Rivaroxaban or apixaban in fragile patients with acute venous thromboembolism.

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in fragile patients (age ≥ 75 years and/or creatinine clearance [CrCl] levels ≤50 mL/min and/or body weight ≤50kg) with venous thromboembolism (VTE) have not been consistently compared.

Material And Methods: We used the RIETE database to compare the rates of the composite of VTE recurrences or major bleeding during anticoagulation in fragile patients with VTE, according to the use of rivaroxaban or apixaban for initial and long-term therapy.

Results: From January 2013 to October 2019, 36,889 patients were recruited, of whom 14,831 (40%) were fragile.

Does the COPD assessment test (CAT(TM)) questionnaire produce similar results when self- or interviewer administered?

Purpose: The COPD assessment test (CAT) is a questionnaire that assesses the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on health status, but some patients have difficulties filling it up by themselves. We examined whether the mode of administration of the Spanish version of CAT (self vs. interviewer) influences its scores and/or psychometric properties.