Bleeding Management under Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC)

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of DOAC and recommendations of regulatory agencies and first consensus meetings on handling of bleeding situation under DOAC uncertainty still exists. In case of mild bleeding, the medical care of these patients and the delay of the next dose is advised. A laboratory analysis is indicated i. e. in case of known higher grade liver and kidney failure. The administration of factor concentrates or antidots is not indicated in this situation. In case of moderate to severe bleeding, the primary focus lies on stabilization of cardiopulmonary and circulatory function and parallel on the treatment depending on the localization of the bleeding source. In life-threatening bleeding in addition to the measures of hemodynamic stabilization a special haemostasis management may be required. In severe life-threatening bleeding treatment algorithms should be applied. In factor Xa-inhibitor-associated bleeding the use of factor concentrates (procoagulants), i. e. PCC in addition to unspecific measures, is indicated, as the direct antagonist andexanet alpha has not been approved in the EU. In contrast, the specific antagonist idarucizumab for acute dabigatran reversal is available in Germany.