scholarly journals Direct Oral Anticoagulant Adherence of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Transitioned from Warfarin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna N. Pundi ◽  
Alexander C. Perino ◽  
Jun Fan ◽  
Susan Schmitt ◽  
Mitra Kothari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Ratio Data ◽  
Proportion Of Days Covered ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Using Data

Background Reduced time in international normalized ratio therapeutic range (TTR) limits warfarin safety and effectiveness. In patients switched from warfarin to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), patient factors associated with low TTR could also increase risk of DOAC nonadherence. We investigated the relationship between warfarin TTR and DOAC adherence in warfarin‐treated patients with atrial fibrillation switched to DOAC. Methods and Results Using data from the Veterans Health Administration, we identified patients with atrial fibrillation switched from warfarin to DOAC (switchers) or treated with warfarin alone (non‐switchers). Logistic regression was used to evaluate association between warfarin TTR and DOAC adherence. We analyzed 128 605 patients (age, 71±9; 1.6% women; CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc 3.5±1.6); 32 377 switchers and 96 228 non‐switchers. In 8016 switchers with international normalized ratio data to calculate 180‐day TTR before switch, TTR was low (median 0.45; IQR, 0.26–0.64). Patients with TTR <0.5 were more likely to be switched to DOAC (odds ratio [OR],1.68 [95% CI,1.62–1.74], P <0.0001), as were those with TTR <0.6 or TTR <0.7. Proportion of days covered ≥0.8 was achieved by 76% of switchers at 365 days. In low‐TTR individuals, proportion of days covered ≥0.8 was achieved by 70%, 72%, and 73% of switchers with TTR <0.5, 0.6, and 0.7, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, TTR <0.5 decreased odds of achieving 365‐day proportion of days covered ≥0.8 (OR, 0.49; 0.43–0.57, P <0.0001), with similar relationships for TTR <0.6 and TTR <0.7. In non‐switchers with TTR <0.5, long‐term TTR remained low. Conclusions In patients with atrial fibrillation switched from warfarin to DOAC, most achieved adequate DOAC adherence despite low pre‐switch TTRs. However, TTR trajectories remained low in non‐switchers. Patients with low warfarin TTR more consistently achieved treatment targets after switching to DOACs, although adherence‐oriented interventions may be beneficial.

Abstract 231: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Anticoagulant Choice for Atrial Fibrillation in the Veterans Health Administration: Results From the REACH AF Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Utibe R Essien ◽  
Nadejda Kim ◽  
Leslie Hausmann ◽  
Maria Mor ◽  
Chester Good ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects nearly 1 million patients in VA, with morbidity and mortality disproportionately affecting racial/ethnic minorities. Anticoagulation reduces stroke risk in AF, yet warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are underused in minorities. We compared anticoagulant initiation by race/ethnicity for patients with AF in VA—which facilitates access to medications through a uniform drug formulary. Methods: Using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, we identified patients from 1/1/2014 - 12/31/2018 with an AF diagnosis and a confirmatory diagnosis ≦180 days of their index AF diagnosis. We excluded patients with an AF diagnosis or anticoagulant therapy in the 2 years prior to their index AF diagnosis, as well as those with valvular heart disease, who died within 180 days of AF diagnosis, or had missing or “other” race/ethnicity. We categorized our independent variable as non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black (NHB), and Hispanic. Our primary outcome was receipt of any anticoagulant ≦180 days of AF diagnosis as well as the type of anticoagulant (warfarin, DOAC) initiated. We used logistic regression to compare outcomes by race/ethnicity, adjusting for year of diagnosis, stroke risk with CHADS2VA2Sc score, renal disease, region and rurality. Results: We identified 148,062 patients with incident AF: 8.6% were NHB, 3.4% Hispanic. Overall, NHBs (57.7%) and Hispanics (58.4%) were less likely than NHWs (61.4%) to initiate any anticoagulant therapy (p <0.01), driven by lower DOAC initiation for minorities (36.8% NHBs, 36.5% Hispanics, 43.0% NHWs; p <0.01). Compared to NHWs, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for receiving any anticoagulant or DOACs were significantly lower for NHBs and Hispanics (Table); in contrast, AORs for receiving warfarin were significantly higher among minorities. As DOAC initiation increased from 16.8% (2014) to 60.3% (2018), racial disparities in initiation increased from 1.7 to 9.1% for NHBs vs. NHWs and from 0.9 to 9.4% for Hispanics vs. NHWs. Conclusions: In a national cohort of AF in VA, we identified significant racial/ethnic disparities in anticoagulant initiation, driven by growing disparities in DOAC initiation. Understanding these differences is essential to ensuring equitable AF care in the largest U.S. integrated health care system.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Prescribing in Patients With Moderate to Severe Renal Impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962098790
Author(s):  
Clara Ting ◽  
Megan Rhoten ◽  
Jillian Dempsey ◽  
Hunter Nichols ◽  
John Fanikos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Renal Impairment ◽  
Severe Renal Impairment ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Severe Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Dosing Strategies ◽  
Require Dose

Patients with renal impairment require dose adjustments for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), though there is uncertainty regarding their use in severe chronic kidney disease. Inappropriately dosed DOACs may increase risk of ischemic events when under-dosed, or risk of bleeding when over-dosed. The purpose of this study was to describe DOAC selection, dosing strategies, and associated clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment at our institution. This was a single-center retrospective analysis of adult outpatients with moderate to severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, including need for hemodialysis) who were prescribed a DOAC by a cardiologist between June 1, 2015 and December 1, 2018. Outcomes evaluated included the percentage of patients who received appropriate and inappropriate DOAC dosing, prescriber reasons for inappropriate DOAC dosing if documented, and incidence of thrombotic and bleeding events. A total of 207 patients were included. Overall, 61 (29.5%) patients received inappropriate dosing, with 43 (70.5%) being under-dosed and 18 (29.5%) being over-dosed as compared to FDA-labeled dosing recommendations for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism (VTE). By a median follow-up duration of 20 months, stroke occurred in 6 (3.3%) patients receiving DOACs for atrial fibrillation, and VTE occurred in 1 (4.3%) patient receiving a DOAC for VTE. International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding occurred in 25 (12.1%) patients. Direct oral anticoagulants were frequently prescribed at off-label doses in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment, with a tendency toward under-dosing.

scholarly journals Changes in Prescribing Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in the Multidisciplinary Hospital in Volgograd from 2012 to 2020

2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-836
Author(s):  
A. S. Gerasimenko ◽  
O. V. Shatalova ◽  
V. S. Gorbatenko ◽  
V. I. Petrov
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Antithrombotic Therapy ◽  
Heart Valves ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Prosthetic Heart Valves ◽  
Discharge From Hospital

Aim. To study the frequency of prescribing antithrombotic agents in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in real clinical practice, to evaluate changes of prescriptions from 2012 till 2020.Material and methods. The medical records of inpatients (Form 003/y) with the diagnosis AF, hospitalized in the cardiological department were analyzed. According to the inclusion criteria, the patients were over 18 years of age, established diagnosis of non-valvular AF. There were two exclusion criteria: congenital and acquired valvular heart disease and prosthetic heart valves. In retrospective analysis we have included 263 case histories in 2012, 502 ones in 2016 and 524 in 2020. CHA2DS2-VASc score was used for individual stroke risk assessment in AF. The rational use of the antithrombotic therapy was evaluated according with current clinical practice guidelines at analyzing moment.Results. During period of observation the frequency of antiplatelet therapy significantly decreased from 25,5% to 5,5% (р<0.001), decreased the frequency of administration of warfarin from 71,9% to 18,3% (р<0.001). The frequency of use of direct oral anticoagulants increased in 2020 compared to 2016 (р<0.001). For patients with a high risk of stroke anticoagulant therapy was administered in 71.8% of cases in 2012, 88.5% in 2016 and 92.5% in 2020. Before discharge from hospital majority of patients (72%) achieved a desired minimum international normalized ratio (INR) from 2.0 to 3.0 in 2012. In 2016 and 2020 an only 33% and 40.6% of patients achieved INR (2.0-3.0).Conclusion. Doctors have become more committed to following clinical guidelines during the period of the investigation. In 2020 antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation was suitable according to current clinical guidelines.

Abstract 15396: Atrial Fibrillation Bleeding Risk and Prediction While Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Warfarin Naïve and Experienced Patients

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C Perino ◽  
Krishna Pundi ◽  
Jun Fan ◽  
Susan K Schmitt ◽  
Mitra Kothari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Warfarin Therapy ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Risk Of Bleeding ◽  
Warfarin Treatment ◽  
Treatment Analysis ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Favorable Safety

Introduction: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are guideline-recommended over warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, patients who are DOAC eligible are commonly maintained on warfarin. We sought to evaluate bleeding risk and prediction while on DOAC treatment (both for warfarin-naïve and -experienced patients) as compared to warfarin. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Veteran Affairs health care system. We included patients with a prescription for warfarin and/or DOAC from 10/1/2010 to 9/30/2017 with an AF encounter in the 90 days prior to 30 days after prescription. We categorized DOAC treated patients as warfarin-naïve or -experienced and performed an on-treatment analysis to determine bleeding incidence and HAS-BLED score discrimination. In adjusted analyses, we compared risk of bleeding while treated with DOAC (both for warfarin-naïve and -experienced patients) to warfarin. Results: The analysis cohort included 99,143 patients treated with warfarin (71±10 years, HAS-BLED 2.6±1.2) and 73,732 and 26,760 patients treated with DOAC who were warfarin-naïve (74±10 years, HAS-BLED 2.4±1.0) and -experienced (71±9 years, HAS-BLED 2.8±1.1), respectively. DOAC patients with warfarin experience had more prior bleeds (DOAC, warfarin-experienced: 11.9%; DOAC, warfarin-naïve: 4.5%; warfarin: 6.2%; p<0.001 for both). Risk of intracranial bleeding was substantially lower while on DOAC treatment (both for warfarin-naïve and -experienced patients) as compared to warfarin ( Table ). HAS-BLED discrimination for bleeding outcomes, intracranial or any bleeding, was modest ( Table ). Conclusion: DOAC treatment had a favorable safety profile compared to warfarin treatment, even for DOAC treated patients with warfarin-experience who had more prior bleeds. These data argue against maintaining DOAC eligible patients on warfarin therapy regardless of HAS-BLED score.

Abstract 15444: Anticoagulation Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Across the Weight Spectrum: Insights From the Veterans Health Administration

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C Perino ◽  
Jun Fan ◽  
Mitra Kothari ◽  
ATIF MOHAMMAD ◽  
Patrick Hlavacek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Mechanical Valves ◽  
Consensus Statements ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Va Health Care System

Introduction: In seminal trials of venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), few patients were enrolled at low and high body weights to estimate treatment effects in these subgroups. Consensus statements have recommended against use of DOACs in VTE for patients ≥120 kg. We sought to describe real-world use of DOACs and other anticoagulants for VTE across the weight spectrum. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with first-time VTE that were treated with anticoagulants in the VA health care system from 2008 to 2018. We excluded patients with 1) additional indications for anticoagulation (atrial fibrillation and mechanical valves) and 2) no documented weight in the 90 days prior to 90 days after index VTE. We stratified patients by weight (<60, 60 to 119, ≥120 kg) and determined 1) index anticoagulation prescription in the 30 days after index VTE (DOAC, warfarin, and low molecular weight heparin or fondaparinux [LMWH/F] only) and 2) variables associated with DOAC prescription, as compared to warfarin, in those ≥120 kg. Results: After excluding 3,676 patients with missing weight, there were 111,774 patients with VTE (64±13 years, 6% female). The most common therapy was warfarin (66%), followed by DOAC (21%), and LMWH/F only (13%). Median weight was 92 kg (interquartile range: 28), with 13,753 patients (12%) with weight ≥120 kg. Across weight categories, proportion of patients receiving DOAC was similar. In patients ≥120 kg, after multivariate adjustment, multiple comorbidities were associated with warfarin prescription while chronic kidney disease was associated with DOAC prescription ( Table ). Conclusion: Weight ≥120 kg is common for VTE patients, with DOAC frequently prescribed despite consensus statements recommending DOAC avoidance. For patients ≥120 kg, comorbidities influence VTE treatment selection, and determination of optimal treatment strategies across the spectrum of comorbidities is needed.

scholarly journals Applying population health approaches to improve safe anticoagulant use in the outpatient setting: the DOAC Dashboard multi-cohort implementation evaluation study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey D. Barnes ◽  
Emily Sippola ◽  
Michael Dorsch ◽  
Joshua Errickson ◽  
Michael Lanham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Implementation Effort

Abstract Background Use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is rapidly growing for treatment of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. However, incorrect dosing of these medications is common and puts patients at risk of adverse drug events. One way to improve safe prescribing is the use of population health tools, including interactive dashboards built into the electronic health record (EHR). As such tools become more common, exploring ways to understand which aspects are effective in specific settings and how to effectively adapt and implement in existing anticoagulation clinics across different health systems is vital. Methods This three-phase project will evaluate a current nation-wide implementation effort of the DOAC Dashboard in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Informed by this evaluation, the DOAC Dashboard will be implemented in four new health systems using an implementation strategy derived from the VHA experience and interviews with providers in those new health systems. Quantitative evaluation of the VHA and non-VHA implementation will follow the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Qualitative interviews with stakeholders will be analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Technology Acceptance Models to identify key determinants of implementation success. Discussion This study will (1) evaluate the implementation of an EHR-based population health tool for medication management within a large, nation-wide, highly integrated health system; (2) guide the adoption in a set of four different health systems; and (3) evaluation that multi-center implementation effort. These findings will help to inform future EHR-based implementation efforts in a wide variety of health care settings.

Appropriateness of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Dosing in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Veterans Health Administration

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 647-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
George C. Leef ◽  
Alexander C. Perino ◽  
Mariam Askari ◽  
Jun Fan ◽  
P. Michael Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Veterans Health Administration ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Anticoagulation Management ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Care Systems

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have strict dosing guidelines, but recent studies indicate that inappropriate dosing is common, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD), for which it has been reported to be as high as 43%. Since 2011, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has implemented anticoagulation management programs for DOACs, generally led by pharmacists, which has previously been shown to improve medication adherence. Objective: We investigated the prevalence of overdosing and underdosing of DOACs in the VA. Methods: Using data from the TREAT-AF cohort study (The Retrospective Evaluation and Assessment of Therapies in AF), we identified VA patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) and receipt of a DOAC between 2003 and 2015. We classified dosing as correct, overdosed, or underdosed based on the Food and Drug Administration–approved dosing criteria. Results: Of 230 762 patients, 5060 received dabigatran (77.3%) or rivaroxaban (22.7%) within 90 days of AF diagnosis (age 69 [10[ years; CHA2DS2-VASc 1.6 [1.4]), of which 1312 (25.9%) had CKD based on estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. Overall, 93.6% of patients, 83.2% with CKD, received appropriate DOAC dosing. Incorrect dosing increased with worsening renal function. Conclusion: Compared to recent studies of commercial payers and health-care systems, incorrect dosing of DOACs is less common across the VA. Pharmacist-led DOAC management or similar anticoagulation management interventions may reduce the risk of incorrect dosing across health-care systems.

scholarly journals Real-World Adherence and Persistence to Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya F. Ozaki ◽  
Austin S. Choi ◽  
Quan T. Le ◽  
Dennis T. Ko ◽  
Janet K. Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Real World ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Medication Possession Ratio ◽  
Good Adherence ◽  
Proportion Of Days Covered

Background: Stroke reduction with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is dependent on adherence and persistence in the real-world setting. Individual study estimates of DOAC adherence/persistence rates have been discordant. Our aims were to characterize real-world observational evidence for DOAC adherence/persistence and evaluate associated clinical outcomes in patients with AF. Methods and Results: PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 2018. Observational studies that reported real-world DOAC adherence/persistence in patients with AF were included. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses for pooled estimates were performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. Outcomes included DOAC mean proportion of days covered or medication possession ratio, proportion of good adherence (proportion of days covered/medication possession ratio ≥80%), persistence, DOAC versus vitamin K antagonists persistence, and clinical outcomes associated with nonadherence/nonpersistence. Forty-eight observational studies with 594 784 unique patients with AF (59% male; mean age 71 years) were included. The overall pooled mean proportion of days covered/medication possession ratio was 77% (95% CI, 75%–80%), proportion of patients with good adherence was 66% (95% CI, 63%–70%), and proportion persistent was 69% (95% CI, 65%–72%). The pooled proportion of patients with good adherence was 71% (95% CI, 64%–78%) for apixaban, 60% (95% CI, 52%–68%) for dabigatran, and 70% (95% CI, 64%–75%) for rivaroxaban. Similar patterns were found for pooled persistence by agent. The pooled persistence was higher with DOACs than vitamin K antagonists (odds ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.12–.86]). DOAC nonadherence was associated with an increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.06–1.81]). Conclusions: Suboptimal adherence and persistence to DOACs was common in patients with AF, with 1 in 3 patients adhering to their DOAC <80% of the time, which was associated with poor clinical outcomes in nonadherent patients. Although it is convenient that DOACs do not require laboratory monitoring, greater effort in monitoring for and interventions to prevent nonadherence may be necessary to optimize stroke prevention. Increased clinician awareness of DOAC nonadherence may help identify at-risk patients.

scholarly journals Shifting the Paradigm: A Population Health Approach to the Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur L. Allen ◽  
Jessica Lucas ◽  
David Parra ◽  
Patrick Spoutz ◽  
Jeffery L. Kibert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Inappropriate Prescribing ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Over the past decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have contributed to a major paradigm shift in thrombosis management, replacing vitamin K antagonists as the most commonly prescribed anticoagulants in many countries. While DOACs provide distinct advantages over warfarin (eg, convenience, simplicity, and safety), they are frequently associated with inappropriate prescribing and adverse events. These events have prompted regulatory agencies to mandate oversight, which individual institutions may find difficult to comply with given limited resources. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has leveraged technology to develop the DOAC Population Management Tool (PMT) to address these challenges. This tool has empowered VHA to update a 60‐year standard of care from one‐to‐one provider‐to‐patient anticoagulation monitoring to a population‐based management approach. The DOAC PMT allows for the oversight of all patients prescribed DOACs and leads to intervention only when clinically indicated. Using the DOAC PMT, facilities across VHA have maximized DOAC oversight while minimizing resource usage. Herein, we discuss how the DOAC PMT was conceived, developed, and implemented, along with the challenges encountered throughout the process. Additionally, we share the impact of the DOAC PMT across VHA, and the potential of this approach beyond anticoagulation and VHA.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document