Dietary supplements in the setting of mohs surgery.
BACKGROUND
The use of dietary supplements has become increasingly popular. While many are safe in small doses, others may have potentially harmful effects, particularly in surgical patients.


OBJECTIVE
To study the incidence of dietary supplement use in patients presenting for Mohs surgery.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients presenting for Mohs surgery completed a questionnaire providing all current medications. During the consultation, the patients were then asked specifically about their current use of any dietary supplements. Responses differing from those on the questionnaire were recorded.


RESULTS
Forty-nine of 100 patients (49%) were currently taking dietary supplements. Of this group, 17 patients (35%) self-reported the use of supplements; 32 patients (65%) did not. Thirty women (59%) were currently using dietary supplements regularly compared to 19 men (39%). Women were also more likely to self-report the use of supplements compared to men: 14 women (47%) versus three men (15%). Forty-eight of the 100 study patients (48%) were currently taking anticoagulant medications such as aspirin, warfarin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or clopidogrel bisulfate. Fifty instances were noted where patients were taking one or more dietary supplements that have demonstrated anticoagulant properties. Of this group, 21 instances (42%) where patients took a combination of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) anticoagulants and one or more dietary supplements shown to have effects on coagulation were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Of the almost 50% of patients taking dietary supplements, one-third reported usage, while two-thirds did not. Women used dietary supplements more frequently than men and were more than three times more likely to offer this information. Furthermore, many supplements have been shown to have effects on coagulation, including vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, feverfew, and fish oils. Use of these substances alone or in combination may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of each other or prescribed medications. It is therefore important for the dermatologic surgeon to communicate openly with patients regarding dietary supplements to avoid potential complications during or following surgery.
Collins
Siobhan C
SC
Department of Dermatology, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA. tac8@earthlink.net
Dufresne
Raymond G
RG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000925:Anticoagulants