scholarly journals Patients' Satisfaction with Anticoagulant Treatment for Venous Thromboembolism

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
Roxanne Dault ◽  
Lucie Blais ◽  
Alain Vanasse ◽  
Paul Farand ◽  
Sylvie Perrault ◽  
...  

Background: Data on treatment expectation and perception towards vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are sparse.Methods: Prospective observational study including subjects admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of VTE and a prescription of VKA, DOAC, or a LMWH. Treatment expectations, convenience and satisfaction were assessed using the Perception of anticoagulant treatment questionnaire (PACT-Q) at baseline and at three months.Results: A total of 140 patients were included. Treatment expectations regarding ease of use and the ability to self-manage anticoagulation therapy were higher in patients on DOACs. However, overall treatment satisfaction scores were similar at three months between the groups.Conclusion: Patients with VTE who are prescribed an anticoagulant have different expectations at baseline, but appear to have similar treatment satisfaction regardless of the type of anticoagulant prescribed. 

Author(s):  
Margaret C. Fang ◽  
Alan S. Go ◽  
Priya A. Prasad ◽  
Jin-Wen Hsu ◽  
Dongjie Fan ◽  
...  

AbstractTreatment options for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) include warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Although DOACs are easier to administer than warfarin and do not require routine laboratory monitoring, few studies have directly assessed whether patients are more satisfied with DOACs. We surveyed adults from two large integrated health systems taking DOACs or warfarin for incident VTE occurring between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2018. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using the validated Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS), divided into the ACTS Burdens and ACTS Benefits scores; higher scores indicate greater satisfaction. Mean treatment satisfaction was compared using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. The effect size of the difference in means was calculated using a Cohen’s d (0.20 is considered a small effect and ≥ 0.80 is considered large). We surveyed 2217 patients, 969 taking DOACs and 1248 taking warfarin at the time of survey. Thirty-one point five percent of the cohort was aged ≥ 75 years and 43.1% were women. DOAC users were on average more satisfied with anticoagulant treatment, with higher adjusted mean ACTS Burdens (50.18 v. 48.01, p < 0.0001) and ACTS Benefits scores (10.21 v. 9.84, p = 0.046) for DOACs vs. warfarin, respectively. The magnitude of the difference was small (Cohen’s d of 0.29 for ACTS Burdens and 0.12 for ACTS Benefits). Patients taking DOACs for venous thromboembolism were on average more satisfied with anticoagulant treatment than were warfarin users, although the magnitude of the difference was small.


2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (01) ◽  
pp. 014-026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Schindewolf ◽  
Jeffrey Ian Weitz

AbstractTraditionally, venous thromboembolism (VTE) resulting from major transient risk factors (e.g., surgery or trauma) or a major persistent risk factor such as cancer, has been defined as being provoked, whereas unprovoked VTE encompasses events without an identifiable cause. These categorizations influence anticoagulant treatment duration; unlike VTE provoked by major transient risk factors, extended anticoagulation beyond 3 months is advised for patients with cancer or unprovoked VTE due to risk persistence after treatment cessation. However, some patients with VTE provoked by minor transient or minor persistent risk factors may also be candidates for extended anticoagulation therapy due to the continuing risk of recurrence. In patients who require extended therapy, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are effective but are associated with an increased risk of bleeding and various treatment burdens (e.g., anticoagulation monitoring and dose adjustment). Evaluations of extended VTE treatment with the less-burdensome direct oral anticoagulants such as apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban show that they are at least as safe and effective as VKAs in a broad range of patients. In addition, apixaban and rivaroxaban offer more than one dosing option, allowing tailoring of treatment to the patient's specific risk factor profile. Analysis of more granular definitions for risk factor groupings has also yielded vital information on the most appropriate strategies for the treatment of patients with specific risk factors, highlighting that extended anticoagulation treatment may benefit those with minor transient and persistent environmental and nonenvironmental risk factors who commonly receive shorter-duration therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-323
Author(s):  
Martín Ruiz Ortiz ◽  
Javier Muñiz ◽  
María Asunción Esteve-Pastor ◽  
Francisco Marín ◽  
Inmaculada Roldán ◽  
...  

Objective: To describe major events at follow up in octogenarian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to anticoagulant treatment: direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Methods: A total of 578 anticoagulated patients aged ≥80 years with AF were included in a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Basal features, embolic events (stroke and systemic embolism), severe bleedings, and all-cause mortality at follow up were investigated according to the anticoagulant treatment received. Results: Mean age was 84.0 ± 3.4 years, 56% were women. Direct oral anticoagulants were prescribed to 123 (21.3%) patients. Compared with 455 (78.7%) patients treated with VKAs, those treated with DOACs presented a lower frequency of permanent AF (52.9% vs 61.6%, P = .01), cancer history (4.9% vs 10.9%, P = .046), renal failure (21.1% vs 32.2%, P = .02), and left ventricular dysfunction (2.4% vs 8.0%, P = .03); and higher frequency of previous stroke (26.0% vs 16.6%, P = .02) and previous major bleeding (8.1% vs 3.6%, P = .03). There were no significant differences in Charlson, CHA2DS2VASc, nor HAS-BLED scores. At 3-year follow up, rates of embolic events, severe bleedings, and all-cause death (per 100 patients-year) were similar in both groups (DOACs vs VKAs): 0.34 vs 1.35 ( P = .15), 3.45 vs 4.41 ( P = .48), and 8.2 vs 11.0 ( P = .18), respectively, without significant differences after multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-1.93, P = .19; HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.44-1.76, P = .72 and HR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.53-1.33, P = .46, respectively). Conclusion: In this “real-world” registry, the differences in major events rates in octogenarians with AF were not statistically significant in those treated with DOACs versus VKAs.


Hematology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri Bounameaux ◽  
Arnaud Perrier

Abstract Treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism-often denominated together as venous thromboembolism (VTE)- consists of parenteral administration of heparin (usually low-molecular-weight heparin or alternatively unfractionated heparin or fondaparinux) overlapped and followed by oral vitamin K antagonists that are administered for a certain period (usually 3 to 12 months). Recommended or suggested durations differ according to guidelines. Practically, the clinical decision in an individual patient depends upon the estimated risks of VTE recurrence and treatment-induced bleeding. The risk of VTE recurrence is higher in idiopathic events (about 10% per year during the first two years and 3% per year thereafter) (odds ratio of 2.4, compared to secondary events); in male subjects (at least before the age of 60, with an odds ratio of 2–4); in patients with persistently elevated D-dimer level (odds ratio of 2.3, compared with normal level); and during the first two years after discontinuation of treatment. The annual risk of major bleeding on anticoagulant treatment vary largely in observational studies with figures of 2% to 29%, depending on the patient characteristics. The case-fatality rate is 8% (DVT), 12% (PE) for recurrent VTE, and about 10% for major bleed. These figures do not support long-term anticoagulant therapy, except in those patients exhibiting a very high risk of recurrence and/or a very low risk of bleeding. New therapeutic aspects might impact on the duration of anticoagulant therapy after a venous thromboembolic event. They include the possibility of pursuing anticoagulant treatment at a reduced INR after an initial period with an INR 2-3, and the advent of new, more specific and orally active anticoagulants. These features might modify the risk-benefit balance of extending anticoagulant therapy beyond the usual, limited duration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-49
Author(s):  
Michela  Giustozzi ◽  
Giancarlo Agnelli ◽  
Silvia Quattrocchi ◽  
Monica Acciarresi ◽  
Andrea Alberti ◽  
...  

Introduction and Objective: Even though the introduction of less cumbersome anticoagulant agents has improved, the rates ofoverall anticoagulant treatment in eligible patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remain to be defined. We aimed to assess the rates of and determinants for the use of anticoagulation treatment before stroke in patients with known AF since the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in clinical practice. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to an individual stroke unit, from September 2013 through July 2019, for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) with known AF before the event were included in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the use of anticoagulant treatment. Results: Overall, 155 patients with ischemic stroke/TIA and known AF were included in this study. Among 152 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score >1, 43 patients were not receiving any treatment, 47 patients were receiving antiplatelet agents, and the remaining 62 patients were on oral anticoagulants. Among 34 patients on DOAC, 13 were receiving a nonlabeled reduced dose and 18 out of 34 patients on vitamin K antagonists had an INR value <2 at the time of admission. Before stroke, only 34 out of 155 patients (21.9%) were adequately treated according to current guidelines. Previous stroke/TIA was the only independent predictor of the use of anticoagulant therapy. Conclusions: Only 21.9% of the patients hospitalized for a stroke or TIA with known AF before the event were adequately treated according to recent treatment guidelines. It is important to improve medical information about the risk of AF and the efficacy of anticoagulants in stroke prevention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 356-363
Author(s):  
Samantha M. Vogel ◽  
Leticia V. Smith ◽  
Evan J. Peterson

Objective: To review evidence behind anticoagulants in cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) with a focus on low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) and the role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Data Sources: PubMed was searched using terms “venous thromboembolism,” “cancer,” and “anticoagulation.” This search was restricted to clinical trials, meta-analyses, and subgroup analyses. Additional references were identified from reviewing literature citations. Study Selection: English-language prospective and retrospective studies assessing the efficacy and safety of LMWH and DOACs in patients with cancer. Data Analysis: Several trials were analyzed that compared anticoagulation therapies for prevention of recurrent VTE in patients with cancer. Many studies comparing LMWH and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) found nonsignificant differences between therapies. A single study demonstrated that LMWHs are superior to VKAs. This evidence supporting LMWH for long-term VTE treatment in patients with cancer is based on comparison to VKA, but results are limited by methodological issues, and the benefit of LMWH may be driven by poor control. Subanalyses of DOAC trials suggest these are equally or more effective as VKA in cancer, but this conclusion is underpowered. Conclusion: DOACs have the potential to bypass many challenges with traditional therapy. After analyzing the evidence available, we conclude that after careful consideration of risks and benefits, use of DOACs for VTE treatment are a reasonable option in patients with cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. bcr-2018-227663
Author(s):  
Shusuke Yagi ◽  
Seiichi Nishiyama ◽  
Toshio Abe ◽  
Masataka Sata

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by thromboembolic events including venous thromboembolism (VTE) in association with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The standard treatment of VTE historically consists of anticoagulation therapy with warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist. Recently, direct oral anticoagulants, including rivaroxaban have become available for the treatment of VTE. However, the choice of anticoagulant, and the duration of anticoagulation in patients with APS has not been determined yet due to lack of evidence. Here, we report a case of recurrent venous thrombosis after discontinuation of rivaroxaban therapy and avoiding sedentary lifestyle in a patient with APS. We suggest that indefinite anticoagulation therapy might be needed even in low-risk APS cases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 391-398
Author(s):  
Fabiana Lucà ◽  
Simona Giubilato ◽  
Stefania Angela Di Fusco ◽  
Angelo Leone ◽  
Stefano Poli ◽  
...  

Antithrombotic drugs, which include antiplatelets and anticoagulants, are effective in prevention and treatment of many cardiovascular disorders such as acute coronary syndromes, stroke, and venous thromboembolism and are among the drugs most commonly prescribed worldwide. The advent of direct oral anticoagulants, which are safer alternatives to vitamin K antagonists and do not require laboratory monitoring, has revolutionized the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. The combination of oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy is required in many conditions of great clinical impact such as the coexistence of atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease, with indication to percutaneous coronary intervention. However, strategies that combine anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies lead to a significant increase in bleeding rates and it is crucial to find the right combination in the single patient in order to optimize the ischemic and bleeding risk. The aim of this review is to explore the evidence and controversies regarding the optimal combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy through the consideration of past dogmas and new perspectives from recent clinical trials and to propose a tailored therapeutic approach, according to specific clinical scenarios and individual patient characteristics. In particular, we separately explored the clinical settings of stable and acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous revascularization in patients with atrial fibrillation.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (19) ◽  
pp. 2133-2142
Author(s):  
Saskia Middeldorp ◽  
Wessel Ganzevoort

Abstract One to 2 pregnant women in 1000 will experience venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy or postpartum. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, and deep vein thrombosis leads to maternal morbidity, with postthrombotic syndrome potentially diminishing quality of life for a woman’s lifetime. However, the evidence base for pregnancy-related VTE management remains weak. Evidence-based guideline recommendations are often extrapolated from nonpregnant women and thus weak or conditional, resulting in wide variation of practice. In women with suspected PE, the pregnancy-adapted YEARS algorithm is safe and efficient, rendering computed tomographic pulmonary angiography to rule out PE unnecessary in 39%. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in therapeutic doses is the treatment of choice during pregnancy, and anticoagulation (LMWH or vitamin K antagonists [VKAs]) should be continued until 6 weeks after delivery, with a 3-month minimum total duration. LMWH or VKA use does not preclude breastfeeding. Postpartum, direct oral anticoagulants are an option if a woman does not breastfeed and long-term use is intended. Management of delivery, including type of analgesia, requires a multidisciplinary approach and depends on local preferences and patient-specific conditions. Several options are possible, including waiting for spontaneous delivery with temporary LMWH interruption. Prophylaxis for recurrent VTE prevention in subsequent pregnancies is indicated in most women with a history of VTE.


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