Although evidence supports the improved safety profile of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over warfarin (WF), outcomes among elderly traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients on this regimen remain unclear. This study describes the association between anticoagulation status (DOAC vs. WF use) and the rates of occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), hematoma progression, need for surgical intervention and mortality in elderly TBI cases.

This retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2019 included all trauma patients > 65 years on either WF or DOACs at the time of injury. The primary outcome was the rate of ICH after TBI. Multivariable regression analysis identified independent predictors of functional dependency and mortality.

A total of 501 elderly TBI patients (mean age = 82 years old) were included. WF users had higher CT Marshall scores (p = 0.007), more severe TBI (GCS < 8) (p = 0.003) and higher rates of subdural hematomas compared to the DOAC group (p = 0.003). Patients on DOACs had lower rates of ICH (42% vs. 57%, p = 0.001) and hospitalization (30% vs. 41%, p = 0.013) and better Glasgow outcome scale-extended scores at hospital discharge (mean 6.98 vs. 6.41, p = 0.005). Multicompartment ICH (OR 2.30, p = 0.027) and longer hospitalization (OR 0.04, p < 0.001) were associated with higher functional dependency rates, while higher CT Marshall scores (OR 1.09, p < 0.001) and poorer baseline frailty status (OR 0.62, p = 0.026) predicted increased mortality risk.

Elderly TBI patients on DOACs have lower rates of ICH, lower need for hospitalization and better functional outcomes at discharge compared to those taking WF. These findings need further confirmation using prospective multicenter studies.