-
Cureus May 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism (SE). Anticoagulation therapy, particularly... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism (SE). Anticoagulation therapy, particularly with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), is essential for stroke prevention in patients with AF. However, the comparative effectiveness of NOACs and warfarin remains debatable. Of the 34 studies included, 14 studies involving 166,845 patients were included in the meta-analysis and 20 studies were included in the systematic review. Our findings indicate that NOACs were associated with a significantly lesser risk of stroke/SE with a relative risk (RR) of 0.84 and p=0.0005, and all-cause mortality RR=0.88 and p=0.006. There were no significant differences between major bleeding events with an RR of 0.87 and p=0.22, and serious adverse events (SAE) with RR=1.01 and p=0.35, compared to warfarin in patients with AF. Our meta-analysis demonstrates strong evidence for the superiority in reducing stroke/SE and all-cause mortality of NOACs compared to warfarin. However, no significant differences were identified in the bleeding outcomes or SAEs between the two groups.
PubMed: 38947715
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61374 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Jun 2024Anticoagulation can prevent stroke and prolong lives in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); However, anticoagulated patients with AF remain at risk of death. The aim...
AIMS
Anticoagulation can prevent stroke and prolong lives in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); However, anticoagulated patients with AF remain at risk of death. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of death and factors associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death in the XANTUS population.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Causes of death occurring within a year after rivaroxaban initiation in patients in the XANTUS program studies were adjudicated by a central adjudication committee and classified following international guidance.Baseline characteristics associated with all-cause or cardiovascular death were identified. Of 11,040 patients, 187 (1.7%) died. Almost half of these deaths were due to cardiovascular causes other than bleeding (n = 82, 43.9%), particularly heart failure (n = 38, 20.3%) and sudden or unwitnessed death (n = 24, 12.8%). Fatal stroke (n = 8, 4.3%), which was classified as a type of cardiovascular death, and fatal bleeding (n = 17, 9.1%) were less common causes of death. Independent factors associated with all-cause or cardiovascular death included age, AF type, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, hospitalization at baseline, rivaroxaban dose, and anaemia.
CONCLUSION
The overall risk of death due to stroke or bleeding was low in XANTUS. Anticoagulated patients with AF remain at risk of death due to heart failure and sudden death. Potential interventions to reduce cardiovascular deaths in anticoagulated patients with AF, require further investigation, e.g. early rhythm control therapy and AF ablation.
PubMed: 38941511
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae183 -
JACC. Advances Feb 2024
PubMed: 38939407
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100812 -
JACC. Advances Feb 2024Treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has been linked to worsening of kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
BACKGROUND
Treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has been linked to worsening of kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
OBJECTIVES
XARENO (Factor XA-inhibition in RENal patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation Observational registry; NCT02663076) is a prospective observational study comparing adverse kidney outcomes in patients with AF and advanced chronic kidney disease receiving rivaroxaban or VKA.
METHODS
Patients with AF and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 15 to 49 mL/min/1.73 m were included. Blinded adjudicated outcome analysis evaluated adverse kidney outcomes (a composite of eGFR decline to <15 mL/min/1.73 m, need for chronic kidney replacement therapy, or development of acute kidney injury). A composite net clinical benefit outcome (stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, or cardiovascular death) was also analyzed. HRs with 95% CIs were calculated using propensity score overlap weighting Cox regression.
RESULTS
There were 1,455 patients (764 rivaroxaban; 691 VKA; mean age 78 years; 44% females). The mean eGFR was 37.1 ± 9.0 in those receiving rivaroxaban and 36.4 ± 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m in those receiving VKA. After a median follow-up of 2.1 years, rivaroxaban was associated with less adverse kidney outcomes (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.88) and all-cause death (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98). No significant differences were observed in net clinical benefit.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with AF and advanced chronic kidney disease, those receiving rivaroxaban had less adverse kidney events and lower all-cause mortality compared to those receiving VKA, supporting the use of rivaroxaban in this high-risk group of patients.
PubMed: 38939389
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100813 -
Respiratory Medicine Jun 2024Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed for life-long anticoagulation in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients, despite...
INTRODUCTION
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed for life-long anticoagulation in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients, despite not being recommended in the guidelines. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs in CTEPH patients.
METHODS
From May 2013 to December 2022, patients who were first diagnosed with CTEPH in Fuwai Hospital and started long-term anticoagulation treatment with warfarin or DOACs were retrospectively included and followed up until (1) death, (2) transition to other kinds of anticoagulants, or (3) discontinuation of anticoagulation. Propensity score matching was used to balance confounding bias of baseline characteristics. All-cause death, major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence were obtained and analysed.
RESULTS
After propensity score matching, 115 patients taking warfarin and 206 patients taking DOACs were included in our study and followed up for 5.5 [3.4, 7.1] years. There was no significant difference of survival between the warfarin and the DOAC group (p = 0.77). The exposure adjusted event rate of major bleeding (0.3 %/person-year vs 0.4 %/person-year, p = 0.705) and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (3.1 %/person-year vs 3.2 %/person-year, p > 0.999) was similar between two groups. The exposure adjusted rate of VTE recurrence was significantly higher in the DOAC group (1.5 %/person-year vs 0.3 %/person-year, p = 0.030).
CONCLUSION
In anticoagulation of CTEPH patients, DOACs have similar survival rate, similar risk of bleeding but higher risk of VTE recurrence than warfarin.
PubMed: 38936635
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107722 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Unusual site deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurring outside the conventional deep veins of the lower extremity or pulmonary...
BACKGROUND
Unusual site deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurring outside the conventional deep veins of the lower extremity or pulmonary arteries. However, the optimal anticoagulation therapy for unusual site DVT remained unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in unusual site DVT.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive patients at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021 who were diagnosed with unusual site DVT. Patients were divided into two groups based on their ultimate medication choice: the warfarin group and the rivaroxaban group. The demographic characteristics were recorded for all enrolled patients. Clinical outcomes included recurrent VTE, bleeding complications and major bleeding.
RESULTS
A total of 1,088 patients were divided into warfarin ( = 514) and rivaroxaban ( = 574) groups. After the stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting, Hazard Ratios for warfarin vs. rivaroxaban of recurrent VTE, bleeding complications and major bleeding were 0.52(95% CI: 0.25-1.08), 0.30(95% CI: 0.14-0.60), and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.13-0.74), respectively. Risk of clinical outcomes in specified subgroups for age, gender, renal function, thrombosis sites and diagnosis were assessed. The interaction of gender and treatment on major bleeding was significant (P for interaction = 0.062). Otherwise, there was no significant interaction between the other subgroups and the treatment group in terms of clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Compared with warfarin, rivaroxaban exhibited comparable efficacy for the anticoagulant treatment of unusual site DVT, associated with a lower risk of bleeding complications and major bleeding.
PubMed: 38933677
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1419985 -
Clinical Cardiology Jun 2024This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban, compared to Warfarin, for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Impact Analysis of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin in the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) in Iran.
INTRODUCTION
This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban, compared to Warfarin, for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in Iran.
METHOD
A Markov model with a 30-year time horizon was employed to simulate and assess different treatment strategies' cost-effectiveness. The study population comprised Iranian adults with NVAF, identified through specialist consultations, hospital visits, and archival record reviews. Direct medical costs, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs were included. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were assessed using an EQ-5D questionnaire. This study utilized a cost-effectiveness threshold of $11 134 per QALY.
RESULTS
Apixaban demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness compared to Rivaroxaban and Warfarin. Over 30 years, total costs were lower in the Apixaban and Rivaroxaban groups compared to the Warfarin group ($126.18 and $109.99 vs. $150.49). However, Apixaban showed higher total QALYs gained compared to others (0.134 vs. 0.133 and 0.116). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for comparing Apixaban to Warfarin was calculated at -1332.83 cost per QALY, below the threshold of $11 134, indicating Apixaban's cost-effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, with ICER consistently remaining below the threshold. Over 5 years (2024-2028) of Apixaban usage, the incremental cost starts at USD 70 250 296 in the first year and gradually rises to USD 71 770 662 in the fifth year. DSA and PSA were assessed to prove the robustness of the results.
CONCLUSION
This study shows that Apixaban is a cost-effective option for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients in Iran compared to Warfarin.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Pyrazoles; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Pyridones; Warfarin; Iran; Stroke; Rivaroxaban; Anticoagulants; Male; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Female; Markov Chains; Aged; Drug Costs; Treatment Outcome; Middle Aged; Budgets; Time Factors
PubMed: 38923583
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24311 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology Apr 2024Current guidelines recommend that direct anticoagulants should not be used in prevention of recurrent thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)....
Current guidelines recommend that direct anticoagulants should not be used in prevention of recurrent thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). However, except for triple-positive APS and rivaroxaban use, little evidence supports such recommendation. In a real-life cohort study, we evaluated the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding in APS patients on apixaban versus vitamin K antagonists (VKA). We enrolled 152 APS patients (aged 44 [interquartile range 36-56], 83% women), including 66 patients treated with apixaban 5 mg bid and 86 with warfarin (target INR [international normalized ratio] 2-3). During a median follow-up of 53 months, we recorded venous thromboembolism (VTE), ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction, along with major bleeding. We observed 4 (6.1%, 3 VTE and 1 ischemic stroke) thrombotic events in patients on apixaban and 12 events (14%, 9 VTE, 2 ischemic strokes and 1 myocardial infarction) in VKA patients. APS patients on apixaban had similar risk of recurrent thromboembolism compared to those on warfarin (HR=0.327, 95% CI: 0.104-1.035). Thromboembolic events occurred less commonly in statin users (8% vs 50%, p=0.01) and more frequently in triple-positive APS (50% vs 22.1%, p=0.028) and in subjects with higher D-dimer at baseline (p=0.023); the latter difference was present in the apixaban group (p=0.02). Patients on apixaban had similar risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin (HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.201-1.448). In real-life APS patients apixaban appears to be similar to VKA for the prevention of thromboembolism and risk of bleeding, which might suggest that some APS patients could be treated with apixaban.
PubMed: 38922590
DOI: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000001578 -
Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin... Jun 2024Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are increasingly used for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic events. Incorrectly dosed DOAC treatment is associated with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are increasingly used for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic events. Incorrectly dosed DOAC treatment is associated with excess mortality.
PURPOSE
This article aims at raising awareness of DOAC overdosing and its causes as well as presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic work-up.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Based on a case presentation, a structured review of the current literature on DOAC overdosing was performed and treatment recommendations were extracted.
RESULTS
In addition to wittingly or unwittingly increased DOAC intake, common causes of overdose are inadequate dose adjustment for concomitant medication or comorbidities. Global coagulation testing should be supplemented with DOAC-specific testing. Severe bleeding and the need for invasive diagnostics or urgent surgery represent indications for treating DOAC overdoses. Based on the cause of an DOAC overdose, active charcoal, endoscopic pill rescue, antagonization with idarucizumab or andexanet alfa and the targeted substitution of coagulation factors represent treatment options.
CONCLUSION
The sensitization of clinicians is important to ensure a timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of DOAC overdosing. This report provides an overview of current knowledge on diagnostics and treatment; however, further studies are necessary to improve the existing algorithms.
PubMed: 38916655
DOI: 10.1007/s00063-024-01154-8 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024Rivaroxaban, a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, has become widely used for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients. However, few...
BACKGROUND
Rivaroxaban, a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, has become widely used for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients. However, few trials have explored the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in VTE patients over 80 years of age. This necessitates further real-world studies of rivaroxaban across elderly populations.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective single center study involving extremely aged VTE sufferers treated with rivaroxaban. The sample comprised 121 patients newly initiated on rivaroxaban diagnosed between January 2018 and January 2020. Patients were followed up for no less than 2 years. The effectiveness outcome was the disappearance of thromboembolism. The safety outcome was the incidence of major bleeding events. Comorbidities and complications were recorded throughout the entire study.
RESULTS
The efficacy outcome occurred in 114 of 121 patients (94.21%) and the safety outcome occurred in 12 of 121 patients (9.91%). Increased hemorrhages were observed in patients with infection (15.15% vs 7.80%), but no significant difference was observed due to limited sample size (P=0.3053). Patients with an age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score higher than 6 points exhibited higher bleeding rates (14.08% vs 4.00%; P=0.0676) and lower thrombus cure rates (88.73% vs 100%; P=0.0203).
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Patients with infection should be more careful of bleeding events during rivaroxaban therapy. An age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score higher than 6, which predicted poor survival, indicated inferior safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban.
AIM
To investigate the efficacy and safety of Rivaroxaban in an aged venous thromboembolism patient population under real-world conditions.
Topics: Humans; Rivaroxaban; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Venous Thromboembolism; Aged, 80 and over; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Hemorrhage; Cross-Sectional Studies; Treatment Outcome; Comorbidity
PubMed: 38915432
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S405075