American Society of Hirudotherapy

Idarucizumab Reversal in Subdural Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience

Research article published in Life (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportClinical TrialsMrvar Breko A et al. · Life (Basel, Switzerland), 2025

Abstract

Prompt reversal of anticoagulation in the elderly population with subdural hematoma (SDH) is critical to reduce morbidity and facilitate timely surgical intervention. In patients receiving dabigatran, idarucizumab provides rapid anticoagulation reversal. We evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes of dabigatran-treated SDH patients receiving idarucizumab, including those undergoing surgical management. We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of dabigatran-treated patients who received idarucizumab reversal for traumatic or spontaneous SDH between 2016 and 2024. Hematoma evolution was monitored using follow-up computed tomography. Clinical and neurological outcomes were recorded. Of eleven included patients (mean age 80.8 ± 6.7 years; 36% female), falls were the primary cause (64%). SDH was chronic in 64% and acute in 36%, with associated traumatic lesions in 33%. Surgical evacuation was performed in 82% of cases. Anticoagulation was resumed in 27% of patients within 3-4 weeks post-discharge. The median Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) score was 5, indicating moderate disability. In-hospital mortality was 9.1%. Idarucizumab enabled rapid and safe dabigatran reversal in this high-risk elderly cohort, supporting both surgical and conservative SDH management. Functional outcomes were moderate and mortality was low, underscoring its clinical utility. Targeted reversal strategies remain essential, and further research should refine long-term anticoagulation management.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article

Summary

Prompt reversal of anticoagulation in the elderly population with subdural hematoma (SDH) is critical to reduce morbidity and facilitate timely surgical intervention.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This single-center retrospective observational study evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes in eleven elderly dabigatran-treated patients with subdural hematoma who received idarucizumab for anticoagulation reversal, finding that idarucizumab enabled rapid and safe reversal supporting both surgical and conservative management. The study has no stated connection to hirudotherapy, leeches, or the leech secretome; the abstract does not mention hirudin or any leech-derived agent. Its relevance to the American Society of Hirudotherapy is therefore negligible, limited only to the general topic of anticoagulant reversal, which does not directly inform leech-based clinical practice.

Citation

Idarucizumab Reversal in Subdural Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience

Mrvar Breko A et al. · Life (Basel, Switzerland), 2025

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.