Pragmatic approach to manage new oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing dental extractions: a prospective case-control study

Analysis of post-extraction bleeding in patients taking antithrombotic therapy using data from the longevity improvement and fair evidence study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated post-extraction bleeding in patients on antithrombotic therapy, but most included a small sample size.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyse post-extraction bleeding in patients on antithrombotic therapy using data from a large database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Claims data of National Health Insurance and Late-Stage Elderly Healthcare System enrollees who underwent tooth extraction between October 2014 and March 2019 (n = 107 767) in a large multiregional cohort study (Longevity Improvement and Fair Evidence study) were included. Antithrombotic therapy was determined based on the drug codes used at the time of tooth extraction (classified into six groups: no antithrombotic, single antiplatelet, dual antiplatelet, Direct Oral Anticoagulant, warfarin and combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies). The outcome was defined as the presence of "post-extraction bleeding" as a receipt disease name in the same month as tooth extraction. To examine the association between antithrombotic therapy and post-extraction bleeding in detail, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with post-extraction bleeding as the objective variable; each antithrombotic therapy as the explanatory variable; and age, sex and comorbidities as adjustment variables.

RESULTS

Antithrombotic therapy was administered in 14 343 patients (13.3%), and post-extraction bleeding was observed in 419 patients (0.4%). The rate of post-extraction bleeding was significantly lower in the no antithrombotic therapy and single antiplatelet groups than that in the other groups (odds ratio: 2.00-9.02).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of post-extraction bleeding is high in patients on anticoagulation or dual antithrombotic therapy. Therefore, careful preparation before extraction is necessary in these patients.

Risk of dentoalveolar surgery postoperative bleeding in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists: A prospective observational study

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) increase the risk of postoperative bleeding after dentoalveolar surgery. Patients were classified into two groups: one taking DOAC and the other taking VKA with a therapeutic INR range. The control group comprised non-anticoagulated subjects. Participants were matched regarding dentoalveolar procedure. The primary predictor was anticoagulant status. The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding. The DOAC group comprised 77 patients, while the VKA group and control group each consisted of 103 participants. In each group, 103 dentoalveolar surgical procedures were conducted. Postoperative bleeding was recorded in 3/103 (2.9%), 5/103 (4.8%), and 1/103 (0.97%) occasions in the DOAC, VKA, and control groups, respectively, without significant difference (χ2; p = 0.54). The fully adjusted odds ratio for postoperative bleeding was 0.14 (CI 0.01-1.61; p = 0.05) for patients taking DOAC and 0.19 (CI 0.02-1.65; p = 0.285) for those taking VKA compared with non-anticoagulated controls. In conclusion, there was no increase in risk for clinically significant postoperative bleeding after dentoalveolar surgery in patients taking DOAC or VKA compared with non-anticoagulated subjects. Dentoalveolar surgery in patients taking DOAC and VKA can be performed safely without therapy cessation. The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04505475).

The Effect of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy (DOACs) on oral surgical procedures: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were developed to overcome the drawbacks of oral anticoagulants. However, not much has been discussed about the perioperative management of patients on DOACs during oral surgical procedures. Thus, we aim to determine the risk of perioperative and postoperative bleeding during oral surgical procedures in patients on DOACs.

METHODS

A detailed literature search was performed to find potentially relevant studies using the Cochrane Library, Clinical Key, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Every article available for free in English literature for the past 10 years, between 2012 and 2022, was searched.

RESULTS

A total of 2792 abstracts were selected through a search strategy across various search engines. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, eleven clinical studies using DOACs as anticoagulants or studies comparing patients with and without DOACs under oral surgery procedures were found. The results were inconsistent and varied, with a few studies recommending DOAC administration with the bare minimum reported complications and others finding no statistically significant difference between discontinuation or continuation of drugs, especially across basic dental procedures.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that minor oral surgical procedures are safe for patients on DOAC therapy. However, the continuation or discontinuation of DOACs in patients undergoing oral surgical procedures remains controversial and requires further studies to extrapolate the results.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Autologous Platelet Concentrates as Hemostatic Agents after Tooth Extraction in Patients on Anticoagulant Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized, Controlled Trials

One of the common challenges in oral surgery is dealing with patients who are taking oral anticoagulant/antiaggregant drugs. Several local hemostatic agents have been proposed as an alternative to conventional suturing. Among these, autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have been widely used to decrease the risk of hemorrhage after dental extraction. Nevertheless, there is a lack of consensus regarding the superiority of any one specific hemostatic agent over the others. This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of APCs as hemostatic agents after tooth extraction in patients on anticoagulant therapy. A literature search was conducted of articles published before March 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Studies on the use of APCs in patients undergoing dental extractions and being treated with anticoagulant drugs were included. Only randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) published up to March 2023 were included; the outcomes assessed were the time to hemostasis, the presence of post-operative bleeding and pain, and the effectiveness of wound healing. The risk of bias for each RCT was assessed by using the 'risk of bias' tool (RoB 1.0). The research revealed 6 RCTs. The findings indicated that patients on anticoagulant therapy who received APCs without discontinuing their medication experienced a decreased post-operative bleeding, a shorter hemostasis time, reduced pain, and accelerated wound healing. However, due to the high/unclear risk of bias of the studies included, no definitive conclusions can be drawn on the superiority of APCs as hemostatic agents over other similar products. Additional studies are required to validate these findings.

Evaluation of the Hemostatic Effect of an Innovative Tissue Adhesive during Extraction Therapy under Rivaroxaban in a Rodent Model

An increase in rivaroxaban therapies is associated with increased numbers of postoperative bleeding despite the use of hemostatic sponges, which are currently the gold standard treatment. VIVO has shown promising hemostatic results, favorable tissue properties, and ease of application, although it has not yet been used in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic properties of VIVO in the extraction sockets of 31 rodents and compare this to gelatin sponge (GSP) therapy. At rivaroxaban concentrations of 264.10 ± 250.10 ng/mL, 62 extraction sockets were generated, of which 31 were treated with VIVO and 31 with GSP. The duration time, early and late bleeding events, and wound healing score were determined. Histologic examinations of the tissues were performed after 5 days. VIVO presented a longer procedure, 1.26 ± 0.06 min, but a significantly shorter bleeding time, 0.14 ± 0.03 min. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the severity and timing of bleeding. More minor early bleeding events were observed for GSP. VIVO showed a significantly better healing score, with favorable histological results. In an animal study, VIVO showed promising hemostatic properties after tooth extraction under ongoing anticoagulative therapy.

Impact of direct oral anticoagulants on bleeding tendency and postoperative complications in oral surgery: a systematic review of controlled studies

OBJECTIVE

The recommendations for the management of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in oral surgery are inconsistent. The present review evaluated whether DOACs increase the risk of bleeding during oral surgery and postoperative complications.

STUDY DESIGN

The patients undergoing oral surgery and receiving a DOAC were compared with the patients receiving a DOAC different from the exposure, a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), or no anticoagulant. Three electronic databases were searched for eligible clinical trials and systematic reviews. The risk of bias was assessed, data were extracted, a meta-analysis was done, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations certainty-of-evidence ratings were determined.

RESULTS

Three clinical trials comparing patients receiving DOAC medication with patients on a VKA were eligible. A meta-analysis of bleeding 7 days postoperatively detected no significant differences between patients continuing DOAC or VKA medication during and after surgery. All of the point estimates favored uninterrupted DOAC over VKA therapy. Tranexamic acid was topically administered to some patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on an interpreted trend among 3 studies with mixed patient populations, the risk of bleeding during the first 7 postoperative days may be lower for patients on uninterrupted DOAC than VKA therapy (⨁⨁⭘⭘), but the effect size of the risk is unclear. 80 of 274 included patients experienced postoperative bleeding.

Is Chitosan Dental Dressing Better Than Cotton Gauze in Achieving Hemostasis in Patients on Antithrombotics?

PURPOSE

Tooth extraction leads to bleeding which may be longer in patients on antithrombotics. This study was aimed to evaluate the hemostatic and wound healing efficacy of chitosan-based dressing in comparison to the cotton pressure pack after tooth extraction in patients receiving single or dual antithrombotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective, randomized split mouth study. Patients undergoing tooth extractions taking either single or dual antithrombotics, with an international normalized ratio (INR) value ≤ 3 were enrolled at JSS Dental College & Hospital, Mysuru, India during February 2020 to January 2022. The study compared the efficiency of chitosan dressing in achieving quicker hemostasis in comparison to cotton pressure pack. The primary outcome was time to achieve hemostasis and the secondary outcomes were alveolar clinical healing index and alveolar osteitis. The covariates were gender, age, reason for extraction, INR, type of antithrombotic therapy, and the disease condition.

RESULTS

Of the 54 enrolled subjects, 39 were males and 15 were females, aged between 33 and 86 years. Thirty six patients were on single antithrombotics, whereas 18 patients were on dual antithrombotics. The reason for extraction was periodontitis in 37 patients and dental caries in 17 patients. The time to achieve hemostasis was lesser with chitosan dental dressing when compared to cotton pressure packs (96 ± 4 and 797 ± 23 seconds; P < .001). In the chitosan group, the time to hemostasis was similar irrespective of single or dual antithrombotic therapy (90 ± 6 and 109 ± 8 seconds, respectively). On the contrary, in the cotton pressure pack group, patients on dual antithrombotics had longer time to achieve hemostasis compared to those on single antithrombotics (940 ± 20 and 726 ± 26 seconds; P < .001). The time to achieve hemostasis was dependent on INR only in cotton pressure pack group (r² = 0.7756). The alveolar clinical healing index was better in 88.9% with chitosan and only 3.7% with cotton pressure packs. None of the patients treated with chitosan presented with alveolar osteitis, as opposed to 3.7% of patients with cotton pressure packs.

CONCLUSION

When compared to cotton pressure packs, chitosan-based dressing was more effective in controlling postoperative bleeding in patients treated with single and dual antithrombotic therapy.

A Case of Necrotizing Periodontitis in a Care-Requiring Elderly Person Treated and Managed by Interprofessional Collaboration

Background: Necrotizing periodontitis (NP) is a reactive and destructive inflammatory process that occurs in response to bacterial infection. Predisposing factors such as compromised host immune responses contribute significantly to NP pathogenesis. NP occasionally progresses to a more advanced and life-threatening state. Case presentation: A 73-year-old man in need of nursing care visited our dental clinic with severe gingival pain and intraoral bleeding. He had a disability and was immunocompromised because his medical history included cerebral infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He was diagnosed with NP based on his typical symptoms, such as prominent bleeding and suppurative discharge from the gingiva, in addition to crater-shaped ulcerations of the interdental papillae. To improve daily oral hygiene, periodontists, dentists, and dental hygienists educated care workers and other staff at the nursing home on appropriate oral cleansing, including brushing three times a day using the Bass technique. Basic periodontal therapy, including whole-mouth scaling and debridement of the root surfaces using hand and ultrasonic instruments, was also performed. After this basic treatment of NP, we extracted the hopeless teeth. Currently, dentists visit the patient fortnightly to manage his oral hygiene. To date, good oral health has been maintained.

Frequency of hemorrhage after tooth extraction in patients treated with a direct oral anticoagulant: A multicenter cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have compared the frequency of hemorrhages after tooth extraction between patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and those taking warfarin or no anticoagulants. Further, the effects of the timing of DOAC administration and tooth extraction on the frequency of post-extraction hemorrhage have not been demonstrated. Therefore, we compared the frequency of post-extraction hemorrhages in patients in these different conditions and examined the effects of the timing of DOAC administration and tooth extraction on the frequency.

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter study.

SETTING

Eighty-six Japanese hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 182 teeth extracted from 145 individuals (119 teeth from adult males) receiving dabigatran and 88 teeth from individuals (62 teeth from adult males) receiving rivaroxaban were included.

INTERVENTION

Tooth extraction was followed by a 7-day observational period between November 1, 2008 and December 31, 2015. Dabigatran was administered twice daily; rivaroxaban was administered once a day.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Hemorrhage after tooth extraction.

RESULTS

The frequency of hemorrhage after tooth extraction was 1.65%, 3.41%, and 3.63% in those treated with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and warfarin, respectively, and 0.39% in those who did not receive anticoagulants. Hemorrhages after tooth extraction were significantly higher in the rivaroxaban group than in patients who did not receive anticoagulants (P = 0.008). These frequencies did not differ significantly in the dabigatran and rivaroxaban groups compared to the warfarin group (P = 0.221 and P = 1.000, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of hemorrhaging after tooth extraction appeared to be similar in patients receiving continuous dabigatran or rivaroxaban and in those receiving continuous warfarin.

Comparative Risk of Bleeding of Anticoagulant Therapy with Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) and with Non-Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients Undergoing Dental Surgery

OBJECTIVES

A wide variety of approaches have been proposed to manage anticoagulant drugs in patients undergoing dental surgery; vitamin K antagonists and novel direct oral anticoagulants have been used. The present study aims to explore the existing evidence concerning the management of patients in anticoagulant therapy undergoing oral surgery procedures and to give suggestions related to peri- and post-operative measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of databases was conducted to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between direct oral anticoagulants and dental procedures. The present scoping review was realized in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The publications varied from randomized controlled trials (RCT) to cohort trials. Only articles written in English language and published between 2000 to 2020 were screened. The studies were included if discussing the management of a patient in anticoagulant therapy (warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants) scheduled for tooth extraction.

RESULTS

33 studies were selected and included in the qualitative review. Nineteen considered anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, six considered anticoagulant therapy with new oral anticoagulants and eight compared patients taking warfarin with patients taking direct oral anticoagulants.

CONCLUSIONS

No case of extractive surgery should alter the posology of the drug: thromboembolic risks derived from discontinuation are heavier than hemorrhagic risks.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

direct oral anticoagulants are safer in terms of bleeding and manageability and bleeding episodes are manageable with local hemostatic measures.

Perioperative Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Management with Endodontic Microsurgical Techniques

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to review evidence-based recommendations for the safe perioperative management of patients undergoing endodontic microsurgery who are currently taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format, the following scientific question was asked: In patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents, what is the available evidence in the management of endodontic microsurgery?

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify current recommendations regarding the management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications in the context of outpatient dental surgical procedures. Additionally, the authors hand searched the bibliographies of all relevant articles, the gray literature, and textbooks. Because of the lack of clinical studies and evidence on this subject, articles and guidelines from other organizations and association position statements were included.

RESULTS

Because any minor surgery can become a major surgery, the treating doctor needs to best assess the risk of bleeding, especially if the surgery is anticipated to take longer than 45 minutes. Every patient should be stratified on a case-by-case basis. Consultation with the patient's physician is highly recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to maximize the effects of these medications (to prevent thrombosis) while minimizing the potential risks (procedural hemorrhage), clinicians should be aware of the best available evidence when considering continuation or discontinuation of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents perioperatively for endodontic microsurgery. Ideally, a joint effort from an expert panel for microsurgery would be warranted.

Tranexamic acid and bleeding in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants undergoing dental extraction: The EXTRACT-NOAC randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Oral bleeding after dental extraction in patients on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is a frequent problem. We investigated whether 10% tranexamic acid (TXA) mouthwash decreases post-extraction bleeding in patients treated with NOACs.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The EXTRACT-NOAC study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to 10% TXA or placebo mouthwash and were instructed to use the mouthwash once prior to dental extraction, and thereafter for 3 times a day for 3 days. The primary outcome was the number of patients with any post-extraction oral bleeding up to day 7. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural, early, and delayed bleeding, and the safety outcomes included all thrombotic events. The first patient was randomized on February 9, 2018 and the last patient on March 12, 2020. Of 222 randomized patients, 218 patients were included in the full analysis set, of which 106 patients were assigned to TXA (74.8 (±8.8) years; 81 men) and 112 to placebo (72.7 (±10.7) years; 64 men). Post-extraction bleeding occurred in 28 (26.4%) patients in the TXA group and in 32 (28.6%) patients in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 1.42; P = 0.72). There were 46 bleeds in the TXA group and 85 bleeds in the placebo group (rate ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.05; P = 0.07). TXA did not reduce the rate of periprocedural bleeding (bleeding score 4 ± 1.78 versus 4 ± 1.82, P = 0.80) and early bleeding (rate ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.37). Delayed bleeding (rate ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.89) and bleeding after multiple extractions (rate ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78) were lower in the TXA group. One patient in the placebo group had a transient ischemic attack while interrupting the NOAC therapy in preparation for the dental extraction. Two of the study limitations were the premature interruption of the trial following a futility analysis and the assessment of the patients' compliance that was based on self-reported information during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients on NOACs undergoing dental extraction, TXA does not seem to reduce the rate of periprocedural or early postoperative oral bleeding compared to placebo. TXA appears to reduce delayed bleeds and postoperative oral bleeding if multiple teeth are extracted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03413891 EudraCT; EudraCT number:2017-001426-17; EudraCT Public website: eudract.ema.europa.eu.

Management of patients receiving novel antithrombotic treatment in endodontic practice: Review and clinical recommendations

Cardiovascular diseases are a major component of non-communicable diseases and death, with thrombosis constituting the most common underlying pathosis of the three major cardiovascular disorders: ischaemic heart disease (acute coronary syndrome), stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in recent years has necessitated a more complex approach to periprocedural and perioperative anticoagulation management and the need for revised management strategies and protocols. Currently, patients taking classic oral anticoagulants are advised to stop taking the drugs and have their INR values checked 72 h prior to dental surgery (e.g., apical surgery, tooth extraction, and periodontal surgery) and checked again 24 h prior to the procedure to ensure it is within the therapeutic range. However, the current incorporation of these novel DOACs in routine medical practice requires changes in the way patients are managed preoperatively in dentistry, and specifically in endodontic surgery. The methodology applied in this review included searching for relevant articles in the PubMed database using keywords listed in the Entree Terms databases. Articles published on human blood clotting mechanism, antithrombotic drugs, as well as treatment guidelines and recommendations for dentistry were retrieved. In addition, textbooks and guidelines that may not have surfaced in the online search were searched manually. The aim of this paper was to review the mechanisms of action of classic and novel antithrombotic medications and their impact on endodontic treatment and the management of local haemostasis in endodontics.

Maxillofacial and oral surgery in patients with thrombophilia: safe territory for the oral surgeon? A single-center retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze patients with thrombophilia who underwent oral and/or maxillofacial surgery at our center.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with hereditary or acquired thrombophilia who had undergone oral/maxillofacial surgery between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019. Data regarding demographic and patient characteristics, surgical treatment modalities, antithrombotic therapies, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 76 eligible patients (26 male, 50 female) were included in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 3.8 months (range, 0-51 months). The mean age at time of surgery was 44.7 ± 19.4 years. Seven different hereditary and acquired thrombophilia were identified: factor V Leiden (n = 31; 40.8%), prothrombin G20210A mutation (n = 5; 6.6%), protein C deficiency (n = 4; 5.3%), protein S deficiency (n = 11; 14.5%), antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 10; 13.2%), hyperhomocysteinemia (n = 8; 10.5%), and elevated factor VIII (n = 2; 2.6%). Complications occurred in 9 patients (11.8%) and included postoperative infections (n = 6; 7.9%) and postoperative bleeding (n = 3; 3.9%).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that oral and/or maxillofacial surgery in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of thrombophilia is not associated with a burden of thrombosis or high complication rates. Furthermore, we formulated a guideline for preoperative antithrombotic therapy for patients with thrombophilia undergoing oral and/or maxillofacial surgery.

Effectiveness of hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding during oral procedures among individuals receiving anticoagulation therapy: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding during dental procedures among individuals receiving oral anticoagulation therapy.

INTRODUCTION

Dental procedures may increase the chance of bleeding in individuals receiving oral anticoagulation therapy. The literature suggests different hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding in these individuals but offers no consensus regarding their effectiveness.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of different hemostatic protocols for the prevention of bleeding during oral procedures among individuals 18 years or older receiving oral anticoagulation therapy will be included.

METHODS

Computerized searches will be conducted in seven electronic databases. Gray literature and searches in the reference lists of the included articles will also be screened. Two independent reviewers will assess titles/abstracts for potential inclusion against the eligibility criteria. References that meet the eligibility criteria will be included without restriction on the language or date of publication. Assessment of the methodological quality of the included articles and data extraction will be performed. Statistical heterogeneity of meta-analysis will be assessed. In the event of high statistical heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis will be performed. Subgroup analysis will be planned. The certainty of the evidence will be evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019136744.

Postoperative bleeding after dental extraction among elderly patients under anticoagulant therapy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess and compare postoperative bleeding occurrence after dental extraction in medically compromised elderly patients under anticoagulant therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included medically compromised elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years who were taking apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin and had undergone single or multiple dental extractions. The primary outcome measure was postoperative bleeding occurrence, which was defined as oozing or marked hemorrhage from 24 h to 7 days after dental extraction. Postoperative bleeding occurrence was calculated for each anticoagulant and compared using Fisher's exact test, followed by multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. The highest postoperative bleeding occurrence was recorded for rivaroxaban (12/37: 32.4%), followed by apixaban (8/44: 18.2%), warfarin (17/98: 17.3%), and edoxaban (2/35: 5.7%). Patients taking dabigatran did not present postoperative bleeding (0/18: 0%). Fisher's exact test, followed by multiple comparison tests, revealed a significant among-anticoagulant difference (p = 0.0095). Postoperative bleeding was significantly higher in patients taking rivaroxaban than in those taking edoxaban or dabigatran (p = 0.03088).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this retrospective study design, these findings suggest that different anticoagulants may affect postoperative bleeding occurrence after dental extraction among medically compromised elderly patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians should carefully consider postoperative bleeding after dental extraction in patients taking anticoagulant therapy, especially rivaroxaban.

Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC) Undergoing Oral Surgery: A Review of the Literature and a Proposal of a Peri-Operative Management Protocol

Patients on anticoagulant therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular accidents present an increased risk of bleeding following dental and oral surgery. Four recently introduced non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants, namely dabigatran etexilate (direct thrombin inhibitor), rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban (Xa factor direct inhibitor), are widely spreading for convenience of use compared to the older drug class. Dental management of patients taking these drugs has substantial differences compared to patients on vitamin K antagonist therapy. Anticoagulation is not assessed directly through a hematological test, but indirectly by renal function. The interventions must be scheduled at the time of minimum blood concentration of the drug. Bleeding can occur even after several days following the surgery. The interaction with drugs administered for dental care must be carefully evaluated. The peri-operative diet can influence the risk of bleeding. Local measures favoring coagulation must be adopted. The interventions with higher risk must be divided into multiple less invasive interventions. Although antidotes exist for these drugs, their use does not seem necessary for dental interventions that have been planned optimally. Furthermore, in this review of the literature a decision protocol is proposed for the evaluation of the suspension of the anticoagulant drug before oral surgery. Cessation of any anticoagulant should only be made in consultation with the patient’s general practitioner/cardiologist, who will weigh up the risk of bleeding from the proposed procedure with the risk of thrombosis/stroke in each individual patient.

Direct oral anticoagulants in oral surgery: a prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Quantitative assessment of bleeding in dental extractions is rarely reported in the literature. The assessment of bleeding might provide additional evidence to predict and minimize postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of bleeding in individuals taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) submitted to dental extractions.

METHODS

Intraoperative bleeding was evaluated by using total collected bleeding corrected by absorbance reading (dental bleeding score). To monitoring bleeding episodes from the day of surgery, this cohort was followed up until the seventh postoperative day.

RESULTS

Forty-five procedures were performed in three comparative groups, patients under DOACs, individuals taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and without anticoagulant therapy. No bleeding events were observed in procedures carried out in individuals of the DOAC group. Additional hemostatic measures were required in two procedures in the VKA group and one in the non-anticoagulated group. The dental bleeding scores obtained for the DOAC and VKA groups were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the DOAC therapy did not result in increased bleeding outcomes in this sample.

Evaluation of local hemostatic efficacy after dental extractions in patients taking antiplatelet drugs: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy of four different local hemostatics in patients taking oral antiplatelet therapy, after multiple dental extractions without discontinuing drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study sample included 102 patients (mean age 64.1 ± 17.4 years) in treatment with oral antiplatelet agents needing multiple dental extractions. After surgery, the sockets were randomly sealing with suture alone (control group), hemostatic plug (HEM), advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF+), and leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). Primary outcomes were post-operative bleeding, wound healing index, and possible complications. Secondary outcomes were correlation between primary outcomes and patient's comorbidities and voluptuous habits. Descriptive statistics, bivariate comparisons, and logistic regression analysis were performed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Both A-PRF+ and L-PRF showed a reduced bleeding risk when compared with suture alone (OR = 0.09, p = 0.001 for A-PRF+; OR = 0.09, p = 0.005 for L-PRF). Only L-PRF showed a reduced risk for incomplete wound healing when compared with the control site (OR = 0.43, p = 0.019). Patients affected by hypertension (OR 3.91, p = 0.015) and diabetes (OR 3.24, p = 0.026) had the highest bleeding risk. Smoking (OR 4.30, p = 0.016) and diabetes (OR 3.79, p = 0.007) interfered with healing process.

CONCLUSION

L-PRF and A-PRF represent a valid alternative to the traditional hemostatics, reducing post-surgical bleeding and promoting wound healing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In patients taking antiplatelet drugs, different local hemostatics are useful to control potential post-operative bleeding and to favor wound healing. However, comorbidities and voluptuous habits may increase bleeding risk, interfering with healing process.

Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report

BACKGROUND

In Europe cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 3.9 million deaths (45% of deaths), being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension (leading to heart failure) the major cause of these CVD related deaths. Periodontitis is also a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) with a high prevalence, being severe periodontitis, affecting 11.2% of the world's population, the sixth most common human disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There is now a significant body of evidence to support independent associations between severe periodontitis and several NCDs, in particular CVD. In 2012 a joint workshop was held between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology to review the literature relating periodontitis and systemic diseases, including CVD. In the last five years important new scientific information has emerged providing important emerging evidence to support these associations RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The present review reports the proceedings of the workshop jointly organised by the EFP and the World Heart Federation (WHF), which has updated the existing epidemiological evidence for significant associations between periodontitis and CVD, the mechanistic links and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular and surrogate outcomes. This review has also focused on the potential risk and complications of periodontal therapy in patients on anti thrombotic therapy and has made recommendations for dentists, physicians and for patients visiting both the dental and medical practices.

Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Consensus Report

Background

In Europe cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 3.9 million deaths (45% of deaths), being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension (leading to heart failure) the major cause of these CVD related deaths. Periodontitis is also a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) with a high prevalence, being severe periodontitis, affecting 11.2% of the world's population, the sixth most common human disease.

Material and Methods

There is now a significant body of evidence to support independent associations between severe periodontitis and several NCDs, in particular CVD. In 2012 a joint workshop was held between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology to review the literature relating periodontitis and systemic diseases, including CVD. In the last five years important new scientific information has emerged providing important emerging evidence to support these associations.

Results and Conclusions

The present review reports the proceedings of the workshop jointly organised by the EFP and the World Heart Federation (WHF), which has updated the existing epidemiological evidence for significant associations between periodontitis and CVD, the mechanistic links and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular and surrogate outcomes. This review has also focused on the potential risk and complications of periodontal therapy in patients on anti thrombotic therapy and has made recommendations for dentists, physicians and for patients visiting both the dental and medical practices.

The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation

The current manuscript is the second update of the original Practical Guide, published in 2013 [Heidbuchel et al. European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2013;15:625-651; Heidbuchel et al. Updated European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2015;17:1467-1507]. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are an alternative for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and have emerged as the preferred choice, particularly in patients newly started on anticoagulation. Both physicians and patients are becoming more accustomed to the use of these drugs in clinical practice. However, many unresolved questions on how to optimally use these agents in specific clinical situations remain. The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) set out to coordinate a unified way of informing physicians on the use of the different NOACs. A writing group identified 20 topics of concrete clinical scenarios for which practical answers were formulated, based on available evidence. The 20 topics are as follows i.e., (1) Eligibility for NOACs; (2) Practical start-up and follow-up scheme for patients on NOACs; (3) Ensuring adherence to prescribed oral anticoagulant intake; (4) Switching between anticoagulant regimens; (5) Pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions of NOACs; (6) NOACs in patients with chronic kidney or advanced liver disease; (7) How to measure the anticoagulant effect of NOACs; (8) NOAC plasma level measurement: rare indications, precautions, and potential pitfalls; (9) How to deal with dosing errors; (10) What to do if there is a (suspected) overdose without bleeding, or a clotting test is indicating a potential risk of bleeding; (11) Management of bleeding under NOAC therapy; (12) Patients undergoing a planned invasive procedure, surgery or ablation; (13) Patients requiring an urgent surgical intervention; (14) Patients with AF and coronary artery disease; (15) Avoiding confusion with NOAC dosing across indications; (16) Cardioversion in a NOAC-treated patient; (17) AF patients presenting with acute stroke while on NOACs; (18) NOACs in special situations; (19) Anticoagulation in AF patients with a malignancy; and (20) Optimizing dose adjustments of VKA. Additional information and downloads of the text and anticoagulation cards in different languages can be found on an EHRA website (www.NOACforAF.eu).

The mythology of anticoagulation therapy interruption for dental surgery

BACKGROUND

Continuous anticoagulation therapy is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other embolic complications. When patients receiving anticoagulation therapy undergo dental surgery, a decision must be made about whether to continue anticoagulation therapy and risk bleeding complications or briefly interrupt anticoagulation therapy and increase the risk of developing embolic complications. Results from decades of studies of thousands of dental patients receiving anticoagulation therapy reveal that bleeding complications requiring more than local measures for hemostasis have been rare and never fatal. However, embolic complications (some of which were fatal and others possibly permanently debilitating) sometimes have occurred in patients whose anticoagulation therapy was interrupted for dental procedures.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Although there is now virtually universal consensus among national medical and dental groups and other experts that anticoagulation therapy should not be interrupted for most dental surgery, there are still some arguments made supporting anticoagulation therapy interruption. An analysis of these arguments shows them to be based on a collection of myths and half-truths rather than on logical scientific conclusions. The time has come to stop anticoagulation therapy interruption for dental procedures.

Tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding after dental extraction in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants: design and rationale of the EXTRACT-NOAC trial

Bleeding after dental extraction in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) may lead to unplanned reinterventions and interruption of anticoagulation, thereby exposing patients to a risk of thromboembolism. We have designed a study (EXTRACT-NOAC) to investigate whether tranexamic acid (TXA) mouthwash decreases bleeding after extraction in such patients. The study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We plan to randomise 236 patients listed for dental extraction and treated with NOAC to 10% TXA mouthwash or placebo. Patients are instructed to use the mouthwash before the dental extraction, and three times a day for three days thereafter. The primary outcome is oral bleeding. Secondary outcomes include type of bleeding, procedural bleeding score, number of reinterventions after oral bleeding, and number of interruptions in NOAC treatment. Any bleeding from sources other than the mouth, and thrombotic events, are recorded as safety outcomes. Patients are followed-up for seven days. This study will provide evidence to guide the management of patients taking NOAC who need teeth extracted.

Retrobulbar haematoma in the era of anticoagulants

AIM

The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the frequency and distribution of retrobulbar haematoma (RBH) among 26 patients (12 male/14 female) who had suffered maxillofacial trauma/surgery, with special focus on anticoagulants, causes of accidents, treatment, and outcome.

METHODS

Patient ages ranged from 8 to 94 years, with a mean of 65 years. Among all patients, 43% had received anticoagulant therapy at admission; 92.3% had a previous history of maxillofacial trauma.

RESULTS

The most frequent cause of RBH were falls (65.4%), and three patients experienced RBH postoperatively after treatment using polydioxanone foil. Postoperatively (after RBH relief), 33.3% of the patients reported persistent complete visual loss; of these patients, 29% had received anticoagulation therapy, and the oral anticoagulant intake was not documented in further 29% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of this pathologic process is crucial for preventing permanent loss of vision via early diagnosis and adequate therapy. With increasing age, patients are more likely to receive an anticoagulant, which leads to a higher risk of RBH. Because falling was the most frequent cause of RBH in our patient population and increases in frequency with increasing age, fall prevention is crucial.

Incidence of bleeding after minor oral surgery in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bleeding is a feared complication of minor oral surgery in patients on treatment with antiplatelet agents and there is no agreed strategy regarding the cessation or not of antiplatelet treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate bleeding with minor oral surgery in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), or no antiplatelet therapy (no APT). The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were screened. Sixteen studies were included. DAPT was continued in all studies. The perioperative bleeding risk was significantly higher for DAPT than for SAPT (risk ratio (RR) 10.16, P= 0.010; risk difference (RD) 0.35, P= 0.269), but not higher compared to no APT (RR 6.50, P= 0.057; RD 0.19, P= 0.060). The postoperative bleeding risk was significantly elevated for DAPT compared to SAPT (RR 2.61, P= 0.010) and no APT (RR 3.63, P= 0.035), but only by 1% (RD 0.01, P= 0.103) and 1% (RD 0.01, P= 0.421), respectively. Clinically, this may be considered quite similar. Additionally, local haemostatic measures could control all reported bleeding and no lethal events occurred. Therefore, DAPT interruption is not advised before minor oral surgery.

Perioperative Management in Patients With Undergoing Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Oral Surgery - A Multicentric Questionnaire Survey

AIM

The purpose of this study was to survey the current opinions of hospitals and medical practices concerning the perioperative management of patients undergoing direct oral anticoagulant therapy (DOAC) and discuss recommendations for the clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire with 13 topics and multiple ordinal-polytomous subitems was designed and sent to 120 Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Austria, Switzerland and Germany, as well as to 85 oral and maxillofacial/oral surgeons in medical offices in Hamburg, Germany. The data were statistically evaluated by Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.

RESULTS

The rate of response was 42%. Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported treating over 50 patients per year with undergoing DOAC therapy and only 18% assess a high bleeding risk [33% for vitamin K antagonists (VKA)]. In contrast to that, 62% of respondents would interrupt the DOAC therapy for extraction of one tooth, while 94% would continue VKA therapy. Significantly more clinicians apply suture than those in a medical office. The use of additional hemostatic measures varied between clinic and medical practice. There was a clear request for more detailed guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The study shows the current opinion for perioperative management of patients undergoing DOAC therapy. Multi-centric studies under controlled conditions are needed for a safer treatment of anticoagulated patients as therapy strategies differ greatly between institutions and therefore a complication analysis is hardly possible.

Safety of tooth extraction in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulant treatment versus warfarin: a prospective observation study

The aim of this study was to compare the safety of tooth extraction in patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin without cessation of their antithrombotic treatment. This prospective observational study included 367 patients undergoing tooth extraction (119 receiving DOACs and 248 receiving warfarin). All extractions in DOAC patients were performed 6-7h after taking DOACs in consideration of the half-life in blood under continued antithrombotic treatment. To examine the potential postoperative bleeding risk related to the time of extraction and the drug concentration of blood, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in dabigatran and prothrombin time (PT) in rivaroxaban were measured three times after administration. A total of 390 tooth extractions were performed: 128 in the DOAC patients and 262 in warfarin patients. Postoperative bleeding occurred in four extractions (3.1%) in the DOAC group and in 23 (8.8%) in the warfarin group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (odds ratio: 2.362, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.819-6.815, p=0.112). APTT and PT prolongation in almost all cases decreased with time after taking the medicine. Our findings suggest that interruption of DOAC therapy is not necessary for tooth extraction if the procedure is performed at least 6h after the last dose.

Bleeding assessment in oral surgery: A cohort study comparing individuals on anticoagulant therapy and a non-anticoagulated group

Some prospective studies have been designed specifically to investigate perioperative bleeding in dental surgery. The quantitative assessment of intraoperative blood loss can be useful for indicating the real risk of bleeding complications, especially in medically compromised individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of bleeding in individuals under vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy and non-anticoagulated individuals submitted to dental extractions. Perioperative bleeding was evaluated by using a total collected bleeding corrected by absorbance reading (dental bleeding score). 138 procedures were performed. When the perioperative dental bleeding score was correlated with the number of extracted teeth, the quantity of bleeding was found to be directly proportional to the procedure. Extractions of two or more teeth presented higher scores than single extractions (p = 0.003). In a comparative analysis between the VKA and non-anticoagulated groups, no significant difference in the scores was found. The previous history of complications in dental procedures (p = 0.001) and the use of additional hemostatic measures were higher in the VKA group (p = 0.017). VKA therapy did not impact significantly the volume of blood lost during dental extractions. Perioperative bleeding assessment might be a useful parameter for evaluating patients under antithrombotic treatment.

Should we fear direct oral anticoagulants more than vitamin K antagonists in simple single tooth extraction? A prospective comparative study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective comparative clinical study was to evaluate the effect of oral anticoagulants on peri- and post-operative bleeding during simple single tooth extractions, comparing patients in treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and patients assuming direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients under oral anticoagulant therapy needing dental extraction were eligible for entering the study; patients were enrolled following inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into VKAs and DOAC group according to the anticoagulation therapy. Included patients underwent a simple single dental extraction with elevators and forceps with a maximum surgical time of 15 minutes, without anticoagulation therapy discontinuation. All participants were assessed pre-operatively, during surgery, 30 min minutes and 7 days after surgery. Biological complications were registered and post-extraction bleeding was clinically defined according to Iwabuchi classification. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to evaluate the variables between the groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients per group were enrolled and 130 teeth were extracted. The two groups were comparable for pre-, peri-, and post-operative variables. Only 1 patient of DOAC group and 2 patients for VKA group needed medical evaluation for post-extractive bleeding. No statistically significant difference resulted in post-operative bleeding events between the groups (p = 0.425).

CONCLUSIONS

DOAC and VKA patients showed the same incidence of bleeding complications after simple single tooth extraction. Bleeding events were not statistically significant and not clinically relevant.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Patients assuming DOACs can be treated similarly to patients in VKAs therapy with INR index between 2 and 3. Non-ceasing of DOAC therapy seems to be appropriate for simple single dental extractions.

Characteristics, treatment and outcome of bleeding after tooth extraction in patients on DOAC and phenprocoumon compared to non-anticoagulated patients-a retrospective study of emergency department consultations

OBJECTIVES

Bleeding after tooth extraction range from minor bleeding to life-threating haemorrhagic shock and are among the leading complications in patients under oral anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or phenprocoumon. Little is known about how anticoagulation in patients under DOAC or phenprocoumon alters the characteristics, treatment or outcome of bleeding events, in comparison to non-anticoagulated patients.

METHODS

Patients admitted to a tertiary ED in Bern, Switzerland, from June 1st 2012 to 31st May 2016 with bleeding related to tooth extraction under DOAC, phenprocoumon or without anticoagulation, were compared.

RESULTS

Out of 161,458 emergency consultations, 64 patients with bleeding from tooth extraction were included in our study. In anticoagulation groups, we found significantly more delayed bleeding events than in patients without anticoagulation (9 (81.3%) DOAC, 19 (86.4%) phenprocoumon, 8 (30.8%) no anticoagulation, p < 0.001). Anticoagulated patients had to stay longer in the ED than non-anticoagulated patients, with no significant difference between DOAC or phenprocoumon (hours: 4.8 (3.2-7.6 IQR) DOAC, 3.0 (2.0-5.5 IQR) phenprocoumon, p = 0.133; 2.7 (1.6-4.6) no anticoagulation; p = 0.039). More patients with anticoagulation therapy needed surgery than patients without anticoagulant therapy (11 (68.8%) DOAC, 12 (54.6%) VKA, p = 0.506; 7(26.9%) no anticoagulation; p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed bleeding occur more often in anticoagulated patients with both DOAC and phenprocoumon compared to patients without anticoagulation. Bleeding events in anticoagulated patients with DOAC and phenprocoumon equally need longer ED treatment and more frequent surgical intervention.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Caution with delayed bleeding in anticoagulated patients with DOACs and phenprocoumon is necessary and treatment of bleeding is resource-demanding.

Local haemostatic measures after tooth removal in patients on antithrombotic therapy: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The interruption of antithrombotics prior to tooth removal because of the fear of bleeding or following postoperative bleeding increases the risk of thromboembolic events. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate which local haemostatic measures can effectively prevent postoperative bleeding in patients continuing oral antithrombotics.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted by running a search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Clinical randomised trials investigating bleeding and haemostatics after tooth removal in patients on antithrombotics were identified.

RESULTS

In total, 15 articles were included. The investigated haemostatics included gauze pressure, tranexamic acid-soaked gauze, sponges, glue, calcium sulfate, plant extract Ankaferd Blood Stopper, epsilon-aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid. In patients treated with vitamin K antagonists, tranexamic acid mouthwash significantly reduced bleeding compared to placebo. Further, histoacryl glue was proven better than gelatin sponges. Other studies failed to show significant differences between haemostatics, but bleeding events were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Tranexamic acid seems to effectively reduce bleeding, although its superiority to other haemostatics was not proven. In view of the rapidly changing landscape of antithrombotics and the lack of standardization of bleeding outcome, adequately powered clinical studies are required to optimise postoperative management in patients on antithrombotics.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In order to optimise postoperative management, the best haemostatics over different patient groups have to be identified and implemented in guidelines.

Assessing an oral surgery specific protocol for patients on direct oral anticoagulants: a retrospective controlled cohort study

Chronic therapy with the new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) poses new challenges for dental practitioners assessing the risk versus benefit of cessation versus non-cessation of anticoagulant therapy for dentoalveolar procedures. A retrospective controlled cohort study was designed to evaluate a non-cessation protocol for patients taking DOACs in the setting of dental extractions. A records review covering the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 identified 43 patients on DOAC therapy; 53 dentoalveolar procedures were performed under local anaesthesia, of which 15 included varying degrees of peri-procedural cessation. A control group of 50 patients on uninterrupted warfarin therapy undergoing 59 dentoalveolar procedures was identified. The incidence, severity, and timing of bleeding events were recorded for each group. Four (10.5%) minor bleeding events were recorded in the non-cessation DOAC group and nine (15.3%) minor bleeding events in the warfarin group. No bleeding events were recorded in the DOAC cessation group. Comparison of the incidence of bleeding events between the non-cessation DOAC group and the warfarin group showed no statistically significant difference (odds ratio 0.65, P=0.56). Within the limitations of this study, dental extractions in the context of continuing DOAC therapy can be performed safely provided extra local haemostatic measures are applied.

Postoperative bleeding risk of direct oral anticoagulants after oral surgery procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban; DOACs) have been introduced to improve safety and superior therapeutic value compared to their predecessors such as warfarin or enoxaparin. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the postoperative bleeding risk of DOACs during oral surgery procedures. Systematic searches were performed in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Thirteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis: two retrospective case-control studies, five prospective case-control studies, three cross-sectional studies, two case series and a case report; while only six studies were statistically analysed. The risk ratio of postoperative bleeding in DOACs patients was significantly greater than in healthy patients (3.04; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.31-7.04). This is especially true for rivaroxaban (4.13; 95% CI=1.25-13.69), and less so for dabigatran which presented a risk ratio similar to that of healthy patients (1.00; 95% CI=0.21-4.82). However, further research is required to support these results. Both apixaban and edoxaban were excluded from statistical analysis due to the lack of clinical studies.

Post-operative Bleeding Risk in Dental Surgery for Patients on Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Background and Objective: Minor dental surgery is invasive and hemorrhagic. Thus, in patients treated with anticoagulants, the bleeding risk related to these invasive procedures is concerning. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate this risk by comparing the post-operative bleeding rates of oral anticoagulation treatment (OAT) patients (without interrupted or altered anticoagulant intake) with non-OAT patients. Methods: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies that compared the post-operative (following minor dental surgery) bleeding rates of OAT patients without interrupted or altered therapy with those of non-OAT patients. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were used to identify the association between the bleeding rate and different dental surgeries or anticoagulants. Results: Thirty two full text articles were assessed for eligibility and 20 studies were excluded according to the selection criteria. Finally, 12 studies and a total of 2102 OAT patients and 2271 non-OAT patients were included. A pooled analysis indicated that the post-operative bleeding risk in OAT patients is higher than that of non-OAT patients (RR: 2.794, 95% CI: 1.722-4.532, P = 0.000). The pooled RRs in the dental implant surgery and dental extraction subgroups were 2.136 (95% CI: 0.825-5.531, P = 0.118) and 2.003 (95% CI: 0.987-4.063, P = 0.054), respectively. As for the different oral anticoagulants, the pooled RR in the subgroup of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) was 1.603 (95% CI: 0.430-5.980, P = 0.482), while the pooled RR in the vitamin K antagonists subgroup was 3.067 (95% CI: 1.838-5.118, P = 0.000). Conclusion: Under current evidence, OAT patients were under a higher post-operative bleeding risk than the non-OAT patients following minor dental surgery. For the dental implant surgeries and dental extractions, our study failed to demonstrate a higher risk of bleeding in the OAT patients compared with the non-OAT patients. Besides, The NOACs might be safer than the vitamin K antagonists in dental implant surgery. However, more well-designed studies are required for future research.