Gastrointestinal bleed after leeching in a patient on aspirin therapy

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jul-Aug;24(4):170.

Abstract

Leeches ( Hirudo medicinalis ) have been used in health care for their property of bloodletting. Bleed occurring from the site of leech attachment has been well documented. We report a 50-year-old man who was on aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease, and presented with GI bleed after leech treatment for his knee pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspirin / adverse effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Leeching / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin