Thrombosis research
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Thrombosis research · Nov 2011
Meta AnalysisStatins in the prevention of venous thromboembolism: a meta-analysis of observational studies.
Studies have established a relationship between inflammation and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Though statins modulate inflammation, it is uncertain if they prevent VTE in heterogeneous populations. A recent randomized trial demonstrated that statins prevent VTE in healthy older adults, yet this has not been well established in other groups, including younger individuals and individuals with comorbidities. The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the effect of statins on VTE in a heterogeneous group of adults. ⋯ Further well-designed trials are needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of statins in preventing VTE in heterogenous populations of adults, identify high-risk subgroups, and analyze cost-effectiveness of statin use for this indication.
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Thrombosis research · Nov 2011
Comparative StudyComparison of porcine and human coagulation by thrombelastometry.
Although the pig is a standard model for the evaluation of various diseases in humans, including coagulopathy, it is not clear whether results in animals can be extrapolated to man. ⋯ Maximum clot firmness is comparable in human and porcine blood. However, clot lysis, platelet and fibrinogen contribution to clot strength, as well as initiation and propagation of clotting, are considerably different between pigs and humans. In addition, anesthesic drugs seem to influence thrombelastometry in animals. Accordingly, coagulation abnormalities in pigs subjected to diseases may not necessarily represent the coagulation profile in sick patients.
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Thrombosis research · Nov 2011
Effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin in medical inpatients.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although effective prophylaxis exists for medical patients, there is little information outside of clinical trials. We will analyze our experience in the prophylaxis of VTE with enoxaparin in hospitalized medical patients. ⋯ Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin in hospitalized medical patients is associated with a lower incidence of VTE and mortality, and is safe.
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Thrombosis research · Oct 2011
Kinetic modeling sheds light on the mode of action of recombinant factor VIIa on thrombin generation.
The therapeutic potential of a hemostatic agent can be assessed by investigating its effects on the quantitative parameters of thrombin generation. For recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa)--a promising hemostasis-inducing biologic--experimental studies addressing its effects on thrombin generation yielded disparate results. To elucidate the inherent ability of rFVIIa to modulate thrombin production, it is necessary to identify rFVIIa-induced effects that are compatible with the available biochemical knowledge about thrombin generation mechanisms. ⋯ rFVIIa modulates thrombin generation primarily by accelerating the process, without significantly affecting the total amount of generated thrombin.
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Thrombosis research · Oct 2011
Clinical TrialInsights into the inhibition of platelet activation by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: beyond aspirin and clopidogrel.
We sought to examine the effects of escalating doses of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements on platelet function using light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and electrophoretic quasi-elastic light scattering technology (EQELS). ⋯ In this pilot study we were able to successfully measure platelet surface charge variation as a measure of omega-3 PUFA effect on platelets. Our results suggest that omega-3 PUFA increase the total platelet surface charge and, therefore, attenuate platelet activation, even among patients taking aspirin or aspirin plus clopidogrel. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these measured effects and EQELS results.