P465 NON–VITAMIN K ANTAGONIST ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS IN PATIENTS WITH THALASSEMIA

Abstract

Abstract Apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban and rivaroxaban (NOACs) are drugs widely used and recommended for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter and to prevent or treat pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, very little is reported in literature regarding their use in patients with β–thalassemia, among which high incidence of AF is reported and where the balance between thromboembolic and bleeding risk is of paramount importance. In this study 18 patients with transfusion–dependent β–thalassemia were enrolled. Patients were treated with NOACs for throboembolic prevention due to history of AF or atrial flutter. Mean follow–up duration was 21 ± 15 months for each patient and no thromboembolic events were reported. Three patients had non–major bleeding events without oral anticoagulation interruption. Two patients reported dyspepsia during treatment with dabigatran and were shifted to a different NOAC with resolution of symptom. These data suggest efficacy and safety of NOACs for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients affected by β–thalassemia.