A practical guide on how to handle patients with bleeding events while on oral antithrombotic treatment

Neth Heart J. 2018 Jun;26(6):341-351. doi: 10.1007/s12471-018-1117-1.

Abstract

Bleeding is a feared complication in patients who are treated with antithrombotic therapy (oral anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy). Management of antithrombotic therapy after bleeding poses a dilemma where restarting the crucial medication could lead to recurrent bleeding, while interrupting or even discontinuing treatment could increase the thrombotic risk. In this review, we provide recommendations regarding the treatment of patients with a bleeding event while on oral antithrombotic therapy, based on the literature and expert opinion.

Keywords: Anticoagulants; Antiplatelet therapy; Antithrombotic treatment; Bleeding; Haemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Review