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Troisi F, Guida P, Vitulano N, Quadrini F, Di Monaco A, Patti G, Grimaldi M. Atrial Thrombosis Prevalence Before Cardioversion or Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists. Am J Cardiol 2024; 218:77-85. [PMID: 38458580 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Left atrial or left atrial appendage thrombosis (LAT) is contraindicated for cardiac ablation (CA) or cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was aimed to compare the frequency of LAT detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before CA or CV in patients with AF treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochran Library databases from inception through July 13, 2023 to select studies reporting data on LAT identification before CA or CV using TEE in patients with AF treated with DOACs or VKAs. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval were calculated with a random-effects model. Studies retrieved were 50 (38 observational), 29 on CA, 15 on CV, and 6 on both procedures (17,096 patients on DOACs and 13,666 on VKAs). The overall prevalence of LAT was smaller in DOACs than in VKAs, with an OR of 0.66 (0.52 to 0.84), confirmed at sensitivity analysis and in most subgroups. This finding was consistent for the 3 most reported DOACs: the pooled OR for LAT was 0.68 (0.50 to 0.90) in apixaban, 0.67 (0.51 to 0.88) in dabigatran, 0.61 (0.43 to 0.89) in rivaroxaban, and 1.10 (0.74 to 1.64) in edoxaban (not significant). In conclusion, in this large meta-analysis in patients with AF, the prevalence of LAT by TEE evaluation performed before CV or CA appears lower in those treated with DOACs than in those on VKAs. Additional research may help in better understanding differences between these classes of anticoagulant drugs in the setting of protection against AF-related left atrial thrombotic formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Troisi
- Cardiology Department, Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli," Bari, Italy.
| | - Pietro Guida
- Cardiology Department, Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli," Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Vitulano
- Cardiology Department, Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli," Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Quadrini
- Cardiology Department, Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli," Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Monaco
- Cardiology Department, Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli," Bari, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Patti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; Division of Cardiology, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Cardiology Department, Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli," Bari, Italy
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2
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Lee KH, Hung WT, Huang WY, Ovbiagele B, Lee M. Direct oral anticoagulants compared with other strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke or transient ischemic attack: Systematic review. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:551-560. [PMID: 37838540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.10.007] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients with atrial fibrillation and a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), the risk-benefit of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to alternative treatment approaches has not been firmly established. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate efficacy and safety of DOACs vs warfarin and DOACs vs aspirin or placebo in patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 2000, to January 31, 2023, to find RCTs. Risk ratio (RR) with 95 % CI measured the association of DOACs vs warfarin, and DOACs vs aspirin or placebo, with clinical outcomes. Primary efficacy outcome was stroke or systemic embolism and primary safety outcome was ICH. RESULTS We identified 7 RCTs with 19,111 patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA, of which 5 trials compared DOACs with warfarin and 2 trials compared DOACs vs aspirin or placebo. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR, 0.85; 95 % CI, 0.75-0.97) and ICH (RR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.41-0.68). Compared with aspirin or placebo, DOACs were associated with a reduced risk of stroke or systemic embolism (RR, 0.33; 95 % CI, 0.19-0.58) and risk of ICH did not differ between apixaban and aspirin. CONCLUSION This contemporary evaluation of the literature indicates that DOACs, rather than other antithrombotic agents or no treatment, should be used in patients with AF and a prior stroke or TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Hsin Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Tse Hung
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Yi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung Branch, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meng Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
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Grainger BT, McFadyen JD, Tran H. Between a rock and a hard place: resumption of oral anticoagulant therapy after intracranial hemorrhage. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:594-603. [PMID: 37913910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.10.020] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared and lethal complication of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. Resumption of OAC after ICH has long posed a challenge for clinicians, complicated by the expanding range of anticoagulant agents available in modern clinical practice, including direct OACs and, more recently, factor XI and XII inhibitors. A review of the current literature found support for resuming OAC in the majority of patients after ICH based on pooled retrospective data showing that resumption is associated with a lower risk of mortality and thromboembolism without a significantly increased risk of recurrent hemorrhage. The optimal time to resume OAC is less clear; however, the available evidence suggests that the composite risk of both recurrent hemorrhage and thromboembolism is likely minimized, somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks, after ICH in most patients. Specific considerations to guide the optimal resumption time in the individual patient include ICH location, mechanism, and anticoagulant class. Patients with mechanical heart valves and intracerebral malignancy represent high-risk groups who require more nuanced decision making. Here, we appraise the literature with the aim of providing a practical guide for clinicians while also discussing priorities for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Grainger
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - James D McFadyen
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Huyen Tran
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Pan X, Pei Y, Zhang M, Zhong W, Hu J, Wang Z, Xu D, Lou M, Chen H, Chen Z. Association of Atrial Fibrillation with Remote Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Intravenous Thrombolysis: Results from a Multicenter Study in China. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:127-139. [PMID: 38032536 PMCID: PMC10787712 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate the association between atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly newly diagnosed AF, and remote intracerebral hemorrhage (rICH) in patients with ischemic stroke who were treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). METHODS This observational study was conducted on patients with ischemic stroke who received IVT with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. The data were taken from a multicenter prospective registry of a Chinese population. rICH was defined as any extraischemic hemorrhage detected on computerized tomography (CT) 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis. We collected and compared the demographic data and clinical characteristics of all the patients with rICH to those of patients without any type of hemorrhagic transformation. The association between AF and rICH was analyzed using univariate analysis and binary logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 20,697 patients were included in the study, with 1566 (7.6%) experiencing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 586 (2.8%) experiencing rICH, and 19,131 (92.4%) not experiencing any form of hemorrhagic transformation. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in age, pre-thrombolysis systolic blood pressure, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, previously known AF, newly diagnosed AF, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, hyperhomocysteinemia, and history of thrombolysis between the rICH and control groups (P < 0.05). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that total AF (OR 1.821, 95% CI 1.082-3.065, P < 0.05), previously known AF (OR 1.470, 95% CI 1.170-1.847), and newly diagnosed AF (OR 1.920, 95% CI 1.304-2.825) were independently associated with rICH. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that AF, regardless of whether it is newly diagnosed or previously known, may be associated with the occurrence of rICH following intravenous thrombolysis. Interestingly, our findings suggest that newly diagnosed AF may have a stronger impact on rICH than previously known AF, although confirmation from more studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Pan
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, No. 365 Renmin East Road, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yingjian Pei
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, No. 365 Renmin East Road, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wansi Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Taizhou First People's Hospital, Taizhou, 318020, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dongjuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Dongyang People's Hospital, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Min Lou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongfang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, No. 365 Renmin East Road, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Zhicai Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Dubé MC, Ducroux C, Daneault N, Deschaintre Y, Jacquin G, Odier C, Stapf C, Poppe AY, Romanelli G, Gioia LC. Characteristics of Ischemic Stroke Despite Oral Anticoagulant Use For Atrial Fibrillation. Can J Neurol Sci 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38232961 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2024.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Oral anticoagulation (OAC) prevents stroke in atrial fibrillation, yet a residual stroke risk remains. In this single-center retrospective analysis of acute ischemic stroke patients despite OAC, suboptimal OAC treatment is common (30%: inappropriate dosing (17%); patient non-adherence (13%)). Other causes of stroke included OAC interruption (14.5%), a competing stroke mechanism (11.0%), and undetermined breakthrough stroke in 44.5%. Overall, easily modifiable causes of ischemic stroke despite OAC are common. Accordingly, strategies to improve treatment compliance, including appropriate dosing along with guideline-based risk factor and periprocedural OAC management, should be emphasized to improve secondary stroke prevention in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christine Dubé
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Célina Ducroux
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole Daneault
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yan Deschaintre
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Grégory Jacquin
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Odier
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christian Stapf
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Y Poppe
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Giovanni Romanelli
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura C Gioia
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Neurovascular Group, Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
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Dammavalam V, Lin S, Nessa S, Daksla N, Stefanowski K, Costa A, Bergese S. Neuroprotection during Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Future Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:891. [PMID: 38255965 PMCID: PMC10815099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020891] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Endovascular thrombectomy has been impactful in decreasing mortality. However, many clinical results continue to show suboptimal functional outcomes despite high recanalization rates. This gap in recanalization and symptomatic improvement suggests a need for adjunctive therapies in post-thrombectomy care. With greater insight into ischemia-reperfusion injury, recent preclinical testing of neuroprotective agents has shifted towards preventing oxidative stress through upregulation of antioxidants and downstream effectors, with positive results. Advances in multiple neuroprotective therapies, including uric acid, activated protein C, nerinetide, otaplimastat, imatinib, verapamil, butylphthalide, edaravone, nelonemdaz, ApTOLL, regional hypothermia, remote ischemic conditioning, normobaric oxygen, and especially nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, have promising evidence for improving stroke care. Sedation and blood pressure management in endovascular thrombectomy also play crucial roles in improved stroke outcomes. A hand-in-hand approach with both endovascular therapy and neuroprotection may be the key to targeting disability due to stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikalpa Dammavalam
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Sandra Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (S.L.); (N.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Sayedatun Nessa
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Neil Daksla
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (S.L.); (N.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Kamil Stefanowski
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (K.S.)
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (S.L.); (N.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Sergio Bergese
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (S.L.); (N.D.); (A.C.)
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Suomalainen OP, Martinez-Majander N, Broman J, Mannismäki L, Aro A, Curtze S, Pakarinen S, Lehto M, Putaala J. Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Epidemiology, Screening, and Prognosis. J Clin Med 2023; 13:30. [PMID: 38202037 PMCID: PMC10779359 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010030] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrythmia and one of the strongest risk factors and causal mechanisms of ischemic stroke (IS). Acute IS due to AF tends to be more severe than with other etiology of IS and patients with treated AF have reported to experience worse outcomes after endovascular treatment compared with patients without AF. As cardioembolism accounts for more than a fifth of ISs and the risk of future stroke can be mitigated with effective anticoagulation, which has been shown to be effective and safe in patients with paroxysmal or sustained AF, the screening of patients with cryptogenic IS (CIS) for AF is paramount. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a subtype of CIS with a high likelihood of cardioembolism. The European Stroke Organization and European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend at least 72 h of screening when AF is suspected. The longer the screening and the earlier the time point after acute IS, the more likely the AF paroxysm is found. Several methods are available for short-term screening of AF, including in-hospital monitoring and wearable electrocardiogram recorders for home monitoring. Implantable loop monitors provide an effective long-term method to screen patients with high risk of AF after IS and artificial intelligence and convolutional neural networks may enhance the efficacy of AF screening in the future. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are preferred over vitamin K antagonists in both primary and secondary prevention of IS in AF patients. Recent data from the randomized controlled trials (RCT) also suggest that early initiation of DOAC treatment after acute IS is safe compared to later initiation. Anticoagulation treatment may still predispose for intracranial bleeding, particularly among patients with prior cerebrovascular events. Left atrial appendix closure offers an optional treatment choice for patients with prior intracranial hemorrhage and may offer an alternative to oral anticoagulation even for patients with IS, but these indications await validation in ongoing RCTs. There are still controversies related to the association of found AF paroxysms in CIS patients with prolonged screening, pertaining to the optimal duration of screening and screening strategies with prolonged monitoring techniques in patients with ESUS. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of epidemiology, screening, and prognosis in AF patients with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Pekka Suomalainen
- Departments of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (N.M.-M.); (J.B.); (L.M.); (S.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Nicolas Martinez-Majander
- Departments of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (N.M.-M.); (J.B.); (L.M.); (S.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Jenna Broman
- Departments of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (N.M.-M.); (J.B.); (L.M.); (S.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Laura Mannismäki
- Departments of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (N.M.-M.); (J.B.); (L.M.); (S.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Aapo Aro
- Departments of Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.); (S.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Sami Curtze
- Departments of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (N.M.-M.); (J.B.); (L.M.); (S.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Sami Pakarinen
- Departments of Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.); (S.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Mika Lehto
- Departments of Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.A.); (S.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Jukka Putaala
- Departments of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, P.O. Box 340, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (N.M.-M.); (J.B.); (L.M.); (S.C.); (J.P.)
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8
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Methavigul K, Chichareon P, Yindeengam A, Krittayaphong R. Net clinical benefit of oral anticoagulants in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation based on a CHA 2DS 2-VASc score. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:623. [PMID: 38114960 PMCID: PMC10729428 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03643-8] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to assess the net clinical benefit (NCB) for oral anticoagulant (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. METHODS Patients with AF were prospectively recruited in the COOL AF Thailand registry from 2014 to 2017. The incidence rate of thromboembolic (TE) events and major bleeding (MB) was calculated. Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the TE and MB rate in patients with and without OACs in CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0-1 and ≥ 2, respectively. The survival analysis was performed based on CHA2DS2-VASc score. The NCB of OACs was defined as the TE rate prevented minus the MB rate increased multiplied by a weighting factor. RESULTS A total of 3,402 AF patients were recruited. An average age of patients was 67.38 ± 11.27 years. Compared to non-anticoagulated patients, the Kaplan Meier curve showed anticoagulated patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or more had the lower thromboembolic events with statistical significance (p = 0.043) and the higher MB events with statistical significance (p = 0.018). In overall AF patients, there were positive NCB in warfarin patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3 or more while there were positive NCB in DOACs patients regardless of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Females with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3 or more had a positive NCB regardless of OACs type. Good anticoagulation control (TTR ≥65%) improved an NCB in males with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3 or more. CONCLUSIONS AF patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3 or more regardless warfarin or DOACs had a positive NCB. The NCB of OACs was more positive for DOACs compared to warfarin and for females compared to males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komsing Methavigul
- Department of Cardiology, Central Chest Institute of Thailand, 74 Tiwanon road, Nonthaburi, Mueang Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand.
| | - Ply Chichareon
- Cardiology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Ahthit Yindeengam
- Her Majesty Cardiac Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rungroj Krittayaphong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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9
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Buck BH, Sposato LA, Field TS. Looking for Atrial Fibrillation With Insertable Cardiac Monitors-Is 1 Year Long Enough and Does it Matter? JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1266-1268. [PMID: 37902778 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Buck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luciano A Sposato
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thalia S Field
- Division of Neurology, The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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10
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Nagasaka T, Nakamura M. Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Narrative Review. Cardiol Ther 2023; 12:615-635. [PMID: 37938523 DOI: 10.1007/s40119-023-00337-2] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and the cause of thromboembolic events in elderly patients worldwide. AF is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to cardiac emboli, primarily from left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. Oral anticoagulation therapy is the standard treatment to effectively reduce the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with AF. However, anticoagulation treatment increases bleeding risk. LAA closure (LAAC) has recently been introduced as a feasible mechanical preventive intervention for thromboembolic events while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Transcatheter LAAC devices have evolved in the past decade, and several ongoing trials have demonstrated the improvements of safety and outcomes in newer generation devices. This review summarizes the current perspectives and outcomes regarding LAAC as an alternative to pharmacologic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nagasaka
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Mamoo Nakamura
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Carter J, Kirwan C, Niaz S, Baweja S, Al-Haimus F, Hu Y, Ramsden S, Clayton N, de Wit K. Anticoagulation prescription among atrial fibrillation patients managed with and without an anticoagulant initiation pathway: a cohort study. Eur J Emerg Med 2023; 30:365-370. [PMID: 37598348 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000001072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians atrial fibrillation (AF) checklist advises that emergency physicians initiate anticoagulation therapy for patients with AF or flutter who are CHADS65 positive. OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare anticoagulation initiation rates between patients treated with and without an anticoagulation assessment pathway (the SAFE pathway). DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS All emergency department patients were discharged home with a diagnosis of AF between June 2018 and May 2020 at two Canadian emergency departments. INTERVENTION The SAFE pathway is a hard copy form which allows emergency physicians to document contraindications to anticoagulation, the positive components of the CHADS65 score, and details how to prescribe anticoagulation. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS Trained researchers abstracted data on the use of the SAFE pathway by the presence or absence of the completed, scanned pathway in the electronic medical chart. The exposure of interest was use of this pathway. Patients were followed forward in time for 90 days by electronic medical record review to document stroke, transient ischemic attack, arterial embolism and major bleeding events. All events were independently adjudicated. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated to compare outcomes between those managed with and without the SAFE pathway. RESULTS In total, 766 patients were included, of whom 264 were already taking anticoagulation, 166 were CHADS65 negative and 65 had a contraindication to anticoagulation, leaving 271 patients eligible for anticoagulation prescription. Among the 271 eligible patients, 137/166 managed with the SAFE pathway were initiated on anticoagulation and 24/105 managed without the SAFE pathway started anticoagulation (adjusted odds ratio 25.9; 13.1-51.2). There was no statistically significant difference in the 90-day rate of stroke or bleeding. CONCLUSION Use of the SAFE pathway was associated with a higher rate of anticoagulation prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimee Carter
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston
| | | | - Saghar Niaz
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, ON
| | - Shriya Baweja
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - Fayad Al-Haimus
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, ON
| | - Sophie Ramsden
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University
| | - Natasha Clayton
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University
- Emergency Department, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton
| | - Kerstin de Wit
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston
- Department of HEI McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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12
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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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13
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Wu S, Huang N, Chen X, Jiang S, Zhang W, Hu W, Su J, Dai H, Gu P, Huang X, Du X, Li R, Zheng Q, Lin X, Zhang Y, Zou L, Liu Y, Zhang M, Liu X, Zhu Z, Sun J, Hong S, She W, Zhang J. Association between Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A New Piece of Evidence on the Obesity Paradox from China. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2023; 37:715-727. [PMID: 35394582 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We conducted a multicenter real-world study in China to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). METHOD This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study conducted in 15 centers in China. We collected demographic information through the hospital information system and obtained clinical events through follow-up visits to patients or relatives. Clinical outcomes include major, minor, total bleeding, thromboembolism, and all-cause death. RESULT A total of 6164 patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) were included in this study. The incidence of major bleeding in patients with NVAF differed significantly by BMI category (P < 0.001), with 5.2% in the underweight group, 2.6% in the normal group, 1.4% in the overweight group, 1.1% in the obese I group, and 1.3% in the obese II group. There was no significant difference in minor, total bleeding, and thrombosis in the five groups (P = 0.493; P = 0.172; P = 0.663). All-cause death was significantly different among the five groups (P < 0.001), with 8.9% in the underweight group, 6.3% in the normal group, 4.8% in the overweight group, 2.2% in the obese I group, and 0.4% in the obese II group. High BMI was negatively associated with major bleeding (OR = 0.353, 95% CI 0.205-0.608), total bleeding (OR = 0.664, 95% CI 0.445-0.991), and all-cause death (OR = 0.370, 95% CI 0.260-0.527). CONCLUSION In patients with NVAF treated with DOACs, higher BMI was associated with lower major bleeding and better survival. BMI was a negative correlate of total bleeding, but not minor bleeding and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, #29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Nianxu Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taikang Tongji(Wuhan) Hospital, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fuling Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 408099, China
| | - Shaojun Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, #29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde City, 415000, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinyang Central Hospital, Xinyang Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 464000, Henan, China
| | - Jun Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, 233004, China
| | - Hengfen Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, 350009, China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaohong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, 363000, China
| | - Xiaoming Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ruijuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, 030032, China
| | - Qiaowei Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangsheng Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Pingtan County General Laboratory Area Hospital, Fujian, 350400, China
| | - Yanxia Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang, 154002, China
| | - Lang Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan, 475000, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Qingdao Third People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Shandong, 266041, China
| | - Xiumei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of He'nan University of Chinese Medicine (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou), Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Jianjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, 010050, China
| | - Shanshan Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, Quanzhou First Hospital, Fujian, 362000, China
| | - Weibin She
- Department of Medical Administration, Dongguan Kanghua Hospital, Guangdong, 523000, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, #29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
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14
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Al-Khatib SM. Atrial Fibrillation. Ann Intern Med 2023; 176:ITC97-ITC112. [PMID: 37429028 DOI: 10.7326/aitc202307180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence for diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has expanded substantially since 2017, when In the Clinic last considered this subject. Direct oral anticoagulants have become the predominant therapy for thromboembolic disease, and antidotes for these drugs are now available. Device-based left atrial appendage occlusion is frequently used in patients who cannot tolerate systemic anticoagulation, and growing evidence suggests that early rhythm control improves outcomes. Catheter ablation is now frequently performed to prevent recurrent AF. Managing risk factors for AF, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, remains paramount in prevention of this condition.
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Abdulrahman B, Jabbour RJ, Curzen N. Is It Really Safe to Discontinue Antiplatelet Therapy 12 Months After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation? Interv Cardiol 2023; 18:e22. [PMID: 37435601 PMCID: PMC10331563 DOI: 10.15420/icr.2022.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of AF in patients with coronary artery disease is high. The guidelines from many professional groups, including the European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and Heart Rhythm Society, recommend a maximum duration of 12 months of combination single antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention and who have concurrent AF, followed by anticoagulation alone beyond 1 year. However, the evidence that anticoagulation alone without antiplatelet therapy adequately reduces the well-documented attritional risk of stent thrombosis after coronary stent implantation is relatively sparse, particularly given that very late stent thrombosis (>1 year from stent implantation) is the commonest type. By contrast, the elevated risk of bleeding from combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy is clinically important. The aim of this review is to assess the evidence for long-term anticoagulation alone without antiplatelet therapy 1 year post-percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balen Abdulrahman
- Coronary Research Group, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthampton, UK
| | - Richard J Jabbour
- Coronary Research Group, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthampton, UK
| | - Nick Curzen
- Coronary Research Group, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of SouthamptonSouthampton, UK
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16
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Santostasi G, Denas G, Pengo V. New pharmacotherapeutic options for oral anticoagulant treatment in atrial fibrillation patients aged 65 and older: factor XIa inhibitors and beyond. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1335-1347. [PMID: 37243619 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2219391] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although much progress has been made using anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, bleeding is still a major concern. AREAS COVERED This article reviews current pharmacotherapeutic options in this setting. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of the new molecules to minimize the bleeding risk in elderly patients. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to March 2023 was carried out. EXPERT OPINION Contact phase of coagulation is a possible new target for anticoagulant therapy. Indeed, congenital or acquired deficiency of contact phase factors is associated with reduced thrombotic burden and limited risk of spontaneous bleeding. These new drugs seem particularly suitable for stroke prevention in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in whom the hemorrhagic risk is high. Most of anti Factor XI (FXI) drugs are for parenteral use only. A group of small molecules are for oral use and therefore are candidates to substitute direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Doubts remain on the possibility of impaired hemostasis. Indeed, a fine calibration of inhibition of contact phase factors is crucial for an effective and safe treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gentian Denas
- Cardiology Clinic, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pengo
- Cardiology Clinic, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
- Arianna Foundation on Anticoagulation, Bologna, Italy
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17
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Katic J, Borovac JA. Treatment of Persistent Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation on Adequate Oral Anticoagulation: Pathways of Care for All-comers and Heart Failure Patients. Card Fail Rev 2023; 9:e05. [PMID: 37397240 PMCID: PMC10311400 DOI: 10.15420/cfr.2022.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with AF, the presence of left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombus is related to an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Anticoagulation therapy, either with vitamin K antagonists or novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is therefore mandatory in AF with LA/LAA thrombus in order to lower the risk of stroke or other systemic embolic events. Despite the efficacy of these treatments, some patients will have persistent LAA thrombus remaining or may have contraindications to oral anticoagulation. Currently, little is known about the occurrence, risk factors and resolution rate of LA/LAA thrombus in patients who are already under optimal chronic oral anticoagulation, including vitamin K antagonists or NOACs. The common action in clinical practice in this scenario is switching from one to another anticoagulant drug exhibiting a different mechanism of action. Repeated cardiac imaging is then advised within several weeks to visually verify thrombus dissolution. Finally, there is a substantial scarcity of data on the role and optimal use of NOACs after LAA occlusion. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate data and provide up-to-date information on the best antithrombotic strategies in this challenging clinical scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josip Katic
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split Split, Croatia
| | - Josip Andelo Borovac
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split Split, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine Split, Croatia
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18
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Scridon A, Balan AI. Challenges of Anticoagulant Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation-Focus on Gastrointestinal Bleeding. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086879. [PMID: 37108042 PMCID: PMC10138869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising prevalence and the complexity of atrial fibrillation (AF) pose major clinical challenges. Stroke prevention is accompanied by non-negligible risks, making anticoagulant treatment an ongoing challenge for the clinician. Current guidelines recommend direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over warfarin for stroke prevention in most AF patients, mainly due to the ease of their use. However, assessing the bleeding risk in patients receiving oral anticoagulants remains-particularly in the case of DOACs-highly challenging. Using dose-adjusted warfarin increases threefold the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Although the overall bleeding risk appears to be lower, the use of DOACs has been associated with an increased risk of GIB compared to warfarin. Accurate bleeding (including GIB-specific) risk scores specific for DOACs remain to be developed. Until then, the assessment of bleeding risk factors remains the only available tool, although the extent to which each of these factors contributes to the risk of bleeding is unknown. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the bleeding risk associated with oral anticoagulant therapy in AF patients, with a highlight on the latest insights into GIB associated with oral anticoagulation; we emphasize questions that remain to be answered; and we identify hotspots for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Scridon
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology "George Emil Palade" of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Alkora Ioana Balan
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology "George Emil Palade" of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplantation of Târgu Mureș, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
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The first experience of a hybrid approach in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2023. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract116052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and is associated with an increased risk of death, progression of heart failure, and the development of cardiogenic thromboemboli. Despite the significant success in the management of AF in the paroxysmal form, the results of the treatment for patients with persistent forms of AF remain unsatisfactory. Though the surgical approach provides higher rates of efficiency regarding the restoration of a sinus rhythm, transmural lesions are not always attainable, as a result, the rate of AF recurrence in the long-term period remains fairly high. It is also impossible to create ablative patterns to the mitral and tricuspid valves during thoracoscopic epicardial ablation, which can cause the development of recurrent AF, perimitral and typical atrial flutter. Therefore, the development of hybrid approaches combining the advantages of catheter and thoracoscopic techniques is an urgent task of contemporary surgical and interventional arrhythmology.
Aims: to estimate the immediate results of a hybrid approach in the management of patients with persistent AF.
Methods: We report the first experience of a hybrid treatment of patients with persistent AF. 6 patients aged 53-64 years (1 female, 5 males) were included in the study. At the first stage, thoracoscopic epicardial bipolar ablation was performed (modified GALAXY protocol); the second stage (in 3 to 6 months after the thoracoscopic stage) included an intracardiac electrophysiological study with three-dimensional endocardial mapping followed by endocardial ablation.
Results: The thoracoscopic stage of the hybrid treatment included ablation according to the box lesion scheme using a bipolar irrigation equipment. No lethal outcomes and severe, life-threatening complications were registered. The duration of the inpatient period was 510 hospital-days. The 2nd stage of the hybrid treatment was limited to intracardiac electrophysiological examination only in 2 patients. In 4 patients, epicardial radiofrequency ablation was complemented by endocardial radiofrequency exposure. In 3 of the 4 patients who underwent endocardial radiofrequency ablation, catheter ablation of the mitral and cavotricuspid isthmus was required because of the induction of perimitral and typical flutter, respectively. After the 2nd stage of the hybrid treatment, at the time of discharge all the patients maintained a stable sinus rhythm. There were no severe complications or lethal outcomes.
Conclusion: a hybrid approach in the AF management is a safe and effective method of treatment, which combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and endocardial intervention in patients with persistent AF. The technique is safe and has acceptable short-term results.
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Raghunath A, Nguyen DD, Schram M, Albert D, Gollakota S, Shapiro L, Sridhar AR. Artificial intelligence-enabled mobile electrocardiograms for event prediction in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. CARDIOVASCULAR DIGITAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2023; 4:21-28. [PMID: 36865584 PMCID: PMC9971999 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvdhj.2023.01.002] [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: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) often eludes early diagnosis, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to predict AF from sinus rhythm electrocardiograms (ECGs), but AF prediction using sinus rhythm mobile electrocardiograms (mECG) remains unexplored. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of AI to predict AF events prospectively and retrospectively using sinus rhythm mECG data. Methods We trained a neural network to predict AF events from sinus rhythm mECGs obtained from users of the Alivecor KardiaMobile 6L device. We tested our model on sinus rhythm mECGs within ±0-2 days, ±3-7 days, and ±8-30 days from AF events to determine the optimal screening window. Finally, we tested our model on mECGs from before an AF event to determine whether AF can be predicted prospectively. Results We included 73,861 users with 267,614 mECGs (mean age 58.14 years; 35% women). Users with paroxysmal AF contributed 60.15% of mECGs. Model performance on the test set comprising control and study samples across all windows of interest showed an area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.760 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.759-0.760), sensitivity of 0.703 (95% CI 0.700-0.705), specificity of 0.684 (95% CI 0.678-0.685), and accuracy of 69.4% (95% CI 0.692-0.700). Model performance was better on ±0-2 day samples (sensitivity 0.711; 95% CI 0.709-0.713) and worse on the ±8-30 day window (sensitivity 0.688; 95% CI 0.685-0.690), with performance on the ±3-7 day window falling in between (sensitivity 0.708; 95% CI 0.704-0.710). Conclusion Neural networks can predict AF using a widely scalable and cost-effective mobile technology prospectively and retrospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananditha Raghunath
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dan D. Nguyen
- St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | | | - Shyamnath Gollakota
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Linda Shapiro
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Arun R. Sridhar
- University of Washington Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington,Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Arun R. Sridhar, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, P.O. Box 356422, Seattle, WA 98195.
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21
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Younger DS. Motor sequela of adult and pediatric stroke: Imminent losses and ultimate gains. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:305-346. [PMID: 37620077 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in the United States and worldwide. Remarkable advances have been made over the past 20 years in acute vascular treatments to reduce infarct size and improve neurological outcome. Substantially less progress has been made in the understanding and clinical approaches to neurological recovery after stroke. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, bedside examination, localization approaches, and classification of stroke, with an emphasis on motor stroke presentations and management, and promising research approaches to enhancing motor aspects of stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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Donkin R, Fung YL, Singh I. Fibrinogen, Coagulation, and Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 102:313-342. [PMID: 36600138 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that the world's population over 60 years of age will nearly double in the next 30 years. This change imposes increasing demands on health and social services with increased disease burden in older people, hereafter defined as people aged 60 years or more. An older population will have a greater incidence of cardiovascular disease partly due to higher levels of blood fibrinogen, increased levels of some coagulation factors, and increased platelet activity. These factors lead to a hypercoagulable state which can alter haemostasis, causing an imbalance in appropriate coagulation, which plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. These changes in haemostasis are not only affected by age but also by gender and the effects of hormones, or lack thereof in menopause for older females, ethnicity, other comorbidities, medication interactions, and overall health as we age. Another confounding factor is how we measure fibrinogen and coagulation through laboratory and point-of-care testing and how our decision-making on disease and treatment (including anticoagulation) is managed. It is known throughout life that in normal healthy individuals the levels of fibrinogen and coagulation factors change, however, reference intervals to guide diagnosis and management are based on only two life stages, paediatric, and adult ranges. There are no specific diagnostic guidelines based on reference intervals for an older population. How ageing relates to alterations in haemostasis and the impact of the disease will be discussed in this chapter. Along with the effect of anticoagulation, laboratory testing of fibrinogen and coagulation, future directions, and implications will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Donkin
- The University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia. .,Griffith University, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Yoke Lin Fung
- The University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Indu Singh
- Griffith University, School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Jones AE, McCarty MM, Cameron KA, Cavanaugh KL, Steinberg BA, Passman R, Kansal P, Guzman A, Chen E, Zhong L, Fagerlin A, Hargraves I, Montori VM, Brito JP, Noseworthy PA, Ozanne EM. Development of Complementary Encounter and Patient Decision Aids for Shared Decision Making about Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation. MDM Policy Pract 2023; 8:23814683231178033. [PMID: 38178866 PMCID: PMC10765759 DOI: 10.1177/23814683231178033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Decision aids (DAs) are helpful instruments used to support shared decision making (SDM). Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) face complex decisions regarding stroke prevention strategies. While a few DAs have been made for AF stroke prevention, an encounter DA (EDA) and patient DA (PDA) have not been created to be used in conjunction with each other before. Design Using iterative user-centered design, we developed 2 DAs for anticoagulation choice and stroke prevention in AF. Prototypes were created, and we elicited feedback from patients and experts via observations of encounters, usability testing, and semistructured interviews. Results User testing was done with 33 experts (in AF and SDM) and 51 patients from 6 institutions. The EDA and PDA underwent 1 and 4 major iterations, respectively. Major differences between the DAs included AF pathophysiology and a preparation to meet with the clinician in the PDA as well as different language throughout. Content areas included personalized stroke risk, differences between anticoagulants, and risks of bleeding. Based on user feedback, developers 1) addressed feelings of isolation with AF, 2) improved navigation options, 3) modified content and flow for users new to AF and those experienced with AF, 4) updated stroke risk pictographs, and 5) added structure to the preparation for decision making in the PDA. Limitations These DAs focus only on anticoagulation for stroke prevention and are online, which may limit participation for those less comfortable with technology. Conclusions Designing complementary DAs for use in tandem or separately is a new method to support SDM between patients and clinicians. Extensive user testing is essential to creating high-quality tools that best meet the needs of those using them. Highlights First-time complementary encounter and patient decision aids have been designed to work together or separately.User feedback led to greater structure and different experiences for patients naïve or experienced with anticoagulants in patient decision aids.Online tools allow for easier dissemination, use in telehealth visits, and updating as new evidence comes out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey E. Jones
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Madeleine M. McCarty
- School of Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kenzie A. Cameron
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kerri L. Cavanaugh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Steinberg
- School of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rod Passman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Preeti Kansal
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adriana Guzman
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lingzi Zhong
- School of Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- School of Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ian Hargraves
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Victor M. Montori
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Juan P. Brito
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Elissa M. Ozanne
- School of Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Heo J, Lee H, Lee IH, Nam HS, Kim YD. Impact of Left Atrial or Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus on Stroke Outcome: A Matched Control Analysis. J Stroke 2023; 25:111-118. [PMID: 36592972 PMCID: PMC9911853 DOI: 10.5853/jos.2022.02068] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Left atrial or left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombi are frequently observed during cardioembolic evaluation in patients with ischemic stroke. This study aimed to investigate stroke outcomes in patients with LA/LAA thrombus. METHODS This retrospective study included patients admitted to a single tertiary center in Korea between January 2012 and December 2020. Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who underwent transesophageal echocardiography or multi-detector coronary computed tomography were included in the study. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score >3 at 90 days. The inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis was performed. RESULTS Of the 631 patients included in this study, 68 (10.7%) had LA/LAA thrombi. Patients were likely to have a poor outcome when an LA/LAA thrombus was detected (42.6% vs. 17.4%, P<0.001). Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis yielded a higher probability of poor outcomes in patients with LA/LAA thrombus than in those without LA/LAA thrombus (P<0.001). Patients with LA/LAA thrombus were more likely to have relevant arterial occlusion on angiography (36.3% vs. 22.4%, P=0.047) and a longer hospital stay (8 vs. 7 days, P<0.001) than those without LA/LAA thrombus. However, there was no difference in early neurological deterioration during hospitalization or major adverse cardiovascular events within 3 months between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ischemic stroke who had an LA/LAA thrombus were at risk of a worse functional outcome after 3 months, which was associated with relevant arterial occlusion and prolonged hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoonNyung Heo
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyungwoo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il Hyung Lee
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Suk Nam
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Dae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Correspondence: Young Dae Kim Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea Tel: +82-2-2228-1619 Fax: +82-2-393-0705 E-mail:
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25
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Dawwas GK, Cuker A, Barnes GD, Lewis JD, Hennessy S. Apixaban Versus Rivaroxaban in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Valvular Heart Disease : A Population-Based Study. Ann Intern Med 2022; 175:1506-1514. [PMID: 36252244 PMCID: PMC10878325 DOI: 10.7326/m22-0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although apixaban and rivaroxaban are commonly used in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart disease (VHD), there is limited evidence comparing the 2 drugs in these patients. OBJECTIVE To emulate a target trial of effectiveness and safety of apixaban and rivaroxaban in patients with AF and VHD. DESIGN New-user, active comparator, cohort study design. SETTING Commercial health insurance database from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2020. PATIENTS New users of apixaban or rivaroxaban who had a diagnosis of AF and VHD before initiation of anticoagulant therapy. MEASUREMENTS The primary effectiveness outcome was a composite of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism. The primary safety outcome was a composite of gastrointestinal or intracranial bleeding. Cox proportional hazards regression with a robust variance estimator was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS When compared with rivaroxaban in a propensity score-matched cohort of 19 894 patients (9947 receiving each drug), apixaban was associated with a lower rate of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.40 to 0.80]) and bleeding (HR, 0.51 [CI, 0.41 to 0.62]). The absolute reduction in the probability of stroke or systemic embolism with apixaban compared with rivaroxaban was 0.0026 within 6 months and 0.011 within 1 year of treatment initiation. The absolute reduction in the probability of bleeding events with apixaban compared with rivaroxaban was 0.012 within 6 months and 0.019 within 1 year of treatment initiation. LIMITATION Short follow-up time and inability to ascertain some types of VHD. CONCLUSION In this study of patients with AF and VHD, patients receiving apixaban had a lower risk for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and for bleeding when compared with those receiving rivaroxaban. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer K Dawwas
- Center for Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Therapeutics, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, and Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (G.K.D.)
| | - Adam Cuker
- Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (A.C.)
| | - Geoffrey D Barnes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (G.D.B.)
| | - James D Lewis
- Center for Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Therapeutics, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.D.L.)
| | - Sean Hennessy
- Center for Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Therapeutics, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, and Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.H.)
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26
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Douketis JD, Spyropoulos AC, Murad MH, Arcelus JI, Dager WE, Dunn AS, Fargo RA, Levy JH, Samama CM, Shah SH, Sherwood MW, Tafur AJ, Tang LV, Moores LK. Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy: An American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Chest 2022; 162:e207-e243. [PMID: 35964704 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline on the Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy addresses 43 Patients-Interventions-Comparators-Outcomes (PICO) questions related to the perioperative management of patients who are receiving long-term oral anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy and require an elective surgery/procedure. This guideline is separated into four broad categories, encompassing the management of patients who are receiving: (1) a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), mainly warfarin; (2) if receiving a VKA, the use of perioperative heparin bridging, typically with a low-molecular-weight heparin; (3) a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC); and (4) an antiplatelet drug. METHODS Strong or conditional practice recommendations are generated based on high, moderate, low, and very low certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology for clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS A multidisciplinary panel generated 44 guideline recommendations for the perioperative management of VKAs, heparin bridging, DOACs, and antiplatelet drugs, of which two are strong recommendations: (1) against the use of heparin bridging in patients with atrial fibrillation; and (2) continuation of VKA therapy in patients having a pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator implantation. There are separate recommendations on the perioperative management of patients who are undergoing minor procedures, comprising dental, dermatologic, ophthalmologic, pacemaker/internal cardiac defibrillator implantation, and GI (endoscopic) procedures. CONCLUSIONS Substantial new evidence has emerged since the 2012 iteration of these guidelines, especially to inform best practices for the perioperative management of patients who are receiving a VKA and may require heparin bridging, for the perioperative management of patients who are receiving a DOAC, and for patients who are receiving one or more antiplatelet drugs. Despite this new knowledge, uncertainty remains as to best practices for the majority of perioperative management questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Douketis
- Department of Medicine, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Alex C Spyropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Northwell Health at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY; Institute of Health Systems Science at The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, Rochester, MN
| | - Juan I Arcelus
- Department of Surgery, Facultad de Medicina, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - William E Dager
- Department of Pharmacy, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Andrew S Dunn
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mt. Sinai Health System, New York, NY
| | - Ramiz A Fargo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA; Department of Internal Medicine, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, CA
| | - Jerrold H Levy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Surgery (Cardiothoracic), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - C Marc Samama
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Perioperative Medicine, GHU AP-HP, Centre-Université Paris-Cité-Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sahrish H Shah
- Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Alfonso J Tafur
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL
| | - Liang V Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lisa K Moores
- F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
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27
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Shen Q, Zhang C, Liu T, Zhu H, Zhang Z, Li C. A descriptive cross-sectional study of self-management in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30781. [PMID: 36221398 PMCID: PMC9542746 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is characterized by complexity and diversity of content. Inadequate self-management exposes patients to the risk for complications such as stroke and bleeding. To assess the status and predictors of self-management in NVAF patients, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The self-management scales for atrial fibrillation were used to assess the status of self-management of patients who received Warfarin, NOAC, Aspirin, or No anticoagulant therapy. The general situation questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data from patients. A total of 555 participants completed the survey, with self-management score of 71.21 ± 12.33, 69.59 ± 13.37, 69.03 ± 12.20 and 66.12 ± 11.36 in Warfarin group, NOAC group, Aspirin group and No anticoagulant group, respectively. In Warfarin group lower educational status was associated with poor self-management; in Aspirin group, comorbidities and age < 65 years (P = .001) were associated with poor self-management; in No anticoagulant group, age < 65 years, single, poor sleep quality, and permanent AF were associated with poor self-management. Self-management was inadequate in patients with NVAF. Poor self-management might be related with the occurrence of cerebral embolism. For NVAF patients receiving anti-thrombotic therapy, relatively young age, comorbidities, and age can have a substantial impact on self-management performance; while age, type of AF, quality of sleep, married status are associated with self-management in patients with no anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Shen
- Department of Outpatient, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- Nursing Department, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongying Zhu
- Division of Cardiology, The General Public Hospital of Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Nursing Department, The General Public Hospital of Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun Li
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chun Li, Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 188, Shizi Street, Gusu District, Suzhou 215006, China (e-mail: )
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28
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Kantharia BK. Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Versus Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation: Equipoise When Bleeding Risk Is High. Ann Intern Med 2022; 175:1330-1331. [PMID: 35969862 DOI: 10.7326/m22-2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bharat K Kantharia
- Cardiovascular and Heart Rhythm Consultants and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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29
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Halvorsen S, Smith JA, Söderdahl F, Thuresson M, Solli O, Ulvestad M, Jonasson C. Changes in primary care management of atrial fibrillation patients following the shift from warfarin to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: a Norwegian population based study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:214. [PMID: 36008778 PMCID: PMC9404608 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background To assess baseline characteristics, drug utilisation and healthcare use for oral anticoagulants (OACs) following the introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation in primary care in Norway. Methods In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study, 92,936 patients with atrial fibrillation were identified from the Norwegian Primary Care Registry between 2010 and 2018. Linking to the Norwegian Prescription Database, we identified 64,112 patients (69.0%) treated with OACs and 28,824 (31%) who were untreated. Participants were followed until 15 May 2019, death, or loss to follow-up, whichever came first. For each OAC, predictors of initiation were assessed by modelling the probability of initiating the OAC using logistic regression, and predictors of the first switch after index date were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The numbers of primary care visits per quarter by index OAC were plotted and analysed with negative binomial regression analyses offset for the log of days at risk. Results Patients treated with OACs were older, had more comorbidities, and higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores than untreated patients. However, the mean CHA2DS2-VASc in the non-OAC group was 1.58 for men and 3.13 for women, suggesting an indication for OAC therapy. The percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation initiating OACs increased from 59% in 2010 to 79% in 2018. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant use increased throughout the study period to 95% of new OAC-treated patients in 2018, and switches from warfarin to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants were common. The persistence of OAC treatment was > 60% after four years, with greatest persistence for apixaban. Patients treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants had fewer primary care visits compared with those treated with warfarin (incidence rate ratio: 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.75). Conclusion In this Norwegian primary care study, we found that the shift from warfarin to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants was successful with 95% use in patients initiating OACs in 2018, and associated with fewer general practitioner visits. Persistence with OACs was high, particularly for apixaban. However, many patients eligible for treatment with OACs remained untreated. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01824-6.
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30
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Tang EWL, Yip BHK, Yu CP, Wong SYS, Lee EKP. Sensitivity and specificity of automated blood pressure devices to detect atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:956542. [PMID: 36035905 PMCID: PMC9411860 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.956542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent and preventable cause of stroke and mortality. Aim This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of office and out-of-office automated blood pressure (BP) devices to detect AF. Methods Diagnostic studies, extracted from databases such as Ovid Medline and Embase, on AF detection by BP device(s), electrocardiography, and reported sensitivity and specificity, were included. Screening of abstracts and full texts, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by two investigators using Covidence software. The sensitivity and specificity of the BP devices were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Sixteen studies including 10,158 participants were included. Only a few studies were conducted in primary care (n = 3) or with a low risk of bias (n = 5). Office BP devices, which utilised different algorithms to detect AF, had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.2 and 94%, respectively. Specificity was reduced when only one positive result was considered among consecutive BP measurements. Only a few studies (n = 3) investigated out-of-office BP. Only one study (n = 100) suggested the use of ≥79 and ≥26% of positive readings on 24-h ambulatory BP measurements to detect AF and paroxysmal AF, respectively. Conclusions Office BP devices can be used clinically to screen for AF in high-risk populations. Clinical trials are needed to determine the effect of AF screening using office BP devices in reducing stroke risk and mortality. Further studies are also required to guide out-of-office use of BP devices for detecting paroxysmal AF or AF. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022319541, PROSPERO CRD42022319541.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond W. L. Tang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benjamin H. K. Yip
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Pong Yu
- Li Ping Medical Library, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Samuel Y. S. Wong
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric K. P. Lee
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Eric K. P. Lee
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Yogasundaram H, Dover DC, Hawkins NM, McAlister FA, Goodman SG, Ezekowitz J, Kaul P, Sandhu RK. Trends in Uptake and Adherence to Oral Anticoagulation for Patients With Incident Atrial Fibrillation at High Stroke Risk Across Health Care Settings. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e024868. [PMID: 35876419 PMCID: PMC9375487 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.024868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy prevents morbidity and mortality in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation; whether location of diagnosis influences OAC uptake or adherence is unknown. Methods and Results Retrospective cohort study (2008–2019), identifying adults with incident nonvalvular atrial fibrillation across health care settings (emergency department, hospital, outpatient) at high risk of stroke. OAC uptake and adherence via proportion of days covered for direct OACs and time in therapeutic range for warfarin were measured. Proportion of days covered was categorized as low (0–39%), intermediate (40–79%), and high (80–100%). Warfarin control was defined as time in therapeutic range ≥65%. All‐cause mortality was examined at a 3‐year landmark. Among 75 389 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (47.0% women, mean 77.4 years), 19.7% were diagnosed in the emergency department, 59.1% in the hospital, and 21.2% in the outpatient setting. Ninety‐day OAC uptake was 51.6% in the emergency department, 50.9% in the hospital, and 67.9% in the outpatient setting (P<0.0001). High direct OAC adherence increased from 64.9% to 80.3% in the emergency department, 64.3% to 81.7% in the hospital, and 70.9% to 88.6% in the outpatient setting over time (P values for trend <0.0001). Warfarin control was 40.3% overall and remained unchanged. In multivariable analysis, outpatient diagnosis compared with the hospital was associated with greater OAC uptake (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; [95% CI, 1.72–1.87]) and direct OAC (OR, 1.42; [95% CI, 1.27–1.59]) and warfarin (OR, 1.49; [95% CI, 1.36–1.63]) adherence. Varying or persistently low adherence was associated with a poor prognosis, especially for warfarin. Conclusions Locale of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation diagnosis is associated with varying OAC uptake and adherence. Interventions specific to health care settings are needed to improve stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas C Dover
- Canadian VIGOUR Center University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Nathaniel M Hawkins
- Division of Cardiology University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Finlay A McAlister
- Division of General Internal Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Shaun G Goodman
- Canadian VIGOUR Center University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada.,St. Michael's Hospital University of Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Justin Ezekowitz
- Division of Cardiology University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada.,Canadian VIGOUR Center University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Padma Kaul
- Division of Cardiology University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada.,Canadian VIGOUR Center University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Roopinder K Sandhu
- Division of Cardiology University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada.,Canadian VIGOUR Center University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada.,Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
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Rosemann A. [Atrial Fibrillation]. PRAXIS 2022; 111:640-652. [PMID: 35975417 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rosemann
- Verein mediX schweiz, Zürich/Institut für Hausarztmedizin, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz
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Masiliūnas R, Dapkutė A, Grigaitė J, Lapė J, Valančius D, Bacevičius J, Katkus R, Vilionskis A, Klimašauskienė A, Ekkert A, Jatužis D. High Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in a Lithuanian Stroke Patient Cohort. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58060800. [PMID: 35744063 PMCID: PMC9230037 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with a five-fold increased risk for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of AF in a Lithuanian cohort of stroke patients, and its impact on patients regarding case fatality, functional outcome, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 90 days. Materials and Methods: A single-center prospective study was carried out for four non-consecutive months between December 2018 and July 2019 in one of the two comprehensive stroke centers in Eastern Lithuania. A telephone-based follow-up was conveyed at 90 days using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and EuroQoL five-dimensional three-level descriptive system (EQ-5D-3L) with a self-rated visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). One-year case fatality was investigated. Results: We included 238 AIS patients with a mean age of 71.4 ± 11.9 years of whom 45.0% were female. A striking 97 (40.8%) AIS patients had a concomitant AF, in 68 (70.1%) of whom the AF was pre-existing. The AIS patients with AF were at a significantly higher risk for a large vessel occlusion (LVO; odds ratio 2.72 [95% CI 1.38−5.49], p = 0.004), and had a more severe neurological impairment at presentation (median NIHSS score (interquartile range): 9 (6−16) vs. 6 (3−9), p < 0.001). The LVO status was only detected in those who had received computed tomography angiography. Fifty-five (80.9%) patients with pre-existing AF received insufficient anticoagulation at stroke onset. All patients received a 12-lead ECG, however, in-hospital 24-h Holter monitoring was only performed in 3.4% of AIS patients without pre-existing AF. Although multivariate analyses found no statistically significant difference in one-year stroke patient survival and favorable functional status (mRS 0−2) at 90 days, when adjusted for age, gender, reperfusion treatment, baseline functional status, and baseline NIHSS, stroke patients with AF had a significantly poorer self-perceived HRQoL, indicated by a lower EQ-VAS score (regression coefficient ± standard error: β = −11.776 ± 4.850, p = 0.017). Conclusions: In our single-center prospective observational study in Lithuania, we found that 40.8% of AIS patients had a concomitant AF, were at a higher risk for an LVO, and had a significantly poorer self-perceived HRQoL at 90 days. Despite the high AF prevalence, diagnostic tools for subclinical AF were greatly underutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rytis Masiliūnas
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-688-62356
| | - Austėja Dapkutė
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Julija Grigaitė
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Jokūbas Lapė
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Domantas Valančius
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Justinas Bacevičius
- Center of Cardiology and Angiology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (J.B.); (R.K.)
| | - Rimgaudas Katkus
- Center of Cardiology and Angiology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (J.B.); (R.K.)
| | | | - Aušra Klimašauskienė
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Aleksandra Ekkert
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
| | - Dalius Jatužis
- Center of Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.D.); (J.G.); (D.V.); (A.K.); (A.E.); (D.J.)
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Peng TJ, Viscoli C, Khatri P, Wolfe SQ, Bhatt NR, Girotra T, Kamel H, Sheth KN. In Search of the Optimal Antithrombotic Regimen for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors with Atrial Fibrillation. Drugs 2022; 82:965-977. [PMID: 35657478 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) constitutes 10-15% of all strokes, and is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. Survivors of ICH, especially those with atrial fibrillation (AF), are at risk for both recurrent hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular events. A conundrum in the field of vascular neurology, neurosurgery, and cardiology has been the decision to initiate or resume versus withhold anticoagulation in survivors of ICH with AF. To initiate anticoagulation would decrease the risk of ischemic stroke but may increase the risk of hemorrhage. To withhold anticoagulation maintains a lower risk of hemorrhage but does not decrease the risk of ischemic stroke. In this narrative review, we discuss the evidence for and against the use of antithrombotics in ICH survivors with AF, focusing on recently completed and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng J Peng
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York Street LCI, 1003C, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Catherine Viscoli
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York Street LCI, 1003C, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Pooja Khatri
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stacey Q Wolfe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Nirav R Bhatt
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tarun Girotra
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin N Sheth
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York Street LCI, 1003C, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Randomized evaluation of decision support interventions for atrial fibrillation: Rationale and design of the RED-AF study. Am Heart J 2022; 248:42-52. [PMID: 35218727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared decision making (SDM) improves the likelihood that patients will receive care in a manner consistent with their priorities. To facilitate SDM, decision aids (DA) are commonly used, both to prepare a patient before their clinician visit, as well as to facilitate discussion during the visit. However, the relative efficacy of patient-focused or encounter-based DAs on SDM and patient outcomes remains largely unknown. We aim to directly estimate the comparative effectiveness of two DA's on SDM observed in encounters to discuss stroke prevention strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS The study aims to recruit 1200 adult patients with non-valvular AF who qualify for anticoagulation therapy, and their clinicians who manage stroke prevention strategies, in a 2x2 cluster randomized multi-center trial at six sites. Two DA's were developed as interactive, online, non-linear tools: a patient decision aid (PDA) to be used by patients before the encounter, and an encounter decision aid (EDA) to be used by clinicians with their patients during the encounter. Patients will be randomized to PDA or usual care; clinicians will be randomized to EDA or usual care. RESULTS Primary outcomes are quality of SDM, patient decision making, and patient knowledge. Secondary outcomes include anticoagulation choice, adherence, and clinical events. CONCLUSION This trial is the first randomized, head-to-head comparison of the effects of an EDA versus a PDA on SDM. Our results will help to inform future SDM interventions to improve patients' AF outcomes and experiences with stroke prevention strategies.
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Shiraki H, Tanaka H, Yamauchi Y, Yoshigai Y, Yamashita K, Tanaka Y, Sumimoto K, Shono A, Suzuki M, Yokota S, Matsumoto K, Fukuzawa K, Hirata KI. Characteristics of non-valvular atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage thrombus who are undergoing appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2022; 38:941-951. [PMID: 38819730 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-021-02403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the characteristics of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and left atrial (LA) appendage (LAA) thrombus who had been given appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy. We studied 737 NVAF patients who were scheduled for catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion. All patients received appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy for at least 3 weeks prior to echocardiography in accordance with the guidelines. Whether LAA thrombus was present or absent on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was determined by at least three senior echocardiologists. LAA thrombi were observed in 22 patients (3.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LAA flow and LA volume index were both independent predictors of LAA thrombus formation; however, LAA flow (≤ 18 cm/s) was indicated as a more powerful predictor. Moreover, the prevalence of LAA thrombus formation in patients with NVAF without LA enlargement (LA volume index ≤ 34 mL/m2) was extremely rare (0.4%). LAA thrombus formation in patients with a mildly dilated LA volume index of 34-49.9 mL/m2 and paroxysmal AF was also extremely rare (0.0%). LAA flow is strongly associated with LAA thrombus formation, even in NVAF patients treated with appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy. Augmented oral anticoagulation therapy or transcatheter or surgical LAA closure should be considered for such patients, especially for those with an LAA flow < 18 cm/s. Furthermore, TEE for evaluating LAA thrombus before catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion may be unnecessary for NVAF patients who are undergoing appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy, depending on LA size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Shiraki
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Yuki Yamauchi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshigai
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yamashita
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tanaka
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Keiko Sumimoto
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Ayu Shono
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Makiko Suzuki
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Shun Yokota
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kensuke Matsumoto
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Koji Fukuzawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Hirata
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia despite substantial efforts to understand the pathophysiology of the condition and develop improved treatments. Identifying the underlying causative mechanisms of AF in individual patients is difficult and the efficacy of current therapies is suboptimal. Consequently, the incidence of AF is steadily rising and there is a pressing need for novel therapies. Research has revealed that defects in specific molecular pathways underlie AF pathogenesis, resulting in electrical conduction disorders that drive AF. The severity of this so-called electropathology correlates with the stage of AF disease progression and determines the response to AF treatment. Therefore, unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying electropathology is expected to fuel the development of innovative personalized diagnostic tools and mechanism-based therapies. Moreover, the co-creation of AF studies with patients to implement novel diagnostic tools and therapies is a prerequisite for successful personalized AF management. Currently, various treatment modalities targeting AF-related electropathology, including lifestyle changes, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical therapy, substrate-based ablative therapy, and neuromodulation, are available to maintain sinus rhythm and might offer a novel holistic strategy to treat AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca J J M Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Xun Ai
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine/Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Myrthe F Kuipers
- AFIPonline.org, Atrial Fibrillation Innovation Platform, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Proietti M, Camera M, Gallieni M, Gianturco L, Gidaro A, Piemontese C, Pizzetti G, Redaelli F, Scimeca B, Tadeo CS, Cesari M, Bellelli G, Dalla Vecchia LA. Use and Prescription of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Older and Frail Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Multidisciplinary Consensus Document. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030469. [PMID: 35330468 PMCID: PMC8955844 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last twelve years the clinical management of patients with atrial fibrillation has been revolutionised by the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants. Despite the large amount of evidence produced, some populations remain relatively poorly explored regarding the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants, such as the oldest and/or frailest individuals. Frailty is clinical syndrome characterized by a reduction of functions and physiological reserves which results in individuals having higher vulnerability. While current evidence underlines a relationship between atrial fibrillation and frailty, particularly in determining a higher risk of adverse outcomes, data regarding effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in frailty atrial fibrillation patients are still lacking, leaving uncertainty about how to guide prescription in this specific subgroup. On these premises, this multidisciplinary consensus document explains why it would be useful to integrate the clinical evaluation performed through comprehensive geriatric assessment to gather further elements to guide prescription of direct oral anticoagulants in such a high-risk group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Proietti
- Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, 20138 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool L7 3FA, UK
| | - Marina Camera
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gallieni
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20131 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘Luigi Sacco’, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Luigi Gianturco
- Cardiology Unit, IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Antonio Gidaro
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘Luigi Sacco’, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carlo Piemontese
- Cardiology Unit, Sant’Anna Hospital, ASST Lariana, 22042 Como, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Pizzetti
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Barbara Scimeca
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Matteo Cesari
- Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, 20138 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
- Acute Geriatrics Unit, San Gerardo Hospital ASST Monza, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Adelaide Dalla Vecchia
- Department of Cardiology, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, 20138 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50725120
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Wahler S, Birkemeyer R, Alexopoulos D, Siudak Z, Müller A, von der Schulenburg JM. Cost-effectiveness of a photopethysmographic procedure for screening for atrial fibrillation in 6 European countries. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2022; 12:17. [PMID: 35218421 PMCID: PMC8882287 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-022-00362-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strokes cause an estimated annual health care burden of 170 billion euros across Europe. Atrial fibrillation is one of the major risk factors for stroke and increases the individual risk 4.2-fold. But prevention with anticoagulants may reduce this risk by 70%. Screening methods are employed to detect previously undetected atrial fibrillation. Screening studies in various European countries show a high degree of undetected atrial fibrillation. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of systematic screening with a smartphone application, named Preventicus Heartbeats. It is a hands-on screening tool for use on smartphone to diagnose AF with high sensitivity and specificity. METHODS A previously published model for calculating screening cost-effectiveness was extended to 6 European countries covering a wide range in terms of treatment costs and epidemiologic parameters. RESULTS The use of screening lowers the cost per case in countries with comparatively high levels of health care costs (Switzerland: -€75; UK: -€7). Moderate higher costs per case were observed in 4 countries (Greece: €6; Netherlands: €15). Low levels of health care costs result in less or no potential for further cost reduction (Poland: €20; Serbia: €33). In all countries considered, the model showed an increase in effectiveness measures both in the number of strokes avoided and the quality adjusted life years. The number of strokes avoided per 1000 participants ranged from 2.52 (Switzerland) to 4.44 (Poland). Quality-adjusted life-years per case gained from screening ranged from 0.0105 (Switzerland) to 0.0187 (Poland). The screening procedure dominated in two countries (Switzerland, UK). For the remaining countries, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio ranged from €489/QALY (Greece) to €2548/QALY (Serbia). CONCLUSION The model results showed a strong dependence of the results on the country-specific costs for stroke treatment. The use of the investigated screening method is close to cost-neutral or cost-reducing in the Western European countries and Greece. In countries with low price levels, higher cost increases due to AF screening are to be expected. Lower costs of anticoagulation, which are expected due to the upcoming patent expiry of direct anticoagulants, have a positive effect on the cost result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Wahler
- St. Bernward GmbH, Friedrich-Kirsten-Straße 40, D-22391, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - Dimitrios Alexopoulos
- Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Tetrapoleos 18, GR-115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Zbigniew Siudak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Jan Kochanowski University, Stefana Żeromskiego 5, PL-25-369, Kielce, Poland
| | - Alfred Müller
- Analytic Services GmbH, Jahnstr. 34c, D-80469, Munich, Germany
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Risk of Death and Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Atrial Arrhythmia and Thrombus or Sludge in Left Atrial Appendage at One-Year Follow-Up. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041128. [PMID: 35207399 PMCID: PMC8879808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombus in the left atrial appendage is a contraindication for cardioversion. Sludge is considered similarly as threatening as thrombus; however, the risk of death and ischemic stroke in patients with atrial arrhythmia and thrombus or sludge is not well-known. This study focused on assessing the risk of death and ischemic stroke at one-year follow-up in patients with atrial arrhythmia and thrombus or sludge, as well as the effectiveness of anticoagulation in thrombus resolution. 77 out of 267 (29%) of patients who were scheduled for cardioversion were diagnosed with thrombus or sludge. The annual mortality in patients with thrombus or sludge was 23%. In the group without thrombus, the annual mortality was 1.6%. Overall, 17% of patients with thrombus or sludge experienced ischemic stroke. In patients without thrombus, the risk of stroke was 1%. Sludge increased risk of stroke compared to those without thrombus or sludge by 11% vs. 1%, respectively. No differences in mortality or stroke prevalence were observed between sludge and thrombus. Thrombus or sludge in the LAA have a poor prognosis. A diagnosis of sludge has a similar impact on risk of ischemic strokes as does a diagnosis of thrombus.
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Clark JR, Shlobin NA, Batra A, Liotta EM. The Relationship Between Limited English Proficiency and Outcomes in Stroke Prevention, Management, and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:790553. [PMID: 35185760 PMCID: PMC8850381 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.790553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) face structural challenges to communication in English-speaking healthcare environments. We performed a systematic review to characterize the relationship between LEP and outcomes in stroke prevention, management, and recovery. Methods A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Titles and abstracts from articles identified were read and selected for full text review. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed in full for study design, aim, and outcomes. Results Of 891 unique articles, 20 were included. Eleven articles did not provide information about interpreter availability or usage, limiting the ability to draw conclusions about the effect of LEP on measured outcomes in these studies. Overall, studies demonstrated that English proficiency is associated with better outcomes in preventive aspects of stroke care such as stroke symptom awareness, anticoagulation maintenance, and knowledge of warfarin indication. Some acute stroke care metrics were independent of English proficiency in seven studies while other evidence showed associations between interpreter requirement and quality of inpatient care received. LEP and English-proficient groups show similar mortality despite greater lengths of stay and greater proportions of care in dedicated stroke units for LEP patients. Post-stroke quality of life can be worse for those with LEP, and language barriers can negatively impact patient and provider experiences of rehabilitation. Conclusions Stroke patients with LEP face barriers to equitable care at multiple stages. While some studies demonstrate worse outcomes for LEP patients, equitable care was shown in multiple studies frequently in the setting of a high degree of interpreter availability. Patients with LEP will benefit from tailored education regarding stroke symptom recognition and medication regimens, and from provision of translated written educational material. Inequities in inpatient care and rehabilitation exist despite similar mortality rates in four studies. Future studies should report interpreter availability and usage within LEP groups and whether patient interactions were language-concordant or discordant in order to allow for more generalizable and reliable conclusions.
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Oral anticoagulants (NOAC and VKA) in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022; 41:716-721. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Vanneman M, Kothari P, Bodmer NJ, Convissar D, Desai GA, Kumar N, Iyer MH, Neuburger PJ, Essandoh MK, Cronin B, Dalia AA. The Year in Electrophysiology: Selected Highlights from 2021. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2022; 36:1526-1539. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Albertsen N, Riahi S, Pedersen ML, Skovgaard N, Andersen S. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in Greenland: a register-based cross-sectional study based on disease classifications and prescriptions of oral anticoagulants. Int J Circumpolar Health 2022; 81:2030522. [PMID: 35086441 PMCID: PMC8803055 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies of the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Greenland are based on either single-point electrocardiograms (ECGs) or patients admitted with stroke. This study estimates the prevalence of AF based on disease classifications in the electronic medical record system (EMR) and prescriptions of oral anticoagulants (OACs). Patients given a diagnose classification code for AF or atrial flutter or prescribed the vitamin K antagonist Warfarin or the direct-acting oral anticoagulant Rivaroxaban were identified in the EMR. Descriptive data and selected laboratory values were extracted, and a minimum CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for the 790 patients identified in the EMR (66% men). A total prevalence of AF of 1.4% was found in the general population (1.8% among men and 1.0% among women), with a significantly lower prevalence among women younger than 70 years. There was a significant increase in AF-prevalence with advancing age (p<0.001) for both men and women. A minimum CHA2DS2-VASc was estimated and app. 10% of the patients may be undertreated with OACs. The prevalence of AF found in this study is higher than that found in previous studies in Greenland and comparable to the prevalence found in other Western countries, indicating that AF is common in Greenland.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Albertsen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark.,Arctic Health Research Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - S Riahi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - M L Pedersen
- Steno Diabetes Centre, Nuuk, Greenland.,Greenland Centre for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - N Skovgaard
- Greenland Centre for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - S Andersen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark.,Arctic Health Research Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Greenland Centre for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
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Ruzieh M, Wolbrette DL, Naccarelli GV. Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Bioprosthetic Valves-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2022; 12:4797-4805. [PMID: 34970469 PMCID: PMC8712023 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2021.121202] [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: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral anticoagulation is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation and an elevated stroke risk. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are generally preferred over vitamin K antagonists. Nonetheless, there controversy persists regarding whether DOACs should be used in patients with atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic valves. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of DOACs compared to warfarin in this patient population. We performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE and PubMed Central databases for relevant articles. The incidence rate and risk ratio (RR) of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, ischemic stroke/systemic thromboembolism, hemorrhagic stroke/intracranial bleeding, major bleeding, and minor bleeding were calculated. A total of eight studies were included, including 5,300 patients (stratified as 1,638 patients in the DOAC arm and 3,662 patients in the warfarin arm). There was no significant difference in the rate of stroke/systemic thromboembolism [RR: 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43–1.69], all-cause mortality (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.53–1.11), or cardiovascular death (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.40–1.63) between DOACs and warfarin. Major bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke/intracranial bleeding were similar between both treatment arms (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.35–1.06 and RR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.06–1.13, respectively). In conclusion, DOACs are safe and effective in patients with atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic valves. Future large-scale randomized studies are warranted to confirm this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ruzieh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Deborah L Wolbrette
- Division of Cardiology, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gerald V Naccarelli
- Division of Cardiology, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Aguilar F, Lo KB, Quintero EE, Torres RJ, Hung WA, Albano JC, Alviz I, Rodriguez C, Garcia MJ, Romero J, Slipczuk L. Off-label direct oral anticoagulants dosing in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism is associated with higher mortality. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2021; 19:1119-1126. [PMID: 34879208 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2021.2013816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) off-label use data is lacking. Our study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes in a racially mixed population treated for atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS We retrospectively evaluated six months of DOAC prescriptions for AF or VTE treatment. Prescriptions were classified as off-label or appropriate following FDA labeling. The off-label group was sub-classified as under or overdosing. RESULTS Of the 1,087 DOAC prescriptions, 67% were for AF. African Americans and Caucasians were equally represented. There were 171 (16%) inappropriate prescriptions, with 106 (62%), being underdosed. The off-label group had a higher 30-day readmissions risk (OR = 1.69, 95% CI:1.11-2.54, p = 0.012) and 1-year all-cause mortality (OR = 1.90, 95% CI:1.02-3.37, p = 0.032). There was no difference in major bleeding (OR = 1.27, 95% CI:0.63-2.37, p = 0.480) or new thromboembolism (OR = 1.27, 95% CI:0.73-2.13, p = 0.369) between the groups. Underdosing carried a higher risk of new thromboembolism (OR = 3.15, 95% CI:1.09-9.15, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS One in every six patients received off-label DOACs dosing. Off-label use had increased 30-day readmissions and 1-year all-cause mortality. Underdosing was associated with a higher risk of new thromboembolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Aguilar
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin B Lo
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ricardo J Torres
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wikien A Hung
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeri C Albano
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Isabella Alviz
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Carlos Rodriguez
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mario J Garcia
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Romero
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leandro Slipczuk
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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Deaths from cardiovascular disease involving anticoagulants: a systematic synthesis of coroners' case reports. BJGP Open 2021; 6:BJGPO.2021.0150. [PMID: 34620599 PMCID: PMC8958755 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is forecast to increase, and anticoagulants will remain important medicines for its management. Coroners' Prevention of Future Death reports (PFDs) provide valuable insights that may enable safer and more effective use of these agents. AIM To identify CVD-related PFDs involving anticoagulants. DESIGN & SETTING Case series of coronial reports in England and Wales between 2013 and 2019. METHOD A total of 3037 PFDs were screened for eligibility. PFDs were included where CVD and an anticoagulant caused or contributed to the death. Included cases were descriptively analysed and content analysis was used to assess concerns raised by coroners and who had responded to them. RESULTS The study identified 113 CVD-related PFDs involving anticoagulants. Warfarin (36%, n = 41), enoxaparin (11%, n = 12), and rivaroxaban (11%, n = 12) were the most common anticoagulants reported. Concerns most frequently raised by coroners included poor systems (31%), poor communication (25%), and failures to keep accurate medical records (25%). These concerns were most often directed to NHS trusts (29%), hospitals (10%), and general practices (8%). Nearly two-thirds (60%) of PFDs had not received responses from such organisations, which are mandatory under regulation 28 of the Coroners' (Investigations) Regulations 2013. A publicly available tool has been created by the authors (https://preventabledeathstracker.net), which displays coroners' reports in England and Wales to streamline access, and identify important lessons to prevent future deaths. CONCLUSION National organisations, healthcare professionals, and prescribers should take actions to address the concerns of coroners in PFDs to improve the safe use of anticoagulants in patients with CVD.
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Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Health Economic Evaluation to Assess the Feasibility in Nigeria. Glob Heart 2021; 16:80. [PMID: 34900571 PMCID: PMC8641527 DOI: 10.5334/gh.893] [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: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease reflects a major burden of non-communicable disease in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), as a preventive measure against stroke, is currently not in the scope of the World Health Organization recommendation to reduce cardiovascular disease. Objective: We hypothesized that screening for AF would be an important approach to determine the true AF prevalence in the general population in African countries and to identify asymptomatic AF patients at risk for stroke to optimize prevention. Methods: A decision analytic model was developed to study the health-economic impact of AF screening in Nigeria over a life-time horizon. The patient population explored in the model was a population of newly detected AF cases that would be diagnosed with a one-time systematic screening for AF with a single lead ECG device in community health centres across Nigeria. Conclusions: The health gain per newly detected AF patient (N = 31,687) was 0.41 QALY at a cost of $5,205 per patient with 100% NOAC use, leading to an ICER of $12,587 per QALY gained. The intervention was cost-effective with a 99.9% warfarin use with an ICER of $1,363 per QALY gained. The total cost of a single screening session was $7.3 million for the total screened population in Nigeria or $1.60 per patient screened. Screening for AF to detect AF patients in need for stroke prevention can be a cost-effective intervention in the Sub-Saharan region, depending on type of anticoagulant used and drug costs.
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Kim DY, Kim MJ, Seo J, Cho I, Shim CY, Hong GR, Kim JS, Ha JW. Predictors of Subsequent Heart Failure After Left Atrial Appendage Closure. Circ J 2021; 86:1129-1136. [PMID: 34880153 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-21-0642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) plays an important role in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, LAAO may interact unfavorably with left atrial (LA) compliance and reservoir function and thus increase the risk of heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of subsequent HF after successful LAAO.Methods and Results:A total of 98 patients (mean age 70±9 years, 68% male) who had undergone LAAO were included. The primary endpoint was unexpected HF admission after LAAO. During a mean period of 36±26 months, 16 of the 98 patients (16%) experienced hospital HF admission. In multivariate analysis, higher E/e' (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.20, P=0.014), higher left ventricular mass index (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, P=0.023), history of HF (HR 4.78, 95% CI 1.55-14.7, P=0.006), and lower LA strain (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.93, P=0.003) were independently associated with hospital HF admission. Patients with LAAO had a significantly higher incidence of subsequent HF than the control group after propensity score matching (P=0.046). CONCLUSIONS LAAO increases the occurrence of HF, and it is not uncommon after successful LAAO. A previous history of HF, left ventricular mass index, E/e', and abnormal LA strain are independently associated with the development of HF. These parameters should be considered before attempting LAAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Young Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Iksung Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Chi Young Shim
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Geu-Ru Hong
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Jung-Sun Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Jong-Won Ha
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
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Fukui R, Hira D, Kunitsu Y, Isono T, Tabuchi Y, Ikuno Y, Ueshima S, Itoh H, Tanaka T, Terada T. High incidence of major bleeding with off-label use of edoxaban. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2021; 69:311-316. [PMID: 34857995 PMCID: PMC8611372 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.21-9] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical practice, edoxaban is sometimes prescribed for off-label use based on the hypothesis that it is as safe and effective as warfarin. However, there is limited safety information on off-label use due to lack of clinical trial. We aimed to analyze the tolerability of off-label use of edoxaban and to identify patient characteristics associated with major bleeding as adverse effects. Patients under edoxaban treatment between January 2017 and December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The incidence of major bleeding with off-label use compared with on-label use was analyzed using by log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were undertaken to detect independent variables with significant odds ratio that associated with major bleeding. After the exclusion criteria were applied, the patients were divided into two groups: off-label group (n = 30) and on-label group (n = 161). Incidence of major bleeding was found to be higher in the off-label group (13.3%) than in the on-label group (3.7%) (p<0.05). Multivariate adjustment showed that the off-label use or portal vein thrombosis and patients with history of major bleeding has significantly higher incidence of major bleeding. We demonstrated that off-label use of edoxaban may be a significant risk factor for major bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Fukui
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Daiki Hira
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
| | - Yuki Kunitsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Tetsuichiro Isono
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yohei Tabuchi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ikuno
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.,Medical Safety Section, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ueshima
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
| | - Hideki Itoh
- Division of Patient Safety, Hiroshima University Hospital, Kasumi Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Medical Safety Section, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Terada
- Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
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