Clopidogrel therapy--implications for hip fracture surgery

It remains unclear whether it is justifiable to delay hip fracture surgery in patients who are taking clopidogrel therapy-to allow the drug's anti-platelet effect to wear off. In a follow-up of 740 consecutive admissions with hip fracture we describe the extent of blood loss and complications in 17 (2.3%) who were taking clopidogrel. The peri-operative fall in haemoglobin was 1.3g/dl (95% CI: 0.4-2.3g/dl) less in the 10 patients in whom the surgeon's policy was for surgery to be delayed for at least 5 days. However, this group also experienced thromboembolic complications that were potentially attributable to this approach. Clopidogrel therapy does have implications for peri-operative blood loss, but hip fracture is a complex and multifactorial condition. We propose an individualised approach to patients taking this increasingly common drug.     

A Survey of the Peri-Operative Management of Urological Patients on Clopidogrel

INTRODUCTION

Peri-operative management of patients receiving platelet inhibitors, such as clopidogrel presents a dilemma to surgeons in every surgical specialty including urology. The risk of procedure-related bleeding while continuing clopidogrel needs to be weighed against the risk of thrombo-embolism after discontinuing it. The objective of the survey was to determine current UK practice regarding clopidogrel use/cessation in patients undergoing elective urological procedures.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A 10-part questionnaire relating to pre- and postoperative clopidogrel use was mailed to all UK urology consultants listed in the British Association of Urological Surgeons'' directory.

RESULTS

A total of 570 questionnaires were sent and 297 (52%) were returned. The majority of respondents stop clopidogrel prior to TUR surgery (96.6%), major urological surgery (91.7%), TRUS biopsy (90.6%), ESWL (81.8%) and cystoscopy and biopsy (70.1%). The time clopidogrel was stopped pre-operatively and restarted postoperatively was very variable and dependent on local guidelines or urologist preference. Almost half (49.5%) of the respondents would stop clopidogrel irrespective of its indication and 40.7% never consulted a cardiologist/haematologist before stopping clopidogrel. Less than half (43.4%) had a protocol/guideline in place concerning stopping clopidogrel before surgery. Of respondents, 43% do not routinely prescribe bridging therapy after discontinuing clopidogrel. Over half (55%) reported bleeding complications in patients who continued their clopidogrel during urological procedures and 22 (7.4%) of respondents reported an adverse thrombo-embolic event after stopping clopidogrel. The vast majority of respondents (92.8%) felt evidence-based guidelines on clopidogrel use during the peri-operative period would be useful.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey has highlighted a significant variation in practice with regards to pre- and postoperative management of clopidogrel in patients undergoing urological procedures. The results of this survey highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines for the peri-operative management of patients on clopidogrel.     

Current practice in the use of antiplatelet agents in the peri-operative period by UK vascular surgeons

BACKGROUND: There currently appears to be no firm consensus with regards to the use of antiplatelet agents during the peri-operative period in vascular surgical practice. METHODS: A nine-part questionnaire relating to peri-operative antiplatelet use was sent to 137 ordinary members of the Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSS-GBI). RESULTS: Of the 137 questionnaires sent, 90 were returned (66%). For patients undergoing infra-inguinal bypass, carotid endarterectomy and varicose vein surgery, over 90% of vascular surgeons continue antiplatelet agents peri-operatively; however, in the case of aortic aneurysm repair, this figure is lower (77%). Three of the respondents stated that they would stop clopidogrel, but not aspirin, prior to surgery because of concerns over increased operative bleeding. In patients starting routine heparin prophylaxis against thrombosis, most surgeons opted to continue antiplatelet therapy (82%), although in patients requiring therapeutic heparin treatment, opinions were almost equally split. Most vascular surgeons (93%) would to start an alternative antiplatelet agent if a patient was intolerant of aspirin for gastrointestinal reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Although the benefits of antiplatelet drugs in the long-term reduction of vascular events is established, evidence supporting their use in the peri-operative period is scarce. The general consensus of opinion from this survey suggests that most vascular surgeons do not stop antiplatelet drugs pre-operatively.     

Acute cognitive dysfunction after hip fracture: frequency and risk factors in an optimized, multimodal, rehabilitation program

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing hip fracture surgery often experience acute post-operative cognitive dysfunction (APOCD). The pathogenesis of APOCD is probably multifactorial, and no single intervention has been successful in its prevention. No studies have investigated the incidence of APOCD after hip fracture surgery in an optimized, multimodal, peri-operative rehabilitation regimen. METHODS: One hundred unselected hip fracture patients treated in a well-defined, optimized, multimodal, peri-operative rehabilitation regimen were included. Patients were tested upon admission and on the second, fourth and seventh post-operative days with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. RESULTS: Thirty-two per cent of patients developed a significant post-operative cognitive decline, which was associated with several pre-fracture patient characteristics, including age and cognitive function, but also the number of peri-operative transfusions. The development of APOCD was also associated with impaired post-operative rehabilitation and an increased length of stay. APOCD was associated with the development of a major medical complication in 35% of all patients. In 65% of patients developing APOCD without a concomitant medical complication, the only risk factors were cognitive level and regular anti-psychotic treatment. CONCLUSION: On the basis of current evidence, APOCD is prevalent amongst hip fracture patients despite multimodal intervention; future research should therefore focus on defining subgroups of hip fracture patients amenable to specific prophylactic or interventional measures against APOCD.     

The effect of preoperative clopidogrel on bleeding after coronary artery bypass surgery

INTRODUCTION: Clopidogrel treatment is associated with a reduction in thrombotic complications in coronary stent placement, improved outcome after acute coronary syndromes, and decreased mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative clopidogrel exposure on bleeding complications, blood transfusions requirements, and reoperations in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 320 patients from a single institution that underwent an isolated CABG who were discharged between July 2003 and June 2004. The cohort of 320 patients was classified into 3 groups. The control group consisted of 255 patients that did not receive clopidogrel or stopped clopidogrel 7 days before surgery but were treated with aspirin instead. Clopidogrel I consisted of 25 patients that were taking clopidogrel within 3 days of surgery, and Clopidogrel II consisted of 40 patients that were taking clopidogrel 4 to 7 days before surgery. Patients were compared based on preoperative data (age, gender, use of clopidogrel, preoperative hemoglobin, and ejection fraction), intraoperative data (cross-clamp time), postoperative data (chest tube output, rate of reoperation, units of transfused blood, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and length of intubation). RESULT: There were no significant differences among the 3 groups concerning age, sex, ejection fraction, or preoperative hemoglobin. There were no differences in length of intensive care unit stay and length of intubation among the 3 groups of patients. Patients in the clopidogrel I group had more units of blood transfused than either the control or the Clopidogrel II group (p=0.027). There is also a trend toward more chest tube output in clopidogrel I group compared with the control group. Fifteen patients (4.6%) of the total group required reoperation secondary to bleeding: 2 (8.0%) in the Clopidogrel I group, 2 (5%) in the clopidogrel II group, and 11 (4.3%) in the control group (p=0.41). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that clopidogrel within 3 days preoperatively increases the requirement for blood transfusion in patients undergoing CABG. Waiting more than 3 days after the last dose of clopidogrel decreases blood transfusion requirements. There is also a trend toward more postoperative bleeding for those patients that took clopidogrel within 3 days before their CABG. The reoperation rate of patients that took clopidogrel within 3 days of their procedure required almost twice as many reoperations as the patients that did not take clopidogrel.     

Is discontinuation of clopidogrel necessary for intracapsular hip fracture surgery? Analysis of 102 hemiarthroplasties

Background

An increasing number of elderly patients are managed with long-term antiplatelet therapy. Such patients often present with hip fracture requiring surgical intervention and may be at increased risk of perioperative bleeding and complications. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether it is necessary to stop clopidogrel preoperatively to avoid postoperative complications following hip hemiarthroplasty surgery in patients with intracapsular hip fracture.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of 102 patients with intracapsular hip fracture with either perioperative clopidogrel therapy [clopidogrel group (CG)] or no previous clopidogrel exposure [no clopidogrel group (NCG)] who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty surgery was undertaken. Statistical comparison on pre- and postoperative haemoglobin, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, comorbidities, operative time, transfusion requirements, hospital length of stay (LOS), wound infection, haematoma and reoperation rate between the two groups was undertaken. Regression analysis was undertaken to ascertain the risk ratios (RR) of complications and transfusion associated with clopidogrel.

Results

There was no difference with respect to ASA grade, comorbidities (except cardiac comorbidities), pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels, operation time, age or gender between the two groups. Four and two patients, respectively, required transfusion postoperatively in the CG and NCG (p = 0.37). There was no difference with respect to LOS, wound infection, haematoma or reoperation rate between the two groups postoperatively. The covariate-adjusted RR for complications and transfusion while being on clopidogrel were 0.43 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.07–2.60] and 3.96 (95 % CI 0.40–39.68), respectively.

Conclusion

Continuing clopidogrel therapy throughout the perioperative period in patients with intracapsular hip fracture is not associated with an increased risk of complications following hip hemiarthroplasty surgery.     

Is it Safe to Continue Clopidogrel in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundNo evidence-based guidelines exist for the perioperative use of clopidogrel in elective hip and knee arthroplasty patients. This study compares the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients maintained on clopidogrel and with patients whose clopidogrel was held before surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 158 patients taking clopidogrel before undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty. Patients were stratified for having clopidogrel held or continued, based on the interval between latest dose and date of surgery. The primary end points were receipt of transfusion and readmission within 90 days of surgery. Secondary end points were the incidence of complications such as bleeding, infection, re-operation, and major cardiac or neurologic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke during the 90-day postoperative period.ResultsThe two cohorts had similar demographics. Patients who continued clopidogrel were more likely to receive a blood transfusion postoperatively (9.1% vs 0%, P = .005), but there was no difference in wound drainage (P = .65), wound infection (P = .24), readmission (P = .74), major complications (P = .64), length of stay (P = .70), or mortality (P = .42). Patients who continued clopidogrel before surgery were more likely to have received general anesthesia (P < .001) per anesthesia protocol, however, three such patients did receive spinal anesthesia without any complications. With cementless implants, blood loss was not different between clopidogrel groups.ConclusionPatients undergoing elective total hip and knee arthroplasty may be safely maintained on clopidogrel without an increased risk of wound complications, infections, length of stay, readmission, reoperation, major medical complications, or mortality. Further prospective research is warranted to confirm the effects of continuing clopidogrel in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty.     

Peri-operative tobacco cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tobacco smoking is associated with a substantially increased risk of postoperative complications. The peri-operative period offers a unique opportunity to support patients to stop tobacco smoking, avoid complications and improve long-term health. This systematic review provides an up-to-date summary of the evidence for tobacco cessation interventions in surgical patients. We conducted a systematic search of randomised controlled trials of tobacco cessation interventions in the peri-operative period. Quantitative synthesis of the abstinence outcomes data was by random-effects meta-analysis. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was abstinence at the time of surgery, and the secondary outcome was abstinence at 12 months. Thirty-eight studies are included in the review (7310 randomised participants) and 26 studies are included in the meta-analysis (5969 randomised participants). Studies were pooled for subgroup analysis in two ways: by the timing of intervention delivery within the peri-operative period and by the intensity of the intervention protocol. We judged the quality of evidence as moderate, reflecting the degree of heterogeneity and the high risk of bias. Overall, peri-operative tobacco cessation interventions increased successful abstinence both at the time of surgery, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.48 (1.20–1.83), number needed to treat 7; and 12 months after surgery, risk ratio (95%CI) 1.62 (1.29–2.03), number needed to treat 9. More work is needed to inform the design and optimal delivery of interventions that are acceptable to patients and that can be incorporated into contemporary elective and urgent surgical pathways. Future trials should use standardised outcome measures.     

Thromboprophylaxis practice patterns in hip fracture surgery patients: experience in Perth, Western Australia

Background: International guidelines recommend that all patients undergoing hip fracture surgery receive specific thromboprophylaxis. The purpose of the present study was to examine current thromboprophylaxis practice patterns in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery at Royal Perth Hospital. Methods: A total of 129 consecutive patients admitted to Royal Perth Hospital between 4 February and 21 July 2002 for surgical repair of a fractured neck of femur, was studied. The primary outcome was the frequency, type, and duration of thromboprophylaxis use during hospitalization. Results: Mean patient age was 79.4 ± 13.4 years and 69.8% (90/129) were female. Seventy‐four patients (57.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 48.8?66.8%) received specific thromboprophylaxis during hospitalization, including 50 patients (39.1%; 95%CI: 30.6?48.1%) who received pharmacological prophylaxis only, three (2.3%; 95%CI: 0.5?6.7%) who received mechanical prophylaxis only, and 21 (16.4%; 95%CI: 10.5?24.0%) who received both mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis. Of those receiving pharmacological prophylaxis, 35 (49.3%; 95%CI: 37.2?61.4%) received low‐molecular‐weight heparin, 26 (36.6%; 95%CI: 25.5?48.9%) received low‐dose unfractionated heparin, eight (11.3%; 95%CI: 5.0?21.0%) received warfarin, 35 (49.3%; 95%CI: 37.2?61.8%) received aspirin or clopidogrel, and 27 (38.0%; 95% CI: 26.8?50.3%) received combined anticoagulant and antiplatelet prophylaxis. The median duration of mechanical prophylaxis was 8 days (range: 6?12 days) and that of pharmacological prophylaxis was 12 days (range: 6?26 days). When the 32 patients already taking aspirin or warfarin at the time of admission were excluded, only 45 (46.9%; 95%CI: 36.6?57.3%) of the remaining 96 patients received specific thromboprophylaxis. Conclusion: Specific thromboprophylaxis remains under‐utilized in patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture at Royal Perth Hospital. These data should prompt the implementation of effective strategies to improve thromboprophylaxis practice patterns in high‐risk orthopaedic patients.     

Anti-platelet agents and surgical delay in elderly patients with hip fractures

PURPOSE: To assess the risk of surgical delay in elderly hip fracture patients on anti-platelet agents. METHODS: Records of 180 patients aged over 65 years with either an intertrochanteric or femoral neck fracture were reviewed. The clopidogrel group included 10 patients on clopidogrel alone and 11 others on clopidogrel and aspirin, whereas the control group included 69 on aspirin alone and the remaining 90 not on any anti-coagulants. The 2 groups were compared with regard to time to surgery, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels, in-patient complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: In the clopidogrel and control groups respectively, the mean times to surgery were 7.2 and 2.1 days (p=0.03, t-test), the mean preoperative ASA scores were 3.35 and 2.8 (p=0.29, t-test), the mean preoperative haemoglobin levels were 119 and 115 g/l (p=0.5, t-test), the mean postoperative haemoglobin levels were 98 and 96 g/l (p=0.68, t-test), the mean durations of hospital stay were 7.4 and 3.1 days (p=0.02, t-test). The 30-day mortalities were 6/21 (29%) and 6/159 (4%) [p=0.0003, Fisher's exact test]. CONCLUSION: Surgical delay in elderly patients on anti-platelet agents with hip fracture was associated with higher mortality. Despite the risk of increased blood loss, we suggest early surgery be carried out by an experienced surgeon to expedite the operating time. Pooled platelets should be given intravenously one to 2 hours preoperatively.     

Thromboprophylaxis for acetabular injuries in the UK What prophylaxis is used?

Due to chronic underfunding and the absence of a comprehensive and coordinated national approach to the management of acetabular trauma throughout the UK, patients can incur prolonged recumbancy. We have performed a postal questionnaire to establish the current clinical practice in the specialist pelvic and acetabular units throughout the UK, with respect to time to surgery from injury, thromboprophylaxis, and surveillance. We have identified 21 units, and 37 surgeons in the NHS who deal with acetabular trauma. The mean time to surgery from injury in the UK is 8.5 days (range 2-19 days). Mechanical thromboprophylaxis was used in 67% (14) of the units. No unit routinely uses prophylactic IVC filters. Chemical thromboprophylaxis is routinely used in 100% (21) of the units. Ninety-five percent (20) used prophylactic doses of LDH or LMWH. Clinical surveillance alone for thromboembolism is employed in 90% (19) of the units. Only 2 (10%) units routinely perform radiological surveillance with ultrasound Doppler, pre-operatively. Currently there is no published directory of dedicated pelvic and acetabular surgeons in the UK. There is no general consensus on the approach to thromboprophylaxis and surveillance in acetabular trauma in the UK. There is no consensus approach to thromboprophylaxis and surveillance in the literature.     

Clopidogrel and bleeding after general surgery procedures

Although many studies in the cardiothoracic literature exist about the relationship between clopidogrel and postoperative bleeding, there is scarce data in the general surgery literature. We assessed whether there are increased bleeding complications, morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization in patients who are on clopidogrel (Plavix) within 1 week before undergoing a general surgery procedure. Fifty consecutive patient charts were retrospectively reviewed after identifying patients who had pharmacy orders for clopidogrel and who underwent a general surgery procedure between 2003 and 2007. Patients who took clopidogrel within 6 days before surgery (group I, n = 28) were compared with patients who stopped clopidogrel for 7 days or more (group II, n = 22). A larger percentage of patients who took their last dose of clopidogrel within 1 week of surgery (21.4% vs 9.5%) had significant bleeding after surgery requiring blood transfusion. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in operative or postoperative blood transfusions (P = 0.12, 0.53), decreases in hematocrit (P = 0.21), hospital stay (P = 0.09), intensive care unit stay (P = 0.41), late complications (P = 0.45), or mortality (P = 0.42). Although our cohort is limited in size, these results suggest that in the case of a nonelective general surgery procedure where outcomes depend on timely surgery, clopidogrel taken within 6 days before surgery should not be a reason to delay surgery. However, careful attention must be paid to meticulous hemostasis, and platelets must be readily available for transfusion in the operating room.     

Resultados en el tratamiento de traumatismos esplénicos utilizando un protocolo multidisciplinar en 110 pacientes consecutivos en un hospital de nivel II

IntroductionNon-operative treatment (NOM) of splenic trauma is the management of choice in hemodynamically stable patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the failure rate of NOM after implementation of a multidisciplinary protocol for splenic injuries compared to literature results.MethodsA retrospective study was performed over a 16-year period. Patient data and management of splenic trauma was recorded according to our hospital protocol: demographic data, blood pressure, respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS), Revised Trauma Score(RTS), Injury Severity Score(ISS), injury grade according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma(AAST), failure of NOM, morbidity and mortality.ResultsOne hundred ten patients were included: 90(81.8%) men, 20(18.2%) women; mean age 37 years; 106(96.5%) cases were blunt and four(3.5%) penetrating by knife. The diagnosis was established by US/CT. AAST classification: 14(13%) grade I; 24(22%) grade II; 34(31%) grade III; 37(34%) grade IV. Emergency laparotomy was performed in 54 patients: 37 due to grade IV injuries, 17 due to hemodynamic instability. NOM was utilized in 56 patients, spleen-preserving surgery in 16, and splenectomy in 38. Ten patients had postoperative complications: seven in the splenectomy group, two in the spleen-preserving surgery group, and one in the NOM group. One patient died. Average hospital stay: 22.8 days- NOM 17.6 days, conservative surgery 29 days, splenectomy 22.4 days.ConclusionsAlthough we continue with a high hospital stay, the literature reports support our results. The implementation of the protocol by consensus contributed to the change towards NOM.     

Warfarinized Patients with Proximal Femoral Fractures: Survey of UK Clinical Practice

Abstract Introduction:   In an aging population, anticoagulation in patients with musculoskeletal injuries is increasingly prevalent. The North American literature indicates an absence of consensus concerning the most appropriate management for this group. We aim to test the hypothesis that there is a lack of consensus in the UK regarding the perioperative management of patients with hip fractures on long-term warfarin therapy. Materials and Methods:   A representative group of 400 consultant orthopedic surgeons was surveyed by postal questionnaire regarding their policy on the reversal of anticoagulation in warfarinized patients with hip fractures. The consultants contacted were selected to represent a geographical spread throughout the UK. Results:   There were 159 respondents (40% response rate), of which 79% (126) had a trauma commitment. 95 (75%) of these had a protocol for the reversal of anticoagulation prior to surgery. The commonest method used was to simply withhold warfarin and wait (70%). Other methods included FFP (16%), and low-dose (23%) and high-dose (14%) vitamin K. Some respondents used more than onemethod. Although nearly all respondents preferred an INR < 2.0 prior to surgery, 55% preferred an INR < 1.5. Discussion:   Hip fracture in the presence of long-term warfarin use is associated with significantly increased morbidity. This problem is likely to increase. Our results demonstrate variation in approach throughout the UK with regard to warfarin reversal and the acceptable INR at which to operate in this group of patients. We propose that low-dose vitamin K is considered more widely as a safe and effective method of warfarin reversal in this group.     

Comparison of four pain scales in patients with hip fracture or other lower limb trauma

Background: The applicability of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) has been questioned in the assessment of pain in the elderly. We compared VAS with three other pain scales, Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Red Wedge Scale (RWS) and Box Scale (BS), in hip fracture patients. Methods: VAS, VRS, RWS and BS were compared in 140 analysable patients undergoing surgery, 70 with hip fracture and 70 with other lower limb trauma. Pain scores were recorded once a day, repeated after 10 min, for 4 subsequent days starting pre‐operatively. The primary endpoint was the rate of successful pain measurements in hip fracture patients and 90% was chosen as a sufficient level for an applicable pain scale. Results: Age was different between the groups (hip fracture 78 ± 11, other trauma 49 ± 11 years, P<0.0001). In hip fracture patients, 67–83% of pain measurements were successful with VAS, 82–100% with VRS, 83–96% with RWS and 79–91% with BS. The success rate with VAS was significantly <90% on 2 days (P<0.0001) and with BS on 1 day (P=0.04). All the other success rates with the four scales in both groups were above or not different from 90%. Conclusion: VRS and RWS were the most applicable scales, unlike VAS, which appeared to be an unreliable pain scale in perioperative hip fracture patients. In patients with other lower limb trauma, all four scales provided excellent applicability. Our results are in accordance with the accumulating evidence suggesting that VAS is not an ideal tool for pain measurement in the elderly.     

Clopidogrel dilemma for orthopaedic surgeons

Background: Patients medicated with clopidogrel who require orthopaedic surgery present a particular challenge. Whether in an emergency or elective situation the orthopaedic surgeon must balance the risks of ceasing clopidogrel versus the risk of increased bleeding that dual antiplatelet therapy generates. Method: This paper reviews the current published evidence regarding the risks of continuing clopidogrel, the risks of discontinuing clopidogrel and associated considerations such as venous thromboprophylaxis. Results: Little good quality evidence exists in regard to perioperative clopidogrel for orthopaedic surgery. Available evidence across non‐cardiac and cardiac surgery were assessed and presented in regards to current practices, blood loss for orthopaedic operations, risks when continuing clopidogrel, risks of stopping clopidogrel and also the consideration of venous thromboembolism. Conclusions: The patients at greatest risk, when discontinuing clopidogrel therapy, are those with drug eluting stents who may be at risk of stent thrombosis. Where possible, efforts should be made to continue clopidogrel therapy through the perioperative period, taking precautions to minimize bleeding. If the risk of bleeding is too high, antiplatelet therapy must be reinstated as soon as considered reasonable after surgery. In addition, patients on clopidogrel who sustain a fall or other general trauma need to be carefully assessed because of the possibility of occult bleeding, such as into the retroperitoneal space. Until more definitive evidence becomes available, this review aims to provide a guide for the orthopaedic surgeon in dealing with the difficult dilemma of the patient on clopidogrel therapy, recommending that orthopaedic surgeons take a team approach to assess the individual risks for all patients and consider continuation of clopidogrel therapy perioperatively where possible.     

术前氯吡格雷对冠状动脉旁路移植术手术效果的影响

目的 评价术前使用氯吡格雷对冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)手术结果的影响.方法 2005年1月至2007年1月440例行单纯CABG的患者,根据术前用药情况分为两组:术前5 d内曾使用氯吡格雷者90例(氯吡格雷组),术前5 d内未使用氯吡格雷者350例(对照组).因经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术失败或心源性休克需急诊行CABG、联合瓣膜手术以及再次CABG为排除标准;术前使用阿司匹林的患者纳入研究范围.结果 两组患者术前一般资料如年龄、性别构成、糖尿病以及高血压的比例无显著差异.氯吡格雷组术前心绞痛Ⅲ～Ⅳ级的比例(66.7% vs. 40.0%,P＜0.01)、术前支架植入比例(56.7%vs.13.4%,P＜0.01)以及48 h内需要行CABG的比例(41.1%vs.14.3%,P=0.02)均高于对照组.氯吡格雷组术后24 h内胸腔引流量(800 ml vs.350 ml,P＜0.01)和血制品的输入量以及再次进胸止血的比例(4.4%vs.1.1%,P＜0.01)也明显高于对照组.结论 术前5 d内使用氯吡格雷增加了术后出血量、血制品的输入量以及再次进胸止血的比例.对于择期手术患者,最好停服氯吡格雷5～7 d后再考虑手术.     

Patients with hip fracture admitted to critical care: Epidemiology,interventions and outcome

Introduction

Although there is much current debate about the use of critical care to enhance peri-operative care of patients with hip fracture there are limited supporting data. We investigated the epidemiology, critical care interventions and outcomes of patients with hip fracture admitted to a large UK critical care unit.

Patients and methods

We reviewed all patients with hip fracture (excluding those with multiple trauma, and those with femoral shaft or peri-prosthetic fracture) who were admitted to our critical care unit during a four year period. We recorded patient characteristics, reason for admission to critical care, interventions and organ support performed, and patient outcome.

Results

We identified 99 patients with a mean age of 81 years; this represented 1% of patients admitted to critical care, and 2.4% of patients with hip fracture admitted to hospital during the study period. Fifty-two patients required no organ support; 19 received only respiratory support, 13 only cardiovascular support, 12 received both respiratory and cardiovascular support, and 3 received respiratory, cardiovascular and renal support. Outcome worsened as the level of organ support increased (p = 0.01). Fifteen patients died in critical care, acute hospital mortality was 33% and 1-year mortality was 54%. No patient for whom admission was planned before surgery died in critical care and the 30-day mortality for this group was 13%. Outcome was related to the time between surgery and critical care admission: patients admitted before surgery or longer than 2 days after surgery had worse outcomes (p = 0.001). The reason for admission to critical care also influenced outcome: patients with sepsis had poor outcome with one-third dying in critical care and a further one-third not surviving to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

The major determinants of outcome in this population were reason for admission, and timing of admission to critical care. One year survival was better than that for unselected patients aged >80 years admitted to critical care. Admission to critical care and use of enhanced peri-operative care for selected hip fracture patients is entirely appropriate and beneficial.     

Use of sedative and analgesic drugs in the first week of ICU stay in high-level-of-care

AIM: The aim of this study was to update the current practice of pharmacological sedation and analgesia in Italian intensive care units. METHODS: Design: observational, prospective, cohort study involving consecutive patients admitted during 5 months in 1999. Patients were evaluated for the first 7 days of high-level-of care. Setting: 45 adult general intensive care units. Patients: 388 fulfilling enrollment criteria: admission diagnosis out of non-traumatic cerebral hemorrage, stroke, respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury/distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), polytrauma, head trauma, cardiac failure and major abdominal surgery; unit stay longer than 47 hours and high-level-of care treatment. RESULTS: Sedation pattern was different among diagnosis-groups. No therapy was registered in 18.8% of overall days in polytrauma vs 67.6% of cardiac patients. Opioids supply ranged from 10.1% of overall days of acute on COPD patients vs 51.4% of polytrauma patients. Propofol was the more prescribed drug, followed by opioids and benzodiazepines. Propofol was at the top in cerebrovascular disease, ALI/ARDS and COPD; opioids in abdominal surgery and trauma, benzodiazepines in cardiac failure. The average number of prescribed drugs per day was 1.5 ranging from 1.2 on COPD to 1.7 in head trauma. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis influences the pattern of sedation-analgesia during high-level-of-care period. Sedation prevalence is reasonably prescribed in trauma groups while it remains low in ALI/ARDS, post-operative, cerebrovascular, COPD and hearth failure. Particularly opioid use remains limited in post-operative patients. This surveys shows a poorly standardised sedation approach to the different phases of the therapy: induction, short and long-term sedation phase.