Previously, data from patients with ACS given vitamin K antagonists in addition to acetylsalicylic acid demonstrated significant reductions in vascular events, but this was

associated with an unacceptable bleeding risk. As expected, phase II trials of newer oral anticoagulants learn more in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy also found increased bleeding risk, with only the direct factor Xa inhibitors apixaban and rivaroxaban continuing to phase III. The phase III trial of full-dose apixaban was stopped early for safety concerns, because the major bleeding rates were significantly increased with minimal improvement in efficacy. However, the phase III trial of low-dose rivaroxaban demonstrated a significantly reduced incidence of recurrent vascular events without an increased risk of fatal bleeding. In conclusion, these trials underline the potential importance of optimal dose selection in phase III studies and suggest that the long-term use of low-dose anticoagulation, together with dual antiplatelet therapy, might have a role in secondary prevention after ACS. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2013;111:618-626)”
“Background: Oxaliplatin

has become one of the major cytotoxic agents for the treatment of gastrointestinal Emricasan chemical structure tumors. As a result, several cases of the so-called oxaliplatin-associated hypersensitivity reaction have been documented. Patients and Methods: We have retrospectively evaluated and characterized these reactions in our patient group by reviewing the files QNZ NF-��B inhibitor of 1,224 patients exposed to an oxaliplatin-containing regimen in order to provide

useful clinical information for diagnosis and management. Results: Three hundred and eight (308) patients who have never been exposed to platinum compounds developed symptoms compatible with a reaction to oxaliplatin that was verified by manifestation of at least similar symptoms on rechallenging. The reactions occurred after the first 5 courses, with a median course number of 9 (range 1-24). These reactions could be distinguished as (1) mild reactions occurring in 195 (63%) patients manifesting with itching and small area erythema either during treatment or within the next hours, and (2) severe reactions occurring in 113 (37%) patients within minutes of drug infusion manifesting with diffuse erythroderma, facial swelling, chest tightness, bronchospasm and changes in blood pressure. Oxaliplatin withdrawal was not required in patients with a mild reaction. Forty- eight ( 42%) patients having a severe reaction with appropriate premedication and prolongation of the infusion duration could tolerate 2-4 subsequent courses. For the remaining 65 (58%) patients, oxaliplatin withdrawal was inevitable because of the very severe reactions occurring on rechallenging. In addition, 3 patients presented with thrombocytopenia and 3 others with hemolytic anemia, all reversible upon oxaliplatin discontinuation.