The Journal of Bucharest College of Physicians and the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences

Andreea Ghidersa

Andreea Ghidersa

Endoscopic Procedures In Patients Taking Novel Oral Anticoagulants

The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and prevention of strokes is encouraged by their superior properties compared to vitamin K antagonists: predictable anticoagulant effect, greater patient compliance, few drug interactions, low risk of intracranial hemorrhages. Although practicing gastroenterologists may never prescribe a DOAC, they are likely to encounter DOAC-related GI adverse events (gastrointestinal bleeding), and they will need to manage DOACs around the time of endoscopy. The present paper aims to present the management possibilities of the patient treated with DOAC undergoing endoscopy, most studies performed so far focusing on the risk of spontaneous bleeding in this category of subjects. The current guidelines provided by the British Society of Gastroenterology and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy orientate us, but endoscopic maneuvers should be preceded by a detailed analysis of the risks of secondary bleeding and thrombosis associated with DOAC users.

Read More »

Case Presentation: a Facial Ulceration in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis

We present the case of a patient with severe ulcerative colitis treated with infliximab that was admitted for an extensive facial ulceration located on the left cheek. Pyoderma gangrenosum, bacterial, mycobacterial and fungal infection were taken into account. The patient was diagnosed with a Klebsiella abscess originating from a tooth infection. Infectious complications might arise more frequently in IBD patients treated with anti TNF and adequate diagnosis and therapy is required.

Read More »