Coagulopathy and Emergent Reversal of Anticoagulation

Abstract

More patients than ever are presenting for urgent or emergent procedures while therapeutically anticoagulated for various medical indications. Medications including warfarin, antiplatelet agents such as clopidogrel, direct oral anticoagulants such as apixaban, and even heparin or heparinoids may be present. Each of these medication classes presents its own challenges when coagulopathy needs to be quickly corrected. This review article presents evidence-based discussions of monitoring and reversal of these medication-induced coagulopathies. In addition, there will be a brief discussion of other potential coagulopathies that may be encountered in providing acute care anesthesia.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Coagulopathy; Emergent reversal.