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Fitzmaurice D, Fletcher K, Greenfield S, Jowett S, Ward A, Heneghan C, Knight E, Gardiner C, Roalfe A, Sun Y, Hardy P, McCahon D, Heritage G, Shackleford H, Hobbs FDR. Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in hospital and the community: a research programme including the ExACT RCT. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/pgfar08050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background
Deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, collectively known as venous thromboembolism when clots are formed in the venous circulation, are common disorders that are often unprovoked (i.e. there is no obvious reason for the clot occurring). Some people, after having an unprovoked clot, are at a high risk of developing another, or at risk of developing a secondary clot, most importantly in the lungs. Furthermore, in the long term, some patients will develop circulation problems known as post-thrombotic syndrome. The aim of this programme was to improve the understanding of both the prevention and the treatment of thrombosis in people at the highest risk of recurrence.
Objectives
To clarify if it is possible to identify those people at the highest risk of having a recurrent venous thromboembolism, and if it is possible to prevent this happening by giving anticoagulation treatment for longer. To clarify if it is possible to identify those people at the highest risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome. To document the current knowledge level about prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. To find what the barriers are to implementing measures to prevent venous thromboembolism. To find the most cost-effective means of treating venous thromboembolism.
Design
Mixed methods, comprising a randomised controlled trial, qualitative studies, cost-effectiveness analyses and questionnaire studies, including patient preferences.
Setting
UK general practices and hospitals, predominantly from the Midlands and Shropshire.
Participants
Adults attending participating anticoagulation clinics with a diagnosis of first unprovoked deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and health-care professionals, patients and other stakeholders who were involved in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism.
Intervention
Extended treatment with oral anticoagulation therapy (2 years) versus standard care (treatment with oral anticoagulation therapy for at least 3 months).
Results
Work package 1 demonstrated that extended anticoagulation for up to 2 years was clinically effective and cost-effective in reducing the incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism, with a small increase in the risk of bleeding. There was no difference in post-thrombotic syndrome incidence or severity, or quality of life, between those undergoing the extended treatment and those receiving the standard care. Work package 2 identified five common themes with regard to the prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis: communication, knowledge, role of primary care, education and training, and barriers to patient adherence. Work package 3 suggested that extended anticoagulation with novel oral anticoagulants was cost-effective only at the £20,000-per-quality-adjusted life-year level for a recurrence rate of between 17.5% and 22.5%, depending on drug acquisition costs, while identifying a strong patient preference for extended anticoagulation based on a fear of recurrent venous thromboembolism.
Limitations
The major limitation was the failure to reach the planned recruitment target for work package 1.
Conclusions
Extended anticoagulation with warfarin for a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism is clinically effective and cost-effective and is strongly preferred by patients to the alternative of not having treatment. There are significant barriers to the implementation of preventative measures for hospital-acquired thrombosis. Further research is required on identifying patients in whom it is safe to discontinue anticoagulation, and at what time point following a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism this should be done.
Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN73819751 and EudraCT 2101-022119-20.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 8, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fitzmaurice
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kate Fletcher
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sheila Greenfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sue Jowett
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alison Ward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carl Heneghan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Chris Gardiner
- Haemostasis Research Unit, Department of Haematology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Roalfe
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yongzhong Sun
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Pollyanna Hardy
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Deborah McCahon
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gail Heritage
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helen Shackleford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - FD Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Bradbury C, Buckley T, Sun YZ, Rose P, Fitzmaurice D. Patients with high levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) following at least three months of anticoagulation for unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) are at low risk of recurrent VTE-Results from the ExACT randomised controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2019; 17:100218. [PMID: 31891148 PMCID: PMC6933150 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is clinical need for a laboratory biomarker to identify patients who, following an unprovoked venous thrombosis (VTE), are at low VTE recurrence risk and can discontinue anticoagulation after a limited treatment duration (3-6 m). This secondary analysis of the ExACT study aimed to evaluate whether quantitation of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) could improve prediction of VTE recurrence risk. METHODS The ExACT study was a non-blinded, multicentre RCT comparing extended vs discontinued anticoagulation following a first unprovoked VTE. Adult patients were eligible if they had completed ≥3 months anticoagulation and remained anticoagulated. The primary outcome was time to first recurrent VTE from randomisation. Blood samples were taken at baseline and results correlated with clinical outcome over 2 years follow up. (Trial registration: ISRCTN:73819751 and EUDRACT:2101-022119-20). FINDINGS 281 patients were recruited, randomised (between July 2011 and February 2015) and followed up for 24 months (Male:Female 2:1, mean age 63). Of these, 273 patients were included in the final analysis. Blood samples were received at baseline for Full Blood Count(n = 216), d-dimers(n = 205) and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) quantitation by flow cytometry(n = 193). VTE recurrence was lower in the extended vs discontinued anticoagulation arms (5% vs 23%, HR 0.20(95%CI:0.09-0.46,p < 0.001)). Level of EPCs were lower in patients who later developed VTE recurrence (43.41 ± 7.69 cells/ml vs 87.1 ± 7.15 cells/ml, p = 0.02). Survival free from VTE recurrence was significantly improved in patients with EPCs ≥ 100 cells/ml vs EPCs < 100 cells/ml (HR 0.10(95%CI:0.01-0.75,p = 0.025)). INTERPRETATION If confirmed, EPC quantitation may represent a novel biomarker that identifies patients at low VTE recurrence risk who are suitable for limited duration anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bradbury
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
- University Hospitals Bristol, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | | | | | - Peter Rose
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, United Kingdom
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Bradbury C, Fletcher K, Sun Y, Heneghan C, Gardiner C, Roalfe A, Hardy P, McCahon D, Heritage G, Shackleford H, Hobbs FR, Fitzmaurice D. A randomised controlled trial of extended anticoagulation treatment versus standard treatment for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and post-thrombotic syndrome in patients being treated for a first episode of unprovoked VTE (the ExACT study). Br J Haematol 2019; 188:962-975. [PMID: 31713863 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is prevalent and impactful, with a risk of death, morbidity and recurrence. Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common consequence and associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). The ExACT study was a non-blinded, prospective, multicentred randomised controlled trial comparing extended versus limited duration anticoagulation following a first unprovoked VTE (proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). Adults were eligible if they had completed ≥3 months anticoagulation (remaining anticoagulated). The primary outcome was time to first recurrent VTE from randomisation. The secondary outcomes included PTS severity, bleeding, QoL and D-dimers. Two-hundred and eighty-one patients were recruited, randomised and followed up for 24 months (mean age 63, male:female 2:1). There was a significant reduction in recurrent VTE for patients receiving extended anticoagulation [2·75 vs. 13·54 events/100 patient years, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0·20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·09 to 0·46, P < 0·001)] with a non-significant increase in major bleeding [3·54 vs. 1·18 events/100 patient years, aHR 2·99 (95% CI: 0·81-11·05, P = 0·10)]. Outcomes of PTS and QoL were no different between groups. D-dimer results (on anticoagulation) did not predict VTE recurrence. In conclusion, extended anticoagulation reduced VTE recurrence but did not reduce PTS or improve QoL and was associated with a non-significant increase in bleeding. Results also suggest very limited clinical utility of D-dimer testing on anticoagulated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bradbury
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Fletcher
- Institute of Applied Health Research, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yongzhong Sun
- Institute of Applied Health Research, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Carl Heneghan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Gardiner
- Haemostasis Research Unit (HRU), Department of Haematology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Roalfe
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pollyanna Hardy
- Institute of Applied Health Research, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Debbie McCahon
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gail Heritage
- Institute of Applied Health Research, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helen Shackleford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fd Richard Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Fitzmaurice
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Sterne JA, Bodalia PN, Bryden PA, Davies PA, López-López JA, Okoli GN, Thom HH, Caldwell DM, Dias S, Eaton D, Higgins JP, Hollingworth W, Salisbury C, Savović J, Sofat R, Stephens-Boal A, Welton NJ, Hingorani AD. Oral anticoagulants for primary prevention, treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolic disease, and for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation: systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2018; 21:1-386. [PMID: 28279251 DOI: 10.3310/hta21090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Warfarin is effective for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), but anticoagulation is underused in clinical care. The risk of venous thromboembolic disease during hospitalisation can be reduced by low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH): warfarin is the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant for treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Warfarin-related bleeding is a major reason for hospitalisation for adverse drug effects. Warfarin is cheap but therapeutic monitoring increases treatment costs. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have more rapid onset and offset of action than warfarin, and more predictable dosing requirements. OBJECTIVE To determine the best oral anticoagulant/s for prevention of stroke in AF and for primary prevention, treatment and secondary prevention of VTE. DESIGN Four systematic reviews, network meta-analyses (NMAs) and cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of randomised controlled trials. SETTING Hospital (VTE primary prevention and acute treatment) and primary care/anticoagulation clinics (AF and VTE secondary prevention). PARTICIPANTS Patients eligible for anticoagulation with warfarin (stroke prevention in AF, acute treatment or secondary prevention of VTE) or LMWH (primary prevention of VTE). INTERVENTIONS NOACs, warfarin and LMWH, together with other interventions (antiplatelet therapy, placebo) evaluated in the evidence network. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Efficacy Stroke, symptomatic VTE, symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis and symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Safety Major bleeding, clinically relevant bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage. We also considered myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality and evaluated cost-effectiveness. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library, reference lists of published NMAs and trial registries. We searched MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library. The stroke prevention in AF review search was run on the 12 March 2014 and updated on 15 September 2014, and covered the period 2010 to September 2014. The search for the three reviews in VTE was run on the 19 March 2014, updated on 15 September 2014, and covered the period 2008 to September 2014. REVIEW METHODS Two reviewers screened search results, extracted and checked data, and assessed risk of bias. For each outcome we conducted standard meta-analysis and NMA. We evaluated cost-effectiveness using discrete-time Markov models. RESULTS Apixaban (Eliquis®, Bristol-Myers Squibb, USA; Pfizer, USA) [5 mg bd (twice daily)] was ranked as among the best interventions for stroke prevention in AF, and had the highest expected net benefit. Edoxaban (Lixiana®, Daiichi Sankyo, Japan) [60 mg od (once daily)] was ranked second for major bleeding and all-cause mortality. Neither the clinical effectiveness analysis nor the CEA provided strong evidence that NOACs should replace postoperative LMWH in primary prevention of VTE. For acute treatment and secondary prevention of VTE, we found little evidence that NOACs offer an efficacy advantage over warfarin, but the risk of bleeding complications was lower for some NOACs than for warfarin. For a willingness-to-pay threshold of > £5000, apixaban (5 mg bd) had the highest expected net benefit for acute treatment of VTE. Aspirin or no pharmacotherapy were likely to be the most cost-effective interventions for secondary prevention of VTE: our results suggest that it is not cost-effective to prescribe NOACs or warfarin for this indication. CONCLUSIONS NOACs have advantages over warfarin in patients with AF, but we found no strong evidence that they should replace warfarin or LMWH in primary prevention, treatment or secondary prevention of VTE. LIMITATIONS These relate mainly to shortfalls in the primary data: in particular, there were no head-to-head comparisons between different NOAC drugs. FUTURE WORK Calculating the expected value of sample information to clarify whether or not it would be justifiable to fund one or more head-to-head trials. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013005324, CRD42013005331 and CRD42013005330. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ac Sterne
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Pritesh N Bodalia
- University College London Hospitals, NHS, London, UK.,Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, NHS, London, UK
| | - Peter A Bryden
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Philippa A Davies
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jose A López-López
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - George N Okoli
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Howard Hz Thom
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Deborah M Caldwell
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sofia Dias
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Julian Pt Higgins
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Will Hollingworth
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Salisbury
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jelena Savović
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Reecha Sofat
- University College London, London, UK.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Nicky J Welton
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aroon D Hingorani
- University College London, London, UK.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Cucchi EW. Anticoagulation: The Successes and Pitfalls of Long-Term Management. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CLINICS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpha.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Middeldorp S, Prins MH, Hutten BA. Duration of treatment with vitamin K antagonists in symptomatic venous thromboembolism. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD001367. [PMID: 25092359 PMCID: PMC7074008 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001367.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the most frequently used secondary treatment for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) consists of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) targeted at an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0). However, based on the continuing risk of bleeding and uncertainty regarding the risk of recurrent VTE, discussion on the proper duration of treatment with VKA for these patients is ongoing. Several studies have compared the risks and benefits of different durations of VKA in patients with VTE. This is the third update of a review first published in 2000. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different durations of treatment with vitamin K antagonists in patients with symptomatic venous thromboembolism. SEARCH METHODS For this update, the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched October 2013) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) 2013, Issue 9. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled clinical trials comparing different durations of treatment with vitamin K antagonists in patients with symptomatic venous thromboembolism. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors (SM, MP, and BH) extracted the data and assessed the quality of the trials independently. MAIN RESULTS Eleven studies with a total of 3716 participants were included. A consistent and strong reduction in the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolic events was observed during prolonged treatment with VKA (risk ratio (RR) 0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11 to 0.38) independent of the period elapsed since the index thrombotic event. A statistically significant "rebound" phenomenon (ie, an excess of recurrences shortly after cessation of prolonged treatment) was not found (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.70). In addition, a substantial increase in bleeding complications was observed for patients receiving prolonged treatment during the entire period after randomization (RR 2.60, 95% CI 1.51 to 4.49). No reduction in mortality was noted during the entire study period (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.21, P = 0.46). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this review shows that treatment with VKA strongly reduces the risk of recurrent VTE for as long as they are used. However, the absolute risk of recurrent VTE declines over time, although the risk for major bleeding remains. Thus, the efficacy of VKA administration decreases over time since the index event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Middeldorp
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105AZ
| | - Martin H Prins
- CAPHRI Research School, Maastricht UniversityDepartment of EpidemiologyMaastrichtNetherlands6200 MD
| | - Barbara A Hutten
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology & BiostatisticsMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
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