Patterns of antiplatelet agent use in the US.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) published updated guidelines in 2009 to help endoscopists manage the treatment of their patients who have been prescribed antiplatelet therapy (APT).

Study aim

To assess the use of APT among endoscopists, and to identify factors guiding their use of APT while treating their patients.

Method

A survey questionnaire was distributed to endoscopists at two national meetings to assess their usage of APT while treating patients during the peri-endoscopic period.

Results

The survey was provided to 400 attendees of whom 239 (60?%) responded. Only 30?% of respondents followed the ASGE guidelines for treating their patients and 26?% percent of respondents withheld all APT before engaging in any patient procedure. Endoscopists' decisions appeared to be influenced by their own particular experiences rather than any specific APT usage guidelines (46?% vs 22?%; P?ConclusionsAbout one-fourth of endoscopists surveyed discontinued APT treatment of patients who underwent any endoscopic procedure, and one-half of them discontinued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment of patients who underwent a high risk endoscopic procedure. Inappropriate withdrawal of APT medications may expose patients to unnecessary risks, and efforts to improve endoscopists' application of ASGE guidelines for the use of APT to treat patients during the peri-endoscopic period are warranted.

SUBMITTER: Kanakadandi V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4486037 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature