Emergency Reversal of Antithrombotics in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Update

Antithrombotic-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Rapid and effective antithrombotic reversal is critical for mitigating risk of hemorrhage expansion and neurological deterioration. This review provides an overview of the most recent advances in emergency antithrombotic reversal in ICH.

Rapid coagulopathy reversal within the first 60-90 min of hospital presentation may limit massive ICH expansion and improve outcomes. Current data suggests reversal of vitamin K antagonists with intravenous vitamin K and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4f-PCC), reversal of dabigatran with idarucizumab, and reversal or direct oral factor Xa inhibitors with either 4f-PCC or andexanet-alfa. While platelet transfusion is not suggested for antiplatelet-associated ICH, DDAVP may be reasonable, and a new reversal agent is under development for ticagrelor. Rapid reversal of antithrombotic-associated coagulopathy in the context of ICH may prevent ICH expansion and improve neurological outcomes.