Application of a clinical decision rule and laboratory assays in pediatrics: Adult heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is rare among pediatric patients. The diagnosis of HIT depends upon clinical decision tools to assess its pretest probability, supported by laboratory evidence of anti-platelet factor 4 (anti-PF4)/heparin antibodies.

Aims: To compare the use of the 4Ts score clinical decision tool, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings between pediatric and adult patients with suspected HIT.

Rivaroxaban treatment among children with cancer-associated thromboembolism: Real-world data.

This is the first study examining real-life data of pediatric cancer patients treated with rivaroxaban. Children with thrombocytopenia and high bleeding risk were excluded from previous clinical trials. Data regarding the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in pediatric cancer-associated thrombosis are scarce.

The potential role of emicizumab prophylaxis in severe von Willebrand disease.

Background: Severe von Willebrand disease (VWD) may be associated with chronic joint damage and may require prophylactic therapy. Emicizumab is a humanized bispecific antibody, which mimics the function of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), and it has been approved for prophylaxis in hemophilia A.

Methods: This is the first study assessing the potential future role of emicizumab as an alternative prophylactic treatment in patients with severe VWD, based upon a thrombin generation (TG) ex vivo analysis.

Emicizumab treatment and monitoring in a paediatric cohort: real-world data.

Real-world data on emicizumab use and monitoring in paediatric severe haemophilia A (HA) patients are scarce. We therefore sought to evaluate safety, efficacy, and laboratory monitoring of emicizumab prophylaxis in a cohort of 40 children with severe HA, including 22 non-inhibitor patients and nine infants younger than one year. Bleeding, trauma, adverse events, and surgeries were documented during a median follow-up of 45 weeks.

Safety of cataract surgery in patients treated with the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification of cataract in patients taking new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Methods: In a prospective case series, consecutive patients on NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) who were referred for uncomplicated cataract surgery to the eye institute underwent a thorough ophthalmological and hematological evaluation. Rivaroxaban and apixaban anti-factor Xa tests, and diluted thrombin time for dabigatran, were used for monitoring anticoagulation levels in blood.