Clopidogrel and Surgical Delay in Patients with Hip Fractures: A District General Hospital Audit

Abstract

Objectives. To review of outcome following delay in surgery in patients with hip fracture taking clopidogrel (Plavix bisulphate) on admission.Methods. Retrospectively studied patients with hip fractures on clopidogrel admitted to our trauma unit between January 1, 2006 and May 31, 2007.Results. We report the results of a retrospective study of 15 patients taking clopidogrel on admission.The mean preoperative haemoglobin levels were 12.4 (range 9.9 to 14.1), the mean postoperative haemoglobin level were 9.7 (range 8 to 12.3). Four patients required blood transfusions. The mean delay in surgery was 9.1 days (range 7 to 14 days). The mean duration of hospital stay was 21 days (range, 8 to 45 days). Three patients died secondary to cerebrovascular complications.Conclusion. In summary, we found that there is increase mortality and requirement for blood transfusion in patients on clopidogrel in whom surgery were delayed.

Is early hip fracture surgery safe for patients on clopidogrel? Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression

“…1). Nine additional papers were identified after searching of study references and articles that had cited identified studies [24,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. Thirty-one studies deemed to be relevant to the research question underwent full text review.…”