Prevalence, contemporary trends and associated factors of potentially inappropriate prescription of edoxaban in real-world clinical practice: A subanalysis of the SUNSHINE registry

AIM

As the direct oral anticoagulant most recently approved in China, data pertaining to clinical edoxaban use are still scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of and contemporary trends in edoxaban prescription among Chinese patients as well as factors associated with its inappropriate use in a multicentre registry of patients treated in real-world clinical practice.

METHODS

This real-world, prospective, multicentre and non-interventional study included 1005 inpatients treated with edoxaban. According to National Medical Products Administration and European Heart Rhythm Association guidelines, edoxaban therapy was determined to be appropriate or inappropriate in each case.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 70.0 years (interquartile range 61.0-78.0 years) and 46.3% were women. Overall, 456 (45.4%) patients received inappropriate edoxaban therapy, and common issues included an inappropriately low dosage (183, 18.2%) or wrong drug selection (109, 10.8%), high dosage (73, 7.3%), unreasonable off-label use (49, 4.9%), contraindicated medication combinations (27, 2.7%) and incorrect administration timing (16, 1.6%). Several factors, such as age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.921, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.355-2.723, P < 0.001), weight >60 kg (OR = 2.657, 95%CI 1.970-3.583, P < 0.001), severe renal insufficiency (OR = 1.988, 95% CI 1.043-3.790, P = 0.037), current anaemia (OR = 1.556, 95% CI 1.151-2.102, P = 0.004) and history of bleeding (OR = 2.931, 95% CI 1.605-5.351, P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of inappropriate edoxaban therapy, whereas factors associated with cardiovascular specialties, such as admission to a cardiovascular department (OR = 0.637, 95% CI 0.464-0.873, P = 0.005), dronedarone use (OR = 0.065, 95% CI 0.026-0.165, P < 0.001) and amiodarone use (OR = 0.365, 95% CI 0.209-0.637, P < 0.001) decreased this risk.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world study, 45.4% of patients received an inappropriate treatment with edoxaban. Multiple clinical characteristics can help identify patients who should receive edoxaban. Further development and implantation of educational activities and management strategies are needed to ensure the correct use of edoxaban.

Part 1

In Asia, especially Vietnam, AF is a common arrhythmia and is linked to a higher risk of stroke and systemic embolism. Anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients can result in bleeding complications. To effectively manage AF, adopting appropriate anticoagulation and addressing modifiable risk factors are crucial. Vietnamese clinicians are particularly interested in non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), a recent development in AF treatment. However, the lack of head-to-head trials comparing NOACs makes selecting a specific NOAC challenging. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available clinical evidence on NOACs for stroke prevention in AF to assist clinicians in making informed decisions and improving treatment outcomes in patients with AF. The first part of this review will present the current landscape of AF in Vietnam, focusing on AF prevalence and highlighting gaps in clinical practice. Furthermore, this part extensively discusses the anticoagulation strategy for both primary and secondary stroke prevention in AF.

Association of high-estimated glomerular filtration rate with the severity of ischemic stroke during non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants therapy: a nationwide cohort study

Aim

While the relationship between impaired kidney function and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is well established, there is limited research exploring the association between an elevated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the efficacy of NOACs, especially concerning the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aimed to examine the association between higher-than-normal eGFR and the severity of AIS during the use of NOACs using a nationwide multicenter stroke registry in Korea.

Material and methods

This study utilized data from the Korean Stroke Registry (KSR) database, examining information from 2,379 patients with AIS, who had atrial fibrillation (AF) and a history of utilizing NOACs prior to hospitalization due to incident stroke occurring between 2016 and 2021. Patients with a history involving two or more types of anticoagulants or one or more forms of antiplatelet agents were excluded. Baseline characteristics, medical history, medication usage, CHADS2-VASc score, and the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation (ATRIA) score were evaluated. Renal function was assessed using eGFR levels and calculated with the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The severity of stroke was measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale as an outcome. For sensitivity analysis, further evaluation was performed using eGFR levels according to the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation.

Results

The mean age of subjects was 76.1 ± 8.9 years. The moderate-to-severe stroke severity group exhibited an elevation in creatinine levels. The eGFR of 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 group was associated with a decreased risk of moderate-to-severe stroke severity [hazard ratio (HR)] (0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.61, 0.98], p = 0.031) compared to the eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2 group. An increment of 10 units in eGFR was marginally associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe stroke severity (HR: 1.03, 95% CI [1.00, 1.07], p = 0.054).

Conclusion

The study revealed that individuals with eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 had an association linked to an increased risk of moderate-to-severe stroke severity. Our study suggests that patients taking NOACs with higher-than-normal eGFR levels may have an increased severity of AIS.

Characteristics of Ischemic Versus Hemorrhagic Stroke in Patients Receiving Oral Anticoagulants: Results of the PASTA Study

Objective Limited data exist regarding the comparative detailed clinical characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke (IS)/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) receiving oral anticoagulants (OACs). Methods The prospective analysis of stroke patients taking oral anticoagulants (PASTA) registry, a multicenter registry of 1,043 stroke patients receiving OACs [vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOACs)] across 25 medical institutions throughout Japan, was used. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to analyze differences in clinical characteristics between IS/TIA and ICH patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were registered in the PASTA registry. Results There was no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, or alcohol consumption (all p>0.05), between IS/TIA and ICH among both NOAC and VKA users. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) [odds ratio (OR), 4.77; p<0.0001] were independently associated with ICH, and high brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels (OR, 1.89; p=0.0390) were independently associated with IS/TIA among NOAC users. A history of ICH (OR, 13.59; p=0.0279) and the high prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) (OR, 1.17; p<0.0001) were independently associated with ICH, and a history of IS/TIA (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.34-8.49; p=0.0101) and high D-dimer levels (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.05-5.82; p=0.0377) were independently associated with IS/TIA among VKA users. Conclusion The presence of CMBs, a history of stroke, natriuretic peptide and D-dimer levels, and PT-INR may be useful for risk stratification of either IS/TIA or ICH development in patients with AF receiving OACs.

Is transesophageal echocardiography necessary before electrical cardioversion in patients treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants? Current evidence and practical approach

According to current guidelines, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) should be used at least 3 weeks before planned electrical cardioversion. In accordance with international atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a pre-procedural examination recommended as an alternative to adequate oral anticoagulation. The strategy related to qualifying patients treated with NOACs for pre-procedural TEE differs in individual centers. Therefore, it is necessary to create an algorithm that will standardize estimation of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) prevalence risk and thereby qualify NOAC-treated patients to TEE in the most effective way. We assessed the available studies on LAAT predictors. Risk factors for LAAT formation are not necessarily the same as the risk factors for thromboembolic events in patients with AF. The main risk factor for LAAT are as follows: previous intracardiac thrombus, irregular use of NOAC, inappropriate dose reduction of NOAC, previous stroke, CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 3 points, glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, or left atrial enlargement. Based on available evidence, we proposed algorithm guarantees more systematic approach to performing TEE in patients undergoing electrical cardioversion.

Elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation is safe without transesophageal echocardiography in patients treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: Multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after at least 3 weeks of adequate non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment without prior transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). However, in clinical practice in some centres, TEE is performed before ECV in patients with AF. The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in patients with AF treated with NOACs and undergoing ECV without prior TEE.

METHODS

This observational, multicentre study included consecutive patients with AF treated with NOACs who were admitted for ECV without prior TEE. Thromboembolic events and major bleeding complications were investigated during a 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

In the study group there were 611 patients, mean age was 66.3 ± 9.2 years, 40% were women. 52 (8.5%) patients had a low thromboembolic risk, 148 (24.2%) patients had an intermediate thromboembolic risk and 411 (67.2%) patients had a high thromboembolic risk. In the study group 253 (41.4%) patients were treated with rivaroxaban, 252 (41.2%) patients were treated with dabigatran and 106 (17.3%) patients were treated with apixaban. Reduced doses of NOACs were administered to 113 (18.9%) patients. In the entire study group, there were no thromboembolic events or major bleeding complications during the in-hospital stay and the 30-day follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In this "real-world" study of AF patients treated with NOACs, it was proved that ECV is safe without a preceding TEE, regardless of the risk of thromboembolic complications and of the type of NOAC used.

Oral Anticoagulation in Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and a History of Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose- Warfarin is associated with a better net clinical benefit compared with no treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). There are limited data on nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in these patients, especially in the Asian population. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of NOACs to warfarin in a large-scale nationwide Asian population with AF and a history of ICH. Methods- Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment database from January 2010 to April 2018, we identified patients with oral anticoagulant naïve nonvalvular AF with a prior spontaneous ICH. For the comparisons, warfarin and NOAC groups were balanced using propensity score weighting. Ischemic stroke, ICH, composite outcome (ischemic stroke+ICH), fatal ischemic stroke, fatal ICH, death from composite outcome, and all-cause death were evaluated as clinical outcomes. Results- Among 5712 patients with AF with prior ICH, 2434 were treated with warfarin and 3278 were treated with NOAC. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced after propensity score weighting (mean age 72.5 years and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 4.0). Compared with warfarin, NOAC was associated with lower risks of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.61-0.97]), ICH (HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.47-0.92]), and composite outcome (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.60-0.88]). NOAC was associated with lower risks of fatal stroke (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.32-0.89]), death from composite outcome (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.34-0.81]), and all-cause death (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.69-0.99]) than warfarin. NOAC showed nonsignificant trends toward to reduce fatal ICH compared with warfarin (HR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.20-1.03]). Conclusions- NOAC was associated with a significant lower risk of ICH and ischemic stroke compared with warfarin. NOAC might be a more effective and safer treatment option for Asian patients with nonvalvular AF and a prior history of ICH.

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Valvular Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

There are limited data for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) impact on outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart diseases (VHDs).

METHODS

We identified patients with AF and associated Evaluated Heartvalves, Rheumatic or Artificial (EHRA) type 2 VHDs, and who had been naïve from the oral anticoagulants in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database between 2014 and 2016 (warfarin: n = 2671; NOAC: n = 3058). For analyzing the effect of NOAC on primary prevention, we excluded those with a previous history of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding events. To balance covariates, we used the propensity score weighting method. Ischemic stroke, ICH, GI bleeding, major bleeding, all-cause death, and their composite outcome and fatal clinical events were evaluated.

RESULTS

During a follow-up with a mean duration of 1.4 years, NOACs were associated with lower risks of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio (HR): 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53-0.96), GI bleeding (HR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35-0.72), fatal ICH (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07-0.83), and major bleeding (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45-0.80) compared with warfarin. Overall, NOACs were associated with a lower risk of the composite outcome (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.58-0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide Asian AF population with EHRA type 2 VHDs, NOAC use was associated with lower risks of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, all-cause death, and the composite outcome compared to warfarin use.

Label Adherence for Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in a Prospective Cohort of Asian Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

PURPOSE

Label adherence for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has not been well evaluated in Asian patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study aimed to assess label adherence for NOACs in a Korean AF population and to determine risk factors of off-label prescriptions of NOACs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this COmparison study of Drugs for symptom control and complication prEvention of AF (CODE-AF) registry, patients with AF who were prescribed NOACs between June 2016 and May 2017 were included. Four NOAC doses were categorized as on- or off-label use according to Korea Food and Drug Regulations.

RESULTS

We evaluated 3080 AF patients treated with NOACs (dabigatran 27.2%, rivaroxaban 23.9%, apixaban 36.9%, and edoxaban 12.0%). The mean age was 70.5±9.2 years; 56.0% were men; and the mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 3.3±1.4. Only one-third of the patients (32.7%) was prescribed a standard dose of NOAC. More than one-third of the study population (n=1122, 36.4%) was prescribed an off-label reduced dose of NOAC. Compared to those with an on-label standard dosing, patients with an off-label reduced dose of NOAC were older (≥75 years), women, and had a lower body weight (≤60 kg), renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance ≤50 mL/min), previous stroke, previous bleeding, hypertension, concomitant dronedarone use, and anti-platelet use.

CONCLUSION

In real-world practice, more than one-third of patients with NOAC prescriptions received an off-label reduced dose, which could result in an increased risk of stroke. Considering the high risk of stroke in these patients, on-label use of NOAC is recommended.

Left Atrial or Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus Resolution After Adjustment of Oral Anticoagulant Treatment

BACKGROUND

There are few reports about non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment for resolution of left atrium (LA) or left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. LAA thrombus is an important cause of cardiogenic cerebral thromboembolism, and the detection rate increases due to more and more patients receiving catheter ablation. However, the results from NOAC use for LA or LAA thrombus are still unknown in real-world practice. The aim of this study was to discover the resolution of LA or LAA thrombus after anticoagulant treatment in real-world practice.

METHOD

From January 2013 to December 2016, a total 864 patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and 41 cases of LA or LAA thrombus were detected in our hospital. Among them, a total of 22 patients underwent follow-up TEE to detect the resolution of LA or LAA thrombus.

RESULT

The average age of the study patients was 72.0 ± 11 years old, and 61% were male. The average CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 3.76 ± 2.01 points. A total of 22 patients underwent follow-up TEE, and 19 (86.4%) patients presented LA or LAA thrombus resolution. The average resolution duration was 258.47 ± 218.17 days. One-year all-cause mortality was 4.9%, and the incidence of ischemic stroke was 4.9%. Most physicians favored titration of the dosage of NOAC or warfarin in real-world practice.

CONCLUSION

In real-world practice, most physicians favored titration of the dosage of NOAC or warfarin for LA or LAA thrombus. LA or LAA thrombus could exist if the patient received a reduced dose of NOAC. High frequency of LAA or LA thrombi could resolve, and a low incidence of ischemic stroke occurred after adjustment of oral anticoagulant treatment.

Left atrial thrombus resolution in non-valvular atrial fibrillation or flutter: biomarker substudy results from a prospective study with rivaroxaban (X-TRA)

BACKGROUND

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants including rivaroxaban are widely used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the relationship between plasma biomarkers (indicative of thrombogenesis, fibrinolysis and inflammation) and left atrial thrombus resolution after rivaroxaban treatment.

METHODS

This was an ancillary analysis of the X-TRA study, which was a prospective interventional study evaluating the use of rivaroxaban for left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombus resolution in AF patients. We assessed various biomarkers of thrombogenesis/fibrinolysis [D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1,2), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, von Willebrand factor (vWF)] and inflammation [high-sensitivity interleukin-6 (hsIL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)], measured at baseline and after 6 weeks' of rivaroxaban treatment.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the mean levels of hsCRP, D-dimer, vWF, and TAT from baseline to end of treatment with rivaroxaban. Although none of the thrombogenesis/fibrinolysis biomarkers showed a significant relationship with thrombus resolution, high inflammatory biomarkers at baseline were significantly associated with an increased chance of the thrombus being completely resolved (hsIL-6) or reduced/resolved (hsCRP).

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarkers of inflammation are significantly associated with LA/LAA thrombus outcomes in AF patients prospectively treated with rivaroxaban.

Navigating the choice of oral anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation in the NOAC era

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of ischaemic stroke. The majority of these strokes can be prevented by treatment with oral anticoagulation therapy. The advent of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has resulted in a choice of therapeutic agents available to physicians for anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with AF beyond the long-established vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Pivotal trials have demonstrated non-inferiority of NOACs compared with VKAs, and in some cases superiority, for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in non-valvular AF. Yet there are no direct head-to-head comparator trials for the efficacy of NOACs. Therefore, the question of which oral anticoagulant for each individual patient can present a challenge to physicians. In this review article, we assess which patients with AF require anticoagulation, review the available therapeutic options, assessing the evidence base for each and offering guidance as to patient-specific factors that can influence this choice.

2016 Guidelines of the Taiwan Heart Rhythm Society and the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the management of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Both the incidence and prevalence of AF are increasing, and the burden of AF is becoming huge. Many innovative advances have emerged in the past decade for the diagnosis and management of AF, including a new scoring system for the prediction of stroke and bleeding events, the introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and their special benefits in Asians, new rhythm- and rate-control concepts, optimal endpoints of rate control, upstream therapy, life-style modification to prevent AF recurrence, and new ablation techniques. The Taiwan Heart Rhythm Society and the Taiwan Society of Cardiology aimed to update the information and have appointed a jointed writing committee for new AF guidelines. The writing committee members comprehensively reviewed and summarized the literature, and completed the 2016 Guidelines of the Taiwan Heart Rhythm Society and the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation. This guideline presents the details of the updated recommendations, along with their background and rationale, focusing on data unique for Asians. The guidelines are not mandatory, and members of the writing committee fully realize that treatment of AF should be individualized. The physician's decision remains most important in AF management.

The factor xa inhibitor edoxaban for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

With the rising prevalence of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in the general population, the development of new drugs for prevention of thromboembolic events is essential. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been shown to present a number of advantages over conventionally used agents, such as predictable pharmacokinetics and no requirement for continuous anticoagulant monitoring. The most recently approved NOAC for the NVAF indication is edoxaban. Several subgroup analyses from the edoxaban phase III ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial have now been published, alongside meta-analysis data comparing the four currently approved NOACs. Consequently, an updated review of the literature is merited. Areas covered: A PubMed search using the terms 'edoxaban', 'non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant', 'ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48', and 'atrial fibrillation' was performed and results screened for the most relevant English language publications. The market position, pharmacological profile, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of edoxaban are presented and discussed. Expert commentary: Edoxaban has been shown to have an efficacy similar or superior to that of warfarin, with a potentially lower risk of major bleeding and predictable, dose-dependent pharmacology. In order to clarify its position within the NOAC market, head-to-head comparative studies are required.

Severity and Functional Outcome of Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke Occurring during Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Treatment

BACKGROUND

Severity and functional outcome of patients with cardioembolic stroke (CE) occurring during non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment remain uncertain.

METHODS

The consecutive 355 CE patients within 48 hours after onset and with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 1 or less before onset were studied. Of all, 262 patients were treated with no anticoagulants (non-AC), 63 with warfarin below therapeutic range of prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) on admission (PT-INR <1.6 [WF-Lo]), 16 with warfarin within therapeutic range (PT-INR ≥1.6 [WF-Tp]), and 14 with NOACs (9 dabigatran and 5 rivaroxaban [NOAC-DR]). We compared severity and functional outcome of CE patients among these 4 groups, especially focusing on patients during NOAC treatment.

RESULTS

Stroke severity on admission, assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, was lower in WF-Tp (median, 5 [1-15]) and NOAC-DR (5 [3-6]) than in non-AC (11 [5-19]) and WF-Lo (12 [5-19]; P = .006). Functional outcome at discharge, assessed by mRS, was favorable in WF-Tp (median, 1 [0-4]) and NOAC-DR (1 [1-2]) compared with that in non-AC (2 [1-4]) and WF-Lo (3 [1-5]; P = .02), and ratios of the patients with mRS score of 1 or less were 63% and 64% versus 31% and 33%, respectively (P = .005). Multivariate analysis also showed a favorable functional outcome at discharge in WF-Tp and NOAC-DR groups. Drug management was likely associated with NOAC-associated CE.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke severity and functional outcome of CE patients treated with warfarin within therapeutic range and with NOACs are similar to each other, and are more favorable than those with no anticoagulants and with warfarin below therapeutic range.