Effect of desmopressin on hematoma expansion in antiplatelet-associated intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent and future advances in intracerebral hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is defined by the rupture of a cerebral blood vessel and the entry of blood into the brain parenchyma. With a global incidence of around 3.5 million, ICH accounts for almost 30 % of all new strokes worldwide. It is also the deadliest form of acute stroke and survivors are at risk of poor functional outcome. The pathophysiology of ICH is a dynamic process with key stages occurring at successive times: vessel rupture and initial bleeding; hematoma expansion, mechanical mass effect and secondary brain injury (peri-hematomal edema). While deep perforating vasculopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy are responsible for 80 % of ICH, a prompt diagnostic work-up, including advanced imaging is require to exclude a treatable cause. ICH is a neurological emergency and simple therapeutic measures such as blood pressure lowering and anticoagulant reversal should be implemented as early as possible as part of a bundle of care. Although ICH is still devoided of specific treatment, recent advances give hope for a cautious optimism. Therapeutic approaches under the scope are focusing on fighting against hemorrhage expansion, promoting hematoma evacuation by minimally invasive surgery, and reducing secondary brain injury. Among survivors, the global vascular risk is now better established, but optimal secondary prevention is still unclear and is based on an individual benefit-risk balance evaluation.

Association Between Prior Antiplatelet Therapy and Prognosis in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Approximately 20% to 30% of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients were reported to be on antiplatelet therapy (APT), and association between prior APT and prognosis was unclear. We aimed to clarify the impact of APT on the prognosis of ICH through an updated systematic review and meta-analysis, and to further compare the risk of single APT (SAPT) or dual APT (DAPT) prior to ICH as well as the risk associated with various antiplatelet drugs.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE via Ovid SP and Web of Science were searched from inception of each database to November 4, 2023. Included studies reported prognosis in both patients with prior APT and those without.

FINDINGS

A total of 433,103 patients from 43 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated a significant association between prior-APT and an increased mortality risk (odd ratio [OR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.59; OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.10-1.30, respectively). The risk was higher in short term follow-up (Univariate OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.22-2.46; Multivariate OR 1.94, 95%CI 1.48-2.55). A notably increased risk of hematoma expansion was also observed in patients previously treated with APT (Univariate OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.12-1.94; Multivariate OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.30-2.71), which were mainly attributed to events within 24 hours. The impact of prior-APT on poor functional outcome was inconsistent between univariate and multivariate analyses. Both direct and indirect comparisons showed that SAPT significantly reduced the risk of mortality (OR 0.67, 95%CI 0.64-0.70; OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.71-0.99) and poor functional outcome (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.72-0.98; OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.72-0.91) compared to DAPT.

IMPLICATIONS

Prior-APT increased the risk of mortality and hematoma expansion in patients with ICH. The increased risk of mortality and hematoma expansion was more obvious in the short term follow-up and within 24 hours, respectively. The effect of APT on poor functional outcome exhibited inconsistency between univariate and multivariate analyses, suggesting that further investigation is warranted to clarify this relationship. In comparison with DAPT, SAPT could decrease the risk of mortality and poor functional outcome. Further studies focusing on antiplatelet drug response, racial differences, and specific APT regimens may help verify the influence.

Potential clinical applications of current and future oral forms of desmopressin (Review)

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin and a selective vasopressin receptor 2 agonist. It was first synthesised in 1967 and utilised for its antidiuretic properties. It is also used in bleeding disorders to enhance clotting. Other potential uses of the drug have been reported. The present review aims to provide a broad overview of the literature on potential further uses of oral forms of desmopressin. Key therapeutic areas of interest were identified based on known physiological activities/targets of desmopressin or reports of an effect of desmopressin in the literature. The feasibility of adequate dosing with oral forms of the drug was also considered. Systematic literature searches were carried out using the silvi.ai software for the identified areas, and summaries of available papers were included in tables and discussed. The results of the searches showed that desmopressin has been investigated for its efficacy in a number of areas, including bleeding control, renal colic, the central nervous system and oncology. Evidence suggests that oral desmopressin may have the potential to be of clinical benefit for renal colic and bleeding control in particular. However, further research is needed to clarify its effect in these areas, including randomised controlled studies and studies specifically of oral formulations (and doses). Further research may also yield findings for cancer, cognition and overactive bladder.

P2Y12 inhibitor use predicts hematoma expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Hematoma expansion (HE) predicts disability and death after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Aspirin and anticoagulants have been associated with HE. We tested the hypothesis that P2Y12 inhibitors predict subsequent HE in patients. We explored laboratory measures of P2Y12 inhibition and dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin (DAPT).

METHODS

We prospectively identified patients with ICH. Platelet activity was measured with the VerifyNow-P2Y12 assay. Hematoma volumes for initial and follow-up CTs were calculated using a validated semi-automated technique. HE was defined as the difference between hematoma volumes on the initial and follow-up CT scans. Nonparametric statistics were performed with Kruskal-Wallis H, and correction for multiple comparisons performed with Dunn's test.

RESULTS

In 194 patients, 15 (7.7%) were known to take a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel in all but one). Patients taking a P2Y12 inhibitor had more HE compared to patients not taking a P2Y12 inhibitor (3.5 [1.2-11.9] vs. 0.1 [-0.8-1.4] mL, p = 0.004). Patients taking DAPT experienced the most HE (7.2 [2.6-13.8] vs. 0.0 [-1.0-1.1] mL, p = 0.04). The use of P2Y12 inhibitors was associated with less P2Y12 activity (178 [149-203] vs. 288 [246-319] P2Y12 reaction units, p = 0.005).

INTERPRETATION

Patients taking a P2Y12 inhibitor had more HE and less P2Y12 activity. The effect was most pronounced in patients on DAPT, suggesting a synergistic effect of P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin with respect to HE. Acute reversal of P2Y12 inhibitors in acute ICH requires further study.

Ultra-Early Hemostatic Therapy for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Updated Review

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the second most common type of stroke, accounting for approximately 10-20% of all strokes, and is linked to severe neurological disability and death. Since the most accurate predictor of outcome in patients with ICH is hematoma volume, there is a great need for pharmacologic therapy that can reduce hematoma expansion and resultant mass effect and edema. This is especially critical within the ultra-early window of 3-4 hours after the presentation. Hemostatic therapies are exceptionally important for those patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications to reverse the effects of these medications and therefore prevent hematoma expansion. Furthermore, the recent publication of the 2023 Guideline for the Management of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the first update to the guidelines since 2012, underscores the importance of optimizing anticoagulation reversal for this population. The purpose of this selective, nonsystematic review is to examine current literature regarding the use of hemostatic therapies in ICH, with particular attention paid to antiplatelet, anticoagulation, and antifibrinolytic therapies.

Desmopressin for patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage taking antiplatelet drugs (DASH): a UK-based, phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

The risk of death from spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage is increased for people taking antiplatelet drugs. We aimed to assess the feasibility of randomising patients on antiplatelet drug therapy with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage to desmopressin or placebo to reduce the antiplatelet drug effect.

METHODS

DASH was a phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre feasibility trial. Patients were recruited from ten acute stroke centres in the UK and were eligible if they had an intracerebral haemorrhage with stroke symptom onset within 24 h of randomisation, were aged 18 years or older, and were taking an antiplatelet drug. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to a single dose of intravenous desmopressin 20 μg or matching placebo. Treatment allocation was concealed from all staff and patients involved in the trial. The primary outcome was feasibility, which was measured as the number of eligible patients randomised and the proportion of eligible patients approached, and analysis was by intention to treat. The trial was prospectively registered with ISRCTN (reference ISRCTN67038373), and it is closed to recruitment.

FINDINGS

Between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022, 1380 potential participants were screened for eligibility. 176 (13%) participants were potentially eligible, of whom 57 (32%) were approached, and 54 (31%) consented and were subsequently recruited and randomly assigned to receive desmopressin (n=27) or placebo (n=27). The main reason for eligible patients not being recruited was the patient arriving out of hours (74 [61%] of 122 participants). The recruitment rate increased after the enrolment period was extended from 12 h to 24 h, but it was then impaired due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 54 participants included in the analysis (mean age 76·4 years [SD 11·3]), most were male (36 [67%]) and White (50 [93%]). 53 (98%) of 54 participants received all of their allocated treatment (one participant assigned desmopressin only received part of the infusion). No participants were lost to follow-up or withdrew from the trial. Death or dependency on others for daily activities at day 90 (modified Rankin Scale score >4) occurred in six (22%) of 27 participants in the desmopressin group and ten (37%) of 27 participants in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred in 12 (44%) participants in the desmopressin group and 13 (48%) participants in the placebo group. The most common adverse events were expansion of the haemorrhagic stroke (four [15%] of 27 participants in the desmopressin group and six [22%] of 27 participants in the placebo group) and pneumonia (one [4%] of 27 participants in the desmopressin group and six [22%] of 27 participants in the placebo group).

INTERPRETATION

Our results show it is feasible to randomise patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage who are taking antiplatelet drugs to desmopressin or placebo. Our findings support the need for a definitive trial to determine if desmopressin improves outcomes in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage on antiplatelet drug therapy.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research.

Desmopressin as a hemostatic and blood sparing agent in bleeding disorders

Intranasal, subcutaneous, or intravenous desmopressin can be utilized to release von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII into circulation, enhance platelet adhesion and shorten bleeding time. Due to these properties, desmopressin can be effective in controlling bleeding in mild hemophilia A, certain subtypes of von Willebrand disease and in acute bleeding from uremia, end stage renal disease, and liver disease. Its use, however, can be complicated by hyponatremia and rarely arterial thrombotic events. While desmopressin has also been used as a prophylactic blood sparing agent in orthopedic, renal, and hepatic procedures, clinical studies have shown limited benefit in these settings. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence for desmopressin in primary hematologic disorders, discuss its mechanism of action and evaluate its utility as a hemostatic and blood sparing product in various bleeding conditions.

Intracerebral haemorrhage

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a dramatic condition caused by the rupture of a cerebral vessel and the entry of blood into the brain parenchyma. ICH is a major contributor to stroke-related mortality and dependency: only half of patients survive for 1 year after ICH, and patients who survive have sequelae that affect their quality of life. The incidence of ICH has increased in the past few decades with shifts in the underlying vessel disease over time as vascular prevention has improved and use of antithrombotic agents has increased. The pathophysiology of ICH is complex and encompasses mechanical mass effect, haematoma expansion and secondary injury. Identifying the causes of ICH and predicting the vital and functional outcome of patients and their long-term vascular risk have improved in the past decade; however, no specific treatment is available for ICH. ICH remains a medical emergency, with prevention of haematoma expansion as the key therapeutic target. After discharge, secondary prevention and management of vascular risk factors in patients remains challenging and is based on an individual benefit-risk balance evaluation.