[Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Antithrombotic Agents in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Hematology

Background:

• Antithrombotic agent use (antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants) is rising in South Korea.
• Managing patients on these agents during gastrointestinal endoscopy presents a clinical challenge.
• Existing international guidelines may not be directly applicable to the South Korean context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the first Korean clinical practice guideline (CPG) for managing patients on antithrombotic therapy requiring gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• To address unmet needs and regional discrepancies in current clinical practices.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for endoscopists.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of existing international guidelines using an evidence-based approach.
• Systematic review to identify four eligible CPGs.
• Evaluation of guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.
• Development of 13 statements using a grading system.

Main Results:

• Identified unmet needs and significant discrepancies in clinical practice across different regions.
• Established 13 evidence-based statements to guide endoscopists.
• The guideline was developed through an adaptation process, not de novo creation.

Conclusions:

• This guideline is the first in Korea to assist endoscopists in managing patients on antithrombotic agents undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopy.
• It aims to standardize and improve patient care in this specific clinical scenario.
• The guideline will be periodically revised to incorporate new evidence and technological advancements.