January 18, 2021 Journal article Open Access

INCIDENCE OF GUM BLEEDING IN PATIENTS TAKING ANTIPLATELET THERAPY AMONG LOCAL POPULATION OF PAKISTAN

Dr. Ayesha Younas, Dr. Mehrunnisa Fatima Gondal, Dr. Muhammad Hammad Yaqub

Introduction: Most practical recommendations consider dental procedures as minor interventions associated with a low risk of bleeding and self-limited blood loss that can be managed with local haemostatic agents. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the incidence of gum bleeding in patients taking antiplatelet therapy among local population of Pakistan.

Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital, Rawalpindi during June 2019 to December 2019. Bleeding was defined according to Ben-Dor et al.: alarming bleeding, internal bleeding, and nuisance bleeding. Internal bleeding included hematoma, epistaxis, vaginal bleeding, melena, hematemesis, eye bleeding, and haematuria.

Results: The mean BT was 19.5 ± 5.2 min, ranging from 5 min to more than 20 min. The incidence of bleeding was 32%. Seventeen patients had a BT longer than 20.5 min and less than 26 min: 5 nuisance bleeding and 1 internal bleeding (mild hematuria) which stopped after discontinuation of platelet inhibitory agents.

Conclusion: It is concluded that available evidence suggests that most dental interventions can be safely performed without the interruption of antithrombotic therapy.