Hamostaseologie
-
Septic thrombophlebitis (STP) is a complex, cross-disciplinary clinical condition that combines a localized infection with a neighboring venous thrombosis. STP can occur at several possible anatomic sites, such as dural sinuses, jugular vein (Lemierre syndrome), portal vein (pylephlebitis), and pelvic veins. Its high mortality in the preantibiotic era improved considerably with the introduction of modern antibiotics. ⋯ Recommendations on its indications, duration, and the agents of choice are mostly based on evidence derived from small observational studies. While all forms of STP pose similar challenges, future research may benefit from the distinction between bacteria-associated, virus-associated, and mycosis-associated thrombophlebitis. Addressing these gaps in evidence would enhance our ability to diagnose this condition and treat patients effectively.
-
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is causing a global pandemic of life-threatening multiorgan disease, called COVID-19. Accumulating evidence indicates that patients with COVID-19 are at significant risk of thromboembolic complications, mainly affecting the venous, but also the arterial vascular system. ⋯ In addition to a severe hypercoagulable state caused by systemic inflammation and viral endotheliitis, some patients with advanced COVID-19 may develop a coagulopathy, which meets established laboratory criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation, but is not typically associated with relevant bleeding. Similar to other medical societies, the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research has issued empirical recommendations on initiation, dosing, and duration of pharmacological VTE prophylaxis in COVID-19 patients.
-
Patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) suffer from an increased risk for thromboembolic events as well as for hemorrhages. High shear stress in the mechanical device results in acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS), characterized by a loss of high-molecular-weight multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF) leading to an increased bleeding risk. Onset of AVWS occurs within hours, persists during the whole period of mechanical support, and subsides rapidly after explantation. ⋯ Modest use of anticoagulants and a target-controlled therapy based on VWF parameters and other coagulation and platelet parameters are shown to be beneficial in this patient group. Persistent hemorrhages may be controlled with tranexamic acid and platelet concentrates. Prompt weaning from the device, when indicated, is the best therapeutic option to prevent recurrent bleeding.
-
Case Reports Meta Analysis
Lemierre Syndrome: Clinical Update and Protocol for a Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis.
Lemierre syndrome usually affects otherwise healthy adolescents or young adults and occurs at an overall rate of 1 to 10 cases per million person-years with an estimated fatality rate of 4 to 9%. Diagnostic criteria remain debated and include acute neck/head bacterial infection (often tonsillitis caused by anaerobes at high potential for sepsis and vascular invasion, notably Fusobacterium necrophorum) complicated by local vein thrombosis, usually involving the internal jugular vein, and systemic septic embolism. Medical treatment is based on antibiotic therapy with anaerobic coverage, anticoagulant drugs and supportive care in case of sepsis. ⋯ Finally, we summarize the study protocol of a proposed systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of the literature. Our ongoing work aims to investigate the risk of new thromboembolic events, major bleeding or death in patients diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome, and to better elucidate the role of anticoagulant therapy in this setting. This effort represents the starting point for an evidence-based treatment of Lemierre syndrome built on multinational interdisciplinary collaborative studies.
-
Recent findings require an update of previous recommendations for the perioperative use of Direct Oral AntiCoagulants (DOACs). A break in preoperative treatment of 24-96 hours is recommended based on the pharmacokinetic profiles of DOACs and depends on individual patient characteristics, their renal and possibly liver function, and their surgery-related risk of bleeding. In cases of renal or hepatic insufficiency, whether to extend the preoperative interruption of IIa- and Xa-inhibitors is a clinical decision that must be reached on an individual patient basis. ⋯ Non-adherence to medications is a worldwide problem that has dangerous and costly consequences. Present data suggest that persistence is the primary factor that supports adherence. Despite the adherence data presented in the DOACS approval studies (e.g., persistence in the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism has been reported to be between 94-99%), the first registries and meta-analyses provide sobering results regarding the incidence of persistence and the success rate of interventions designed to improve adherence with DOACs in cases of long-term usage.