The American College of Chest Physicians has released the latest evidence-based guideline with updated recommendations for appropriate treatment of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Investigators found an incremental increase in risks from oral anticoagulants as kidney function decreased, highlighting the need for more research to better understand bleeding risk and net benefit of treatment in the CKD population.
Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the FDA has approved Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate capsules), an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Apixaban the only direct oral anticoagulant linked to lower adverse event rates than warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation across frailty levels
To compare the incidence of hospitalization for upper GI tract bleeding, researchers used US Medicare beneficiary files to identify a cohort of patients that were ≥30 years old who initiated oral anticoagulation therapy with apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or warfarin, with or without PPI cotherapy.
Although more research is needed, data suggest that the cardioprotective effect of direct oral anticoagulants may extend to patients with advanced CKD.
The FDA evaluated new information about the risk of serious bleeding associated with use of dabigatran (Pradaxa; Boehringer Ingelheim) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, and generics).
Treatment visits for use of anticoagulants are on an upward trend and driven largely by the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants, which tripled in use from 2013-2014.
