Does an aspirin-a-day increase the risk of bleeding during invasive diagnostic procedure? This is an important concern for many patients who take these and other antiplatelet agents in an effort to reduce heart attacks or strokes. Researchers at the MUHC have shown that antiplatelet drugs do not contribute to post-endoscopic bleeding. Their findings are published in this month's issue of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
"Clinical guidelines for use of antiplatelets during these procedures have been ambiguous," says Dr. Alan Barkun, MUHC Chief of Gastroenterology. "Some suggest withholding or stopping these medications ten days prior to the endoscopic procedure. Others will not perform the procedure if the patient was taking antiplatelet agents. In some cases this could have serious negative clinical implications. Our findings show that these precautionary measures are not necessary."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-03/mu-bde031507.php
No comments:
Post a Comment