Young-onset stroke complicating ulcerative colitis

A 16-year-old girl developed a proximal occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery during a flare-up of acute ulcerative colitis. Although mechanical thrombectomy led to successful middle cerebral artery recanalisation, she required an immediate second thrombectomy due to reocclusion of the same arterial segment. She developed a second ischaemic event 7 days later despite intravenous heparin infusion, later switched to low-molecular-weight heparin, and a third event after 3 days despite the addition of aspirin. We discuss stroke risks in people with inflammatory bowel disease and the uncertainties around anticoagulation and antiplatelet regimens in such cases.

Antithrombin III infusion improves anticoagulation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Purpose Achieving effective anticoagulation during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) without increasing the risk of hemorrhage remains challenging. The use of antithrombin III (AT-III) for this purpose has been examined, but studies have been limited to intermittent bolus dosing. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an institutionally developed AT-III continuous infusion protocol in neonates receiving ECMO for the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods In this single center, retrospective study, all neonates with a CDH who received ECMO support during the study period were included. Data on anticoagulation labs and therapy, life-threatening bleeding, and circuit changes were analyzed. Results Eleven patients were divided into two groups: patients with AT-III continuous infusion ( n = 5) and without ( n = 6). There were no differences in the gestational age ( p = 0.29), sex ( p = 1.00), ECMO duration ( p = 0.59), or initial AT-III levels ( p = 0.76) between groups. Patients in the AT-III infusion group had on average 18.5% higher AT-III levels ( p < 0.0001). Patients receiving continuous AT-III infusions spent a significantly higher percentage of ECMO time within the therapeutic range, measured using anti-Factor Xa levels (64.9±4.2% vs. 29.1±8.57%, p = 0.008), and required fewer changes to the heparin infusion rate (6.48±0.88 vs 2.38±0.36 changes/day changes/day, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed continuous infusion of AT-III did not increase the rate of intracranial or surgical bleeding ( p = 0.27). Conclusion AT-III as a continuous infusion in CDH neonates on ECMO provides a decreased need to modify heparin infusion and more consistent therapeutic anticoagulation without increasing the risk of life-threatening bleeding.

Heparin Effects on Serum Gonadotropins

Introduction Studies using lipid infusions to raise fatty acid levels require heparin to release lipoprotein lipase (LPL), thus calling into question the appropriate control infusion for this type of study: saline alone or saline plus heparin. We aimed to evaluate whether the addition of heparin alone, in doses needed to release LPL, would alter circulating free fatty acids (FFA) and/or affect gonadotropins. Materials and Methods This was a secondary analysis using combined data from eumenorrheic normal-weight women subjected to ‘control’ conditions in one of two separate studies. In one study, participants received saline alone (Group 1) as a control, and in the other study participants received saline alone and/or saline plus heparin (Groups 2-3) as a control. Both studies performed early follicular phase, frequent blood sampling. FSH and LH were compared across groups and in conditions with and without heparin. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the data. Results LH did not differ across any of the 3 groups. Estimated means (SE) for FSH differed between groups but this difference was marginal (p=0.05) after adjusting for AMH and unrelated to heparin infusion [Group 1: 4.47IU/L (SE 1.19), Group 2: 8.01IU/L (SE 1.14), Group 3: 7.94IU/L (SE 1.13)]. Conclusions Heparin does not exert major effects on gonadotropins when infused in quantities sufficient to release LPL. However, because it can release other vascular membrane bound proteins, heparin should be considered part of the control infusions in lipid infusion studies where increased FFA levels are the goal.

Abstract 1122‐000170: Stent Retrievers Utilization in Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Introduction : Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVT) are candidates for Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy (EMT) in cases of coma on presentation or clinical deterioration despite anticoagulation. We present two cases of CVT successfully treated with mechanical thrombectomy using Medtronic’s Solitaire Stent retriever. Methods : A retrospective review at a single center university hospital was performed for all cerebral venous sinus thrombosis case log from December 2018 to November 2020. Cases resistant to conventional medical therapy that underwent intrasinus stent retriever endovascular thrombectomy were noted. Results : Case 1: 26 year‐old male with a history of hypertension presented with 2 weeks of headaches, left sided numbness and blurriness of vision. Imaging revealed superior sagittal (SSS) and bilateral transverse sinus thrombosis. Patient was treated with heparin infusion and discharged home on oral apixaban. The following day he presented with new onset expressive aphasia. Imaging was unchanged. Due to worsening symptoms despite anticoagulation, Patient underwent mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever. Solitaire 6 × 40 mm stent was advanced and deployed through the microcatheter and retracted in the upper segment of posterior one third of SSS followed by alteplase infusion at 1 mg/hr (25 ml/hr) via Berenstein catheter for the next 36 hours. Intravenous heparin infusion was also started with aPTT goal 60–80. Cerebral angiogram was repeated two days later revealing successful recanalization of previously thrombosed SSS and bilateral transverse sinuses with significantly improved cerebral venous drainage. Patient was transitioned again to oral apixaban. Repeat CTA in 3 months showed significantly improved patency and recanalization. Case 2: A 42 year‐old male with history of ulcerative colitis presented with sudden onset right‐sided hemiparesis and hemisensory loss along with one month of headaches. Presenting NIHSS 14. Imaging revealed SSS thrombosis with thrombosis of the left transverse sinus complicated by left frontal intraparenchymal hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patient underwent mechanical thrombectomy of SSS using Solitaire 6 × 40mm stent retriever with distal aspiration resulting in improved flow. Clinical course was complicated by seizures and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intubation followed by tracheostomy and G‐tube placement which were eventually removed during recovery. Patient was treated with high intensity heparin during his hospitalization and eventually transitioned to apixaban. Work up revealed protein S deficiency. Serial CT angiograms at 6 and 11 months revealed resolution of CVT. NIHSS improved to 1 with mRS of 2. Conclusions : These cases imply that intra‐cerebrovenous sinus mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers may be considered in patients with continuing worsening despite optimal medical management.

Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Centrifugal Pump and Driving Devices of the OASSIST ECMO System: A Preclinical Evaluation in the Ovine Model

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides cardiopulmonary support for critically ill patients. Portable ECMO devices can be applied in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency conditions. We evaluated the safety and biocompatibility of a novel centrifugal pump and ECMO device of the OASSIST ECMO System (Jiangsu STMed Technologies Co., Suzhou, China) in a 168-h ovine ECMO model.Methods: The portable OASSIST ECMO system consists of the control console, the pump drive, and the disposable centrifugal pump. Ten healthy sheep were used to evaluate the OASSIST ECMO system. Five were supported on veno-venous ECMO and five on veno-arterial ECMO, each for 168 h. The systemic anticoagulation was achieved by continuous heparin infusion to maintain the activated clotting time (ACT) between 220 and 250 s. The rotary speed was set at 3,200–3,500 rpm. The ECMO configurations and ACT were recorded every 6 hours (h). The free hemoglobin (fHb), complete blood count, and coagulation action test were monitored, at the 6th h and every 24 h after the initiation of the ECMO. The dissection of the pump head and oxygenator were conducted to explore thrombosis.Results: Ten sheep successfully completed the study duration without device-related accidents. The pumps ran stably, and the ECMO flow ranged from 1.6 ± 0.1 to 2.0 ± 0.11 L/min in the V-V group, and from 1.8 ± 0.1 to 2.4 ± 0.14 L/min in the V-A group. The anticoagulation was well-performed. The ACT was maintained at 239.78 ± 36.31 s, no major bleeding or thrombosis was observed during the ECMO run or in the autopsy. 3/5 in the V-A group and 4/5 in the V-V group developed small thrombus in the bearing pedestal. No obvious thrombus formed in the oxygenator was observed. The hemolytic blood damage was not significant. The average fHb was 0.17 ± 0.12 g/L. Considering hemodilution, the hemoglobin, white blood cell, and platelets didn't reduce during the ECMO runs.Conclusions: The OASSIST ECMO system shows satisfactory safety and biocompatibility for the 168-h preclinical evaluation in the ovine model. The OASSIST ECMO system is promising to be applied in clinical conditions in the future.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for COVID-19 patients

During the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support could be considered as the rescue treatment from life threatening condition among severe COVID-19 patients who did not respond to mechanical ventilation. We propose that veno-venous ECMO should be considered if patient has persistence PaO2:FiO2 ratio lower than 100 mmHg after appropriate mechanical ventilator adjustment, muscle relaxant and prone position. During ECMO support, treatment against cytokine storm, including non-selective immune suppression with systemic steroid, or selective interleukin-6 inhibition and Janus Kinase inhibition should be considered. Heparin infusion is still the recommended anticoagulant to maintain activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) ratio range 1.5-2.0. The overall hospital mortality was comparable with respiratory failure patients, requiring ECMO support from other causes, which was reported about 37-50%. The decision to initiate ECMO could be depended on the individual hospital capacity and treatment availability.

Successful Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Embolism with Rescue Fibrinolysis in Young Patient with Homocystinemia - Case Report

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most frequently missed diagnosis in the urgent clinical department with serious consequences. Patients with unprovoked PE have increased risk of recurrent PE. Approximately 5 to 8% of PE patients have inherited thrombophilias. A solated homocystinemia is a rare cause of unprovoked acute pulmonary embolism. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent complications, costs and mortality and provide patient better quality of life. We are presenting a 42-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with the first episode of severe dyspnea and chest pain. She had no history of previous cardiovascular or respiratory disease and no history of previous pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Urgent echocardiography showed indirect signs of pulmonary embolism which was confirmed by the pulmonary artery CT angiography performed one day after the patient’s admission. After two days of heparin infusion, she developed a hemodynamic instability with cardiogenic shock and was treated successfully with fibrinolysis. After the clinical stabilization, she was put on the rivaroxaban therapy, which was recommended for additional six months. The thrombophilia profile was done two weeks after stopping the therapy with rivaroxaban. The thrombophilia panel came back positive for high levels of homocysteine (67 μmol/L), with other thrombophilia results within normal limits. The patient was stable during the follow-up period. Pulmonary embolism should be always suspected in younger patients with acute severe dyspnea even without provocable risk factors. High suspicion level and fast diagnosis are lifesaving. In younger patients presented with unprovoked pulmonary embolism, clinicians should consider inherited prothrombotic factors and homocystinemia as a potential cause. Rescue fibrinolysis is a lifesaving therapy in hemodynamic worsening in intermediate high-risk PE patients. A longer anticoagulation therapy should be considered in these cases with novel oral anticoagulants that are recommended as safer and superior therapy.

A COVID-19 patient with recurrent acute limb ischaemia despite two successive types of therapeutic dose anticoagulation and thrombolysis

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2, and its presentation ranges from mild upper respiratory illness to critical disease including acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan dysfunction. While it was initially believed to primarily target the respiratory system, numerous studies have demonstrated it to cause a hypercoagulable state that predisposes to arterial and venous thrombosis. We present a case where a patient with COVID-19 developed acute lower limb ischaemia due to arterial thrombosis in the setting of full-dose enoxaparin, followed by heparin infusion protocol. The patient developed recurrent ischaemia despite thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation, and eventually required open thrombectomy before making a full recovery.