Two-year outcomes of more than 30 000 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: results from the All Nippon AF In the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry

Clinical effects of direct oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with a bioprosthetic valve and atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have a bioprosthetic valve (BPV). However, the data related to elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) with BPV replacement and AF are limited.

METHODS

This post-hoc subgroup analysis of a BPV-AF Registry enrolled 752 patients with BPV replacement and AF. The primary net outcome was a composite of cardiac death, stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, and cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

Among 752 patients, 429 (57%) patients were ≥ 80 and 323 (43%) were < 80 years old. The higher risk in patients aged ≥80 than <80 years was significant for the net outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-3.17; P = 0.001). After adjustment for confounders, there was no statistically significant difference between warfarin (reference) and DOAC users in the risk of net outcomes (adjusted HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.71-2.24; P = 0.44), stroke and systemic embolism (adjusted HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 0.48-8.38; P = 0.34), and major bleeding (adjusted HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.11-4.98; P = 0.75) in patients aged ≥80 years old as well as those aged <80 years. Among 489 warfarin users, the cumulative incidence of net outcomes tended to be higher in patients aged ≥80 than <80 years (12.2% vs. 5.7% at 1 year, log-rank P = 0.002). Among 263 DOAC users, however, it was similar between patients aged ≥80 and < 80 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that DOAC showed similar efficacy and safety compared with warfarin even in elderly patients aged ≥80 years with BPV replacement and AF.

Effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in low-weight patients with atrial fibrillation

It remains unclear whether non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are more effective and safer than warfarin in low-weight patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we retrospectively compared the effectiveness and safety of NOACs with those of warfarin in low-weight patients with AF. We extracted the July 2011-September 2022 data of patients with AF treated with a NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban) or warfarin at a tertiary hospital. The patients were divided into low-weight (body weight ≤ 60 kg) and non-low-weight (body weight = 60-100 kg) groups. The primary outcomes were hospitalization for ischemic stroke (IS) or systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding, whereas the secondary outcomes were any ischemic and bleeding events. We used the inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance the baseline characteristics between the groups. In total, 5,044 patients (mean age = 73.7 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score = 3.0, mean HAS-BLED score = 2.3) were enrolled and divided into low-weight and non-low-weight groups-containing 1,666 (1,406 NOAC users, 260 warfarin users) and 3,378 (2,978 NOAC users, 400 warfarin users) patients, respectively. NOACs were associated with a lower risk of any bleeding event in the low-weight group (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval = 0.51-0.73). The between-group differences in the risks of IS/SE, any ischemic event, major bleeding, and any bleeding event were nonsignificant. Thus, the use of NOACs (specifically dabigatran or edoxaban) is associated with a lower risk of any bleeding event than warfarin use in low-weight patients with AF.

Application Value and Safety Analysis of Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, and Dabigatran Ester in Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the application value and safety of Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, and Dabigatran in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

A total of 180 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to their anticoagulant treatment regimen, patients were divided into three groups: Warfarin (57 cases), Rivaroxaban (61 cases), and Dabigatran (62 cases). General demographic information was collected, and coagulation function indicators-including fibrinogen (FIB), thrombin time (PT), activated partial thrombin time (APTT), and D-dimer (D-D)-as well as liver function indexes-including total bilirubin (TbiL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transferase (ALT)-were compared before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics such as gender, age, body mass index, or disease course among the three groups. The total effective rate in the Warfarin group (84.21%) was significantly lower than in the Rivaroxaban (98.36%) and Dabigatran (96.77%) groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were found in the effects of the three drugs on coagulation function, liver function, or the incidence of bleeding (p = 0.052).

CONCLUSION

Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, and Dabigatran can effectively prevent thrombosis in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, with Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran showing superior effectiveness. All three drugs demonstrated similar low rates of bleeding events and had no significant impact on coagulation and liver function.

Patient Outcomes in Very Elderly Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation - ANAFIE Registry

Background

The All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation In the Elderly Registry provides real-world insights into non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in >30,000 elderly Japanese patients (aged ≥75 years), including >2,000 nonagenarians. We aimed to investigate outcomes in these patients by age and oral anticoagulant (OAC) type.

Methods and Results

This prospective, multicenter, observational, cohort, 2-year follow-up study included elderly patients with NVAF who were able to attend hospital visits. The incidences of stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE), major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and major adverse cardiovascular or neurological events (MACNE) were evaluated by age. Incidence rates increased significantly with age. Stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and ICH incidences plateaued in patients aged ≥90 years. Direct OACs (DOACs) yielded a numerically lower event incidence vs. warfarin in all age groups and endpoints, except for major bleeding in patients aged ≥90 years. DOACs (vs. warfarin) were significantly associated with a lower risk of stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and ICH in the ≥80-<85 years group, and reduced cardiovascular and all-cause death in the ≥75-<80 years group. In the ≥90 years subgroup, major bleeding history was a risk factor for all-cause death.

Conclusions

Although DOAC vs. warfarin offers potential benefits for stroke prevention, limitations occurred in reducing major bleeding among those aged ≥90 years, indicating a potential benefit of very-low-dose DOAC for this demographic.

Thrombosis and Aging: Fibrin Clot Properties and Oxidative Stress

Significance: Aging is a complex process associated with an increased risk of many diseases, including thrombosis. This review summarizes age-related prothrombotic mechanisms in clinical settings of thromboembolism, focusing on the role of fibrin structure and function modified by oxidative stress. Recent Advances: Aging affects blood coagulation and fibrinolysis via multiple mechanisms, including enhanced oxidative stress, with an imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant mechanisms, leading to loss of function and accumulation of oxidized proteins, including fibrinogen. Age-related prothrombotic alterations are multifactorial involving enhanced platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and changes in coagulation factors and inhibitors. Formation of more compact fibrin clot networks displaying impaired susceptibility to fibrinolysis represents a novel mechanism, which might contribute to atherothrombosis and venous thrombosis. Alterations to fibrin clot structure/function are at least in part modulated by post-translational modifications of fibrinogen and other proteins involved in thrombus formation, with a major impact of carbonylation. Fibrin clot properties are also involved in the efficacy and safety of therapy with oral anticoagulants, statins, and/or aspirin. Critical Issues: Since a prothrombotic state is observed in very elderly individuals free of diseases associated with thromboembolism, the actual role of activated blood coagulation in health remains elusive. It is unclear to what extent oxidative modifications of coagulation and fibrinolytic proteins, in particular fibrinogen, contribute to a prothrombotic state in healthy aging. Future Directions: Ongoing studies will show whether novel therapies that may alter oxidative stress and fibrin characteristics are beneficial to prevent atherosclerosis and thromboembolic events associated with aging.

Optimal Dose of Edoxaban for Very Elderly Atrial Fibrillation Patients at High Risk of Bleeding: The LEDIOS Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Optimal anticoagulation in very elderly patients is challenging due to the high risk of anticoagulant-induced bleeding. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of on-label reduced-dose edoxaban (30 mg) in very elderly patients who had additional risk factors for bleeding.

METHODS

This was a multi-center, prospective, non-interventional observational study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of on-label reduced-dose edoxaban in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients 80 years of age or older and who had more than 1 risk factor for bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 2448 patients (mean age 75.0±8.3 years, 801 [32.7%] males) was included in the present study, and 586 (23.9%) were 80 years of age or older with additional risk factors for bleeding. Major bleeding events occurred frequently among very elderly AF patients who had additional bleeding risk factors compared to other patients (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-4.02); however, there were no significant differences in stroke incidence (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.98-3.55). There were no significant differences for either factor after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.75-3.62 for major bleeding; adjusted HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.51-2.50 for stroke).

CONCLUSIONS

In very elderly AF patients with comorbidities associated with greater risk of bleeding, the incidence of major bleeding events was significantly increased. In addition, risk of stroke showed tendency to increase in same population. Effective anticoagulation therapy might be important in these high-risk population, and close observation of bleeding events might also be required.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03554837.

Interactions between antiepileptic drugs and direct oral anticoagulants for primary and secondary stroke prevention

INTRODUCTION

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are the guideline-recommended therapy for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism. Since approximately 10% of patients using antiepileptic drugs (AED) also receive DOAC, aim of this review is to summarize data about drug-drug interactions (DDI) of DOAC with AED by using data from PubMed until December 2023.

AREAS COVERED

Of 49 AED, only 16 have been investigated regarding DDI with DOAC by case reports or observational studies. No increased risk for stroke was reported only for topiramate, zonisamide, pregabalin, and gabapentin, whereas for the remaining 12 AED conflicting results regarding the risk for stroke and bleeding were found. Further 16 AED have the potential for pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic DDI, but no data regarding DOAC are available. For the remaining 17 AED it is unknown if they have DDI with DOAC.

EXPERT OPINION

Knowledge about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic DDI of AED and DOAC is limited and frequently restricted to in vitro and in vivo findings. Since no data about DDI with DOAC are available for 67% of AED and an increasing number of patients have a combined medication of DOAC and AED, there is an urgent need for research on this topic.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: prespecified All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry subgroup analysis

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding control is critical in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving oral anticoagulants (OAC). This subgroup analysis aimed to clarify the actual state and significance of GI bleeding in elderly non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of GI bleeding during the 2-year follow-up and examined the GI bleeding impact on mortality. Of the 32,275 patients in the ANAFIE Registry, 1139 patients (3.5%) experienced GI bleeding (incidence rate, 1.92 events per 100 person-years; mean follow-up, 1.88 years); 339 upper and 760 lower GI bleeding events occurred. GI bleeding risk factors included age ≥ 85 years, body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, prior major bleeding, hyperuricaemia, heart failure, P-glycoprotein inhibitor use, GI disease, and polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs). No significant differences in GI bleeding risk were found between direct OAC (DOAC) vs warfarin users (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 1.01 [0.88-1.15]). The 1-year post-GI bleeding mortality rate was numerically higher in patients with upper (19.6%) than lower GI bleeding (8.9%). In elderly Japanese NVAF patients, this large-scale study found no significant difference in GI bleeding risk between DOAC vs. warfarin users or 1-year mortality after upper or lower GI bleeding.

Understanding Antithrombotic Agents for Rehabilitation Therapy: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

In rehabilitation medicine, attention must be paid to the medication. Among them, antithrombotic drugs are used for the initial treatment and secondary prevention of stroke, so as a basic knowledge, the pharmacological actions, characteristics, indications, and precautions for the use of antithrombotic drugs should be known. Antithrombotic agents are divided into antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, and the appropriate antithrombotic agent is selected according to the main disease or condition. Antiplatelet agents include aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cilostazol. Each antiplatelet agent has a different mechanism of action, characteristics, and indications, and should be prescribed with due consideration. Anticoagulants include heparin, synthetic Xa inhibitors, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), synthetic antithrombin agents, and warfarin. Knowledge of the mechanism of action, characteristics, and indications of each anticoagulant is necessary, as well as monitoring and dose adjustment. With regard to ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD) and antithrombotic agents, the first step is to classify cerebral infarction and to determine whether antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants should be used. Bleeding and recurrence prevention are important considerations in the selection of appropriate antithrombotic agents for the pathophysiology of ICD.

Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Apixaban, Dabigatran, and Rivaroxaban in Patients With Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Control Trials and Observational Studies

The objective of this network meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease. A comprehensive search was conducted across various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, from inception to February 15, 2024. The search strategy utilized a combination of medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and relevant keywords related to valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant therapy, and study design, such as randomized controlled trials and observational studies. The outcomes evaluated in this analysis comprised the incidence of stroke or systemic embolism (SE), as well as the occurrences of major bleeding events. A total of 10 studies were incorporated into this meta-analysis, encompassing 40,662 participants. Of these, 12,385 received apixaban, 2,829 received dabigatran, 13,662 received rivaroxaban, 2,582 received edoxaban, and 9,202 received warfarin. The duration of follow-up in the included studies ranged from 3 to 54 months. Among the four direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) studied, apixaban demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of stroke or SE when compared to other DOACs and warfarin, highlighting its efficacy in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease. Additionally, apixaban exhibited a lower risk of major bleeding events, further emphasizing its favorable safety profile compared to the other agents assessed. In conclusion, our findings suggest that apixaban may be more effective and safer than other DOACs and warfarin in this patient population. However, additional studies are warranted to compare the various DOACs in this cohort to identify the optimal treatment strategy for preventing adverse outcomes.

Clinical outcomes and anticoagulation therapy in elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation and heart failure patients

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. Older age is strongly associated with stroke, HF, and mortality. The association between coexistence of HF and a risk of clinical outcomes and the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in elderly patients with AF and HF have not been investigated. We aimed to evaluate 2 years of outcomes and to elucidate the efficacy of DOACs or warfarin in elderly AF patients in the All Nippon AF In the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry with and without a history of HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ANAFIE Registry is a multicentre, prospective observational study following elderly non-valvular AF patients aged ≥75 years for 2 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated based on the presence or absence of an HF diagnosis and DOAC or warfarin use at enrolment. Among 32 275 eligible patients, 12 116 (37.5%) had been diagnosed with HF. Patients with HF had significantly higher rates of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death (HR 1.94, P < 0.001), cardiovascular events (HR 1.59, P < 0.001), cardiovascular death (HR 1.49, P < 0.001), all-cause death (HR 1.32, P < 0.001), and net clinical outcome including stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause death (HR 1.23, P < 0.001), compared with those without HF; however, HRs for stroke/systemic embolism (HR 0.96, P = 0.56) and major bleeding (HR 1.14, P = 0.13) were similar. DOAC use was associated with a low risk of stroke/systemic embolism (HR 0.86, P = 0.19 in HF; HR 0.79, P = 0.016 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.56), major bleeding (HR 0.71, P = 0.008 in HF; HR 0.75, P = 0.016 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.74), HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death (HR 0.81, P < 0.001 in HF; HR 0.78, P < 0.001 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.26), cardiovascular events (HR 0.83, P < 0.001 in HF; HR 0.82, P = 0.001 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.65), cardiovascular death (HR 0.84, P = 0.12 in HF; HR 0.75, P = 0.035 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.18), all-cause death (HR 0.89, P = 0.082 in HF; HR 0.80, P = 0.001 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.091), and net clinical outcome (HR 0.88, P = 0.019 in HF; HR 0.81, P < 0.001 in non-HF; P for interaction = 0.21) compared with warfarin, irrespective of the presence or absence of HF. Analysis using the propensity score matching method showed similar associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-valvular AF patients aged ≥75 years with a history of HF had higher risks of cardiovascular events and mortality. DOACs were favourable to warfarin regardless of the coexistence of HF. These results might encourage the use of DOACs in elderly patients with non-valvular AF with or without HF.

Coronary events in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a prespecified sub-analysis of the ANAFIE registry

Real-world data on coronary events (CE) in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are lacking in the direct oral anticoagulant era. This prespecified sub-analysis of the ANAFIE Registry, a prospective observational study in > 30,000 Japanese patients aged ≥ 75 years with non-valvular AF (NVAF), investigated CE incidence and risk factors. The incidence and risk factors for new-onset CE (a composite of myocardial infarction [MI] and cardiac intervention for coronary heart diseases other than MI), MI, and cardiac intervention for coronary heart diseases other than MI during the 2-year follow-up were assessed. Bleeding events in CE patients were also examined. Among 32,275 patients, the incidence rate per 100 patient-years was 0.48 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-0.53) for CE during the 2-year follow-up, 0.20 (0.16-0.23) for MI, and 0.29 (0.25-0.33) for cardiac intervention for coronary heart diseases other than MI; that of stroke/systemic embolism was 1.62 (1.52-1.73). Patients with CE (n = 287) likely had lower creatinine clearance (CrCL) and higher CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores than patients without CE (n = 31,988). Significant risk factors associated with new-onset CE were male sex, systolic blood pressure of ≥ 130 mmHg, diabetes mellitus (glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.0%), CE history, antiplatelet agent use, and CrCL < 50 mL/min. Major bleeding incidence was significantly higher in patients with new-onset CE vs without CE (odds ratio [95% CI], 3.35 [2.06-5.43]). In elderly patients with NVAF, CE incidence was lower than stroke/systemic embolism incidence. New-onset CE (vs no CE) was associated with a higher incidence of major bleeding.Trial registration: UMIN000024006.

Andexanet Alfa for the Reversal of Factor Xa Inhibitor Activity: Prespecified Subgroup Analysis of the ANNEXA-4 Study in Japan

AIMS

Andexanet alfa, a specific antidote to factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, has been approved for clinical use in several countries, including Japan, based on the results from the phase 3 trial ANNEXA-4. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of andexanet alfa treatment in FXa inhibitor-related acute major bleeding in patients enrolled for ANNEXA-4 in Japan.

METHODS

This prespecified analysis included patients enrolled at Japanese sites in the prospective, open-label, single-arm ANNEXA-4 trial. Eligible patients had major bleeding within 18 hours of oral FXa inhibitor administration. The coprimary efficacy endpoints were percent change in anti-FXa activity and proportion of patients achieving excellent or good hemostatic efficacy 12 hours post-treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were enrolled, all of whom had intracranial hemorrhage; 16 patients were evaluable for efficacy. Median percent reduction in anti-FXa activity from baseline to nadir was 95.4% in patients taking apixaban, 96.1% in patients taking rivaroxaban, and 82.2% in patients taking edoxaban. Overall, 14/16 patients (88%) achieved excellent or good hemostasis (apixaban, 5/5; rivaroxaban, 6/7; edoxaban, 3/4). Within 30 days, treatment-related adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs occurred in 2 and 5 patients, respectively. One patient died during follow-up, and 2 patients experienced thrombotic events.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with andexanet alfa rapidly reduced anti-FXa activity with favorable hemostatic efficacy in Japanese patients with acute major bleeding. Serious AEs of thrombotic events during rapid reversal of anti-FXa activity arose as particular safety concerns in this population as with previous studies.

Clinical Benefits of Oral Anticoagulants for Elderly Patients With Cardioembolic Stroke at High Bleeding Risk

BACKGROUND/AIM

The relationship between the severity of cardioembolic stroke (CES) and oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment before stroke onset in very elderly (≥80 years) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) at high bleeding risk remains unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 364 consecutive patients (≥80 years) with CES and NVAF within 48 h following stroke onset were investigated. High bleeding risk was defined as follows: Bleeding history, renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), low body weight (≤45 kg), and antiplatelet or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Patients were divided into two groups: High bleeding risk (n=214) and non-high bleeding risk (n=150). We assessed stroke severity and functional outcome between the two groups, and evaluated the effect of therapy with direct OAC (DOAC) on stroke severity in the high-risk group.

RESULTS

The high-risk group had a worse modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge than the non-high-risk group [median: 4 (range=2-5) vs. 3 (range=1-4); p=0.02]. Patients in the high-risk group were categorized according to OAC treatment before stroke onset: No OAC (n=148), warfarin (n=46), and DOAC (n=20). The numbers of patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) ≥8 on admission in these groups were 104 (70%), 30 (65%), and 8 (40%) (p=0.03), respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed that DOAC therapy had a lower odds ratio (OR) for severe stroke (NIHSS ≥8) on admission (OR relative to no OAC=0.22, 95% confidence interval=0.08-0.62; p=0.005) and poor functional outcome (mRS ≥4) at discharge (OR=0.31, 95% confidence interval=0.11-0.90; p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Very elderly patients with CES at high bleeding risk have unfavorable functional outcomes. DOAC administration may be associated with reduced stroke severity.

Edoxaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and factors associated with dosing: patient characteristics from the prospective observational ETNA-AF-China registry

Real-world data on effectiveness and safety of a single non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in the Chinese population with atrial fibrillation (AF) are limited. This study reports characteristics of patients treated with edoxaban and factors associated with dosing patterns from routine care in China. ETNA-AF-China (NCT04747496) is a multicentre, prospective, observational study enrolling edoxaban-treated patients from four economic regions with a targeted 2-year follow-up. Of the 4930 patients with AF (mean age: 70.2 ± 9.5 years; male, 57.1%), the mean creatinine clearance (CrCl), CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED scores were 71.2 mL/min, 2.9, and 1.6. Overall, 6.4% of patients were perceived as frail by investigators. Available label dose reduction criteria (N = 4232) revealed that 3278 (77.5%) patients received recommended doses and 954 (22.5%) non-recommended doses. Northeast (53.0%) and West (43.1%) regions had the highest prescriptions of 60 mg and 30 mg recommended doses, respectively. Non-recommended 30 mg doses were more frequently prescribed in patients with antiplatelet use and history of heart failure than recommended 60 mg. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age as the strongest associated factor with non-recommended doses. Frailty had the strongest association with 30 mg except for age, and history of TIA was the most relevant factor associated with 60 mg. In conclusion, patients in the ETNA-AF-China study were predominantly aged 65 years and older, had mild-to-moderate renal impairment and good label adherence. Advanced age was associated with non-recommended doses, with frailty most common for non-recommended 30 mg and a history of TIA for the non-recommended 60 mg dose.

Anticoagulation in chronic kidney disease: current status and future perspectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is being diagnosed increasingly worldwide. It is often identified in individuals with comorbidities, which may increase the already heightened risk of thrombosis and hemorrhage associated with CKD. Oral anticoagulation is an effective means of reducing rates of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and minimizes the morbidity and mortality caused by venous thromboembolic disease. Despite the proven benefits in the majority of patients, these have not been so clearly realized in patients with CKD due to the precarious balance between bleeding and thromboembolic complications. In this review, the current status of anticoagulant utilization in CKD is examined, and some practical recommendations are put forward to assist in the decision-making process of safely anticoagulating patients with CKD diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism.

Relationship between Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Thromboembolic Events in Elderly Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Objective

To investigate the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and thromboembolic events in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study, and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 180 elderly patients with NVAF were included. The patients received follow-up appointments in the clinic or by telephone every 6 months after the beginning of the study. The primary follow-up endpoints were thromboembolic and atherosclerotic events, including ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and systemic embolism. The secondary endpoints were adverse events, including cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and hospitalisation for heart failure. Patients were divided into three groups according to their BNP level at admission: group A (BNP ≤334.5 pg/mL), group B (BNP = 334.5-1,288 pg/mL), and group C (BNP ≥1,288 pg/mL).

Results

A total of 180 patients were enrolled in this study, with 50 patients in group A, 68 in group B, and 62 in group C. Compared with groups A and B, group C had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (Z = 15.142; P=0.001) and a lower ejection fraction (EF) value (Z = 119.893; P=0.001). The left atrium (LA) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were larger (Z = 105.031; P=0.001 and Z = 74.430; P=0.001), respectively, suggesting that patients with significantly increased BNP had a higher risk of thromboembolism and atherosclerosis, lower EF, larger LA and LVEDD, and worse cardiac function. After 1 year of follow-up, the incidence of primary endpoint events (χ2 = 9.556; P=0.008) and secondary endpoint events (χ2 = 59.485; P=0.001) in group C were higher than those in groups A and B.

Conclusion

Higher BNP levels may be an independent risk factor for thromboembolic and atherosclerotic events in elderly patients with NVAF. The higher the BNP level, the greater the risk of thromboembolic and atherosclerotic events.

Immunosuppressive therapy and oral anticoagulation in kidney transplant recipients: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin-k antagonists

BACKGROUND

direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are an alternative to conventional antagonist of vitamin-K (AVK). However, immune suppressive drugs (ISDs) may interfere with DOACs pharmacokinetic.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

evaluate safety and efficacy profile of DOACs compared to AVK in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) treated with ISDs.

METHODS

a multi-center study from 4 Italian University hospitals enrolling consecutive KTRs on DOACs or AVK was carried out. Sixty-six patients on DOACs were compared with fifty patients on AVK with similar clinical features. Serial evaluation of renal function and serum levels of ISDs during 18 months follow-up (FU) was performed.

RESULTS

Mean age of DOACs patients was 67±9 and mean eGFR was 58,3± 30,4mL/min/1.73m2. ISDs included tacrolimus (n=47, 71%), cyclosporin (n=13, 20%), everolimus (n=10, 7%) and sirolimus (n=4, 6%). After 14 days of DOACs therapy initiation there was a slight increase of serum levels of tacrolimus (+0.19±0.67 p=0.80) and cyclosporine (+0.12±0.25 p=0.94) not statistically significant. Levels of Tacrolimus and cyclosporin were stable at serial evaluation during 18-months follow-up. There were no thromboembolic events among patients treated with DOACs or AVK and no differences in term of major bleeding (6% vs 4% p=0.69), at long-term follow-up. There was no difference in term of eGFR decline from start therapy to 18 months FU between DOACs vs AVK therapy (-3.9±1 vs -3.8±2 p=0.82).

CONCLUSION

DOACs have similar safety and efficacy than AVK among KTRs treated with ISDs. However, careful evaluation of potential drug interaction and ISDs serum levels is needed.

A Novel Nomogram for Predicting Warfarin-Related Bleeding: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Warfarin is a widely used anticoagulant, and bleeding complications are the main reason why patients discontinue the drug. Currently, there is no nomogram model for warfarin-associated bleeding risk. The aim of this study was to develop a risk-prediction nomogram model for warfarin-related major and clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. A total of 280 heart disease outpatients taking warfarin were enrolled, 42 of whom experienced major or CRNM bleeding at the one-year follow-up. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression model was employed to identify potential predictors. Backward stepwise selection with the Akaike information criterion was used to establish the optimal predictive nomogram model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. The nomogram consisted of four predictors: female (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.91-3.94), TIA (OR = 6.47; 95% CI: 1.85-22.7), TTR (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97-1.00), and anemia (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.06-4.84). The model had acceptable discrimination (area under the ROC curve = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.59-0.78), and was significantly better than the existing nine warfarin-related bleeding prediction scoring systems. The calibration plot and Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ² = 7.557; P = .478) indicated well-calibrated data in the model. The DCA demonstrated good clinical utility. In this study, we developed a nomogram to predict the risk of warfarin-related major or CRNM bleeding. The model has good performance, allows rapid risk stratification of warfarin users, and provides a basis for personalized treatment.

Anticoagulant therapy and home blood pressure-associated risk for stroke/bleeding events in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: the sub-cohort study of ANAFIE registry

The benefits of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin in elderly Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and high home systolic blood pressure (H-SBP) are unclear. This sub-cohort study of the ANAFIE Registry estimated the incidence of clinical outcomes in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy (warfarin and DOACs) stratified by H-SBP levels (<125 mmHg, ≥125-<135 mmHg, ≥135-<145 mmHg and ≥145 mmHg). Of the overall ANAFIE population, 4933 patients who underwent home blood pressure (H-BP) measurements were analyzed; 93% received OACs (DOACs: 3494, 70.8%; warfarin: 1092, 22.1%). In the warfarin group, at <125 mmHg and ≥145 mmHg, the respective incidence rates (per 100 person-years) were 1.91 and 5.89 for net cardiovascular outcome (a composite of stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE) and major bleeding), 1.31 and 3.39 for stroke/SEE, 0.59 and 3.91 for major bleeding, 0.59 and 3.43 for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and 4.01 and 6.24 for all-cause death. Corresponding incidence rates in the DOACs group were 1.64 and 2.65, 1.00 and 1.88, 0.78 and 1.69, 0.55 and 1.31, and 3.43 and 3.51. In warfarin-treated patients, the incidence rates of net cardiovascular outcome, stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and ICH were significantly increased at H-SBP ≥ 145 mmHg versus <125 mmHg. In the DOAC group, although there was no significant difference between H-SBP < 125 mmHg and ≥145 mmHg, the incidence rates of these events tended to increase at ≥145 mmHg. These results suggest that strict BP control guided by H-BP is required in elderly NVAF patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Safety and efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the very elderly (≥80 years old): Insights from the UC San Diego AF Ablation Registry

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation improves outcomes in symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, its safety and efficacy in the very elderly (≥80 years old) is not well described.

HYPOTHESIS

Ablation of AF in the very elderly is safe and effective.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of all patients who underwent catheter ablation enrolled in the University of California, San Diego AF Ablation Registry. The primary outcome was freedom from atrial arrhythmias on or off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).

RESULTS

Of 847 patients, 42 (5.0%) were 80 years of age or greater with a median age of 81.5 (80-82.3) and 805 (95.0%) were less than 80 years of age with a median age of 64.4 (57.6-70.2). Among those who were ≥80 years old, 29 were undergoing de novo ablation (69.0%), whereas in the younger cohort, 518 (64.5%) were undergoing de novo ablation (p = .548). There were no statistically significant differences in fluoroscopy (p = .406) or total procedure times (p = .076), AAD use (p = .611), or procedural complications (p = .500) between groups. After multivariable adjustment, there were no statistically significant differences in recurrence of any atrial arrhythmias on or off AAD (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-1.23; p = .252), all-cause hospitalizations (AHR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.46-1.60; p = .626), or all-cause mortality (AHR: 4.48; 95% CI: 0.59-34.07; p = .147) between the very elderly and the younger cohort.

CONCLUSION

In this registry analysis, catheter ablation of AF appears similarly effective and safe in patients 80 years or older when compared to a younger cohort.

Relationship Between Direct Oral Anticoagulant Doses and Clinical Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation - ANAFIE Registry Sub-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This sub-analysis of the ANAFIE Registry, a prospective, observational study of >30,000 Japanese non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients aged ≥75 years, assessed the prevalence of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) under-dose prevalence, identified the factors of under-dose prescriptions, and examined the relationship between DOAC dose and clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients, divided into 5 groups by DOAC dose (standard, over-, reduced, under-, and off-label), were analyzed for background factors, cumulative incidences, and clinical outcome risk. Endpoints were stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE), major bleeding, and all-cause death during the 2-year follow-up. Of 18,497 patients taking DOACs, 20.7%, 3.8%, 51.6%, 19.6%, and 4.3%, were prescribed standard, over-, reduced, under-, and off-label doses. Factors associated with under-dose use were female sex, age ≥85 years, reduced creatinine clearance, history of major bleeding, polypharmacy, antiplatelet agents, heart failure, dementia, and no history of catheter ablation or cerebrovascular disease. After confounder adjustment, under-dose vs. standard dose was not associated with the incidence of stroke/SEE or major bleeding but was associated with a higher mortality rate. Patients receiving an off-label dose showed similar tendencies to those receiving an under-dose; that is, they showed the highest mortality rates for stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death.

CONCLUSIONS

Inappropriate low DOAC doses (under- or off-label dose) were not associated with stroke/SEE or major bleeding but were associated with all-cause death.

Retrospective Observational Study of Patients With Subdural Hematoma Treated With Idarucizumab

Use of anticoagulants is increasing with the aging of societies. The safe first-line drug is likely to be a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), but outcomes of treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with anticoagulants are uncertain. Therefore, we examined the clinical effect of idarucizumab as reversal therapy in elderly patients with TBI who were treated with dabigatran. A retrospective multi-center observational study was performed in patients ≥65 years of age who developed acute traumatic subdural hematoma during treatment with dabigatran and underwent reversal therapy with idarucizumab. The items examined included patient background, neurological and imaging findings at arrival, course after admission, complications, and outcomes. A total of 23 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients had a mean age of 78.9 years. Cause of TBI was fall in 60.9% of the subjects. Mean Glasgow Coma Scale score at arrival was 8.7; anisocoria was present in 31.8% of cases. Exacerbation of consciousness was found in 30.4%, but only in 13.3% of subjects treated with idarucizumab before consciousness and imaging findings worsened. Dabigatran was discontinued in 81.8% of cases after hematoma development, with a mean withdrawal period of 12.1 days. The favorable outcome rate was 21.7%, and mortality was 39.1%. In multi-variate analysis, timing of idarucizumab administration was associated with a favorable outcome. There were ischemic complications in 3 cases (13.1%), and all three events occurred ≥7 days after administration of idarucizumab. These findings suggest that in cases that develop hematoma during treatment with dabigatran, it is important to administer idarucizumab early and restart dabigatran after conditions stabilize.

Comprehension of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Anticoagulant Adherence in Elderly Patients in a Subcohort Study of the All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly Registry

In this subcohort study of the ANAFIE (All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation In the Elderly) Registry enrolling >30,000 Japanese elderly (aged ≥75 years) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), we assessed the association between patient comprehension of NVAF and adherence to anticoagulant therapy with clinical outcomes. Data from 1,968 patients evaluated for NVAF comprehension by a questionnaire consisting of 4 key questions, and 2,362 patients who completed the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 questionnaire were analyzed. Overall, NVAF comprehension was low (81.9% had <3 points), and compared with high comprehension (score ≥3), low comprehension (0 points: 42.1%) was associated with poor prognosis, nonsignificantly higher risk of stroke or systemic embolic event (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.60 [95% confidence interval 0.97 to 6.94, p = 0.057]), all-cause death (aHR 1.71 [0.96 to 3.04, p = 0.069]), and significantly higher risk of net clinical outcome (composite of stroke/systemic embolic events, major bleeding, and all-cause death) (aHR 1.63 [1.04 to 2.54, p = 0.032]). Adherence to anticoagulant therapy assessed by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 was high (64.9% had high adherence; 29.2%, had medium adherence), but compared with high adherence (score 8), low adherence (score <6: 5.9%) was associated with poor prognosis, significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke (aHR 2.95 [1.08 to 8.04, p = 0.035]), all-cause death (aHR 1.93 [1.16 to 3.21, p = 0.011]), and net clinical outcome (aHR 1.75 [1.12 to 2.75, p = 0.015]). Overall, NVAF comprehension and adherence showed a weak correlation to anticoagulant therapy at baseline (correlation coefficient 0.049). In conclusion, low NVAF comprehension and low anticoagulant adherence were associated with poor clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NVAF.

Risk of both intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke in elderly individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation taking direct oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin: Analysis of the ANAFIE registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) might have a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. To investigate this, we compared the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and its subtypes, as well as ischemic stroke, in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with warfarin in a real-world setting. We also determined the baseline characteristics associated with both ICH and ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Patients aged ⩾ 75 years with documented NVAF enrolled in the prospective, multicenter, observational All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly Registry between October 2016 and January 2018 were evaluated. The co-primary endpoints were the incidence of ischemic stroke and ICH. Secondary endpoints included subtypes of ICH.

RESULTS

Of 32,275 patients (13,793 women; median age, 81.0 years) analyzed, 21,585 (66.9%) were taking DOACs and 8233 (25.5%) were taking warfarin. During the median 1.88-year follow-up, 743 patients (1.24/100 person-years) developed ischemic stroke and 453 (0.75/100 person-years) developed ICH (intracerebral hemorrhage, 189; subarachnoid hemorrhage, 72; subdural/epidural hemorrhage, 190; unknown subtype, 2). The incidence of ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.97), ICH (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.83), and subdural/epidural hemorrhage (aHR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.72) was lower in DOAC users versus warfarin users. The incidence of fatal ICH and fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage was also lower in DOAC users versus warfarin users. Several baseline characteristics other than anticoagulants were also associated with the incidence of the endpoints. Of these, history of cerebrovascular disease (aHR 2.39, 95% CI 2.05-2.78), persistent NVAF, (aHR 1.90, 95% CI 1.53-2.36), and long-standing persistent/permanent NVAF (aHR 1.92, 95% CI 1.60-2.30) was strongly associated with ischemic stroke; severe hepatic disease (aHR 2.67, 95% CI 1.46-4.88) was strongly associated with overall ICH; and history of fall within 1 year was strongly associated with both overall ICH (aHR 2.29, 95% CI 1.76-2.97) and subdural/epidural hemorrhage (aHR 2.90, 95% CI 1.99-4.23).

CONCLUSION

Patients aged ⩾ 75 years with NVAF taking DOACs had lower risks of ischemic stroke, ICH, and subdural/epidural hemorrhage than those taking warfarin. Fall was strongly associated with the risks of intracranial and subdural/epidural hemorrhage.

DATA ACCESS STATEMENT

The individual de-identified participant data and study protocol will be shared for up to 36 months after the publication of the article. Access criteria for data sharing (including requests) will be decided on by a committee led by Daiichi Sankyo. To gain access, those requesting data access will need to sign a data access agreement. Requests should be directed to yamt-tky@umin.ac.jp.

Mid-Term Feasibility of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Elderly Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) therapy using the WATCHMAN system has been introduced to prevent thrombosis and minimize the use of anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Given the high risk of bleeding and stroke in elderly patients, these patients would be good candidates for this therapy. However, the efficacy and feasibility of LAAO therapy in elderly patients remains uncertain.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent LAAO therapy using the WATCHMAN system in a large academic center between June 2020 and March 2023 were included. The safety and efficacy of LAAO therapy during the 1-year observation period in patients aged ≥85 years old were compared with those in the younger cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 188 patients (78.4 ± 6.9 years old, 133 male patients) were included. 34 patients were ≥85 years old, 96 were between 75 and 84 years old, and 58 were <75 years old. The elderly group had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and were at greater risk of falling-related bleeding compared with the younger cohort. The device implantations were successful in all patients except for one. During the 1-year observation period, one patient had a peri-device leak >5 mm and there were 6 device-related cases of thrombosis, whose incidence was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.98). The cumulative incidences of bleeding and thrombotic events in the elderly group were as low as in the younger cohort (p > 0.05 for both). Most anticoagulants were terminated regardless of age.

CONCLUSION

The mid-term feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous LAAO therapy using the WATCHMAN system in elderly patients aged ≥85 years were as acceptable as in the younger cohort.

Coagulation Biomarkers and Clinical Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: ANAFIE Subcohort Study

Background

Little is known about the relationship between coagulation biomarkers and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with anticoagulants, especially direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin.

Objectives

This subcohort study evaluated the association between coagulation biomarkers and clinical outcomes in elderly Japanese patients with nonvalvular AF using the ANAFIE (All Nippon AF In the Elderly) Registry.

Methods

Patients with a definitive diagnosis of nonvalvular AF and aged ≥75 years at enrollment were included. At enrollment, biomarker levels for D-dimer, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), and soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC), along with data on anticoagulant use, were recorded.

Results

Of the 3,194 patients, 95.1% were using oral anticoagulants (OACs) (71.7% DOACs, 23.4% warfarin). D-dimer, TAT, and F1+2 levels, as well as the proportion of patients with a positive SFMC, were lower among those receiving OACs compared with those not receiving OACs. In the DOAC group, higher levels of D-dimer (≥1.0 μg/mL) and TAT (>3 ng/mL) were significantly associated with increased incidences of cardiovascular (CV) events (stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac intervention, heart failure, and CV death), all-cause death, and CV death. In the warfarin group, higher levels of D-dimer were significantly associated with increased rates of all-cause death, higher levels of TAT with increased major bleeding, and positive SFMC with increased major bleeding and CV events.

Conclusions

Higher levels of coagulation biomarkers were associated with a higher risk of worse clinical outcomes, and the relationships between the coagulation biomarkers and outcomes differed between the DOAC and warfarin groups. (Prospective Observational Study in Late-Stage Elderly Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation All Nippon AF In Elderly Registry-ANAFIE Registry; UMIN000024006).

Impact of glycated hemoglobin on 2-year clinical outcomes in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: sub-analysis of ANAFIE Registry, a large observational study

BACKGROUND

This ANAFIE Registry sub-analysis investigated 2-year outcomes and oral anticoagulant (OAC) use stratified by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among Japanese patients aged ≥ 75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with and without clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

The ANAFIE Registry was a large-scale multicenter, observational study conducted in Japan; this sub-analysis included patients with baseline HbA1c data at baseline. The main endpoints evaluated (stroke/systemic embolic events [SEE], major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and net clinical outcome [a composite of stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death]) were stratified by HbA1c levels (< 6.0%; 6.0% to < 7.0%; 7.0% to < 8.0%; and ≥ 8.0%).

RESULTS

Of 17,526 patients with baseline HbA1c values, 8725 (49.8%) patients had HbA1c < 6.0%, 6700 (38.2%) had 6.0% to < 7.0%, 1548 (8.8%) had 7.0% to < 8.0%, and 553 (3.2%) had ≥ 8.0%. Compared with other subgroups, patients with HbA1c ≥ 8.0% were more likely to have lower renal function, higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, higher prevalence of non-paroxysmal AF, and lower direct OAC (DOAC) administration, but higher warfarin administration. The HbA1c ≥ 8.0% subgroup had higher event rates for all-cause death (log-rank P = 0.003) and net clinical outcome (log-rank P = 0.007). Similar trends were observed for stroke/SEE. In multivariate analysis, risk of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.46 [95% confidence interval 1.11-1.93]) and net clinical outcome (aHR 1.33 [1.05-1.68]) were significantly higher in the HbA1c ≥ 8.0% subgroup. No significant differences were observed in risks of major bleeding or other outcomes in this and other subgroups. No interaction was observed between HbA1c and OACs. Use/non-use of antidiabetic drugs was not associated with risk reduction; event risks did not differ with/without injectable antidiabetic drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Among elderly Japanese patients with NVAF, only HbA1c ≥ 8.0% was associated with increased all-cause death and net clinical outcome risks; risks of the events did not increase in other HbA1c subgroups. Relative event risks between patients treated with DOACs and warfarin were not modified by HbA1c level.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN000024006; date of registration: September 12, 2016.

Causes of Death in Elderly Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation - Results From the ANAFIE Registry

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) included a limited number of elderly patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This subanalysis of the ANAFIE Registry evaluated 2-year mortality according to causes of death of elderly non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients in the DOAC era.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ANAFIE Registry was a multicenter prospective observational study. Mean patient age was 81.5 years and 57.3% of patients were male. Of the 32,275 patients completing the study, 2,242 died. The most frequent causes of death were cardiovascular (CV) death (32.4%), followed by infection (17.1%) and malignancy (16.1%). Incidence rates of CV-, malignancy-, and infection-related death were 1.20, 0.60, and 0.63 per 100 person-years, respectively. Patients aged ≥85 years showed increased proportions of non-CV and non-malignancy deaths and a decreased proportion of malignancy deaths compared with patients aged <85 years. The incidence of death due to congestive heart failure/cardiogenic shock, infection, and renal disease was higher in patients aged ≥85 than those aged <85 years. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were associated with a significantly lower risk of death by intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and renal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This subanalysis described the mortality according to causes of death of Japanese elderly NVAF patients in the DOAC era. Our results imply that a more holistic approach to comorbid conditions and stroke prevention are required in these patients.

Renal Function and Clinical Outcomes Among Elderly Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation From ANAFIE

Background

Advancing age, decreasing renal function, and atrial fibrillation are strongly associated. Real-world evidence of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use among elderly patients ≥75 years of age with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction is limited.

Objectives

This study sought to assess 2-year outcomes and anticoagulant treatment, stratified by renal function.

Methods

Enrolled patients were divided into 4 subgroups by creatinine clearance (CrCl) to determine the impact of renal dysfunction on clinical outcomes.

Results

Of 32,275 patients, 26,202 with CrCl data were analyzed (median follow-up 2.00 [IQR: 1.92-2.00] years); 1.3% of patients had CrCl <15 mL/min, 10.7% had CrCl 15 to <30 mL/min, 33.4% had CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min, 35.8% had CrCl ≥50 mL/min, and 18.9% had unknown CrCl. Cumulative incidences of stroke/systemic embolic events, major bleeding, major plus clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and net clinical outcomes increased with decreasing CrCl. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, lower CrCl emerged as an independent risk factor for these clinical outcomes, except for major bleeding, compared with CrCl ≥50 mL/min. The effectiveness and safety of DOACs over warfarin were similar or better across 3 CrCl subgroups with CrCl 15 mL/min or more. DOAC use was associated with a lower risk of stroke/systemic embolic events, major bleeding, cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and net clinical outcome compared with warfarin in patients with CrCl 30 to <50 mL/min.

Conclusions

Incidences of major clinical outcomes increased with decreasing renal function in elderly nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients. DOACs were effective and safe even in patients with renal dysfunction (CrCl 15-<50 mL/min). (Prospective Observational Study in Late-Stage Elderly Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: All Nippon AF In Elderly Registry [ANAFIE Registry]; UMIN000024006).

Registry for Evaluating Healthy Life Expectancy and Long-Term Outcomes after Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in the Very Elderly (REHEALTH AF) study: rationale and design of a prospective, multicentre, observational, comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Data are lacking on the extent to which patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who are aged ≥80 years benefit from ablation treatment. The question pertains especially to patients' postablation quality of life (QoL) and long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We are initiating a prospective, registry-based, multicentre observational study that will include patients aged ≥80 years with non-valvular AF who choose to undergo treatment by catheter ablation and, for comparison, such patients who do not choose to undergo ablation (either according to their physician's advice or their own preference). Study subjects are to be enrolled from 52 participant hospitals and three clinics located throughout Japan from 1 June 2022 to 31 December 2023, and each will be followed up for 1 year. The planned sample size is 660, comprising 220 ablation group patients and 440 non-ablation group patients. The primary endpoint will be the composite incidence of stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or systemic embolism (SE), another cardiovascular event, major bleeding and/or death from any cause. Other clinical events such as postablation AF recurrence, a fall or bone fracture will be recorded. We will collect standard clinical background information plus each patient's Clinical Frailty Scale score, AF-related symptoms, QoL (Five-Level Version of EQ-5D) scores, Mini-Mental State Examination (optional) score and laboratory test results, including measures of nutritional status, on entry into the study and 1 year later, and serial changes in symptoms and QoL will also be secondary endpoints. Propensity score matching will be performed to account for covariates that could affect study results.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study conforms to the Declaration of Helsinki and the Ethical Guidelines for Clinical Studies issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. Results of the study will be published in one or more peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000047023.

Falls and associated risk factors in a sample of old age population in Egyptian community

Introduction

Falling is a major health problem among old age persons and are the sixth cause of mortality and morbidity among them. Assessing the prevalence of falls among elderly in an Egyptian community and investigating its associated risk factors using the Arabic translation of the SHARE-Questionnaire.

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional analytic study was a part of the pilot for AL-SEHA project. It included 289 old age people (50+ years age) residing in the study areas. The main project data were collected using the Arabic translation of the SHARE (Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe) questionnaire. The original project data were collected by investigators from five universities, then uploaded to the internet server domain of the American University in Cairo (AUC) Social Research Center.

Results

The prevalence of falls was 11.07% (95% CI: 7.95-15.21). Falls were significantly more among 70 years or older (p < 0.001), unemployed or housewives (p = 0.026), have a family caregiver (p = 0.022), and home facilities for disability (p = 0.015). They had significantly higher rates of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, and diabetes mellitus. The most frequently reported problems were the fear of fall and dizziness (62.5%). The multivariate analysis identified the history of stroke and diabetes mellitus, the fear of fall and dizziness, and the total number of health problems and the score of difficulty in performing physical activities as significant independent predictors of fall occurrence. The history of stroke was the strongest risk factor (OR 33.49, CI: 3.45-325.40).

Discussion and recommendations

The prevalence of falls among old age persons in the studied community is not alarmingly high. It is highest among stroke patients. Community interventions and rehabilitation programs are recommended to train and educate old age people, especially those at risk such as stroke and diabetic patients, and those with dizziness to improve their physical fitness and reduce the fear of fall among them.

Impact of cognitive impairment on clinical outcomes in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: ANAFIE Registry

Background

This subcohort study of All Nippon AF In the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry based on 33 275 elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) investigated the relationship between cognitive function and 2-year clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 2963 (mean age, 81.4 years) patients participated in this subcohort study and were classified as having normal cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24/30) or cognitive impairment (score ≤23/30) at baseline. Patients with a decrease of >2 points after 24 months were classified as having cognitive decline.

Results

At baseline, 586 (19.8%) patients had cognitive impairment. These patients tended to be older and had poorer general conditions than patients with normal cognition. The 2-year probability of stroke/systemic embolic events (SEEs), major bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage was numerically higher; those of cardiovascular death, all-cause death and net clinical outcome (composite of stroke/SEE, major bleeding and all-cause death) were significantly higher (all p<0.001) in patients with cognitive impairment versus normal cognition. In multivariate analysis, the risks of cardiovascular death (p=0.021), all-cause death (p<0.001) and net clinical outcome (p<0.001) were higher in patients with cognitive impairment versus those with normal cognition. After 24 months, 642 of 1915 (33.5%) patients with repeated MMSE determination had cognitive decline. Educational background <9 years, older age and concomitant cerebrovascular disorders were significant risk factors of cognitive decline at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Elderly patients with NVAF with cognitive impairment have a higher mortality risk than those with normal cognition. Several significant risk factors of cognitive decline were identified at 2-year follow-up.

Trial registration number

UMIN000024006 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/).

Direct Oral Anticoagulants versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Individuals Aged 80 Years and Older: An Overview in 2021

Two main types of oral anticoagulants are available in France: vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and, more recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). The benefit−risk profile appears to be favorable for DOAC, which is as effective as VKA but safer (fewer cases of severe and cerebral bleeding). In a study in 2017, we observed that older adults did not seem to receive the same modalities of oral anticoagulants as younger individuals for various reasons. To assess anticoagulation prescribing practices over time, we repeated this cross-sectional study by comparing very old individuals taking DOAC to those taking VKA. Ambulatory individuals aged 80 years and older were included. They were affiliated with the Mutualité Sociale Agricole of Burgundy and were refunded for a medical prescription of oral anticoagulation in March 2021. The demographic characteristics, registered chronic diseases (RCD), number and types of prescribed drugs, and mortality of the DOAC group and the VKA group were compared. A total of 4275 subjects were included in the study: 67.44% (2883) received DOAC and 32.56% (1392) received VKA. The two groups were similar in age. In the DOAC group, there were more women (54.98% vs. 46.98%) (p < 0.001), fewer RCD (91.47% vs. 93.68%) (p = 0.014), and lower rates of venous thromboembolism (2.53% vs. 6.75%) (p < 0.001), severe heart failure (56.50% vs. 68.03%) (p < 0.001), and severe kidney diseases (1.38% vs. 3.59%) (p < 0.001), but there were more subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (7.49% vs. 4.31%) (p = 0.001). Individuals in the DOAC group had fewer prescriptions of furosemide (48.53% vs. 55.75%) (p < 0.001) and fibrates (2.32% vs. 3.88%) (p = 0.044). They also had more prescriptions of proton pump inhibitors (43.95% vs. 39.44%) (p = 0.006) and antirheumatics (1.60% vs. 0.65%) (p = 0.009) than those in the VKA group. There was no difference in mortality. This study revealed that prescribing practices for DOAC have changed over time.

Effect of Polypharmacy on Clinical Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation - A Sub-Analysis of the ANAFIE Registry

BACKGROUND

This All Nippon AF in the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry sub-analysis evaluated the impact of polypharmacy on 2-year outcomes in a large, elderly (aged ≥75 years) Japanese population with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ANAFIE Registry was a multicenter, prospective, observational study with a 24-month follow-up period. Of 32,275 enrolled NVAF patients, 31,419 were grouped by the number of prescribed concomitant medications (other than oral anticoagulants [OACs]): 0-4 [38.8%], 5-8 [43.3%], and ≥9 [17.9%]). Patients receiving more concomitant medications were older, had poor renal function, and suffered more comorbidities than those receiving fewer concomitant medications. Several patient background factors, including diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease, were significantly correlated with an increased number of concomitant medications. With increasing medications, OAC prescription rates decreased, but the warfarin prescription rate increased, and the cumulative incidence rates of stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE), major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, fracture/falls, cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death significantly increased (each, P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, increasing medications was independently associated with increases in these events, except for stroke/SEE. There were no significant interactions between the number of medications and anticoagulant treatment with direct OAC or warfarin concerning the incidence of these events.

CONCLUSIONS

Polypharmacy was frequent among elderly patients with NVAF who were older with more comorbidities, and was independently associated with a higher incidence of extracranial events.

Prognostic impact of heart rate during atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes in elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: ANAFIE Registry sub-cohort study

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at a higher risk for all-cause mortality and heart failure. Rate control is an essential component in AF management. This exploratory study assessed the relationship between resting heart rate during AF at baseline and clinical outcomes in Japanese elderly non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients, using the All Nippon AF In the Elderly Registry (ANAFIE) dataset.

METHODS

This sub-cohort included patients who agreed to participate and presented with AF at enrollment in the ANAFIE study. They were categorized into six groups according to the resting heart rate during AF. Outcomes included 2-year cumulative incidences of stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE), ischemic stroke, major bleeding, cardiovascular (CV) events, CV death, all-cause death, and net clinical outcome, a composite of stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death.

RESULTS

Of the 8292 patients included in this sub-cohort (paroxysmal, 1496; non-paroxysmal, 6796), 90 % of patients were using anticoagulants. Higher heart rate was more frequently reported in women and in patients with paroxysmal AF and was associated with increased use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and antiarrhythmic drugs. Heart rate ≥110 beats per minute (bpm) was associated with a significantly higher incidence of cardiac events and numerically higher incidences of CV death and all-cause death compared with a heart rate of 60 to <80 bpm, all of which were driven by an increased risk in patients with non-paroxysmal AF. Hazard ratios by the type of anticoagulant for each clinical outcome were comparable across all heart rate categories, indicating no significant interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly Japanese patients with non-paroxysmal NVAF and a heart rate ≥110 bpm have an increased risk of cardiac events. There was no interaction between heart rate category and the relative risk of adverse clinical events in patients taking DOACs compared with those taking warfarin.

Oral Anticoagulants in Very Elderly Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients With High Bleeding Risks: ANAFIE Registry

BACKGROUND

Data on the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulant (OAC) agents in very elderly nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with high bleeding risk are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined 2-year outcomes and effects of OAC agents among these patients using the ANAFIE (All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly) registry (N = 32,275) data.

METHODS

Patients were classified into high-risk (age: ≥80 years; CHADS₂ score: ≥2; and presence of ≥1 bleeding risk factor: creatinine clearance of 15-30 mL/minute, prior bleeding at critical sites, body weight of ≤45 kg, or continuous antiplatelet use) and reference groups.

RESULTS

In the high-risk (n = 7,104) and reference (n = 25,171) group patients, 89.0% and 93.4%, respectively, used OAC agents. Of these, respectively, 30.1% and 24.2% used warfarin, and 58.9% and 69.1% used direct-acting OAC (DOAC) agents. Compared with the reference group, the high-risk group had higher incidences of stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, and all-cause death. In the high-risk group, DOAC agent use vs nonuse of OAC agents was associated with reduced incidences of stroke/systemic embolism (HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.36-0.79) and all-cause death (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52-0.81) but not with major bleeding (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.63-1.89). DOAC agents were superior to warfarin in effectiveness and safety. For high-risk patients, history of major bleeding, severe liver dysfunction, and falls within 1 year were independent risk factors for major bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk elderly nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients had higher event incidences. DOAC agents were associated with reduced risk of stroke/systemic embolism and all-cause death vs nonuse of OAC agents or warfarin. (Prospective Observational Study in Late-Stage Elderly Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation [ANAFIE registry]; UMIN000024006).

Comparison of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and an Aortic Bioprosthetic Valve

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines equally recommend direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with a bioprosthetic valve (BPV); however, there are limited data comparing DOACs and warfarin in AF patients with an aortic BPV.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This post-hoc subgroup analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational registry (BPV-AF Registry) aimed to compare DOACs and warfarin in AF patients with an aortic BPV. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, heart failure requiring hospitalization, all-cause death, or BPV reoperation. The analysis included 479 patients (warfarin group, n=258; DOAC group, n=221). Surgical aortic valve replacement was performed in 74.4% and 36.7% of patients in the warfarin and DOAC groups, respectively. During a mean follow up of 15.5 months, the primary outcome occurred in 45 (17.4%) and 32 (14.5%) patients in the warfarin and DOAC groups, respectively. No significant difference was found in the primary outcome between the 2 groups (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-1.50). No significant multiplicative interaction was observed between the anticoagulant effects and type of aortic valve procedure (P=0.577).

CONCLUSIONS

Among AF patients with an aortic BPV, no significant difference was observed in the composite outcome of adverse clinical events between patients treated with warfarin and those treated with DOACs, suggesting that DOACs can be used as alternatives to warfarin in these patients.

Current Use of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Results from an Italian Multicenter Prospective Study-The ISNEP Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. Oral Anticoagulant Therapy (OAT) with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) is essential to avoid thromboembolic events in AF. However, this treatment is associated with a high risk of bleeding and low adherence in elderly patients. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the real-world use of OAT in a population of patients aged ≥80 years in twenty-three Italian centers and to investigate the tolerance of and patient satisfaction with this therapy. Methods: The ISNEP Study is a multicenter cross-sectional study enrolling patients with AF and aged ≥80 years and treated with either NOACs or VKAs. A written questionnaire was administered to each patient to evaluate the adherence to and patient satisfaction with this therapy. Results: The study included 641 patients with a mean age of 85 (82−87) years. The use of NOACs was reported in 93.0% of cases, with the remaining 7.0% treated with VKAs. A history of stroke events was reported in five (11.1%) and one (0.2%) patients in the VKA and NOAC groups, respectively. The rate of referred ecchymosis/epistaxis was significantly higher in the VKA group compared to the NOAC group (p < 0.001). Patients receiving NOACs reported a substantial improvement in their quality of life compared to the VKA group. Conclusions: A small, but not negligible, proportion of elderly AF patients is still treated with VKAs. Patients treated with NOAC have a higher level of satisfaction with the therapy and complete adherence.

Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Scientific Statement of JACC: Asia (Part 1)

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with substantial increases in the risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism. With the successful introduction of the first non-vitamin K antagonist direct oral anticoagulant (NOAC) in 2009, the role of vitamin K antagonists has been replaced in most clinical settings except in a few conditions when NOACs are contraindicated. Data for the use of NOACs in different clinical scenarios have been accumulating in the recent decade, and a more sophisticated strategy for atrial fibrillation patients is now warranted. JACC: Asia recently appointed a working group to summarize the most updated information regarding stroke prevention in AF. This statement aimed to provide possible treatment option in daily practice. Local availability, cost, and patient comorbidities should also be considered. Final decisions may still need to be individualized and based on clinicians' discretion. This is the part 1 of the whole statement.

Comparison of short-term clinical outcomes between low-dose prasugrel and clopidogrel as part of triple antithrombotic therapy in patients requiring oral anticoagulant therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Triple antithrombotic therapy, including dual antiplatelet therapy and oral anticoagulant (OAC), is recommended for a short-term period after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients requiring anticoagulation therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare in-hospital clinical outcomes between low-dose prasugrel (3.75 mg/day) and clopidogrel, as part of triple antithrombotic therapy, using a large database in Japan.

METHODS

Patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent PCI between January 2015 and December 2019, and were prescribed triple therapy with aspirin, a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel or low-dose prasugrel), and OAC (direct oral anticoagulant: DOAC or vitamin K antagonist: VKA), were selected from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, bleeding stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, and blood transfusion.

RESULTS

Overall, 5,777 patients were eligible in this analysis. The patients were divided into 4 subgroups according to the type of P2Y12 inhibitor and OAC: clopidogrel/DOAC (n = 1,628), clopidogrel/VKA (n = 1,334), prasugrel/DOAC (n = 1,607), and prasugrel/VKA (n = 1,208). There was no significant difference in the incidence of death and gastrointestinal bleeding among the 4 subgroups. The prasugrel/DOAC group had significantly lower incidence of MI (OR 0.566, 95% CI 0.348-0.921). The incidence of ischemic stroke was significantly lower in the prasugrel/DOAC group (OR 0.701, 95% CI 0.502-0.979), and significantly higher in the clopidogrel/VKA group (OR 1.680, 95% CI 1.273-2.216). Need for blood transfusion was less frequent in the prasugrel/DOAC group (OR 0.729, 95% CI 0.598-0.890), and more frequent in both the clopidogrel/VKA group (OR 1.424, 95% CI 1.187-1.708) and the prasugrel/VKA group (OR 1.633, 95% CI 1.367-1.950).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of low-dose prasugrel and DOAC was associated with lower incidence of MI, ischemic stroke, and blood transfusion. Low-dose prasugrel may be feasible as part of triple therapy in patients undergoing PCI.

Clinical Characteristics, Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Adverse Events in Elderly and Non-Elderly Japanese Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation ― Competing Risk Analysis From the Hokuriku-Plus AF Registry ―

Background: Few studies in Japan have reported on follow-up data regarding the clinical course and risk factors for adverse outcomes in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), vs. younger patients, when considering the competing risk of death.

Methods and Results: We prospectively studied 1,328 patients with NVAF (965 men; mean [±SD] age 72.4±9.7 years) from the Hokuriku-Plus AF Registry with a median follow-up of 5.0 years (interquartile range 3.5–5.3 years) and evaluated the incidence of thromboembolism or major bleeding in elderly (age ≥75 years; n=595) and non-elderly (age <75 years; n=733) patients. Analysis using the Gray method showed no significant difference in the incidence of thromboembolism; however, the incidence of major bleeding was significantly higher in the elderly than non-elderly group. The Fine-Gray model, after adjustment for age and sex in the elderly group, showed that age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.13; P=0.004) and warfarin use (HR 1.87; 95% CI 1.12–3.14; P=0.02) were significantly associated with major bleeding. In the elderly group, those using warfarin had a higher incidence of thromboembolism and major bleeding than those using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of DOACs were remarkable in elderly compared with non-elderly patients with NVAF considering the competing risk of death. DOACs may be a favorable choice in elderly patients with NVAF.

Impact of Previous Stroke on Clinical Outcome in Elderly Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: ANAFIE Registry

Background:

We determined the long-term event incidence among elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in terms of history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and oral anticoagulation.

Methods:

Patients aged ≥75 years with documented nonvalvular atrial fibrillation enrolled in the prospective, multicenter, observational All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly Registry between October 2016 and January 2018 were divided into 2 groups according to history of stroke/TIA. The primary end point was the occurrence of stroke/systemic embolism within 2 years, and secondary end points were major bleeding and all-cause death within 2 years. Cox models were used to determine whether there was a difference in the hazard of each end point in patients with/without history of stroke/TIA, and in ischemic stroke/TIA survivors taking direct oral anticoagulants versus those taking warfarin.

Results:

Of 32 275 evaluable patients (13 793 women [42.7%]; median age, 81.0 years), 7304 (22.6%) had a history of stroke/TIA. The patients with previous stroke/TIA were more likely to be male and older and had higher hazard rates of stroke/systemic embolism (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.97–2.58]), major bleeding (1.25, 1.05–1.49), and all-cause death (1.13, 1.02–1.24) than the other groups. Of 6446 patients with prior ischemic stroke/TIA, 4393 (68.2%) were taking direct oral anticoagulants and 1668 (25.9%) were taking warfarin at enrollment. The risk of stroke/systemic embolism was comparable between these 2 groups (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.71–1.14]), while the risk of major bleeding (0.67, 0.48–0.94), intracranial hemorrhage (0.57, 0.39–0.85), and cardiovascular death (0.71, 0.51–0.99) was lower among those taking direct oral anticoagulants.

Conclusions:

Patients aged ≥75 years with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and previous stroke/TIA more commonly had subsequent ischemic and hemorrhagic events than those without previous stroke/TIA. Among patients with previous ischemic stroke/TIA, the risk of hemorrhagic events was lower in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin.

REGISTRATION:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: UMIN000024006.