Dabigatran Excess: Case Report and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Novel oral anticoagulants are increasingly used for stroke prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. While these agents offer a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile, the lack of readily available laboratory tests to monitor the level of anticoagulation and absence of an antidote or established therapies to reverse the anticoagulant effect make management of cases of over-anticoagulation challenging. CASE REPORT: In this case report an 87-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presented with dabigatran excess in the setting of life-threatening, acute renal and hepatic failure. The authors review the use of dabigatran in elderly patients, the available data on management of patients with excess anticoagulation, and the potential options for reversal of the anticoagulation effect. CONCLUSION: Further investigation into reliable means of monitoring and reversing the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran is crucial to the management of such patients.