Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej
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Isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT) is a frequent manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE), accounting for up to 50% cases of lower‑extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As compared with proximal DVT, IDDVT is more frequently associated with transient risk factors and less often occurs unprovoked or in the presence of permanent risk factors. IDDVT generally carries a significantly lower risk of proximal extension, post‑thrombotic syndrome, and recurrence than proximal DVT. ⋯ Recent results of the RIDTS (Rivaroxaban for the Treatment of Symptomatic Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis) randomized clinical trial with rivaroxaban further support the use of anticoagulant therapy for 3 months over shorter durations (eg, ≤6 weeks). In this review, we offer an updated overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical course of IDDVT, with a focus on the therapeutic management in light of current guideline recommendations and most recent evidence. We also present real‑life clinical cases of IDDVT with proposed therapeutic approaches, and highlight major challenges and gaps in this field.
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Jun 2023
ReviewDecoding the role of fatty acids and their metabolites in lung fibrosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and life‑threatening interstitial lung disease of familial or sporadic onset. The incidence and prevalence of IPF range from 0.09 to 1.3 and from 0.33 to 4.51 per 10 000 people, respectively. IPF has a poor prognosis, and death usually occurs within 2 to 5 years following the diagnosis due to secondary respiratory failure. ⋯ In addition, they have been associated with the development of a profibrotic phenotype of epithelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts / myofibroblasts contributing to their (trans)differentiation and production of the disease‑relevant mediators. Furthermore, strategies focusing on the correction of FA profiles in experimental models of lung fibrosis brought advances in understanding tissue scarring processes and contributed to the transition of new molecules into clinical development. This review highlights the role of FAs and their metabolites in IPF and provides evidence for therapeutic potential of lipidome manipulations in the treatment of this disease.
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Jun 2023
ReviewOral anticoagulation challenges and therapeutic dilemmas in the very elderly: to treat and how to treat octogenarians and nonagenarians?
The proportion of very elderly patients, namely octogenarians and nonagenarians, is expected to rise substantially over the next decades. This population is more prone to age‑dependent diseases associated with higher thromboembolic and bleeding risks. The very elderly are under‑represented in oral anticoagulation (OAC) clinical trials. ⋯ When prescribing OAC in this population, an individualized, yet holistic, approach accounting for comorbidities, comedications, altered physiological function, pharmacovigilance, frailty, compliance, and risk of falls is useful. However, given the limited randomized‑level evidence on OAC treatment in the very elderly, there are still pending questions. This review will discuss recent evidence, important practical aspects, and future directions for anticoagulation treatment in atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease in octogenarians and nonagenarians.
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · May 2023
ReviewHow to predict recurrent venous thromboembolism and bleeding? A review of recent advances and their implications.
After the first venous thromboembolism (VTE), anticoagulant treatment duration should be based on the balance between the risk of recurrence and bleeding. However, this decision is challenging on the individual level. Prediction models that accurately estimate these risks may help selecting patients that would benefit from either short or indefinite anticoagulant treatment. ⋯ Notably, these models are rarely used in clinical practice and none of them is incorporated in current guidelines due to insufficient accuracy or insufficient validation. Moreover, evidence supporting the value of implementing these models is still lacking. Before these models can be used in routine care, further refinement may be required, and their added value and feasibility should be proven in both management and implementation studies.
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · May 2023
ReviewHow to treat patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis: recent advances.
Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an unusual-site venous thromboembolism that includes portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis as well as the Budd-Chiari syndrome. SVT is a relatively rare disease (portal vein thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome are, respectively, the most and the least common presentations); roughly one‑third of the cases are detected incidentally, and liver cirrhosis and solid cancer represent the main risk factors. Once SVT is diagnosed, careful patient evaluation should be performed to assess the stage, grade, and extension of the thrombosis, as well as the risks and benefits of the anticoagulation regimen. ⋯ Data on the use of direct oral anticoagulants are increasing and promising. In selected patients and in specialized centers, interventional procedures may be considered in adjunction to anticoagulation in the cases of mesenteric or extensive SVT, intestinal ischemia, or in the patients whose condition deteriorates despite adequate anticoagulant therapy. In this narrative review, we summarize the available data regarding anticoagulation in patients with SVT, identify specific subgroups of patients who may achieve the greatest benefits from anticoagulant therapy, and provide practical advice for clinicians caring for these patients.