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Lookup NU author(s): Jayasree Ramaskandhan
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Patients taking clopidogrel who sustain a fractured neck of femur pose a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to determine whether delay to theatre for these patients affects drop in haemoglobin levels, need for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay and 30-day mortality. A retrospective review of all neck of femur patients admitted at two centres in the North East of England over 3 years revealed 85 patients. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they were taking clopidogrel alone (C) or with aspirin (CA). Haemoglobin drop was significantly different in the CA group that was operated on early (CA1) versus the group for which surgery was delayed by over 48 hours (CA2): 3.3g/dl and 1.9g/dl respectively (p=0.01). The mean inpatient stay in group C was 35.9 days while in group CA it was 19.9 days (p=0.002). The mean length of stay in group CA2 (26.7 days) was significantly longer than for CA1 patients (14.1 days) (p=0.01). There were no significant differences in mortality or wound complications. Hip fracture patients on clopidogrel can be safely operated on early provided they are medically stable. Bleeding risk should be borne in mind in those patients on dual therapy with aspirin.
Author(s): Purushothaman B, Webb M, Weusten A, Bonczek S, Ramaskandhan J, Nanu A
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Year: 2016
Volume: 98
Issue: 2
Pages: 91-95
Print publication date: 01/02/2016
Online publication date: 31/01/2016
Acceptance date: 01/01/1900
ISSN (print): 0035-8843
ISSN (electronic): 1478-7083
Publisher: Royal College of Surgeons of England
URL: https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsann.2015.0041
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2015.0041
PubMed id: 26829666
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