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Stuby J, Haschke M, Tritschler T, Aujesky D. Oral anticoagulant therapy in older adults. Thromb Res 2024; 238:1-10. [PMID: 38636204 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Patients aged ≥65 years not only account for the majority of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), they are also at a higher risk of morbidity, mortality, and undertreatment than younger patients. Several age-related physiological changes with effects on drug pharmacokinetics/-dynamics and blood vessel fragility as well as the higher prevalence of geriatric conditions such as frailty, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, fall risk, dementia, and malnutrition make older persons more vulnerable to disease- and anticoagulation-related complications. Moreover, because older patients with AF/VTE are underrepresented in oral anticoagulation (OAC) trials, evidence on OAC in older adults with AF/VTE is mainly based on subgroup analyses from clinical trials and observational studies. A growing body of such limited evidence suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be superior in terms of efficacy and safety compared to vitamin K antagonists in older persons with AF/VTE and that specific DOACs may have a differing risk-benefit profile. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence on epidemiology of AF/VTE, impact of age-related physiological changes, efficacy/safety of OAC, specifically considering individuals with common geriatric conditions, and review OAC guideline recommendations for older adults with AF/VTE. We also propose a research agenda to improve the evidence basis on OAC older individuals with AF/VTE, including the conduct of advanced age-specific and pragmatic studies using less restrictive eligibility criteria and patient-reported health outcomes, in order to compare the effectiveness and safety of different DOACs, and investigate lower-dose regimens and optimal OAC durations in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Stuby
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - M Haschke
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - T Tritschler
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Frei AN, Gellad WF, Wertli MM, Haynes AG, Chiolero A, Rodondi N, Panczak R, Aujesky D. Trends and regional variation in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in Switzerland: a population-based small area analysis. Osteoporos Int 2021; 32:2515-2524. [PMID: 34156489 PMCID: PMC8608764 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-021-06026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Regional variation in procedure use often reflects the uncertainty about the risks and benefit of procedures. In Switzerland, regional variation in vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty rates was high, although the variation declined between 2013 and 2018. Substantial parts of the variation remained unexplained, and likely signal unequal access and differing physician opinion. PURPOSE To assess trends and regional variation in percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) use across Switzerland. METHODS We conducted a population-based analysis using patient discharge data from all Swiss acute care hospitals for 2013-2018. We calculated age/sex-standardized mean procedure rates and measures of variation across VP/BKP-specific hospital areas (HSAs). We assessed the influence of potential determinants of variation using multilevel regression models with incremental adjustment for demographics, cultural/socioeconomic, health, and supply factors. RESULTS We analyzed 7855 discharges with VP/BKP from 31 HSAs. The mean age/sex-standardized procedure rate increased from 16 to 20/100,000 persons from 2013 to 2018. While the variation in procedure rates across HSAs declined, the overall variation remained high (systematic component of variation from 56.8 to 6.9 from 2013 to 2018). Determinants explained 52% of the variation. CONCLUSIONS VP/BKP procedure rates increased and regional variation across Switzerland declined but remained at a high level. A substantial part of the regional variation remained unexplained by potential determinants of variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Frei
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - W F Gellad
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M M Wertli
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A G Haynes
- CTU Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Chiolero
- Population Health Laboratory, (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - R Panczak
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Gawinecka J, Forrer A, Schönrath F, Torzewski M, Aujesky D, Matter C, Von Eckardstein A. Novel biomarkers in diagnostic workup of acute aortic dissection. Atherosclerosis 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.06.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bargetzi L, Brack C, Herrmann J, Bargetzi A, Hersberger L, Bargetzi M, Kaegi-Braun N, Tribolet P, Gomes F, Hoess C, Pavlicek V, Bilz S, Sigrist S, Brändle M, Henzen C, Thomann R, Rutishauser J, Aujesky D, Rodondi N, Donzé J, Laviano A, Stanga Z, Mueller B, Schuetz P. Nutritional support during the hospital stay reduces mortality in patients with different types of cancers: secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:1025-1033. [PMID: 34022376 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.05.793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional support in patients with cancer aims at improving quality of life. Whether use of nutritional support is also effective in improving clinical outcomes requires further study. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this preplanned secondary analysis of patients with cancer included in a prospective, randomized-controlled, Swiss, multicenter trial (EFFORT), we compared protocol-guided individualized nutritional support (intervention group) to standard hospital food (control group) regarding mortality at 30-day (primary endpoint) and other clinical outcomes. RESULTS We analyzed 506 patients with a main admission diagnosis of cancer, including lung cancer (n = 113), gastrointestinal tumors (n = 84), hematological malignancies (n = 108) and other types of cancer (n = 201). Nutritional risk based on Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002) was an independent predictor for mortality over 180 days with an (age-, sex-, center-, type of cancer-, tumor activity- and treatment-) adjusted hazard ratio of 1.29 (95% CI 1.09-1.54; P = 0.004) per point increase in NRS. In the 30-day follow-up period, 50 patients (19.9%) died in the control group compared to 36 (14.1%) in the intervention group resulting in an adjusted odds ratio of 0.57 (95% CI 0.35-0.94; P = 0.027). Interaction tests did not show significant differences in mortality across the cancer type subgroups. Nutritional support also significantly improved functional outcomes and quality of life measures. CONCLUSIONS Compared to usual hospital nutrition without nutrition support, individualized nutritional support reduced the risk of mortality and improved functional and quality of life outcomes in cancer patients with increased nutritional risk. These data further support the inclusion of nutritional care in cancer management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bargetzi
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C Brack
- Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Herrmann
- Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Bargetzi
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - L Hersberger
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Bargetzi
- Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Oncology, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - N Kaegi-Braun
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - P Tribolet
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Department of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - F Gomes
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; The New York Academy of Sciences, New York, USA
| | - C Hoess
- Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Muensterlingen, Muensterlingen, Switzerland
| | - V Pavlicek
- Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Muensterlingen, Muensterlingen, Switzerland
| | - S Bilz
- Internal Medicine & Endocrinology/Diabetes, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - S Sigrist
- Internal Medicine & Endocrinology/Diabetes, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - M Brändle
- Internal Medicine & Endocrinology/Diabetes, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - C Henzen
- Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Luzern, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - R Thomann
- Internal Medicine, Buergerspital Solothurn, Solothurn, Switzerland
| | - J Rutishauser
- Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Donzé
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - A Laviano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Z Stanga
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Nutritional Medicine & Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - B Mueller
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - P Schuetz
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Medical Faculty of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Wildisen L, Moutzouri E, Beglinger S, Syrogiannouli L, Klöppel S, Aujesky D, Rodondi N, Giovane CD, Feller M. Are Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism at Risk of Depressive Symptoms? Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) may be associated with negative health outcomes including depressive symptoms. However, the evidence is conflicting.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to assess the association between SHypo and depressive symptoms. We requested IPD from cohorts identified through a systematic literature search. The exposure was thyroid function at baseline (SHypo vs. euthyroid; SHypo defined as thyroid stimulating hormone ≥ 4.5 mlU/L, in combination with normal free thyroxine). The outcome was depressive symptoms at first follow-up, measured on any validated scale. We calculated conversion factors to convert all scores into the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale (range: 0-63, higher scores indicate more depression, minimal clinically important difference: 5). We performed a two-stage IPD meta-analysis. In each cohort, we estimated the mean difference (MD) in depressive symptoms scores between those with SHypo and euthyroid controls adjusted for depressive symptoms at baseline. Further, we adjusted the multivariable linear regression analysis for age, sex, education, and income. We pooled the study effect estimates by using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2.
Results
Among six cohorts, we analyzed data from 23,367 participants (65% female, mean age 60.3±13.2 years, SHypo N = 1,463). There was no difference in BDI scores between SHypo (10.6) and controls (10.2) at baseline. After a mean follow-up of 8.2±4.3 years, BDI scores did not differ between SHypo and controls (pooled MD 0.3, 95% CI -0.2 to 0.7, I2 14%). Results remained robust in several sensitivity analyses, and no subgroup at increased risk for depressive symptoms could be identified.
Conclusions
In this IPD meta-analysis, SHypo was not associated with the development of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms do not seem to be an indication for levothyroxine therapy in SHypo.
PROSPERO: CRD42018091627
Key messages
Individual studies about the association between subclinical hypothyroidism and depressive symptoms show conflicting results. In this IPD meta-analysis from six prospective cohort studies, patients with subclinical hypothyroidism did not have an increased risk to develop depressive symptoms during a mean follow-up of 8 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wildisen
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - E Moutzouri
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Beglinger
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - L Syrogiannouli
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Klöppel
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Del Giovane
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Feller
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Jaquet E, Tritschler T, Stalder O, Limacher A, Méan M, Rodondi N, Aujesky D. Prediction of short-term prognosis in elderly patients with acute pulmonary embolism: validation of the RIETE score. J Thromb Haemost 2018; 16:1313-1320. [PMID: 29733493 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Essentials The RIETE score was derived to predict 10-day adverse outcomes in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We externally validated the RIETE score in a prospective cohort of patients with PE. The RIETE score classified fewer patients as low-risk than currently recommended scores. The RIETE score was not superior to other scores in predicting 10-day adverse outcomes. SUMMARY Introduction The Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbolica (RIETE) score was derived to identify patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) at low risk of overall complications. Objective To externally validate the RIETE score and compare its prognostic performance with the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), its simplified version (sPESI) and the Geneva Prognostic Score (GPS). Methods In a prospective multicenter cohort, we studied 687 elderly patients with acute PE. The primary outcome was 10-day overall complications (death, recurrent PE or major bleeding); the secondary outcome was 30-day overall mortality. We compared complications and mortality in low-risk vs. higher-risk patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve across scores. Results Overall, 27 patients (3.9%) had complications within 10 days and 22 (3.2%) died within 30 days. The RIETE score classified a smaller proportion of patients as low risk (31%) than the PESI (35%), sPESI (36%) and the GPS (90%). The proportion of low-risk patients based on the RIETE score, PESI, sPESI and GPS who had complications was 1.9%, 1.7%, 1.6% and 2.9%, respectively. The RIETE score had a lower area under the ROC curve (0.60) for predicting complications than the PESI (0.67), sPESI (0.65) and GPS (0.72). The area under the ROC curve for predicting mortality was similar (0.76-0.78) for all scores. Conclusion The RIETE score classified fewer patients as low risk than the other scores. It accurately identified patients at low risk of mortality but was not superior to other scores in predicting 10-day overall complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00973596.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jaquet
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - T Tritschler
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - O Stalder
- CTU Bern, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Limacher
- CTU Bern, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Méan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Blondon M, Spirk D, Kucher N, Aujesky D, Hayoz D, Beer J. Comparative Performance of Clinical Risk Assessment Models for Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism in Medical Patients. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Spirk D, Stuck AK, Hager A, Engelberger RP, Aujesky D, Kucher N. Electronic alert system for improving appropriate thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Thromb Haemost 2017; 15:2138-2146. [PMID: 28836340 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients remains inconsistent. We implemented an electronic alert system featuring a validated risk assessment model for VTE. In this randomized controlled study, the e-alert system did not improve VTE prophylaxis. Many electronic alerts were ignored by ordering physicians. SUMMARY Background The use of thromboprophylaxis among acutely ill hospitalized medical patients remains inconsistent. Objective To improve thromboprophylaxis use by implementing a computer-based alert system combined with a Geneva Risk Score calculation tool in the electronic patient chart and order entry system. Patients/Methods Consecutive patients admitted to the general internal medicine wards of the University Hospital Bern, Switzerland were randomized to the alert group, in which an alert and the Geneva Risk Score calculation tool was issued in the electronic patient chart, or to the control group, in which no alert was issued. The primary endpoint was the rate of appropriate thromboprophylaxis during hospital stay. Results Overall, 1593 patients (alert group, 804; control group, 789) were eligible for analysis. The median age was 67 years (interquartile range, 53-79 years) and 47% were female. Appropriate thromboprophylaxis was administered to 536 (66.7%) patients from the alert group and to 526 (66.7%) patients from the control group. Among the 804 patients from the alert group, a total of 446 (55.5%) either had no score calculation by the physician in charge (n = 348) or had a calculated score result that was inconsistent with information from the patient chart (n = 98). Appropriate thromboprophylaxis was less often administered to patients with no score or an inconsistent score result than to 358 patients with a consistent score result (62.6% versus 71.8%). Conclusions The electronic alert (e-alert) system did not improve appropriate thromboprophylaxis, most likely because many e-alerts were ignored by ordering physicians. The use of appropriate thromboprophylaxis in the control group was higher than expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Spirk
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A K Stuck
- Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of Bern, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Hager
- Department of Medical Informatics, University of Bern, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - R P Engelberger
- Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of Bern, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Angiology, Cantonal Hospital Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Bern, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - N Kucher
- Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of Bern, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Nagler M, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Méan M, Limacher A, Abbal C, Righini M, Beer JH, Osterwalder J, Frauchiger B, Aschwanden M, Matter CM, Kucher N, Cornuz J, Banyai M, Husmann M, Staub D, Mazzolai L, Hugli O, Rodondi N, Aujesky D. Long-term outcomes of elderly patients with CYP2C9 and VKORC1 variants treated with vitamin K antagonists. J Thromb Haemost 2017; 15:2165-2175. [PMID: 28834238 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Essentials The long-term effects of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 variants on clinical outcomes remains unclear. We followed 774 patients ≥65 years with venous thromboembolism for a median duration of 30 months. Patients with CYP2C9 variants are at increased risk of death and non-major bleeding. Patients with genetic variants have a slightly lower anticoagulation quality only. SUMMARY Background The long-term effect of polymorphisms of the vitamin K-epoxide reductase (VKORC1) and the cytochrome P450 enzyme gene (CYP2C9) on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Objectives We examined the association between CYP2C9/VKORC1 variants and long-term clinical outcomes in a prospective cohort study of elderly patients treated with vitamin K antagonists for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods We followed 774 consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute VTE from nine Swiss hospitals for a median duration of 30 months. The median duration of initial anticoagulant treatment was 9.4 months. The primary outcome was the time to any clinical event (i.e. the composite endpoint of overall mortality, major and non-major bleeding, and recurrent VTE. Results Overall, 604 (78%) patients had a CYP2C9 or VKORC1 variant. Three hundred and thirty-four patients (43.2%) had any clinical event, 119 (15.4%) died, 100 (12.9%) had major and 167 (21.6%) non-major bleeding, and 100 had (12.9%) recurrent VTE. After adjustment, CYP2C9 (but not VKORC1) variants were associated with any clinical event (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.66), death (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.19-2.52) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (sub-hazard ratio [SHR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.02-1.89), but not with major bleeding (SHR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.69-1.55) or recurrent VTE (SHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.62-1.44). Patients with genetic variants had a slightly lower anticoagulation quality. Conclusions CYP2C9 was associated with long-term overall mortality and non-major bleeding. Although genetic variants were associated with a slightly lower anticoagulation quality, there was no relationship between genetic variants and major bleeding or VTE recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nagler
- Department of Haematology and Central Haematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Angelillo-Scherrer
- Department of Haematology and Central Haematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Méan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Limacher
- CTU Bern, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Abbal
- Division of Hematology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Righini
- Division of Angiology and Hemostasis, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J H Beer
- Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - J Osterwalder
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital of St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - B Frauchiger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
| | - M Aschwanden
- Division of Angiology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C M Matter
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich and University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N Kucher
- Division of Angiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Cornuz
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Banyai
- Division of Angiology, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - M Husmann
- Division of Angiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D Staub
- Division of Angiology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - L Mazzolai
- Service of Angiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - O Hugli
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Faller N, Stalder O, Limacher A, Bassetti S, Beer JH, Genné D, Battegay E, Hayoz D, Leuppi J, Mueller B, Perrier A, Waeber G, Rodondi N, Aujesky D. Frequency of use and acceptability of clinical prediction rules for pulmonary embolism among Swiss general internal medicine residents. Thromb Res 2017; 160:9-13. [PMID: 29080550 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whether clinical prediction rules for pulmonary embolism are accepted and used among general internal medicine residents remains uncertain. We therefore evaluated the frequency of use and acceptability of the Revised Geneva Score (RGS) and the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), and explored which factors were associated with rule use. MATERIALS/METHODS In an online survey among general internal medicine residents from 10 Swiss hospitals, we assessed rule acceptability using the Ottawa Acceptability of Decision Rules Instrument (OADRI) and explored the association between physician and training-related factors and rule use using mixed logistic regression models. RESULTS The response rate was 50.4% (433/859). Overall, 61% and 36% of the residents reported that they always or regularly use the RGS and the PESI, respectively. The mean overall OADRI score was 4.3 (scale 0-6) for the RGS and 4.1 for the PESI, indicating a good acceptability. Rule acceptability (odds ratio [OR] 6.19 per point, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.64-10.51), prior training in emergency medicine (OR 5.14, CI 2.20-12.01), and availability of internal guidelines recommending RGS use (OR 4.25, CI 2.15-8.43) were associated with RGS use. Rule acceptability (OR 6.43 per point, CI 4.17-9.92) and rule taught at medical school (OR 2.06, CI 1.24-3.43) were associated with PESI use. CONCLUSIONS The RGS was more frequently used than the PESI. Both rules were considered acceptable. Rule acceptability, prior training in emergency medicine, availability of internal guidelines, and rule taught at medical school were associated with rule use and represent potential targets for quality improvement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Faller
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - O Stalder
- CTU Bern, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Limacher
- CTU Bern, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Bassetti
- Division of Internal Medicine, Basel University hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J H Beer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - D Genné
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Biel, Biel, Switzerland
| | - E Battegay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zürich University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - D Hayoz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - J Leuppi
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Baselland, Liestal, and University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - B Mueller
- Medical University Department, Division of General Internal and Emergency Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - A Perrier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G Waeber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Seiler E, Limacher A, Mean M, Beer HJ, Osterwalder J, Frauchiger B, Righini M, Aschwanden M, Matter CM, Banyai M, Kucher N, Staub D, Lämmle B, Rodondi N, Squizzato A, Aujesky D. Derivation and validation of a novel bleeding risk score for elderly patients with venous thromboembolism on extended anticoagulation. Thromb Haemost 2017. [DOI: 10.1160/th-17-03-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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12
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Reiner M, Mueller D, Gobbato S, Stalder O, Limacher A, Bonetti N, Stivala S, Mean M, Rodondi N, Aujesky D, Luescher T, Camici G, Von Eckardstein A, Beer J. P5320Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) Predicts Total Mortality, but not Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Elderly Patients with Acute Venous Thromboembolism. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.p5320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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13
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Tritschler T, Aujesky D. Venous thromboembolism in the elderly: A narrative review. Thromb Res 2017; 155:140-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Reiner MF, Stivala S, Limacher A, Bonetti NR, Méan M, Egloff M, Rodondi N, Aujesky D, von Schacky C, Lüscher TF, Camici GG, Beer JH. Omega-3 fatty acids predict recurrent venous thromboembolism or total mortality in elderly patients with acute venous thromboembolism. J Thromb Haemost 2017; 15:47-56. [PMID: 27790827 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Essentials The role of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) in recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unknown. Association of n-3 FAs with recurrent VTE or total mortality was investigated in 826 patients. Whole blood n-3 FAs were inversely correlated with recurrent VTE or total mortality. Major and non-major bleeding was not increased in patients with higher levels of n-3 FAs. SUMMARY Background The role of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) in recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains unknown. Objectives To investigate the association of n-3 FAs with recurrent VTE or total mortality at 6 months and 3 years. Methods N-3 FAs were assessed in 826 patients aged ≥ 65 years, categorized into low, medium and high based on the 25th and 75th percentile. Mean follow-up was 29 months. Results At 6 months, subjects with medium (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.62) and high n-3 FA levels (adjusted HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20-0.67) were less likely to develop recurrent VTE or total mortality, compared with those with low n-3 FAs. At 3 years, medium levels (adjusted HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.96) were associated with lower risk of recurrent VTE or total mortality. As compared with low n-3 FAs, the adjusted sub-hazard ratio [SHR] of recurrent VTE was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.15-0.99) in patients with medium and 0.17 (95% CI, 0.03-0.82) in patients with high n-3 FAs. The cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE was lower in the medium and high n-3 FA groups as compared with the low n-3 FA groups, but seems to have worn off after 3 years. The incidence of major and non-major bleeding was not greater in the high n-3 FA group. Conclusion Higher levels of n-3 FAs were associated with a lower risk of recurrent VTE or total mortality in elderly patients with VTE, but not with greater bleeding risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Reiner
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, Laboratory for Platelet Research, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - S Stivala
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, Laboratory for Platelet Research, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - A Limacher
- Clinical Trials Unit Bern, Department of Clinical Research, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - N R Bonetti
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, Laboratory for Platelet Research, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - M Méan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Egloff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C von Schacky
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T F Lüscher
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - G G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - J H Beer
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, Laboratory for Platelet Research, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
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Eyer MM, Läng M, Aujesky D, Marschall J. Overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria: a qualitative study. J Hosp Infect 2016; 93:297-303. [PMID: 27174231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is widespread and may result in antibiotic side-effects, excess costs to the healthcare system, and may potentially trigger antimicrobial resistance. According to international management guidelines, ASB is not an indication for antibiotic treatment (with few exceptions). AIM To determine reasons for using antibiotics to treat ASB in the absence of a treatment indication. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Switzerland during 2011. We interviewed 21 internal medicine residents and attending physicians selected by purposive sampling, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Responses were analysed in an inductive thematic content approach using dedicated software (MAXQDA(®)). FINDINGS In the 21 interviews, the following thematic rationales for antibiotic overtreatment of ASB were reported (in order of reporting frequency): (i) treating laboratory findings without taking the clinical picture into account (N = 17); (ii) psychological factors such as anxiety, overcautiousness, or anticipated positive impact on patient outcomes (N = 13); (iii) external pressors such as institutional culture, peer pressure, patient expectation, and excessive workload that interferes with proper decision-making (N = 9); (iv) difficulty with interpreting clinical signs and symptoms (N = 8). CONCLUSION In this qualitative study we identified both physician-centred factors (e.g. overcautiousness) and external pressors (e.g. excessive workload) as motivators for prescribing unnecessary antibiotics. Also, we interpreted the frequently cited practice of treating asymptomatic patients based on laboratory findings alone as lack of awareness of evidence-based best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Eyer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases, Valais Hospital, Sion, Switzerland.
| | - M Läng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Marschall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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16
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Segna D, Méan M, Limacher A, Baumgartner C, Blum MR, Beer JH, Kucher N, Righini M, Matter CM, Frauchiger B, Cornuz J, Aschwanden M, Banyai M, Osterwalder J, Husmann M, Egloff M, Staub D, Lämmle B, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Aujesky D, Rodondi N. Association between thyroid dysfunction and venous thromboembolism in the elderly: a prospective cohort study. J Thromb Haemost 2016; 14:685-94. [PMID: 26816339 DOI: 10.1111/jth.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and subclinical thyroid dysfunction (SCTD) are both common in elderly patients. SCTD has been related to a hypercoagulable state and an increased thromboembolic risk. However, prospective data on the relationship between SCTD and VTE are lacking. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between SCTD and recurrent VTE (rVTE), all-cause mortality, and thrombophilic biomarkers. Patients Elderly patients with VTE were studied. METHODS In a prospective multicenter cohort, thyroid hormones and thrombophilic biomarkers were measured 1 year after acute VTE, as both may be influenced by acute thrombosis. We defined subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) as elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (4.50-19.99 mIU L(-1) ), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper) as TSH levels of < 0.45 mIU L(-1) , both with normal free thyroxine levels. Outcomes were incidence of rVTE and overall mortality during follow-up starting after the 1-year blood sampling. RESULTS Of 561 participants (58% with anticoagulation), 6% had SHypo and 5% had SHyper. After 20.8 months of mean follow-up, 9% developed rVTE and 10% died. The rVTE incidence rate was 7.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-19.2) per 100 patient-years in SHypo participants, 0.0 (95% CI 0.0-7.6) in SHyper participants, and 5.9 (95% CI 4.4-7.8) in euthyroid participants. In multivariate analyses, the sub-hazard ratio for rVTE was 0.00 (95% CI 0.00-0.58) in SHyper participants and 1.50 (95% CI 0.52-4.34) in SHypo participants as compared with euthyroid participants, without increased levels of thrombophilic biomarkers. SHyper (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80, 95% CI 0.23-2.81) and SHypo (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.30-3.29) were not associated with mortality. CONCLUSION In elderly patients, SHyper may be associated with lower rVTE risks. SHypo showed a non-statistically significant pattern of an association with rVTE, without increased mortality or differences in thrombophilic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Segna
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Méan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Limacher
- CTU Bern, Department of Clinical Research, and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Baumgartner
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M R Blum
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J-H Beer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - N Kucher
- Division of Angiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Righini
- Division of Angiology and Hemostasis, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C M Matter
- Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Frauchiger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
| | - J Cornuz
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Aschwanden
- Division of Angiology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Banyai
- Division of Angiology, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - J Osterwalder
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital of St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - M Husmann
- Division of Angiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Egloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Hypertension and Nutrition, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Staub
- Division of Angiology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - B Lämmle
- University Clinic of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Angelillo-Scherrer
- University Clinic of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - N Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Vuilleumier N, Limacher A, Méan M, Choffat J, Lescuyer P, Bounameaux H, Aujesky D, Righini M. Cardiac biomarkers and clinical scores for risk stratification in elderly patients with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism. J Intern Med 2015; 277:707-16. [PMID: 25285747 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prognostic accuracy of cardiac biomarkers alone and in combination with clinical scores in elderly patients with non-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). DESIGN Ancillary analysis of a Swiss multicentre prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS A total of 230 patients aged ≥65 years with non-high-risk PE. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The study end-point was a composite of PE-related complications, defined as PE-related death, recurrent venous thromboembolism or major bleeding during a follow-up of 30 days. The prognostic accuracy of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), the Geneva Prognostic Score (GPS), the precursor of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was determined using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, logistic regression and reclassification statistics. RESULTS The overall complication rate during follow-up was 8.7%. hs-cTnT achieved the highest prognostic accuracy [area under the ROC curve: 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63-0.86, P < 0.001). At the predefined cut-off values, the negative predictive values of the biomarkers were above 95%. For levels above the cut-off, the risk of complications increased fivefold for hs-cTnT [odds ratio (OR): 5.22, 95% CI: 1.49-18.25] and 14-fold for NT-proBNP (OR: 14.21, 95% CI: 1.73-116.93) after adjustment for both clinical scores and renal function. Reclassification statistics indicated that adding hs-cTnT to the GPS or the PESI significantly improved the prognostic accuracy of both clinical scores. CONCLUSION In elderly patients with nonmassive PE, NT-proBNP or hs-cTnT could be an adequate alternative to clinical scores for identifying low-risk individuals suitable for outpatient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vuilleumier
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Genetics and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Limacher
- Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) Bern, Department of Clinical Research and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Méan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Choffat
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Genetics and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - P Lescuyer
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Genetics and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - H Bounameaux
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Righini
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
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18
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Frey PM, Méan M, Limacher A, Jaeger K, Beer HJ, Frauchiger B, Aschwanden M, Rodondi N, Righini M, Egloff M, Osterwalder J, Kucher N, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Husmann M, Banyai M, Matter CM, Aujesky D. Physical activity and risk of bleeding in elderly patients taking anticoagulants. J Thromb Haemost 2015; 13:197-205. [PMID: 25403550 DOI: 10.1111/jth.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the possibility of bleeding during anticoagulant treatment may limit patients from taking part in physical activity, the association between physical activity and anticoagulation-related bleeding is uncertain. OBJECTIVES To determine whether physical activity is associated with bleeding in elderly patients taking anticoagulants. PATIENTS/METHODS In a prospective multicenter cohort study of 988 patients aged ≥ 65 years receiving anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism, we assessed patients' self-reported physical activity level. The primary outcome was the time to a first major bleeding, defined as fatal bleeding, symptomatic bleeding in a critical site, or bleeding causing a fall in hemoglobin or leading to transfusions. The secondary outcome was the time to a first clinically relevant non-major bleeding. We examined the association between physical activity level and time to a first bleeding by using competing risk regression, accounting for death as a competing event. We adjusted for known bleeding risk factors and anticoagulation as a time-varying covariate. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 22 months, patients with a low, moderate, and high physical activity level had an incidence of major bleeding of 11.6, 6.3, and 3.1 events per 100 patient-years and an incidence of clinically relevant non-major bleeding of 14.0, 10.3, and 7.7 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. A high physical activity level was significantly associated with a lower risk of major bleeding (adjusted sub-hazard ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.22-0.72). There was no association between physical activity and non-major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS A high level of physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of major bleeding in elderly patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Frey
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Kämpfen P, Méan M, Limacher A, Righini M, Jaeger K, Beer HJ, Osterwalder J, Frauchiger B, Matter CM, Kucher N, Cornuz J, Banyai M, Egloff M, Aschwanden M, Bounameaux H, Rodondi N, Aujesky D. Risk of falls and bleeding in elderly patients with acute venous thromboembolism. J Intern Med 2014; 276:378-86. [PMID: 24645727 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether or not a high risk of falls increases the risk of bleeding in patients receiving anticoagulants remains a matter of debate. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 991 patients ≥ 65 years of age who received anticoagulants for acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) at nine Swiss hospitals between September 2009 and September 2012. The study outcomes were as follows: the time to a first major episode of bleeding; and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding. We determined the associations between the risk of falls and the time to a first episode of bleeding using competing risk regression, accounting for death as a competing event. We adjusted for known bleeding risk factors and anticoagulation as a time-varying covariate. RESULTS Four hundred fifty-eight of 991 patients (46%) were at high risk of falls. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.7 months. Patients at high risk of falls had a higher incidence of major bleeding (9.6 vs. 6.6 events/100 patient-years; P = 0.05) and a significantly higher incidence of clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (16.7 vs. 8.3 events/100 patient-years; P < 0.001) than patients at low risk of falls. After adjustment, a high risk of falls was associated with clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding [subhazard ratio (SHR) = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-2.46], but not with major bleeding (SHR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.83-1.86). CONCLUSION In elderly patients who receive anticoagulants because of VTE, a high risk of falls is significantly associated with clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, but not with major bleeding. Whether or not a high risk of falls is a reason against providing anticoagulation beyond 3 months should be based on patient preferences and the risk of VTE recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kämpfen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS A 54-year old man had suffered from advanced multiple myeloma for two years. After initially good response the myeloma was refractrory to treatment with dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, bortezomibe, zoledronate and additionally doxorubicine. The patient then complained of dyspnea without clinical signs of cardiopulmonary disease. INVESTIGATIONS Arterial blood gas analysis showed hyperventilation with respiratory alkalosis and normal alveolo-arterial gradient as the reason for the dyspnea. With a normal MRI of the brain and lumbal puncture, a neurological disease could be excluded. Serum calcium, creatinine and serum viscosity were normal. Eventually, serum ammonia levels were found to be substantially elevated (144 µmol/l) and hyperammonemic encephalopathy was diagnosed. TREATMENT AND COURSE Therapy with bortezomib and high dose dexamethason was repeated, and the patient also received bendamustin. Despite this treatment, he lost consciousness and died after two weeks because of aspiration pneumonia. CONCLUSION The existence of respiratory alkalosis and multiple myeloma should prompt a search for hyperammonemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oestmann
- Universitätsklinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Schweiz
| | - D Aujesky
- Universitätsklinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Schweiz
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Méan M, Limacher A, Kahn SR, Aujesky D. The VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire is a reliable and valid disease-specific quality of life measure for deep vein thrombosis in elderly patients. Qual Life Res 2014; 23:2463-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-014-0704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Pasquier M, Pantet O, Hugli O, Pruvot E, Buclin T, Waeber G, Aujesky D. Prevalence and determinants of QT interval prolongation in medical inpatients. Intern Med J 2013; 42:933-40. [PMID: 21299787 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2011.02447.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND QT interval prolongation carries an increased risk of torsade de pointes and death. AIM We sought to determine the prevalence of QT prolongation in medical inpatients and to identify determinants of this condition. METHODS We enrolled consecutive patients who were admitted to the internal medicine ward and who had an electrocardiogram performed within 24 h of admission. We collected information on baseline patient characteristics and the use of QT-prolonging drugs. Two blinded readers manually measured the QT intervals. QT intervals were corrected for heart rate using the traditional Bazett formula and the linear regression-based Framingham formula. We used logistic regression to identify patient characteristics and drugs that were independently associated with QTc prolongation. RESULTS Of 537 inpatients, 22.3% had a prolonged QTc based on the Bazett formula. The adjusted odds for QTc prolongation based on the Bazett correction were significantly higher in patients who had liver disease (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5-5.6), hypokalaemia (OR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.9-5.6) and who were taking ≥1 QT-prolonging drug at admission (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6). Overall, 50.8% of patients with QTc prolongation received additional QT-prolonging drugs during hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of QTc prolongation was high among medical inpatients but depended on the method used to correct for heart rate. The use of QT-prolonging drugs, hypokalaemia and liver disease increased the risk of QTc prolongation. Many patients with QTc prolongation received additional QT-prolonging drugs during hospitalisation, further increasing the risk of torsade de pointes and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pasquier
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Scherz N, Méan M, Limacher A, Righini M, Jaeger K, Beer HJ, Frauchiger B, Osterwalder J, Kucher N, Matter CM, Banyai M, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Lämmle B, Husmann M, Egloff M, Aschwanden M, Bounameaux H, Cornuz J, Rodondi N, Aujesky D. Prospective, multicenter validation of prediction scores for major bleeding in elderly patients with venous thromboembolism. J Thromb Haemost 2013; 11:435-43. [PMID: 23279158 DOI: 10.1111/jth.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Outpatient Bleeding Risk Index (OBRI) and the Kuijer, RIETE and Kearon scores are clinical prognostic scores for bleeding in patients receiving oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We prospectively compared the performance of these scores in elderly patients with VTE. METHODS In a prospective multicenter Swiss cohort study, we studied 663 patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute VTE. The outcome was a first major bleeding at 90 days. We classified patients into three categories of bleeding risk (low, intermediate and high) according to each score and dichotomized patients as high vs. low or intermediate risk. We calculated the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, positive predictive values and likelihood ratios for each score. RESULTS Overall, 28 out of 663 patients (4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-6.0%) had a first major bleeding within 90 days. According to different scores, the rate of major bleeding varied from 1.9% to 2.1% in low-risk, from 4.2% to 5.0% in intermediate-risk and from 3.1% to 6.6% in high-risk patients. The discriminative power of the scores was poor to moderate, with areas under the ROC curve ranging from 0.49 to 0.60 (P = 0.21). The positive predictive values and positive likelihood ratios were low and varied from 3.1% to 6.6% and from 0.72 to 1.59, respectively. CONCLUSION In elderly patients with VTE, existing bleeding risk scores do not have sufficient accuracy and power to discriminate between patients with VTE who are at a high risk of short-term major bleeding and those who are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Scherz
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Blondon M, Le Gal G, Aujesky D, Righini M, Perrier A. [Usefulness of preemptive anticoagulation in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism]. Rev Med Suisse 2013; 9:306-310. [PMID: 23469397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The usefulness of anticoagulation in patients with suspected non-massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncertain. We recently published a decision analysis model suggesting a benefit for preemptive anticoagulation in patients with an intermediate or high probability of PE, even with short diagnostic delays (0-3 h). In case of a low probability of PE, the decision to treat or not could partly rely on the expected diagnostic delay. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, achieving rapidly therapeutic anticoagulation levels decreases future thrombotic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Blondon
- Service de Médecine Interne Générale, Départment de Médicine Interne, Réhabilitation et Gériatrie, HUG 1211, Genève.
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25
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Spirk D, Willenberg T, Aujesky D, Husmann M, Hayoz D, Baldi T, Brugger A, Amann-Vesti B, Baumgartner I, Kucher N. Use of biomarkers or echocardiography in pulmonary embolism: the Swiss Venous Thromboembolism Registry. QJM 2012; 105:1163-9. [PMID: 22908319 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcs144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac biomarkers and echocardiography for assessing right ventricular function are recommended to risk stratify patients with acute non-massive pulmonary embolism (PE), but it remains unclear if these tests are performed systematically in daily practice. DESIGN AND METHODS Overall, 587 patients with acute non-massive PE from 18 hospitals were enrolled in the Swiss Venous Thromboembolism Registry (SWIVTER): 178 (30%) neither had a biomarker test nor an echocardiographic evaluation, 196 (34%) had a biomarker test only, 47 (8%) had an echocardiogram only and 166 (28%) had both tests. RESULTS Among the 409 (70%) patients with biomarkers or echocardiography, 210 (51%) had at least one positive test and 67 (16%) had positive biomarkers and right ventricular dysfunction. The ICU admission rates were 5.1% without vs. 5.6% with testing (P = 0.78), and thrombolysis or embolectomy were performed in 2.8% vs. 4.9%, respectively (P = 0.25). In multivariate analysis, syncope [odds ratio (OR): 3.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-10.15; P = 0.022], tachycardia (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.37-3.91; P = 0.002) and increasing age (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04; P < 0.001) were associated with testing of cardiac risk; outpatient status at the time of PE diagnosis (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.49-3.36; P < 0.001), cancer (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.17-2.79; P = 0.008) and provoked PE (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05-2.40; P = 0.029) were associated with its absence. CONCLUSION Although elderly patients and those with clinically severe PE were more likely to receive a biomarker test or an echocardiogram, these tools were used in only two-thirds of the patients with acute non-massive PE and rarely in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Spirk
- Medical Department, Sanofi-Aventis (Suisse) SA, Meyrin 1217, Switzerland
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Zwierzina D, Limacher A, Méan M, Righini M, Jaeger K, Beer HJ, Frauchiger B, Osterwalder J, Kucher N, Matter CM, Banyai M, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Lämmle B, Egloff M, Aschwanden M, Mazzolai L, Hugli O, Husmann M, Bounameaux H, Cornuz J, Rodondi N, Aujesky D. Prospective comparison of clinical prognostic scores in elder patients with a pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:2270-6. [PMID: 22985129 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04929.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Geneva Prognostic Score (GPS), the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and its simplified version (sPESI) are well-known clinical prognostic scores for a pulmonary embolism (PE). OBJECTIVES To compare the prognostic performance of these scores in elderly patients with a PE. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a multicenter Swiss cohort of elderly patients with venous thromboembolism, we prospectively studied 449 patients aged ≥ 65 years with a symptomatic PE. The outcome was 30-day overall mortality. We dichotomized patients as low vs. higher risk in all three scores using the following thresholds: GPS scores ≤ 2 vs. > 2, PESI risk classes I-II vs. III-V and sPESI scores 0 vs. ≥ 1. We compared 30-day mortality in low- vs. higher-risk patients and the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS Overall, 3.8% of patients (17/449) died within 30 days. The GPS classified a greater proportion of patients as low risk (92% [413/449]) than the PESI (36.3% [163/449]) and the sPESI (39.6% [178/449]) (P < 0.001 for each comparison). Low-risk patients based on the sPESI had a mortality of 0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0-2.1%) compared with 0.6% (95% CI 0-3.4%) for low-risk patients based on the PESI and 3.4% (95% CI 1.9-5.6%) for low-risk patients based on the GPS. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.77 (95% CI 0.72-0.81), 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.80) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.66-0.75), respectively (P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of elderly patients with PE, the GPS identified a higher proportion of patients as low risk but the PESI and sPESI were more accurate in predicting mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zwierzina
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Bern Clinical Trials Unit Bern, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern Division of Angiology and Hemostasis, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva Department of Angiology, Basel University Hospital, Basel Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, Frauenfeld Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen Division of Angiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Physiology, Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich Division of Angiology, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne Service and Central Laboratory of Hematology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne Division of Haematology and Central Haematology Laboratory, Bern University Hospital, Bern Division of Angiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne Division of Angiology, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Squizzato A, Donadini MP, Galli L, Dentali F, Aujesky D, Ageno W. Prognostic clinical prediction rules to identify a low-risk pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:1276-90. [PMID: 22498033 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04739.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic assessment is important for the management of patients with a pulmonary embolism (PE). A number of clinical prediction rules (CPRs) have been proposed for stratifying PE mortality risk. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the performance of prognostic CPRs in identifying a low-risk PE. METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were systematically searched until August 2011. Derivation and validation studies that assessed the performance of prognostic CPRs in predicting adverse events-risk in PE patients were included. Weighted mean proportion and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of adverse events were then calculated and pooled using a fixed and a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated through the use of I(2) statistics. RESULTS Of 1125 references in the original search, 33 relevant articles were included. Nine CPRs were assessed in 37 cohorts, for a total of 35,518 patients. Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and prognostic Geneva CPR were investigated in 22 and 6 cohorts, respectively. Eleven (29.7%) cohorts were of high quality. The median follow-up was 30 days. In low-risk PE patients, pooled short-term mortality (within 14 days or less) was 0.7% (95% CI 0.3-1.1%, random-effects model; I(2) = 49.6%), 30-day mortality was 1.7% (95% CI 1.1-2.3%, random-effects model; I(2) = 82.4%) and 90-day mortality was 2.2% (95% CI 1.2-3.4%, random-effects model; I(2) = 59.8%). CONCLUSIONS Prognostic CPRs efficiently identify PE patients at a low risk of mortality. Before implementing prognostic CPRs in the routine care of PE patients, well-designed management studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Squizzato
- Research Center on Thromboembolic Disorders and Antithrombotic Therapies, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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Gex G, Gerstel E, Righini M, LE Gal G, Aujesky D, Roy PM, Sanchez O, Verschuren F, Rutschmann OT, Perneger T, Perrier A. Is atrial fibrillation associated with pulmonary embolism? J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:347-51. [PMID: 22212132 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04608.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A pulmonary embolism (PE) is thought to be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, this association is based on weak data. OBJECTIVES To assess whether the presence of AF influences the clinical probability of PE in a cohort of patients with suspected PE and to confirm the association between PE and AF. PATIENTS/METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data from two trials that included 2449 consecutive patients admitted for a clinically suspected PE. An electrocardiography (ECG) was systematically performed and a PE was diagnosed by computer tomography (CT). The prevalence of AF among patients with or without a PE was compared in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The prevalence of PE was 22.8% (519/2272) in patients without AF and 18.8% (25/133) in patients with AF (P = 0.28). After adjustment for confounding factors, AF did not significantly modify the probability of PE (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-1.11). However, when PE suspicion was based on new-onset dyspnea, AF significantly decreased the probability of PE (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.84). If isolated chest pain without dyspnea was the presenting complaint, AF tended to increase the probability of PE (OR 2.42, 95% CI 0.97-6.07). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the presence of AF does not increase the probability of PE when this diagnosis is suspected. Nevertheless, when PE suspicion is based on new-onset dyspnea, AF significantly decreases the probability of PE, as AF may mimic its clinical presentation. However, in patients with chest pain alone, AF tends to increase PE probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gex
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Sánchez D, De Miguel J, Sam A, Wagner C, Zamarro C, Nieto R, García L, Aujesky D, Yusen RD, Jiménez D. The effects of cause of death classification on prognostic assessment of patients with pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9:2201-7. [PMID: 21883882 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04490.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous studies have provided evidence that the majority of deaths following an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) directly relate to the PE, more recent registries and cohort studies suggest otherwise. METHODS We assessed the cause of death during the first 30 days after the diagnosis of acute symptomatic PE in a consecutive series of patients. We also assessed the prognostic characteristics of the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) obtained at the time of PE diagnosis. RESULTS During the first 30 days after diagnosis, 127 of the 1291 patients died (9.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2-11.5). Sixty patients (4.6%; 95% CI, 3.5-5.8) died from definite or possible PE, and 67 (5.2%; 95% CI, 4.0-6.4) died from other causes (cancer 25, infection 18, hemorrhage 7, heart failure 7, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 5, renal failure 1, seizures 1, unknown 3). The sPESI predicted all-cause (odds ratio [OR], 5.97; 95% CI, 1.74-20.54; P < 0.01) and PE-associated mortality (OR, 8.79; 95% CI, 1.12-68.79; P = 0.04). cTnI only predicted PE-associated mortality (adjusted OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.25-4.57; P < 0.01). For all-cause mortality, the sPESI low-risk strata had a negative predictive value of 98.8% (95% CI, 97.4-100) in comparison with 91.3% (95% CI, 88.9-93.6) for the cTnI. CONCLUSIONS Within the first 30 days after the diagnosis of acute symptomatic PE, death due to PE and death due to other causes occur in a similar proportion of patients. As cTnI only predicted PE-associated mortality, low-risk sPESI had a higher negative predictive value for all-cause mortality compared with cTnI.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sánchez
- Respiratory Department, Ramón y Cajal Hospital and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria IRYCIS Respiratory Department, Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Righini M, Roy PM, Meyer G, Verschuren F, Aujesky D, Le Gal G. The Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI): validation of a clinical prognostic model for pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9:2115-7. [PMID: 21848693 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hugli O, Aujesky D. [The unresolved issue of false-positive D-dimer results in the diagnostic workup of pulmonary embolism]. Rev Med Suisse 2011; 7:1588-1592. [PMID: 21922725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The unresolved issue of false-positive D-dimer results in the diagnostic workup of pulmonary embolism Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a difficult diagnosis as it lacks specific symptoms and clinical signs. After the determination of the pretest PE probability by a validated clinical score, D-dimers (DD) is the initial blood test in the majority of patients whose probability is low or intermediate. The low specificity of DD results in a high number of false-positives that then require thoracic angio-CT. A new clinical decision rule, called the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out criteria (PERC), identifies patients at such low risk that PE can be safely ruled-out without a DD test. Its safety has been confirmed in US emergency departments, but retrospective European studies showed that it would lead to 5-7% of undiagnosed PE. Alternative strategies are needed to reduce the proportion of false-positive DD results.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Hugli
- Service des urgences, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.
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Bertoletti L, Le Gal G, Aujesky D, Roy PM, Sanchez O, Verschuren F, Bounameaux H, Perrier A, Righini M. Prognostic value of the Geneva prediction rule in patients in whom pulmonary embolism is ruled out. J Intern Med 2011; 269:433-40. [PMID: 21198991 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02328.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prognosis of patients in whom pulmonary embolism (PE) is suspected but ruled out is poorly understood. We evaluated whether the initial assessment of clinical probability of PE could help to predict the prognosis for these patients. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of data obtained during a prospective multicentre management study. SETTING Six general and teaching hospitals in Belgium, France and Switzerland. SUBJECTS In 1334 patients in whom PE was ruled out, 3-month mortality data were available (hospital readmission status was unknown for three patients) and clinical probability was evaluated with the revised Geneva score (RGS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Three-month mortality and readmission rates. RESULTS Three-month mortality and readmissions rates were 3% and 19%, respectively and differed significantly depending on the RGS-determined PE probability group (P<0.001). When compared with patients presenting with a low probability, the risk of death after 3 months was higher in cases of intermediate or high RGS-based probability {odds ratio: 8.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7-28.5] and 22.6 (95%CI: 2.1-241.2), respectively}. The readmission risk increased with PE probability group (P<0.001). The main causes of death were cancer, respiratory failure and cardiovascular failure. In total, 86% of patients with low RGS-based probability were alive and had not been readmitted to hospital, whereas other patients had a twofold increased risk of death or readmission during the 3-month follow-up. The simplified Geneva score, calculated a posteriori, gave similar results. CONCLUSIONS Initial assessment of clinical probability may help to stratify prognosis of patients in whom PE has been ruled out. Patients with a low probability of PE have a good prognosis. Whether patients with higher probability might benefit from more vigilant care should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bertoletti
- Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hugli O, Righini M, Le Gal G, Roy PM, Sanchez O, Verschuren F, Meyer G, Bounameaux H, Aujesky D. The pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) rule does not safely exclude pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9:300-4. [PMID: 21091866 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2010.04147.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria (PERC) rule is a clinical diagnostic rule designed to exclude pulmonary embolism (PE) without further testing. We sought to externally validate the diagnostic performance of the PERC rule alone and combined with clinical probability assessment based on the revised Geneva score. METHODS The PERC rule was applied retrospectively to consecutive patients who presented with a clinical suspicion of PE to six emergency departments, and who were enrolled in a randomized trial of PE diagnosis. Patients who met all eight PERC criteria [PERC((-))] were considered to be at a very low risk for PE. We calculated the prevalence of PE among PERC((-)) patients according to their clinical pretest probability of PE. We estimated the negative likelihood ratio of the PERC rule to predict PE. RESULTS Among 1675 patients, the prevalence of PE was 21.3%. Overall, 13.2% of patients were PERC((-)). The prevalence of PE was 5.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-9.3%] among PERC((-)) patients overall and 6.4% (95% CI: 3.7-10.8%) among those PERC((-)) patients with a low clinical pretest probability of PE. The PERC rule had a negative likelihood ratio of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.12-0.38) [corrected] for predicting PE overall, and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.38-1.06) in low-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the PERC rule alone or even when combined with the revised Geneva score cannot safely identify very low risk patients in whom PE can be ruled out without additional testing, at least in populations with a relatively high prevalence of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Hugli
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Jimenez D, Aujesky D, Moores L, Gomez V, Marti D, Briongos S, Monreal M, Barrios V, Konstantinides S, Yusen RD. Combinations of prognostic tools for identification of high-risk normotensive patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Thorax 2010; 66:75-81. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.150656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Sam A, Sanchez D, Gomez V, Wagner C, Kopecna D, Zamarro C, Moores L, Aujesky D, Yusen R, Jimenez Castro D. The shock index and the simplified PESI for identification of low-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Eur Respir J 2010; 37:762-6. [DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00070110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Vuilleumier N, Le Gal G, Cornily JC, Hochstrasser D, Bounameaux H, Aujesky D, Righini M. Is N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide superior to clinical scores for risk stratification in non-massive pulmonary embolism? J Thromb Haemost 2010; 8:1433-5. [PMID: 20374451 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2010.03879.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously derived a clinical prognostic algorithm to identify patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) who are at low risk of short-term mortality and who could be safely discharged early or treated entirely in an outpatient setting. OBJECTIVES To externally validate the clinical prognostic algorithm in an independent patient sample. METHODS We validated the algorithm in 983 consecutive patients prospectively diagnosed with PE at an emergency department of a university hospital. Patients with none of the algorithm's 10 prognostic variables (age > or = 70 years, cancer, heart failure, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease, cerebrovascular disease, pulse > or = 110 min(-1), systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, oxygen saturation < 90%, and altered mental status) at baseline were defined as being at low risk. We compared 30-day overall mortality among low-risk patients, on the basis of the algorithm, between the validation sample and the original derivation sample. We also assessed the rate of PE-related and bleeding-related mortality among low-risk patients. RESULTS Overall, the algorithm classified 16.3% of patients with PE as being at low risk. Mortality at 30 days was 1.9% among low-risk patients, and did not differ between the validation sample and the original derivation sample. Among low-risk patients, only 0.6% died from definite or possible PE, and 0% died from bleeding. CONCLUSIONS This study validates an easy-to-use, clinical prognostic algorithm for PE that accurately identifies patients with PE who are at low risk of short-term mortality. Patients who are at low risk according to our algorithm are potential candidates for less costly outpatient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jakobsson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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38
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Moores L, Aujesky D, Jiménez D, Díaz G, Gómez V, Martí D, Briongos S, Yusen R. Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and troponin testing for the selection of low-risk patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2010; 8:517-22. [PMID: 20025646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2009.03725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and troponin testing could help physicians identify appropriate patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) for early hospital discharge. METHODS This prospective cohort study included a total of 567 patients from a single center registry with objectively confirmed acute symptomatic PE. On the basis of the PESI, each patient was classified into one of five classes (I-V). At the time of hospital admission, patients had troponin I (cTnI) levels measured. The endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality within 30 days after diagnosis. We calculated the mortality rates in four patient groups: group 1, PESI class I-II plus cTnI < 0.1 ng mL(-1); group 2, PESI classes III-V plus cTnI < 0.1 ng mL(-1); group 3, PESI classes I-II plus cTnI > or = 0.1 ng mL(-1); and group 4, PESI classes III-V plus cTnI > or = 0.1 ng mL(-1). RESULTS The study cohort had a 30-day mortality of 10% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.6-12.5%]. Mortality rates in the four groups were 1.3%, 14.2%, 0% and 15.4%, respectively. Compared with non-elevated cTnl, the low-risk PESI had a higher negative predictive value (NPV) (98.9% vs. 90.8%) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) (0.1 vs. 0.9) for predicting mortality. The addition of non-elevated cTnI to low-risk PESI did not improve the NPV or the NLR compared with either test alone. CONCLUSIONS Compared with cTnl testing, PESI classification more accurately identified patients with PE who are at low risk of all-cause death within 30 days of presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Moores
- F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
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39
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Méan M, Aujesky D. [Venous thromboembolism in the elderly]. Rev Med Suisse 2009; 5:2142-2146. [PMID: 19968026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease and has a high impact on morbidity, mortality, and costs of care. The majority of patients with VTE are aged > or = 65 years, making VTE essentially a disease of the elderly. Despite its high prevalence and the fact that VTE has a less favourable outcome in elderly patients (e.g., higher rate of mortality, major bleeding, and post-thrombotic syndrome), older patients are underrepresented in prospective studies of VTE. Moreover, little is known about patient factors that determine medical outcomes, quality of life, and costs of care in elderly patients with VTE. The goal of this article is to review the existing evidence regarding VTE in the elderly. A prospective multicenter Swiss cohort study will examine medical outcomes, quality of life, and medical resource utilization in elderly patients with VTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Méan
- Service de médecine interne, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.
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40
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Sommer WH, Ganiere V, Gachoud D, Keta A, Abou‐Hajar A, Dudler J, Aujesky D. Neurological and pulmonary adverse effects of subcutaneous methotrexate therapy. Scand J Rheumatol 2009; 37:306-9. [DOI: 10.1080/03009740801908001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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41
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Abstract
Risk stratification tools that accurately quantify the prognosis of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) may be useful in guiding medical decision making. Prospective studies demonstrated that clinical factors, echocardiographic right ventricular dysfunction, and cardiac biomarkers (troponins, brain natriuretic peptides) are independent predictors of short-term mortality in patients with PE. The presence of systemic hypotension or shock carries the highest risk of death, and thrombolysis is usually indicated. Among hemodynamically stable patients, clinical prognostic models, echocardiography, and biomarkers accurately identify low-risk patients with PE who are potential candidates for less costly outpatient care. However, the practical use of these prognostic measures is currently limited by the lack of studies demonstrating a positive impact on patient care. The benefit of risk stratification strategies based on clinical prognostic models, echocardiography, and cardiac biomarkers should be demonstrated in prospective studies before their implementation as decision aid to guide initial treatment can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aujesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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42
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Righini M, Le Gal G, Aujesky D, Roy PM, Sanchez O, Verschuren F, Kossovsky M, Bressollette L, Meyer G, Perrier A, Bounameaux H. Complete venous ultrasound in outpatients with suspected pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7:406-12. [PMID: 19143927 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.03264.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compression ultrasonography (US) confined to the proximal veins is usually performed to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Recent studies suggested a limited yield of proximal US when multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was used. OBJECTIVES To assess whether performing an additional distal vein US would increase the diagnostic yield of the test. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data of 855 consecutive outpatients included in a multicenter randomized controlled trial were analyzed. Patients were investigated by a sequential diagnostic strategy including clinical probability assessment, D-dimer measurement, proximal US and MSCT. Proximal US was completed by an examination of the distal veins, the result of which was not disclosed to the physician in charge of the patient. RESULTS US was positive in 21% of patients, of whom 10% (53/541) had proximal DVT and 11% (59/541) isolated distal DVT. Of the 59 patients with distal DVT, 21 (36%) had no PE on MSCT. Twenty of those 21 patients were not given anticoagulant therapy and had an uneventful follow-up. The diagnostic performance of distal US for the diagnosis of PE was as follows: sensitivity 22% [95% confidence interval (CI) 17-29]; specificity 94% (95% CI 91-96); positive likelihood ratio 3.9 (95% CI 2.4-6.4). CONCLUSIONS In patients with suspected PE, distal US has limited diagnostic performance, and its additional use only modestly increases the yield of US. Moreover, it carries a high false-positive rate, impeding the use of distal US as a confirmatory test for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Righini
- Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
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43
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Klok FA, Kruisman E, Spaan J, Nijkeuter M, Righini M, Aujesky D, Roy PM, Perrier A, Le Gal G, Huisman MV. Comparison of the revised Geneva score with the Wells rule for assessing clinical probability of pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2008; 6:40-4. [PMID: 17973649 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2007.02820.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The revised Geneva score, a standardized clinical decision rule in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE), was recently developed. The Wells clinical decision is widely used but lacks full standardization, as it includes subjective clinician's judgement. We have compared the performance of the revised Geneva score with the Wells rule, and their usefulness for ruling out PE in combination with D-dimer measurement. METHODS In 300 consecutive patients, the clinical probability of PE was assessed prospectively by the Wells rule and retrospectively using the revised Geneva score. Patients comprised a random sample from a single center, participating in a large prospective multicenter diagnostic study. The predictive accuracy of both scores was compared by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS The overall prevalence of PE was 16%. The prevalence of PE in the low-probability, intermediate-probability and high-probability categories as classified by the revised Geneva score was similar to that of the original derivation set. The performance of the revised Geneva score as measured by the AUC in a ROC analysis did not differ statistically from the Wells rule. After 3 months of follow-up, no patient classified into the low or intermediate clinical probability category by the revised Geneva score and a normal D-dimer result was subsequently diagnosed with acute venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the performance of the revised Geneva score is equivalent to that of the Wells rule. In addition, it seems safe to exclude PE in patients by the combination of a low or intermediate clinical probability by the revised Geneva score and a normal D-dimer level. Prospective clinical outcome studies are needed to confirm this latter finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Klok
- Section of Vascular Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, LUMC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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44
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Moret C, Aujesky D, Lamy O. [Complete bed rest prescription in an internal medicine ward: a dangerous treatment?]. Rev Med Suisse 2007; 3:2479-2482. [PMID: 18069405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A general knowledge led to the assumption that bed rest is beneficial for most illnesses and bed rest is prescribed in a large number of medical conditions. However, evidence from randomised studies and systematic reviews suggest a potentially harmful effect of bed rest. This review article discusses the utility of bed rest in some frequent medical pathologies such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, community acquired-pneumonia, and low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Moret
- Service de médecine, Departement de médecine CHUV, 1011 Lausanne
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45
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Aujesky D, Perrier A, Roy PM, Stone RA, Cornuz J, Meyer G, Obrosky DS, Fine MJ. Validation of a clinical prognostic model to identify low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism. J Intern Med 2007; 261:597-604. [PMID: 17547715 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2007.01785.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), a clinical prognostic model which identifies low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). DESIGN Validation study using prospectively collected data. SETTING A total of 119 European hospitals. SUBJECTS A total of 899 patients diagnosed with PE. INTERVENTION The PESI uses 11 clinical factors to stratify patients with PE into five classes (I-V) of increasing risk of mortality. We calculated the PESI risk class for each patient and the proportion of patients classified as low-risk (classes I and II). The outcomes were overall and PE-specific mortality for low-risk patients at 3 months after presentation. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values to predict overall and PE-specific mortality and the discriminatory power using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Overall and PE-specific mortality was 6.5% (58/899) and 2.3% (21/899) respectively. Forty-seven per cent of patients (426/899) were classified as low-risk. Low-risk patients had an overall mortality of only 1.2% (5/426) and a PE-specific mortality of 0.7% (3/426). The sensitivity was 91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 81-97%] and the negative predictive value was 99% (95% CI: 97-100%) for overall mortality. The sensitivity was 86% (95% CI: 64-97%) and the negative predictive value was 99% (95% CI: 98-100%) for PE-specific mortality. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for overall and PE-specific mortality were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.86) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.68-0.86) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This validation study confirms that the PESI reliably identifies low-risk patients with PE who are potential candidates for less costly outpatient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aujesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University Outpatient Clinic, Clinical Epidemiology Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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46
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Lamy O, Aujesky D, Vollenweider P, Waeber G, Foppa C. [Everyday bioethics in general internal medicine]. Rev Med Suisse 2006; 2:2550-4, 2556. [PMID: 17168044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of the national legislation and the key concepts of bioethics are necessary for medical practice. The four principles of bioethics are autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. General internal medicine is the speciality of comprehensive care for often elderly patients with multiple chronic illnesses. This care is related to many ethically difficult decisions. In our article, we discuss common ethical problems in general internal medicine, including ethical aspects of the patient-physician relationship and medical decision making, the ethical significance of time management, research in bioethics and medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Lamy
- Service de médecine interne, CHUV, Lausanne.
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47
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Aujesky D, Ghali W, Waeber G, Lamy O, Cornuz J. [Clinical research in general internal medicine: present and future perspectives]. Rev Med Suisse 2006; 2:2534-7. [PMID: 17168041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of research in general internal medicine is to produce knowledge that contributes to improving patient care. Internal medicine patients, particularly those with multiple chronic illnesses, need studies that help physicians to apply existing medical knowledge to achieve the greatest medical benefit, while conserving precious health care resources. In this article, we discuss what features general internal medicine research should include to meet the needs of practicing internists and their patients. We briefly describe research topics particularly relevant to general internal medicine such as health technology assessment, quality of care studies, and studies comparing the impact of different systems of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aujesky
- Service de médecine interne CHUV, Lausanne.
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48
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Aujesky D, Mazzolai L, Perrier A. [The prognosis of pulmonary embolism: are there practical implications for patient management?]. Rev Med Suisse 2006; 2:281-4. [PMID: 16503044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that outpatient treatment is safe and effective for many patients with non-massive pulmonary embolism. Despite this evidence, the vast majority of patients with non-massive pulmonary embolism continue to be treated in an inpatient setting. A major barrier to outpatient treatment has been the lack of explicit criteria to identify patients with pulmonary embolism at low-risk of adverse medical outcome. This article discusses new risk stratification tools for pulmonary embolism such as echocardiography, biomarkers, and clinical prognostic scores, and their potential application for patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aujesky
- Service de médecine interne, BH 10-622, CHUV, Lausanne.
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49
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Le Gal G, Righini M, Roy PM, Meyer G, Aujesky D, Perrier A, Bounameaux H. Differential value of risk factors and clinical signs for diagnosing pulmonary embolism according to age. J Thromb Haemost 2005; 3:2457-64. [PMID: 16241944 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01598.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnostic value of clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncertain in the elderly, who often have concomitant cardiopulmonary diseases that may mimic PE. The aim of our study was to assess the differential value of risk factors, symptoms and clinical signs of venous thromboembolism, results of electrocardiogram and chest X-ray for the diagnosis of PE in suspected patients according to age. METHODS We analyzed data from two outcome studies which enrolled 1721 consecutive patients presenting in the emergency department with clinically suspected PE defined as acute onset of new or worsening shortness of breath or chest pain without any other obvious etiology. All patients underwent a sequential diagnostic work-up and a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS The proportion of confirmed PE was 24.2% (416 of 1721). Strength of the association with PE did not differ according to age group for history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), recent surgery, tachypnea at admission or right ventricular strain on electrocardiogram. Active malignancy, hemoptysis, tachycardia, hemidiaphragmatic elevation and pleural effusion at chest X-ray were no more associated with PE in the patients aged of 75 years or more. Finally, symptoms and signs of deep venous thrombosis, and an alternative diagnosis less probable than PE were associated with PE in all age groups, but the strength of this association decreased significantly with advancing age. CONCLUSION Some risk factors, symptoms and signs of VTE are less strongly or even not at all associated with PE in the elderly. Physicians should take this into account when attending elderly patients suspected of PE and when assessing their clinical probability of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Le Gal
- Department of Internal Medicine and Chest Diseases EA 3878, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France.
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50
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Perrier A, De Lucia S, Aujesky D, Roy PM, Cornuz J, De Moerloose P, Bounameaux H. Clinical usefulness of D-dimer in cancer patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost 2003. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2003.tb04787.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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