Approach to antiplatelet therapy in the context of digestive endoscopy

Abstract

Introduction: The use of platelet antiaggregant agents is increasingly widespread in the world population. The decision regarding the endoscopic management of this treatment should be based on the type of medical indication that justifies the use of these medications. A review of the articles published in the Pubmed, Scielo, Medline and Cochrane databases related to the subject was made. Objective: To deepen the knowledge related to periendoscopic digestive antiplatelet therapy. Development: Platelet antiaggregant are key in the treatment and prevention of vascular, cardiac or cerebral thrombotic events. Just as the indications of antithrombotic agents have been established, the thromboembolic risk has also been evaluated when treatment is suspended. The thromboembolic risk may be low or high, so the risk-benefit of discontinuing therapy in this context should be evaluated. All endoscopic procedures present a risk of bleeding considering the low risk of bleeding below 1 % and high risk above 1 %. The decision about anti-aggregation in the perioperative / periprocedural period depends not only on the balance between thrombotic and hemorrhagic risks, but also on the type and indication of antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions: Platelet anti-aggregation in patients who will undergo interventional gastrointestinal procedures is observed more and more frequently. This makes knowledge about the risk assessment of thrombotic phenomena necessary when interrupting these drugs, together with the determination of the potential risk of bleeding according to the endoscopic procedure performed.

Keywords

• antiagregantes plaquetarios
• ácido acetilsalicílico
• clopidogrel
• endoscopia digestiva.