Excessive hemorrhage after dental extractions using low-molecular-weight heparin (Lovenox) anticoagulation therapy

A "Tie-Over" Hemostatic Approach in Emergency Department: An Alternative Option for Recurrent Episodes of Postoperative Intraoral Hemorrhage

Objective

This case series aimed to describe a hemostatic technique that has been applied in patients admitted to emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital due to recurrent episodes of intraoral hemorrhage (IOH) after various dentoalveolar operations. The "tie-over" approach involved the intraoral use of Xeroform® gauze (as compressive bolster dressing) and the oral rinsing with a liquid mixture of hemostatic agents.

Materials and Methods

Between February 1, 2014, and July 31, 2017, we retrospectively reviewed the medical data and records of patients in ED who chiefly complained about IOH. The inclusion criteria were cases secondary to dentoalveolar surgeries that have been exclusively treated by tie-over bolster approach. Data such as frequency and severity of hemorrhage episodes, pain, and discomfort were assessed pre- and postoperatively.

Results

The presented technique was applied in 23 patients, but 20 of them complied with follow-up evaluation. The mean age of those patients was 60.57 years (15-82 years) with a mean follow-up time of 5.05 days. Eighteen patients were taking antithrombotic medications, either per os (oral antiplatelets and anticoagulants-OAA group) or subcutaneously (heparin group). One patient from OAA group and 2 from heparin group experienced in total 4 bleeding events postoperatively. Three of those events were recorded as minimal (oozing) and did not last over 20 min. All the patients declared satisfaction about the non-bleeding oral status.

Conclusions

In addition to its compelling outcomes, we advocate that this approach conferred physiological benefits on patients who visited ED with symptoms of anxiety and malaise, secondary to multiple, lasting, or uncontrolled episodes of IOH related to extensive surgical trauma. The presence of the gauze intraorally was short-term and created minimal discomfort.

Assessment of bleeding during minor oral surgical procedures and extraction in patients on anticoagulant therapy

Introduction:

The risk of postoperative hemorrhage from oral surgical procedures has been a concern in the treatment of patients who are receiving long-term anticoagulation therapy. A study undertaken in our institution to address questions about the amount and severity of bleeding associated with minor outpatient oral surgery procedures by assessing bleeding in patients who did not alter their anticoagulant regimen.

Subjects and Methods:

Eighty-three patients receiving long-term anticoagulant therapy visited Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from May 2010 to October 2011 for extractions and minor oral surgical procedures. Each patient was required to undergo preoperative assessment of prothrombin time (PT) and measurement of the international normalized ratio. Fifty-six patients with preoperative PT values within the therapeutic range 3–4 were included in the study. The patients’ age ranged between 30 and 75 years. Application of surgispon was done following the procedure. Extraction of teeth performed with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, the socket margins sutured, and sutures removed after 5 days.

Results:

There was no significant incidence of prolonged or excessive hemorrhage and wound infection and the healing process was normal.

Evaluation of postextraction bleeding incidence to compare patients receiving and not receiving warfarin therapy: a cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study

OBJECTIVES

We investigated incidence and risk factors for postextraction bleeding in patients receiving warfarin and those not receiving anticoagulation therapy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study.

SETTING

26 hospitals where an oral surgeon is available.

PARTICIPANTS

Data on 2817 teeth (from 496 patients receiving warfarin, 2321 patients not receiving warfarin; mean age (SD): 62.2 (17.6)) extracted between 1 November 2008 and 31 March 2010, were collected. Warfarin-receiving patients were eligible when prothrombin time-international normalised ratio (PT-INR) measured within 7 days prior to the extraction was less than 3.0.

INTERVENTIONS

Simple dental extraction was performed, and incidence of postextraction bleeding and comorbidities were recorded.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Postextraction bleeding not controlled by basic haemostasis procedure was clinically significant.

RESULTS

Bleeding events were reported for 35 (7.1%) and 49 (2.1%) teeth, of which 18 (3.6%) and 9 (0.4%) teeth were considered clinically significant, in warfarin and non-warfarin groups, respectively, the difference between which was 3.24% (CI 1.58% to 4.90%). The incidence rates by patients were 2.77% and 0.39%, in warfarin and non-warfarin groups, respectively (incidence difference 2.38%, CI 0.65% to 4/10%). Univariate analyses showed that age (OR 0.197, p=0.001), PT-INR (OR 3.635, p=0.003), mandibular foramen conduction anaesthesia (OR 4.854, p=0.050) and formation of abnormal granulation tissue in extraction socket (OR 2.900, p=0.031) significantly correlate with bleeding incidence. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR 0.126, p=0.001), antiplatelet drugs (OR 0.100, p=0.049), PT-INR (OR 7.797, p=0.001) and history of acute inflammation at extraction site (OR 3.722, p=0.037) were significant risk factors for postextraction bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that there is slight but significant increase in the incidences of postextraction bleeding in patients receiving warfarin. Although absolute incidence was low in both groups, the bleeding risk is not negligible.

The dental patient on oral anticoagulant medication: a literature review

Specific diseases and medications may considerably influence the delivery of oral care and the course of dental therapy. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between oral anticoagulant medication and dental treatment. Electronic and manual searches were conducted for clinical studies in the English literature for the years 1988-2010. The review process provided a total of 110 pertinent literature references, out of which 38 studies dealt with oral anticoagulants and dental treatment. Different treatment strategies relative to dental periprocedural anticoagulation regimens have been identified, and their accompanying thromboembolic and bleeding risks are being presented and discussed. Regarding to what extent a safe and successful dental treatment in patients on anticoagulant medication is feasible, the level of evidence is lacking. Until high-level data are provided, an individualised treatment approach after consultation with the physician of the patient is highly recommended.

Frequency of bleeding following invasive dental procedures in patients on low-molecular-weight heparin therapy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of bleeding complications after invasive dental procedures in patients on low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A chart review of patients who underwent invasive dental procedures while on LMWH therapy was conducted. The following information was obtained: demographics, medical history, social history, medications, relevant laboratory values, postoperative bleeding events, and use of local hemostatic agents and blood products.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (21 men) were identified with 42 dental appointments. The mean age was 48 years (range, 16 to 78 years). Thirty-seven patients (90%) were on LMWH therapy for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Thirty-one patients (76%) were on concomitant medications that may potentiate bleeding. Multiple dental extractions (range, 2 to 14 teeth) were performed during 19 dental appointments. Twenty-one appointments were for single-tooth extraction and 2 were for soft tissue biopsies. Three patients (7%) had postextraction bleeding events. All 3 patients were on LMWH (enoxaparin) and warfarin therapy concurrently. One patient had persistent bleeding after extraction of 4 teeth (international normalized ratio, 1.6), which was successfully controlled with topical thrombin, administration of vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma, and discontinuation of enoxaparin and warfarin. Postoperative bleeding in the other 2 patients was managed successfully with local hemostatic measures and home care instructions.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that, although postoperative bleeding in patients on LMWH therapy alone is rare to nonexistent, patients on warfarin and LMWH may be at increased risk of bleeding after invasive dental procedures.

Dentoalveolar Procedures for the Anticoagulated Patient: Literature Recommendations Versus Current Practice

PURPOSE

To evaluate the current practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Michigan regarding perioperative warfarin therapy and dentoalveolar surgery in defined procedure risk groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surveys were distributed to all surgeons (n = 188) registered with the Michigan Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Low/moderate/high surgery risk groups were defined based on retrospective data accumulated for procedures on pretransplant liver failure patients. We requested the surgeon's maximum tolerated International Normalized Ratio (INR) for each risk group. In addition, surgeons were asked if their routine practice for each group included continuation or discontinuation of therapeutic warfarin perioperatively.

RESULTS

A 72.6% response rate was achieved. The average maximum INR cutoff values for the various risk groups were: low, 2.68; moderate, 2.28; and high, 2.01. Routine discontinuation of warfarin occurred in these groups 23.6%, 48.8%, and 70.5%, respectively. Using a paired t test, these results showed statistically significant differences in patient management practices (P < .001) between the low, moderate, and high risk groupings.

CONCLUSION

Lack of uniformity exists regarding warfarin therapy and dentoalveolar surgery. No studies to date involve significant numbers of moderate/high risk procedures to provide evidence-based support of safety with maintenance of therapeutic INR. For moderate or high risk procedures, the majority of surgeons prefer warfarin discontinuation with minimally therapeutic or subtherapeutic levels, a practice that secondarily increases risk for thromboembolism. Based on these preliminary data, we believe a prospective trial to elucidate stronger management guidelines for both the moderate and high risk surgery population is indicated.