title: Can old people on oral anticoagulants be safely managed as out-patients?
abstract: Of 62 patients (mean age 75, range 65-92 years) referred to an out-patient anticoagulant clinic specifically for those aged 65 years or more, treatment was considered unsafe in only one patient and was discontinued. Minor bleeding which did not require a significant change in management was recorded on 25 (7%) of 381 clinic visits and one major haemorrhage occurred requiring emergency hospital admission. Anticoagulation was maintained within the therapeutic range on 284 (75%) visits. The results confirm that with appropriate out-patient care and supervision, the risks of oral anticoagulant therapy in the elderly need be no greater than in younger patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joglekar
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mohanaruban
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Bayer
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pathy
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants