Identifying Predictors for Bleeding in Hospitalized Cancer Patients: A Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Bleeding and thrombosis are both major complications of hospitalization in cancer patients. We have previously shown that rate of inpatient venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 4% in a general oncology population (Patell et al, ASCO 2016). Concern regarding bleeding risk may reduce compliance with thromboprophylaxis. A better understanding of predictors of bleeding could optimize use of prophylaxis but there remain major knowledge gaps regarding risk factors for in-hospital bleeding in cancer patients. We assessed major and clinically relevant bleeding incidence and identified risk factors at admission associated with subsequent in-hospital bleeding risk in a cohort of hospitalized cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults admitted to general oncology floor at Cleveland Clinic from 2013-14 (n= 3466). Patients were excluded for bleeding on admission (108). Data collected included demographics, body mass index (BMI), cancer type, length of stay (LOS), use of anticoagulants and baseline laboratory values (+48 hours). Bleeding was assessed using the ISTH definitions of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding [Schulman 2005 and Decosus 2011]. Data were collected using an electronic query system of electronic health records. Reason for admission and all bleeding events were confirmed by manual chart review. Univariate risk factors were identified with logistic regression analysis. Multivariable risk factors were identified with stepwise logistic regression and confirmed with bootstrap analysis. Results are summarized as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The study population comprised 3,358 patients of whom 69 (2.1%) developed major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding during hospitalization. Median age was 62 (range, 19-98) years and 56% were male. Median length of stay (LOS) was 5 (range, 0-152) days. The majority of bleeding events were either gastrointestinal (N=30, 43%) or intracranial (N= 13, 19%). In univariate analysis, luminal gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (OR 4.2, CI 2.4-7.5, P<0.001), anemia as reason for admission (OR 9.1, CI 5.1-16.4, P<0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR 1.6, CI 1.0-2.6, P=0.046), leukocytosis (OR 2.1, CI 1.2-3.7,P=0.005), low hemoglobin (OR 3.2, CI 1.4-7.1 P=0.003), BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (OR 2.6, CI 1.1-5.94, P=0.018) and anticoagulant use on admission (OR 0.4, CI 0.3-0.8, P=0.004) were significantly associated with bleeding. In multivariable analysis, anemia as the reason for admission, primary cancer site, BMI>40, thrombocytopenia and low hemoglobin on admission remained predictive of bleeding (table 1). Conclusion: The incidence of major and clinically relevant bleeding in a large population of hospitalized cancer patients was about 2%, compared to incidence of inpatient VTE in a similar population of 4%. Risk factors at admission included type of cancer and morbid obesity. Improved prediction of bleeding risk can assist physicians in optimizing selection of thromboprophylaxis in this population that is also at increased risk of VTE. Disclosures Khorana: Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Leo: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Halozyme: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

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A Pilot Study in Cancer Patients with Central Venous Catheter Associated Deep Vein Thrombosis in Upper Extremity Treated with Rivaroxaban (Catheter 2)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.878.878 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 878-878 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gwynivere A Davies ◽

Alejandro Lazo-Langner ◽

Esteban Gandara ◽

Vicky Tagalakis ◽

Martha L Louzada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Venous Catheter ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Catheter Survival ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

Deep Vein

Abstract Introduction Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) represents up to 10% of cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is frequently associated with central venous catheter (CVC) placement in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. UEDVT may be treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) either as monotherapy or subsequently transitioned to warfarin as we have previously shown (Kovacs 2007). Whereas for non-cancer VTE rivaroxaban is at least as efficacious and safe as warfarin, the latter is problematic in cancer patients and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban have not been studied to date in this setting. In this study weevaluated thesafety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in the treatment of UEDVT secondary to CVC in patients with cancer. Methods We conducted a multicentre prospective cohort study at 3 centres in Canada between December 2012 and January 2016. We enrolled patients ≥18 years of age with active malignancy and symptomatic proximal UEDVT (axillary or more proximal) with or without pulmonary embolism (PE), associated with a CVC. Exclusion criteria included dialysis catheters, active bleeding, platelet count <75 x 109/L, creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, other anticoagulants, PE with hemodynamic instability, inability to infuse through the catheter after a trial of intraluminal thrombolytic therapy (tissue plasminogen activator,tPa), patients with acute leukemia, patients with multiple myeloma awaiting bone marrow transplant within 3 months, thrombosis involving the brachial,basilic or cephalic veins only, treatment for >7 days with other anticoagulant, need for dual antiplatelet therapy (recent stent), or concomitant use of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibitors. Primary objective was an estimate of the proportion of catheter survival at 3 months, defined as infusion failure that does not respond to 2 mg oftPa. Secondary objectives included recurrence of DVT, PE, major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) and death. All events were independently adjudicated. Patients were treated with rivaroxaban at a dose of 15 mgpo bid for 3 weeks, followed by 20 mgpo daily for 9 more weeks (minimum 12 weeks).tPa (oralteplase) for management of blocked lines was allowed. Patients were followed clinically for 12 weeks to assess for clinical events including recurrent DVT and/or PE, major bleeding and CRNMB, and by phone at 6 months. Results We included 70 patients (47[67%] women) with a mean age of 54.1 years. DVTs were diagnosed by ultrasound in 68 (97%) patients, and most commonly involved the subclavian (n=55, 79%) and axillary (n=49, 70%) veins, followed by the internal jugular, brachial, brachiocephalic and external jugular veins. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) were most common (n=54, 77%), followed by port-a-cathlines (n=16, 23%). Types of active malignancy included breast (n=29, 41%), colon (n=8, 11%), colorectal (n=5, 7%), rectal (n=3, 4%), prostate (n=1, 1%), and other (n=24, 34%). Catheter survival was 58.6% (95% CI 46.9 to 69.4) at 12 weeks and no catheters were removed due to thrombosis. Patients had their CVCs removed prior to the end of the study due to end of therapeutic need (n=20), infection (n=2), bleeding (n=2), kinking (n=2), patient preference (n=2), and death (n=1). The 3-month incidence rate of recurrent VTE was 1.43% (95% CI 0.25 to 7.66). There was 1 episode of recurrent VTE presenting as a fatal PE at 6 weeks. It was not known if the patient had a concurrent leg DVT at the time of the PE. There were no other deaths from any cause during the study. There were 11 bleeding events in 9 patients (12.85%, 95%CI 6.9 to 22.7), 6 major and 5 CRNMB (Figure 1). All bleeding events happened during the first 39 days of treatment. 7 patients discontinued anticoagulation during the study due to death (n=1), patient or clinician preference (n=5) and dermatological adverse reaction (n=1). Discussion In this study rivaroxaban showed promise in treating CVC-associated UEDVT in cancer patients, resulting in preserved CVC function. However, the bleeding rates and the occurrence of 1 death due to pulmonary embolism is concerning since we cannot exclude a causative role for the known UEDVT. Further studies are still required prior to recommending rivaroxaban in this setting. Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier curve for cumulative bleeding risk. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curve for cumulative bleeding risk. Disclosures Lazo-Langner: Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Tagalakis:Bayer: Honoraria. Louzada:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Kovacs:Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo Pharma: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding.

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Antithrombotic Treatment and Outcomes of Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in an International Prospective Registry: Results of 2-Year Follow-up

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.592.592 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 592-592

Author(s):

Walter Ageno ◽

Nicoletta Riva ◽

Sam Schulman ◽

Jan Beyer-Westendorf ◽

Soo-Mee Bang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Primary Analysis ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract Background: Little information is available on the long-term clinical outcome of patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). We aimed to assess incidence rates of bleeding, recurrence, and mortality in a large prospective cohort of SVT patients after a 2-year follow-up. Methods: Consecutive SVT patients were enrolled in a multicenter international registry, from 2008 to 2012. Information was gathered on baseline characteristics, risk factors and therapeutic strategies. Clinical outcomes (major bleeding; vascular events, defined as venous or arterial thrombosis, and mortality) during follow-up were collected and reviewed by a Central Adjudication Committee. Major bleeding was defined using the ISTH definition plus the need for hospitalization. The primary analysis was performed up to the first adjudicated major bleeding or thrombotic event. Results: 604 patients from 31 centers were enrolled in this study, 21 (3.5%) were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up duration was 2 years (IQR 1-2). Median age was 54 years (range 16-85); 62.6% were males. Most common risk factors were liver cirrhosis in 27.8% of patients and solid cancer in 22.3%. Portal vein was the most common site of thrombosis. 139 patients were not anticoagulated; 175 received parenteral anticoagulants only (median duration 5.8 months, IQR 3-12) and 290 were started on vitamin K antagonists (median duration 24 months, IQR 7-24). According to the primary analysis, 103 events occurred during follow-up: 35 major bleeding events (3.8/100 patient-years [pt-y]; 95%CI, 2.7-5.2), 2 of which were fatal bleeding, and 68 thrombotic events (7.3/100 pt-y; 95%CI 5.8-9.3), 9 of which were vascular deaths. All-cause mortality occurred in 106 patients (10.3/100 pt-y; 95% CI 8.5-12.5). The incidence of major bleeding events was 4.0/100 pt-y in patients on anticoagulant drugs and 3.4/100 pt-y in patients not receiving anticoagulants. The incidence of vascular events was 5.6/100 pt-y and 9.7/100 pt-y, respectively. Major bleeding and vascular event rates were highest in cirrhotic patients (10.0/100 pt-y and 11.3/100 pt-y, respectively), and lowest in the subgroup of non-malignant non-cirrhotic patients (1.8/100 pt-y and 5.6/100 pt-y, respectively). Conclusions: SVT patients have a non-negligible long-term risk of both bleeding and thrombotic events, but this risk varies according to the pathogenesis of SVT. Anticoagulant treatment is associated with a reduced incidence of thrombotic events without apparently resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. Funding: The study was funded by a grant from Pfizer Canada to ISTH Disclosures Ageno: Bayer Healthcare: Research Funding. Schulman:Bayer HealthCare: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Beyer-Westendorf:Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Boehringer: Honoraria, Research Funding.

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Safety of Anticoagulant Therapies for Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1178.1178 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 1178-1178 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Michael Streiff ◽

Dejan Milentijevic ◽

Keith McCrae ◽

Daniel Yannicelli ◽

Jonathan Fortier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Control Cohort ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Major Bleeding Events

Abstract Introduction: Anticoagulation is effective for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients, but it is also associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Previous clinical trials (e.g., CLOT and CATCH) of LMWH and warfarin for the treatment of VTE in cancer patients reported major bleeding in 3% to 6% of treated patients. The objective of this observational study was to compare the risk of major bleeding in cancer patients treated with anticoagulants for VTE in a real world setting. Methods: Medical and pharmacy claims from the Humana Database from 1/1/2013 to 05/31/2015 were analyzed. Newly diagnosed cancer patients with a first VTE diagnosis occurring after their first cancer diagnosis, and with ≥1 dispensing of an anticoagulant within 7 days after their VTE diagnosis, were selected. Based on the first anticoagulant received, patients were classified into one of the following cohorts: LMWH, warfarin, and rivaroxaban (other agents not included due to low utilization). Inverse probability of treatment weights based on propensity score were used to adjust for differences between treatment cohorts for the following comparisons: LMWH vs. rivaroxaban, LMWH vs. warfarin, and rivaroxaban vs. warfarin. Patients were followed up until the earliest event, either treatment non-persistence (gap > 60 days between the end of the days of supply of a dispensing and the start date of the next dispensing), or end of data availability. Major bleeding events were identified using validated criteria (Cunningham et al., 2011). Kaplan-Meier rates at 3 and 6 months and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of bleeding between different treatment cohorts. To better understand the risk of major bleeding in cancer patients unrelated to anticoagulation, a cohort of patients with cancer who did not have VTE and did not receive an anticoagulant was added as a control cohort. Results: A total of 2,428 patients (LMWH: n=660; warfarin: n=1,061; rivaroxaban: n=707) were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were well balanced among treatment cohorts. Median duration of therapy with LMWH was shorter than rivaroxaban (1.0 vs. 3.0 months, p<.0001) and warfarin (1.0 vs. 3.5 months, p<.0001). Rates of major bleeding for LMWH and rivaroxaban were 8.3% and 8.2%, respectively at 6 months with a hazard ratio (HRs [95% CI]) of 1.03 (0.64-1.65; Figure 1A). In the comparison between LMWH and warfarin cohorts, major bleeding rates were 8.5% and 8.6%, respectively at 6 months with hazard ratio (HRs [95% CI]) of 1.04 (0.69-1.57; Figure 1B). The risk of major bleeding was also similar for rivaroxaban and warfarin cohorts, 9.0% and 8.7%, respectively at 6 months with a hazard ratio (HR [95% CI]) of 1.01 (0.71-1.43; Figure 1C). For the control cohort of cancer patients without VTE and not receiving anticoagulation median follow-up was 5.6 months. Rates of major bleeding events for the control cohort were 2.6% and 4.2 % at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: This real world study of cancer patients treated for VTE found that the risk of major bleeding was similar for the 3 most widely prescribed anticoagulants in current clinical practice: LMWH, warfarin, and rivaroxaban. The observed rates of major bleeding were generally higher than what has been reported for LMWH and warfarin in the CLOT and CATCH trials. Patient characteristics such as older age (average age 73 years) could have contributed to the higher major bleeding rate seen in this study compared to the CLOT and CATCH trials, respectively. Figure 1 Rates of Major Bleeding Events LMWH vs. rivaroxaban cohorts Figure 1. Rates of Major Bleeding Events. / LMWH vs. rivaroxaban cohorts Figure 2 LMWH vs. warfarin cohorts Figure 2. LMWH vs. warfarin cohorts Figure 3 rivaroxaban vs. warfarin cohorts Figure 3. rivaroxaban vs. warfarin cohorts Disclosures Streiff: Portola: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Research Funding. Milentijevic:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment, Equity Ownership. McCrae:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Yannicelli:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fortier:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Nelson:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment, Equity Ownership. Laliberté:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Research Funding. Crivera:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Raritan, New Jersey: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lefebvre:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Research Funding. Schein:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Own in excess of $10,000 of J&J stock. Khorana:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Halozyme: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Leo: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

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Bleeding Risk in a Cohort of Ambulatory Cancer Patients Receiving Outpatient Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Venous Thrombosis Prevention

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-128831 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 709-709

Author(s):

Andrew B Wilks ◽

Daniel Douce ◽

Steven Ades ◽

Mary Cushman ◽

Neil A. Zakai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

High Risk ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Major Bleed ◽

Prophylactic Dose ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prophylactic Anticoagulation

Background: Recent clinical trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in cancer outpatients at high risk for thrombosis. Bleeding risk in these trials were approximately 2% over the first 6 months of therapy. For individual patients, the utility of prophylactic anticoagulation (AC) depends on an acceptable safety profile between bleeding and thrombosis. We investigated whether ambulatory cancer patients on contemporary cancer-directed therapies and prophylactic AC had an increased risk of major bleeds over the first 6 months of therapy. Methods: As part of a single-center prospective cohort study, we assessed consecutive ambulatory patients initiating cancer-directed treatment, risk-stratified these patients for VTE using the Khorana score and educated them about VTE. High risk patients (Khorana score ≥3) were offered prophylactic AC. Major bleeding events and minor bleeding events (based on ISTH standard definitions) were prospectively captured via billing code screening and confirmed by physician review of the medical record. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of developing a major bleed within 6 months in those who received prophylactic AC compared to those that did not. Results: A total of 1,210 patients were enrolled from October 2015 - June 2018, of which, 640 were women (52.9%). The most common cancers were gastrointestinal 270 (22%), lung 213 (18%), and breast 198 (16%). There were 393 patients (32%) with a Khorana score of 0, 706 (58%) with a Khorana score of 1-2, and 111 (9%) with a score of ≥3. A total of 421 patients received any AC (LMWH or DOAC). Of these, 282 received a prophylactic dose anticoagulant and 139 were receiving a full dose anticoagulant prior to enrolling for other medical reasons. Prophylactic dose anticoagulants prescribed included apixaban in 107 (41%), rivaroxaban in 6 (2.3%), enoxaparin in 119 (45.7%), and other heparin products in 50 (19.2%). A total of 27 (2.33%) major bleeds and 22 (1.81%) minor bleeds occurred within the first 6 months of starting therapy. Of these bleeding events, 8 (2.8%) occurred in those on prophylactic AC, and 6 (4.3%) occurred in those on full dose AC. The odds ratio (OR) of developing a major bleed on any type of AC was 1.78 [CI 0.817-3.88]. The OR of major bleeding on prophylactic AC was 1.49 [CI 0.64-3.479]. The OR of major bleed was highest in lung cancer patients on prophylactic AC (OR 2.81, CI 1.27-6.25). Men, when compared to women, were more likely to bleed on prophylactic AC in the first six month (OR 0.2; CI 0.07-0.52). The OR for major bleed with each 1 year increase in age was 1.02 (CI 0.99, 1.06). The OR of bleeding with a high risk Khorana score (≥3) compared to a lower score was 1.04 (CI 0.73-1.50). Conclusion: During the first six months of therapy, prophylactic AC was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events in patients on cancer-directed therapy. In this study, the rate of major bleeding was similar as compared to published clinical trials. Neither age nor higher Khorana score were associated with an increased risk of major bleeds in patients on prophylactic AC. The finding that men, when compared to women, and patients with lung cancer may have an increased risk of major bleeding while on prophylactic AC and cancer-directed chemotherapy suggests these groups may warrant both increased education and monitoring to ensure safety while on prophylactic AC. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Risk factors for thromboembolic and bleeding events in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation: the prospective, multicentre observational PREvention oF thromboembolic events - European Registry in Atrial Fibrillation (PREFER in AF)

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022478 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e022478 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Miklos Rohla ◽

Thomas W Weiss ◽

Ladislav Pecen ◽

Giuseppe Patti ◽

Jolanta M Siller-Matula ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Thromboembolic Events ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Prevention Of Thromboembolic Events ◽

Major Bleeding Events ◽

Anticoagulated Patients ◽

European Registry

ObjectivesWe identified factors associated with thromboembolic and bleeding events in two contemporary cohorts of anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), treated with either vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs).DesignProspective, multicentre observational study.Setting461 centres in seven European countries.Participants5310 patients receiving a VKA (PREvention oF thromboembolic events - European Registry in Atrial Fibrillation (PREFER in AF), derivation cohort) and 3156 patients receiving a NOAC (PREFER in AF Prolongation, validation cohort) for stroke prevention in AF.Outcome measuresRisk factors for thromboembolic events (ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism) and major bleeding (gastrointestinal bleeding, intracerebral haemorrhage and other life-threatening bleeding).ResultsThe mean age of patients enrolled in the PREFER in AF registry was 72±10 years, 40% were female and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc Score was 3.5±1.7. The incidence of thromboembolic and major bleeding events was 2.34% (95% CI 1.93% to 2.74%) and 2.84% (95% CI 2.41% to 3.33%) after 1-year of follow-up, respectively.Abnormal liver function, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack, labile international normalised ratio (INR), concomitant therapy with antiplatelet or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heart failure and older age (≥75 years) were independently associated with both thromboembolic and major bleeding events.With the exception of unstable INR values, these risk factors were validated in patients treated with NOACs (PREFER in AF Prolongation Study, 72±9 years, 40% female, CHA2DS2-VASc 3.3±1.6). For each single point decrease on a modifiable bleeding risk scale we observed a 30% lower risk for major bleeding events (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.76, p<0.01) and a 28% lower rate of thromboembolic events (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.01).ConclusionAttending to modifiable risk factors is an important treatment target in anticoagulated AF patients to reduce thromboembolic and bleeding events. Initiation of anticoagulation in those at risk of stroke should not be prevented by elevated bleeding risk scores.

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The Bleeding Risk of Vitamin K Antagonists Hardly Increases after the Age of 80 Years: Data from a Large Real-Life Cohort Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.891.891 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 891-891 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hilde Kooistra ◽

Agneta Calf ◽

Margriet Piersma-Wichers ◽

Gerbrand Izaks ◽

Nic Veeger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Real Life ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Thrombotic Risk ◽

Bayer Healthcare ◽

Support Research

Introduction: Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe anticoagulants in the elderly, because of the increased bleeding risk. On the other hand, the potential benefit of anticoagulants also increases as the thrombotic risk rises as well. The BAFTA-trial demonstrated that patients over 75 years still benefit from vitamin K antagonists (VKA) use for atrial fibrillation, and the RIETE-study showed that patients over 80 years have a higher risk to die of recurrent thrombosis than of bleeding while on VKA. However, even in these studies the number of nonagenarians was low. Given the aging population, data on the real-life safety and efficacy of VKA in these very old patients are urgently needed. Aim: To determine the safety and efficacy of VKA in octogenarians and nonagenarians compared to septuagenarians. Methods: We selected all nonagenarians from a consecutive cohort of 26,089 patients treated with VKA at Certe Thrombosis Service Groningen (2009-2012). Subsequently, every nonagenarian was randomly matched with one septuagenarian and one octogenarian. The primary endpoint was bleeding events (clinically relevant non-major and major). Secondary endpoints were thrombotic events, VKA related deaths, and quality of VKA control. All events were adjudicated by two experienced physicians who were unaware of age. The relation with age was analyzed in Cox regression models, septuagenarians being the reference group. Results: In total, 3313 patients were included. The 713 patients (22%) with at least one bleeding event had in total 986 clinically relevant and 64 major bleeding events (Table 1). The bleeding risk of the octogenarians (HR 1.07; CI 0.89-1.27) was comparable with the septuagenarians. Nonagenarians had a mildly increased risk (HR 1.26; CI 1.05-1.50), and a non-significantly higher risk of major bleeding (HR 1.20; CI 0.65-2.22) and fatal bleeding (HR 1.32; 0.58-3.01). The outcomes of the analyses in the inception cohort did not differ essentially from the main analyses. The risk to develop a thrombosis was higher in the nonagenarians (HR 2.14; CI 1.22-3.75) and octogenarians (HR 1.75; CI 1.002-3.05), and this was even more pronounced in the inception cohort (HR 5.57; CI 1.22-25.4 and HR 5.00;CI 1.10-22.8, respectively). The risk of thrombosis related death was also increased in the nonagenarians (HR 4.53; CI 1.94-10.5). The control of individual time in the therapeutic range and variability became significantly poorer with rising age (Table 1). Interestingly, the time under and above the range remained well balanced. The increased bleeding risk of nonagenarians reduced from 1.26 to 1.16 (CI 0.96-1.39) after correction for VKA control. In contrast, the increased thrombotic risk was independent of VKA control. Thus, VKA users over 80 years probably had a relatively high baseline thrombotic risk compared to their bleeding risk. The number of thrombotic events (20) was comparable with the number of major bleeds (22) in the septuagenarians. However, the thrombotic events (32 and 33, respectively) outweighed the major bleeding rate (20 and 22, respectively) in the nonagenarians and octogenarians. Conclusion: In this real-life cohort study, the bleeding risk was not increased in octogenarians and only mildly increased in nonagenarians, compared to septuagenarians. Moreover, the thrombotic risk outweighed the bleeding risk in both octogenarians and nonagenarians. Therefore, any age, even above 90 years, should in itself not be a reason to withhold anticoagulants. Table 1. Clinical endpoints 70-79 years 80-89 years ≥ 90 years No. of patients 1104 1100 1109 Years of observation 2386 2264 1769 Total number of bleeds (major) 353 (22) 377 (22) 320 (20) - Skin 89 (0) 120 (0) 118 (1) - Nose 67 (0) 79 (0) 70 (0) - Urogenital tract 77 (0) 67 (1) 41 (1) - Gastrointestinal tract 59 (6) 59 (7) 54 (12) - Conjunctiva 18 (0) 17 (0) 15 (0) - Lung 10 (0) 15 (1) 11 (1) - Intracranial 11 (11) 10 (10) 5 (5) - Others 22 (5) 10 (3) 6 (0) Total number of thrombotic events 20 33 32 - Ischemic stroke 8 10 14 - Unspecified stroke 1 7 10 - VTE 1 0 2 - Myocardial infarction 10 16 6 Death, related to VKA treatment 18 18 36 - Due to bleeding 11 12 12 - Due to thrombosis 7 6 24 Quality of VKA control - Mean time in the therapeutic range (%) 73.5 71.1 66.4 - Time above (%) 14.5 15.1 17.4 - Time below (%) 12.0 13.7 16.2 - Mean INR 2.93 2.90 2.93 - Variability 2.02 2.86 4.56 Disclosures Kooistra: Bayer Healthcare: Other: travel support. Piersma-Wichers:Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; Leo Pharma: Other: travel support; Boehringer Ingelheim: Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Speakers Bureau; Bayer Healthcare: Other: travel support. Meijer:Baxter: Other: travel support, Research Funding; Sanquin: Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bayer Healthcare: Other: travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Other: travel support.

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Safety of Weight-Adjusted Dosing of LMWH in Clinically Obese Cancer Patients with Venous Thromboembolism

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.882.882 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 882-882

Author(s):

Gillian Mount ◽

Michael J. Kovacs ◽

Alejandro Lazo-Langner ◽

Lenicio Siqueira ◽

Martha L Louzada

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Control Group ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Compression Ultrasound ◽

Bleeding Episodes

Abstract Background: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite this observation, obese patients are under-represented in anticoagulation safety trials. Current guidelines recommend patients with active malignancy and VTE to be treated with long-term low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), but it is unclear whether this practice is safe in obese cancer patients. Objectives: We hypothesized there would be an increased risk of major or clinically significant non-major bleeding in obese cancer patients receiving long-term, actual weight-adjusted LMWH compared to non-obese patients with cancer- associated VTE. Methods: We conducted a single centre retrospective cohort study of obese cancer patients referred to our thrombosis clinic from January 2010 to December 2015. We included all obese cancer patients assessed at the Thrombosis unit who received anticoagulation with LMWH. Obesity was defined as weight above 90 Kg or BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more. The obese patients' data was compared to a non-obese control group of patients with active malignancy treated with LMWH. Major bleeding was defined as a hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L; clinically overt bleeding; bleeding requiring 2 units or more of packed red blood cells; a hemorrhage requiring permanent cessation of anti-coagulation; or any retroperitoneal or intracranial hemorrhage. Diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis was confirmed when compression ultrasound of the lower extremities showed evidence of thrombus in the calf trifurcation or more proximal veins; or calf thrombosis associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). PE was confirmed when the ventilation-perfusion lung showed at least a large mismatched defect or CT pulmonary angiography demonstrated at least one segmental intra-luminal filling defect. Results: In total, 102 obese cancer patients and 81 non-obese cancer patients met our eligibility criteria. In the obese cohort, 43 (42%) were male, median age 64 (24-89), median weight 96.5 kg (67.3-158), and median BMI 33.7 kg/m2 (27.2-57). 90 (88%) patients had a solid tumour. Median dose of LMWH was 18,000 units (10,000 - 30,000): 78 (76%) were prescribed dalteparin and 22 (22%) tinzaparin. Median follow-up was 191 days (3 - 2622). Baseline characteristics of the control group were similar (Table 1). Total bleeding episodes were significantly different in the 2 groups: total bleeding events were 10 (9.8%) in the obese group (4 were under-dosed based on their weight) and 1 in the control group [RR=7.9; 95% CI (1.04 -60.76) p=0.046)]. Major bleeding events occurred in 6 (5.9%) obese and in none of the non-obese patients [RR=10.4; 95% CI (0.59 -181.05) p=0.11)]. Platelet counts were appropriate in all cases but one, where a non-major bleed occurred in an obese patient with a platelet count of 27. Recurrent VTE occurred in 8 (7.8%) obese and 4 control patients. In the obese cohort, 5 of those patients were receiving under-dosed LMWH based on their weight. There was no statistically significant difference regarding VTE recurrence risk in the obese and control groups [RR=1.59; 95% CI (0.50 -5.09) p=0.44)]. Interestingly, 31 of 96 obese patients (31%) with BMI 30 or above weighed less than 90 kg. Conclusions: Our findings differ from the available literature. In the CLOT trial, total and major bleeding episodes in the LMWH group occurred in 14% and 7%, respectively, with VTE recurrence of 9%. In comparison, our results demonstrate total and major bleeding episodes in our obese cancer patients on LMWH of 9.8% and 5.9%, respectively, with VTE recurrence of 7.8%. Total bleeding was statistically significant compared to a non-obese cancer population, however, limitations in sample size and event rate need to be taken into consideration when interpreting these results. Disclosures Kovacs: Daiichi Sankyo Pharma: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Lazo-Langner:Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding. Louzada:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria.

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Validation of the Ottawa Score in Cancer Patients with Venous Thromboembolism. the Predicare Cohort Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-129087 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 167-167 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Guy Meyer ◽

Celine Chapelle ◽

Philippe Girard ◽

Florian Scotté ◽

Anne Lamblin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Recurrent Vte ◽

Support Research

Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a difficult to treat condition in patients with cancer with a persisting risk of recurrent VTE during anticoagulant treatment with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Recent data suggest that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) are associated with a lower risk of recurrence but a higher risk of bleeding in these patients. Predicting the risk of recurrent VTE with LMWH may help to select the best treatment option. We conducted a prospective multicenter observational cohort study in cancer patients with VTE treated with tinzaparin for 6 months in order to validate the Ottawa score (NCT03099031) and search for additional risk of recurrent VTE. The Ottawa score is composed of 5 variables, female sex (+1), lung cancer (+1), breast cancer (-1) cancer stage 1 (-2) and previous DVT (+1). A score ≤0 is associated with a low risk of recurrent VTE. Methods Adult cancer patients with recent diagnosis of documented symptomatic or incidental VTE (deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) treated with tinzaparin for 6 months were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic VTE within the first 6 months of treatment with tinzaparin. Other endpoints were symptomatic recurrent VTE, major bleeding, heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), all-cause mortality within 3 and 6 months. All events were adjudicated by a Central Adjudication Committee. Time-to-event outcomes were estimated by the Kalbfleisch and Prentice method to take into account the competing risk of death. Cumulative incidences were presented with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). To validate the Ottawa score, the area under the curve (AUC) and its 95% CI were calculated on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis; the most discriminant cut-off was then determined by calculating the Youden index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify additional predictive factors of recurrent VTE to those included in the Ottawa score using the Fine and Gray method and adjusted on factors included in the Ottawa score. Hazard ratio and their 95% CI were calculated. Results A total of 409 patients were included and analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis; the median age was 68 years and 51% of patients were males. 60.4% of patients had a PE (with or without DVT) .64% received chemotherapy at inclusion or in the month before inclusion. Lung (31.3%) and digestive track (18.3%) cancers were the most common cancer types and 67.0% had stage IV cancers. According to Ottawa score, 58% of patients were classified at high clinical probability of recurrence (score ≥ 1). During the 6 months treatment period, 23 patients had a recurrent VTE, yielding a cumulative incidence of 6.1% (95% CI 4.0-9.3) with a median time for recurrent VTE of 33 days. The recurrence rate of VTE was estimated to 7.8% (95% CI 4.9-12.5) for patients classified at high risk of recurrence according to the Ottawa score (score ≥ 1) compared to 3.8% (95%CI 1.6-8.9) for other patients (Ottawa score < 1). AUC of the Ottawa score was 0.60 (95% CI 0.55-0.65). In multivariable analysis, none of the potential risk factors for recurrent VTE was significantly associated with recurrent VTE at 6 months. During the 6 months treatment period, 15 patients had a major bleeding and 2 patients experienced a HIT. At 3 and 6 months, 104 and 144 patients had died yielding a cumulative incidence of 26.1%, (95% CI 21.8-30.4) and 37.8% (95% CI 32.8-42.9), respectively. The main cause of death was underlying cancer. Conclusion In this prospective cohort of patients with cancer receiving LMWH for VTE, the Ottawa score did not accurately predict recurrent VTE. No other clinical predictor of recurrent VTE was identified in this study. Disclosures Meyer: Bayer: Other: travel support; LEO pharma: Other: travel support, Research Funding; SANOFI: Other: travel support, Research Funding; BMS-Pfizer: Other: travel support, Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding. Girard:Leo Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel support. Scotté:LEO Pharma A/S: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Tesaro: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; MSD: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pierre Fabre Oncology: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Lamblin:Leo Pharma: Employment. Laporte:Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Boston scientific: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Leo-Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MSD: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Is Anaemia Another Bleeding Risk in Cancer-Associated-Thrombosis?

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-136069 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 15-15

Author(s):

Nicolas Janus

Keyword(s):

Red Blood Cells ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Research Funding ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Risk Of Bleeding ◽

Definition Of ◽

Cancer Associated Thrombosis ◽

The Impact

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Anaemia is very common in cancer patients. However, the impact of anaemia in venous thromboembolic (VTE) patients on the risk of bleeding is not well-known. Consequently, the question of the impact of anaemia in cancer-associated-thrombosis (CAT) patients is important. METHODS: All the literature (PubMed) was reviewed about the potential links between cancer, CAT and anaemia. However, there were no dedicated studies on this topic. Furthermore, the WHO definition of anaemia was the one used in most of the publications RESULTS: Several studies investigated about all the risks of bleeding/VTE in atrial fibrillation and VTE patients, including anaemia. Most of them reported that anaemia exposed VTE patients to a higher risk of bleeding. The COMMANDER study, evaluated the influence of anaemia in VTE patients and reported that VTE patients with mild and moderate/severe anaemia had higher risk for major bleeding and that the risk for major bleeding increased according to the severity of anaemia. The RIETE (Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Tromboembólica) reported that anaemia was found in 57% of the patients with cancer and in 28% without cancer (odds ratio 3.46; 95% CI 3.33-3.60), exposing to a higher risk of major bleeding. The same registry reported also that in CAT patients, anaemia had a two-fold higher rate of major bleeding and fatal bleeding than CAT patients without anaemia. This link between anaemia and bleeding in cancer patients are multifactorial. Indeed, there are both quantitative and qualitative changes in red blood cells that could affect bleeding and thrombosis, as well as interactions of red blood cells with cellular and molecular components of the haemostatic system. Indeed, for example, low haematocrits are associated with bleeding. Finally, it is interesting to notice that there is a gap between the definition of anemia in CAT patients when compared to not CAT cancer patients. Indeed, WHO definition is quite common in VTE and CAT patients but EORTC/NCCN are used in cancer patients for several reasons. As a consequence, it could be important to align on this point. CONCLUSIONS: Anaemia, cancer and thrombosis are closely linked. It is important to screen and manage both anaemia in CAT patients because of the increased risk of bleeding. Consequently, it is important to consider this bleeding risk in CAT patients before initiating an anticoagulants treatment or prophylaxis in cancer patients. Disclosures Janus: Bayer:Honoraria, Research Funding;Pierre Fabre Oncology:Research Funding;Novartis:Honoraria;Gilead:Honoraria, Research Funding;Vifor Pharma:Honoraria, Research Funding;Fresenius Medical Care:Honoraria;Amgen:Honoraria, Research Funding;B-Braun:Honoraria;Guerbet:Research Funding;TEVA:Research Funding;IPSEN:Honoraria;Pfizer:Consultancy, Honoraria;Roche:Honoraria, Research Funding;Daichii-Sankyo:Honoraria, Research Funding;LEO Pharma A/S:Current Employment, Honoraria.

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Thrombotic and Bleeding Outcomes Following Perioperative Interruption of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation - a Comparative Analysis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-111698 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 1234-1234

Author(s):

Joseph R. Shaw ◽

Tinghua Zhang ◽

Gregoire Le Gal ◽

James Douketis ◽

Marc Carrier

Keyword(s):

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Chads2 Score ◽

High Bleeding Risk

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common disorder that will affect up to 5.6 million patients in the U.S. by 2050. Both direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), typically warfarin, are used for stroke prevention in AF and such patients frequently undergo invasive procedures requiring anticoagulant interruption. Temporary interruption of anticoagulants can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the form of thromboembolic and bleeding complications. DOACs have a short half-life and fast onset of action, thereby facilitating their perioperative management as compared to VKAs. Despite important differences in perioperative management and pharmacokinetics between DOACs and VKAs, there is a paucity of data comparing perioperative outcomes in DOAC and VKA-treated patients. Methods: We undertook a single-center, retrospective chart review that compared consecutive DOAC- or warfarin-treated patients with AF who underwent perioperative anticoagulant interruption for invasive procedures between January 2017 and March 2018. Perioperative warfarin interruption was done as per CHEST guidelines (Douketis et al. Chest 141,2 Suppl). Perioperative bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin was only used for patients with CHADS2 scores of 5-6 or in patients with stroke within the past 6 months. Perioperative interruption of DOACs was done as per Thrombosis Canada guidelines, with anticoagulation held for 3 half-lives prior to low bleeding risk procedures and 5 half-lives for high bleeding risk procedures. Primary outcomes included the 30-day post-operative thromboembolic and major bleeding rates. Secondary outcomes included the 30-day clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) andl mortality rates. Major bleeding and CRNMB were defined according to ISTH definitions. Procedural bleeding risk was defined as per Schulman et al (Circulation 2015; 132(3)). Outcome events were independently adjudicated by two investigators. Outcomes from patients on DOACs and VKAs were compared. Demographic data was analyzed on a per-patient basis, p-values were calculated using independent T-Test, Chi-Square/Fisher's Exact Test where appropriate. Outcome data was analyzed on a per-interruption basis. P-values for unadjusted and adjusted comparisons were calculated using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for correlation between multiple procedures on the same patients. Results: 325 DOAC patients and 199 warfarin patients underwent 351 and 221 periprocedural interruptions, respectively. Warfarin patients had a significantly higher mean age, CHADS2 score, and proportion with renal dysfunction (Table 1). There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day post-operative rates of thromboembolism, CRNMB, and overall mortality, but warfarin patients had a significantly higher rate of major bleeding (Table 2). This latter result remained statistically significant following multivariate logistic regression correction for age, CHADS2 score and level of renal dysfunction. All bleeding events occurred post-procedure, with major bleeding events occurring from post-operative day 1 to post-operative day 25. None of the warfarin patients with major bleeding received perioperative bridging; the mean international normalized ratio (INR) at the time of major bleeding was 3.3. Most major bleeding events (7/8) in the VKA arm were surgical, with a single non-surgical major-bleed (spontaneous ICH on post-operative day 15 following urological surgery). Conclusions: The perioperative interruption of warfarin was associated with a higher 30-day rate of major bleeding as compared with DOAC interruption. Re-initiation of warfarin should be done judiciously following high bleeding risk procedures, and close INR monitoring may be warranted. Disclosures Shaw: Portola Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Douketis:Janssen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Other: Advisory Board; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Consultancy, Other: Advisory Board, Research Funding; Portola: Other: Advisory Board; The Medicines Company: Other: Advisory Board; Daiichi-Sankyo: Other: Advisory Board; Biotie: Other: Advisory Board; Bayer: Other: Advisory Board; Sanofi: Consultancy, Other: Advisory Board; BMS: Other: Advisory Board; Astra-Zeneca: Other: Advisory Board. Carrier:Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Leo Pharma: Research Funding.

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