| Theme |
Appropriate Application of New Guidelines for GI Endoscopy in Patients with Antithrombotics |
| Title |
Stroke Management by Neurologists |
| Author |
Masahiro Yasaka |
Cerebrovascular Medicine and Neurology, Kyushu Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Because the risk of thromboembolism related events is balanced by hemorrhagic complications during medical procedures leading to bleeding in patients receiving antithrombotic agents, management of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents has become an important issue in Japan. The number of patients treated in Japan with antithrombotic agents has increased because of our aging society. Brain infarctions occur with approximately a 1 % frequency when anticoagulant administration is interrupted. Brain infarcttions are often severe with poor outcomes in these cases. Guidelines from the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society have been greatly revised and suggest measures to avoid both hemorrhages and thromboembolism. These measures are similar to those used in Europe and the United States. From the standpoint of protecting patients from thromboembolism associated with discontinuation of antithrombotic agents, the newly revised guidelines seem appropriate. |