Effect of VKORC1 - 1639 G > A polymorphism, body weight, age, and serum albumin alterations on warfarin response in Japanese patients

Introduction

To establish individualized warfarin therapy, we investigated the contribution of genetic variations of vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 gene (VKORC1) - 1639 G > A and Cytochrome P450 2C9 gene (CYP2C9) and clinical factors on warfarin sensitivity in Japanese patients.

Materials and Methods

Genetic analyses of VKORC1 - 1639 G > A and CYP2C9 ?2, ?3, and ?4 were performed in 259 Japanese patients and 341 healthy subjects. We selected 259 patients who have been prescribed warfarin with a 1.5-3.0 range of prothrombin time normalized as an international normalized ratio for at least 3 months and investigated factors that contribute to individual variability in warfarin dose. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was performed to investigate a warfarin dosing algorithm.

Results and Conclusions

There were great inter-individual differences in warfarin maintenance dose in 259 patients, ranging from a minimum dose of 0.75 mg/day to a maximal dose of 8.00 mg/day. VKORC1 - 1639 G > A polymorphism, body weight, age, and serum albumin were found to affect the inter-individual variability. The dosing algorithm of warfarin maintenance dose was investigated by multivariate linear regression. The regression equation was able to account for 33.2% (R²_Adj = 0.332) of the overall variability in warfarin dose.     

Influence of GGCX genotype on warfarin dose requirements in Chinese patients

Introduction

It has been widely accepted that genetic factors were the major sources of the variation in warfarin dose. This study is intended to investigate whether the 3261G>A variation in GGCX gene influences stable warfarin dose in Chinese patient population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 217 patients with stable warfarin dose were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from each subject and the genotype of GGCX 3261G>A was determined by using of denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Least significant difference tests (LSDs) were used to compare dose with genotypes. Analysis of variance (ANVOA) was used to calculate the proportion of warfarin dose that could be explained by variation in genotype.

Results

In the total of 217 subjects, 84 patients (38.7%) were GG homozygote, whereas 117 (53.9%) were GA heterozygote and 16 (7.4%) were AA homozygote. Patients with the GGCX 3261AA genotype had a significantly higher average daily maintenance dose (3.39 ± 1.40 mg) than those with the GG genotype (2.69 ± 1.07 mg; P = 0.027), and GGCX 3261G>A explains 2.3% of the univariate warfarin dose variance.

Conclusion

GGCX 3261G>A may affect warfarin dose requirements, and showed a small but significant effect on warfarin dose in a Chinese patient population.     

Genetic determinants of acenocoumarol and warfarin maintenance dose requirements in Slavic population: A potential role of CYP4F2 and GGCX polymorphisms

Introduction

VKORC1 and cytochrome CYP2C9 genetic variants contribute largely to inter-individual variations in vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) dose requirements. Cytochrome P450 4 F2 isoform (CYP4F2), gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms have been suggested to be of minor significance.

Materials and Methods

We sought to assess the impact of those polymorphisms on dose requirements in Central-Eastern European cohort of 479 patients receiving acenocoumarol (n = 260) or warfarin (n = 219).

Results

There were no differences between the acenocoumarol and warfarin groups with regard to the gender, age, body mass index and international normalized ratio. The VKORC1 c.-1639A allele carriers required a lower dose of acenocoumarol and warfarin than the non-carriers (28.0 [21.0–35.0] vs. 42.0 [28.0–56.0] mg/week, p < 0.0001; 35.0 [28.0–52.0] vs. 52.0 [35.0–70.0] mg/week, p = 0.0001, respectively). Carriers of *2 and/or *3 variant alleles for CYP2C9 also required a lower dose of warfarin as compared with *1*1 carriers (35.0 [31.5–52.5] vs. 43.8 [35.0–60.2] mg/week, p = 0.02; 35.0 [23.5–35.0] vs. 43.8 [35.0-60.2] mg/week, p < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, possession of G allele of GGCX c.2084 + 45 polymorphism was associated with lower warfarin dose (35.0 [26.3–39.2] vs. 45.5 [35.0–65.1] mg/week, p = 0.03). No effect of CYP2C9*2,-*3 and GGCX c.2084 + 45G > C polymorphisms on acenocoumarol dosage was observed. Interestingly, carriers of CYP4F2 c.1297A variant required a higher dose of acenocoumarol and warfarin than non-carriers (43.8 [35.0–60.2] vs. 35.0 [35.0–52.5] mg/week, p = 0.01; 35.0 [28.0–52.5] vs. 28.0 [28.0–42.0] mg/week, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

We have shown for the first time, that besides VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genetic variants, the CYP4F2 c.1297A and GGCX c.2084 + 45G have a moderate effect on VKAs dose requirements in Slavic population from Central-Eastern Europe.     

Resequencing of VKORC1, CYP2C9 and CYP4F2 genes in Italian patients requiring extreme low and high warfarin doses

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variability of VKORC1, CYP2C9 and CYP4F2 genes in patients who required a very low and high warfarin dose, in order to identify novel variants that could help to explain the particular extreme dose requirements.

Methods

Among patients followed and treated with warfarin at the Center of Haemostasis and Thrombosis of the PTV, we selected twelve patients showing a high divergence from warfarin standard doses required to achieve the therapeutic effect.All VKORC1, CYP2C9 and CYP4F2 coding regions, 3’ and 5’ UTR and exon/intron boundaries were analyzed by direct sequencing.

Results

The 1173T and -1639A allele variants in VKORC1 gene, associated with warfarin sensitivity, were present, as expected, mostly in low dose patients while 3730A allele, linked to warfarin resistance, has been found only in high dose patients. Interestingly, we found that three out of six low dose subjects presented CYP2C9*3/*3 homozygous genotype, very rare in Caucasians.Besides these common polymorphisms, we identified 5 SNPs in CYP2C9 gene and 19 SNPs in CYP4F2 gene. Among these, all polymorphisms identified in CYP2C9 gene were present only in low dose patients and three of them resulted in linkage with CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3. Regarding CYP4F2 SNPs, we did not observe differences between the high and low dose patients. At the end, the whole sequencing did not reveal any novel polymorphism/mutation.

Conclusion

Further studies are required to identify other genetic factors contributing to extreme warfarin requirement.     

The cytochrome 2C19*2 and *3 alleles attenuate response to clopidogrel similarly in East Asian patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

Carriage of CYP2C19*2 allele is associated with diminished platelet response to clopidogrel. However, the loss-of-function impact of CYP2C19*3 allele on antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel has not been definitely verified. We conducted this study to compare decreased response to clopidogrel according to carriage of CYP2C19*2 vs. *3 allele.

Materials and methods

The study included 190 consecutive Korean patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Light transmittance aggregometry and the VerifyNow P2Y₁₂ assay were used to assess platelet reactivity (PR) at least 12 hours after 300-mg loading of clopidogrel. The cutoff of high on-treatment PR (HPR) was defined as 5 μmol/L ADP-induced PR > 50%. CYP2C19 genotype was analyzed by the SNaPshot method.

Results

Carriers of at least one CYP2C19 variant allele were 115 patients (60.5%), and allelic frequency of CYP2C19*2 and *3 was 30.3% and 6.8%, respectively. PR and the rate of HPR increased proportionally according to the number of CYP2C19 variant allele. Carriage of CYP2C19 variant allele was an only independent predictor of HPR in multivariate analysis. When we compare the effect of allelic carriage, there were no significant differences in platelet measures and the rate of HPR between carriers of CYP2C19*2 and/or *3 allele(s) whether they were intermediate or poor metabolizers.

Conclusion

Carriage of CYP2C19*3 allele is associated with diminished antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel, which may be as potent as the loss-of-function effect of CYP2C19*2 allele.     

VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotype distribution in Asian countries

Background

Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant all over the world for prevention and treatment of different thrombotic conditions. Polymorphisms in two genes i.e. CYP2C9 (Cytochrome P450 2C9) and VKORC1 (Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1) play a major role in warfarin dose variation and its related adverse effects. Different ethnic groups have shown significant differences in dose requirement.

Method

A systematic electronic search was carried out in PUBMED and ScienceDirect using different key words like, ‘warfarin’, ‘CYP2C9’, ‘VKORC1’, ‘pharmacokinetics’, ‘metabolites’ and ‘genetic’. Till date, data from 15 Asian countries for CYP2C9 genotypes and 14 Asian countries for VKORC1 genotypes could be retrieved.

Results

Approximately 90% of the subjects from East Asian countries were found to be carriers for VKORC1 1639 ‘A’ or 1173 ‘T’ allele (associated with low dose warfarin), while the prevalence of these alleles in the rest of the Asian countries (except Iran) i.e. South, South East, West and Central Asia ranged between 14 and 80%. Interestingly, an increase in carrier rate for CYP2C9 *2 or *3 alleles was observed as we move from East to West Asia and an opposite trend was observed with VKORC1 1639 ‘A’ or 1173 ‘T’ alleles. Countries like Iran, Oman, India and Russia showed a drastic variation in the distribution pattern of these genotypes from that of the neighboring countries.

Conclusion

The analysis further highlights the importance of genotype based warfarin dosing in each country. Since many Asian countries are still underrepresented in pharmacogenomic research, addition of data from these underrepresented countries will be beneficial for safe warfarin dosing in these patients.     

Influence of CYP4F2 genotype on warfarin dose requirement-a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Warfarin is a commonly used oral anticoagulant and the dosage is individually adjusted on the basis of the international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring. It is well known that gene polymorphisms of CytochromeP450 (CYP) 2 C9 gene and the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1) were significantly associated with warfarin dose. However, the association between Cytochrome P450 4 F2 (CYP4F2) polymorphism and warfarin dose requirement is still controversial. This study was to investigate the influence of the CYP4F2 polymorphism, V433M (rs2108622) on warfarin dose for patients by meta-analysis.

Methods

Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were set, and the studies prior to December 19, 2010 were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and CNKI. References were examined and experts of primary studies were consulted for additional information. Revman 5.0.2 software was used to analyze the relationship between warfarin maintenance dose and CYP4F2 polymorphism

Results

Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis which consisted of Caucasian, Asian and African populations. Compared to individuals with the homozygous CYP4F2 genotype (CC), carriers of CT, TT genotypes required 10.0% (95% confidence interval(CI) 4.0-15.0) and 21.0% (95% CI 9.0-33.0) higher warfarin doses respectively (P value < 0.05). In addition, T carriers required 11.0% (95% CI 6.0-17.0) higher warfarin dose than CC genotype.

Conclusions

Our study showed that polymorphism of CYP4F2 had a moderate but statistically significant association with the variation of interindividual warfarin dose. However, whether CYP4F2 can improve the prediction of warfarin dose warrants need further investigation when combined with environmental factors.     

Association between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease across different populations

Objective

Many studies have suggested that adiponectin gene might be involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, the authors performed a meta-analysis to assess the associations of + 45T/G, + 276G/T and − 11377C/G polymorphisms in adiponectin gene with CAD susceptibility.

Methods

Published literature from PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model.

Results

Sixteen studies (4394 cases / 8187 controls) for + 45T/G polymorphism, fifteen studies (3569 cases / 7463 controls) for + 276G/T polymorphism, and thirteen studies (3531 cases / 7072 controls) for − 11377C/G polymorphism were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results showed that there was a statistically significant association between − 11377C/G polymorphism and CAD (G vs. C: OR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.07-1.24).Similar results were observed among European (G vs. C: OR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.02-1.20) and East Asian populations (G vs. C: OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.11-1.45). However, no significant association was found for + 45T/G or + 276G/T polymorphism with CAD susceptibility.

Conclusions

The meta-analysis indicated the significant association of − 11377C/G polymorphism, but not + 45T/G or + 276G/T polymorphism, with CAD susceptibility. However, large-scale studies with the consideration of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions should be conducted to investigate the associations in future.     

CYP2C19*2 and other genetic variants affecting platelet response to clopidogrel in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

Information regarding any possible additional effect of genetic variants other than CYP2C19*2 on platelet reactivity in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), while on dual antiplatelet therapy, is sparse.

Materials and Methods

Genotyping for CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*17, CYP2C9*3, CYP2B6*5, ABCB1 and P2RY12 (c.-217 + 2739 T > C) variants was performed in 146 consecutive PCI patients receiving clopidogrel. Platelet reactivity was assessed by the Verify Now P2Y12 point-of-care assay and high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) was defined as a Platelet Reactivity Unit (PRU) ≥ 235.

Results

We identified 65(44.5%) patients with HTPR and 38(26%) carriers of at least one CYP2C19*2 allele, which had higher platelet reactivity compared to non-carriers [least square (LS) mean difference 44.5, 95%CI 15.8-77.3, p = 0.003]. In the entire study population, the presence of at least one CYP2C19*2 or P2RY12 allelic variant was independently associated with HTPR (OR = 3.02, 95%CI 1.16-7.86, p = 0.023 and OR = 3.11, 95%CI 1.03-9.39, p = 0.05 respectively). In CYP2C19*2 non-carriers, carriers of at least one CYP2B6*5 allelic variant had higher platelet reactivity compared to the remainders (LS mean difference 35.6, 95%CI 3.7-67.6, p = 0.03) and the presence of at least one CYP2B6*5 or P2RY12 allelic variant was independently associated with HTPR (OR = 3.26, 95%CI 1.08-9.86, p = 0.04 and OR = 4.27, 95%CI 1.11-16.4, p = 0.04 respectively).

Conclusions

Apart from the CYP2C19*2, other genetic variants involved in clopidogrel metabolism and action like CYP2B6*5 and P2RY12 seem to have an important association with HTPR.     

Anticoagulation therapy with combined low dose aspirin and warfarin following mechanical heart valve replacement

Introduction

This study was designed to evaluate safety and efficacy of combined low dose aspirin and warfarin therapy following mechanical heart valve replacement.

Methods

A total of 1 496 patients (686 males, mean age 35 ± 8.5 years) undergoing mechanical heart valvular replacement were randomly divided into study (warfarin plus 75-100 mg aspirin) or control (warfarin only) group. International normalized ratio (INR) and prothrombin time was maintained at 1.8-2.5 and 1.5-2.0 times of the normal value, respectively. Thromboembolic events and major bleedings were registered during follow up.

Results

Patients were followed up for 24 ± 9 months. The average dose of warfarin in the study and control group was 2.92 ± 0.87 mg and 2.89 ± 0.79 mg, respectively (p > 0.05). The overall thromboembolic events in study group were lower than in control group (2.1% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.044). No statistically significant differences were found in hemorrhage events (3.5% vs. 3.7%, p > 0.05) or mortality (0.3% vs 0.4%, p > 0.05) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Following mechanical valve replacement, combined low dose aspirin and warfarin therapy was associated with a greater reduction in thromboembolism events than warfarin therapy alone. This combined treatment was not associated with an increase in the rate of major bleeding or mortality.     

Screening for anemia in patients on warfarin facilitates diagnosis of gastrointestinal malignancies and pre-malignant lesions

Introduction

The prevalence and etiology of occult bleeding among patients on warfarin who are screened systematically for new anemia is largely unknown. We aimed to estimate the usefulness of following hemoglobin and mean red cell volume (MCV) with INR in order to screen for developing anemia as an indicator of occult bleeding.

Material and methods

All patients on warfarin controlled at our institution had measurements of complete blood count (CBC) with INR during 18 months. Patients who fell > 25 g/L and/or decrease of MCV over 5 fL or MCV < 80 fL were contacted with instructions to undergo evaluation of anemia.

Results

Overall 3218 patients on warfarin were monitored at our institution and 442 (13.7%) had anemia and 235 (7.3%) had unexplained anemia. A total of 163/235 (69%) who were notified contacted their doctors and 82/163 (50%) were referred for investigation with upper and/or lower endoscopies. Gastrointestinal malignancies were found in 11 patients (10 colorectal cancers, 1 esophageal) and pre-cancerous lesions among 14 other patients. Additional 25/82 patients (30%) had upper and/or lower bleeding lesions such as ulcers and angiodysplasia. Based on 3669 years of observation, 73 patients needed to be screened for one year in order to identify one gastrointestinal lesion causing occult bleeding.

Conclusions

Thirty percent of those endoscoped had malignant or pre-malignant diseases. Regular measurement of CBC concomitantly with INR in patients on warfarin therapy led to detection of otherwise asymptomatic diseases in a significant proportion of patients and might lead to earlier diagnosis of malignant and premalignant disease.     

Warfarin treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation: Observing outcomes associated with varying levels of INR control

Introduction

We aimed to determine the level of INR control associated with reduced stroke and mortality.

Material and methods

The study used a retrospective cohort design using linked inpatient, haematology and mortality data from Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, UK.Anonymised patients admitted with a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were defined as warfarin or non-warfarin treated by number of repeated International Normalised Ratio (INR) tests. Warfarin treated patients (> 5 INR tests) categorised as at moderate or high risk of stroke (CHADS₂ score ≥ 2) with varying levels of INR control were compared to those who did not receive warfarin treatment using Cox proportional hazards models controlling for age, sex and CHADS₂ score. Outcome measures were time to stroke and mortality.

Results

6,108 patients with NVAF were identified. 2,235 (36.6%) of these patients had five or more INR readings and of these 486 (21.7%) had CHADS₂ score ≥ 2. There was significant improvement in time to stroke event in those patients with INR control of greater than 70% of time in therapeutic range (2.0 to 3.0) compared with the non-warfarin treatment group. Overall survival was significantly improved for all warfarin treated groups with INR control of greater than 40% of time in range.

Conclusions

Patients with INR control of above 70% of time in range had a significantly reduced risk of stroke. Patient suitability for warfarin treatment should be continuously assessed based on their ability to maintain a consistently therapeutic INR.     

Impact of VKORC1 gene polymorphism on interindividual and interethnic warfarin dosage requirement— A systematic review and meta analysis

Introduction

Warfarin is the most widely used oral anticoagulant. It has been suggested that anticoagulation effect of warfarin is significantly associated with the polymorphism of certain genes, including Cytochrome P450 complex subunit 2C9 (CYP2C9), Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex Subunit 1 (VKORC1), Gamma-Glutamyl Carboxylase (GGCX) and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) etc. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systemic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between mean daily warfarin dose (MDWD) and VKORC1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Materials and Methods

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were made, and the studies between 2004 and present were searched. References were examined, and experts were consulted for additional information. Data were extracted. Revman 4.2.10 software was applied to analyze the relationship between MDWD and VKORC1 SNPs.

Results

Total 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The frequencies of 1173TT and − 1639 AA in Asian patients were higher than those in Caucasian and African populations. Patients with VKORC1 1173 CT and 1173 CC required 44% [95% Confidence Interval (CI); 32%, 56%] and 97% [73%, 122%] higher MDWD than 1173 TT carriers, − 1639GA and − 1639GG carriers required 52% [41%, 64%] and 102% [85%, 118%] higher MDWD than − 1639AA carriers, 3730GA and 3730AA carriers required 27% [3%, 58%] and 52% [3%, 109%] higher MDWD than 3730GG carriers. In addition, 1173C, − 1639 G and 3730 A carriers required 63% [44%, 82%], 61% [49%, 73%] and 32% [4%, 59%] higher MDWD than 1173TT, − 1639 AA and 3730GG, respectively. Sensitive analyses demonstrated that the impacts of gene polymorphism on warfarin dosage requirement were significantly different between Caucasian and Asian population, and the results of meta-analyses were stable and reliable.

Conclusion

This is the first meta-analysis about the impact of VKORC1 gene polymorphism on warfarin dose requirement. Our studies showed that gene polymorphisms of VKORC1 significantly associated with the variation of interindividual warfarin dose requirement variation, and the effects are different in ethnicities.     

Genotypes of vitamin K epoxide reductase, gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, and cytochrome P450 2C9 as determinants of daily warfarin dose in Japanese patients

The dose required for the anticoagulant effect of warfarin exhibits large inter-individual variations. This study sought to determine the contribution of four genes, vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1), gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), calumenin (CALU), and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) to the warfarin maintenance dose required in Japanese patients following ischemic stroke. We recruited 93 patients on stable anticoagulation with a target International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 1.6-2.6. We genotyped eleven representative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the three genes involved in vitamin K cycle and the 42613A>C SNP in CYP2C9, known as CYP2C93, and then examined an association of these genotypes with warfarin maintenance doses (mean+/-SD=2.96+/-1.06 mg/day). We found an association of effective warfarin dose with the -1639G>A (p=0.004) and 3730G>A genotypes (p=0.006) in VKORC1, the 8016G>A genotype in GGCX (p=0.022), and the 42613A>C genotype in CYP2C9 (p=0.015). The model using the multiple regression analysis including age, sex, weight, and three genetic polymorphisms accounted for 33.3% of total variations in warfarin dose. The contribution to inter-individual variation in warfarin dose was 5.9% for VKORC1 -1639G>A, 5.2% for CYP2C9 42613A>C, and 4.6% for GGCX 8016G>A. In addition to polymorphisms in VKORC1 and CYP2C9, we identified GGCX 8016G>A, resulting in the missense mutation R325Q, as a genetic determinant of warfarin maintenance dose in Japanese patients.     

The clinical significance of differences between point-of-care and laboratory INR methods in over-anticoagulated patients

Introduction

Patients receiving warfarin are at increased risk of bleeding when their International Normalised Ratio (INR) > 4.5. Although not standardised above 4.5 the INR is measured in over-anticoagulated patients, consequently we have examined the reliability of INR results ≥ 4.5. We assessed: the relationship between different prothrombin time systems for INRs > 4.5; the relationships between the INR and levels of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (VKD-CF) and thrombin generation test (TGT) parameters; and the impact that variation in results would have on warfarin dosing.

Methods

INRs were performed using a CoaguChek XS Plus point-of-care (POC) device (measuring range 0.6-8.0). For POC INRs ≥ 4.5, laboratory INRs were also measured using a recombinant tissue factor (rTF) and a rabbit brain (RBT) thromboplastin.

Results

There was good correlation between POC (INR ≥ 4.5, < 8.0) and Lab INRs (rTF n = 154, rs = 0.87, p < 0.0001; RBT n = 102, rs = 0.76, p < 0.0001); and significant correlations between each of the VKD-CF and the INR, the strongest being with FVII (POC INR rs = -0.53 p < 0.0001; Lab rTF-INR rs = -0.70 p < 0.0001). TGT peak thrombin and ETP also showed good correlations with INR values (R² > 0.71). Using POC and Lab rTF-INR, 109/154 (71%), or POC and Lab RBT-INR 75/102 (74%) results exhibited dosage concordance and/or were within 0.5 INR units. In the remaining patients variation in warfarin dosing was generally slight.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that CoaguChek XS Plus INRs > 4.5 and < 8.0 are comparable to laboratory INRs (both methods) and it is probably unnecessary to perform laboratory INRs for clinical management of patients with INRs > 4.5 including those > 8.0.     

Defining time in therapeutic range for busy clinicians: Frequency of dose changes is a good surrogate marker to identify patients with suboptimal anticoagulation with warfarin

Introduction

Patients on warfarin with sub-optimal time-in-therapeutic-range (TTR) are more likely to have adverse events. Target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) are approved and can be used as an alternative to warfarin for a number of indications. Further, the efficacy and safety profiles of the TSOACs compared to warfarin are more favourable when the TTR is ≤ 65% for certain indications.

Objective

We aimed to determine simple, sensitive and specific diagnostic tools to identify TTR ≤ 65% during the initial three months of warfarin therapy.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including patients newly initiated on warfarin without any interruption for three months was conducted. TTR was calculated using the Rosendaal method. Patients were stratified by TTR (≤ 65% or > 65%). Number of INR measurements, dose changes and INR measurements of ≤ 1.7 or ≥ 4.0 were evaluated as potential diagnostic tools to identify TTR ≤ 65%.

Results

670 patients were included. The most common indication for anticoagulation was venous thromboembolism. The mean TTR in the first three months was 68 ± 21% (Range: 10 to 100%). Three or more dose changes identified TTR ≤ 65% and demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 90% (95%CI 86 to 93%) and 56% (95%CI 51 to 61%), respectively. Three or more INR measurements of ≤ 1.7 during the initial three months of anticoagulation showed a sensitivity and specificity of 37% (95%CI 32 to 43%) and 98% (95%CI 96 to 99%), respectively.

Conclusion

Three or more dose changes and three or more INR measurements of ≤ 1.7 could identify patients with a TTR ≤ 65% in the first three months of warfarin therapy.     

Reduced-dose warfarin or interrupted warfarin with heparin bridging for pacemaker or defibrillator implantation: A randomized trial

Background

Perioperative management with reduced-dose warfarin is of potential interest by eliminating the need for bridging while still maintaining a degree of anticoagulation. The outcomes of this regimen have not been well determined.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial we compared two regimens for management of anticoagulation with warfarin in patients with implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator. Half dose of warfarin for 3–6 days, depending on the baseline international normalized ratio (INR), before surgery aiming at an INR of ≤ 1.7 was compared with interrupted warfarin for 5 days with preoperative bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) at therapeutic dose for 2.5 days. Main safety outcome was pocket hematoma. Secondary outcomes were major bleeding, thromboembolism – all within 1 month, days of hospitalization and number of patients requiring correction of INR with vitamin K.

Results

The study was planned for 450 patients but it was discontinued prematurely due to a change in practice. Pocket hematoma occurred in 4 of 85 patients (5%) randomized to the bridged regimen and in 3 of 86 patients (3%) randomized to reduced-dose warfarin. One pocket hematoma in each group was severe. There were no major hemorrhages or thromboembolism within the 1-month window. Duration of hospitalization was similar in the two groups. Correction of INR the day before surgery with vitamin K had to be used for significantly more patients in the reduced-dose warfarin group (41%) than in the bridged regimen group (6%).

Conclusion

The reduced-dose warfarin regimen appeared to have similar safety after device implantation as interrupted warfarin with preoperative LMWH bridging. Due to premature discontinuation no firm conclusion can be drawn. The reduced-dose warfarin regimen often failed to achieve the intended preoperative INR.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 02094157     

Single-dose adjustment versus no adjustment of warfarin in stably anticoagulated patients with an occasional international normalized ratio (INR) out of range

Background

Well-controlled patients on warfarin may still have occasional International Normalized Ratios (INRs) outside the therapeutic range. It is unclear whether there is any benefit of a single-dose correction in this situation.

Aim

To evaluate whether patients with very stable INR results should continue with the maintenance dose of warfarin without a single-dose correction, even when the result unexpectedly is moderately below or above the therapeutic range.

Methods

A) We reviewed retrospectively 364 patients with unchanged maintenance dose for at least 6 months and an occasional INR outside the therapeutic range regarding decision on dosing and the effect on the next INR. B) We randomized 160 patients with at least 3 months of unchanged maintenance dose, an occasional INR deviating to a minimum of 1.5 or a maximum of 4.4 and unexplained or temporary, removable cause to a single-dose Change or No change. Follow-up INRs and telephone interviews were obtained after 2 weeks.

Results

A) Retrospectively, the proportion of follow-up INRs outside the therapeutic range was 29.9% after No change, 27.1% after Increased dose and 25.7% after Skipped/reduced dose. However, the decision on No change was mainly taken in case of minimal INR deviations. B) Forty-eight (60%) of the patients randomized to Change were within the therapeutic range at follow-up versus 45 (56%) of those with No change, odds ratio 1.17 (95% confidence interval 0.59-2.30). For baseline INRs deviating down to 1.6 or up to 3.6 (therapeutic range, INR 2.0-3.0) the 2-week INRs did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest only a small or no difference between the two managements of an occasional INR out of range in terms of the 2-week follow-up INR. In stable patients on warfarin with an occasional INR outside the therapeutic range it seems reasonable to continue with the same dose without a single-dose change and perform a repeat test in about 2 weeks. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00814177.)     

Genetic determinants of high on-treatment platelet reactivity in clopidogrel treated Chinese patients

Introduction

Cytochrome P450 (CYP), ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCB1), and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) play crucial roles in clopidogel absorption and bioactivation. Genetic polymorphisms in these genes have been associated with the variability of the response to clopidogrel, however their contribution to high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) in clopidogrel treated Chinese patients is less known.

Materials and methods

Five-hundred Chinese-Han patients treated with clopidogrel for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were consecutively recruited from the Department of Geriatric Cardiology, General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, from September 2010 to September 2012. We assessed the relations of CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285), CYP2C19*3 (rs4986893), CYP2C19*17 (rs12248560), PON1Q129R (rs662) and ABCB1C3435T (rs1045642) to the platelet aggregation after 5 days maintenance dose of clopidogrel administration, and the risk for HPR. The cutoff of HPR was defined as 20 μmol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation > 50%.

Results

Both CYP2C19*2 and *3 alleles were significantly associated with higher platelet aggregation after 5 days maintenance dose of clopidogrel administration (P < 0.00001and P = 0.042, respectively). The platelet aggregation in carriers of at least one CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele (*2 or *3, accounted for 58% of the study population) was obviously higher than that in non-carriers (P < 0.00001). Patients with the CYP2C19*2 allele had a higher risk of HPR than those with the CYP2C19 wild-type genotype [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.56; 95% confidence interval(CI), 1.04–2.33, P = 0.03]. The carriers of at least one CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele could also predict significantly greater risk of HPR compared with non-carriers (adjusted HR1.79,95% CI: 1.33–2.4,P = 0.003). However, the carriage of CYP2C19*3 alone could not predict the risk of HPR significantly (adjusted HR, 1.5; 95% CI: 0.83–3, P = 0.16). Significant relation of CYP2C19*17, PON1Q129R and ABCB1C3435T to the platelet aggregation was not found.

Conclusion

In clopidogrel treated Chinese patients with ACS, carriers of at least one CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele could predict greater risk of HPR, with the impact mainly attributing to CYP2C19*2. Neither ABCB1 nor PON1 genotype could influence the antiplatelet response of clopidogrel in the cohort of Chinese patients.