Deaths associated with warfarin in elderly patients.
The four cases presented illustrate fatal errors in the management of elderly patients at different stages in the chain of their anticoagulation treatment. As indications for anticoagulation increase in the elderly, more care needs to be taken.
Reardon
M
M
St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, West Sussex.
Burns
B
B
Brewer
B
B
O'Sullivan
J P
JP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin