Research Communication: The Risk and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients Using Warfarin or Direct Oral Anticoagulants

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common medical emergency, with vitamin K antagonists (such as warfarin) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) being important risk factors. We investigated the impact of anticoagulant medications on patient outcomes in upper and lower GIB. Using TriNetX, a global research database, we examined outcomes in patients with GIB with and without anticoagulant medications, propensity‐matched based on age, sex, race and co‐morbidities. Patients taking either DOACs or warfarin had more severe GIB and greater mortality than non‐anticoagulated patients, even after controlling for comorbid status. Anticoagulated patients also had higher rates of delayed endoscopy.