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David Bergqvist

Publications and source records attributed to David Bergqvist.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Prevention of venous thromboembolism: the Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy.

This article discusses the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is part of the Seventh American College of Chest Physicians Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy: Evidence-Based Guidelines. Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do, or do not, outweigh risks, burden, and costs. Grade 2 suggests that individual patients' values may lead to different choices (for a full understanding of the grading see Guyatt et al, CHEST 2004; 126:179S-187S). Among the key recommendations in this chapter are the following. We recommend against the use of aspirin alone as thromboprophylaxis for any patient group (Grade 1A). For moderate-risk general surgery patients, we recommend prophylaxis with low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) (5,000 U bid) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) [< or = 3,400 U once daily] (both Grade 1A). For higher risk general surgery patients, we recommend thromboprophylaxis with LDUH (5,000 U tid) or LMWH (> 3,400 U daily) [both Grade 1A]. For high-risk general surgery patients with multiple risk factors, we recommend combining pharmacologic methods (LDUH three times daily or LMWH, > 3,400 U daily) with the use of graduated compression stockings and/or intermittent pneumatic compression devices (Grade 1C+). We recommend that thromboprophylaxis be used in all patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery (Grade 1A) or major, open urologic procedures, and we recommend prophylaxis with LDUH two times or three times daily (Grade 1A). For patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty, we recommend one of the following three anticoagulant agents: LMWH, fondaparinux, or adjusted-dose vitamin K antagonist (VKA) [international normalized ratio (INR) target, 2.5; range, 2.0 to 3.0] (all Grade 1A). For patients undergoing hip fracture surgery (HFS), we recommend the routine use of fondaparinux (Grade 1A), LMWH (Grade 1C+), VKA (target INR, 2.5; range, 2.0 to 3.0) [Grade 2B], or LDUH (Grade 1B). We recommend that patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty, or HFS receive thromboprophylaxis for at least 10 days (Grade 1A). We recommend that all trauma patients with at least one risk factor for VTE receive thromboprophylaxis (Grade 1A). In acutely ill medical patients who have been admitted to the hospital with congestive heart failure or severe respiratory disease, or who are confined to bed and have one or more additional risk factors, we recommend prophylaxis with LDUH (Grade 1A) or LMWH (Grade 1A). We recommend, on admission to the intensive care unit, all patients be assessed for their risk of VTE. Accordingly, most patients should receive thromboprophylaxis (Grade 1A).

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2004

Current options in the prevention of thromboembolic disease.

Significant advances in the pharmacological prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism have occurred since warfarin and unfractionated heparin were introduced for this indication nearly 60 years ago. Despite these advances, coumarin derivatives such as warfarin remain the only orally active anticoagulants available for prophylaxis in venous thromboembolism. Although administered orally, coumarin derivatives are not convenient to use, because they have narrow therapeutic indexes and require routine coagulation monitoring and dose adjustment. This is inconvenient for patients and physicians and costly for the healthcare system. Low-molecular-weight heparins, which are administered in fixed or weight-adjusted doses and do not require monitoring, are widely used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients in both the hospital and the outpatient setting. However, these drugs must be given subcutaneously, which can be difficult for outpatients and resource-intensive for in-hospital use. Likewise, fondaparinux, the synthetic pentasaccharide, must be administered subcutaneously. Consequently, there remains a need for new orally active anticoagulants that can be given in fixed doses and do not have a narrow therapeutic index, so that coagulation monitoring is unnecessary. Because such agents would be more convenient for patients and physicians, they would probably expand the use of prophylaxis in venous thromboembolism in those at risk, and would simplify treatment of patients with established venous thromboembolism.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

[Recommendations by the Swedish Quality Board for Carotid Surgery. Ultrasound good preoperative method for evaluating degree of carotid stenosis].

The estimated degree of carotid stenosis is decisive for the selection of patients who would benefit from surgical treatment. Carotid thrombendarterectomy is recommended in patients with symptomatic > or = 80 procent internal carotid artery stenosis (ECST method). Many vascular centers now often rely entirely on duplex ultrasonography to select the patients for carotid surgery. The results of a recently published Swedish multicenter study (Jogestrand et al., Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2002; 23:510-8) demonstrate that certain technical aspects of the ultrasound examination are of importance for the estimation of the degree of stenosis. Based on these results, the Swedish Quality Board for Carotid Surgery recommends the use of Doppler angle range specific cut off points for the peak systolic velocity in the internal carotid artery for identification of high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis: These cut off points are > or = 2.1 m/s for insonation angles of 0-49 degrees and > or = 3.2 m/s for angles 50-60 degrees. The angle of insonation should be kept as small as possible and should always be stated in the investigators report.

Carotid Stenosis↗
PubMed2003

[Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm saves lives at a reasonable cost].

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) cause 600 deaths per year in Sweden. As most patients are without symptoms prior to rupture, and about half the patients with a ruptured AAA die before arrival to hospital, the only way to reduce mortality substantially would be by screening and prophylactic treatment. The article reviews experience of screening for AAA from other European countries, data from the Swedish vascular registry (Swedvasc) and from the official registry of the causes of death in Sweden. With these data as input, a theoretical model of inviting all 65-year-old men in Sweden to take part in a screening programme for AAA is created. When the programme is fully developed after ten years, assuming an attendance rate of 75%, mortality in AAA would decrease from 630 to 346 per year. The total cost would increase from 154 to 161 million SEK (9 SEK = 1 Euro). The reason for the relatively minor increase in cost is explained by the fact that expensive emergency operations for ruptured AAA decrease by 50%. The cost per life saved would be 3,000-4,000 SEK. In conclusion, available data suggest that screening for AAA in Sweden would save many lives at a low cost.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗
PubMed2003

Spontaneous pancreatic bleeding.

A condition of massive pancreatic hemorrhage without relation to injury, inflammation, or aneurysm is described. Seven patients treated between 1972 and 2001 with spontaneous pancreatic bleeding were reviewed. Follow-up examinations were performed in 1999. At the time of presentation, all patients had abdominal pain, upper abdominal tenderness, and shock, findings that led laparotomy, where the diagnosis was made. The treatment was suture ligation in every case. The postoperative course was uncomplicated for five of the seven patients. The other two patients died. In conclusion, spontaneous pancreatic bleeding is rare and, because of shock and the need for urgent surgery, the diagnosis cannot be made preoperatively. The immediate mortality seems to be high.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Cost-effectiveness of fondaparinux vs. enoxaparin as venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in Sweden.

Deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are important causes of morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing major surgery. Fondaparinux is a new antithrombotic agent for use in prophylaxis, and this study compared its cost and effect vs. enoxaparin as prophylactic treatment in patients undergoing total knee replacement, total hip replacement, or hip-fracture surgery in Sweden. The analyses were based on a simulation model. Swedish data on cost for deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were obtained from a large sample of patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. The relative risk reduction for treatment with fondaparinux was estimated from results of four recently published clinical trials. The base case analyses showed that fondaparinux was cost saving and more effective than enoxaparin after total knee replacement and hip-fracture surgery and had costs per prevented venous thromboembolism of about 239 after total hip replacement. Fondaparinux is thus more cost-effective than enoxaparin as prophylactic treatment in patients undergoing major surgery in Sweden.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) systematic overview of radiotherapy for cancer including a prospective survey of radiotherapy practice in Sweden 2001--summary and conclusions.

A systematic assessment of radiotherapy for cancer was conducted by The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) and published in 1996. The assessment reviewed the scientific literature up to 1993 on the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of solid tumours, and estimated the costs associated with radiotherapy. It also described the current practise of radiotherapy in Sweden 1992 and compared practise with scientific knowledge. The SBU has now conducted a follow-up study on radiotherapy for cancer, including a review of the scientific literature from 1994 and a prospective survey of radiotherapy practise in Sweden 2001. The following conclusions were drawn: The role of radiotherapy as an important form of treatment for cancer with both curative and palliative intent has been further confirmed. The use of radiotherapy in Sweden has increased and is now at the internationally recommended level. Radiotherapy in Sweden is mostly given in accordance with the scientific evidence but may still be underutilized in certain situations. The resources for radiotherapy are being utilized more efficiently. The costs of radiotherapy are still 5% of the total cost of cancer care, while the cost of an individual treatment (fraction) has decreased. The need for radiotherapy capacity will increase. In addition, half of the treatment equipment will have to be replaced in the next few years.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Ximelagatran and melagatran compared with dalteparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip or knee replacement: the METHRO II randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Heparins substantially reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications after total hip or knee replacement. However, they can be given only by injection and have several other drawbacks. We did a multicentre, randomised, double-blind study to examine the dose-response relation of subcutaneous melagatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, followed by oral ximelagatran as thromboprophylaxis after total hip or knee replacement. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety with that of dalteparin. METHODS: Of 1900 patients, 1495 were assigned to four dose categories of subcutaneous melagatran from just before surgery (1.00 mg, 1.50 mg, 2.25 mg, or 3.00 mg twice daily) followed from the day after surgery by oral ximelagatran (8 mg, 12 mg, 18 mg, or 24 mg twice daily). 381 patients were assigned subcutaneous dalteparin 5000 IU once daily, from the evening before surgery. Bilateral venography was done at 7-10 days, and clinically suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) was confirmed radiologically. The primary endpoint was the rate of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE). Analyses were by intention to treat. FINDINGS: 1876 patients underwent total replacement of hip (n=1270) or knee (n=606); evaluable venograms were obtained in 1473 (79%). Four patients without evaluable venograms had PE. Overall, a significant dose-dependent decrease in VTE was seen with melagatran/ximelagatran (lowest to highest group: 111 [37.8%], 70 [24.1%], 71 [23.7%], and 43 [15.1%]; p=0.0001); there were also significant relations for both total hip and total knee replacement individually. The frequency of VTE was significantly lower with the highest dose of melagatran/ximelagatran than with dalteparin (15.1% vs 28.2%, p<0.0001). There were no reoperations due to bleeding and no critical organ bleeding. Excessive surgical bleeding was uncommon but more frequent in the highest dose group. INTERPRETATION: This sequential therapy was effective and safe in patients undergoing major joint replacement surgery. The findings should be confirmed in a large phase III trial.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgery and in leg casts.

The risk of venous thrombosis and need for prophylaxis in patients having undergone minimally invasive procedures and in patients immobilized in a leg plaster are poorly defined. We performed a literature search to evaluate the risk of developing venous thromboembolism after 2 minimally invasive procedures, laparoscopic surgery and arthroscopy, and in patients with lower limb plaster casts. Despite problems of "contamination" because some surgeons use prophylaxis in some of these patients, we were able to determine that (1) laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be considered a low-risk procedure and therefore routine use of prophylaxis is probably not justified; (2) patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery are at low to moderate risk and thus prophylaxis is optional; and (3) patients with plaster cast immobilization because of trauma have a moderate risk of thrombosis and should receive prophylaxis.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed2002

[Prophylaxis of postoperative thromboembolism. New alternatives to low-molecular-weight heparin].

For somewhat more than a decade low molecular weight heparins have dominated in the pharmacological prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism. At present there are some new methods of potential interest both as prophylactic substances but also to better understand the pathophysiology of deep vein thrombosis. These are inhibition of factor VII a/tissue factor complex (NAP, Nematode Anticoagulant Protein), inhibition of activated factor X (the synthetic pentasaccharide fondaparinux) and thrombin inhibition (melagatran and its oral prodrug ximelagatran). They have been shown to be effective in high risk orthopaedic surgery. They have to show their place in the prophylactic arsenal in comparison with low molecular weight heparins (effect, safety, mode of administration, cost-effectiveness).

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2002

Duration of prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism with enoxaparin after surgery for cancer.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal surgery for cancer carries a high risk of venous thromboembolism, but the optimal duration of postoperative thromboprophylaxis is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, multicenter trial in which patients undergoing planned curative open surgery for abdominal or pelvic cancer received enoxaparin (40 mg subcutaneously) daily for 6 to 10 days and were then randomly assigned to receive either enoxaparin or placebo for another 21 days. Bilateral venography was performed between days 25 and 31, or sooner if symptoms of venous thromboembolism occurred. The primary end point with respect to efficacy was the incidence of venous thromboembolism between days 25 and 31. The primary safety end point was bleeding during the three-week period after randomization. The patients were followed for three months. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis of efficacy included 332 patients. The rates of venous thromboembolism at the end of the double-blind phase were 12.0 percent in the placebo group and 4.8 percent in the enoxaparin group (P=0.02). This difference persisted at three months (13.8 percent vs. 5.5 percent, P=0.01). Three patients in the enoxaparin group and six in the placebo group died within three months after surgery. There were no significant differences in the rates of bleeding or other complications during the double-blind or follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin prophylaxis for four weeks after surgery for abdominal or pelvic cancer is safe and significantly reduces the incidence of venographically demonstrated thrombosis, as compared with enoxaparin prophylaxis for one week.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2002

[Prolonged postoperative thromboprophylaxis--current state of knowledge].

By "prolonged thromboprophylaxis" is usually meant around 30 days postoperatively. This modality using low molecular heparin in patients undergoing total hip replacement has been shown to be effective as regards incidence of both phlebographically detected deep vein thrombosis and--in meta-analysis--clinical venous thromboembolism. It is important to identify further risk groups who may be in need of prolonged thromboprophylaxis. Recent data suggest that patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic surgery for malignant diseases belong to such a group.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗
PubMed2002

[Abdominal sarcomas--rare tumors requiring multidisciplinary approach. Evaluation of surgical management in a sarcoma team].

Retroperitoneal sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare malignant tumors with a high recurrence rate. Due to their localization, and to the fact that they give rise to non-specific symptoms, these tumors are usually large at diagnosis. From 1990 to 1998 thirty-one patients (16 men and 15 women, mean age 45 years; range 15-77 years) went through surgical treatment. Patients were evaluated by a team consisting of an oncologist, a pathologist, a radiologist and a surgeon both pre- and postoperatively. Forty-five operations were performed (23 for primary tumors and 22 for recurrences). The resectability and radical resection rate were 89% and 59% respectively in primary tumors (4 patients with benign histological diagnoses were excluded) and 68% and 47% respectively in local recurrences. Other organs were removed in 50% of the procedures. Vascular and orthopedic surgeons participated when necessary. Morbidity and in-hospital mortality were 18% and 7% respectively. The overall recurrence rate was 70%. It is our belief that a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for optimal treatment in these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Incidence of deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing obesity surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after surgery for morbid obesity. The series comprised 116 consecutive patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The median age and body mass index were 35 years (range 19-59 years) and 42 kg/m2 (range 32-68 kg/m2), respectively. The patients were examined with duplex ultrasonography pre- and postoperatively. No patient had any symptoms or signs of DVT postoperatively, and ultrasonography showed no signs of thrombosis in iliac, femoral, and popliteal veins in any of the patients. Two patients (1.7%) had a thrombus in the peroneal vein of one leg. Repeated ultrasonographic investigation after 1 week showed complete resolution of both. One patient with a previously unknown activated protein C resistance had an angiographically confirmed minor pulmonary embolus. The incidence of venous thromboembolism after obesity surgery seems to be low, and obesity as a risk factor for thromboembolic disease might have been overestimated in the past.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: expanding horizons.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and particularly idiopathic VTE may be paraneoplastic phenomena. The merits of screening patients with idiopathic VTE for occult cancer are still under debate, and randomized studies are required to establish its potential cost-effectiveness. Cancer and its related surgery greatly increase the risk of VTE. Thromboprophylaxis using agents such as low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has proved to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative VTE. The ENOXACAN II study has shown that prolonging the standard 1-week regimen of the LMWH enoxaparin to 4 weeks may further reduce the incidence of postoperative VTE. Enoxaparin has also shown potential benefits in the secondary prevention of VTE and the reduction of bleeding complications. Emerging data indicate that LMWH may improve survival rates in cancer patients with VTE, making this a very important area for future research.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2002

Arterial stiffness is not improved in long-term use of estrogen.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare arterial stiffness in long-term users of estrogen who were postmenopausal, age-matched women who did not use estrogen, and women of fertile age. STUDY DESIGN: In this clinical cross-sectional study, carotid, femoral, and aortic stiffness (estimated as elastic modulus and stiffness beta index) were assessed by ultrasonic phase-locked echo-tracking in 17 women who were postmenopausal and who were treated with 17 beta-estradiol implants (mean age, 68.8 years; mean duration of treatment, 20 years), 17 age-matched (+/-1 year) untreated women, and 20 women in the fertile age period. RESULTS: Compared with women of fertile age, both postmenopausal groups had significantly higher stiffness elastic modulus and stiffness beta index (carotid, P <.001; femoral, P <.05; aorta, P <.001). However, for all 3 arteries, both stiffness indices were similar in estrogen users and nonusers and did not differ significantly. These results remained after an adjustment for systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the arterial stiffening that is related to aging/menopause is not substantially affected by long-term estrogen therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Current controversies in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis after orthopaedic surgery.

As a result of easy measurable perioperative bleeding and a high number of subclinical deep vein thromboses after surgery, total hip replacement has become a benchmark for antithrombotic drug development. Today, a nonscientific evidence-based transatlantic view on thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery exists. Efforts should be taken to bridge these divergent opinions. We need to standardize study designs that allow unbiased comparison and aggregation of data to get insight in rare complications like the cauda equina syndrome associated with spinal analgesic techniques and anticoagulation and to optimize thromboprophylaxis in homogeneous groups of patients. Dosage, timing of initiation in relation to surgery, and duration of prophylaxis seems a crucial and open question for all homogeneous groups of orthopaedic patients. A definition on surgical bleeding, which allows practical measurement procedures and quantification, is lacking. Clinical studies on vascular endpoints are warranted to achieve relevant basic data for health economic analyses, which also lack scientific standardized procedures. An intercontinental close cooperation is needed to solve these issues.

Anticoagulants↗