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Adding anti-clotting drugs to stroke care ineffective, clinical trial finds

A clinical trial led by Washington University School of Medicine found that two anti-coagulant drugs did not improve outcomes for patients who received vessel-clearing interventions after a blood clot in the brain. The study aimed to test whether adding these medications could prevent further clots, but results showed no benefit.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2024

Cleveland Clinic study adds to increasing evidence that sugar substitute erythritol raises cardiovascular risk

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that consuming foods with erythritol increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The artificial sweetener makes platelets more active, which can raise blood clot risks. This research adds to evidence that erythritol may not be as safe as previously thought.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 8, 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

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

Intravascular imaging significantly improves survival, safety, and outcomes in cardiovascular stenting procedures over conventional angiography

Using intravascular imaging to guide stent implantation significantly improves survival and reduces adverse cardiovascular events compared to angiography-guided PCI. The study found a 25% reduction in all-cause death, 45% reduction in cardiac death, and improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Time to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis before thrombectomy and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus thrombectomy demonstrates significant benefits over thrombectomy alone when administered within a short timeframe after symptom onset. This study, based on individual participant data from six randomized clinical trials, found IVT before thrombectomy to be time-dependent and statistically significant.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 7, 2024

Korea University researchers unveil benefits of perioperative radiotherapy for treating liver cancer with high recurrence risk

Korea University researchers found that perioperative radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates among HCC patients at high risk of recurrence. The study suggests that radiotherapy can reduce recurrence and improve survival in these patients, providing a significant adjuvant treatment option.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2024

Researchers examine accuracy of adult body weight estimates in the emergency department

A systematic review of 95 studies found that 3D camera system estimates, patient self-estimates, and the Lorenz method are accurate for estimating adult body weight. However, no method is foolproof, and alternative strategies should be available when patients are unable to provide an estimate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 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

Patients who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention do as well as non-smokers – unless they had smoked heavily

A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Genetics influence the risk of blood clots in oral contraceptive users

A new study from Uppsala University has found that women with a high genetic predisposition for blood clots are six times more likely to develop a blood clot during the first two years of using contraceptive pills. This knowledge could be used to identify women at risk and counsel them on alternative methods of contraception.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Knowing the genetic cause of high cholesterol predicts disease risk better than cholesterol levels alone, study finds

A Geisinger-led study found that knowing the genetic cause of high cholesterol increases heart disease risk more than having high cholesterol levels alone. The study used UK Biobank data and observed distinct differences in heart disease rates among participants with different genetic causes.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateSep 18, 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).

COVID-19 can trigger auto-immune disorders-related antibodies, causing thrombosis and other complications

A study published in NPJ Aging reveals that COVID-19 exacerbates production of auto-antibodies associated with blood clotting disorders and aging. Researchers found that severe COVID-19 cases display a significant age-related increase in auto-antibodies, which can lead to tissue injury and organ damage.

Pulmonary embolism deaths, disparities high despite advancements in care

A Michigan Medicine study found that pulmonary embolism death rates remained unchanged over the past decade, with higher mortality rates among men, Black patients, and those from rural areas. The study analyzed over 100,000 deaths related to pulmonary embolism between 2006 and 2019.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Researchers develop novel technology to quantify protein critical to blood clot formation through breath gas analysis

A team of investigators developed a novel technology to diagnose immunothrombosis, a major cause of morbidity among patients with sepsis or severe COVID-19. By measuring thrombin activity through breath gas, they can provide unprecedented knowledge of key enzymatic activity anywhere in the body.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on antithrombotic therapy in arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism in COVID-19

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2023

Infarction growth, penumbral consumption after reperfusion in COVID vaccine-naïve patients

A recent study found that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased infarct growth and ongoing tissue consumption even after successful reperfusion through angiography. This suggests a potentially aggressive clinical course for patients with COVID-19 and large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateMay 18, 2023

Coronary bioresorbable scaffolds nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents for heart disease patients

A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 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

New Family Heart Foundation study reveals systemic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary vascular disease and left heart disease are not mutually exclusive

A long-term analysis reveals that approximately one-third of CTEPH patients also have left heart disease, which can worsen breathing symptoms and requires more comprehensive diagnostic approaches. The study suggests that treatment options for both conditions may overlap, necessitating further research to find effective therapies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2023

The thrombosis paradox

A study by an international research team has found a mechanism that occurs in brown bears and paraplegics, preventing the formation of blood clots. The discovery could lead to new treatments for venous thromboembolism, a life-threatening condition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Risk of thrombotic events should not exclude transgender people from receiving hormone therapy, according to new guidance

Research suggests that withholding gender-affirming hormone therapy from transgender individuals may have negative mental and physical effects. A new study provides comprehensive guidance for assessing, managing, and treating venous thromboembolism in transgender patients receiving feminizing hormone therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEndocrine Practice·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2023