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Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 9/2019

01-09-2019 | Dabigatran | Other Pain (A Kaye and N Vadivelu, Section Editors)

Regional Anesthesia in Patients on Anticoagulation Therapies—Evidence-Based Recommendations

Authors: Alan David Kaye, Andrew J. Brunk, Aaron J. Kaye, Jordan S. Renschler, Brendon M. Hart, Prathima Anandi, Shilpa Patil, Elyse M. Cornett, Charles J. Fox

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 9/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Anticoagulant use among patients is prevalent and increasing. It is important for anesthesiologists to be aware of patients on anticoagulants while performing regional anesthesia.

Recent Findings

In recent years, the FDA has approved many new anticoagulants. With new drugs coming to the market, new side effect profiles should be considered when treating patients, especially when using regional anesthesia. Both ASRA and European agencies have laid out recommendations regarding anticoagulant use and neuraxial/regional techniques. Regarding newer anticoagulants, the guidelines for discontinuation prior to neuraxial injection are based on pharmacokinetics, including half-life duration for each drug.

Summary

While each clinical scenario requires an individualized approach, general guidelines can serve as a starting point to help with anesthetic planning and potentially improve patient safety in this evolving field.
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Metadata
Title
Regional Anesthesia in Patients on Anticoagulation Therapies—Evidence-Based Recommendations
Authors
Alan David Kaye
Andrew J. Brunk
Aaron J. Kaye
Jordan S. Renschler
Brendon M. Hart
Prathima Anandi
Shilpa Patil
Elyse M. Cornett
Charles J. Fox
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 9/2019
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-019-0805-x

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