Emergency Reversal of Antithrombotics in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Update
Review published in Current neurology and neuroscience reports (2025)
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Antithrombotic-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Rapid and effective antithrombotic reversal is critical for mitigating risk of hemorrhage expansion and neurological deterioration. This review provides an overview of the most recent advances in emergency antithrombotic reversal in ICH. RECENT FINDINGS: Rapid coagulopathy reversal within the first 60-90 min of hospital presentation may limit massive ICH expansion and improve outcomes. Current data suggests reversal of vitamin K antagonists with intravenous vitamin K and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4f-PCC), reversal of dabigatran with idarucizumab, and reversal or direct oral factor Xa inhibitors with either 4f-PCC or andexanet-alfa. While platelet transfusion is not suggested for antiplatelet-associated ICH, DDAVP may be reasonable, and a new reversal agent is under development for ticagrelor. Rapid reversal of antithrombotic-associated coagulopathy in the context of ICH may prevent ICH expansion and improve neurological outcomes.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Antithrombotic-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This review provides an overview of recent advances in emergency antithrombotic reversal for intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting the importance of rapid coagulopathy reversal within the first 60–90 minutes of presentation and discussing agents such as 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate, intravenous vitamin K, idarucizumab, andexanet alfa, and DDAVP. The abstract makes no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, hirudin, or the leech secretome, and the article addresses antithrombotic reversal entirely within conventional pharmacological contexts. Its relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy is therefore negligible, as it provides no information pertinent to leech-based therapies or leech-derived anticoagulants.
Citation
Emergency Reversal of Antithrombotics in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Update
Li M et al. · Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 2025
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