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Stuby J, Haschke M, Tritschler T, Aujesky D. Oral anticoagulant therapy in older adults. Thromb Res 2024; 238:1-10. [PMID: 38636204 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.009] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Patients aged ≥65 years not only account for the majority of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), they are also at a higher risk of morbidity, mortality, and undertreatment than younger patients. Several age-related physiological changes with effects on drug pharmacokinetics/-dynamics and blood vessel fragility as well as the higher prevalence of geriatric conditions such as frailty, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, fall risk, dementia, and malnutrition make older persons more vulnerable to disease- and anticoagulation-related complications. Moreover, because older patients with AF/VTE are underrepresented in oral anticoagulation (OAC) trials, evidence on OAC in older adults with AF/VTE is mainly based on subgroup analyses from clinical trials and observational studies. A growing body of such limited evidence suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be superior in terms of efficacy and safety compared to vitamin K antagonists in older persons with AF/VTE and that specific DOACs may have a differing risk-benefit profile. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence on epidemiology of AF/VTE, impact of age-related physiological changes, efficacy/safety of OAC, specifically considering individuals with common geriatric conditions, and review OAC guideline recommendations for older adults with AF/VTE. We also propose a research agenda to improve the evidence basis on OAC older individuals with AF/VTE, including the conduct of advanced age-specific and pragmatic studies using less restrictive eligibility criteria and patient-reported health outcomes, in order to compare the effectiveness and safety of different DOACs, and investigate lower-dose regimens and optimal OAC durations in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Stuby
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - M Haschke
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland; Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - T Tritschler
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Aujesky
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Lucà F, Oliva F, Abrignani MG, Di Fusco SA, Parrini I, Canale ML, Giubilato S, Cornara S, Nesti M, Rao CM, Pozzi A, Binaghi G, Maloberti A, Ceravolo R, Bisceglia I, Rossini R, Temporelli PL, Amico AF, Calvanese R, Gelsomino S, Riccio C, Grimaldi M, Colivicchi F, Gulizia MM. Management of Patients Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Clinical Practice and Challenging Scenarios. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5955. [PMID: 37762897 PMCID: PMC10531873 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the cornerstone of anticoagulant strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and should be preferred over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) since they are superior or non-inferior to VKAs in reducing thromboembolic risk and are associated with a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage (IH). In addition, many factors, such as fewer pharmacokinetic interactions and less need for monitoring, contribute to the favor of this therapeutic strategy. Although DOACs represent a more suitable option, several issues should be considered in clinical practice, including drug-drug interactions (DDIs), switching to other antithrombotic therapies, preprocedural and postprocedural periods, and the use in patients with chronic renal and liver failure and in those with cancer. Furthermore, adherence to DOACs appears to remain suboptimal. This narrative review aims to provide a practical guide for DOAC prescription and address challenging scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Lucà
- Cardiology Department, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, AO Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89129 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiology Department De Gasperis Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Angela Di Fusco
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, ASL Roma 1, 00135 Roma, Italy
| | - Iris Parrini
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Mauriziano, 10128 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Canale
- Cardiology Department, Nuovo Ospedale Versilia Lido di Camaiore Lucca, 55049 Camaiore, Italy
| | - Simona Giubilato
- Cardiology Department, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Cornara
- Arrhytmia Unit, Division of Cardiology, Ospedale San Paolo, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 2, 17100 Savona, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Massimiliano Rao
- Cardiology Department, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, AO Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89129 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozzi
- Cardiology Division Valduce Hospital, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Giulio Binaghi
- Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Maloberti
- Cardiology Department De Gasperis Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Cardiology Unit, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, 88046 Lamezia, Italy
| | - Irma Bisceglia
- Integrated Cardiology Services, Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossini
- Cardiology Unit, Ospedale Santa Croce e Carle, 12100 Cuneo, Italy;
| | - Pier Luigi Temporelli
- Division of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, 28010 Gattico-Veruno, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandro Gelsomino
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carmine Riccio
- Cardiovascular Department, Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano Hospital, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, San Filippo Neri Hospital, ASL Roma 1, 00135 Roma, Italy
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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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Grymonprez M, Petrovic M, De Backer TL, Steurbaut S, Lahousse L. Clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and a history of falls using non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: A nationwide cohort study. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2023; 47:101223. [PMID: 37252193 PMCID: PMC10209699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101223] [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] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Data on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a history of falls are limited. Therefore, we investigated the impact of a history of falls on AF-related outcomes, and the benefit-risk profiles of NOACs in patients with a history of falls. Methods Using Belgian nationwide data, AF patients initiating anticoagulation between 2013 and 2019 were included. Previous falls that occurred ≤ 1 year before anticoagulant initiation were identified. Results Among 254,478 AF patients, 18,947 (7.4%) subjects had a history of falls, which was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.11, 95%CI (1.06-1.15)), major bleeding (aHR 1.07, 95%CI (1.01-1.14)), intracranial bleeding (aHR 1.30, 95%CI (1.16-1.47)) and new falls (aHR 1.63, 95%CI (1.55-1.71)), but not with thromboembolism. Among subjects with a history of falls, NOACs were associated with lower risks of stroke or systemic embolism (aHR 0.70, 95%CI (0.57-0.87)), ischemic stroke (aHR 0.59, 95%CI (0.45-0.77)) and all-cause mortality (aHR 0.83, 95%CI (0.75-0.92)) compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), while major, intracranial, and gastrointestinal bleeding risks were not significantly different. Major bleeding risks were significantly lower with apixaban (aHR 0.77, 95%CI (0.63-0.94)), but similar with other NOACs compared to VKAs. Apixaban was associated with lower major bleeding risks compared to dabigatran (aHR 0.78, 95%CI (0.62-0.98)), rivaroxaban (aHR 0.78, 95%CI (0.68-0.91)) and edoxaban (aHR 0.74, 95%CI (0.59-0.92)), but mortality risks were higher compared to dabigatran and edoxaban. Conclusions A history of falls was an independent predictor of bleeding and death. NOACs had better benefit-risk profiles than VKAs in patients with a history of falls, especially apixaban.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Grymonprez
- Department of Bioanalysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Geriatrics, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tine L. De Backer
- Department of Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephane Steurbaut
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, Research group of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Jette, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, PO Box 2040, Rotterdam 3000, CA, the Netherlands
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Latt NKZ, Calvert P, Lip GYH. Balancing the risk of stroke and bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients with a history of falls. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:1041-1048. [PMID: 37860853 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2273333] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and can lead to serious consequences such as ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism. The risk of thromboembolism can be reduced by anticoagulation, however many patients with high falls risk do not receive oral anticoagulation. AREAS COVERED In this narrative literature review, performed with searches of the PubMed database, we discuss the factors predisposing AF patients to falls, ways to optimize bleeding risk with individualized assessment, and clarify misconceptions around falls risk and anticoagulation therapy. EXPERT OPINION In general, the advantages of stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation outweigh the risk of bleeding resulting from falls, especially with the increasing use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants, which are associated with fewer intracranial hemorrhages and thromboembolic complications than vitamin K anticoagulants. Most studies in this field are observational and randomized controlled studies would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nang Khaing Zar Latt
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Calvert
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Clinical Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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