Needle electromyography practice patterns in patients taking novel oral anticoagulants: A survey-based study.

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.