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Abnormal uterine bleeding in VTE patients treated with rivaroxaban compared to vitamin K antagonists.

Authors :
De Crem N
Peerlinck K
Vanassche T
Vanheule K
Debaveye B
Middeldorp S
Verhamme P
Peetermans M
Source :
Thrombosis research [Thromb Res] 2015 Oct; Vol. 136 (4), pp. 749-53. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Aug 04.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Introduction: Rivaroxaban is a convenient oral anticoagulant for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The impact of rivaroxaban and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) on abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in real life has not been previously explored.<br />Materials and Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study on AUB in female VTE patients of reproductive age who were treated with either rivaroxaban or VKAs.<br />Results: Questionnaire results were available for 52 patients in each treatment group. Approximately two thirds of all women reported AUB after initiation of anticoagulant therapy. Patients using rivaroxaban were more likely to experience prolonged (>8days) menstrual bleeding (27 % vs. 8.3%, P=0.017). Rivaroxaban treatment increased the duration of menstrual bleeding from median 5 (IQR 3.5-6.0) days before start of treatment to 6 (IQR 4.1-8.9) days (P<0.001). VKA treatment did not lead to significant prolongation of the menstrual period. Patients on rivaroxaban more frequently reported an unscheduled contact with a physician for AUB than women using VKAs (41% vs. 25%, P=0.096). They also reported increased need for menorrhagia-related medical or surgical intervention (25% vs. 7.7%, P=0.032) and had more adaptations of anticoagulant therapy (15% vs. 1.9%, P=0.031).<br />Conclusion: AUB is frequent after initiation of anticoagulant therapy for acute symptomatic VTE. Compared to VKAs, rivaroxaban was associated with prolonged menstrual bleeding and more medical interventions and adaptation of anticoagulant treatment for AUB. These data can guide proactive discussion with patients starting anticoagulant therapy.<br /> (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-2472
Volume :
136
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Thrombosis research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
26272306
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2015.07.030