title: [Bridging anticoagulation].
abstract: Patients on anticoagulants of the vitamin K antagonist type may sometimes be scheduled for invasive procedures or surgical operations. In order to minimize the risk of thromboembolism caused by the interruption of chronic anticoagulation for the procedure, temporary administration of anticoagulants with shorter half-lives is required (so-called bridging anticoagulation). The present review outlines the spectrum of risks during this period regarding both thromboembolism and major bleeding. Low molecular weight heparins may be considered the medication of choice for bridging anticoagulation, mainly for practical reasons. Since they require no coagulation monitoring or dose adjustment, outpatient treatment is feasible. Such heparins are not labelled for the indication of bridging anticoagulation. However, based on recent studies of large patient cohorts, evidence of their efficacy and safety is significantly more solid than for unfractionated heparin. A simple dosing scheme for low molecular weight heparins is given here and all requirements are discussed for safe guidance through episodes of bridging anticoagulation.
authors.affiliation: Arbeitsbereich Angiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus,Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden. sebastian.schellong@uniklinikum-dresden.de
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Schellong
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Halbritter
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003374:Coumarins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010045:Outpatients; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D003374:Coumarins; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin