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

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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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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Abstract 17598: More Than One in Five Older Veterans are Hospitalized for Bleeding Following Initiation of Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.17598 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

John A Dodson ◽

Andrew Petrone ◽

David Gagnon ◽

Mary E Tinetti ◽

Harlan M Krumholz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Bleeding Event ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Time Period ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Anticoagulation Clinics ◽

Comorbidity Burden

Introduction: Clinicians are hesitant to prescribe oral anticoagulants to older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) due to concerns over bleeding risk. Hypothesis: As many data on bleeding events are from trials of rigorously selected patients, we hypothesized that major bleeding events (requiring hospitalization) would be more common than previously reported. Methods: We created a retrospective cohort of 31,951 Veterans with AF aged ≥75 years who were new referrals to VA anticoagulation clinics (warfarin) from 1/1/02 - 12/31/12. Patients with comorbid conditions requiring warfarin (e.g. pulmonary embolus) were excluded. Data were extracted from the VA electronic medical record and linked with Medicare claims data for subsequent hospitalizations. The primary outcome was any hospitalization for bleeding. We identified bleeding subtypes by source, and compared characteristics of patients with and without bleeding hospitalizations. Results: Mean population age was 81.1 years, 98.1% were male, and 8.4% were nonwhite. Over a median follow-up period of 2.62 years, 7288 patients (22.8%) were hospitalized for bleeding. There were 12,004 total bleeding events; overall, 980 (13.4%) patients experienced multiple events. The most common bleeding sources (first event) were gastrointestinal (50.8%), genitourinary (21.6%), and intracranial (9.4%) (Figure). The median time to first bleeding event was 1.59 years. Patients hospitalized for bleeding were more likely to have coronary disease (48.4% vs. 40.9%, P<0.01); COPD (28.4% vs. 24.7%, P<0.01); chronic kidney disease (17.8% vs. 16.0%, P<0.01); CHF (34.7% vs. 29.5%, P<0.01), and labile INR (63.3% vs. 53.7%, P<0.01). The rate of hospitalization for stroke over the same time period was 5.0%. Conclusions: After initiating warfarin, over one in five older Veterans are hospitalized for bleeding, most commonly from a gastrointestinal source. Comorbidity burden and labile INR place these patients at increased risk.

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Burden of oral anticoagulation in embolic stroke of undetermined source without atrial fibrillation

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-021-01967-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Klaus K. Witte ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Matthew R. Reynolds ◽

Stelios I. Tsintzos ◽

Simon Eggington ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Bleeding Event ◽

Cost Savings ◽

Embolic Stroke ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Event Rates

Abstract Objective Prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is challenging. The advent of safer anticoagulation in the form of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has prompted exploration of prophylactic anticoagulation for all ESUS patients, rather than anticoagulating just those with documented atrial fibrillation (AF). However, recent trials have failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit, while observing increased bleeding. We modeled the economic impact of anticoagulating ESUS patients without documented AF across multiple geographies. Methods CRYSTAL-AF trial data were used to assess ischaemic stroke event rates in ESUS patients confirmed AF-free after long-term monitoring. Anticipated bleeding event rates (including both minor and major bleeds) with aspirin, dabigatran 150 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg were sourced from published meta-analyses, whilst a 30% ischaemic stroke reduction for both DOACs was assumed. Cost data for clinical events and pharmaceuticals were collected from the local payer perspective. Results Compared with aspirin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban resulted in 17.9 and 29.9 additional bleeding events per 100 patients over a patient’s lifetime, respectively. Despite incorporating into our model the proposed 30% reduction in ischaemic stroke risk, both DOACs were cost-additive over patient lifetime, as the costs of bleeding events and pharmaceuticals outweighed cost savings associated with the reduction in ischaemic strokes. DOACs added £5953–£7018 per patient (UK), €6683–€7368 (Netherlands), €4933–€9378 (Spain), AUD$5353–6539 (Australia) and $26,768–$32,259 (US) of payer cost depending on the agent prescribed. Additionally, in the U.S. patient pharmacy co-payments ranged from $2468–$12,844 depending on agent and patient plan. In all settings, cost-savings could not be demonstrated even when the modelling assumed 100% protection from recurrent ischaemic strokes, due to the very low underlying risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke in this population (1.27 per 100 patient-years). Conclusions Anticoagulation of non-AF patients may cause excess bleeds and add substantial costs for uncertain benefits, suggesting a personalised approach to anticoagulation in ESUS patients.

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Burden of Oral Anticoagulation in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source without Atrial Fibrillation

10.21203/rs.3.rs-131749/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Klaus Witte ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Matthew Reynolds ◽

Stelios Tsintzos ◽

Simon Eggington ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Bleeding Event ◽

Cost Savings ◽

Embolic Stroke ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Event Rates

Abstract Objective: Prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is challenging. The advent of safer anticoagulation in the form of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has prompted exploration of prophylactic anticoagulation for all ESUS patients, rather than anticoagulating just those with documented atrial fibrillation (AF). However, recent trials have failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit, while observing increased bleeding. We modeled the economic impact of anticoagulating ESUS patients without documented AF across multiple geographies.Methods: CRYSTAL-AF trial data were used to assess ischaemic stroke event rates in ESUS patients confirmed AF-free after long-term monitoring. Anticipated bleeding event rates (including both minor and major bleeds) with aspirin, dabigatran 150 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg were sourced from published meta-analyses, whilst a 30% ischaemic stroke reduction for both DOACs was assumed. Cost data for clinical events and pharmaceuticals were collected from the local payer perspective.Results: Compared with aspirin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban resulted in 17.9 and 29.9 additional bleeding events per 100 patients over a patient’s lifetime, respectively. Despite incorporating into our model the proposed 30% reduction in ischaemic stroke risk, both DOACs were cost-additive over patient lifetime, as the costs of bleeding events and pharmaceuticals outweighed cost savings associated with the reduction in ischaemic strokes. DOACs added £5,953-£7,018 per patient (UK), €6,683-€7,368 (Netherlands), €4,933-€9,378 (Spain), AUD$5,353-6,539 (Australia) and $26,768-$32,259 (US) of payer cost depending on the agent prescribed. Additionally, in the U.S. patient pharmacy co-payments ranged from $1,716-$12,473 depending on agent and patient plan. In all settings, cost-savings could not be demonstrated even when the modelling assumed 100% protection from recurrent ischaemic strokes, due to the very low underlying risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke in this population (1.27 per 100 patient-years).Conclusions: Anticoagulation of non-AF patients may cause excess bleeds and add substantial costs for uncertain benefits, suggesting a personalised approach to anticoagulation in ESUS patients.

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A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Diabetes Using a Risk Index

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10132924 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (13) ◽

pp. 2924

Author(s):

Domenico Acanfora ◽

Marco Matteo Ciccone ◽

Valentina Carlomagno ◽

Pietro Scicchitano ◽

Chiara Acanfora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Risk Index ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Anticoagulation Therapy ◽

Efficacy Rate ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Efficacy And Safety

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents an independent risk factor for chronic AF and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with and without diabetes mellitus (DM), using a new risk index (RI) defined as: RI =Rate of EventsRate of Patients at Risk. In particular, an RI lower than 1 suggests a favorable treatment effect. We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The risk index (RI) was calculated in terms of efficacy (rate of stroke/systemic embolism (stroke SEE)/rate of patients with and without DM; rate of cardiovascular death/rate of patients with and without DM) and safety (rate of major bleeding/rate of patients with and without DM) outcomes. AF patients with DM (n = 22,057) and 49,596 without DM were considered from pivotal trials. DM doubles the risk index for stroke/SEE, major bleeding (MB), and cardiovascular (CV) death. The RI for stroke/SEE, MB, and CV death was comparable in patients treated with warfarin or DOACs. The lowest RI was in DM patients treated with Rivaroxaban (stroke/SEE, RI = 0.08; CV death, RI = 0.13). The RIs for bleeding were higher in DM patients treated with Dabigatran (RI110 = 0.32; RI150 = 0.40). Our study is the first to use RI to homogenize the efficacy and safety data reported in the DOACs pivotal studies against warfarin in patients with and without DM. Anticoagulation therapy is effective and safe in DM patients. DOACs appear to have a better efficacy and safety profile than warfarin. The use of DOACs is a reasonable alternative to vitamin-K antagonists in AF patients with DM. The RI can be a reasonable tool to help clinicians choose between DOACs or warfarin in the peculiar set of AF patients with DM.

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

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0649 ◽

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

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

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis ◽

10.1177/1076029620987900 ◽

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.

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

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0117 ◽

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.

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Anticoagulation Challenges in Hematogeriatrics: Effectiveness and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Vs Vitamin k Antagonist in Elderly with Atrial Fibrillation

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-125150 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 1162-1162

Author(s):

Desirée Campoy ◽

Gonzalo Artaza ◽

César A Velasquez ◽

Tania Canals ◽

Erik A Johansson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Vitamin K ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Frail Elderly ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Vitamin K Antagonist ◽

Systemic Embolism ◽

Bleeding Events

BACKGROUND Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are increasingly used in patients with Non Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) for stroke prevention. However, Follow-Up (FU) and dosing these agents in the elderly can be challenging due to different factors, such as chronic kidney disease, frailty, falls, multifactorial anemia and concomitant polypharmacy. These factors in elderly patients predisposes to both thromboembolic and bleeding events once atrial fibrillation occurs. Therefore, balancing risks and benefits of antithrombotic strategies in older populations is crucial. Despite recent increases in DOAC use in NVAF, there are still limited data regarding DOACs effectiveness and safety in frail elderly patients. AIM To assess the effectiveness and safety according to DOAC or Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) in a cohort of elderly patients with NVAF. METHODS From April 2016 to April 2019, we consecutively included NVAF elderly patients (≥80 years-old) treated with DOAC or VKA in a prospective multicenter registry. Demographic, laboratory, frailty risk stratification and antithrombotic therapy data were collected. Patients had a minimum FU of 6 months. VKA patients had a standard FU through digital international normalized ratio (INR) control and the efficacy of therapy was determined by the time in therapeutic range (TTR) values from the preceding 6 months of treatment using Rosendaal's method. FU in DOAC patients was performed through structured and integral assessment following the Tromboc@t Working Group recommendations for management in patients receiving DOAC (Olivera et al, Med Clin 2018). Key practical management aspects are listed in the flow chart (Figure 1). Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS score) was assigned to each patient at the beginning and during the FU; patients were classified into three categories: non-frail (CFS 1-4), mild-to-moderately frail (CFS 5-6), and severely frail (CFS 7-9). RESULTS From a total of 1040 NVAF patients, 690 (63.5%) were treated with DOAC (61 dabigatran, 95 rivaroxaban, 254 edoxaban and 280 apixaban) and 350 with VKA. In the VKA group, the mean TTR was 52.8%. Demographic characteristics and CFS score are summarized in table 1. Kaplan-Meier analysis (median FU: 16.5 months) showed a significantly high incidence of stroke/systemic embolism among VKA patients vs DOAC patients (4.2 vs 0.5 events per 100 patient-years, p<0.001). Major bleeding in the DOAC group was significantly infrequent compared with VKA group (2.2 vs 8.9 events, p=0.001). In the DOAC group, 90% (n=20/22) of the major bleedings were gastrointestinal [16 rivaroxaban and 4 edoxaban]. However, in the VKA group 64% (n = 20/31) were gastrointestinal, 25.8% (n= 8/31) intracranial and 9.7% (n = 3/31) urogenital bleedings. We identified 365 very elderly patients (aged ≥ 90 years) of which 270 (39.1%) were DOAC patients and 95 (27.1%) VKA patients. In this subgroup of patients, after a multivariate regression analysis, the stroke/systemic embolism incidence was similar in both treatment groups regardless of the age, but major bleeding decreased significantly in DOAC group (adjusted HR 0.247, 95% CI 0.091-0.664). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that DOACs can be a good therapeutic option for stroke/systemic embolism prevention in frail elderly patients, showing low rates of stroke as well as bleeding events when a structured and integral FU is applied to anticoagulated patients. Further investigations are necessary to analyze the impact in the quality of life and net clinical benefit of anticoagulant therapy when a FU program is applied in elderly patients. Disclosures Sierra: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Astellas: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Honoraria; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria.

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Safety and timing of resuming dabigatran after major gastrointestinal bleeding reversed by idarucizumab

SAGE Open Medical Case Reports ◽

10.1177/2050313x17753336 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 2050313X1775333 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gian Galeazzo Riario Sforza ◽

Francesco Gentile ◽

Fabio Stock ◽

Francesco Caggiano ◽

Enrica Chiocca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Case Report ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Acute Treatment ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Oral Vitamin ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Massive Rectal Bleeding

The recent introduction of direct oral anticoagulants, including rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban, for the acute treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism and in atrial fibrillation has been shown to provide greater clinical benefit than oral vitamin K antagonists. However, direct oral anticoagulants are associated with adverse events, the most common being major bleeding; such events require the reversal of the anticoagulant effects by specific agents. In this case report, we describe an 87-year-old female with atrial fibrillation treated with dabigatran who had massive rectal bleeding. Idarucizumab 5 g (2 × 2.5 g/50 mL) was successfully used to reverse dabigatran effect; subsequent to this, treatment with dabigatran was resumed, and there were no further bleeding events. This suggests that dabigatran can be safely restarted after major bleeding, but this outcome needs to be confirmed in studies involving larger groups of patients.

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