Evaluation of bleeding risk and measurement methods in dental patients

The present study explores bleeding manifestations in routine dental surgical procedures, evaluates the influence of antithrombotic drugs upon bleeding risk, and validates the efficiency of a clinical method for the measurement of bleeding.

A prospective observational study was made involving a cohort of 99 patients in the setting of normal clinical practice, with the added conduction of prior hematological tests including baseline hemostasis and platelet function, based on a new method (Multiplate System®). For evaluation of the bleeding manifestations, a clinical method was selected that evaluates bleeding on the basis of its duration and the hemostatic measures needed to resolve the problem.

Almost one-third of the patients (27.3%) were receiving treatment with oral antiplatelet drugs, while 19.2% received oral anticoagulants and 9% received combined therapy with acetylsalicylic acid plus clopidogrel. In turn, an 8% incidence of moderate bleeding episodes was detected correlated to the ASPI platelet function test and to advanced patient age.

The incorporation of platelet function tests increases the safety of oral surgery in elderly patients subjected to antiplatelet treatment, particularly with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel.