A Review on the Use of Reversal Agents of Direct Oral Anticogulant Drugs in Case of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Author(s):  
Veronica Ojetti ◽  
Angela Saviano ◽  
Mattia Brigida ◽  
Luisa Saviano ◽  
Alessio Migneco ◽  
...  

Background : Major bleeding is a life-threatening condition and a medical emergency with high mortality risk. It is often the complication of anticoagulant’s intake. Anticoagulants are commonly used for the prevention and the treatment of thrombotic events. The standard therapy with vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) has been frequently replaced by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The latter agents (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, betrixaban) showed a better efficacy and safety compared to standard warfarin treatment and they are recommended for the reduction of ischemic stroke. Literature data reported a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with DOACs, in particular with dabigatran and rivaroxaban. In case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, these patients could benefit from the use of reversal agents. Methods: We performed an electronic search on PUBMED of the literature concerning reversal agents for DOACs and gastrointestinal bleeding in the Emergency Department from 2004 to 2020. AIM: This review summarizes the current evidences about three reversal agents idarucizumab, andexanet alfa and ciraparantag, and the use of the first two in the emergency setting in patients with an active major bleeding or who need urgent surgery to offer physicians indications for a better management approach in order to increase patient’s safety. Conclusion: Although these agents have been marketed for five years (idarucizumab) and two years (andexanet alfa) respectively, and despite guidelines considering antidotes as first-line agents in treating life-threatening hemorrhage when available, these antidotes seem to gain access very slowly in the clinical practice. Cost, logistical aspects and need for plasma level determination of DOAC for an accurate therapeutic use probably have an impact on this phenomenon.. An expert multidisciplinary bleeding team should be established so as to implement international guidelines based on local resources and organization.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 395-404
Author(s):  
Jameel Abdulrehman ◽  
John W Eikelboom ◽  
Deborah M Siegal

Direct oral anticoagulants are associated with lower rates of bleeding than vitamin K antagonists, but life-threatening bleeding still occurs. Andexanet alfa is a catalytically inactive recombinant modified human factor Xa molecule that reverses the anticoagulant effect of direct and indirect acting factor Xa inhibitors. In the ANNEXA-4 study, treatment with andexanet was associated with a 92% reduction in median anti-Xa activity levels and excellent or good hemostasis in 82% of patients presenting with serious bleeding while receiving apixaban or rivaroxaban. In this review, we discuss the burden of bleeding in anticoagulated patients and the need for reversal agents, review the mechanism of action of andexanet and critically evaluate the evidence for its efficacy and safety.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alok Dabi ◽  
Aristides P. Koutrouvelis

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new class of anticoagulants that directly inhibit either thrombin or factor Xa in the coagulation cascade. They are being increasingly used instead of warfarin or other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Adverse side effects of DOACs may result in hemorrhagic complications, including life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), though to a much lesser degree than VKAs. Currently there are relatively limited indications for DOACS but their usage is certain to expand with the availability of their respective specific reversal agents. Currently, only idarucizumab (antidote for dabigatran) has been United States Food and Drug Administration- (FDA-) approved, but others (andexanet-α and ciraparantag) may be approved in near future, and the development and availability of such reversal agents have the potential to dramatically change the current anticoagulant use by providing reversal of multiple oral anticoagulants. Until all the DOACs have FDA-approved reversal agents, the treatment of the dreaded side effects of bleeding is challenging. This article is an attempt to provide an overview of the management of hemorrhage, especially ICH, related to DOAC use.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. James Watson ◽  
Sara Zettervall ◽  
Matthew Hall ◽  
Michael Ganetsky

Direct oral anticoagulants are now commonplace, and reversal agents are recently becoming available. Andexanet alfa (AnXa), approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2018, is a novel decoy molecule that reverses factor Xa inhibitors in patients with major hemorrhage. We present a case of a 70-year-old man taking rivaroxaban with hemodynamic instability from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. He received AnXa prior to endovascular surgery, and intraoperatively he could not be heparinized for graft placement. Consideration should be given to the risks and benefits of AnXa administration in patients who require anticoagulation after hemorrhage has been controlled.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Li Wang ◽  
Chien-Hao Huang ◽  
Victor Chien-Chia Wu ◽  
Ya-Chi Huang ◽  
Hsiang-Sheng Wang ◽  
...  

Background: Patients with active peptic ulcer (PU) were excluded from direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) trials for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of DOACs in AF patients with active, inactive and no peptic ulcer (PU).Methods: This study accessed electronic medical records from January 1, 2009 to May 31, 2019 at a multi-center healthcare provider in Taiwan and involved 2,955 AF patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy ≤ 1 year before anticoagulation. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: active (n = 237), inactive (n = 828) and no-PU (n = 1,890) groups. We compared the risks of major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (IS/SE) between DOACs and warfarin among the 3 groups.Results: In the active PU group, there were no significant differences in the risks of major bleeding [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–4.98, p = 0.676], gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.08–4.98, p = 0.676) and IS/SE (HR = 2.58; 95% CI 0.53–12.70, p = 0.243) between DOAC and warfarin (as the reference). In the inactive PU group, there were no significant differences in the risks of major bleeding (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.09–1.39, p = 0.138), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.02–1.80, p = 0.153), and IS/SE (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.39–2.82, p = 0.934) between DOAC and warfarin (as the reference). In the no-PU group, DOACs were associated with lower risk of major bleeding (HR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.12–0.53, p < 0.001), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.01–0.59, p = 0.002), and similar risk of IS/SE (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.55–1.54, p = 0.757) compared to warfarin.Conclusions: DOACs were as effective as warfarin in preventing IS/SE irrespective of PU status and safer than warfarin in reducing major bleeding in the no-PU group. In patients with active or inactive PUs, DOAC and warfarin were not significantly different in their effects on major bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5268
Author(s):  
Clara Bonanad ◽  
Sergio García-Blas ◽  
Javier Torres Llergo ◽  
Rosa Fernández-Olmo ◽  
Pablo Díez-Villanueva ◽  
...  

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been demonstrated to be more effective and safer than vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta-analysis aims to assess the effect of DOACS vs. VKA in patients ≥ 80 and AF. Primary endpoints were stroke or systemic embolism and all-cause death. Secondary endpoints included major bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and gastrointestinal bleeding. A random-effects model was selected due to significant heterogeneity. A total of 147,067 patients from 16 studies were included, 71,913 (48.90%) treated with DOACs and 75,154 with VKA (51.10%). The stroke rate was significantly lower in DOACs group compared with warfarin group (Relative risk (RR): 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63–0.82; p < 0.001). All-cause mortality was significantly lower in DOACs group compared with warfarin group (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70–0.96; p = 0.012). Compared to warfarin, DOACs were not associated with reductions in major bleeding (RR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.69–1.04; p = 0.108) or gastrointestinal bleeding risk (RR: 1.08, 95% CI 0.76–1.53; p = 0.678) but a 43% reduction of intracranial bleeding (RR: 0.47, IC 95% 0.36–0.60; p < 0.001) was observed. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that DOACs are effective and safe with statistical superiority when compared with warfarin in octogenarians with AF.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
Kati Förster ◽  
Franziska Ebertz ◽  
Vera Gelbricht ◽  
Denise Röllig ◽  
Luise Tittl ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The most common side effect of oral anticoagulants are bleeding complications. In large trials, novel direct oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have been shown to reduce the risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin. However, little is known about the distribution pattern, management and outcome of NOAC-related bleeding complications in daily care. Patients and methods Using data from a large regional registry of patients treated with novel direct oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in the district of Saxony, Germany, we evaluated pattern and management of NOAC-related bleeding complications in daily care. In this ongoing registry, a network of 239 physicians enrols up to 2500 daily care NOAC patients who receive central prospective follow up (FU) by the registry office at day 30 day and quarterly thereafter to collect efficacy and safety data. All outcome events are centrally adjudicated using standard scientific definitions. Results Until July 31th 2013, 2249 patients were enrolled into the registry. Of these, 1738 (77.3%) patients received rivaroxaban, 356 (15.8%) received dabigatran and 155 (6.9%) received apixaban. During follow-up (2674.0 patient years), a total of 825 patients reported 1137 bleeding complications (59.1% minor, 33.9% non-major, clinically relevant (NMCR) and 6.9% major bleeding according to ISTH definition). For non-major bleedings, mucosal and skin bleeding were the most common bleeding sites (67.9% of all bleedings), followed by genitourinary (10.9%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (10.9%). For major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common manifestation (2.8%), followed by genito-urinary (0.6%) bleeding. In 93% of all bleeding events, treatment was not necessary or consisted of conservative treatment with compression, tamponade or red blood transfusion. Surgical or interventional treatment was reqired in 7.0% of all bleedings (0.0% of minor, 13.0% of NMCR and 38.0% of major bleedings). Prothrombin complex concentrate was used in 1.3% (24% of all major bleedings). No patient received recombinant factor VII. Bleeding-associated mortality was 0.5% for all and 7.5% for major bleeding. Of the six fatal bleedings observed, three were intracranial bleedings. Conclusion Bleeding complications are common in daily care NOAC patients and are usually managed conservatively. Only 7% of all observed bleedings fulfil the ISTH criteria of major bleeding (mainly for RBC transfusion criterion) and are managed using interventions, FFP or PCC. Overall, only few NOAC-associated bleeding complications in daily care are fatal, indicating that available management strategies are sufficient. For presentation at ASH, updated results including risk assessments will be reported. Disclosures: Werth: Bayer Healthcare: Honoraria. Beyer-Westendorf:Bayer Healthcare: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (04) ◽  
pp. 257-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edelgard Lindhoff-Last

SummaryThe worldwide increase in the aging population and the associated increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism as well as the widespread use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have resulted in an increase of the need for the management of bleeding complications and emergency operations in frail, elderly patients, in clinical practice. When severe bleeding occurs, general assessment should include evaluation of the bleeding site, onset and severity of bleeding, renal function, and concurrent medications with focus on anti-platelet drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). The last intake of the DOAC and its residual concentration are also relevant. The site of bleeding should be immediately localized, anticoagulation should be interrupted, and local measures to stop bleeding should be taken. In life-threatening bleeding or emergency operations immediate reversal of the antithrombotic effect may be indicated. If relevant residual DOAC-concentrations are expected and surgery cannot be postponed, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and/or a specific antidote should be given. While idarucizumab, the specific antidote for dabigatran, has been recently approved for clinical use, the recombinant factor X protein andexanet alfa, an antidote for the reversal of inhibitors of coagulation factor Xa, and ciraparantag, a universal antidote, are not available. Future cohort studies are necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of specific and unspecific reversal agents in “real-life” conditions. This was the rationale for introducing the RADOA-registry (RADOA: Reversal Agent use in patients treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants or vitamin K antagonists), a prospective non-interventional registry, which will evaluate the effects of specific and unspecific reversal agents in patients with life-threatening bleeding or emergency operations either treated with DOACs or vitamin K antagonists.


Author(s):  
Stephanie Truong ◽  
Chi Cong ◽  
Renee Weng

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the role of andexanet alfa as a reversal agent in the management of bleeding complications associated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Summary: Over the past several years, DOACs are increasingly being used in the management of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation or stroke prevention. Management of major bleeding in DOAC therapy includes supportive therapy and addressing any factors that are contributing to blood loss. Additionally, there may a need to expedite the removal of any anticoagulation effects by removing or neutralizing the anticoagulant. Until recently, there was no specific reversal agent for DOACs; management approaches were limited to util ©Wizing concentrated clotestern University oft Health Sciencesing factors or fresh frozen plasma. The FDA granted expedited approval of andexanet alfa as a specific reversal agent for the DOACs to meet this unmet need. Conclusion: In clinical trials, andexanet alfa demonstrated a significant reduction in anti-Xa activity in patients with a major bleeding event on apixaban or rivaroxaban. The clinical benefit of this anti-Xa activity reduction has yet to be demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. The current lack of randomized controlled trials demonstrating clinical benefit and the high cost of the drug has limited the widespread use of this antidote.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-36
Author(s):  
Emilija Lazarova Trajkovska

Bleeding is a common side effect of anticoagulant use. However, the majority of bleeding events are not life-threatening and can be managed conservatively. The first step in managing any significant bleeding event is to temporarily stop using the anticoagulant. The aim of this review was to determine the appropriate management strategy for an acutely bleeding patient on DOACs.  Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now widely used in treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and are recommended first-line over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in non-cancer associated VTE. Until recently, supportive measures and infusion of clotting factors were the only available options for reversal of DOACs. Within the last 4 years, approval of specific antidotes has led to hopes for improved outcomes in DOAC-related acute bleeding, however limitations remain including cost, availability and "real-world" data. In severe and life-threatening bleeding events, use of non-specific (e.g. PCC) or specific (e.g. idarucizumab, andexanet alpha) reversal agents are recommended. However, further data is needed to compare outcomes between these two management strategies and identify the cost-effectiveness of these various strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2924
Author(s):  
Domenico Acanfora ◽  
Marco Matteo Ciccone ◽  
Valentina Carlomagno ◽  
Pietro Scicchitano ◽  
Chiara Acanfora ◽  
...  

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents an independent risk factor for chronic AF and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with and without diabetes mellitus (DM), using a new risk index (RI) defined as: RI =Rate of EventsRate of Patients at Risk. In particular, an RI lower than 1 suggests a favorable treatment effect. We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The risk index (RI) was calculated in terms of efficacy (rate of stroke/systemic embolism (stroke SEE)/rate of patients with and without DM; rate of cardiovascular death/rate of patients with and without DM) and safety (rate of major bleeding/rate of patients with and without DM) outcomes. AF patients with DM (n = 22,057) and 49,596 without DM were considered from pivotal trials. DM doubles the risk index for stroke/SEE, major bleeding (MB), and cardiovascular (CV) death. The RI for stroke/SEE, MB, and CV death was comparable in patients treated with warfarin or DOACs. The lowest RI was in DM patients treated with Rivaroxaban (stroke/SEE, RI = 0.08; CV death, RI = 0.13). The RIs for bleeding were higher in DM patients treated with Dabigatran (RI110 = 0.32; RI150 = 0.40). Our study is the first to use RI to homogenize the efficacy and safety data reported in the DOACs pivotal studies against warfarin in patients with and without DM. Anticoagulation therapy is effective and safe in DM patients. DOACs appear to have a better efficacy and safety profile than warfarin. The use of DOACs is a reasonable alternative to vitamin-K antagonists in AF patients with DM. The RI can be a reasonable tool to help clinicians choose between DOACs or warfarin in the peculiar set of AF patients with DM.


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