-
A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants in advanced chronic kidney disease.Journal of Nephrology Nov 2022Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Anticoagulants have not been studied in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Anticoagulants have not been studied in randomised controlled trials with CrCl < 30 ml/min. The objective of this review was to identify the impact of different anticoagulant strategies in patients with advanced CKD including dialysis.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies, searching electronic databases from 1946 to 2022. Studies that evaluated both thrombotic and bleeding outcomes with anticoagulant use in CrCl < 50 ml/min were included.
RESULTS
Our initial search yielded 14,503 papers with 53 suitable for inclusion. RCTs comparing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin for patients with VTE and CrCl 30-50 ml/min found no difference in recurrent VTE events (RR 0.68(95% CI 0.42-1.11)) with reduced bleeding (RR 0.65 (95% CI 0.45-0.94)). Observational data in haemodialysis suggest lower risk of recurrent VTE and major bleeding with apixaban versus warfarin. Very few studies examining outcomes were available for therapeutic and prophylactic dose low molecular weight heparin for CrCl < 30 ml/min. Findings for patients with AF on dialysis were that warfarin or DOACs had a similar or higher risk of stroke compared to no anticoagulation. For patients with AF and CrCl < 30 ml/min not on dialysis, anticoagulation should be considered on an individual basis, with limited studies suggesting DOACs may have a preferable safety profile.
CONCLUSION
Further studies are still required, some ongoing, in patients with advanced CKD (CrCl < 30 ml/min) to identify the safest and most effective treatment options for VTE and AF.
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Warfarin; Venous Thromboembolism; Administration, Oral; Atrial Fibrillation; Hemorrhage; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
PubMed: 36006608
DOI: 10.1007/s40620-022-01413-x -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Nov 2017To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for patients with atrial fibrillation. Systematic review, network... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for patients with atrial fibrillation. Systematic review, network meta-analysis, and cost effectiveness analysis. Medline, PreMedline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library. Published randomised trials evaluating the use of a DOAC, vitamin K antagonist, or antiplatelet drug for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. 23 randomised trials involving 94 656 patients were analysed: 13 compared a DOAC with warfarin dosed to achieve a target INR of 2.0-3.0. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.94), dabigatran 150 mg twice daily (0.65, 0.52 to 0.81), edoxaban 60 mg once daily (0.86, 0.74 to 1.01), and rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (0.88, 0.74 to 1.03) reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared with warfarin. The risk of stroke or systemic embolism was higher with edoxaban 60 mg once daily (1.33, 1.02 to 1.75) and rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (1.35, 1.03 to 1.78) than with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily. The risk of all-cause mortality was lower with all DOACs than with warfarin. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily (0.71, 0.61 to 0.81), dabigatran 110 mg twice daily (0.80, 0.69 to 0.93), edoxaban 30 mg once daily (0.46, 0.40 to 0.54), and edoxaban 60 mg once daily (0.78, 0.69 to 0.90) reduced the risk of major bleeding compared with warfarin. The risk of major bleeding was higher with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily than apixaban 5 mg twice daily (1.33, 1.09 to 1.62), rivaroxaban 20 mg twice daily than apixaban 5 mg twice daily (1.45, 1.19 to 1.78), and rivaroxaban 20 mg twice daily than edoxaban 60 mg once daily (1.31, 1.07 to 1.59). The risk of intracranial bleeding was substantially lower for most DOACs compared with warfarin, whereas the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was higher with some DOACs than warfarin. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily was ranked the highest for most outcomes, and was cost effective compared with warfarin. The network meta-analysis informs the choice of DOACs for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Several DOACs are of net benefit compared with warfarin. A trial directly comparing DOACs would overcome the need for indirect comparisons to be made through network meta-analysis. PROSPERO CRD 42013005324.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Drug Costs; Hemorrhage; Humans; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke
PubMed: 29183961
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j5058 -
Stroke Jan 2018The use of oral anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation has been transformed by the availability of the nonvitamin K antagonist oral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The use of oral anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation has been transformed by the availability of the nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. Real-world studies on the use of nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants would help elucidate their effectiveness and safety in daily clinical practice. Apixaban was the third nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants introduced to clinical practice, and increasing real-world studies have been published. Our aim was to summarize current evidence about real-world studies on apixaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all observational real-world studies comparing apixaban with other available oral anticoagulant drugs.
RESULTS
From the original 9680 results retrieved, 16 studies have been included in the final meta-analysis. Compared with warfarin, apixaban regular dose was more effective in reducing any thromboembolic event (odds ratio: 0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.93), but no significant difference was found for stroke risk. Apixaban was as effective as dabigatran and rivaroxaban in reducing thromboembolic events and stroke. The risk of major bleeding was significantly lower for apixaban compared with warfarin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban (relative risk reduction, 38%, 35%, and 46%, respectively). Similarly, the risk for intracranial hemorrhage was significantly lower for apixaban than warfarin and rivaroxaban (46% and 54%, respectively) but not dabigatran. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was lower with apixaban when compared with all oral anticoagulant agents (<0.00001 for all comparisons).
CONCLUSIONS
Use of apixaban in real-life is associated with an overall similar effectiveness in reducing stroke and any thromboembolic events when compared with warfarin. A better safety profile was found with apixaban compared with warfarin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Intracranial Hemorrhages; Male; Polymers; Pyrazoles; Pyridones; Risk Factors; Rivaroxaban; Saliva, Artificial; Stroke; Vitamin K; Warfarin
PubMed: 29167388
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.018395 -
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis Nov 2020Anticoagulants are frequently used as thromboprophylaxis and in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE). While obesity rates are reaching...
Anticoagulants are frequently used as thromboprophylaxis and in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE). While obesity rates are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, the optimal dosage for obese patients has not been established for most anticoagulants, including low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC), and pentasaccharides (fondaparinux). The aim of the present systematic review was to summarize the current knowledge and provide recommendations on dosage of LMWH, NOAC, and fondaparinux in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m or body weight ≥ 100 kg). Based on a systematic search in PubMed and Embase, a total of 72 studies were identified. For thromboprophylaxis with LMWH in bariatric surgery ( = 20 studies), enoxaparin 40 mg twice daily, dalteparin 5,000 IE twice daily, or tinzaparin 75 IU/kg once daily should be considered for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m. For thromboprophylaxis with LMWH in nonbariatric surgery and in medical inpatients ( = 8 studies), enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg once or twice daily or tinzaparin 75 IU/kg once daily may be considered in obese patients. For treatment with LMWH ( = 18 studies), a reduced weight-based dose of enoxaparin 0.8 mg/kg twice daily should be considered in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m, and no dose capping of dalteparin and tinzaparin should be applied for body weight < 140 kg. As regards NOAC, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or dabigatran may be used as thromboprophylaxis in patients with BMI < 40 kg/m ( = 4 studies), whereas rivaroxaban and apixaban may be administered to obese patients with VTE or AF, including BMI > 40 kg/m, at standard fixed-dose ( = 20 studies). The limited available evidence on fondaparinux ( = 3 studies) indicated that the treatment dose should be increased to 10 mg once daily in patients weighing > 100 kg.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Humans; Obesity
PubMed: 33368113
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718405 -
Health Technology Assessment... Mar 2017Warfarin is effective for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), but anticoagulation is underused in clinical care. The risk of venous thromboembolic disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Oral anticoagulants for primary prevention, treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolic disease, and for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation: systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.
BACKGROUND
Warfarin is effective for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), but anticoagulation is underused in clinical care. The risk of venous thromboembolic disease during hospitalisation can be reduced by low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH): warfarin is the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant for treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Warfarin-related bleeding is a major reason for hospitalisation for adverse drug effects. Warfarin is cheap but therapeutic monitoring increases treatment costs. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have more rapid onset and offset of action than warfarin, and more predictable dosing requirements.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the best oral anticoagulant/s for prevention of stroke in AF and for primary prevention, treatment and secondary prevention of VTE.
DESIGN
Four systematic reviews, network meta-analyses (NMAs) and cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of randomised controlled trials.
SETTING
Hospital (VTE primary prevention and acute treatment) and primary care/anticoagulation clinics (AF and VTE secondary prevention).
PARTICIPANTS
Patients eligible for anticoagulation with warfarin (stroke prevention in AF, acute treatment or secondary prevention of VTE) or LMWH (primary prevention of VTE).
INTERVENTIONS
NOACs, warfarin and LMWH, together with other interventions (antiplatelet therapy, placebo) evaluated in the evidence network.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Stroke, symptomatic VTE, symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis and symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Major bleeding, clinically relevant bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage. We also considered myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality and evaluated cost-effectiveness.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library, reference lists of published NMAs and trial registries. We searched MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library. The stroke prevention in AF review search was run on the 12 March 2014 and updated on 15 September 2014, and covered the period 2010 to September 2014. The search for the three reviews in VTE was run on the 19 March 2014, updated on 15 September 2014, and covered the period 2008 to September 2014.
REVIEW METHODS
Two reviewers screened search results, extracted and checked data, and assessed risk of bias. For each outcome we conducted standard meta-analysis and NMA. We evaluated cost-effectiveness using discrete-time Markov models.
RESULTS
Apixaban (Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, USA; Pfizer, USA) [5 mg bd (twice daily)] was ranked as among the best interventions for stroke prevention in AF, and had the highest expected net benefit. Edoxaban (Lixiana, Daiichi Sankyo, Japan) [60 mg od (once daily)] was ranked second for major bleeding and all-cause mortality. Neither the clinical effectiveness analysis nor the CEA provided strong evidence that NOACs should replace postoperative LMWH in primary prevention of VTE. For acute treatment and secondary prevention of VTE, we found little evidence that NOACs offer an efficacy advantage over warfarin, but the risk of bleeding complications was lower for some NOACs than for warfarin. For a willingness-to-pay threshold of > £5000, apixaban (5 mg bd) had the highest expected net benefit for acute treatment of VTE. Aspirin or no pharmacotherapy were likely to be the most cost-effective interventions for secondary prevention of VTE: our results suggest that it is not cost-effective to prescribe NOACs or warfarin for this indication.
CONCLUSIONS
NOACs have advantages over warfarin in patients with AF, but we found no strong evidence that they should replace warfarin or LMWH in primary prevention, treatment or secondary prevention of VTE.
LIMITATIONS
These relate mainly to shortfalls in the primary data: in particular, there were no head-to-head comparisons between different NOAC drugs.
FUTURE WORK
Calculating the expected value of sample information to clarify whether or not it would be justifiable to fund one or more head-to-head trials.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013005324, CRD42013005331 and CRD42013005330.
FUNDING
The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Topics: Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Blood Pressure; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Electrocardiography; Female; Humans; Male; Markov Chains; Mass Screening; Models, Econometric; Network Meta-Analysis; Observational Studies as Topic; Primary Health Care; Pulse; Secondary Prevention; Sensitivity and Specificity; State Medicine; Stroke; United Kingdom; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 28279251
DOI: 10.3310/hta21090 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology May 2021Cardiac arrhythmias are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiac arrhythmias are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have shown inconsistent conclusions regarding the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the risk of developing arrhythmias. This study aims to investigate the association of SGLT2i treatment with arrhythmia outcomes in clinical trials of patients with HF, DM, or CKD.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception up to 27 August 2020. Randomized controlled trials that randomized patients with DM, CKD, or HF to SGLT2i or placebo were included. The outcomes of interest include atrial fibrillation (AF), embolic stroke, atrial flutter (AFL), AF/AFL, ventricular tachycardia (VT), and cardiac arrest. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Out of 4,532 citations, 22 trials with altogether 52,115 patients were included (mean age 63.2 years; 33,747 [64.8%] of participants were men). SGLT2i were associated with a lower risk of AF (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.96), embolic stroke (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.85), AF/AFL (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95), and VT (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53-0.99), while the risk reductions in AFL (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.58-1.17) and cardiac arrest (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.61-1.14) did not reach statistical significance. The associations appeared to be consistent across different baseline conditions (DM vs CKD vs HF; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD] vs no ASCVD) and the SGLT2i used.
CONCLUSIONS
SGLT2i reduced the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Our study provides further evidence for recommending the use of SGLT2i in patients with DM, CKD, and HF. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanism by which SGLT2i protect against arrhythmias.
Topics: Aged; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33962654
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-021-01293-8 -
Chest Jan 2017Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the treatment of choice for most patients with atrial fibrillation and/or noncancer-associated venous thromboembolic disease.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the treatment of choice for most patients with atrial fibrillation and/or noncancer-associated venous thromboembolic disease. Although routine monitoring of these agents is not required, assessment of anticoagulant effect may be desirable in special situations. The objective of this review was to summarize systematically evidence regarding laboratory assessment of the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting relationships between drug levels and coagulation assay results.
RESULTS
We identified 109 eligible studies: 35 for dabigatran, 50 for rivaroxaban, 11 for apixaban, and 13 for edoxaban. The performance of standard anticoagulation tests varied across DOACs and reagents; most assays, showed insufficient correlation to provide a reliable assessment of DOAC effects. Dilute thrombin time (TT) assays demonstrated linear correlation (r = 0.67-0.99) across a range of expected concentrations of dabigatran, as did ecarin-based assays. Calibrated anti-Xa assays demonstrated linear correlation (r = 0.78-1.00) across a wide range of concentrations for rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban.
CONCLUSIONS
An ideal test, offering both accuracy and precision for measurement of any DOAC is not widely available. We recommend a dilute TT or ecarin-based assay for assessment of the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran and anti-Xa assays with drug-specific calibrators for direct Xa inhibitors. In the absence of these tests, TT or APTT is recommended over PT/INR for assessment of dabigatran, and PT/INR is recommended over APTT for detection of factor Xa inhibitors. Time since last dose, the presence or absence of drug interactions, and renal and hepatic function should impact clinical estimates of anticoagulant effect in a patient for whom laboratory test results are not available.
Topics: Antithrombins; Atrial Fibrillation; Blood Coagulation; Drug Monitoring; Humans; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 27637548
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2016.08.1462 -
Journal of Neurology Jul 2023Growing evidence suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may play an essential role in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Growing evidence suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may play an essential role in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the values of cardiomyopathy markers for predicting ischemic stroke risk.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between cardiomyopathy markers and incident ischemic stroke risk.
RESULTS
We included 25 cohort studies examining electrocardiographic, structural, functional, and serum biomarkers of atrial cardiomyopathy involving 262,504 individuals. P-terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFV1) was found to be an independent predictor of ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.29, CI 1.06-1.57) and a continuous variable (HR 1.14, CI 1.00-1.30). Increased maximum P-wave area (HR 1.14, CI 1.06-1.21) and mean P-wave area (HR 1.12, CI 1.04-1.21) were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Left atrial (LA) diameter was independently associated with ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.39, CI 1.06-1.82) and a continuous variable (HR 1.20, CI 1.06-1.35). LA reservoir strain independently predicted the risk of incident ischemic stroke (HR 0.88, CI 0.84-0.93). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was also associated with incident ischemic stroke risk, both as a categorical variable (HR 2.37, CI 1.61-3.50) and continuous variable (HR 1.42, CI 1.19-1.70).
CONCLUSION
Atrial cardiomyopathy markers, including electrocardiographic markers, serum markers, LA structural and functional markers, can be used to stratify the risk of incident ischemic stroke.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Brain Ischemia; Ischemic Stroke; Atrial Fibrillation; Risk Factors; Longitudinal Studies; Biomarkers; Cardiomyopathies
PubMed: 37014420
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11693-3 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Feb 2023While atrial fibrillation (AF) is suggested to induce a prothrombotic state, increasing thrombotic risk, it is also hypothesized that coagulation underlies AF onset.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
While atrial fibrillation (AF) is suggested to induce a prothrombotic state, increasing thrombotic risk, it is also hypothesized that coagulation underlies AF onset. However, conclusive evidence is lacking. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize and combine the evidence on the associations between coagulation factors with AF in both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We systematically searched for longitudinal cohort and cross-sectional studies investigating AF and thrombosis. For longitudinal studies, pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. For cross-sectional studies, we determined pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs. A total of 17 longitudinal and 44 cross-sectional studies were included. In longitudinal studies, we found significant associations between fibrinogen (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.12), and D-dimer (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19) and AF incidence. In cross-sectional studies, we found significantly increased levels of fibrinogen (SMD 0.47, 95% CI 0.20-0,74), von Willebrand factor (SMD 0.96, 95% CI 0.28-1.66), P-selectin (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.08-0.54), ß-thromboglobulin (SMD 0.82, 95% CI 0.61-1.04), Platelet Factor 4 (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.12-0.7), PAI-1 (1.73, 95% CI 0.26-3.19), and D-dimer (SMD 1.74, 95% CI 0.36-3.11) in AF patients, as opposed to controls.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that higher levels of coagulation factors are associated with prevalent and incident AF. These associations are most pronounced with prevalent AF in cross-sectional studies. Limited evidence from longitudinal studies suggests a prothrombotic state underlying AF development.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biomarkers; Blood Coagulation Factors; Fibrinogen; Thrombosis
PubMed: 35942591
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac130 -
Thrombosis and Haemostasis Jan 2022The consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical guidance for cardiologists, neurologists, geriatricians, and general practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region. In these years, many important new data regarding stroke prevention in AF were reported. The practice guidelines subcommittee members comprehensively reviewed updated information on stroke prevention in AF, and summarized them in this 2021 focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the APHRS on stroke prevention in AF. We highlighted and focused on several issues, including the importance of the AF Better Care pathway, the advantages of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for Asians, the considerations of use of NOACs for Asian AF patients with single one stroke risk factor beyond gender, the role of lifestyle factors on stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants during the "coronavirus disease 2019" pandemic, etc. We fully realize that there are gaps, unaddressed questions, and many areas of uncertainty and debate in the current knowledge of AF, and the physician's decision remains the most important factor in the management of AF.
Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Asia; Atrial Fibrillation; COVID-19; Catheter Ablation; Female; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Hemorrhage; Holistic Health; Humans; Male; Pandemics; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Risk Assessment; SARS-CoV-2; Societies, Medical; Stroke
PubMed: 34773920
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739411