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Rekk K, Arnet I, Dietrich F, Polymeris AA, Lyrer PA, Engelter ST, Schaedelin S, Allemann SS. Relationship between electronically monitored adherence to direct oral anticoagulants and ischemic or hemorrhagic events after an initial ischemic stroke-A case control study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301421. [PMID: 38662779 PMCID: PMC11045050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a high risk for recurrent clinical events after an ischemic stroke. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are prescribed for secondary prevention. Adherence to DOAC is crucial mainly because of their short elimination half-life. Non-adherence to DOAC can negatively impact patients' outcomes. The relationship between (non-)adherence and recurrent clinical events is unknown in AF patients after initial stroke. We investigated adherence to DOAC in stroke survivors with AF who were included in the MAAESTRO study at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, between 2008 and 2022. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of data from MAAESTRO with a matched nested case-control design and 1:2 ratio. DOAC intake was measured with a small electronic device (Time4MedTM). We defined two arbitrary intervals of 17 days and 95 days as the longest time spans with electronic monitoring data per patient to maximize the number of participants with adequate amount of observation time available for analysis. Taking and timing adherence were calculated retrospectively i.e., prior to the recurrent event for cases. Trendline analysis of adherence over 95 days was calculated. Linear regression analysis was performed after adjusting for the co-variables age and daily pill burden. Sensitivity analysis was performed with controls for intervals in the reverse direction (prospectively). RESULTS We analyzed 11 cases and 22 matched controls (mean age: 75.9 ± 9.2 years vs. 73.1 ± 8.4 years; n.s.) with similar stroke characteristics (NIHSS, mRS, MoCA) and 36.4% women in each group. Mean adherence values were high and similar between cases and controls (95 days taking: 87.0 ± 18.9% (cases) vs. 90.8 ± 9.8% (controls), n.s.; similar values for timing adherence). Six hemorrhagic and five ischemic events had occurred. Compared to controls, a significantly higher 95 days taking adherence was observed for hemorrhagic events (96.0 ± 5.0% (cases) vs. 88.1 ± 11.5% (controls); p<0.01) and a significantly lower 95 days taking adherence was observed for ischemic events (75.7 ± 24.8% (cases) vs. 94.2 ± 6.2% (controls), p = 0.024). Values for timing adherence were similar. A non-significant downward linear trend of adherence was observed over 95 days independently of the clinical events. The sensitivity analysis showed that the direction of the interval had negligible impact on the 95 days adherence. CONCLUSION Because recurrent ischemic events after an AF-related stroke were associated with low adherence to DOAC <76%, adherence enhancing interventions seem crucial in anticoagulated AF-patients. However, AF-patients with high adherence might benefit from a regular re-assessment of the bleeding risk as hemorrhagic complications were associated with adherence to DOAC >96%. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03344146.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Rekk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Arnet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fine Dietrich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandros A. Polymeris
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe A. Lyrer
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan T. Engelter
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Felix Platter Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schaedelin
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel S. Allemann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Dietrich F, Polymeris AA, Albert V, Engelter ST, Hersberger KE, Schaedelin S, Lyrer PA, Arnet I. Intake reminders are effective in enhancing adherence to direct oral anticoagulants in stroke patients: a randomised cross-over trial (MAAESTRO study). J Neurol 2024; 271:841-851. [PMID: 37831125 PMCID: PMC10827905 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12035-z] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) effectively prevent recurrent ischaemic events in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with recent stroke. However, excellent adherence to DOAC is mandatory to guarantee sufficient anticoagulation as the effect quickly subsides. AIM To investigate the effect of intake reminders on adherence to DOAC. METHODS MAAESTRO was a randomised, cross-over study in DOAC-treated AF patients hospitalised for ischaemic stroke. Adherence was measured by electronic monitoring for 12 months. After an observational phase, patients were randomised to obtain an intake reminder either in the first or the second half of the subsequent 6-month interventional phase. The primary outcome was 100%-timing adherence. Secondary outcomes were 100%-taking adherence, and overall timing and taking adherence. We analysed adherence outcomes using McNemar's test or mixed-effects logistic models. RESULTS Between January 2018 and March 2022, 130 stroke patients were included, of whom 42 dropped out before randomisation. Analysis was performed with 84 patients (mean age: 76.5 years, 39.3% women). A 100%-timing adherence was observed in 10 patients who were using the reminder, and in zero patients without reminder (p = 0.002). The reminder significantly improved adherence to DOAC, with study participants having 2.7-fold increased odds to achieve an alternative threshold of 90%-timing adherence (OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.05-6.69; p = 0.039). A similar effect was observed for 90%-taking adherence (OR 3.06; 95% CI 1.20-7.80; p = 0.019). Overall timing and taking adherence increased significantly when using the reminder (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.55-1.86, p < 0.01; and OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.52-1.84; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Intake reminders increased adherence to DOAC in patients with stroke attributable to atrial fibrillation. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03344146.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fine Dietrich
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandros A Polymeris
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valerie Albert
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan T Engelter
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University Department of Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter, University of Basel, Burgfelderstrasse 101, 4055, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kurt E Hersberger
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schaedelin
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Schanzenstrasse 55, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe A Lyrer
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Arnet
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
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Polymeris AA, Meinel TR, Oehler H, Hölscher K, Zietz A, Scheitz JF, Nolte CH, Stretz C, Yaghi S, Stoll S, Wang R, Häusler KG, Hellwig S, Klammer MG, Litmeier S, Leon Guerrero CR, Moeini-Naghani I, Michel P, Strambo D, Salerno A, Bianco G, Cereda C, Uphaus T, Gröschel K, Katan M, Wegener S, Peters N, Engelter ST, Lyrer PA, Bonati LH, Grunder L, Ringleb PA, Fischer U, Kallmünzer B, Purrucker JC, Seiffge DJ. Aetiology, secondary prevention strategies and outcomes of ischaemic stroke despite oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:588-598. [PMID: 35396339 PMCID: PMC9148984 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-328391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the aetiology, subsequent preventive strategies and outcomes of stroke despite anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS We analysed consecutive patients with AF with an index imaging-proven ischaemic stroke despite vitamin K-antagonist (VKA) or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) treatment across 11 stroke centres. We classified stroke aetiology as: (i) competing stroke mechanism other than AF-related cardioembolism; (ii) insufficient anticoagulation (non-adherence or low anticoagulant activity measured with drug-specific assays); or, (iii) AF-related cardioembolism despite sufficient anticoagulation. We investigated subsequent preventive strategies with regard to the primary (composite of recurrent ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, death) and secondary endpoint (recurrent ischaemic stroke) within 3 months after index stroke. RESULTS Among 2946 patients (median age 81 years; 48% women; 43% VKA, 57% DOAC), stroke aetiology was competing mechanism in 713 patients (24%), insufficient anticoagulation in 934 (32%) and cardioembolism despite sufficient anticoagulation in 1299 (44%). We found high rates of the primary (27% of patients; completeness 91.6%) and secondary endpoint (4.6%; completeness 88.5%). Only DOAC (vs VKA) treatment after index stroke showed lower odds for both endpoints (primary: adjusted OR (aOR) (95% CI) 0.49 (0.32 to 0.73); secondary: 0.44 (0.24 to 0.80)), but not switching between different DOAC types. Adding antiplatelets showed higher odds for both endpoints (primary: aOR (95% CI) 1.99 (1.25 to 3.15); secondary: 2.66 (1.40 to 5.04)). Only few patients (1%) received left atrial appendage occlusion as additional preventive strategy. CONCLUSIONS Stroke despite anticoagulation comprises heterogeneous aetiologies and cardioembolism despite sufficient anticoagulation is most common. While DOAC were associated with better outcomes than VKA, adding antiplatelets was linked to worse outcomes in these high-risk patients. Our findings indicate that individualised and novel preventive strategies beyond the currently available anticoagulants are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN48292829.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros A Polymeris
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Meinel
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hannah Oehler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kyra Hölscher
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annaelle Zietz
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan F Scheitz
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian H Nolte
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Stretz
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shadi Yaghi
- Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Svenja Stoll
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruihao Wang
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karl Georg Häusler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus G Klammer
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Litmeier
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Iman Moeini-Naghani
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrik Michel
- Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Davide Strambo
- Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Salerno
- Service of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Bianco
- Stroke Center, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland EOC, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Cereda
- Stroke Center, Neurology Department, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland EOC, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Timo Uphaus
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Klaus Gröschel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mira Katan
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Wegener
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nils Peters
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Stroke Center, Klinik Hirslanden Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University Department of Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan T Engelter
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University Department of Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe A Lyrer
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leo H Bonati
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lorenz Grunder
- Department of Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Urs Fischer
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Kallmünzer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan C Purrucker
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David J Seiffge
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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