6116Thromboembolic risk in infection-related atrial fibrillation: is infection or atrial fibrillation the sinner?

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Gundlund ◽  
J B Olesen ◽  
J H Butt ◽  
M A Christensen ◽  
G H Gislason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
First Year ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Hospital Contact

Abstract Introduction Infection-related atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with similar risk of thromboembolic events as AF without a concurrent infection. However, it is unknown whether the increased thromboembolic risk in this patient group is primarily associated with AF or with the infection. Purpose We compared type of infection and 1-year outcomes in patients with AF during an infection and in patients with infection without AF. Methods By crosslinking data from Danish nationwide registries, AF naïve patients admitted with an infection from 1996–2016 were identified. Patients with infection-related AF (defined as patients who developed AF during their hospital admission with infection) were matched 1:3 on age, calendar year, sex, and type of infection (gastrointestinal infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, and other infections) with those who had infection without AF. Cumulative incidences of thromboembolic events were calculated using the Aalen Johansen estimator and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of thromboembolic events and hospital contacts with AF were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analysis comparing those with infection-related AF with those with infection without AF. Results The study population comprised 30,711 patients with infection-related AF and 92,133 patients with infection without AF (median age 79 years [interquartile range 71–86] and 47.6% males in both groups). In general, patients with infection-related AF had more concurrent diseases than patients with infection without AF. During the first week after the hospital admission, 9.8% of the patients with infection-related AF and 0.1% of the patients with infection without AF initiated oral anticoagulation therapy. During the first year after the infection, 7.6% of patients with infection-related AF and 4.4% of patients with infection without AF had a thromboembolic event, while 36.1% and 1.8% had a new hospital-contact with AF. Cumulative incidences of thromboembolic events are depicted in the Figure. In the multivariable models, infection-related AF was associated with an increased 1-year risk of thromboembolic events and new hospital contacts with AF compared with infection without AF (HR 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.94–2.17 for thromboembolic events and HR 26.06, 95% CI 24.72–27.48 for new AF episodes, respectively). Conclusion More than one third of patients with infection-related AF had a new hospital contact with AF during the first year after their infection. Further, infection-related AF was associated with a significantly increased 1-year risk of thromboembolic events compared with infection without AF. Consequently, this study suggests that AF begets AF, even if it presents during an infection. Acknowledgement/Funding None

scholarly journals One-year outcomes in atrial fibrillation presenting during infections: a nationwide registry-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1112-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gundlund ◽  
Jonas Bjerring Olesen ◽  
Jawad H Butt ◽  
Mathias Aagaard Christensen ◽  
Gunnar H Gislason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
First Year ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Nationwide Registry ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
One Year

Abstract Aims Thromboprophylaxis guidelines for patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) during infections are unclear and not supported by data. We compared 1-year outcomes in patients with infection-related AF and infection without AF. Methods and results By crosslinking Danish nationwide registry data, AF naïve patients admitted with infection (1996–2016) were identified. Those with AF during the infection (infection-related AF) were matched 1:3 according to age, sex, type of infection, and year with patients with infection without AF. Outcomes (AF, thromboembolic events) were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. The study population comprised 30 307 patients with infection-related AF and 90 912 patients with infection without AF [median age 79 years (interquartile range 71–86), 47.6% males in both groups]. The 1-year absolute risk of AF and thromboembolic events were 36.4% and 7.6%, respectively (infection-related AF) and 1.9% and 4.4%, respectively (infection without AF). In the multivariable analyses, infection-related AF was associated with an increased long-term risk of AF and thromboembolic events compared with infection without AF: hazard ratio (HR) 25.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24.64–27.39 for AF and HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.98–2.22 for thromboembolic events. Further, differences in risks existed across different subtypes of infections. Conclusion During the first year after discharge, 36% of patients with infection-related AF had a new hospital contact with AF. Infection-related AF was associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events compared with infection without AF and our results suggest that AF related to infection may merit treatment and follow-up similar to that of AF not related to infection.

Differential effect of anticoagulation therapy in patients older versus younger than 80 years with atrial fibrillation and severe chronic kidney disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Fortuny Frau ◽  
S Raposeiras-Roubin ◽  
J.M Andreu-Cayuelas ◽  
A Garcia-Egido ◽  
C Ortiz-Cortes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Glomerular Filtrate

Abstract Introduction In non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients, advanced age and chronic kidney disease (CKD) raise the thrombotic and bleeding rates, making the decision of antithrombotic therapy a challenge. Therefore, we conducted an analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation therapy in this population (AF patients ≥80 years) in comparison with younger AF patients (<80 years). Methods For these results we have analyzed data from FIBRA, a multicentric Spanish retrospective registry on patients with CKD-EPI <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and newly diagnosed NVAF. For death, multivariable Cox regression analysis was developed. For embolic and bleeding events, competing-risks regression based on Fine and Gray's proportional subhazards model was performed, being death the competing event Results We analyzed 405 patients with CKD-EPI <30 ml/min/1.73 m2. 232 were ≥80 years-old (57.3%). Median of CHA2DS2-VASC and HASBLED scores were 5 and 3 in patients ≥80 years, respectively, and 3 and 2 in patients <80 years, respectively. The prescription of antithrombotic therapies in elderly versus younger patients is shown in Figure 1. During a follow-up of 4.6±2.5 years, 205 died (50.6%), 34 had embolic events (8.4%) and 85 had bleeding outcomes (21.0%). After multivariate analysis, no benefit of anticoagulation therapy was found for mortality in both, older and younger patients. In patients ≥80, anticoagulation was associated with higher rates of bleeding events without a decrease in embolic outcomes. Conclusion In our registry, anticoagulation has not shown benefit in NVAF patients ≥80 years with glomerular filtrate rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2, increasing the risk of bleeding events without reducing embolic outcomes. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): BMS-Pfizer alliance unconditional grant

scholarly journals Survival Benefit of Anticoagulation Therapy in End Stage Kidney Disease Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Mi-Ryung Kim ◽  
Deok-Gie Kim ◽  
Han-Wul Shin ◽  
Sung-Hwa Kim ◽  
Jae-Seok Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Severe Bleeding ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Anticoagulation Treatment ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Low Incidence

Background and Objectives: Although the need for anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism is increasing and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been tried, there is still controversy about the efficacy of anticoagulation in patients with dialysis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the risk and benefit of anticoagulation in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We retrospectively analyzed all data of 89 patients who received dialysis therapy and were diagnosed with AF. Among them, 27 received anticoagulation (11 warfarin and 16 apixaban 2.5 mg twice a day), while 62 received no anticoagulation. Results: In multivariate Cox regression analysis, compared to no anticoagulation treatment, anticoagulation treatment was associated with a low incidence of all-cause mortality (hazard ratios (HR) 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.88). Compared to no anticoagulation treatment, more anticoagulation treatment patients experienced severe bleeding (HR 4.67; 95% CI 1.26–17.25) and any bleeding (HR 2.79; 95% CI 1.01–7.74). Compared to no anticoagulation, warfarin treatment patients were associated with a low incidence of all-cause mortality (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.09–0.81) and a high incidence of severe bleeding (HR 4.85; 95% CI 1.12–21.10). All-cause mortality and bleeding were not significantly different between no anticoagulation and apixaban treatment patients. Conclusions: In dialysis patients with AF, anticoagulation therapy is associated with an increased incidence of severe bleeding, but anticoagulation therapy is associated with a low incidence of all-cause mortality. Individualized anticoagulation therapy with careful bleeding monitoring is needed in dialysis patients with AF.

scholarly journals Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion: What Is Crucial to Take into Account

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3212
Author(s):  
Fabiana Lucà ◽  
Simona Giubilato ◽  
Stefania Angela Di Fusco ◽  
Laura Piccioni ◽  
Carmelo Massimiliano Rao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Thromboembolic Risk ◽  
Pharmacological Cardioversion

The therapeutic dilemma between rhythm and rate control in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unresolved and electrical or pharmacological cardioversion (CV) frequently represents a useful strategy. The most recent guidelines recommend anticoagulation according to individual thromboembolic risk. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been routinely used to prevent thromboembolic events. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) represent a significant advance due to their more predictable therapeutic effect and more favorable hemorrhagic risk profile. In hemodynamically unstable patients, an emergency electrical cardioversion (ECV) must be performed. In this situation, intravenous heparin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) should be administered before CV. In patients with AF occurring within less than 48 h, synchronized direct ECV should be the elective procedure, as it restores sinus rhythm quicker and more successfully than pharmacological cardioversion (PCV) and is associated with shorter length of hospitalization. Patients with acute onset AF were traditionally considered at lower risk of thromboembolic events due to the shorter time for atrial thrombus formation. In patients with hemodynamic stability and AF for more than 48 h, an ECV should be planned after at least 3 weeks of anticoagulation therapy. Alternatively, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to rule out left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) should be performed, followed by ECV and anticoagulation for at least 4 weeks. Theoretically, the standardized use of TEE before CV allows a better stratification of thromboembolic risk, although data available to date are not univocal.

scholarly journals Impact of antithrombotic therapy in the prognosis of atrial fibrillation patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.M Andreu Cayuelas ◽  
S Raposeiras-Roubin ◽  
E Fortuny Frau ◽  
A Garcia Del Egido ◽  
J Seller-Moya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Antithrombotic Therapy ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Bleeding Event ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis

Abstract Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an elevated thromboembolic and bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, so the decision of antithrombotic therapy is a challenge. Purpose To analyze mortality, embolic and bleeding events in patients with advanced CKD and AF. Methods Multicentric retrospective registry on patients with AF and advanced CKD (CKD-EPI <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). For death, multivariable Cox regression analysis was developed. For embolic and bleeding events, competing-risks regression based on Fine and Gray's proportional subhazards model was performed, being death the competing event Results We analysed 405 patients with advanced CKD and newly diagnosed AF. 57 patients were not treated with antithrombotic therapy (14.1%), 80 only with antiplatelet/s (19.8%), 211 only with anticoagulation (52.1%), and 57 with anticoagulant plus antiplatelet/s (14.1%). During a follow-up of 4.6±2.5 years, 205 died (50.6%), 34 had embolic events (8.4%) and 85 had bleeding outcomes (21.0%). Bleeding event rate was significantly lower in patients without antithrombotic therapy (Figure). After multivariate analysis, anticoagulant treatment was associated with higher bleeding rates, without differences in mortality or embolic events (Table). Conclusion Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a significant increase in bleeding events in patients with advanced CKD and newly diagnosed AF. None of the antithrombotic therapy regimens resulted in lower embolic events rate neither benefit in mortality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by an unconditional grant from BMS-Pfizer

458Real world persistence with direct oral anticoagulants in anticoagulation naive patients with atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Denas ◽  
G Costa ◽  
E Ferroni ◽  
N Gennaro ◽  
U Fedeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Real World Data

Abstract Introduction Anticoagulation therapy is central for the management of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Persistence with oral anticoagulation is essential to prevent thromboembolic complications. Purpose To assess persistence levels of DOACs and look for possible predictors of treatment discontinuity in NVAF patients. Methods We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study in the Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy, about 5 million inhabitants) using the regional health system databases. Naïve patients initiating direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in NVAF from July 2013 to September 2017 were included in the study. Patients were identified using Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes, excluding other indications for anticoagulation therapy using ICD-9CM codes. Treatment persistence was defined as the time from initiation to discontinuation of the therapy. Baseline characteristics and comorbidities associated to the persistence of therapy with DOACs were explored by means of Kaplan-Meier curves and assessed through Cox regression. Results Overall, 17920 patients initiated anticoagulation with DOACs in the study period. Most patients were older than 74 years old, while gender was almost equally represented. Comorbidities included hypertension (72%), diabetes mellitus (17%), congestive heart failure (9%), previous stroke/TIA (20%), and prior myocardial infarction (2%). After one year, the persistence to anticoagulation treatment was 82.7%, while the persistence to DOAC treatment was 72.9% with about 10% of the discontinuations being due to switch to VKAs. On multivariate analysis, factors negatively affecting persistence were female gender, younger age (<65 years), renal disease and history of bleeding. Conversely, persistence was better in patients with hypertension, previous cerebral ischemic events, and previous acute myocardial infarction. Persistence to DOAC therapy Conclusion This real-world data show that within 12 months, one out of four anticoagulation-naïve patients stop DOACs, while one out of five patients stop anticoagulation. Efforts should be made to correct modifiable predictors and intensify patient education.

scholarly journals Infarct Topography and Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Cryptogenic Stroke: Results from CRYSTAL AF

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Bernstein ◽  
Vincenzo Di Lazzaro ◽  
Marilyn M. Rymer ◽  
Rod S. Passman ◽  
Johannes Brachmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Brain Infarction ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Monitoring Methods ◽  
Brain Images ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Routine Monitoring

Background: Insertable cardiac monitors (ICM) have been shown to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) at a higher rate than routine monitoring methods in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, it is unknown whether there are topographic patterns of brain infarction in patients with CS that are particularly associated with underlying AF. If such patterns exist, these could be used to help decide whether or not CS patients would benefit from long-term monitoring with an ICM. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, a neuro-radiologist blinded to clinical details reviewed brain images from 212 patients with CS who were enrolled in the ICM arm of the CRYptogenic STroke And underLying AF (CRYSTAL AF) trial. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe rates of AF detection at 12 months in patients with and without pre-specified imaging characteristics. Hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p values were calculated using Cox regression. Results: We did not find any pattern of acute brain infarction that was significantly associated with AF detection after CS. However, the presence of chronic brain infarctions (15.8 vs. 7.0%, HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.13-7.15, p = 0.02) or leukoaraiosis (18.2 vs. 7.9%, HR 2.94, 95% CI 1.28-6.71, p < 0.01) was associated with AF detection. There was a borderline significant association of AF detection with the presence of chronic territorial (defined as within the territory of a first or second degree branch of the circle of Willis) infarcts (20.9 vs. 10.0%, HR 2.37, 95% CI 0.98-5.72, p = 0.05). Conclusions: We found no evidence for an association between brain infarction pattern and AF detection using an ICM in patients with CS, although patients with coexisting chronic, as well as acute, brain infarcts had a higher rate of AF detection. Acute brain infarction topography does not reliably predict or exclude detection of underlying AF in patients with CS and should not be used to select patients for ICM after cryptogenic stroke.

684 Cardiac troponins and adverse outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EORP atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marrco Vitolo ◽  
Vincenzo Livio Malavasi ◽  
Marco Proietti ◽  
Igor Diemberger ◽  
Laurent Fauchier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cardiac Troponins

Abstract Aims Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear. To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine clinical practice and to evaluate the association of elevated levels of cTn with adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients. Methods and results Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into three groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), and (iii) cTn elevated (&gt;99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism/any acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints. 10 445 (94.1%) AF patients were included in this analysis [median age 71 years, interquartile range (IQR): 63–77; males 59.7%]. cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). Overall, cTn was elevated in 904 (8.7%) and in-range in 1930 (18.5%) patients. Patients in whom cTn was tested tended to be younger (P &lt; 0.001) and more frequently presenting with first detected AF and atypical AF-related symptoms (i.e. chest pain, dyspnoea, or syncope) (P &lt; 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. After a median follow-up of 730 days (IQR: 692–749), 957 (9.7%) composite endpoints occurred while all-cause death was 9.5%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative risk for both outcomes in patients with elevated cTn levels (Figure) (Log Rank tests, P &lt; 0.001). On adjusted Cox regression analysis, elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–2.16] and all-cause death (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21–1.74). Elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher occurrence of MACE, all-cause death, any ACS, CV death and hospital readmission even after the exclusion of patients with history of CAD, diagnosis of ACS at discharge, those who underwent coronary revascularization during the admission and/or who were treated with oral anticoagulants plus antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions Elevated cTn levels were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events, even after exclusion of CAD patients. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

MO757COMPARISON OF ANTI-COAGULATION AND NO ANTI-COAGULATION IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A SINGLE CENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Young Lee ◽  
Jae Won Yang ◽  
Jae Seok Kim ◽  
Seong Ok Choi ◽  
Byoung Geun Han
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Dialysis Therapy ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Risk And Benefit

Abstract Background and Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common arrhythmia in end stage renal disease patients. Although, the need of anticoagulation to prevent stroke and thromboembolism is increasing, the efficacy of anticoagulation is not proven in most of study. We retrospectively analyzed the risk and benefit of anticoagulation in dialysis patients with AF. Method By using medical record, we retrospectively analyzed all data of 99 patients who received dialysis therapy and diagnosed AF. Results Among 99 patients who diagnosed AF with dialysis 36 patients received anticoagulation (17 coumadin, 19 apixaban 2.5mg bid), 63 patients received no anticoagulation. There was no significant difference of baseline characteristics between anticoagulation, and no anticoagulation patients. Although no anticoagulation group experienced more all-cause (39.7% vs 32.4%, p=0.572) and cardiovascular mortality (17.6% vs 10.8%, p=0.197) than anticoagulation group it was not statistically significant. Compared to apixaban 2.5mg bid patients, coumadin anticoagulation patients experienced more frequent mfig ajor adverse cardiovascular events (35.3% vs 15.8%, p=0.109) but it was not statistically significant in multi variate Cox regression analysis (Hazard ratio 1.143, 95% Confidence Interval 0.503-2.597). Conclusion Apixaban 2.5mg bid was not inferior than coumadin considering risk and benefit of anticoagulation in dialysis patients.

Abstract 77: Balancing Risks and Benefits of Anticoagulation Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation in Community Practice: Results from the ORBIT-AF Registry

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W Cullen ◽  
Sunghee Kim ◽  
Jonathan P Piccini ◽  
Alan S Go ◽  
Gregg C Fonarow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Chads2 Score ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Risk Treatment ◽  
The Cost

Background Oral anticoagulation (OAC) can reduce stroke risk at the cost of increased bleeding risk in those with atrial fibrillation (AF). Observational data have shown that higher-risk patients with AF most likely to benefit from OAC are less likely to receive OAC at hospital discharge. Methods We used data from ORBIT-AF Registry, a cohort of 9,589 AF patients enrolled among 173 participating outpatient practices. OAC was defined as warfarin or dabigatran use at study enrollment. Stroke and bleeding risk were calculated using the CHADS2 and ATRIA scores, respectively. Results The study population had a mean age of 73.5 years; 57.8% were men. Overall, 76.4% of patients received OAC. Use of OAC rose with increasing CHADS2 stroke risk, from 67% for CHADS2 <1 to 80% for CHADS2 ≥2 (p<0.0001). OAC use fell slightly with increasing ATRIA bleeding risk, from 77% for ATRIA score ≤3 to 74% with ≥5 (p=0.002 for trend). Among patients with low bleeding risk, rates of OAC increased commensurate with stroke risk (p<0.0001 for interaction; see figure). Higher bleeding risk tended to decrease rates of OAC among patients with a CHADS2 score ≥2 (p=0.13 for interaction). Conclusions In community-based outpatients with AF, use of OAC rose with increasing thromboembolic risk and declined with higher bleeding risk. These findings suggest that the risk-treatment paradox may be less that previously reported. Provision of OAC in community practice appears to appropriately consider patients' stroke and bleeding risks. Further research is required to understand how quality improvement initiatives can further improve stroke prevention.

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