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E-Newsletter April 2006

Topics in this Dawn AC E-Newsletter              Previous Newsletters
  • Impact of Adverse Events in Prescribing and Dosing Warfarin
  • 14th Annual User Group 2006
  • Customer Survey 2006
    •
  • Chamomile Tea And Lotion Caused Internal Bleeding

Impact of Adverse Events in Prescribing and Dosing Warfarin

 

A healthcare professional with a patient who has had a haemorrhage while taking warfarin is less likely to prescribe warfarin to future patients who have atrial fibrillation. In a population based, matched pair analysis, Choudhry and colleagues (BMJ Vol 332 21 January 2006 p 141) assessed what impact haemorrhage and thromboembolic stroke in atrial fibrillation patients had on future prescribing of warfarin.

 

They found that doctors were less likely to prescribe warfarin after one of their patients had experienced a bleeding event (adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.00), but warfarin prescribing did not change significantly after a patient not taking warfarin had a stroke.

This study possibly explains what I have observed in our Benchmarking Service that many of the poorer performing centres have higher percentage of patient's below therapeutic range. Either they make no dose changes or reduce the computer recommended dose when the INR is below range, for the possible fear of causing a bleed.

 This study claims that warfarin is only taken by 30-60% of appropriate patients!

 14th Annual User Group 2006

We are in the process of planning this year's User Group and are aiming for a September dates either 11/12th or 18th/19th based near Lake Ullswater based in heart of the beautiful English Lake District. It is hoped to start the meeting with a sail on the Lake on a Steamer to promote networking during the conference.

I would like to invite anyone who would like to do a informal short talk at the meeting on using Dawn AC or on a related topic to drop me an email with their talk subject.

Customer Survey 2006

We need to know what you think our products and services so that we can supply you with 'what you really want'. You should all have received a short questionnaire by mail or email. Thank you to those who have already completed the survey. If you have not done so please spend a few minutes to complete and return the form.

 Chamomile Tea And Lotion Caused Internal Bleeding

Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre MUHC in Montreal have documented a severe case of internal haemorrhaging in a patient that drank chamomile tea and used chamomile lotion while taking warfarin.

 The 70-year old patient was admitted to the MUHC ER in Montreal after using chamomile to help soothe her sore throat. The case published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) this week, highlights the need for caution when taking alternative (natural) therapies while on physician prescribed medications.
 

Syd Stewart

Managing Director

End of Newsletter

 © 2006 4S Information Systems Ltd

“We Really Care"

“Dawn AC is an easy to use, adaptable, powerful, and comprehensive PC based Anticoagulation Software System. It covers the complete oral anticoagulation life cycle with Induction and Maintenance Modules “

“Lancet Nov 7th 1998, Multi-centred Randomised Trial using Dawn AC shows computer aided dosage leads to INR control 20 to 30% better than medical experts”