A Clearinghouse for Information about Blood Clots (DVT/)PE) and Clotting Disorders (thrombophilia) provided as a public service by the University of North Carolina Blood Research Center

Author: Clot Connect

  • Starting Pradaxa – Checklist

    What topics need to be discussed with the patient who wants to start Pradaxa (Dabigatran)? A structured, bulleted checklist may be helpful in your discussion with the patient, to make sure all relevant points are addressed. A suggested list is here.

  • Protein C Deficiency

    Inherited protein C deficiency is considered a stronger thrombophilia. It increases the risk for venous and arterial thromboembolism, and possibly for early and late pregnancy loss and other adverse pregnancy outcomes (preeclampsia, IUGR, placental abruption).  There are 2 major causes for low protein C values:

  • Pregnancy Loss and Thrombophilia

    How common is pregnancy loss? What are the causes? Pregnancy loss  in the general population is common. Most losses occur in the first trimester. As many as 5 % of women have 2 or more early losses; 1-2 % have 3 or more early losses [ref 1]. Well established risk factors for pregnancy loss are:…

  • Anticoagulation Clinics – Finding One for Your Patient

    Patients on warfarin need to be followed in a systematic way to optimize safety and efficacy of therapy [ref 1]. While smaller-volume physician practices may well have appropriate criteria in place, structured anticoagulation clinics often have the expertise and resources for optimal anticoagulation management. The location of a number of anticoagulation clinics in the U.S.…

  • Pradaxa (Dabigatran) – Hospital Guideline

    The new oral anticoagulant Pradaxa® (Dabigatran) is increasingly being used as an alternative to warfarin.   A number of practical management questions are now encountered by the physician, pharmacist, or other health care professional taking care of the patient on Pradaxa®, such as (a) dosing in renal impairment, (b) conversion of a patient on warfarin…

  • Incidentally Discovered DVT, PE or Other Clots

    General comments CT or MRI scans will occasionally detect an incidental iliofemoral DVT, PE or intra-abdominal thrombosis (IVC, portal, splenic, mesenteric or renal vein). This is particularly common in cancer patients undergoing staging CT scans. When such an incidental, asymptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) is discovered, the question arises whether the patient should be treated with…

  • Pradaxa: Interruption for Colonoscopies, Dental Procedures, Surgery, etc.

    When to stop the drug – General comments The patient on Pradaxa® (Dabigatran) may need interruption of therapy for dental work, a medical procedure such as colonoscopy, or minor or major surgical procedure. As to when exactly to take the last dose of Pradaxa® before the procedure depends on (a) what type of procedure is…

  • DVT and PE: How Long to Treat With Anticoagulants?

    Explanation for Patients The complex topic of “Length of Anticoagulant Treatment” for patients with VTE  is being addressed in a blog entry written for patients, found on the Clot Connect patient education blog (here). For the Health Care Professional Well respected treatment guidelines exist [ref 1,2].