Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in people on anticoagulants undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions

BACKGROUND

Individuals on continuous treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are at increased risk of bleeding complications during and after oral or dental procedures. Anticoagulant treatment is preferably continued at the same dose, since dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. The use of haemostatic measures during or after the procedure (or both) could enable continuation of the oral anticoagulant treatment.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the efficacy of antifibrinolytic agents for preventing bleeding complications in people on oral anticoagulants undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Coagulopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Additional searches were performed using ClinicalTrials.gov, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), the CINAHL database of nursing and allied health services, the open access ProQuest dissertation database, papers and reports from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and abstract books from annual scientific conferences.Date of last search: 04 January 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in people on continuous treatment with VKAs or DOACs undergoing oral or dental procedures using antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid (TXA) or epsilon aminocaproic acid) to prevent perioperative bleeding compared to no intervention or usual care with or without placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all identified articles. Full texts were obtained from potentially relevant abstracts and two authors independently assessed these for inclusion based of the selection criteria. A third author verified trial eligibility. Two authors independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments using standardized forms. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

No eligible trials in people on continuous treatment with DOACs undergoing oral or dental procedures were identified.Three randomised trials and one quasi-randomised trial (follow-up in all was seven days) in people on continuous treatment with VKAs were included with a total of 253 participants (mean age 60 years). Two trials published in 1989 and 1993 compared the antifibrinolytic agent TXA with placebo in people using VKAs. Two other trials were published in 1999 and 2015 and compared TXA with gelatin sponge and sutures, and dry gauze compression, respectively. In all included trials, those who were treated with VKAs had international normalised ratio (INR) values within the therapeutic range and TXA was applied locally, not systemically.The two trials from 1989 and 1993 comparing TXA with placebo showed a statistically significant beneficial effect regarding the number of major postoperative bleeding episodes requiring intervention, with a pooled risk difference (RD) of -0.25 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.36 to -0.14) (128 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). For the two trials that compared TXA with either gelatin sponge and sutures or with dry gauze compression, there was no difference between the TXA and the standard care group, RD 0.02 (95% CI -0.07 to 0.11) (125 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). The combined RD of all included trials was -0.13 (95% CI -0.30 to 0.05) (moderate-quality evidence). There were no side effects of antifibrinolytic therapy that required treatment withdrawal (128 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). Despite heterogeneity between trials with respect to the different haemostatic measures used in the control groups, the trials were comparable regarding design and baseline participant characteristics.Overall, we considered the risk of bias to be low in the trials comparing TXA with placebo and moderate in the trials comparing TXA with alternative haemostatic measures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this Cochrane Review, there seems to be a beneficial effect of locally applied TXA in preventing oral bleeding in people on continuous treatment with VKAs undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions. However, the small number of identified randomised controlled trials, the relatively small number of participants included in the trials and the differences in standard therapy and treatment regimens between trials, do not allow us to conclude definite efficacy of antifibrinolytic therapy in this population.We were unable to identify any eligible trials in people on continuous treatment with DOACs undergoing oral or dental procedures. Therefore, a beneficial effect of antifibrinolytic therapy can currently only be assumed based on data from the people using VKAs.

Prevention of post-operative bleeding in hemostatic compromised patients using native porcine collagen fleeces-retrospective study of a consecutive case series

INTRODUCTION

Various anticoagulant therapy regimes bear the risk of postsurgical bleeding events after dental extractions. Local hemostyptic measures, e.g., collagen fleeces, are applied by surgeons to prevent such bleedings. No standard protocol in prevention of bleeding events has met general acceptance among surgeons yet.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if post-operative bleeding can be prevented by suturing native collagen fleeces into extraction wounds immediately after teeth removal, regardless what anticoagulant regime is performed.

METHODS

A total of 741 extraction units were removed from 200 consecutive in-ward patients with or without alternation of different anticoagulant therapy regimes. Anti-vitamin K agents were the most prescribed drugs (n = 104, 52 %), followed by Acetylsalicylate (ASS) (n = 78, 39 %). Nineteen (9.5 %) patients received a dual anti-platelet therapy. Out of 104 patients receiving an anti-vitamin K agent (phenprocoumon), 84 patients were bridged, 20 patients continued to their anticoagulant therapy without alterations. Following careful tooth extraction, extraction sockets were filled using a native type I and III porcine collagen sponge (Collacone, Botiss Biomaterials, Berlin), supported by single and mattress sutures for local hemostasis. Post-operative bleeding events were rated according to their clinical relevance.

RESULTS

In the post-operative phase, 8 out of 200 consecutively treated patients experienced a post-operative bleeding event. All of them had been designated for a long-term anti-vitamin K therapy (p ≤ 0.05), and extractions were performed under a heparin bridging regime (n = 6) or an uninterrupted anti-vitamin K agent therapy (n = 2). No bleeding events occurred in patients with ASS 100 therapy or low-dose LMWH therapy (p ≤ 0.05), or in patients with dual anti-platelet therapy (0 out of 24). None of the bleeding events put patients' health at risk or required systemic intervention.

CONCLUSION

Sufficiently performed local hemostyptic measures, like the application of collagen fleeces in combination with atraumatic surgery, bears a great potential for preventing heavy bleeding events in hemostatic compromised patients, regardless of their anticoagulant therapy.

Study on incidence of bleeding in hospitalized patients after antithrombotic therapy at a tertiary care hospital

OBJECTIVES

To monitor the different antithrombotic drug combinations, determine the incidence, magnitude of bleeding and the association of HAS-BLED risk scoring schema with the magnitude of bleeding as defined using TIMI bleeding criteria.

METHODS

A prospective observational study in a cohort of patients for a period of 8 months, at one of the tertiary care center-Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, was conducted. Consecutive patients were enrolled and followed from the date of admission till the adverse events are perceived/date of discharge. Pearson Correlation Statistics (Fisher's z Transformation) is applied to assess the association between HAS-BLED risk factors and the total risk score with bleeding criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 400 cases were collected during the 8-month study period, of which 372 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Among them 34 (9.1%) bleeding cases were reported with mean (+/- SD) age of 57.8 (+/- 14.19) years. Bleeding occurred mostly in males 79.4% and a HAS-BLED Score of > or = 3 has been observed in 67.6% (n = 23) patients out of 34 bled patients. Two antiplatelets + One anticoagulant is the most common combination which caused bleeding in 41.2% (n = 14). Stroke history, bleeding predisposition, labile INR's are the HAS-BLED risk factors which are significant (< 0.05) with the TIMI Bleeding Criteria.

CONCLUSION

There was a linear correlation between the HAS-BLED risk score and the TIMI bleeding criteria-higher the risk score the more frequent is the incidence of major bleeding. A HAS-BLED risk score of > or = 3 is associated with TIMI major bleeding.

Injection of sodium hypochlorite beyond the apical foramen--a case report

The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of extravasation of 1% sodium hypochlorite into the periapical tissues during endodontic treatment. During apical debridement, absence of reflux of the irrigating solution was observed, followed by root canal hemorrhage. The patient immediately complained of intense pain, and a profuse edema and hyperemia was observed on the left side of her face compatible with extravasation of hypochlorite to the periapex. The patient was treated with ibuprofen 600 mg three times per day for three days, a single dose of dexamethasone 4 mg, amoxicillin 500 mg three times per day for seven days, and a cold compress for two days. Regression of the condition began on the fourth day, and normal tissue aspect and absence of sequelae were observed on the 14th day.

[Minor dentoalveolar surgery in patients ungergoing antithrombotic therapy]

Minor oral dentoalveolar surgery can be performed safely without interrupting treatment with vitamin K antagonists provided the INR is within therapeutic range. Platelet inhibitors such as aspirin and clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding, but the risk of disabling or fatal sequelae is generally higher if the treatment is stopped. Application of local haemostatic agents and postoperative mouthwashes with tranexamic acid are recommended. Any changes in antithrombotic therapy must be undertaken in collaboration with the patient's prescribing physician.

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.

Oral ulceration and bleeding associated with pancreatic enzyme supplementation in a German shepherd with pancreatic acinar atrophy

A 20-month-old German shepherd with primary pancreatic acinar atrophy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency that was treated with pancreatic enzyme supplementation, vitamin B12, and cimetidine developed oral bleeding. Following discontinuation of the cimetidine, increased preincubation of the enzymes with the food, and symptomatic therapy for the ulceration, the dog's condition improved.

Adverse effects of human pulps after direct pulp capping with the different components from a total-etch, three-step adhesive system

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to evaluate the response of human pulps capped with different components from a total-etch three-step adhesive system.

METHODS

Direct pulp capping was performed in 25 caries-free human premolars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic treatment. The teeth were randomly divided in five groups, and capped with the following materials: Group 1-acid+primer+adhesive were used as recommended; Group 2-only primer was applied; Group 3-only bonding resin (light-cured for 10s); Group 4-only composite resin (light-cured for 40s); Group 5-calcium hydroxide. After capping, all teeth were restored with ScotchBond Multi Purpose Plus and Z-100 was placed incrementally. After 60 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopic examination (H/E) according to a histological score system. These were subjected to non-parametric tests (alpha<0.05).

RESULTS

Overall, the histological features showed that groups 1-4 were quite similar and inferior to group 5. In groups 1-4 the pulp response varied from acute inflammatory cell infiltrate with varying degrees to necrosis. The groups 3 and 4 showed a trend towards better pulp response, since a normal connective tissue could be observed in more than half of the sample. All teeth from group 5 showed normal connective tissue below an amorphous dentin bridge.

SIGNIFICANCE

Adhesive components (primer or adhesive) as well as a composite should be avoided for pulp capping. Ca(OH)(2) should be the first choice for pulp capping.

Maximizing the safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use for postoperative dental pain: an evidence-based approach

This article reviews the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for postoperative dental pain. An evidence-based approach is used to evaluate the clinical studies to date on the safe use of these drugs in dental patients. No drugs are without adverse effects or are perfectly safe, but their safe use in clinical practice would entail maximizing the therapeutic efficacy and minimizing the adverse effects. Therapeutic recommendations are made after reviewing the evidence for the safe use of NSAIDs in postoperative dental pain.

Oral bleeding associated with pancreatic enzyme supplementation in three dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Three dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency developed oral bleeding during treatment with pancreatic enzyme supplements. According to the owners of the dogs, bleeding from the oral cavity developed during or shortly after consumption of meals containing the pancreatic enzyme supplement. Oral bleeding stopped in all dogs when owners reduced the dose of the pancreatic enzyme supplement. In 2 dogs, the decrease in the dose of the pancreatic enzyme supplement did not affect fecal consistency. However, in the third dog, the decrease in dose led to a recurrence of clinical signs. Findings in these dogs suggest that high doses of pancreatic enzyme supplements can cause oral bleeding in dogs with pancreatic insufficiency, but that oral bleeding can be successfully managed by dose reduction in most dogs.

Phenytoin-induced cleft palate: evidence for embryonic cardiac bradyarrhythmia due to inhibition of delayed rectifier K+ channels resulting in hypoxia-reoxygenation damage

BACKGROUND

Phenytoin (PHT) teratogenicity has been related to embryonic arrhythmia due to the capacity of PHT to block I(K) channels pharmacologically, resulting in hypoxia-reoxygenation damage. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the proposed mechanism.

METHODS

Pregnant CD-1 mice were given PHT (85 mg/kg) or saline intraperitoneally on gestational days 10-11. Embryonic heart rhythm and presence of hemorrhage in orofacial region was recorded on day 12, fetuses were examined for malformations on day 18. Embryonic heart rate was also recorded on individual days after dosing days 9-16. In addition, PHT was given at doses of 10, 25, or 85 mg/kg on day 12 for analysis of plasma concentrations.

RESULTS

PTH-induced bradycardia and arrhythmia in approximately 20% of the embryos, 48% showed hemorrhage in the orofacial region; 39% of the fetuses had cleft palate. The region in which hemorrhages were visible in the embryo corresponded with the region where tissue deficiency (cleft palate) was visible in the fetus at term. None of the controls showed hemorrhages, dysrhythmia, or cleft palate. PHT affected embryonic heart rates on days 9-13, but not on days 14-16. Single dose administration on day 12, the most sensitive day, resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in embryonic heart rate (12-34%). Embryonic arrhythmia occurred at 25 and 85, but not at 10 mg/kg or in the controls. Mean maternal free plasma concentrations were 6 and 14 micromol/L in the 10- and 25-mg/kg groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PHT-induced cleft palate was preceded by embryonic dysrhythmia and hemorrhage in the orofacial region. Embryonic heart rhythm was phase specifically affected, as described for selective I(Kr) channel blockers, at clinically relevant concentrations. The results support the idea that PHT teratogenicity is a consequence of pharmacologically induced dysrhythmia and hypoxia-related damage.

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia presenting with isolated oral lesions: report of two cases

Patients with platelet-mediated bleeding disorders often present with clinical manifestations of bruising and bleeding. Although these changes are detected most frequently on the skin and in the oral cavity, the nasal and genital mucosa, as well as the renal and gastrointestinal systems, also may exhibit signs of bleeding. In this report, we describe two patients who presented with isolated oral features: one with oral hemorrhagic bullae and a second with oral petechiae and gingival bleeding indicative of a bleeding disorder. Results of laboratory tests revealed severe thrombocytopenia and a careful history disclosed drug hypersensitivity as the cause. It is important to recognize the oral manifestations of thrombocytopenia since the oral cavity is a frequent site of hemorrhage and may be the only manifestation of the disease. Proper identification permits the prompt institution of treatment and prevention of serious complications.

Aspirin-induced post-gingivectomy haemorrhage: a timely reminder

A case report is described of significant aspirin-induced haemorrhage following a gingivectory procedure in an organ transplant patient. Aspirin-induced platelet impairment secondary to low-dose aspirin was implicated as the cause of the haemorrhage. Haemostasis was eventually achieved after platelet transfusion. The case illustrates the problems that can arise when carrying out gingival surgery on patients medicated with low-dose aspirin.

Chemotherapy-associated oral mucosal lesions in patients with leukaemia or lymphoma

In order to determine the incidence rate of oral lesions associated with chemotherapy, as well as well as its association with clinical and laboratory parameters and potential risk factors, 50 in-patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or leukaemia under chemotherapy were followed from January 1993 to May 1994. Basal and weekly oral examinations were performed. Clinical and laboratory data were registered. Wilcoxon's rank sum test, chi square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used, 36 individuals with leukaemia and 14 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were followed for 158 weeks; mean age was 33 years (range 15-85). Oral lesion incidence rate was 45/100 patients-week. Exfoliative cheilitis and infections (herpes and candidosis) were the most common oral complications, followed by haemorrhagic lesions and mucositis. Haemorrhagic lesions correlated with thrombocytopenia (RR = 30.5). Etoposide administration (RR = 8.6), alkylating agents (RR = 15.6), a prior course of chemotherapy (RR = 23.2) and neutropenia (RR = 4.16) were predictors of mucositis. Oral lesions were a common complication in this study, and a possible association of mucositis with several factors is suggested.

[Aspirin, a risk factor for bleeding at dental procedures]

Aspirin is widely used as an antithrombotic drug in the prevention of cardiovascular events. It causes a usually mild bleeding tendency. When used before dental or surgical procedures, aspirin increases the risk of bleeding, contrary to the postoperative administration of aspirin, which has not been associated with increased risk of bleeding. To estimate the risk of bleeding, a history on bleeding tendency and information on the recent use of aspirin is worthwhile. It is recommended to delay procedures for at least one week after the last ingestion of aspirin, if possible. In case of urgent surgical procedures or in patients who suffer from serious bleeding due to the use of aspirin, a single preoperative transfusion of a suspension of platelets is usually sufficient to antagonize the effects of aspirin. Tranexamic acid can be given alternatively. The preferred policy depends on the type of the procedure to be performed, or the nature of the bleeding.

How cocaine abuse affects post-extraction bleeding

The effects of cocaine and the relevance of cocaine abuse to clinical dentistry are discussed. Severe bleeding after an extraction is reported.

Thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction after oral surgery

Two cases of mild-to-moderate bleeding after thrombolytic streptokinase therapy are presented, and the treatment modalities are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first two cases reported in the medical and dental literature.

[Drug-induced changes in the teeth and mouth. II]

As in the previous paper the unwanted effects of drugs or chemicals in the orofacial region are described. The authors take into consideration alterations such as gingival hyperplasia and hypertrophy, discoloration of the oral mucosa and teeth, oral ulceration and stomatitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, drug induced blood dyscrasias, bleeding caused by aspirin and other drugs, and cleft lip and cleft palate.

Clinical evaluation of nafamstat mesilate (FUT 175). A new anticoagulant for plasmapheresis

Nafamstat mesilate (FUT), a new anticoagulant with a short half-life of biologic activity, was used in six patients who had a history of bleeding (two from the eye, two nasally, and two orally) during plasmapheresis (PP) due to overdosage of heparin. FUT (1.2 mg/kg/hr) was injected into the arterial blood line during PP. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), bleeding time (BT), and complete blood count (CBC) were measured before and after PP. Values of PT (17 +/- 1.4 sec) after treatment were nearly 1.5 times the levels of PT (12.5 +/- 0.8 sec) before treatment. Levels of APTT after PP (70.4 +/- 4.1 sec) were nearly double the values of APTT before PP (36.8 +/- 2.6 sec). There were no significant differences between red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), or platelet counts before and after PP. No patient developed thrombosis, hemorrhage, or other side effect during PP. In conclusion, the optimal dosage of FUT was 1.2 mg/kg body weight/hr during PP. FUT is recommended as a useful anticoagulant during PP treatment of patients with an increased risk of bleeding.

Tissue plasminogen activator-associated lingual artery hemorrhage

Reported is the case of a patient with vertebrobasilar artery ischemia who received tissue plasminogen activator with resulting hemorrhage into the tongue and nearly exsanguinating hemorrhage from a branch of the lingual artery. Suggestions for immediate management of the hemorrhage as well as prevention are presented. As the use of thrombolytic agents increases and the list of their indications expands, unusual life-threatening hemorrhagic problems other than gastrointestinal or intracranial bleeding will be seen, and management decisions may be life saving.

Drug-induced post-surgical haemorrhage resulting from trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. A case report

A case of life-endangering post-operative haemorrhage due to thrombocytopenia resulting from administration of trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole is described. Withdrawal of the drug led to complete recovery. This side effect should be kept in mind, especially in patients scheduled for surgical intervention. As thrombocytopenia may develop insidiously and gradually, it is highly recommended to perform full blood tests immediately prior to surgery and repeat them in the post-operative period.

Upper airway obstruction secondary to warfarin-induced sublingual hematoma

Sublingual hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal complication of oral warfarin sodium. Less than ten cases are reported in the English-language literature with only two of these appearing in the otolaryngologic literature. Spontaneous bleeding into the sublingual and submaxillary spaces creates a "pseudo-Ludwig's" phenomenon with elevation of the tongue and floor of mouth and subsequent airway compromise. Two new cases, along with a review of the literature are presented. Management is directed at prompt control of the airway and reversal of the coagulopathy. Sore throat is a uniform, early complaint that should be taken seriously in any patient receiving oral anticoagulation therapy.

Oral complications of cancer chemotherapy: prevention and management

Cancer chemotherapy is used to destroy rapidly proliferating cells. However, normal cells with high mitotic indexes are also affected by chemotherapy, particularly those in the oral and gastrointestinal mucosa and the hemopoietic system. Ultimately, this may lead to certain oral complications of cancer chemotherapy such as mucositis, infection, hemorrhage, xerostomia, and neurologic and nutritional disorders. The prevention and management of these oral complications that may result from the chemotherapeutic management of cancer are discussed here.

Oral mucosal lesions in patients with acute leukemia and related disorders during cytotoxic therapy

This study reports the presence of oral mucosal lesions in 26 patients with acute leukemia during the initial weeks of treatment (induction period). For comparison, three groups of patients without malignant disorders (acute disorders, long-term hospitalization, antibiotic treatment) were included. All patients were treated at the University Hospital of Umeå, Sweden. During the period of hospitalization hemorrhages were seen in 14 of the 26 patients with leukemia. No specific location was found. A correlation between presence of hemorrhages and low platelet counts was noted. Eighteen of the patients revealed ulcerations during the period. Ulcerations were predominantly found on the buccal mucosa, the lips, and the tongue. A tendency to an increase in the number and severity of ulcers was noted during the period of induction therapy. A correlation between presence of ulcers and low granulocyte counts was found. Candidiasis-like changes were seen in eight of the patients with leukemia. Compared with the patients with leukemia the patients in the reference groups showed a low prevalence of oral mucosal lesions.

Quantitative analysis of the oral complications of antileukemia chemotherapy

Almost half of 1500 patients (46.9%) treated for acute leukemia developed chemotherapy-related oral infections, oral mucositis, and/or oral hemorrhages at some time during their hospitalization. The frequencies of 34.2% for infections, 16.3% for mucositis, and 13.6% for hemorrhages were each within 1.3% to 3.1% of those previously reported from this institution for smaller groups of patients. The stomatologic disruptions reflected the cytotoxic, myelosuppressive, and immunosuppressive properties of the antileukemia drugs. Because there are as yet no alternatives to the use of potent stomatotoxic drugs for the treatment of acute leukemia, it is essential that their side effects be kept to a minimum by early recognition and appropriate treatment.

Upper-airway obstruction as a complication of oral anticoagulation therapy

We treated a patient for warfarin-induced sublingual hematoma causing upper-airway obstruction. This complication of oral anticoagulation therapy is rare; only three other cases have been reported in the English literature. All reported patients developed acute respiratory embarrassment necessitating emergency airway establishment. Sublingual hematomas usually resolve spontaneously, and surgical drainage is rarely necessary.

Oral manifestations of drug reactions

The clinical manifestations of oral reactions to the more commonly prescribed drugs have been presented. These reactions include the following conditions: stomatitis, ulceration and necrosis, opportunistic infections, hemorrhage, gingival hyperplasia, pigmentation, altered salivary function, and altered taste sensation. A patient who complains of any of these signs and symptoms should be thoroughly questioned regarding medication. If an offending drug can be identified, its alteration or elimination, in consultation with the prescribing clinician, will often result in resolution of the clinical problem.

Chemotherapy-associated oral hemorrhages in adults with acute leukemia

The frequency, nature, and management of chemotherapy-associated oral hemorrhages were studied in 1,093 adult inpatients undergoing treatment for acute leukemia or the blastic phase of chronic leukemia. Of this number, 163 (14.9%) manifested gross bleeding from the mouth during the course of treatment. The most common oral bleeding sites were the lips, tongue, and gingiva. Thrombocytopenia was the underlying cause in 88% of the cases, disseminated intravascular coagulation in 6%, and combinations of thrombocytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia and of thrombocytopenia and vitamin K deficiency in 5.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The vast majority of the patients with mouth bleeding had platelet counts below 40,000/mm3. Approximately 50% had indirect evidence of a coagulation factor deficiency in the blood. The oral hemorrhages were best managed by transfusions of HLA-compatible fresh platelets and fresh frozen plasma, together with topically applied clot-promoting agents, until hemostatic control was restored.

Gingival bleeding after chlorhexidine mouthrinses

During a clinical trial for evaluating the antiplaque effect of two flavoured chlorhexidine rinses, the observation was made that bleeding after gentle massage of the gingival margin occurred more often after chemical than after mechanical oral hygiene measures. In order to ascertain the validity of this unexpected observation, the same dental students participated in a repetition of the trial 18 months later. The results of the two trials indicate that gingival bleeding after gentle massage of the margin with the side of a periodontal probe actually occurs more frequently after rinsing twice daily with a 0.2% aqueous chlorhexidine solution for 1 week than after meticulous mechanical oral hygiene measures during an equally long time period. The average frequency of bleeding, in per cent of all examined gingival units, ranged from 1.3% after mechanical cleaning of the teeth to 5.4% after rinsing with chlorhexidine for 1 week. Neither the frequency of bleeding nor the difference between mechanical and chemical plaque control were considered to be of clinical significance. Further microbiological and histological studies are being conducted in an attempt to clarify the reason for the observed bleeding tendency.