First Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation at the Time of Stroke

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 192-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila H. Borowsky ◽  
Susan Regan ◽  
Yuchiao Chang ◽  
Alison Ayres ◽  
Steven M. Greenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Code Searches

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of ischemic stroke. Individuals with undiagnosed AF lack the stroke protection afforded by oral anticoagulants. We obtained a contemporary estimate of the percentage of AF patients newly diagnosed at the time of stroke. Methods: We identified patients admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2013 with acute ischemic stroke and either previously or newly diagnosed AF using hospital stroke registry data and stroke and AF ICD-9 code searches of hospital databases. Reviewers categorized AF as previously known or newly diagnosed, and collected comorbidity and outcome data. To confirm AF as newly diagnosed, we searched patients' pre-event electronic medical records (EMRs) for AF terms. Results: AF was considered newly diagnosed in 156/856 patients (18%; 95% CI 16-21). In 136/156 cases, AF was diagnosed using 12-lead EKG, telemetry, or rhythm strips. New AF strokes had a median NIH stroke scale of 12; 60% had mRankin ≥3 at discharge, including 15% deaths. Pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥2 in 89%. About half (76/156) had prior records in the MGH EMR. Evidence of pre-stroke AF, often peri-procedural, was found in 8/76, but the AF diagnosis was not carried forward. Conclusions: In this contemporary cohort, nearly one in 5 AF-related strokes occurred without a pre-stroke AF diagnosis. AF was readily diagnosed using standard rhythm monitoring. The vast majority of patients with newly diagnosed AF were at high enough pre-stroke risk to merit anticoagulation. In conclusion, our findings support screening for AF before stroke. Patients with past transient AF may merit more intensive screening.

Abstract WP302: Atrial Fibrillation First Diagnosed at the Time of Ischemic Stroke: A Missed Opportunity

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel E Singer ◽  
Yuchiao Chang ◽  
Leila H Borowsky ◽  
Susan Regan ◽  
Steven M Greenberg
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Stroke Event ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Missed Opportunity

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of ischemic stroke. Individuals with undiagnosed AF lack the stroke risk reduction afforded by oral anticoagulant therapy. In 1983 Wolf documented that 24% (95% CI 14-37) of AF-related strokes had AF first diagnosed at the time of stroke. Given increased medical and lay attention to AF-stroke, we sought to determine whether this percentage had decreased in contemporary care. Hypothesis: Less than 20% of patients with AF-related stroke have their AF first diagnosed at the time of stroke. Methods: We identified patients admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital from 01-01-2010 to 12-31-2013 with a new ischemic stroke and either previously or newly diagnosed AF by searching comprehensive hospital databases for stroke and AF ICD-9 codes in conjunction with a hospital stroke registry. Physician reviewers screened 1037 potentially eligible patients, categorized AF as previously known or newly diagnosed, and performed a structured chart review of the stroke event. To confirm the diagnosis of AF was new, we conducted automated searches for AF terms in the patients’ electronic medical records (EMRs) prior to the stroke admission. Results: We validated 856 cases (83%) as AF and ischemic stroke. AF was considered newly diagnosed in 156/856 (18%; 95%CI: 16-21). In the newly diagnosed group, no patient was on oral anticoagulants and the strokes were consequential (median NIHSS=12; 60% with mRankin of ≥3 at discharge, including 15% deaths). Pre-stroke CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was ≥2 in 89%. About half (76/156) had a prior medical encounter in the EMR. Evidence of pre-stroke AF was found in 8/76 records, often peri-procedural, but the AF diagnosis was not carried forward. Conclusions: In this large, contemporary cohort, nearly one in five AF-related strokes occurred in patients who did not carry a pre-stroke AF diagnosis, similar to Wolf’s 1983 finding. The vast majority would have been at high enough pre-stroke risk to merit anticoagulation. Our findings support screening for AF in patients before they have strokes. Further, patients with past transient AF identified via automated EMR searches might merit more intensive screening.

scholarly journals Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélie Gabet ◽  
Charles Guenancia ◽  
Gauthier Duloquin ◽  
Valérie Olié ◽  
Yannick Béjot
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Medical File ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant Treatment ◽  
Stroke Registry

Background and Purpose: Because of the aging population, an increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently observed, thus leading to a rise in AF-related ischemic stroke (IS). We analyzed the current prevalence of AF among patients with IS, their characteristics, and temporal trends from 2006 to 2017 in the population-based Dijon Stroke Registry. Methods: We used data from the Dijon Stroke Registry, an ongoing population-based study that records all cases of acute stroke among residents of the city of Dijon. All patients with IS between 2006 and 2017 were included. Previous AF was defined if it was mentioned in the medical file before stroke and newly diagnosed AF if it was diagnosed during the diagnostic workup of patients with acute stroke. Results: During the period 2014 to 2017, among the 796 patients with IS recorded in the Dijon Stroke Registry, 239 (30.0%) had AF, of whom 79 (9.9% of total patients with IS) had newly diagnosed AF, and 98 (12.3%) had previous AF treated with oral anticoagulants. Patients with IS with AF had more disabilities and a higher initial severity according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale compared with those without AF. The age-adjusted prevalence of AF in patients with IS increased between 2006 and 2017 (+9% per time period), with an important increase in men aged 65 to 74 years (+81%) and women aged ≥85 years (+24%), and a significant decrease in women aged 65 to 74 years (−39%). The use of oral anticoagulant treatment in previous AF patients increased between 2006 and 2009 and 2014 and 2017 (29.3% to 61.3%, P <0.0001). However, 37.5% of patients with previous AF and CHADS 2 score ≥2 were not treated with OAC. Conclusions: The increase in AF prevalence in patients with IS could be related to a better diagnosis of this condition. The underuse of oral anticoagulation treatment was still observed.

Abstract 140: Comparison of Major Complication of Oral Anticoagulants in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Seok Lee
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Gi Bleeding ◽  
Ischemic Stroke Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Oral anticoagulants known as a novel oral anticoagulant have been used for the management of non -valvular atrial fibrillation. There was no enough study regarding the efficacy and safety of three major new oral anticoagulants. We assessed major three oral anticoagulants in terms of major bleeding complication and stroke prevention by meta-analyses studies comparing those drugs. Method: Relevant studies were identified through electronic literature searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and clinicaltrials.gov (from inception to February 24, 2016). RevMan and ITC software were used for direct comparisons, respectively. Results: Apixaban (N=6020), versus dabigatran(N=12038), apixaban versus rivaroxaban(N=8503) and rivaroxaban versus dabigatran were analyzed directly. There was significantly higher major bleeding risks in apixaban compared to dabigatran (both 110mg and 150mg) after adjusting baseline bleeding risk (Relative risk 3.41, 95% confidence interval(2.61 to 4.47) in 110mg, (5.62, 4.83 to 6.54) in 150mg. Intracranial bleeding risk in apixaban was significantly higher than in dabigatran (10.5, 6.10 to18.01). However, apixaban had less GI bleeding risk compared to dabigatran (0.80 , 0.65 to 0.98) and also had less ischemic stroke risk (0.31,0.22 to 0.42). Rivaroxaban showed higher major bleeding risk than dabigatran 110mg (2.34 , 1.81 to 3.03), however, Rivaroxaban had less bleeding risk compared to dabigatran 150mg (0.41, 0.35 to 0.46). Dabigatran 110mg and 150mg had less GI bleeding risk compared to rivaroxaban (0.31 , 0.24 to 0.39) and (0.23,0.17 to 0.29) respectively. Ischemic stroke risk was also decreased in dabigatran110mg (0.46, 0.38 to 0.57). and 150mg (0.66 ,0.52 to 0.83). Conclusion: Observed oral anticoagulants were associated with various complications. Overall, apixaban had higher intracranial bleeding risk than dabigatran. The highest GI bleeding risk in rivaroxaban compared to apixaban and dabigatran. Ischemic stroke risk was the highest in dabigatran. In conclusion, we may use those oral anticoagulant based on risks rates, however, a larger study with longer follow-up is needed to corroborate findings.

scholarly journals Role of Biological Markers for Cerebral Bleeding Risk STRATification in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation on Oral Anticoagulants for Primary or Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke (Strat-AF Study): Study Design and Methodology

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Poggesi ◽  
Carmen Barbato ◽  
Francesco Galmozzi ◽  
Eleonora Camilleri ◽  
Francesca Cesari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Biological Markers ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Circulating Biomarkers ◽  
Cerebral Mri

Background and Objectives: In anticoagulated atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, the validity of models recommended for the stratification of the risk ratio between benefits and hemorrhage risk is limited. Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) represents the pathologic substrate for primary intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that biological markers—both circulating and imaging-based—and their possible interaction, might improve the prediction of bleeding risk in AF patients under treatment with any type of oral anticoagulant. Materials and Methods: The Strat-AF study is an observational, prospective, single-center hospital-based study enrolling patients with AF, aged 65 years or older, and with no contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), referring to Center of Thrombosis outpatient clinic of our University Hospital for the management of oral anticoagulation therapy. Recruited patients are evaluated by means of a comprehensive protocol, with clinical, cerebral MRI, and circulating biomarkers assessment at baseline and after 18 months. The main outcome is SVD progression—particularly microbleeds—as a selective surrogate marker of hemorrhagic complication. Stroke occurrence (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and the progression of functional, cognitive, and motor status will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. Circulating biomarkers may further improve predictive potentials. Results: Starting from September 2017, 194 patients (mean age 78.1 ± 6.7, range 65–97; 61% males) were enrolled. The type of AF was paroxysmal in 93 patients (48%), and persistent or permanent in the remaining patients. Concerning the type of oral anticoagulant, 57 patients (29%) were on vitamin K antagonists, and 137 (71%) were on direct oral anticoagulants. Follow-up clinical evaluation and brain MRI are ongoing. Conclusions: The Strat-AF study may be an essential step towards the exploration of the role of a combined clinical biomarker or multiple biomarker models in predicting stroke risk in AF, and might sustain the incorporation of such new markers in the existing stroke prediction schemes by the demonstration of a greater incremental value in predicting stroke risk and improvement in clinical outcomes in a cost-effective fashion.

scholarly journals Bleeding and thromboembolism due to drug-drug interactions with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants—a Swedish, register-based cohort study in atrial fibrillation outpatients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Holm ◽  
Buster Mannheimer ◽  
Rickard E Malmström ◽  
Erik Eliasson ◽  
Jonatan D Lindh
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonist ◽  
Drug Register ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Purpose To study the association between interacting drugs and bleeding or thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation outpatients treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Methods Population-based cohort study of outpatients treated with NOACs in Sweden from 2008 to 2017. Patients with atrial fibrillation and newly initiated NOAC treatment were identified in the Prescribed Drug Register. Comorbidities and outcome data were retrieved from the Patient Register and the Cause of Death Register. Cox-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the primary endpoints any severe bleed and ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/stroke unspecified during the first six months of treatment. Secondary endpoints were gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Results Increased risk of any severe bleed was found when NOAC treatment, and drugs with pharmacodynamic effect on bleeding were combined, compared to NOAC only. An increased risk with these combinations was evident for apixaban (hazard ratio (HR) 1.47; 95% CI 1.33–1.63), rivaroxaban (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.49–1.92), and dabigatran (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.05–1.52). For apixaban, there was an increased risk of any severe bleed when combined with CYP3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.01–1.5). The use of inducers of CYP3A4 and/or P-gp was low in this cohort, and effects on ischemic stroke/TIA/stroke unspecified could not be established. Conclusion Increased risk of bleeding was seen for pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions with NOACs. Prescribers need to be vigilant of the effect of interacting drugs on the risk profile of patients treated with NOACs.

Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Single Timepoint Handheld ECG Screening and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Sun ◽  
Ben FREEDMAN ◽  
Carlos Martinez ◽  
Christopher Wallenhorst ◽  
Bryan Yan
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Initial Screening ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Ischemic Stroke Risk

ABSTRACT Objective: We evaluated stroke risk in patients with single timepoint screen-detected atrial fibrillation (AF) and the effect of oral anticoagulants (OAC). Methods: Consecutive patients aged ≥65 years attending medical outpatient clinics were prospectively enrolled for AF-screening using handheld single-lead ECG (AliveCor) from 12/2014 to 12/2017 (NCT02409654). Repeated screening was performed in patients with >1 visit during this period. Three cohorts were formed, screen-detected AF, clinically-diagnosed AF and no AF. Ischemic stroke risk was estimated using adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratios (aSHR) from multivariate regression and no AF as reference, and stratified according to OAC use. Results: Of 11,972 subjects enrolled, 2,238 (18.7%) had clinically-diagnosed AF at study enrollment. The yield of screen-detected AF on initial screening was 2.3% (n=223/9,734). AF was clinically-diagnosed during follow-up in 2.3% (n=216/9,440) and during subsequent screening in 71 initially screen-negative patients. Compared to no AF, patients with screen-detected AF without OAC treatment had the highest stroke risk (aSHR 2.63; 95% confidence interval 1.46-4.72), while aSHR for clinically-diagnosed AF without OAC use was 2.01 (1.54-2.62). Among screen-detected AF the risk of stroke was significantly less with OAC (no strokes in 196 person-years) compared with those not given OAC (12 strokes in 429 person-years), p=0.01. Conclusion: The prognosis of single timepoint ECG screen-detected AF is not benign. The risk of stroke is high enough to warrant OAC use, and reduced by OAC. Keywords: atrial fibrillation, screening, ischemic stroke

scholarly journals CHA2DS2-VASc score in acute ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation: results from the Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hak-Loh Lee ◽  
Joon-Tae Kim ◽  
Ji Sung Lee ◽  
Beom Joon Kim ◽  
Jong-Moo Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Vascular Events ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
One Year

AbstractWe investigated a multicenter registry to identify estimated event rates according to CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The additional effectiveness of antiplatelets (APs) plus oral anticoagulants (OACs) compared with OACs alone considering the CHA2DS2-VASc scores was also explored. This study retrospectively analyzed a multicenter stroke registry between Jan 2011 and Nov 2017, identifying patients with acute ischemic stroke with AF. The primary outcome event was a composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality within 1 year. A total of 7395 patients (age, 73 ± 10 years; men, 54.2%) were analyzed. The primary outcome events at one year ranged from 5.99% (95% CI 3.21–8.77) for a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 points to 30.45% (95% CI 24.93–35.97) for 7 or more points. After adjustments for covariates, 1-point increases in the CHA2DS2-VASc score consistently increased the risk of primary outcome events (aHR 1.10 [1.06–1.15]) at 1-year. Among OAC-treated patients at discharge (n = 5500), those treated with OAC + AP (vs. OAC alone) were more likely to experience vascular events, though among patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 5 or higher, the risk of primary outcome in the OAC + AP group was comparable to that in the OAC alone group (Pint = 0.01). Our study found that there were significant associations of increasing CHA2DS2-VASc scores with the increasing risk of vascular events at 1-year in AIS with AF. Further study would be warranted.

20-year trends of characteristics and outcomes of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 707-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Ntaios ◽  
Dimitrios Sagris ◽  
Fotios Gioulekas ◽  
Petros Galanis ◽  
Christianna Pardali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Secular Trends ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Antithrombotic Treatment ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Annual Reduction

Background The accurate knowledge of secular trends in prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation allows better projections into the future. Aim We aimed to report the overall, age- and sex-specific secular trends of characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and atrial fibrillation between 1993 and 2012 in the Athens Stroke Registry. Methods We used Joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the average annual percent changes and 95% confidence intervals. Results Among 3314 stroke patients, 1044 (31.5%) had atrial fibrillation. Between 1993 and 2012, there was an average annual reduction of 0.8% (95% CI: −1.5%; 0.0%) in the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients among all AIS patients, whereas the proportion of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients among all atrial fibrillation patients increased annually by an average of 7.1% (95% CI: 5.4%;8.9%). Among all atrial fibrillation patients, there was an average annual reduction of 2.9% (95% CI: −2.7; −3.2%) in the proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients, followed by an annual average reduction of 2.4% (95% CI: −1.2; −3.6%) in the proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients not receiving any antithrombotic treatment at admission. During that period, there was an increase in the average annual proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients treated with anticoagulants (6.4%, 95% CI: 1.2;11.9%) and aspirin (2.3%, 95% CI: −0.4;5.0%) at admission; an average annual increase in the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients who were prescribed anticoagulant was apparent both for patients with mRS<4 (3.5%) and mRS: 4–5 (7.2%), while the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients who were prescribed aspirin or no antithrombotic at discharge was annually reduced (5.8% for mRS<4; 1.6% for mRS: 4–5 and 7.1% for mRS<4;5.3% for mRS: 4–5 respectively). Stroke recurrences were annually reduced by an average of 5.8% (95% CI: −8.6; −3.0%), along with cardiovascular events (6.5%, 95% CI: −8.3; −4.7%) and deaths (7.9%, 95% CI: −9.2; −6.5%). Conclusions Between 1993 and 2012, the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients on proper antithrombotic treatment and the rate of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation increased significantly. Rates of stroke recurrence, cardiovascular events, and mortality reduced significantly.

scholarly journals Atrial Fibrillation in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Dijon Stroke Registry (2006–2017)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélie Gabet ◽  
Valérie Olié ◽  
Yannick Béjot
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Stroke Registry

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a major indication for oral anticoagulants (OAC) that contribute to spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study evaluated AF prevalence among patients with ICH, temporal trends, and early functional outcomes and death of patients. Methods and Results Patients with first‐ever ICH were prospectively recorded in the population‐based stroke registry of Dijon, France, (2006–2017). Association between AF and early outcome of patients with ICH (ordinal modified Rankin Scale score and death at discharge) were analyzed using ordinal and logistic regressions. Among 444 patients with ICH, 97 (21.9%) had AF, including 65 (14.6%) with previously known AF treated with OAC, and 13 (2.9%) with newly diagnosed AF. AF prevalence rose from 17.2% (2006–2011) to 25.8% (2012–2017) ( P ‐trend=0.05). An increase in the proportion of AF treated with OAC (11.3% to 17.5%, P ‐trend=0.09) and newly diagnosed AF (1.5% to 4.2%, P ‐trend=0.11) was observed. In multivariable analyses, after adjustment for premorbid OAC, AF was not significantly associated with ordinal modified Rankin Scale score (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI, 0.69–2.42) or death (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.40–1.96) in patients with ICH. Nevertheless, adjusted premorbid OAC use remained highly associated with a higher probability of death (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.11–5.78). Conclusions AF prevalence and use of OAC among patients with ICH increased over time. Premorbid use of OAC was associated with poor outcome after ICH, thus suggesting a need to better identify ICH risk before initiating or pursuing OAC therapy in patients with AF, and to develop acute treatment and secondary prevention strategies after ICH in patients with AF.

Abstract 169: The Role Of Clinical Prediction Factors On Anticoagulant Selection In Atrial Fibrillation

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lauffenburger
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Treatment Selection ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Treatment Benefit ◽  
Risk Treatment

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) often benefits from the use of anticoagulants for prevention of stroke or systemic embolism. While novel oral anticoagulants have emerged as possible alternatives to warfarin, it is unknown how treatment selection is determined in practice with clinical guidelines still evolving. This study examined whether and to what extent anticoagulant selection has been driven by clinical predictions of stroke risk (treatment benefit) and bleeding risk (treatment harm) in real-world practice in the US. Methods: A nationwide database of commercial and Medicare Part D supplement claims from 2009-2011 was used to extract a cohort of non-valvular AF patients who were newly-initiating therapy after dabigatran availability in Oct 2010. Patients were excluded if they had claims associated with a reversible AF condition. Risk scores of ischemic stroke (CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc) and bleeding (ATRIA) were used to examine associations with either warfarin or dabigatran use, calculated via claims in the outpatient pharmaceutical, inpatient medical, outpatient, and provider claims files. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were also measured as covariates, including concomitant diseases and medications. Multivariable log-binomial regression models assessed the association between each risk score and anticoagulant use, adjusting for the measured covariates. C-statistics were also used to examine the variation in treatment selection explained by inclusion of the risk scores. Results: In total, 37,401 patients were identified with 31% initiating dabigatran. New users of dabigatran were more likely to be younger, male, and have comorbidities. Patients at intermediate stroke risk (CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc =1) were equally likely to receive warfarin and dabigatran (RR, 95% CI: 0.98, 0.93-1.02), while selection for warfarin was significantly associated with high ischemic stroke risk (CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2) (RR, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.83-0.92). New users of dabigatran were significantly less likely to have high bleeding risk (ATRIA≥5) versus warfarin (RR, 95%: 0.70, 0.66-0.74). The c-statistic of the base model, which included the other measured covariates, was only marginally increased with the addition of any of the risk scores. Conclusions: Despite controlling for other patient characteristics, bleeding risk was strongly associated with the selection of a specific anticoagulant. However, the extent of selection explained by predictions of treatment harm was minimal. Providers appear to base anticoagulant selection on factors other than predictions of treatment benefit, which has implications for studying the anticoagulants’ comparative effectiveness.

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