Current clinical practice for thromboprophylaxis management in patients with Cushing’s syndrome across reference centers of the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN)
Femke M. van Haalen, Merve Kaya, Iris C. M. Pelsma, Olaf M. Dekkers, Nienke R. Biermasz, Suzanne C. Cannegieter, M.V. Huisman, Bart J.M. van Vlijmen, Richard A. Feelders, Frederikus A. Klok, Alberto M. Pereira, Endo-ERN Cushing and Thrombosis study group, Kirstine Stochholm, Eric Fliers, Frédéric Castinetti, Thierry Brue, Jérôme Bertherat, Carla Scaroni, Annamaria Colao, Roberta Giordano, M. R. Druce, Albert Beckers, J. Spranger, N. Driessens, Dominique Maiter, Ulla Feldt‐Rasmussen, Richard A. Feelders, Susan M. Webb, Mehul Dattani, E. Husebye, Birutę Žilaitienę, S. Gaztambide, F. Gatto, Diego Ferone, Luca Persani, Iacopo Chiodini, Charlotte Höybye, Alberto M. Pereira, Nienke R. Biermasz, F. A. Klok, Olaf M. Dekkers, Onno C. Meijer, Martín Reincke, Greisa Vila, C. Perry, Ansgar Heck, M. R. Stancampiano, A. van de Ven, Gudmundur Johannsson, Óskar Ragnarsson, Miklós Tóth, V. Volke, M. Toumba, Letizia Canu, J. Vojtková, M. Al-Mrayat, Martin Faßnacht, Mario Detomas, Niki Karavitaki, Melanie M. van der Klauw, U. Groselj, Атанаска Еленкова, David Unuane
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with an hypercoagulable state and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Evidence-based guidelines on thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients with CS are currently lacking. We aimed to map the current clinical practice for thromboprophylaxis management in patients with CS across reference centers (RCs) of the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN), which are endorsed specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of CS. Using the EU survey tool, a primary screening survey, and subsequently a secondary, more in-depth survey were developed. RESULTS: The majority of the RCs provided thromboprophylaxis to patients with CS (n = 23/25), although only one center had a standardized thromboprophylaxis protocol (n = 1/23). RCs most frequently started thromboprophylaxis from CS diagnosis onwards (n = 11/23), and the majority stopped thromboprophylaxis based on individual patient characteristics, rather than standardized treatment duration (n = 15/23). Factors influencing the initiation of thromboprophylaxis were 'medical history of VTE' (n = 15/23) and 'severity of hypercortisolism' (n = 15/23). Low-Molecular-Weight-Heparin was selected as the first-choice anticoagulant drug for thromboprophylaxis by all RCs (n = 23/23). Postoperatively, the majority of RCs reported 'severe immobilization' as an indication to start thromboprophylaxis in patients with CS (n = 15/25). Most RCs (n = 19/25) did not provide standardized testing for variables of hemostasis in the postoperative care of CS. Furthermore, the majority of the RCs provided preoperative medical treatment to patients with CS (n = 23/25). About half of these RCs (n = 12/23) took a previous VTE into account when starting preoperative medical treatment, and about two-thirds (n = 15/23) included 'reduction of VTE risk' as a goal of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There is a large practice variation regarding thromboprophylaxis management and perioperative medical treatment in patients with CS, even in Endo-ERN RCs. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the optimal prophylactic anticoagulant regimen, carefully balancing the increased risk of (perioperative) bleeding, and the presence of additional risk factors for thrombosis.