Abstract TMP102: Timing Of Withdrawal Of Antithrombotics And Impact On Stroke

Background: Antithrombotic medications (AT) are often withheld before procedures to reduce risk of bleeding. In 2005, members of our team reported that 5.2% of ischemic strokes were associated with the withdrawal of AT in the preceding 60 days. Subsequently, new medications, including DOACs, have become widely used. Given changing prescription and practice patterns we sought to compare rates of stroke in the setting of antithrombotic withdrawal in 2010 and 2015. Methods: The GCNKSS is a population-based stroke study from the Greater Cincinnati region. In 2005, 2010, and 2015, we captured all strokes in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky 5 county area by screening ICD9 codes 430-436 and ICD10 (2015) codes I60-I68, and G45-46. Study nurses abstracted all cases and physicians adjudicated each event. Data regarding the withdrawal of AT and timing were captured. 2005 data was included as a reference. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine differences by years. Results: In 2010 and 2015, 4768 cases of ischemic stroke were identified. Across the study periods, those that were on AT at time of stroke versus those who stopped AT <60 days prior to incident stroke were of similar median age, 73 and 74 years respectively, and of similar sex (55 vs 52%) and race (21 vs 18%) distribution. Atrial fibrillation (30 vs 52%) and median baseline NIHSS (3 vs 4) were higher in those who stopped AT < 60 days prior to stroke than those on AT. Of the 4768, 228 (4.8%) occurred within 60 days of withdrawal of an antithrombotic medication. The proportion of strokes in the setting of warfarin being held is the only AT that had a significant change, decreasing in 2015 (Table). Conclusions: The withdrawal of AT is associated with 228 (4.8%) of ischemic strokes within 60 days in our study population. These rates remain consistent across our study periods. This highlights that despite new agents, stroke in the setting of AT withdrawal remains consistent and the decision to stop AT must be carefully considered.