Effect of Direct-acting Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin on Hospital Outcomes in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the comparison of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin for their effects on major bleeding and hospital outcomes in patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). Study Design: An observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Tekirdag Namik Kemal University Hospital, Hitit University Erol Olçok Education and Research Hospital, between January and December 2021. Methodology: Adult patients prescribed warfarin and DOACs were followed up for one year. Their length of hospital stay, need for intensive care unit admission, need for red blood cell transfusion, and major bleeding rates were compared. Results: Thirty-two patients (61.5%) were user of DOACs (DOAC group), and 20 patients (38.5%) were users of warfarin (warfarin group). No statistically significant difference was determined between patients in warfarin group and DOAC group for the number of packed red blood cells transfused [median 3 (0-6) units, 3 (0-10) units, p=0.229, respectively], length of hospital stay [median 5 days (3-10), and 4.5 days (2-20), p=0.739, respectively], rate of intensive care unit admission [(n=9, 45%; and n=10 (31%), p=0.623, respectively] and the occurrence of major bleeding events (warfarin-70%; DOACs-78%; p=0.529). Conclusion: Major bleeding episodes and hospital outcomes of acute NVUGIB were similar between patients receiving warfarin and DOACs. © 2022 College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. All rights reserved.