Background: Fixed-dose (FD) regimens of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) may be effective for the emergent reversal of warfarin; however, the optimal dosing is unknown. Our institution transitioned to a FD regimen of 1000 or 2000 units of 4F-PCC based on indication. Objective: The purpose of this study is to report our experience with FD 4F-PCC compared with a historical weight-based dosing cohort for warfarin reversal. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 3 groups: central nervous system (CNS) bleeds regardless of international normalized ratio (INR), non-CNS bleeds with an initial INR ≤6, and non-CNS bleeds with an initial INR ≥6.1. The primary outcome of the study was achievement of the target INR. Results: There were 54 patients with a CNS bleed, 153 with a non-CNS bleed and INR ≤6, and 19 with a non-CNS bleed and INR ≥6.1. In the CNS bleeding group, weight-based and FD achieved target INR 79.4% and 70% ( P = 0.52). In the INR ≥6.1 non-CNS bleeding group, weight-based and FD achieved target INR 100% and 70% ( P = 0.21). In the INR ≤6 non-CNS bleeding group, weight-based and FD achieved target INR 86.4% and 57.5% ( P = 0.0002). Conclusion and Relevance: An FD strategy of 2000 units for warfarin reversal for CNS bleeds or INR ≥6.1 was comparable to weight-based dosing. The FD strategy of 1000 units for INR ≤6 achieved target INR less often than weight-based dosing. Application of findings suggest that higher doses may be needed to achieve target INR.

Breen, C et al 2017 Early Supported Discharge after stroke: a feasible and effective service model for a rural population. International Journal of Integrated Care, 17(5): A188, pp. 1-8, DOI: dx

Background Our Model 4 Hospital will open a Specialist Geriatric Ward in the coming months. This ward will focus on the provision of evidence-based care to confused and frail older adults. Careful selection of patients who would most benefit from this care will be vital to ensure success. We aim to determine the prevalence of frailty and confusion in our inpatient cohort to determine expected demand on this new service and to inform admission criteria. Methods All adult inpatients were screened for frailty (pre-admission status) using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Point prevalence of confusion (combination of pre-existing dementia and incident delirium) was calculated by measuring 4AT scores on all adult inpatients (>16 years of age), with the exclusion of obstetric, paediatric, critical care and psychiatric wards. Eleven wards were visited by a team of six experienced geriatric practitioners during a one-week period in April 2019. Results In total, 257 patients were assessed. The median age was 74 years (16-99). The majority were male (54.9 %). 152 patients resided on a dedicated medical ward (59.1%). The point prevalence of pre-morbid frailty (CFS Score ≥ 5) was 39.9%. The point prevalence of confusion (4AT score ≥4) was 24.4%. Conclusion Our data show that frailty and delirium are highly prevalent in hospital inpatients. It is not feasible for this number of frail and confused patients to be cohorted in a single specialist area. It is therefore important that each hospital determine admission criteria to identify those at greatest need. Clearly, given the prevalence outlined here, there will be a large number of patients likely to benefit from but unable to access a Specialist Geriatric Ward. These wards therefore need to also serve as exemplars of best practice so that evidence-based care for this vulnerable cohort can be disseminated within an institution.