VTE Introduction Flashcards
Pathophysiology
venous thrombi are formed in areas of slow/disturbed flow; stasis blood promotes thrombus –> decreased clotting factor clearance
venous thrombi composed of RBCs, fibrin, and few platelets
Symptoms result when
flow is obstructed
vascular tissue wall becomes inflamed (i.e. surgical procedure/traumatic injury)
thrombus occurs and affects venous blood flow
emboli occur and enter pulmonary circulation
not all DVTs lead to PEs but all PEs come from DVTs
3 main things contributing to a blood clot in our pts (virchow’s triad)
hypercoagulable state - abnormalities of clotting components (i.e. pregnancy or cancer)
circulatory stasis - abnormalities in blood flow, occurs during long periods of immobility
endothelial injury - abnormality of surfaces in contact with blood flow (i.e. injury of blood vessel)
Postthrombotic syndrome
long-term complications of DVT caused by damage to venous valves - chronic venous obstruction, caused by venous hypertension, chronic pain and swelling, stasis ulcers, development of infection
DVT risk factors
age > 40 yrs
family history of DVT
heart failure
immobilization > 10 days
malignancy
myocardial infarction
obesity
othopedic injury
oral contraceptive/estrogen
paralysis
postoperative state
pregnany
prior DVT
varicose veins
Nonpharmacologic treatment
baseline monitoring
DVT: bed rest (w/ appropriate anticoagulation), elevation of feet, pain management, compression stockings
PE: oxygen, mechanical ventilation, compression stockings
Unfractionated heparin
rapid, parenteral antigoagulant (most often given as continuous infusion)
variable dose response –> need for aPTT monitoring (time that represents how long it takes the bood to form a clot) - goal 1.5-2.5 time control
AEs: bleeding, thrombocytopenia
Weight based dosing for unfractionated heparin
monitor aPTT at baseline 6 hours after dose or with each dosage change (for 1st 24hrs); check daily after first day
lower the aPTT is, necessitates an increase in the dose
more elevated aPTT, need to decrease rate or hold infusion for short period of time
Heparin associated thrombocytopenia (HAT)
non-immune mediated
mild decrease in platelets
occurs around 48-72 hours after administration of heparin
transient, do not need to stop heparin
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
immune mediated
thrombotic complications
occurs between 7-14 days
one of 2 things to recognize HIT: platelets drop >50% from baseline OR <100,000/mm3
HIT management
STOP all heparin products
give alternate anticoagulant
do NOT give platelet infusions
do NOT give warfarin until platelet count > 150,000
evaluate for thrombosis
Low molecular weight heparin
advantages over UFH:
reduced protein binding - good bioavailability, predictable dose response (don’t need to monitor aTTPs)
longer plasma half-life - once or twice daily dosing
smaller molecule - improved SQ absorption
less effect of platelets and endothelium - reduced incidence of HIT and possibly bleeding
Monitoring Anti Xa levels
measures plasma heparin; consider for children, severe kidney failure, obesity, long courses, pregnancy
Fondaparinux
use: prophylaxis following THA, TKA, hip replacement, or abdominal surgery; treatment of DVT or PE (1st med used)
Fondaparinux considerations
do not use if have renal function (CrCl < 30 mL/min)
do not use for prophylaxis with low body weight (<50 kg)
can be used in HIT
no routine monitoring for therapeutic efficacy; can monitor anti-Xa levels
pregnancy category B (safe to use)
IV direct thrombin inhibitors
all three are reserved for pts diagnosed with HIT
lepirudin
bivalirudin
argatroban (adjust dose based on hepatic impairment; elevated INR, overlap with warfarin until INR >/= 4)
NOACs/DOACs
direct thrombin inhibitor: dabigatran etexilate
factor Xa inhibitors: rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, betrixaban
Labeled use - postoperative prophylaxis
knee or hip replacment surgery
Labeled use - non-valvular atrial fibrillation
prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in pts with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Labeled use - DVT treatment
treatment of a DVT
need to put on an anticoagulant very quickly
Labeled use - PE treatment
treatment of pulmonary embolism
need to put on an anticoagulant very quickly
Labeled use - Indefinite anticoagulation (secondary prevention of recurrent DVT and/or PE)
reduction in risk of recurrence of DVT and PE following initial 6 months of treatment for them
Labeled use - VTE prophylaxis
prophylaxis of VTE in adults hospitalized for an acute medical illness
NOAC approved indications - postoperative prophylaxis
dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban
NOAC approved indications - non-valvular atrial fibrillation
dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban
NOAC approved indications - DVT/PE treatment
dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban
NOAC approved indications - secondary prevention of recurrent DVT/PE
rivaroxaban, apixaban