Epistaxis in the setting of antithrombotic therapy: A comparison between factor Xa inhibitors, warfarin, and antiplatelet agents

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: To describe the characteristics and severity of epistaxis in patients taking factor Xa inhibitors novel anticoagulants.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: A study of adult patients hospitalized due to spontaneous epistaxis under the treatment of warfarin, rivaroxaban, or apixaban between the years 2011 and 2017 was performed. A control group of patients under antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel) was included. The mean follow-up periods in the warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and antiplatelet groups were 18, 14.5, 13.5, and 18.2 months, respectively. We compared demographics, location and severity of bleeding, treatment methods, and outcome between the groups.

Results: The study included 109 patients (35 under factor Xa inhibitors), the majority of whom presented with anterior epistaxis (68%). The antiplatelet group had more episodes of epistaxis prior to admission, and required endoscopic surgical control of bleeding more often, in comparison with anticoagulants (2.23 vs. 1.44, P < .05 and 23% vs. 6%, respectively, P < .05). Among anticoagulants, combined therapy (cauterization and packing) was required more frequently in the apixaban group compared to the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups (64% vs. 25% and 33%, respectively, P < .05). The rate of readmissions due to epistaxis, within 1 year of follow-up was lower in the factor Xa inhibitor groups compared with the warfarin and antiplatelet groups (16% vs. 9% and 4%, respectively, P < .05). Cessation of factor Xa inhibitor therapy was effective and uneventful with no further epistaxis events.

Conclusions: Epistaxis under factor Xa inhibitors was effectively treated with no worse and perhaps even a better outcome when compared to other anticlotting medications.

Level of evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:119-123, 2019.

Keywords: Epistaxis; anticoagulation; antiplatelet; novel anticoagulants.