melanoma, 52 patients with brain metastasis were evaluable. Stabilization of systemic metastasis was noted in 7 of 52 patients (13%), and there were 6 responses (5 partial responses and 1 complete response; 11%); thus, in those 13 patients, 6 had stabilization of brain metastasis (11%) and 5 had a response (2 partial responses and 3 complete responses; 9%). Immunotherapy did not influence the neurologic response. The median time to neurologic progression was 7 months (range 2,15, months). RT for cerebral recurrence was required in 2 patients. The median survival of patients with brain metastases was 5.6 months (95% confidence interval, 4.4,6.8 months). Intracranial hemorrhagic complications were not observed. CONCLUSIONS. The current results indicated that it is feasible to treat patients who have advanced melanoma and small brain metastasis with temozolomide as the single treatment. The small subset of patients with systemic response usually showed durable stabilization or a response of brain metastasis. With this approach, neurologic disease can be controlled, and cranial irradiation may be deferred and even withheld in most of patients. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] | ||||||||||