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Monga TS, Ekong M, Patrick K, Bommana Boyena TG, Ravanam AS, Vargas S, Mavus NB, Lakshmi AP, Singh K, Vegesna RR, Abbas K. Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e61557. [PMID: 38962633 PMCID: PMC11221388 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) involves the abnormal deposition and accumulation of amyloid proteins in the heart muscle. A hallmark of disease progression is declining heart function, which can lead to structural irregularities, arrhythmias, and ultimately heart failure. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia that presents in CA patients, and this arrhythmia is significant because it can moderately increase the risk of patients developing intracardiac thrombi, thereby putting them at risk for thromboembolic events. The management of this complication entails the use of anticoagulants like vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants to reduce the risk of thrombus formation. This article seeks to review AF in CA and the use of anticoagulation therapy for the management and reduction of thromboembolic risk. The major conclusions of this review are centered around the need for safe administration of anticoagulant therapy to CA patients, regardless of their CHA2DS2-VASc risk score. This review highlights the importance of taking a multidisciplinary or collaborative approach to CA treatment to ensure that all aspects of this multifaceted disease can be properly managed while minimizing adverse events like bleeding risk and drug-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejbir S Monga
- Internal Medicine, Spartan Health Sciences University, Vieux Fort, LCA
| | - Mfonido Ekong
- Internal Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, True Blue, GRD
| | - Kayé Patrick
- Anesthesiology, Spanish Town Hospital, Spanish Town, JAM
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kanwaraj Singh
- Internal Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Ambala, IND
| | | | - Kiran Abbas
- Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PAK
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Aebersold H, Foster-Witassek F, Aeschbacher S, Beer JH, Blozik E, Blum M, Bonati L, Conte G, Coslovsky M, De Perna ML, Di Valentino M, Felder S, Huber CA, Moschovitis G, Mueller A, Paladini RE, Reichlin T, Rodondi N, Stauber A, Sticherling C, Szucs TD, Conen D, Kuhne M, Osswald S, Schwenkglenks M, Serra-Burriel M. Patients on vitamin K treatment: is switching to direct-acting oral anticoagulation cost-effective? A target trial on a prospective cohort. Open Heart 2024; 11:e002567. [PMID: 38302139 PMCID: PMC10831440 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have, to a substantial degree, replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKA) as treatments for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, evidence on the real-world causal effects of switching patients from VKA to DOAC is lacking. We aimed to assess the empirical incremental cost-effectiveness of switching patients to DOAC compared with maintaining VKA treatment. METHODS The target trial approach was applied to the prospective observational Swiss-AF cohort, which enrolled 2415 AF patients from 2014 to 2017. Clinical data, healthcare resource utilisation and EQ-5D-based utilities representing quality of life were collected in yearly follow-ups. Health insurance claims were available for 1024 patients (42.4%). Overall survival, quality-of-life, costs from the Swiss statutory health insurance perspective and cost-effectiveness were estimated by emulating a target trial in which patients were randomly assigned to switch to DOAC or maintain VKA treatment. RESULTS 228 patients switching from VKA to DOAC compared with 563 patients maintaining VKA treatment had no overall survival advantage over a 5-year observation period (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.45, 1.55). The estimated gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0.003 over the 5-year period at an incremental costs of CHF 23 033 (€ 20 940). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was CHF 425 852 (€ 387 138) per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS Applying a causal inference method to real-world data, we could not demonstrate switching to DOACs to be cost-effective for AF patients with at least 1 year of VKA treatment. Our estimates align with results from a previous randomised trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Aebersold
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefanie Aeschbacher
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juerg H Beer
- Department of Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Blozik
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Blum
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leo Bonati
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Department, Reha Rheinfelden, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Conte
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino (CCT), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Michael Coslovsky
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Trial Unit Basel, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Luisa De Perna
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Marcello Di Valentino
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Felder
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carola A Huber
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Moschovitis
- Division of Cardiology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Mueller
- Department of Cardiology, Triemli Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca E Paladini
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annina Stauber
- Department of Cardiology, Triemli Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Sticherling
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas D Szucs
- Health Economics Facility, Department of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Conen
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Kuhne
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Osswald
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Health Economics Facility, Department of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miquel Serra-Burriel
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Mitchell A, Elmasry Y, van Poelgeest E, Welsh TJ. Anticoagulant use in older persons at risk for falls: therapeutic dilemmas-a clinical review. Eur Geriatr Med 2023; 14:683-696. [PMID: 37392359 PMCID: PMC10447288 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00811-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this clinical narrative review was to summarise the existing knowledge on the use of anticoagulants and potential adverse events in older people at risk of falls with a history of atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. The review also offers practical steps prescribers can take when (de-)prescribing anticoagulants to maximise safety. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase and Scopus. Additional articles were identified by searching reference lists. RESULTS Anticoagulants are often underused in older people due to concerns about the risk of falls and intracranial haemorrhage. However, evidence suggests that the absolute risk is low and outweighed by the reduction in stroke risk. DOACs are now recommended first line for most patients due to their favourable safety profile. Off-label dose reduction of DOACs is not recommended due to reduced efficacy with limited reduction in bleeding risk. Medication review and falls prevention strategies should be implemented before prescribing anticoagulation. Deprescribing should be considered in severe frailty, limited life expectancy and increased bleeding risk (e.g., cerebral microbleeds). CONCLUSION When considering whether to (de-)prescribe anticoagulants, it is important to consider the risks associated with stopping therapy in addition to potential adverse events. Shared decision-making with the patient and their carers is crucial as patient and prescriber views often differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneka Mitchell
- Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE), Bath, UK.
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK.
- Life Sciences Department, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| | - Yasmin Elmasry
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Tomas J Welsh
- Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE), Bath, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
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Adelakun AR, Turgeon RD, De Vera MA, McGrail K, Loewen PS. Oral anticoagulant switching in patients with atrial fibrillation: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071907. [PMID: 37185198 PMCID: PMC10151984 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral anticoagulants (OACs) prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Several factors may cause OAC switching. OBJECTIVES To examine the phenomenon of OAC switching in patients with AF, including all available evidence; frequency and patterns of switch, clinical outcomes, adherence, patient-reported outcomes, reasons for switch, factors associated with switch and evidence gaps. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science, up to January 2022. RESULTS Of the 116 included studies, 2/3 examined vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to direct-acting OAC (DOAC) switching. Overall, OAC switching was common and the definition of an OAC switch varied across. Switching from VKA to dabigatran was the most prevalent switch type, but VKA to apixaban has increased in recent years. Patients on DOAC switched more to warfarin than to other DOACs. OAC doses involved in the switches were hardly reported and patients were often censored after the first switch. Switching back to a previously taken OAC (frequently warfarin) occurred in 5%-21% of switchers.The risk of ischaemic stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding in VKA to DOAC switchers compared with non-switchers was conflicting, while there was no difference in the risk of other types of bleeding. The risk of ischaemic stroke in switchers from DOAC versus non-switchers was conflicting. Studies evaluating adherence found no significant changes in adherence after switching from VKA to DOAC, however, an increase in satisfaction with therapy were reported. Reasons for OAC switch, and factors associated with OAC switch were mostly risk factors for stroke and bleeding. Clinical outcomes, adherence and patient-reported outcomes were sparse for switches from DOACs. CONCLUSIONS OAC switching is common in patients with AF and patients often switch back to an OAC they have previously been on. There are aspects of OAC switching that have received little study, especially in switches from DOACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adenike R Adelakun
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ricky D Turgeon
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary A De Vera
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kimberlyn McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter S Loewen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Ehrlinder H, Orsini N, Modig K, Wallén H, Gigante B. Antithrombotic treatment switching in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation and the risk of thromboembolism, bleeding, and cardiac death. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2022; 6:e12823. [PMID: 36313983 PMCID: PMC9596606 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risks of antithrombotic switching is not investigated in elderly atrial fibrillation patients. Objectives To investigate the effectiveness and safety of antithrombotic treatment and switching of antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients (aged 75 years or older) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods We conducted a cohort study of 2943 patients with AF (Carrebean‐elderly), hospitalized during 2010–2017. Cox models were used to estimate the association of antithrombotic treatment (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants [DOAC] and non–guideline‐recommended therapy [NG], i.e., aspirin and low‐molecular‐weight heparin) at discharge and antithrombotic treatment switching during follow‐up with the risk of a composite and single end points of thromboembolism, bleeding, and cardiac death. Crude and adjusted risk estimates were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All‐cause death was evaluated, with competing risk regression and estimates expressed as subhazard ratios and 95% CIs. Results We observed an increased risk for the composite end point associated with NG as compared to warfarin at discharge (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.38) with congruent competing risk regression results, while no significant risk difference was seen for DOACs compared to warfarin (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.92–1.36). Switching from NG to warfarin/DOAC and from warfarin to DOAC occurred in 30.4% and 33.1% of respective antithrombotic treatment groups at discharge and was associated with a decreased risk for the composite end point with an adjusted HR of 0.45 (95% CI, 0.32–0.63) and a HR of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.38–0.65), respectively. Conclusions Antithrombotic treatment switching is common in the elderly AF population. Importantly, switching to guideline‐recommended treatment has a favorable impact on both effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Ehrlinder
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd HospitalKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Nicola Orsini
- Department of Public Health SciencesKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Karin Modig
- Unit of EpidemiologyInstitute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Håkan Wallén
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd HospitalKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Bruna Gigante
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd HospitalKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine SolnaKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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Zhang C, Wang J, Yang Y, Ma EL, Lin HW, Liu BL, Gu ZC. Prescribing Trends of Oral Anticoagulants from 2010 to 2020 in Shanghai, China: A Retrospective Study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2022; 28:10760296221132551. [PMID: 36250531 PMCID: PMC9578173 DOI: 10.1177/10760296221132551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were developed as an alternative to warfarin to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), prosthetic heart valves, venous thromboembolism (VTE), or other thrombotic disorders. The aim of this study is to explore the trends in prescribing OACs, including warfarin and NOACs, in Shanghai, China. Methods Prescription data of OACs were retrospectively collected from Rx Analysis System from 2010 to 2020 in Shanghai, China. Comparisons were made on the trends of each OACs according to different indications, age groups, and hospital grades. The costs and the contribution of individual OACs were also explored. Results Growing trends in overall prescriptions for OACs were observed. The prescriptions of NOACs were significantly increased since 2016, while the prescriptions of warfarin kept decreasing since 2017. A highly statistically significant increase in prescriptions of Rivaroxaban was observed from 2016 to 2020 (P < .001). Despite the price reduction of rivaroxaban in 2018, the total cost of rivaroxaban continued to rise (P < .001). Rivaroxaban emerged as a preferred NOAC in both indications of AF and VTE, and accounted for more than three-quarters of the total costs for OACs since 2019. Compared with rivaroxaban, the prescription numbers of dabigatran and apixaban were much smaller, and the growth of prescriptions were much slower. Differences in prescribing patterns in different indications, age groups, and grades of hospitals were also founded. Conclusion There has been a rapid increase in the use of OAC over the last 11 years in Shanghai, China. NOACs have been adopted rapidly, and have been gradually replacing warfarin. Warfarin remains the top choice for certain patients with valvular heart disease. Future studies are warranted considering changes in the OAC use in a larger scale, as well as the rationality and its influence factors on OAC use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,Drug Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation Group, Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Yang
- Department of Medical Administration, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Er-Li Ma
- Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Hou-Wen Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing-Long Liu
- Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association, Shanghai, China,Bing-Long Liu, Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Zhi-Chun Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Drug Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation Group, Shanghai Pharmaceutical Association, Shanghai, China,Zhi-Chun Gu, Department of Pharmacy, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
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Kim D, Yang PS, Sung JH, Jang E, Yu HT, Kim TH, Uhm JS, Kim JY, Pak HN, Lee MH, Lip GYH, Joung B. Effectiveness and Safety of Anticoagulation Therapy in Frail Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. Stroke 2022; 53:1873-1882. [PMID: 35109686 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.036757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are less likely to receive anticoagulation than nonfrail patients with AF despite frailty being associated with poorer clinical outcomes including stroke. Using a population-based cohort, we sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in frail patients with AF. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed 83 635 patients aged at least 65 years with AF and frailty (≥5 Hospital Frailty Risk Score) between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. To account for the differences between patients receiving OAC or not and across different OAC regimens, propensity score-weighting was used. Net adverse clinical event, defined as the first event of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, or cardiovascular death, was compared. In addition, each individual outcome was examined separately. RESULTS In the study population (57.1% women; mean age, 78.5±7.2 years), a total of 14 968 net adverse clinical event, 3718 ischemic stroke, 5536 major bleeding, and 6188 cardiovascular death occurred. In comparison with no OAC use, OAC use was associated with lower risks of net adverse clinical event (hazard ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75-0.82]), ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.97]), and cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.49-0.55]), but no difference was observed for major bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.95-1.10]). Compared with warfarin, all four individual direct OAC were associated with decreased risks of net adverse clinical event, ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and cardiovascular death. The associations for OAC use (compared to no OAC use) or direct OAC use (compared to warfarin) with favorable outcomes were more prominent in individuals with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score of at least 3. CONCLUSIONS Among frail patients with AF, OAC treatment was associated with a positive net clinical outcome. Direct OACs provided lower incidences of stroke, bleeding, and mortality, compared with warfarin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Pil-Sung Yang
- Department of Cardiology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea (P.S.Y., J.-H.S.)
| | - Jung-Hoon Sung
- Department of Cardiology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea (P.S.Y., J.-H.S.)
| | - Eunsun Jang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Hee Tae Yu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Jae-Sun Uhm
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Jong-Youn Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Moon-Hyoung Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, United Kingdom (G.Y.H.L.)
| | - Boyoung Joung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (D.K., E.J., H.T.Y., T.-H.K., J.-S.U., J.-Y.K., H.-N.P., M.-H.L.' B.J.)
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Kefale AT, Peterson GM, Bezabhe WM, Bereznicki LR. Switching of oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A narrative review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:514-534. [PMID: 34350609 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Approval of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) was an important milestone, providing a wider range of treatment options and creating the possibility for drug switching after initiation. In addition to improved utilisation of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention, reports of switching among OACs are growing in the literature; switching may influence clinical outcomes, healthcare costs and patient satisfaction. This review aimed to summarise the current literature on the pattern of OAC switching in patients with AF, including reasons for switching and clinical consequences following switching. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase on Jun 27, 2020. We included 39 articles published after 2013, following the introduction of apixaban. The review found that switching among OACs was common in clinical practice, significantly varying with the type of OAC. Studies reporting the reason for switching and clinical outcomes were comparatively limited. The decision to switch was often related to safety issues (usually bleeding), poor anticoagulation control and ease-of-use. Patient characteristics, clinical conditions and drug interactions were found to be associated with switching from OACs. Findings regarding bleeding outcomes following switching were inconsistent, possibly confounded by the rationale for switching and the switching protocol. Noting the limited number of studies included and their relatively short follow-up periods, switching did not have a significant impact on the risk of stroke and other thrombotic outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to understand better potential rationales for switching and the clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory M Peterson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | | | - Luke R Bereznicki
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Hellfritzsch M, Wang SV, Grove EL, Gagne JJ, Hallas J, Pottegård A. Using the Case-Crossover Design to Assess Short-Term Risks of Bleeding and Arterial Thromboembolism After Switching Between Oral Anticoagulants in a Population-Based Cohort of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:1467-1477. [PMID: 32639512 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Using nationwide Danish registries, we conducted a population-based case-crossover study evaluating the association between switching from a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), and vice versa, and 30-day risks of bleeding and arterial thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The case-crossover population was identified among oral anticoagulant users during 2011-2018 (n = 123,217) as patients with AF with 1) a case-defining outcome and 2) an anticoagulant switch during the 180 days preceding the outcome. Odds ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression by comparing the occurrence of switching during the 30-day window immediately preceding the outcome to that in reference windows in the same individual 60-180 days before the outcome. The case-crossover populations for switching from VKA to DOAC and DOAC to VKA comprised 1,382 and 287 case patients, respectively. Switching from VKA to DOAC, but not from DOAC to VKA, was associated with an increased short-term risk of bleeding (odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence intervals: 1.13, 1.79, and 1.06; and 0.64, 1.75, respectively) and ischemic stroke (odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence intervals: 1.21, 2.51, and 0.92; and 0.46, 1.83, respectively). Our findings suggest that switching from VKA to DOAC is an intermittent risk factor of bleeding and ischemic stroke in patients with AF.
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Antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation-Dutch anticoagulant initiatives anno 2020. Neth Heart J 2020; 28:19-24. [PMID: 32780327 PMCID: PMC7418291 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-020-01446-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, as more and more experience has been gained with prescribing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), new research initiatives have emerged in the Netherlands to improve the safety and appropriateness of DOAC treatment for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). These initiatives address several contemporary unresolved issues, such as inappropriate dosing, non-adherence and the long-term management of DOAC treatment. Dutch initiatives have also contributed to the development and improvement of risk prediction models. Although fewer bleeding complications (notably intracranial bleeding) are in general seen with DOACs in comparison with vitamin K antagonists, to successfully identify patients with high bleeding risk and to tailor anticoagulant treatment accordingly to mitigate this increased bleeding risk, is one of the research aims of recent and future years. This review highlights contributions from the Netherlands that aim to address these unresolved issues regarding the anticoagulant management in AF in daily practice, and provides a narrative overview of contemporary stroke and bleeding risk assessment strategies.
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Hellfritzsch M, Adelborg K, Damkier P, Paaske Johnsen S, Hallas J, Pottegård A, Grove EL. Effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation patients switched from vitamin K antagonists: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 126:21-31. [PMID: 31240841 PMCID: PMC6973083 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A substantial proportion of atrial fibrillation patients initiating direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are vitamin K antagonists (VKA)-experienced, for example switchers from VKA to DOAC. With this study, we aimed to summarize available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of DOAC vs VKA in real-life VKA-experienced atrial fibrillation patients. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library systematically for English-language studies indexed any time before October 2018. We included studies of VKA-experienced atrial fibrillation patients initiating DOAC therapy, with continued VKA therapy as comparator. Outcomes included arterial thromboembolism and bleeding. When appropriate, meta-analysis was performed by calculating pooled, weighted and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Eight cohort studies comparing VKA-experienced DOAC (dabigatran or rivaroxaban) users with continued VKA users were included. When comparing DOAC to VKA, an increased risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction was found for dabigatran (pooled aHR of 1.61 [95% CI 1.19-2.19, I2 = 65%] and 1.29 [95% CI 1.10-1.52, I2 = 0%], respectively), but not for rivaroxaban. The use of dabigatran in VKA-experienced users was associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (pooled aHR 1.63 [95% CI 1.36-1.94, I2 = 30%]), but a decreased risk of intracranial bleeding (pooled aHR 0.45 [95% CI 0.32-0.64, I2 = 0%]). In conclusion, the use of dabigatran in prior VKA users in clinical practice was associated with a slightly increased risk of arterial thromboembolism and gastrointestinal bleeding, but a decreased risk of intracranial bleeding. Importantly, observational studies of real-life VKA-experienced oral anticoagulant users may be confounded by the reason for switching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Hellfritzsch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Department of Public HealthUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Kasper Adelborg
- Department of Clinical EpidemiologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
| | - Per Damkier
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and PharmacologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Department of Clinical ResearchUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Søren Paaske Johnsen
- Department of Clinical EpidemiologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineAalborg University and Aalborg University HospitalAalborgDenmark
| | - Jesper Hallas
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Department of Public HealthUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Anton Pottegård
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Department of Public HealthUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Erik Lerkevang Grove
- Department of CardiologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of HealthAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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Joosten LPT, van Doorn S, Hoes AW, Nierman MC, Wiersma NM, Koek HL, Hemels MEW, Huisman MV, Roes KC, van den Bor RM, Buding WF, Rutten FH, Geersing GJ. Safety of switching from vitamin K antagonist to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in frail elderly with atrial fibrillation: rationale and design of the FRAIL-AF randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032488. [PMID: 31888928 PMCID: PMC6937027 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical guidelines recommend non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for stroke prevention in most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Frail elderly were under-represented in the landmark NOAC-trials, leaving a knowledge gap on the optimal anticoagulant management (VKA or NOAC) in this increasing population. The aim of the Frail-AF (FRAIL-AF) study is to assess whether switching from international normalised ratio (INR)-guided VKA-management to a NOAC-based treatment strategy compared with continuing VKA-management is safe in frail elderly patients with AF. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The FRAIL-AF study is a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled clinical trial. Frail elderly (age ≥75 years plus a Groningen Frailty Indicator score ≥3) who receive VKA-treatment for AF in the absence of a mechanical heart valve or severe mitral valve stenosis will be randomised to switch to a NOAC-based treatment strategy or to continue INR-guided VKA-management. Patients with severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) will be excluded from randomisation. Based on existing trial evidence in non-frail patients, we will aim to explore whether NOAC-treatment is superior to VKA-therapy in reducing major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events. Secondary outcomes include minor bleeding, the composite of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The follow-up period for all subjects is 12 months. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands and by the Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects, the Netherlands. All patients are asked written informed consent. Results are expected in 2022 and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals as well as presentations at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EudraCT: 2017-000393-11; The Netherlands Trial Registry: 6721 (FRAIL-AF study).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P T Joosten
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander van Doorn
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arno W Hoes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melchior C Nierman
- Department of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation, Atalmedial Medical Diagnostics Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke M Wiersma
- Department of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation, Diagnostic Center Saltro, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Huiberdina L Koek
- Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin E W Hemels
- Department of Cardiology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Menno V Huisman
- Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kit C Roes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger M van den Bor
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim F Buding
- Member of the Dutch Organisation for patients using anticoagulant medication, CTD Nederland, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frans H Rutten
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan Geersing
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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