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

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.