Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants and Potential Inconsistencies with FDA-Approved Dosing for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Real-World Analysis Across Nine US Healthcare Systems.

Background: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are recommended to reduce risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, DOAC dosing inconsistent with FDA-approved product labels is common and associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Objectives: Identify DOAC dosing inconsistent with FDA-approved product labels in ambulatory care patients with NVAF; identify variables associated with dosing lower and higher than label.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis in COVID-19 adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Early reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features describe a hypercoagulable state, and recent guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation for patients with COVID-19 with low-molecular-weight heparin, but this would be contraindicated in the presence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We address the key clinical question whether HIT is also present during COVID-19. We report 3 cases of thrombocytopenia with antiplatelet factor 4 antibodies among 16 intubated patients with COVID-19 with adult respiratory distress syndrome, a higher-than-expected incidence of 19%.

Low-Dose Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an important advancement for patients with end-stage heart failure. Left ventricular assist devices come with the risk of stroke and pump thrombosis, and to mitigate these risks, anticoagulation is given to these patients. With anticoagulation comes increased bleeding risk, and urgent reversal may be necessary.

Low-dose Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Warfarin-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage with INR Less Than 2.0.

Background: Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have become the first-line therapy for warfarin reversal in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage. Randomized, controlled studies comparing agents for warfarin reversal excluded patients with international normalized ratio (INR) <2, yet INR values of 1.6-1.

Implementation of a Simplistic Bivalirudin-Warfarin Transition Protocol Is Associated With Improved Achievement of INR Values Within the Therapeutic Range.

Background: Transition from bivalirudin to long-term warfarin therapy is often difficult to execute due to bivalirudin prolongation of the international normalized ratio (INR), and literature to help guide this transition is extremely limited.

Objective: To assess the transition from bivalirudin to warfarin after implementation of an institution-wide transition protocol.

Methods: In this retrospective quasiexperimental study, adult patients receiving bivalirudin directly followed by warfarin for nonprocedural systemic anticoagulation were evaluated to determine the frequency of successful transition to warfarin.

Key articles and guidelines in the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Significant numbers of patients undergo cardiac surgery worldwide each year. A large evidence base exists regarding the optimal pre-, intra-, and postoperative mediation management for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, valve replacements or repairs, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Prevention and treatment of perioperative arrhythmias, perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, prevention of thrombosis, and bleeding through proper management of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, and the use of pharmacotherapy to optimize both short- and long-term patient outcomes after cardiac surgery are the focus of this first compilation of guidelines and key articles in this patient population to be published in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice.

Association of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs with Q-T interval prolongation.

Purpose: The association of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs with Q-T interval prolongation is reviewed.

Summary: Prolongation of the Q-T interval can be of particular concern to practitioners when prescribing antidepressants and antipsychotics. Patients may be at a greater risk for developing fatal arrhythmias when taking many of these drugs.