BACKGROUND Although numerous studies have shown that anticoagulation of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly decreases the risk of stroke, anticoagulating critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) poses many challenges and the benefits have not been determined. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation in AF patients with sepsis. Ascertaining ...

Background—The rate of ischemic stroke associated with traditional risk factors for patients with atrial fibrillation has declined over the past 2 decades. Furthermore, new and potentially safer anticoagulants are on the horizon. Thus, the balance between risk factors for stroke and benefit of anticoagulation may be shifting. Methods and Results—The Markov state transition decision model was us...

Recognising prolonged seated immobility as a provoking factor in the development of venous thromboembolism can influence management including duration of anticoagulation therapy.

Many physicians and other providers attempt therapeutic warfarin oversight without regularly scheduled anticoagulation appointments. Studies show that the risk of major bleeding or thromboembolic events due to warfarin therapy is between 2 percent and 12 percent per year. Point-of-care anticoagulation devices are convenient for patients and physicians and allow for patient-focused anticoagulati...

OBJECTIVE Stroke-risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) can be significantly reduced by appropriate thromboembolic prophylaxis. However, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence estimates suggest that up to half of eligible patients with AF are not anticoagulated, with severe consequences for stroke prevention. We aimed to determine the outcome of an innovative Primary Care AF (PCAF) service...

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to the structured protocol. The question addressed was about the best time to restart anticoagulation in patients with intracranial bleed with a prosthetic valve in situ. This difficult clinical decision has to balance the risk of thromboembolism during the period that the anticoagulation was reversed and later withheld vs the risk ...

OBJECTIVE During continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) to replace renal function in acute kidney injury (AKI), anticoagulation of the filter is routinely required. A survival benefit for citrate has been reported, possibly due to reduced proinflammatory effects of the filter (bioincompatibility). We hypothesized that the type of anticoagulation modulates the immune response to, and cleara...

BACKGROUND The rate of ischemic stroke associated with traditional risk factors for patients with atrial fibrillation has declined over the past 2 decades. Furthermore, new and potentially safer anticoagulants are on the horizon. Thus, the balance between risk factors for stroke and benefit of anticoagulation may be shifting. METHODS AND RESULTS The Markov state transition decision model was ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis prevention after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is safe. Current guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation after cessation of hematoma growth. We aimed to evaluate nationwide trends in deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after ICH. METHODS In an analysis of the Premier database, we identified adult patients ...

Oral anticoagulation is an effective prophylactic or treatment measure for many indications (Baglin et al, 2005). Most patients on oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) take the drug warfarin. This article discusses how OAT is monitored, the factors affecting the stability and control of anticoagulation, and the importance of educating patients who are on OAT.