Warfarin-Induced Limb Contusion Section and Haematoma

Abstract

Warfarin is a narrow therapeutic index drug with high potential to cause adverse effects. It is generally a preferred drug for the management of venous thrombosis. This case is an unusual presentation of left arm contusion and limb haematoma secondary to long-term warfarin use. A 32-year-old male patient was admitted with the complaints of left lower limb oedema and left upper arm oedema. He was on warfarin for dural sinus thrombosis for two years. The integrative analysis of patient clinical presentation, medication history, International Normalized Ratio (INR) level, Ultrasonography (USG) scan and Naranjo assessment showed the probable case of warfarin-induced left arm contusion and limb haematoma. The patient was successively managed with the administration of vitamin K, injection heparin, packed red blood cell and other supportive therapy after the withdrawal of the culprit drug. Thus, patients prescribed with warfarin should be looked at for this typical adverse event. Monitoring of anticoagulant therapy is vital for the positive clinical outcome and minimisation of adverse events. Clinical pharmacists have a key role to play in the patient safety and their inputs can fertilise the concept of pharmacist led anticoagulation clinic in India.