Is anti-platelet therapy interruption a real clinical issue? Its implications in dentistry and particularly in periodontics

The use of anti-platelet therapy has reduced the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular disease remarkably. A considerable number of patients presenting before a dentist or periodontist give a history of anti-platelet therapy. A clinical dilemma whether to discontinue the anti-platelet therapy or...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kumar A, Kumari M, Arora Nupur, Haritha A
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2009-01-01
Series:Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jisponline.com/article.asp?issn=0972-124X;year=2009;volume=13;issue=3;spage=121;epage=125;aulast=Kumar
Description
Summary:The use of anti-platelet therapy has reduced the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular disease remarkably. A considerable number of patients presenting before a dentist or periodontist give a history of anti-platelet therapy. A clinical dilemma whether to discontinue the anti-platelet therapy or continue the same always confronts the practitioner. Diverse opinions exist regarding the management of such patients. While one group of researchers advise continuation of anti-platelet therapy rather than invite remote, but possible, thromboembolic events, another group encourages discontinuation for variable periods. This study aims at reviewing the current rationale of anti-platelet therapy and the various options available to a clinician, with regard to the management of a patient under anti-platelet therapy. Current recommendations and consensus favour no discontinuation of anti-platelet therapy. This recommendation, however, comes with a rider to use caution and consider other mitigating factors as well. With a large number of patients giving a history of anti-platelet therapy, the topic is of interest and helps a clinician to arrive at a decision.
ISSN:0972-124X
0975-1580