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Older Americans are taking more medications, with 1 in 5 at risk for a major drug interaction

A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2026

Low-dose apixiban comparable to full dose for preventing VTE recurrence in patients with cancer

A new study has found that a lower dose of the blood-thinning medication apixaban is as effective as the full dose in preventing recurring blood clots in patients with active cancer. Patients who received the lower dose experienced fewer bleeding complications and similar VTE recurrence rates compared to those on the standard dose.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2025

Older patients can inadvertently be put at risk when they are taken off blood-thinning drugs

A study by University of Bath researchers found that stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not significantly affect the risk of major bleeding, but increases the risk of serious events like stroke and death. This highlights the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks of stopping anticoagulation therapy ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2025

Turkey vultures indicate rodenticide prevalence near Los Angeles, California, despite state-wide bans

A study published in the Journal of Raptor Research found that turkey vultures in southern California are still exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides, even with recent bans in place. The researchers recommend continued monitoring and adherence to legislation regarding rodenticide use.

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

U of M researchers find connection between blood protein and increased heart failure risk

A recent study published in Circulation found a correlation between lower levels of coagulation factor XI and an increased risk of heart failure. The research, conducted on two large community-based cohorts, also linked lower factor XI levels to a greater likelihood of atrial fibrillation and worse heart function.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Risk of clots, stroke from incorrect blood thinner dosing reduced using online dashboard

Researchers found that adopting an electronic patient management system for direct oral anticoagulants reduced off-label dosing by 8%, while also decreasing the rate of blood clots and strokes. The online dashboard, used at over 120 hospitals, highlights treatment optimization and improves patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2024

Most blood thinner dosing problems happen after initial prescription

A study by Michigan Medicine found that over- or under-dosing anticoagulants can result in serious health conditions, most often occurring after the initial prescription. The researchers evaluated five years of prescribing data and found that nearly 70% of alerts to off-label dosing occurred during a follow-up visit.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThrombosis and Haemostasis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

A new anticoagulant with no risk of bleeding

A new anticoagulant with on-demand reversible activity has been developed by a team from UNIGE and the University of Sydney. This breakthrough offers a more reliable and easier-to-use option for surgical procedures, reducing the risk of serious bleeding associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateApr 30, 2024

Tsetse fly protein provides anticoagulant with its own on-off switch

Researchers have developed a new anticoagulant with an on-off switch, providing rapid control of bleeding risks in surgery and blood clots. The supramolecular approach combines a tsetse fly protein with a synthetic peptide, allowing for the anticoagulant to be rapidly deactivated by introducing correctly matched strands of free PNA.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Scientists’ discovery could reduce dependence on animals for vital anti-blood clot drug

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Do’s and don'ts with direct oral anticoagulants

New research suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are less effective and safer in certain patient scenarios, such as those with mechanical heart valves or thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. DOACs should not be the standard treatment for all patients who need to treat or prevent blood clots.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Study supports use of reduced-dose of direct oral anticoagulants for many older adults with two or more chronic medical conditions

A nationwide study found a higher rate of bleeding with standard versus reduced-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in older nursing home residents. Reduced-dose DOACs are recommended for many older adults with multiple chronic medical conditions.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 7, 2023

Prediction of the risk of recurrence of venous thrombosis - validity of the Vienna Prediction Model confirmed

A large-scale clinical study confirms the validity of the Vienna Prediction Model in identifying low-risk patients with venous thromboembolism who may not require long-term blood thinning. The model's accuracy was found to be 5.2% after one year for patients with a low relapse risk, but adjustments were made to correct imprecision.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 4, 2023

Ultrasound scans by doctors in emergency departments to diagnose deep vein thrombosis halve patients’ stay and may help to reduce over-crowding

A study found that ultrasound scans performed by emergency physicians can nearly halve the time patients spend in emergency departments. This technology, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enables faster diagnoses and treatment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Catheter ablation in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

A new DNA drug to fight blood clots

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a DNA-based anticoagulant that has shown promising results in test mice and may be ready for human trials soon. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to existing medications, such as heparin, which can cause severe bleeding side effects.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2023

Venous thromboembolism associated with COVID-19: therapeutic management and long-term outcomes outlined

A new study by Arianna Anticoagulation Foundation suggests that patients with COVID-19-associated venous thromboembolism may not require prolonged anticoagulant therapy, with a limited duration of 3-6 months being adequate for most patients. The START2-COVID-VTE observational study found low rates of thrombotic recurrences in both groups.

SourceFondazione Arianna Anticoagulazione·JournalResearch and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis·TypeObservational study·DateMay 3, 2023

University of Cincinnati research provides valuable comparison of anticoagulant drugs

A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) drugs are more effective and cost-effective than low molecular weight heparin for treating cancer-associated thrombosis. The research compared the three DOACs with low molecular weight heparin using a computer model that simulated major...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2023

DOACs more effective, cost-effective compared to LMWH for cancer-associated thrombosis

A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2022

Screening for stroke risk can save lives and money

Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 9, 2022

Bivalirudin found to be safer and more effective than heparin for treating heart attack patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

A new study has shown that bivalirudin is a safer and more effective anticoagulant than heparin for treating heart attack patients. The trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduced death, major bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2022