Ikjae Lee1, Hani Kushlaf2. 1. Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. 2. Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 260 Stetson Street Suite 2300, ML 0525, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study sought to evaluate needle electromyography (EMG) practice patterns among electromyographers with patients taking novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC). METHODS: A survey questionnaire was sent to members of the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) via email web link. Anonymous survey responses were collected through an online website. RESULTS: Fifty-eight AANEM members responded, 28 (48%) of whom worked at a teaching hospital and 30 (52%) of whom worked in a private setting. Fifty-four (93%) responders perform needle EMG on patients taking NOACs. Twenty-nine (50%) responders examine paraspinal muscles, and 20 (40%) responders examine facial muscles. Among 14 responders who perform single-fiber EMG (SFEMG), 8 examine patients taking NOACs. DISCUSSION: Although most of the electromyographers perform needle EMG on patients taking NOACs, they reported variable practice patterns in examination of the paraspinal and facial muscles and in performing SFEMG. A prospective risk-benefit study is required. Muscle Nerve 58: 307-309, 2018.
INTRODUCTION: This study sought to evaluate needle electromyography (EMG) practice patterns among electromyographers with patients taking novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC). METHODS: A survey questionnaire was sent to members of the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) via email web link. Anonymous survey responses were collected through an online website. RESULTS: Fifty-eight AANEM members responded, 28 (48%) of whom worked at a teaching hospital and 30 (52%) of whom worked in a private setting. Fifty-four (93%) responders perform needle EMG on patients taking NOACs. Twenty-nine (50%) responders examine paraspinal muscles, and 20 (40%) responders examine facial muscles. Among 14 responders who perform single-fiber EMG (SFEMG), 8 examine patients taking NOACs. DISCUSSION: Although most of the electromyographers perform needle EMG on patients taking NOACs, they reported variable practice patterns in examination of the paraspinal and facial muscles and in performing SFEMG. A prospective risk-benefit study is required. Muscle Nerve 58: 307-309, 2018.