Differences among western European countries in anticoagulation management of atrial fibrillation

SummaryDue to improved implementation of guidelines, new scoring approaches to improve risk categorisation, and introduction of novel oral anticoagulants, medical management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is continuously improving. The PREFER in AF registry enrolled 7,243 consecutive patients with ECG-confirmed AF in seven European countries in 2012–2013 (mean age: 71.5 ± 10.7 years; 60.1% males; mean CHA2DS 2 -VASc score: 3.4). While patient characteristics were generally homogeneous across countries, anticoagulation management showed important differences: the proportion of patients taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) varied between 86.0% (in France) and 71.4% (in Italy). Warfarin was used predominantly in the UK and Italy (74.9% and 62.0%, respectively), phenprocoumon in Germany (74.1%), acenocoumarol in Spain (67.3%), and fluindione in France (61.8 %). The major sites for international normalised ratio (INR) measurements were biology laboratories in France anticoagulation clinics in Italy, Spain, and the UK, and physicians’ offices or self-measurement in Germany. Temporary VKA discontinuation and bridging with other anticoagulants was frequent (at least once in the previous 12 months for 22.9% of the patients, on average; ranging from 29.7% in Germany to 14.9% in the UK). Time in therapeutic range (TTR), defined as at least two of the last three available INR values between 2.0–3.0 prior to enrolment, ranged from 70.3% in Spain to 81.4% in Germany. TTR was constantly overestimated by physicians. While the type and half-lives of VKA as well as the mode of INR surveillance differed, overall quality of anticoagulation management by TTR was relatively homogenous in AF patients across countries.

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Murcia atrial fibrillation project II: protocol for a prospective observational study in patients with atrial fibrillation

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033712 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. e033712

Author(s):

José Miguel Rivera-Caravaca ◽

Francisco Marín ◽

María Asunción Esteve-Pastor ◽

Josefa Gálvez ◽

Gregory Y.H. Lip ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Observational Study ◽

Heart Valves ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Real Life ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Prosthetic Heart Valves

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) is characterised by a high stroke risk. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are the most commonly used oral anticoagulants (OACs) in Spain, but their efficacy and safety depend on the time in therapeutic range of International Normalized Ratio (INR) 2.0–3.0 over 65%–70%. Unfortunately, the difficulties of maintaining an optimal level of anticoagulation and the complications of VKAs (particularly haemorrhagic ones), frequently lead to cessation of this therapy, which has been associated with higher risk of adverse events (AEs), including ischaemic stroke. Our aims are as follows: (1) to evaluate the quality of oral anticoagulation with VKAs, the prevalence of poor quality of anticoagulation, and to identify factors predisposing to poor quality anticoagulation; and (2) to identify patients who will stop OAC and to investigate what factors influence the decision of OAC withdrawal.Methods and analysisProspective observational cohort study including outpatients newly diagnosed with AF and naïve for OACs from July 2016 to June 2018 in an anticoagulation clinic. Patients with prosthetic heart valves, rheumatic mitral valves or valvular AF will be excluded. Follow-up will extend for up to 3 years. During this period, the INR results and changes in the anticoagulant therapy will be recorded, as well as all AEs, or any other information that would be relevant to the proper conduct of research.Ethics and disseminationAll patients were informed about the nature and purpose of the study, and the protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer (reference: EST:20/16). This is an observational study focusing on ‘real life’ practice and therefore all treatments and follow-up will be performed in accordance to the routine clinical practice with no specific interventions or visits. The results of our study will be disseminated by presentations at national and international meetings, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

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P1860Unfractionated heparin dose and complication rate in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, a comparison between uninterrupted therapy with phenprocoumon and direct oral anticoagulants

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0610 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

N Poci ◽

D Gjermeni ◽

V Kuehlkamp

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Anticoagulation Management ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Initial Bolus

Abstract Background Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is known for the combining risks of thromboembolism (TE) and major bleedings. This urges a better understanding and optimization of the intraprocedural anticoagulation management. Differences in unfractionated heparin (UFH) requirements and anticoagulation time (ACT) levels between patients on different uninterrupted oral anticoagulation (OAC) agents have been studied. However, the clinical relevance, in terms of periprocedural TE and bleeding events, of UFH administration according to ACT monitoring among patients on different OAC agents, needs to be addressed. Objective To evaluate how the ACT monitoring and differences in intraprocedural UFH requirements among different anticoagulant agents, may translate to clinical outcome, in terms of periprocedural incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding events. Methods We retrospectively studied 1571 cases who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation between January 2011 and May 2017. Cases were on an uninterrupted oral OAC therapy of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA)(713), Rivaroxaban (RG)(385), Dabigatran (DG)(260), Apixaban (AG)(192) and Edoxaban (EG)(21). First ACT measurements after the initial bolus of UFH (1ehz748.0610U), mean ACT measurements, total UFH doses/kg (Body Weight)/min (duration of procedure) and incidence of major periprocedural events were compared among the above OAC groups. Results The mean ACT (sec) was significantly lower in the AG and greater in the VKA (313,7±47 vs 340,5±49, p<0,001). Significantly lower UFH doses (U/kg/min) were required to reach the target ACT in VKA compared to RG, DG, AG and EG (0,69±0,4 vs 1,41±0,76; 1,42±0,7; 1,63±0,8; 1,37±0,4 respectively, p<0,001) The proportion of patients who achieved a target ACT value within 30 minutes after the fixed first UFH Bolus of 10 000 U was significantly lower in DG and AG compared to VKA, EG and RG group (51,5% and 49% vs 53%, 71,4%, and 61,8% respectively p=0,005). The incidence of periprocedural TE events and bleedings showed no significant difference among OAC groups. However, the 22 patients with a periprocedural TE event had significantly lower UFH doses (U)/ Duration of catheter ablation (min) compared to the ones without periprocedural TE (62,71±44,5 vs 94,4±66,4, p=0,026), despite equivalent mean ACT values between these two groups. Patients with a periprocedural TE had also a significantly older Age (69,6±10 vs 64±10 p=0,01, higher CHADSVASC Score (3,64±1,76 vs 2,63±1,7 p=0,006), longer duration of procedure (188,9±79,1 vs 144,9±57 p=0,0001) and higher pre-Ablation INR values (2,2±0,6 vs 1,7±0,6 p=0,002). Conclusions The average UFH doses required to reach the target ACT were lower in VKA than in NOAC- groups. The incidence of periprocedural TE events and bleedings was equivalent among OAC groups. Patients with TE showed a lower UFH requirement compared to no-TE group, with both groups having mean ACT ≥300 sec.

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Stroke and thromboembolism prevention in atrial fibrillation

Heart ◽

10.1136/heartjnl-2019-314898 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 106 (1) ◽

pp. 10-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Sina Jame ◽

Geoffrey Barnes

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Alternative Therapy ◽

Anticoagulation Management ◽

Risk Assessment Models ◽

Risk Stratification Tool ◽

Risk Patients

Prevention of stroke and systemic thromboembolism remains the cornerstone for management of atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter. Multiple risk assessment models for stroke and systemic thromboembolism are currently available. The score, with its known limitations, remains as the recommended risk stratification tool in most major guidelines. Once at-risk patients are identified, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and, more recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the primary medical therapy for stroke prevention. In those with contraindication for long-term anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occluding devices are developing as a possible alternative therapy. Some controversy exists regarding anticoagulation management for cardioversion of acute AF (<48 hours); however, systemic anticoagulation precardioversion and postcardioversion is recommended for those with longer duration of AF. Anticoagulation management peri-AF ablation is also evolving. Uninterrupted VKA and DOAC therapy has been shown to reduce perioperative thromboembolic risk with no significant escalation in major bleeding. Currently, under investigation is a minimally interrupted approach to anticoagulation with DOACs periablation. Questions remain, especially regarding the delivery of anticoagulation care and integration of wearable rhythm monitors in AF management.

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“A Tale of Two Cities”: Anticoagulation Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Prosthetic Valves in the Era of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55080437 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (8) ◽

pp. 437

Author(s):

Giuseppe Palmiero ◽

Enrico Melillo ◽

Antonino Salvatore Rubino

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Anticoagulation Management ◽

Prosthetic Valves

Valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation often coexist. Oral vitamin K antagonists have represented the main anticoagulation management for antithrombotic prevention in this setting for decades. Novel direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new class of drugs and currently, due to their well-established efficacy and security, they represent the main therapeutic option in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Some new evidences are exploring the role of DOACs in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation (mechanical and biological prosthetic valves). In this review we explore the data available in the medical literature to establish the actual role of DOACs in patients with valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation.

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The Quality of Advice Provided by Pharmacists to Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Mystery Shopper Study

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy8030164 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 164

Author(s):

Jonathon Ertl ◽

Leanne Chalmers ◽

Luke Bereznicki

Keyword(s):

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Study Patient ◽

Optimal Care ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Mystery Shopper ◽

Direct Acting

Pharmacists report being less confident in their knowledge of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) than of vitamin K antagonists, which may influence their ability to detect and manage complications arising from DOAC use. In a mystery shopper study, patient agents were sent into community pharmacies with symptom or product-related requests related to common complications that might arise during treatment with oral anticoagulants, with each visit being assessed for the preferred outcome. Only 10/41 (24.4%) visits resulted in the preferred outcome. A complete history-taking process, obtaining a medical history, patient characteristics and pharmacist involvement were strong predictors of the preferred outcome being achieved. The preferred outcome was not consistently achieved without pharmacist involvement. The potential for strategies that support comprehensive pharmacist involvement in over-the-counter requests should be considered to ensure the provision of optimal care to patients taking high-risk medications such as DOACs.

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Anticoagulation Changes Following Major and Clinically Relevant Nonmajor Bleeding Events in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Journal of Pharmacy Practice ◽

10.1177/08971900211064189 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089719002110641

Author(s):

Thane Feldeisen ◽

Constantina Alexandris-Souphis ◽

Brian Haymart ◽

Xiaowen Kong ◽

Eva Kline-Rogers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Drug Class ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Anticoagulation Therapy ◽

Bleeding Event ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Anticoagulation Management ◽

Anticoagulation Clinics ◽

The Individual

Background Bleeding events are common complications of oral anticoagulant drugs, including both warfarin and the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Some patients have their anticoagulant changed or discontinued after experiencing a bleeding event, while others continue the same treatment. Differences in anticoagulation management between warfarin- and DOAC-treated patients following a bleeding event are unknown. Methods Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation from six anticoagulation clinics taking warfarin or DOAC therapy who experienced an International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)-defined major or clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding event were identified between 2016 and 2020. The primary outcome was management of the anticoagulant following bleeding (discontinuation, change in drug class, and restarting of same drug class). DOAC- and warfarin-treated patients were propensity matched based on the individual elements of the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores as well as the severity of the bleeding event. Results Of the 509 patients on warfarin therapy and 246 on DOAC therapy who experienced a major or CRNM bleeding event, the majority of patients continued anticoagulation therapy. The majority of warfarin (231, 62.6%) and DOAC patients (201, 81.7%) restarted their previous anticoagulation. Conclusion Following a bleeding event, most patients restarted anticoagulation therapy, most often with the same type of anticoagulant that they previously had been taking.

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Temporal trends in antithrombotic treatment of real-world UK patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation: findings from the GARFIELD-AF registry

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018905 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e018905 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Patricia N Apenteng ◽

Haiyan Gao ◽

FD Richard Hobbs ◽

David A Fitzmaurice

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Vitamin K ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

P Value ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Antithrombotic Treatment ◽

The Uk

ObjectiveTo investigate evolving patterns in antithrombotic treatment in UK patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).DesignProspective, multicentre, international registry.Setting186 primary care practices in the UK.Participants3482 participants prospectively enrolled in four sequential cohorts (cohort 2 (C2) n=830, diagnosed September 2011 to April 2013; cohort 3 (C3) n=902, diagnosed April 2013 to June 2014; cohort 4 (C4) n=850, diagnosed July 2014 to June 2015; cohort 5 (C5) n=900, diagnosed June 2015 to July 2016). Participants had newly diagnosed non-valvular AF and at least one risk factor for stroke, were aged ≥18, and provided informed consent.Main outcome measuresAntithrombotic treatment initiated at diagnosis, overall and according to stroke and bleeding risks. Stroke risk was retrospectively calculated using CHA2DS2-VASc (cardiac failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes, stroke (doubled)–vascular disease, age 65–74 and sex category (female)) and bleeding risk using HAS-BLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function (1 point each), stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, elderly (>65), drugs/alcohol concomitantly (1 point each)).Results42.7% were women and the mean age was 74.5 years. The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3 in all cohorts and the median HAS-BLED score was 2 in all cohorts. There was a statistically significant increase in the use of anticoagulant therapy from C2 to C5 (C2 54.7%, C3 60.3%, C4 73.1%, C5 73.9%; P value for trend <0.0001). The increase in the use of anticoagulant was mainly in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2. The use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs)±antiplatelet (AP) drugs decreased from C2 to C5 (C2 53.3%, C3 52.1%, C4 50.3%, C5 30.6%), while the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs)±AP increased (C2 1.3%, C3 8.0%, C4 22.7%, C5 43.3%). The use of AP only decreased (C2 36.4%, C3 25.5%, C4 11.9%, C5 10.5%), as did the combination therapy of VKA+AP (C2 13.6%, C3 11.0%, C4 9.6%, C5 5.8%).ConclusionThere has been a progressive increase in the proportion of patients newly diagnosed with AF receiving guideline-recommended therapy in the UK, potentially driven by the availability of NOACs.Trial registration numberNCT01090362; Pre-results.

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