scholarly journals Use of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients on Immunomodulatory Agents

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 1449-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Man ◽  
Amy L Morris ◽  
Jacqueline Brown ◽  
Surabhi Palkimas ◽  
Kelly Mercer Davidson

Abstract The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in individuals with cancer, particularly in those with multiple myeloma. The immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide are commonly used to treat multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies and are associated with increased risk of VTE. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (v.1.2016) on cancer-associated VTE utilize a risk assessment model based on a few small studies to guide VTE prophylaxis for multiple myeloma patients being treated with an IMiD (Palumbo, et al. Leukemia, 2008). Aspirin is recommended for lower risk patients while prophylactic-dose low molecular weight heparin or therapeutic warfarin are recommended for higher risk patients. The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for cancer-associated VTE is currently under investigation (Raskob, et al. Lancet Haematol, 2016). Little is known about their role in VTE prophylaxis in patients on IMiDs. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of DOACs in patients receiving IMiDs. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients at the University of Virginia Health System who received an IMiD and who were taking either a DOAC or warfarin between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. DOACs included dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. IMiDs included lenalidomide, thalidomide, and pomalidomide. The primary endpoint was to assess the safety of DOACs as compared to warfarin, and the secondary endpoint was to assess their efficacy. We collected baseline patient information, as well as diagnosis, IMiD, anticoagulant, antiplatelet agent and dose, duration of treatment, concurrent antineoplastic therapies, and thrombotic risk factors. We utilized the NCCN definitions of individual and myeloma-related thrombotic risk factors. Many patients had changes in their IMiD or anticoagulation. Thus, separate encounters were collected, where an encounter was the combination of an IMiD agent and dose, the anticoagulant, the antiplatelet agent (if any), and the thrombotic risk profile for that time period. Descriptive analyses were performed on all encounters in both groups. Rates of bleeding and thrombotic events were calculated. There were 21 discrete patients in the DOAC group and 16 in the warfarin group. Characteristics and outcomes are described in Table 1. There were four non-major bleeding events in the DOAC group; two of the four bleeding events occurred while on concomitant aspirin therapy. The patient with hematuria stopped anticoagulation and cystoscopy revealed bladder cancer. The other patients did not change or stop therapy. There were six bleeding events in the warfarin group: two were major and four were non-major. The two major events were gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Neither event occurred while on concomitant antiplatelet therapy. The GIB required cessation of therapy, hospitalization, and transfusions. The INR at the time is unknown. The SAH was preceded by a fall while INR was in therapeutic range. Both major and two of the non-major bleeding events occurred in the same patient at different time points and accounted for most of the warfarin-related bleeding events. There was one thrombotic event in the DOAC group. The patient had a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) while on prophylactic-dose rivaroxaban. She was not on concomitant antiplatelet therapy. Arterial thrombotic events are not typically seen with IMiDs, and the NSTEMI was thought to be related to the recent initiation of carfilzomib. There were no thrombotic events in the warfarin group. This was a retrospective, single-institution study assessing the safety and efficacy of DOACs as compared to warfarin in patients on IMiDs. In our study, all bleeding events in the DOAC group were non-major, while patients on warfarin experienced both major and non-major bleeds. Only one thrombotic event was recorded in the DOAC group. DOACs may represent an attractive alternative to warfarin for VTE prophylaxis in these patients, given no need for routine monitoring and fewer dietary restrictions. Prospective studies in this population are warranted. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Alcalai ◽  
R Rashad ◽  
A Butnaru ◽  
G Moravsky ◽  
D Leibowitz

Abstract Background Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) have an elevated risk of stroke, mostly due to left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation, which typically occur within the first 2 weeks following an anterior MI. Currently the recommended management of LV thrombus after acute MI is anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist. To date, there are no prospective data on the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) for stroke prevention in the setting of LV thrombus. Aim To assess the efficacy of apixaban vs. warfarin in treating LV thrombus after MI. Methods The study is a prospective, randomized, multi-center open label trial comparing apixaban (at a dose of 5 mg twice daily) with s.c enoxaparin 1mg/kg BID followed by dose-adjusted warfarin to achieve a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0 to 3.0 for 3 months in patients with LV thrombus detected by echocardiography 3 to 14 days after acute MI. The primary outcome was the presence and size of LV thrombus 3 months after initiation of anticoagulation as assessed by 2D echocardiogram. Secondary outcomes were stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding and death from any cause. Results 25 patients have been enrolled to date in 3 medical centers, 13 were randomized to apixaban and 12 to warfarin. Mean age was 59.8±10.7 and 19 (76%) were males with no difference between the study groups. Mean LV thrombus size at enrollment was 24X15 mm in the apixaban group and 19X14 in the warfarin group (p=NS). After 3 months of treatment thrombus completely resolved in all patients in the warfarin group and in 12 of 13 in the apixaban group. In one patient in the apixaban group who had a very large thrombus of 40x20mm size upon enrollment the thrombus size was reduced significantly to 20x12 after 3 months. No death, stroke or systemic embolism was documented in either group. There were two patients with major bleeding in the warfarin group, one had sub-arachnoid hemorrhage after 2 months and anticoagulation was stopped, and another had GI bleeding after 1 month and was switched to enoxaparin. One patient in the warfarin group refused to continue the treatment after 3 weeks. No major bleeding events were recorded in the apixaban group and all patients completed 3 months of treatment. Conclusions Our preliminary results indicate that apixaban is a safe and effective treatment for patients with LV thrombus post anterior wall MI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4964-4964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Crowther ◽  
Jamie Doyle ◽  
Stanford Taylor ◽  
Nadia Ali

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in multiple myeloma (MM) patients for several reasons; hematologic malignancy itself is a VTE risk factor and standard of care immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) in combination with dexamethasone (Dex) increase the risk further. This combination therapy has a mean VTE incidence of 21.5% in studies that did not use thromboprophylaxis and is recommended for all patients on IMiDs, although the optimal thromboprophylactic regimen remains uncertain. In clinical practice, aspirin (ASA) is commonly prescribed for VTE prophylaxis due to the ease of use. Despite this, the incidence of VTE remains between 7-14%. There is a growing body of literature supporting the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment of VTE in cancer populations. We wanted to assess the incidence of VTE despite ASA prophylaxis at our institution and to further characterize the role of DOACs in the MM population. To do this, we performed a chart review of all MM patients who had been treated with lenalidomide and a DOAC, assessing for VTE development and patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with the diagnosis of MM treated with lenalidomide therapy at Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University Hospital or Cottman Avenue after Jan 1st, 2015 to July 2019. Eligible patients were identified through electronic medical record data mining for patients that had been diagnosed with MM, had been prescribed lenalidomide, had been taking ASA while on lenalidomide, and switched to rivaroxaban, edoxaban or apixaban. For comparison, the number of patients treated with lenalidomide and ASA who did not switch to a DOAC were also identified. Patient charts were reviewed for VTE development and bleeding complications after DOAC administration. Results: 132 patients were identified who had a diagnosis of MM and had been prescribed lenalidomide between Jan 1, 2015 and July 31, 2019. These patients were also prescribed aspirin except for three who were already on a DOAC prior to starting lenalidomide. Of the total 132 patients, only 17 were prescribed a DOAC. Six of the patients were on DOACs for reasons other than VTE (atrial fibrillation N=4, atrial flutter N=1, marantic endocarditis N=1). Eleven patients were started on DOACs for VTE; incidence of 8.3% in our myeloma population. However three of these VTEs occurred within one month of high dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue. These three patients had been off lenalidomide for over one month prior to VTE. Eight of the 17 patients with VTE developed clots in the setting of active MM and concurrent therapy with IMiD/Dex, independent of hospitalizations or other provoking factors. This is an incidence of 6.0% for VTE directly attributed to therapy. Six patients were on lenalidomide and Dex, while two patients developed VTE while on pomalidomide and Dex. No patients on lenalidomide experienced recurrent VTEs after being switched to therapeutic dose DOAC. One patient on pomalidomide/Dex did experience recurrent VTE. We examined all 17 patients who were on DOACs, 16 of which had been on IMiD and DOACs concurrently. Three had minor bleeding events which all resolved spontaneously. One patient had a major bleeding event, which was a fatal ruptured cerebral aneurysm while on a DOAC and ASA concurrently. Conclusion: The incidence of VTE in our patient population receiving IMiD/Dex while on ASA prophylaxis therapy was similar to what has been previously reported in the literature. We examined the clinical outcomes of 16 patients treated with IMiDs and DOACs concurrently and found few bleeding events. The one major bleed was likely precipitated by malignant hypertension and not a direct result of being on a DOAC. Taken together these results further support the growing body of evidence that DOACs are effective and safe treatments for VTE in cancer patients, including MM. Moving forward, our clinical experience with treatment dose DOACs supports the use of prophylactic dose DOACs to potentially further reduce the incidence of VTE in this high-risk population. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Hematology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 642-648
Author(s):  
Geoffrey D. Barnes

Abstract Up to 10% of the >3 million Americans with atrial fibrillation will experience an acute coronary syndrome or undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. Therefore, concurrent indications for multiple antithrombotic agents is a common clinical scenario. Although each helps reduce thrombotic risk, their combined use significantly increases the risk of major bleeding events, which can be life threatening. In the past 5 years, a number of randomized clinical trials have explored different combinations of anticoagulation plus antiplatelet agents aimed at minimizing bleeding risk while preserving low thrombotic event rates. In general, shorter courses with fewer antithrombotic agents have been found to be effective, particularly when direct oral anticoagulants are combined with clopidogrel. Combined use of very low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin has also demonstrated benefit in atherosclerotic diseases, including coronary and peripheral artery disease. Use of proton pump inhibitor therapy while patients are taking multiple antithrombotic agents has the potential to further reduce upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk in select populations. Applying this evidence to patients with multiple thrombotic conditions will help to avoid costly and life-threatening adverse medication events.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4193-4193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kateryna Fedorov ◽  
Swati Goel ◽  
Margarita Kushnir ◽  
Henny H. Billett

Background: Patients with polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are at increased risk of thrombosis. These myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients are historically treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent recurrent thromboembolic events. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are novel anticoagulants that are being increasingly used in MPNs without robust evidence. We hypothesize that DOAC and VKA therapy have similar efficacy and safety in MPNs with a comparable incidence of recurrent thromboembolic and bleeding events. Methods: Using Looking Glass®, an interactive software that integrates demographic and clinical datasets for the purpose of clinical research, we identified MPN patients who were on systemic anticoagulation (AC) therapy for a documented arterial or venous thrombotic event between 1/1/2014 and 4/1/2019. Medical charts were reviewed to obtain patient demographics, MPN subtype, mutation status, date of MPN diagnosis, date and site of index thrombosis, date of AC initiation, last documented date of therapy, date and site of recurrent thrombosis, changes in therapy; date and type of major bleeding (MB) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) events on AC. Primary outcome was incidence of recurrent thrombotic events while on AC. Secondary outcome was the incidence of MB and CRNMB events. Statistical analyses were performed using two-sided t-tests with α =0.05 for continuous variables, chi-square for categorical variables with samples size >10 and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables with sample size <10. Results: We identified 53 patients that met the study criteria. Data on demographics, MPN subtype, mutation status, index thrombosis site, and type of AC are reported in Table 1. The majority of the patients in our cohort were females (69.8%), had a diagnosis of ET (71.7%), were JAK2V617F mutated (69.8%), and had a venous index event (75%). Median age for the entire cohort was 66.8 years (IQR 48.1-74.5) while the median age for those who had a recurrent thrombotic event on AC was 56.1 (IQR 46.4-76.1). If patients were switched from one anticoagulant to another, only the first treatment was included in the analysis. 31 (58.5%) of patients were on VKA therapy while 22 (41.5%) were on DOAC therapy. Median time of follow up was 227 and 451 days for DOACs and VKA respectively, (p = 0.01). Rates of thrombosis and bleeding were comparable within anticoagulation class. 5/22 (22.7%) and 6/31 (19.4%) of patients prescribed DOACs and VKA respectively developed recurrent thrombotic events. Median time to recurrent thrombotic event for DOACs as compared to VKA group was 568 vs 734 days (p = 0.29). 5/22 (22.7%) of those prescribed DOACs had bleeding events, 1 MB and 4 CRNMB. 11/31 (35.5%) of those prescribed VKA had bleeding events, 2 MB and 9 CRNMB. Median time to bleeding event for DOACs as compared to VKA was 56 vs 1347 days (p = 0.004). For the 53 patients on any anticoagulation, 11 (20.7%) patients had recurrent events while on AC (DOAC and VKA). In contrast, of the 14 patients who had AC therapy interrupted for any reason, 8 (57.1%) developed recurrent thrombotic events (p = 0.02). Table 2 summarizes these findings. Conclusion: We conducted a retrospective chart review study comparing the incidence of recurrent thromboembolic events on DOAC and VKA therapy. This is the largest study to date of MPN patients treated with DOACs. Based on our data, it appears that patients treated with DOACs have a comparable incidence of recurrent thrombosis and hemorrhagic events when compared to VKA therapy, although our study suggests that bleeding events may occur sooner in patients treated with DOACs. A large percentage of people with interruptions in their AC developed recurrent thrombotic events. Our data further emphasize the profound pro-thrombotic nature of MPN and therefore the need for uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy. Overall, given the comparable incidence of thrombosis and hemorrhage, DOAC therapy appears to be similar to VKA therapy in management of thrombotic complications of MPNs. The limitations of our study were as expected: a small sample size and significantly shorter median time for DOAC follow up as compared to VKA. Future, prospective large-scale studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of DOAC therapy in MPNs. Disclosures Kushnir: Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Billett:Bayer Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Patents & Royalties: Patent application pending for NETs AI software.


TH Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 04 (02) ◽  
pp. e127-e137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Ferrandis ◽  
Juan V. Llau ◽  
Javier F. Sanz ◽  
Concepción M. Cassinello ◽  
Óscar González-Larrocha ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction There is scarce real-world experience regarding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) perioperative management. No study before has linked bridging therapy or DOAC-free time (pre-plus postoperative time without DOAC) with outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate real-world management and outcomes. Methods RA-ACOD is a prospective, observational, multicenter registry of adult patients on DOAC treatment requiring surgery. Primary outcomes were thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Follow-up was immediate postoperative (24–48 hours) and 30 days. Statistics were performed using a univariate and multivariate analysis. Data are presented as odds ratios (ORs [95% confidence interval]). Results From 26 Spanish hospitals, 901 patients were analyzed (53.5% major surgeries): 322 on apixaban, 304 on rivaroxaban, 267 on dabigatran, 8 on edoxaban. Fourteen (1.6%) patients suffered a thrombotic event, related to preoperative DOAC withdrawal (OR: 1.57 [1.03–2.4]) and DOAC-free time longer than 6 days (OR: 5.42 [1.18–26]). Minor bleeding events were described in 76 (8.4%) patients, with higher incidence for dabigatran (12.7%) versus other DOACs (6.6%). Major bleeding events occurred in 17 (1.9%) patients. Bridging therapy was used in 315 (35%) patients. It was associated with minor (OR: 2.57 [1.3–5.07]) and major (OR: 4.2 [1.4–12.3]) bleeding events, without decreasing thrombotic events. Conclusion This study offers real-world data on perioperative DOAC management and outcomes in a large prospective sample size to date with a high percentage of major surgery. Short-term preprocedural DOAC interruption depending on the drug, hemorrhagic risk, and renal function, without bridging therapy and a reduced DOAC-free time, seems the safest practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962097957
Author(s):  
Soo-Mee Bang ◽  
Jin-Hyoung Kang ◽  
Min Hee Hong ◽  
Jin-Seok Ahn ◽  
So Yeon Oh ◽  
...  

This study assessed epidemiologic data and clinical outcomes, including venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding events, in patients with cancer-associated VTE, and assessed factors associated with clinical outcomes. Data were extracted from retrospective medical-chart review of adult patients diagnosed with cancer-associated deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism who received anticoagulation treatment for ≥3 months. Patients were classified by: low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and other anticoagulants. First VTE recurrence and bleeding events, and factors associated with their occurrence, were assessed during the initial 6 months of treatment. Overall, 623 patients (age: 63.7 ± 11.3 years, 49.3% male) were included (119, 132, and 372 patients in LMWH, DOACs and other anticoagulants groups, respectively). The cumulative 6-month incidence of VTE recurrence was 16.6% (total), 8.3% (LMWH), 16.7% (DOACs), and 20.7% (other); respective bleeding events were 22.5%, 11.0%, 12.3%, and 30.7%). VTE recurrence and bleeding rates differed only between LMWH and other anticoagulants (HR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-5.0 and 3.6, 1.9-6.8, respectively). These results highlight the importance of initial VTE treatment choice for preventing VTE recurrence and bleeding events. LMWH or DOACs for ≥3 months can be considered for effective VTE management in cancer patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962098790
Author(s):  
Clara Ting ◽  
Megan Rhoten ◽  
Jillian Dempsey ◽  
Hunter Nichols ◽  
John Fanikos ◽  
...  

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.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4314-4314
Author(s):  
Michal Ariela Raz ◽  
Jon E. Arnason ◽  
Osnat Bairey ◽  
Lev Shvidel ◽  
Ariel Aviv ◽  
...  

Introduction: Ibrutinib, an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, is an established therapeutic agent in a variety of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Ibrutinib induces platelet dysfunction and concurrent treatment with ibrutinib and warfarin was shown to significantly increase the risk of bleeding. The current study was designed to investigate the safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients receiving ibrutinib, considering their expanding employment together with the lack of data regarding their safety in patients receiving ibrutinib. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate risks of major bleeding in patients with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (CLL, MCL, DLBCL, MZL or WM) that were treated with ibrutinib and DOACs but without concurrent antiplatelet therapy, between January 2010 and October 2018 in 5 participating centers. Patient medical charts were reviewed for demographic parameters, comorbidities, ibrutinib dosage, DOACs dosage (including the adjustment for renal function), blood count and chemistry tests, bleeding site and grade. Results: The study included 30 patients, median age at starting concurrent administration of ibrutinib and DOACs was 71.58 years (range 50.9-88.2). Most patients were treated for CLL (n=18, 60%) and MCL (n=8, 26%). The most common daily doses of ibrutinib were 420 mg and 560 mg in 63.3% and 30% of patients respectively. None of the patients received an additional antiplatelet agent. Twenty-three patients were treated with apixaban (76.7%), 4 with rivaroxaban (13.3%) and 3 (10%) with dabigatran. The main indications for DOACs were atrial fibrillation and VTE (venous thromboembolism). The median follow-up after initiation of the ibrutinib-DOAC combination was 13.4 months (range 1.8-47.9 months). Bleeding was reported in 22 patients (73.3%), mostly mucocutaneous (n=12, 40%) and gastrointestinal tract (n=7, 23.3%), followed by CNS bleeding (n=4, 13.3%). Mucocutaneous bleedings were all grade 1-2 and gastrointestinal tract and CNS bleeding events were grade 1-4. Major bleeding events, defined as grade 3 or 4, occurred in 5 patients (16.6%) and did not result in death of any of the patients. The median time for bleeding following ibrutinib-DOAC initiation was 5.6 months. Over a follow-up period of 21 months of combined treatment, the incidence of bleeding events (of all grades) increased to 75% (Figure 1). Incidence of bleeding events (including all grades) was quite similar between all DOAC subtypes (73.9% with apixaban, 75% with rivaroxaban and 66.7% with dabigatran). No statistically significant predictors for increased risk of bleeding in patients receiving ibrutinib combined with DOACs were detected. Ibrutinib was stopped in 8 patients (26.7%) due to grade 1 to 4 bleeding events and was re-initiated in 6 patients, resulting in recurrent grade 3 and 4 bleeding events in 2 patients. Conclusions: Concurrent administration of DOACs and ibrutinib appears to be feasible. However, risk of bleeding is not neglectable, and treatment resumption in patients that experienced a significant bleeding event should be considered with caution. Disclosures Arnason: Celgene/Juno: Consultancy; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy. Herishanu:Roche: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1162-1162
Author(s):  
Desirée Campoy ◽  
Gonzalo Artaza ◽  
César A Velasquez ◽  
Tania Canals ◽  
Erik A Johansson ◽  
...  

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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