The clinical and laboratory outcomes in anticoagulated older patients with hip fractures. A prospective observational cohort study

Research summary

This research aims to understand how ageing and blood thinners, widely prescribed to older adults, affect the body’s ability to stop bleeding after injuries like hip fractures. Blood thinners, used to prevent strokes and heart problems, reduce the blood’s ability to clot and are often thought to increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. As a result, doctors sometimes delay surgery for patients on blood thinners to minimise this risk. However, delays can lead to serious complications, including infections and a higher risk of death. When someone is injured, bleeding is more likely in the first few hours. However, studies show that as early as three hours after an injury, the body begins to form clots more effectively. Interestingly, older adults may have a stronger clotting response after injury than younger individuals, which may counteract the effects of blood thinners. This suggests that the increased bleeding risk may be less concerning by the time surgery is performed. This research will investigate how clotting response of older injured adults, particularly in patients taking blood thinners. By examining how clotting cells in blood vessels behave after injury and while on blood thinners, this study aims to provide critical insights into whether surgery delays are necessary for older adults. The findings could help doctors make better decisions about pausing blood thinners and scheduling surgery, ensuring that older patients receive timely and safe care. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve treatment protocols, reduce bleeding risks, avoid unnecessary delays, and improve outcomes for older adults with injuries like hip fractures.

Principal Investigator

Dr Nicola Curry

Contact us

Email: christopher.deane@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

333616