1.
Effect of Aspirin on the prevention of pro-thrombotic states in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Systematic review
Abdi M, Hosseini Z, Shirjan F, Mohammadi L, Abadi SSD, Massoudi N, Zangiabadian M, Nasiri MJ
Cardiovascular & hematological agents in medicinal chemistry. 2022
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thromboembolic events are one of the important complications in COVID-19 patients, especially in severe cases. Aspirin affects platelet function through irreversibly inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase, and it reduces the risk of thrombosis. The current systematic review was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing prothrombotic states in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. METHODS The systematic search was done in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Medrxiv up to September 27, 2021. The following keywords were used: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "2019 Novel Coronavirus", "Aspirin", and "Acetylsalicylic Acid". RESULTS Twelve studies were included. In COVID-19 patients, aspirin can reduce CRP, IL-6 levels, and platelet aggregation by inhibiting thromboxane A2. It can also improve antiviral immunity by hindering the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and lipoxin. Eight out of twelve articles indicated that aspirin provided a beneficial effect in COVID-19. Most studies consider lowered mechanical ventilation needs, ICU admission, illness severity, overt thrombosis, and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients receiving aspirin. CONCLUSIONS Aspirin as an antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory agent may reduce the mortality rates in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Further observational studies are necessary to determine the effect of aspirin on the prevention of prothrombotic states in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study was registered in the Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO (pending registration ID: 300515).
2.
Fibrinogen prophylaxis for reducing perioperative bleeding in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
Fathi M, Lashay A, Massoudi N, Nooraei N, Nik MA
Journal of clinical anesthesia. 2021;73:110373
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Excessive bleeding is an important complication of radical cystectomy. We aimed to assess whether preoperative administration of fibrinogen decreases perioperative bleeding and improves the outcome of radical cystectomy. DESIGN Double-blinded randomized trial with two parallel arms. SETTING The study was conducted in the department of surgery at a teaching hospital affiliated with a University of Medical Sciences. PATIENTS In total, 70 men undergoing radical cystectomy were randomized to fibrinogen (n = 35) and placebo-control groups. Mean (SD) age was 64.7 (7.4) years. INTERVENTIONS The intervention group received 2 g fibrinogen concentrate diluted in 100 ml distilled water, and the control group received 100 ml normal saline; both intravenously 15 ΜΆ 30 min before the start of the surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the amount of perioperative blood loss. The secondary outcomes were hemodynamic features and vital signs. MAIN RESULTS Fibrinogen significantly decreased the volume of blood loss (p < 0.001) and the total number of transfused packed-cell units per group (38 vs. 115 units); and compensated the decrease of HCO3 (p = 0.030), the mean arterial pressure (p < 0.001), hemoglobin O2 saturation (p = 0.001), heart rate (p < 0.001), and temperature (p < 0.001) throughout the surgery compared with the placebo. Patients in the fibrinogen group had shorter Intensive Care Unit (p = 0.001) and hospital (p < 0.001) stay. We did not find any adverse reaction in our patients receiving fibrinogen concentrate. CONCLUSION Fibrinogen concentrate reduces perioperative bleeding and the need for blood transfusion in radical cystectomy. It improves the outcomes of the surgery and decreases patients' length of stay in the healthcare system following radical cystectomy. REGISTRATION Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) http://www.irct.ir/, reference number: IRCT20191013045091N1. ETHICS CODE Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, reference number: IR.SBMU.RETECH.REC.1398.033.