scholarly journals Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Retinal Artery Resistive Index Measurements with Bedside Ophthalmic Ultrasound in Pediatric Patients with Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (03) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nagehan Aslan ◽  
Dincer Yildizdas ◽  
Neslihan Ozcan ◽  
Ozden Ozgur Horoz ◽  
Gulen Gul Mert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Group ◽  
Resistive Index ◽  
Pseudotumor Cerebri ◽  
Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Opening Pressure ◽  
Retinal Artery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right

AbstractPseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is characterized by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) with no neuroradiological abnormalities. Ocular ultrasound has been in use to measure optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), and retinal artery Doppler indices have been used for indirect assessment of ICP by pediatric intensivists. Here, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of the lumbar puncture (LP) opening pressure with the ultrasonographic ONSD and retinal resistive index (RRI) measures in patients with PTCS. And we wanted to find an answer to the following question: Can ultrasonographic ONSD measures serve as a follow-up tool in patients with PTCS? A prospective, single-center, case–control study was performed by pediatric intensive care and pediatric neurology departments. A total of 7 patients with PTCS were evaluated as patient group and 15 healthy children were evaluated as control group. The mean age of patient group was 138.8 ± 43.7 months. The mean right ONSD was 6.7 ± 0.5 mm and the mean left ONSD was 6.7 ± 0.6 mm. The mean right RRI value was 0.73 ± 0.03 and the mean left RRI was 0.73 ± 0.09. For the patient group, ONSD and RRI values of both eyes were statistically significant higher values than for the control group. The mean LP opening pressure was 56.57 ± 16.36 cmH2O. We detected strong, positive, and statistically significant correlations between the LP opening pressure and ONSD baseline measures for both the right eye (r = 0.882, p = 0.009) and the left eye (r = 0.649, p = 0.004). There was no correlation between opening pressure in LP and RRI measurements. We detected a statistically significant decrease in the right ONSD and left ONSD values and visual analog scale scores at the third-month follow-up. Our study results demonstrate that ultrasonographic ONSD measurements can be used as a noninvasive tool for assessment of the ICP at first admission and can be used as a follow-up tool in PTSC patients.

Application of ImageJ software for quantification of Hand Joint Space Narrowing in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nui Nguyen Minh ◽  
Nga Phi Thi Nguyen ◽  
Chau Nguyen Ngoc ◽  
Tien Tran Duy ◽  
Thong Nguyen Huy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Joint Space Narrowing ◽  
Joint Space Width ◽  
Joint Space ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Imagej Software

Background: ImageJ software is used to quantify the joint space width (JSW) of hand and wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as in the healthy control group. Method: Forty-one RA patients and 31 healthy controls are included in this study. All of 72 participants underwent digital radiography of the bilateral hand and wrist, then all the images were opened by ImageJ software to measure the width of wrist and hand joint space (total 2160 joints). Joint space narrowing (JSN) was defined if the width was less than the mean - 2SD of the control group. Result: The mean JSW of all sites of wrist and hand joints of RA patients was significantly reduced as compared to those in the control group (p<0.001). There were 37/41 (90.24%) RA patients who had JSN in at least one joint in hand or wrist. In total, 70.89% of joints on the right and 68.46% of joints on the left wrist and hand had JSN. Conclusion: ImageJ software was simple and convenient , which helps rheumatologists quantify the width of joint space for diagnosis and follow-up in RA patients.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

Folia Medica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 928-931
Author(s):  
Kadir Soylemez ◽  
Fatih Temiz ◽  
Tahir Dalkiran ◽  
Yasar Kandur ◽  
Ergul Belge Kurutas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Systemic Involvement ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Henoch-Sch&ouml;nlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitic syndrome characterized by non-thrombocytopenic purpura, arthritis/arthralgia, abdominal pain, and glomerulonephritis. The pathogenesis of HSP has not been clearly identified. Oxidative damage has a role in the pathogenesis of most cases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate changes of oxidative stress by studying parameters like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in an attempt to identify the role of oxidative stress in HSP from another perspective. Materials and methods: This study enrolled 23 pediatric patients (ten girls and thirteen boys) diagnosed with HSP who were under follow-up at Sutcu Imam University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics between 2014 and 2016 and twenty healthy children as the control group. The parents of all subjects gave informed consent to participate in the study. In the HSP group, the beginning season of the illness and the systemic involvement during follow-up were determined. Blood specimens were obtained at presentation before any treatment was started. SOD, CAT activities, and MDA values in erythrocyte and plasma samples were compared between the patient group and the healthy children. Results: Twenty-three patients with HSP (13 males, 10 females) and 20 healthy children participated in this study. The mean age of the HSP cases was 8.21&plusmn;3.78 years (range 2-16 years) and of the controls was 8.6&plusmn;4.2 (range 3-14 years). The mean MDA value was 2.95&plusmn;0.71 nmol/ml in the patient group and 2.67&plusmn;0.66 nmol/ml in the control group (p=0.787). The mean level of the CAT enzyme was 1.32&plusmn;0.35 U/g Hb in the patient group and 7.8&plusmn;1.74 U/g Hb in the control group (p=0.001). The mean levels of the SOD enzyme were 3.06&plusmn;0.85 U/g Hb in the patient group and 0.97&plusmn;0.36 U/g Hb in the control group (p=0.001). Conclusions: Although high MDA levels support the role of lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of HSP, statistical significance was not reached owing to a limited number of our patients. The reduced CAT enzyme activity is consistent with the findings of previous reports. This finding supports the notion that oxidative stress can play a role in the pathogenesis of HSP. Keypoints: Our findings support the notion that oxidative stress can play a role in the pathogenesis of HSP.

scholarly journals Alexithymia in ankylosing spondylitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-350
Author(s):  
Deniz Karabıçak ◽  
Bilinç Doğruöz Karatekin ◽  
Afitap İçağasıoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on alexithymia. Patients and methods: In this study, a total of 55 AS patients (30 males, 25 females; mean age: 40±8 years; range, 21 to 57 years) who were under follow-up and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (31 males, 24 females; mean age: 38.9±8.5 years; range, 21 to 53 years) were included between March 2016 and August 2016. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were performed to assess both patient and control groups. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) were performed to assess AS patients. Results: The mean diagnosis time in the patient group was 5.18±4.32 (range, 1 to 18) years. Compared to the control group, depression scores were higher in the patient group and the alexithymic characteristics were significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between complaint duration and BASMI, BASFI, and ASQoL scores (p<0.01). In our study, alexithymia rate was significantly higher in women (p<0.05). Conclusion: As in all inflammatory chronic diseases, depression and anxiety are commonly seen in AS patients. Alexithymia of these patients should be considered carefully.

scholarly journals OP0147 MEASUREMENT OF FLOW VELOCITIES OF THE CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY IN PATIENTS WITH GIANT CELL ARTERITIS WITH VISUAL SYMPTOMS AND CONTROLS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 93.2-94
Author(s):  
L. C. Burg ◽  
P. Brossart ◽  
K. I. Reinking ◽  
R. P. Finger ◽  
C. Behning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Cell Arteritis ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Visual Field Loss ◽  
Central Retinal Artery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Visual Symptoms ◽  
Retinal Artery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Flow Velocities

Background:Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in patients aged 50 years and older.1Visual symptoms such as amaurosis, diplopia, temporary or permanent visual field loss secondary to optic nerve ischemia are common manifestations.2The value of vascular ultrasound of extra-ocular vessels in diagnosing GCA is well established.3However, the role of transocular ultrasound of the central retinal artery in GCA patients has not yet been established.Objectives:To identify changes in flow velocities of the central retinal artery in GCA patients with visual symptoms and controls with transocular high resolution ultrasound.Methods:Prospective analysis of GCA patients with visual symptoms and controls. Ultrasound of the central retinal artery was performed in 18 newly diagnosed consecutive GCA patients with visual symptoms (GCA-group) and 25 controls without ocular pathology. Visual symptoms included amaurosis, diplopia and temporary or permanent visual field loss. For each eye, peak systolic values (PS) and end diastolic values (ED) were recorded. Furthermore, the resistance index of each central retinal artery was measured.Results:Twenty-one of 36 eyes of 18 GCA patients were affected. Therefore 21 central retinal were measured. The control group consisted of 50 central retinal arteries of 25 eye-healthy individuals. The mean age and gender distribution of the GCA-group were 75.6 years (SD± 8.1) with eight females (44 %) and 67 years (SD± 8.9) with twelve females (48%) in the control group. The mean flow velocity of the central retinal artery was PS 12.2 cm/s (SD± 3.5) and ED 3.7 cm/s (SD± 1.2) in the GCA group and PS 14.4 cm/s (SD± 3.2) and ED 5.1 cm/s (SD± 1.6) in the control group. The mean RI was 0.9 (SD± 0.3) in the GCA group and 0.8 (SD± 0.3) in the control group. Mean reduction in flow velocity in the GCA-group was PS 2.1 cm/s (p= 0.039) and ED 1.4 (p= 0.0004) cm/s, while the RI was increased by 0.14 (p= 0.077). The results for PS and ED measurements were statistically significant, while the results for RI were not significant.Conclusion:In GCA patients with ocular symptoms, a reduction of flow velocities of the central retinal artery compared to the eye-healthy control group was found. Results for PS and ED were significant. There seems to be a trend for decreased flow velocities in coexistence with visual symptoms in patients with GCA.References:[1]Warrington KJ, Matteson EL. Management guidelines and outcome measures in giant cell arteritis (GCA). Clin Exp Rheumatol 2007;25:137–41.[2]Chean CS, Prior JA, Helliwell T, et al. Characteristics of patients with giant cell arteritis who experience visual symptoms. Rheumatol Int 2019;39:1789–96.[3]Dejaco C, Ramiro S, Duftner C, et al. EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practice. Ann Rheum Dis 2018;77:636–43Figure 1.Transocular ultrasound of an affected eye in giant cell arteritis with reduced flow velocities and increased resistance index.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Retinal vascular findings in patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 251584142110304
Author(s):  
Emre Aydemir ◽  
Alper Halil Bayat ◽  
Burak Ören ◽  
Halil Ibrahim Atesoglu ◽  
Yasin Şakir Göker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Fundus Photography ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fundus Fluorescein Angiography ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
Retinal Vascular Caliber ◽  
Retinal Artery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Gender ◽  
College Of Engineering

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the retinal vascular caliber of COVID-19 patients with that of healthy subjects. Methods: This was a prospective case–control study. Forty-six patients who had COVID-19 were successfully treated, and 38 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Fundus photography was taken using fundus fluorescein angiography (FA; Visucam 500; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). Retinal vascular caliber was analyzed with IVAN, a semi-automated retinal vascular analyzer (Nicole J. Ferrier, College of Engineering, Fundus Photography Reading Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA). Central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), and artery–vein ratio (AVR) were compared between groups. Results: The mean age was 37.8 ± 9.5 years in the COVID-19 group ( n = 46) and 40 ± 8 years in the control group ( n = 38) ( p = 0.45). The mean CRAE was 181.56 ± 6.40 in the COVID-19 group and 171.29 ± 15.06 in the control group ( p = 0.006). The mean CRVE was 226.34 ± 23.83 in the COVID-19 group and 210.94 ± 22.22 in the control group ( p = 0.044). AVR was 0.81 ± 0.09 in the COVID-19 group and 0.82 ± 0.13 in the control group ( p = 0.712). Conclusion: Patients who had COVID-19 have vasodilation in the retinal vascular structure after recovery. As they may be at risk of retinal vascular disease, COVID-19 patients must be followed after recovery.

scholarly journals OP0159 EFFICACY OF COMPREHENSIVE TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED HOME-BASED EXERCISE IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 100.3-100
Author(s):  
Y. Wang ◽  
X. Liu ◽  
Y. Shi ◽  
X. Ji ◽  
W. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Mean

Background:Clinical practice guidelines recommend that exercise is an essential component in the self-management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Attending supervised interventions requiring periodic medical center visits can be burdensome and patients may decline participation, whereas, effective home-based exercise interventions that do not need regular medical center visits are likely to be more accessible and acceptable for patients with AS. Recently, increasing evidences have been accumulated that the wearable devices could facilitate patients with inflammatory arthritis by giving exercise instructions and improving self-efficacy. Therefore, patients with AS may benefit from an effective technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention.Objectives:To investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention on disease activity in patients with AS.Methods:This study was a 16-week assessor-blinded, randomized, waiting-list controlled trial (ChiCTR1900024244). Patients with AS were randomly allocated to the home-based exercise intervention group and the waiting-list control group. A 16-week comprehensive exercise program consisting of a moderate intensity (64%-76% HRmax) aerobic training for 30min on 5 days/week and a functional training for 60min on 3 days/week was given to patients in the intervention group immediately after randomization, with 1.5h training sessions for two consecutive days by a study physical therapist at baseline and Week 8. The aerobic exercise intensity was controlled by a Mio FUSE Wristband with a smartphone application. The functional training consisted of the posture training, range of motion exercises, strength training, stability training and stretching exercises. Patients in control group received standard care during the 16-week follow-up and started to receive the exercise program at Week 16. The primary outcome was ASDAS at Week 16. The secondary outcomes were BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ASAS HI, peak oxygen uptake, body composition and muscle endurance tests. The mean difference between groups in change from baseline was analyzed with the analysis of covariance.Results:A total of 54 patients with AS were enrolled (26 in intervention group and 28 in control group) and 46 (85.2%) patients completed the 16-week follow-up. The mean difference of ASDAS between groups in change from baseline to 16-week follow-up was −0.2 (95% CI, −0.4 to 0.003, P = 0.032), and the mean change from baseline was -0.4 (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.2) in the intervention group vs -0.1 (95% CI, -0.3 to 0.01) in the control group, respectively. Significant between-group differences were found between groups for BASDAI (−0.5 [95% CI, −0.9 to −0.2], P = 0.004), BASMI (−0.7 [95% CI, −1.1 to −0.4], P <0.001), BASFI (−0.3 [95% CI, −0.6 to 0.01], P=0.035), peak oxygen uptake (2.7 [95% CI, 0.02 to 5.3] ml/kg/min, P=0.048) and extensor endurance test (17.8 [95% CI, 0.5 to 35.2]s, P=0.044) at Week 16. Between-group differences were detected in ASAS HI (−0.9 [95% CI, −1.7 to −0.1], P=0.030), body fat percentage (−1.0 [95% CI, −2.0 to −0.01] %, P=0.048) and visceral adipose tissue (−4.9 [95% CI, −8.5 to −1.4] cm2, P=0.008) at Week 8, but not at Week 16. No significant between-group differences were detected in the total lean mass, time up and go test and the flexor endurance test during the follow-up.Conclusion:Comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on disease activity, physical function, spinal mobility, aerobic capacity, and body composition as well as in improving fatigue and morning stiffness of patients with AS.References:[1]van der Heijde D, Ramiro S, Landewé R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:978–991.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Intrathecal treatment trial of rituximab in progressive MS

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (20) ◽  
pp. e1893-e1901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joakim Bergman ◽  
Joachim Burman ◽  
Jonathan D. Gilthorpe ◽  
Henrik Zetterberg ◽  
Elena Jiltsova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Intrathecal Administration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Csf Biomarkers ◽  
Ventricular Catheter ◽  
Frontal Horn ◽  
Severe Infections ◽  
Phase 1B ◽  
The Right

ObjectivesTo perform a phase 1b assessment of the safety and feasibility of intrathecally delivered rituximab as a treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) and to evaluate the effect of treatment on disability and CSF biomarkers during a 1-year follow-up period.MethodsThree doses of rituximab (25 mg with a 1-week interval) were administered in 23 patients with PMS via a ventricular catheter inserted into the right frontal horn and connected to a subcutaneous Ommaya reservoir. Follow-ups were performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.ResultsMild to moderate vertigo and nausea were common but temporary adverse events associated with intrathecal rituximab infusion, which was otherwise well tolerated. The only severe adverse event was a case of low-virulent bacterial meningitis that was treated effectively. Of 7 clinical assessments, only 1 showed statistically significant improvement 1 year after treatment. No treatment effect was observed during the follow-up period among 6 CSF biomarkers.ConclusionsIntrathecal administration of rituximab was well tolerated. However, it may involve a risk for injection-related infections. The lack of a control group precludes conclusions being drawn regarding treatment efficacy.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT01719159.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class IV evidence that intrathecal rituximab treatment is well tolerated and feasible in PMS but involves a risk of severe infections.

scholarly journals Predictive value of resistive index in graft survival after kidney transplant

2014 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saverio Forte ◽  
Pasquale Martino ◽  
Silvano Palazzo ◽  
Matteo Matera ◽  
Floriana Giangrande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graft Survival ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Roc Analysis ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Resistive Index ◽  
A Value ◽  
Calculated Parameter ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: The intrarenal resistance index (RI) is a calculated parameter for the assessment of the status of the graft during the follow-up ultrasound of the transplanted kidney. Currently it is still unclear the predictive value of RI, also in function of the time. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated the correlation between the RI and the graft survival (GS) and the overall survival (OS) after transplantation. We evaluated 268 patients transplanted between 2003 and 2011, the mean followup was 73 months (12-136). The RI was evaluated at 8 days, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. The ROC analysis was used to calculate the predictive value of RI and the Kaplan Mayer curves was used to evaluated the OS and PS. Results: The ROC analysis, correlated to the GS, identified a value of RI equal to 0.75 as a cut-off. All patients was stratified according to the RI at 8 days (RI ≤ 0,75: 212 vs RI &gt; 0.75: 56), at 6 months (RI ≤ 0.75: 237 vs RI &gt; 0.75: 31), at 1 year (RI ≤ 0.75: 229 vs RI &gt; 0.75: 39) and at 3 years (RI ≤ 0.75: 224 vs RI &gt; 0.75: 44). The RI showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in favor of those who had an RI ≤ 0.75 only at 8 days and at 6 moths (p = 0.0078 and p = 0.02 to 8 days to 6 months) on the GS. On the contrary, we observed that the RI estimated at 1 year and 3 years has not correlated with the GS. The same RI cut-off was correlate with PS after transplantation. We observed that there are no correlations between the RI and OS. Conclusions: The RI proved to be a good prognostic factor on survival organ when it was evaluated in the first months of follow- up after transplantation. This parameter does not appear, however, correlate with OS of the transplanted subject.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on Quality of Life (QOL) and Worry in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheida Jabalameli ◽  
Hamid Taher Neshat Doost ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Kajbaf ◽  
Hossein Molavi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Experimental Group

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders. It has been reported that psychological treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for patients with GAD. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effectiveness of CBT on Quality of Life (QOL) and worry in patients with GAD. A sample of 30 patients with GAD who had been referred to psychiatry offices in Isfahan, Iran were selected and assigned into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15) randomly.  The experimental group received CBT in 8 weekly sessions. All participants completed the World Health Organization Quality Of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) at pretest, posttest and follow up. The results of MANCOVA showed that the mean scores of QOL in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group at the posttest and follow up (P<0.05) and the mean scores of worry in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group at the posttest and follow up (P<0.05) It is concluded that CBT can be applied for the patients with GAD as a useful psychological treatment. In general, CBT can improve QOL and decrease worry in patients with GAD.

scholarly journals Management of Secondary Prevention in Venous Thromboembolism: Use of Reduced Doses of Rivaroxaban and Apixaban in Extended Therapy

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 16-17
Author(s):  
Desiree Campoy ◽  
Katia Flores ◽  
Gonzalo Artaza ◽  
César A Velasquez ◽  
Tania Canals ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Dose Reduction ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
The Mean ◽  
D Dimer

BACKGROUND After a standard anticoagulation period (3-6 months), the risk of venous thromboembolism recurrence (RVTER) needs to be considered. Such risk is higher in unprovoked events and patients with persistent risk factor. The increase of D-dimer (DD) levels during the therapy seems to be strongly associated to RVTER. The use of rivaroxaban 10 mg/day and apixaban 2.5mg/12h as an extended therapy (ET) after the standard anticoagulation period has been proven to be an effective strategy to prevent recurrence without increasing bleeding events. AIM To assess the effectiveness and safety of reduced doses of rivaroxaban and apixaban as ET in patients with RVTER and to compare their DD levels with those of a control group on anticoagulant therapy at a standard dose. METHODS From April 2016 to June 2020, we included patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) who received ET with rivaroxaban and apixaban with/at reduced doses. Dose reduction was performed following the clinical algorithm of our unit (Fig. 1). The DD values were determined using HemosIl D-Dimer HS-500 and the cut-off value was established at 500 µg/L DD levels were compared with a control group of 235 patients with VTE who received ET with standard doses of anticoagulation. DD levels were measured at the time of diagnosis (D1), initiation of treatment (D2) and 3 months after treatment (D3). RESULTS From a total of 116 patients (65.5% women), 77.6% (n=90) received rivaroxaban 10 mg/24h and 22.4% received apixaban 2.5 mg/12h as an ET. The mean duration of the initial anticoagulant therapy was 12 +/- 8.8 months. The mean DD value prior to the ET was 388 µg/L. In this group, 63.8% (n=74) was an unprovoked VTE and 17.2% (20) had hereditary thrombophilia. The mean of follow-up time was 6.9 +/- 8.3 months. No recurrences of VTE were observed during the follow-up and only one major bleeding event was reported in a high-bleeding risk patient. We observed a progressive decrease of DD levels from the VTE diagnosis to the last visit, with D1, D2, and D3 values of 987 µg/L ± 324, 388 µg/L ± 134, and 288 µg/L ± 98, respectively. There were no differences in d-dimer concentrations between patients with reduce doses of rivaroxaban or apixaban and the control group with standard doses (D1: 85.6% vs 81%, p =0.22; D2: 10.2% vs 8.0%, p =0.14; and D3: 9.1% vs 9.5%, p =0.18). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated that an ET strategy with reduced doses of rivaroxaban or apixaban is effective and safe. We did not observe significant differences in DD levels at follow-up compared to the control group receiving a standard dose of anticoagulation. Further studies are needed in order to select and standardize dose reduction criteria in secondary prevention. Figure 1 Disclosures Campoy: boehringer ingelheim: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Speakers Bureau. Sierra:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead-Kite: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Olivera:Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BAYER: Consultancy.

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