Oral anticoagulant therapy and bleeding events with vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation in a Hungarian county hospital

Platelets Cellular and Functional Characteristics in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of platelet cellular and functional characteristics including platelet count (PC), MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet factor 4, beta thromboglobulin (BTG), and p-selectin with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and consequent stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating platelet characteristics in patients with paroxysmal, persistent and permanent atrial fibrillations. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Literature search of all major databases retrieved 1,676 studies. After screening, a total of 73 studies were identified. Pooled analysis showed significant differences in PC (weighted mean difference (WMD)=-26.93 and p<0.001), MPV (WMD=0.61 and p<0.001), PDW (WMD=-0.22 and p=0.002), BTG (WMD=24.69 and p<0.001), PF4 (WMD=4.59 and p<0.001), and p-selectin (WMD=4.90 and p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Platelets play a critical and precipitating role in the occurrence of AF. Whereas distribution width of platelets as well as factors of platelet activity was significantly greater in AF patients compared to SR patients, platelet count was significantly lower in AF patients.

Evaluation of Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Treatment with Warfarin in Tehran, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Anticoagulant control is assessed by Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR). For a given patient, TTR is defined as the duration of time in which the patient's International Normalized Ratio (INR) values were within a desired range.

AIM

To assess TTR in patients receiving treatment with warfarin for non-valvular atrial fibrillation at a referral center for cardiovascular diseases in Tehran, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Over 6 months, we enrolled eligible patients presenting to Shaheed Rajaie Hospital in Tehran for regular INR testing. Demographic data, medical history, and current medications were determined for all participants. TTR was assessed by the Rosendaal method.

RESULTS

A total of 470 patients (mean age 58.0±14.2 years, 60.2% women) underwent 1450 INR measurements. The mean TTR was calculated as 54.9±11.9%. Of the sample patients, 37.3% were in the good control category (TTR > 70%), 24.6% were in the intermediate category (50% < TTR < 70%), and 38.1% were in the poor control category (TTR < 50%). The number of current medications above four was a significant predictor of poor control (OR = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.87, 2.23). The mean TTR of the studied patients (54.9%) was below the good control range.

CONCLUSION

The quality of anticoagulant therapy with warfarin in Iranian patients was poorer than that reported in European countries. Based on these results, research considering the causes of poor TTR among Iranian patients is recommended.