Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Aug 2015
ReviewNovel oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
Recent trials on novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in patients undergoing cardioversion showed that NOACs are as safe and effective as treatment with vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing electric or pharmacological cardioversion. We conducted an EMBASE and MEDLINE search for studies in which patients undergoing cardioversion were assigned to treatment with NOACs versus VKAs. ⋯ NOACs and VKAs had comparable effects on the rates of stroke/thromboembolism, major bleeding events and all-cause mortality. NOACs are safe and effective alternatives to VKA in patients with AF undergoing cardioversion.
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · May 2015
ReviewAntithrombotic therapy before, during and after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been emerged as a promising alternative for the management of patients with severe AS who otherwise are deemed inappropriate candidates for surgery. Post procedural thromboembolic events and risk of bleeding continue to be a significant challenge in managing patients who underwent TAVR. This article systematically reviews the evidence, current guidelines and upcoming studies investigating antithrombotic therapy before, during and after TAVR.
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Apr 2015
ReviewCurrent antiplatelet agents: place in therapy and role of genetic testing.
Antiplatelet therapies play a central role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. While aspirin, a cyclo-oxygenase-1 inhibitor has been the cornerstone of antithrombotic treatment for several decades, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors cangrelor, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor and protease-activated receptor-1 antagonist vorapaxar, have emerged as additional therapies to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. ⋯ The latest studies regarding the appropriate duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention will be presented. The current state of genetic and platelet function testing will be reviewed.
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Apr 2015
ReviewManaging target-specific oral anticoagulant associated bleeding including an update on pharmacological reversal agents.
Target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban are approved for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism in several clinical settings. Bleeding is the major complication of anticoagulant therapy, including TSOACs, and anticoagulant reversal strategies are highly desired for the management of anticoagulant-associated major bleeding in addition to maximum supportive care and procedural/surgical intervention. Unlike VKAs for which vitamin K and coagulation factor replacement with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) can restore hemostasis, there are no clinically available agents proven to reverse TSOAC anticoagulant effect and ameliorate TSOAC-related major bleeding. ⋯ Data are presented regarding specific reversal agents idarucizumab (dabigatran) and andexanet alfa (oral factor Xa inhibitors) currently being evaluated in clinical trials. A practical approach to management of patients with TSOAC-associated bleeding is also provided. There is an urgent need for clinical studies that evaluate the efficacy and safety of reversal strategies for TSOAC-related major bleeding with assessment of clinical outcomes such as bleeding and mortality.