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

Category: Uncategorized

  • Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) – FDA Approved

    Today the FDA approved the oral anticoagulant Xarelto (rivaroxaban) for DVT prevention in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery.  This is good news

  • Pulmonary Hypertension after PE – CTEPH

    Pulmonary hypertension affects up to 4 % of PE patient and typically occurs within the first 2 years after a PE.  It is defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥ 25 mm Hg by right heart catheterization, with normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.  Pulmonary hypertension occurring after an…

  • Apixaban (Eliquis): Good News

    Eliquis (Apixaban) is one of the 4 promising new oral anticoagulants that (a) do not require routine monitoring of its anticoagulant effect and (b) work independently of the vitamin K pathway.

  • 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…