Protective effects of long term antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with its rising prevalence rates is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. Antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants agents are often prescribed but the literature on the impact of long-term anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet use among patients hospitalized with IBD is scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of patients hospitalized with IBD on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant agents.

AIM

To investigate the effects of long-term use of antiplatelets/anticoagulants on clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, including all adult IBD patients hospitalized in the United States from 2016 to 2019. Patient cohorts were stratified based on antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy status. Multivariate regression analysis was done to assess outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders. The primary outcome was mortality, whereas length of stay (LOS), total parenteral nutrition, acute kidney injury, sepsis, shock, gastrointestinal bleeding, need for colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy, abdominal surgery and total hospitalization charges were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 374744 hospitalized IBD patients, antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy alone was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality and reduced healthcare utilization, including shorter LOS and decreased hospitalization costs. Combined therapy was associated with a protective effect on mortality, but did not reach statistical significance. Notably, therapy did not exacerbate disease severity or complications, although higher odds of gastrointestinal bleeding were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the potential benefits of long-term anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy in hospitalized IBD patients, with improved mortality outcomes and healthcare utilization. While concerns regarding gastrointestinal bleeding exist, the overall safety profile suggests a role for these agents in mitigating thromboembolic risks without exacerbating disease severity. Further research is needed to look at optimal treatment strategies and addressing limitations to guide clinical decision-making in this population.