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Rigual R, Rodríguez-Pardo J, Lorenzo-Diéguez M, Fernández-Fernández S, Torres Iglesias G, Lastras C, Ruiz-Ares G, de Leciñana MA, de Celis E, Casado-Fernández L, Hervás C, Alonso E, Díez-Tejedor E, Fuentes B. Keeping prior anticoagulation treatment in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke: the REKOALA study. J Neurol 2024; 271:4086-4094. [PMID: 38578495 PMCID: PMC11233373 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12204-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A consensus on the management of anticoagulated patients in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke has not yet been established. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in such patients based on the continuation or discontinuation of anticoagulation. METHODS Retrospective study of patients with acute ischaemic stroke and cardioembolic source receiving anticoagulant therapy is done. Patients were classified based on the continuation or discontinuation of anticoagulation at admission. Clinical outcomes, haemorrhagic and ischaemic events were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and a sub-analysis of patients with severe ischaemic stroke at admission (NIHSS score ≥ 15) were performed. RESULTS Anticoagulation was continued in 147 (78.8%) of 186 patients. Patients continuing anticoagulant had lower NIHSS (median 5 vs 18, p < 0.001). There were no differences in haemorrhagic or ischaemic events. In the multivariate analysis, good functional outcome at discharge was higher in the continuation group, OR (CI95%) 3.77 (1.2-11.2). PSM analysis adjusted for potential confounders such as NIHSS had higher rates of good functional outcomes at discharge (80% vs 36%, p = 0.004) and at 90 days (76% vs 44%, p = 0.042) in the continuation group. Patients with severe stroke in this group had lower 90-day mortality (34.6% vs 62.5%, p = 0.045) and higher rates of good clinical outcome at discharge (33.3% vs 8.3%, p = 0.032). No differences were observed in 90-day haemorrhagic or ischaemic events. CONCLUSION Continuation of anticoagulation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and cardioembolic source did not increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage and may be associated with better functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Rigual
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Pardo
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Lorenzo-Diéguez
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Fernández-Fernández
- Department of Radiology, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Torres Iglesias
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Lastras
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Ruiz-Ares
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Alonso de Leciñana
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena de Celis
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Casado-Fernández
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Hervás
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Alonso
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Exuperio Díez-Tejedor
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Fuentes
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
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2
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Grosse GM, Hüsing A, Stang A, Kuklik N, Brinkmann M, Nabavi D, Sparenberg P, Weissenborn K, Gröschel K, Royl G, Poli S, Michalski D, Eschenfelder CC, Weimar C, Diener HC. Early or late initiation of dabigatran versus vitamin-K-antagonists in acute ischemic stroke or TIA: The PRODAST study. Int J Stroke 2023; 18:1169-1177. [PMID: 37306492 PMCID: PMC10676026 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231184366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal timing of initiating or resuming anticoagulation after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is debated. Dabigatran, a non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC), has shown superiority against vitamin K antagonists (VKA) regarding hemorrhagic complications. AIMS In this registry study, we investigated the initiation of dabigatran in the early phase after AIS or TIA. METHODS PRODAST (Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA) is a prospective, multicenter, observational, post-authorization safety study. We recruited 10,039 patients at 86 German stroke units between July 2015 and November 2020. A total of 3,312 patients were treated with dabigatran or VKA and were eligible for the analysis that investigates risks for major hemorrhagic events within 3 months after early (⩽ 7 days) or late (> 7 days) initiation of dabigatran or VKA initiated at any time. Further endpoints were recurrent stroke, ischemic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, death, and a composite endpoint of stroke, systemic embolism, life-threatening bleeding and death. RESULTS Major bleeding event rates per 10,000 treatment days ranged from 1.9 for late administered dabigatran to 4.9 for VKA. Early or late initiation of dabigatran was associated with a lower hazard for major hemorrhages as compared to VKA use. The difference was pronounced for intracranial hemorrhages with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10-2.21) for early dabigatran use versus VKA use and an adjusted HR of 0.09 (95% CI: 0.00-13.11) for late dabigatran use versus VKA use. No differences were found between early initiation of dabigatran versus VKA use regarding ischemic endpoints. CONCLUSIONS The early application of dabigatran appears to be safer than VKA administered at any time point with regards to the risk of hemorrhagic complications and in particular for intracranial hemorrhage. This result, however, must be interpreted with caution in view of the low precision of the estimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit M Grosse
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anika Hüsing
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Stang
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nils Kuklik
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marcus Brinkmann
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Clinical Trials Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Darius Nabavi
- Department of Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Sparenberg
- Department of Neurology, BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Gröschel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Georg Royl
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian Weimar
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- BDH-Klinik Elzach, Elzach, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Diener
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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3
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Tirumandyam G, Krishna Mohan GV, Addi Palle LR, Reyaz I, Haider S, Haseeb MD, Saleem F. Early Versus Delayed Oral Anticoagulation in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e40801. [PMID: 37485143 PMCID: PMC10362836 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40801] [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: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of early oral anticoagulation with delayed anticoagulant therapy in patients who have had a recent stroke and have atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. The literature search was independently performed by two authors. We searched PubMed and Scopus using search strings that included the following terms: "stroke," "atrial fibrillation," "oral anticoagulants," "recurrent stroke," and "intracerebral hemorrhage." Our search spanned from the inception of databases to May 25, 2023. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the composite efficacy outcome (as defined by individual studies). Recurrent ischemic stroke (IS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and death from any cause were assessed as secondary outcomes. For safety analysis, bleeding events were compared between the two study groups. We included five articles in this meta-analysis, comprising a total of 7958 patients (including 3793 in the early treatment group and 4165 in the delayed treatment group). Pooled analysis showed that the risk of composite efficacy outcome (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.93, p-value: 0.01) and recurrent ischemic stroke (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.94, p-value: 0.02) were lower in the early treatment group. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of all-cause mortality, intracranial hemorrhage, or bleeding events. In light of the findings, healthcare professionals should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of early versus delayed DOAC treatment in individual patients, considering factors such as stroke severity, bleeding risk, and patient preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Tirumandyam
- Internal Medicine, Siddhartha Medical College, Dr Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) University of Health Sciences, Tirupathi, IND
| | | | | | - Ibrahim Reyaz
- Internal Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, IND
| | - Salar Haider
- Medicine, King Edwards Medical University, Islamabad, PAK
| | | | - Faraz Saleem
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
- Internal Medicine, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
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4
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Oldgren J, Åsberg S, Hijazi Z, Wester P, Bertilsson M, Norrving B. Early Versus Delayed Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Therapy After Acute Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation (TIMING): A Registry-Based Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Study. Circulation 2022; 146:1056-1066. [PMID: 36065821 PMCID: PMC9648987 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.060666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no evidence-based recommendations on the optimal time point to initiate non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed initiation of NOAC in these patients. METHODS TIMING (Timing of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation) was a registry-based, randomized, noninferiority, open-label, blinded end-point study at 34 stroke units using the Swedish Stroke Register for enrollment and follow-up. Within 72 hours from stroke onset, patients were randomized to early (≤4 days) or delayed (5-10 days) NOAC initiation, with choice of NOAC at the investigators' discretion. The primary outcome was the composite of recurrent ischemic stroke, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or all-cause mortality at 90 days. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 3%. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS Between April 2, 2017, and December 30, 2020, 888 patients were randomized to either early (n=450) or delayed (n=438) initiation of NOAC. No patient was lost to 90-day follow-up. Mean age was 78.3 years (SD, 9.9 years); 46.2% were women; 49.1% had previously known atrial fibrillation; and 17.5% prior stroke. The primary outcome occurred in 31 patients (6.89%) assigned to early initiation and in 38 patients (8.68%) assigned to delayed NOAC initiation (absolute risk difference, -1.79% [95% CI, -5.31% to 1.74%]; Pnoninferiority=0.004). Ischemic stroke rates were 3.11% and 4.57% (risk difference, -1.46% [95% CI, -3.98% to 1.07%]) and all-cause mortality rates were 4.67% and 5.71% (risk difference, -1.04% [95% CI, -3.96% to 1.88%]) in the early and delayed groups, respectively. No patient in either group experienced symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS Early initiation was noninferior to delayed start of NOAC after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Numerically lower rates of ischemic stroke and death and the absence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages implied that the early start of NOAC was safe and should be considered for acute secondary stroke prevention in patients eligible for NOAC treatment. REGISTRATION URL: http://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT02961348.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Oldgren
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center (J.O., Z.H., M.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (J.O., S.Å., Z.H.)
| | - Signild Åsberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (J.O., S.Å., Z.H.)
| | - Ziad Hijazi
- Uppsala Clinical Research Center (J.O., Z.H., M.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (J.O., S.Å., Z.H.)
| | - Per Wester
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden (P.W.)
- Department of Clinical Science, Karolinska Institutet Danderyds sjukhus, Stockholm, Sweden (P.W.)
| | | | - Bo Norrving
- Department of Clinical Sciences‚ Section of Neurology‚ Lund University‚ Skåne University Hospital, Sweden (B.N.)
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5
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Timing of anticoagulation after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Neurol Sci 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35762354 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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6
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Best JG, Cardus B, Klijn CJM, Lip G, Seiffge DJ, Smith EE, Werring DJ. Antithrombotic dilemmas in stroke medicine: new data, unsolved challenges. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:jnnp-2020-325249. [PMID: 35728935 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Antithrombotic therapy is a key element of secondary prevention in patients who have had an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. However, its use in clinical practice is not always straightforward. This review provides an update on certain difficult scenarios in antithrombotic management, with a focus on recent clinical trials and large observational studies. We discuss the approach to patients with an indication for antithrombotic treatment who also have clinical or radiological evidence of previous intracranial bleeding, patients with indications for both anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment, and patients in whom antithrombotic treatment fails to prevent stroke. We also review the timing of anticoagulation initiation after cardioembolic stroke, and the use of antithrombotics in patients with asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease. Despite a wealth of new evidence, numerous uncertainties remain and we highlight ongoing trials addressing these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Best
- Stroke Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Beatrix Cardus
- Royal Surrey County Hospital, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Catharina J M Klijn
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gregory Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Aalborg Thrombosis Research Unit, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - David J Seiffge
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eric E Smith
- Calgary Stroke Program, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology and Community Health Sciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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7
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Grosse GM, Weimar C, Kuklik N, Hüsing A, Stang A, Brinkmann M, Eschenfelder CC, Diener HC. Rationale, Design and Methods of the Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) Study. Eur Stroke J 2022; 6:438-444. [PMID: 35342819 PMCID: PMC8948515 DOI: 10.1177/23969873211060219] [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: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The optimal timing of anticoagulation following acute ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent challenge. Early initiation of anticoagulation can reduce the risk for recurrent ischaemic events, but may lead to an increased risk for intracerebral haemorrhage. Aim The Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) study was initiated to investigate outcome events under antithrombotic therapy after ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with AF. The main objective is to compare the three-month rates of major haemorrhagic events between early (≤ 7 days) versus late (> 7 days) administration of dabigatran or treatment with vitamin-K antagonists started at any time. Occurrences of ischaemic and major haemorrhagic events will be evaluated to determine the optimal time point for initiation or resumption of anticoagulation. Design and Methods PRODAST is a prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional post-authorization safety study. 10,000 patients with recent (≤ 1 week from index event) ischaemic stroke or TIA and non-valvular AF were recruited at 86 German sites starting in July 2015. The observational plan includes a baseline visit, documentation of data during hospitalization and a telephone-based, central follow-up at three months after the index event. The primary endpoint is the major bleeding rate within three months. Secondary endpoints include rates of recurrent ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction and death. Summary PRODAST will provide important real-world data on safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy after acute stroke and TIA in patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit M Grosse
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Weimar
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,BDH Clinic Elzach, Elzach, Germany
| | - Nils Kuklik
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anika Hüsing
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcus Brinkmann
- Center for Clinical Trials Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Christoph Diener
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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8
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Best JG, Arram L, Ahmed N, Balogun M, Bennett K, Bordea E, Campos MG, Caverly E, Chau M, Cohen H, Dehbi HM, Doré CJ, Engelter ST, Fenner R, Freemantle N, Hunter R, James M, Lip GY, Murray ML, Norrving B, Sprigg N, Veltkamp R, Zaczyk I, Werring DJ. Optimal timing of anticoagulation after acute ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation (OPTIMAS): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Int J Stroke 2022; 17:583-589. [PMID: 35018878 DOI: 10.1177/17474930211057722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Atrial fibrillation causes one-fifth of ischemic strokes, with a high risk of early recurrence. Although long-term anticoagulation is highly effective for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, initiation after stroke is usually delayed by concerns over intracranial hemorrhage risk. Direct oral anticoagulants offer a significantly lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage than other anticoagulants, potentially allowing earlier anticoagulation and prevention of recurrence, but the safety and efficacy of this approach has not been established. AIM Optimal timing of anticoagulation after acute ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation (OPTIMAS) will investigate whether early treatment with a direct oral anticoagulant, within four days of stroke onset, is as effective or better than delayed initiation, 7 to 14 days from onset, in atrial fibrillation patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS AND DESIGN OPTIMAS is a multicenter randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome adjudication. Participants with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation eligible for anticoagulation with a direct oral anticoagulant are randomized 1:1 to early or delayed initiation. As of December 2021, 88 centers in the United Kingdom have opened. STUDY OUTCOMES The primary outcome is a composite of recurrent stroke (ischemic stroke or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage) and systemic arterial embolism within 90 days. Secondary outcomes include major bleeding, functional status, anticoagulant adherence, quality of life, health and social care resource use, and length of hospital stay. SAMPLE SIZE TARGET A total of 3478 participants assuming event rates of 11.5% in the control arm and 8% in the intervention arm, 90% power and 5% alpha. We will follow a non-inferiority gatekeeper analysis approach with a non-inferiority margin of 2 percentage points. DISCUSSION OPTIMAS aims to provide high-quality evidence on the safety and efficacy of early direct oral anticoagulant initiation after atrial fibrillation-associated ischemic stroke.Trial registrations: ISRCTN: 17896007; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03759938.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Best
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Liz Arram
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Norin Ahmed
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Maryam Balogun
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Kate Bennett
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Ekaterina Bordea
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Marta G Campos
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Emilia Caverly
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Marisa Chau
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Hannah Cohen
- Haemostasis Research Unit, Department of Haematology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Hakim-Moulay Dehbi
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Caroline J Doré
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Stefan T Engelter
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Fenner
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Nick Freemantle
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Rachael Hunter
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Martin James
- Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Gregory Yh Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Aalborg Thrombosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Macey L Murray
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Bo Norrving
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Nikola Sprigg
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Roland Veltkamp
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany
| | - Iwona Zaczyk
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, UCL, London, UK
| | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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9
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Matos-Ribeiro J, Castro-Chaves P, Oliveira-Ferreira M, Fonseca L, Pintalhao M. Early anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation-related acute ischaemic stroke: efficacy and safety profile. J Neurol 2021; 269:2099-2112. [PMID: 34499205 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of early anticoagulation on functional outcome, recurrent ischaemic events and haemorrhagic complications in Atrial Fibrillation (AF)-related acute ischaemic strokes (AIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated patients hospitalised in a Stroke Unit due to AF-related AIS. Patients were divided according to anticoagulation initiation timing (0-4 days, 5-14 days, no anticoagulation by the 14th day). We assessed the following outcomes at 3 months: favourable functional outcome [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2 or equal to pre-stroke], recurrent ischaemic events and haemorrhagic complications after anticoagulation initiation. RESULTS We included 395 patients. Anticoagulation was initiated at days 0-4 in 33.9% of patients, days 5-14 in 25.3% and not initiated by the day 14 in 40.8%. Factors associated with earlier anticoagulation included lower previous mRS, valvular AF and lower stroke severity. Favourable functional outcome occurred in 40.2% of patients, with lower odds in those anticoagulated at 5-14 versus 0-4 days (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23-0.94), independently of age, previous mRS and stroke severity. Recurrent ischaemic events occurred in 8.3% of patients, with higher odds in non-anticoagulated patients by the 14th day, compared to the remainder groups (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.29-8.22 vs. 0-4 days and OR: 8.16, 95% CI: 1.76-37.9 vs. 5-14 days). In patients who started anticoagulation (n = 288), haemorrhagic complications occurred in 10.8%, being more frequent in those who started at 0-4 days vs. > 14 days. However, it did not abolish the 0-4-day initiation's benefit on functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS Early anticoagulation was associated with lower ischaemic recurrence and better functional outcome at 3 months. Additional studies are needed to better clarify its haemorrhagic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Matos-Ribeiro
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paulo Castro-Chaves
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre (UnIC), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Stroke Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Luísa Fonseca
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pintalhao
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre (UnIC), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.,Stroke Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Anticoagulation Choice and Timing in Stroke Due to Atrial Fibrillation: A Survey of US Stroke Specialists (ACT-SAFe). J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105169. [PMID: 32912570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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11
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Saberwal B, Ioannou A, Lim WY, Beirne AM, Chow AW, Tousoulis D, Ahsan S, Papageorgiou N. Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Recent Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2715-2724. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200407150307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia which carries a significant risk of stroke. Secondary
prevention, particularly in the acute phase of stroke with anti-thrombotic therapy, has not been validated. The aim
of this review is to evaluate the available evidence on the use of antithrombotic therapy in patients with recent
stroke who have AF, and suggest a treatment algorithm for the various time points, taking into account both the
bleeding and thrombosis risks posed at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bunny Saberwal
- Electrophysiology Department, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Ioannou
- Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Y. Lim
- Electrophysiology Department, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Marie Beirne
- Electrophysiology Department, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W. Chow
- Electrophysiology Department, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Syed Ahsan
- Electrophysiology Department, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Papageorgiou
- Electrophysiology Department, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom
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Mull HJ, Shin MH, Engle RL, Linsky AM, Kalver E, Lamkin R, Sullivan JL. Veterans Perceptions of Satisfaction and Convenience with Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation: Warfarin versus Direct Oral Anticoagulants. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:1911-1922. [PMID: 33116435 PMCID: PMC7569027 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s279621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, AFib was treated with warfarin, yet recent evidence suggests patients may favor direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Variation in preferences is common and we explored patients' perceptions of satisfaction and convenience of DOACs versus warfarin within the Veterans Health Administration (VA). PATIENTS AND METHODS We administered a cross-sectional survey, the Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire 2 (PACT-Q2), to Veterans residing in New England, age ≥65, diagnosed with AFib, and actively taking anticoagulant medication in fiscal year 2018. Survey recipients were randomly selected among patients on warfarin (n=200) or DOACs (n=200). A selection of survey respondents agreed to a follow-up semi-structured interview (n=16) to further investigate perceptions of satisfaction and convenience. RESULTS Of 400 patients, 187 completed the PACT-Q2 survey (49% on DOACs; 51% on warfarin). DOACs received significantly higher convenience ratings than warfarin (87.6, SD 13.5 vs 81.1, SD 18.8; p=0.007); there was no difference in satisfaction (64.2, SD 20.5 SD, warfarin vs, 67.3, SD 19.4, DOACs). Interview results showed that participants perceived their treatment to be convenient. However, participants expressed challenges related to the convenience of taking warfarin or DOACs, such as warfarin users having to follow dietary recommendations or DOAC users desiring some additional monitoring to answer questions or concerns. Overall, warfarin and DOAC users reported satisfaction with ongoing monitoring methods, although a few DOAC users expressed uncertainties with the frequency of monitoring. For most participants, concerns about side effects did not differ by anticoagulant type nor affect satisfaction. CONCLUSION Our survey and interview results showed variable patient satisfaction and perceptions of convenience with both DOACs and warfarin. Although DOACs are increasingly prescribed for AFib, some Veterans felt that regular follow-up on warfarin was advantageous. Our findings demonstrate the importance of patient-centered decision-making in AFib treatment in the VA patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary J Mull
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Hillary J Mull VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USATel +1-857-364-2766 Email
| | - Marlena H Shin
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryann L Engle
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy M Linsky
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
- General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- General Internal Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Kalver
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Lamkin
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Sullivan
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Seiffge DJ, Werring DJ, Paciaroni M, Dawson J, Warach S, Milling TJ, Engelter ST, Fischer U, Norrving B. Timing of anticoagulation after recent ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:117-126. [PMID: 30415934 PMCID: PMC6524642 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30356-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 13-26% of all acute ischaemic strokes are related to non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia globally. Deciding when to initiate oral anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation is a longstanding, common, and unresolved clinical challenge. Although the risk of early recurrent ischaemic stroke is high in this population, early oral anticoagulation is suspected to increase the risk of potentially harmful intracranial haemorrhage, including haemorrhagic transformation of the infarct. This assumption, and current treatment guidelines, are based on historical, mostly observational data from patients with ischaemic stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with heparins, heparinoids, or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent recurrent ischaemic stroke. Randomised controlled trials have subsequently shown that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; ie, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban) are at least as effective as VKAs in primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation-related ischaemic stroke, with around half the risk of intracranial haemorrhage. However, none of these DOAC trials included patients who had experienced ischaemic stroke recently (within the first few weeks). Clinicians therefore remain uncertain regarding when to commence DOAC administration after acute ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Prospective observational studies and two small randomised trials have investigated the risks and benefits of early DOAC-administration initiation (most with a median delay of 3-5 days) in mild-to-moderate atrial fibrillation-associated ischaemic stroke. These studies reported that early DOAC treatment was associated with a low frequency of clinically symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage or surrogate haemorrhagic lesions on MRI scans, whereas later DOAC-administration initiation (ie, >7 days or >14 days after index stroke) was associated with an increased frequency of recurrent ischaemic stroke. WHERE NEXT?: Adequately powered randomised controlled trials comparing early to later oral anticoagulation with DOACs in ischaemic stroke associated with atrial fibrillation are justified to confirm the acceptable safety and efficacy of this strategy. Four such randomised controlled trials (collectively planned to include around 9000 participants) are underway, either using single cutoff timepoints for early versus late DOAC-administration initiation, or selecting DOAC-administration timing according to the severity and imaging features of the ischaemic stroke. The results of these trials should help to establish the optimal timing to initiate DOAC administration after recent ischaemic stroke and whether the timing should differ according to stroke severity. Results of these trials are expected from 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Seiffge
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, London, UK; Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David J Werring
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Maurizio Paciaroni
- Stroke Unit and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jesse Dawson
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven Warach
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Stefan T Engelter
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neurorehabilitation Unit, University Center for Medicine of Aging and Rehabilitation Basel, Felix Platter Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Fischer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bo Norrving
- Department of Neurology, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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