Hemorrhagic Complications of Long-term Anticoagulant Therapy

Abstract

1. Bleeding during oral anticoagulant therapy is substantial.

2. The risk of bleeding is reduced by lowering the intensity of anticoagulant therapy.

3. The risk of major bleeding during anticoagulant therapy is particularly high in patients with cerebro-vascular disease and venous thrombosis, probably due to associated risk factors in both conditions.

4. There is a strong association between major bleeding and underlying risk factors.

5. Bleeding frequently occurs during anticoagulant therapy when the PT is within the more intense therapeutic range (INR 3.0-4.5). Bleeding occurs less frequently when the PT is within the less intense therapeutic range (INR 2.0-3.0).