Non-vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants Treatment Research Articles

Prescriptive behavior of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in patients affected by atrial fibrillation in general practice

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and in recent years the pharmacological approach has been strongly implemented; in Italy, the prescription of the non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) was also extended to General Practitioners (GPs) since 2020. The aim of the present study was to investigate the GPs prescribing behaviour of NOACs. An observational study was performed by using the computerized medical record of 14 GPs in Sicily: patients affected by AF were selected and stratified according to the prescribed antithrombotic drugs. Patients were considered inadequately managed if antithrombotic treatment was not adherent to recent ESC guidelines. A total of 467 (2.7 %) patients were affected by AF, 276 (59.1 %) were treated with an oral anticoagulant (OAC) regardless the high stroke risk (OR 1.64; 95 %CI 0.74–3.62; p = 0.226). The NOAC users were 236 patients as follow: Rivaroxaban 33.5 %, Apixaban 33,1 %, Dabigatran 17,4 %, Edoxaban 16.1 %. In 7 patients an inappropriate NOAC treatment was observed. Among Vitamin-K antagonist users, 25.0 % were considered inappropriate. Patients not treated with OAC were 191, of them 81.7 % were at high stroke risk and did not receive any OAC despite the indication to treat. In addition, the probability to be not properly managed significantly increased in older and in patients with atherosclerosis. Conversely, patients with at least one reported cardiology counselling significantly reduced the likelihood to be not properly managed (OR 0.38, 95 %CI 0.25–0.58; p 0.01). Our results suggest the need to optimize the management of real-life AF patients by improving prescribing adherence to ESC guidelines.

Occurrence of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants: Causes and Prevention Strategies.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading cause of cardioembolic stroke, which is often fatal or disabling. Prevention of stroke is crucial in AF management, and anticoagulation with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is the mainstay of AF management for stroke prevention. Because NOAC prescriptions have been surging worldwide, the development of acute ischemic stroke in patients with AF who receive NOAC treatment is an increasingly important issue in clinical practice. Moreover, these patients show a high risk of recurrence, with more than a 50% higher risk, than do patients with AF and no prior anticoagulation therapy. Careful evaluation is mandatory to determine possible causes of ischemic stroke during NOAC therapy. Differentiation of AF-unrelated stroke and demonstration of combined cardiac disease/systemic coagulopathy are important in these patients and may provide improved results in their treatment. In addition, ensuring appropriate dosing and good adherence to NOAC treatment is important. Cardioembolism, despite sufficient anticoagulation and no other causes, is the most common and challenging complication because switching to anticoagulants or adding antiplatelets to the treatment regimen does not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, and there are no guidelines for this specific situation. This review article aimed to present the most updated data on the prevalence, causes, and secondary prevention strategies, specifically focusing on non-pharmacological approaches, together with relevant cases of AF in patients who developed ischemic stroke on NOAC therapy.

NOAC in adult congenital heart disease patients: a single-center experience

Abstract Background Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) patients at increased risk for thromboembolic events are often treated with oral anticoagulation. While vitamin-K antagonists have been the agent of choice for decades, the use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) is increasing. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of NOAC in ACHD patients at our centre. Methods This is a single-centre study enrolling all patients with ACHD treated with a NOAC from inception to November 2021. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire applied to all patients by means of a telephone visit, in parallel with a detailed retrospective chart review. The endpoints of interest included thromboembolic and haemorrhagic events, defined as per the standardized International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) scale. Results Overall, 36 ACHD patients were enrolled [mean age 53±15 years; female sex – 66.7%; previous stroke – 33.3%; median HAS-BLED and CHA2DS2-VASc score – 1 (1–2) and 3 (2–5), respectively], predominantly with moderate or complex congenital defects (52.7%), of whom 14, 8, 8 and 4 were treated with rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban and dabigatran, respectively. Two-thirds had their first NOAC prescription in the latest 3 years (Figure 1). The most common indication for anticoagulation was atrial fibrillation or flutter (77.8%). Over a median time of 36 (18–63) months on NOAC treatment, there were no patients with thromboembolic events, whilst 13 (36.1%) had a haemorrhagic event – annualized event rate of 12.0 (6.9–24.1%). All bleeding events were minor, most often self-limited gingival haemorrhage or epistaxis (n=7) or menorrhagia (n=3). Nasal cautery was needed to treat recurrent epistaxis in 3 patients, whilst 3 other required oral iron supplementation. The strongest predictor of any haemorrhage was a prior cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 3.88; p=0.027). Conclusions The use of NOAC in ACHD patients has been increasing in our centre, with encouraging results. The present findings suggest that NOAC are safe and may be effective for thromboembolic event prevention in heterogeneous forms of ACHD. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent oral anticoagulation.

Electric cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of embolism, with embolic material existing in the heart cavities. The initiation of oral anticoagulation therapy reduces the risk of thromboembolic events. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi in non-valvular AF, to compare vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with respect to thrombus prevalence, and to evaluate the rate of LAA thrombus persistence on repeat transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after treatment change. We enrolled 160 consecutive AF patients who presented with an AF duration > 48 h and had undergone TEE before cardioversion. Left atrial appendage thrombus was observed in 12 (7.5%) patients, and spontaneous echo contrast 4 was observed in 19 (11.8%) patients; the incidence was similar between the NOAC and VKA groups (8.9% vs. 3.6% and 12.4% vs. 18.5 %, respectively). Among patients on NOAC, thrombus prevalence was detected in 8.4% of users of rivaroxaban, 8% of users of dabigatran, and 12.5% of users of apixaban. The LAA thrombus developed in 7.5% of patients despite anticoagulation therapy, demonstrating similar prevalence rates among patients either on NOAC or VKA. Lower mean LAA flow velocity and a history of vascular disease were independent predictors of embolic material in the LAA. It seems that in the case of embolic materials in LAA under NOAC treatment, switching to VKA provides additional clinical benefit to the patients.

Abstract WP209: Efficacy And Safety Of Early Anticoagulant Therapy Initiation In Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Related To Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

Background: The optimal timing for the initiation of anticoagulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) related to atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain. Observational studies assessing early anticoagulant initiation (≤14 days after index AIS) have provided conflicting results from the early use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies and RCTs to assess the efficacy and safety of early anticoagulation in AF-related AIS. We also compared the efficacy and safety between NOAC and VKA regimens. A random-effects model was used to pool the individual risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the two groups. Recurrent ischemic stroke was defined as the primary outcome. Results: Nine eligible studies (7 observational, 2 RCTs) were identified, including 6,840 patients with AF-related AIS (pooled mean baseline NIHSS score: 5.5; 95%CI: 3.7-7.2) who received early anticoagulation. The overall ischemic stroke recurrence rate was 5% (95%CI: 3.3-7%) and differed (p=0.05) between studies reporting anticoagulation initiation within a week (2.5%, 95%CI: 0.2-7.4%) or two weeks (6.7%, 95%CI:4.6-9.1%) from index event. The corresponding proportions of patients experiencing a fatal outcome, symptomatic or asymptomatic ICH were 4% (95%CI: 1.6-7.5%), 1.2% (95%CI: 0.3-2.6%) and 13.2% (95%CI: 6.4-22.1%), respectively. Of the 2 identified RCTs, 136 and 135 patients were randomized to early anticoagulation with NOAC or VKA, respectively. Both groups had a similar risk for ischemic stroke recurrence (RR=0.78; 95%CI: 0.32, 1.91; p=0.59). No significant differences were uncovered between early NOAC or early VKA treatment initiation for the outcomes of mortality (RR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.11, 2.97; p=0.51), symptomatic ICH (RR=0.38; 95%CI: 0.02, 9.10; p=0.55) or asymptomatic ICH (RR=1.10; 95%CI: 0.73, 1.67; p=0.64). Conclusions: Preliminary evidence from RCTs on early anticoagulation after AF-related AIS suggest that NOACs have comparable efficacy to VKAs in preventing ischemic stroke recurrence. Large scale RCTs are warranted to evaluate the potential superiority of NOACs in terms of safety endpoints.

Zbrinjavanje krvarenja kod pacijenta na terapiji ne-vitamin K oralnim antikoagulansima - prikaz slučaja

Introduction: Management of haemorrhage depends on the severity of bleeding and associated injuries. In this paper, we present a case of bleeding patient on the anticoagulants for which there was no specific reversal agent. Aim of the study is to present the management of haemorrhage in a patient on anticoagulant therapy in the General Hospital in Loznica, Serbia. Material and methods: Overview of hospital documentation and physician's reports. Case report: In the abscence of a specific reversal agents and laboratory tests, management of haemorrhage included methods of mechanical/surgical haemorrhage control, application of antifibrinolitics and administration of blood products, such as fresh frozen plasma (FFP), combined with forced diuresis and 7-day clinial follow-up period. NOAC treatment was suspended until the complete stopping of bleeding. After the bleeding was stopped, non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) treatment was resumed with lowered dosis. Conclusion: In the abscence of specific reversal agents, reversion of NOAC effects is possible in minor haemorrhage. Patients with major haemorrhage should be treated with available specific reversal agents and/or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). However, this type of therapy is currrently available only in the terciary health care intitutions.

An Exploratory Association Analysis of ABCB1 rs1045642 and ABCB1 rs4148738 with Non-Major Bleeding Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Treated with Dabigatran or Apixaban

(1) Background: The approach of bleeding complications in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) represents an important issue in clinical practice. Both dabigatran and apixaban are substrates for P-glycoprotein and, therefore, ABCB1 gene variations may be useful in individualizing NOACs treatment, especially in high-risk patients. (2) Methods: ABCB1 rs1045642 and rs4148738 were determined in 218 atrial fibrillation patients treated with dabigatran or apixaban (70.94 ± 9.04 years; 51.83% men). (3) Results: Non-major bleeding appeared in 7.34% NOACs–treated patients. The logistic tested models based on the four genetic models revealed no significant association between the variant genotype of two ABCB1 SNPs and the risk of bleeding (p > 0.05). Among the four two-locus haplotypes, TA and CA haplotypes had the highest frequency in NOACs-treated patients with bleeding, involving a possible positive association with the susceptibility of bleeding complications (OR = 1.04 and OR = 1.91, respectively). The logistic model found no significant association of estimated haplotypes with bleeding (p > 0.05) except for the TG haplotype which had a trend toward statistical significance (p = 0.092). Among the risk factors for bleeding, only age > 70 years and stroke/TIA showed a tendency toward statistical significance. (4) Conclusions: We found no significant associations between the studied ABCB1 variant genotypes with non-major bleeding risk in NOACs-treated patients. A trend of association between TG haplotype with bleeding risk was observed, implying a protective role of this haplotype against bleeding in patients treated with dabigatran or apixaban.

Right drug, wrong dosage: insights from the PAVE-AF antithrombotic study in older patients with atrial fibrillation

Optimal antithrombotic treatment of older patients is usually impeded by several prevailing misconceptions. The aim of our study was to assess the type, dosage and predictors of antithrombotic therapy in older patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). PAVE-AF was a prospective, cross-sectional study, including NVAF patients ≥ 80 years from 30 participating centers. Demographic data, comorbidities and treatment patterns were documented in a single visit. Patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were further classified into three dosing categories (recommended, underdosing and overdosing). Among 1018 patients (85.4±4.0 years), 88.4% received anticoagulants (AC), 8% antiplatelets (AP) and 3.6% no treatment. The primary reason for AP administration was physician concern of bleeding followed by patient denial. Patients ≥90 years had two times greater probability to receive AP therapy compared to patients < 90 years. Among patients treated with AC, one third received vitamin K antagonists, while two thirds received NOACs [34.6% apixaban, 9.5% dabigatran and 22.6% rivaroxaban]. Independent predictors of AC prescription over AP or no treatment were low HAS-BLED score, hypertension, labile INR, permanent AF, absence of uncontrolled hypertension, prior stroke/systemic embolism, age and male gender. In total, 37% of NOAC recipients received inappropriate dosage, while the number of patients receiving recommended dosing differed significantly among NOAC subgroups (p < 0.001). In our study, a minority of older NVAF patients received AP or no therapy for stroke prevention. Among patients treated with anticoagulants, two thirds were on NOAC treatment, though with a considerable proportion of inappropriate dosing.

Safety of Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Aim. To study the safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) over 75 years old. Material and methods. The observation study included patients ≥75 years of age with confirmed AF, receiving dabigatran in a reduced dosage, apixaban or rivaroxaban in full or reduced dosage. Previous experience of NOAC treatment from the very beginning of therapy, if a patient was ≥75 years old, or from the point a patient reached 75 years was considered; episodes of NOAK change, as well as hemorrhagic and ischemic events associated with taking an anticoagulant, were recorded. Patient groups were comparable in risk score by CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scales. Results. Patients with AF (n=102; 39 men and 63 women; an average age 79.4Ѓ}4.1 years) were included: 32 patients were in dabigatran group, 34 patients – in apixaban group and 36 patients – in rivaroxaban group. 19 clinically significant bleedings were recorded, 10 occurred in patients taking dabigatran and 9 in those taking rivaroxaban. No hemorrhagic events in patients treated with apixaban were observed. Hematuria (31.6%), large subcutaneous hematomas (26.3%) and intensive nasal bleedings (26.3%) were the most frequent events. No ischemic cardioembolic stroke was recorded. Conclusions. In elderly patients, all NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban) demonstrated good safety profile without major bleeding within a 1.5-year follow-up period.

Management and outcomes of real-world use of non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation: experience of adedicated NOAC clinic.

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend non-vitamin‑K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) as the first-choice therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The use of drugs in a clinical trial setting differs from that in real-world populations. Real-world data are important to accrue more heterogeneous patient populations with respect to co-morbidities and co-medication use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of NOACs in daily practice in a large tertiary hospital in the Netherlands.MethodsA single-centre prospective study was conducted among all patients with AF using a NOAC in the St. Antonius Hospital between 2013 and June 2017. The outcomes were the rates of any bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, mortality, discontinuation rate and adverse drug reactions.ResultsIn total, 799 patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 1.7 years. Mean age was 69.8 (SD ± 11) and 61.2% were male. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.8 (SD ± 1.6) and mean HAS-BLED score was 1.4 (SD ± 0.9). Bleeding occurred in 6.0, major bleeding in 1.8, stroke in 1.2 patients per 100 patient-years, and 87 patients (10.9%) died during the follow-up period. Adverse drug reactions were reported by 59 patients (7.4%). Finally, 249 patients (31.2%) reported a temporary interruption and 132 (16.5%) permanent discontinuation of NOAC treatment, of whom 33 (25%) patients switched to a vitamin‑K antagonist.ConclusionsWe observed low rates of bleeding and adverse drug reactions. However, rates of mortality and discontinuation were relatively high. These results could possibly be explained by the real-world nature of the data including higher-risk patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12471-019-01330-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding after dental extraction in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants: design and rationale of the EXTRACT-NOAC trial.

Bleeding after dental extraction in patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) may lead to unplanned reinterventions and interruption of anticoagulation, thereby exposing patients to a risk of thromboembolism. We have designed a study (EXTRACT-NOAC) to investigate whether tranexamic acid (TXA) mouthwash decreases bleeding after extraction in such patients. The study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We plan to randomise 236 patients listed for dental extraction and treated with NOAC to 10% TXA mouthwash or placebo. Patients are instructed to use the mouthwash before the dental extraction, and three times a day for three days thereafter. The primary outcome is oral bleeding. Secondary outcomes include type of bleeding, procedural bleeding score, number of reinterventions after oral bleeding, and number of interruptions in NOAC treatment. Any bleeding from sources other than the mouth, and thrombotic events, are recorded as safety outcomes. Patients are followed-up for seven days. This study will provide evidence to guide the management of patients taking NOAC who need teeth extracted.

3053High mortality in atrial fibrillation patients suffering ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage or a gastrointestinal bleed and associations with the preceding antithrombotic treatment

Abstract Background Anticoagulation treatment reduces the risk of stroke but increases the risk of bleeding in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. There is little data on survival after a stroke or a severe bleed. Objective To analyze 90-day mortality in AF patients after an ischemic stroke, an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or a gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) and assess associations with the type of antithrombotic treatment preceding the event. Methods From the Stockholm Healthcare database (n=2.3 million inhabitants) we selected all AF patients suffering from an ischemic stroke, an intracranial bleed, or a severe GIB requiring acute hospital care between July 2011 and August 2018 and assessed 90-day mortality rates. We assessed current use of warfarin, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC), or antiplatelet agents at the time of the event. We used a Cox regression to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs), adjusting for components of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the CHADsVASc score, the HAS-BLED score, comedication, and year of inclusion, for the association between treatment preceding the event and mortality. In addition, we performed log-rank tests in propensity score matched cohorts. Results Of 105 313 patients with AF, 6 017 were included after an ischemic stroke, 3 006 after an ICH, and 4 291 after a GIB. 90-day mortality rates were 25.1%, 31.6% and 16.2%, respectively. Patients suffering from an ischemic stroke were the oldest at 81.6±9.8 (S.D:) years of age followed by patients suffering from an ICH (80.2±9.8 years) or a GIB (78.7±10.5 years). A large proportion of patients suffering ischemic stroke (72%) had no anticoagulant treatment preceding the event. After ICH, there was a significantly increased risk of mortality in warfarin compared to NOAC treated patients after adjusting for confounders (aHR: 1.36 CI: 1.04–1.78). Patients receiving antiplatelets or no treatment had significantly higher mortality rates than patients on NOAC treatment, both after an ischemic stroke and a GIB, but there was no significant difference between warfarin and NOACs (aHR 0.84 CI: 0.63–1.12 after ischemic stroke, aHR 0.91 CI: 0.66–1.25 after GIB). Propensity score matched analyses yielded similar results. Survival curves after event Conclusion Mortality rates are high in AF patients suffering from an ischemic stroke, an ICH, or a GIB. NOAC treatment was associated with a lower 90-day mortality after ICH than warfarin, but no such difference was found after ischemic stroke or GIB. After ischemic stroke and GIB, mortality rates were higher in antiplatelet treated and untreated patients compared to NOAC treated patients. Acknowledgement/Funding Swedish Heart Lung Foundation

P4783Treatment persistence of patients with atrial fibrillation on VKA or NOAC: Data from GLORIA-AF Phase III 1-year interim analysis

Abstract Background Oral anticoagulation (OAC) persistence is important for optimizing stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) generally show better persistence than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), while the impact of dosing regimens remains unclear. We compared treatment persistence of NOACs and VKAs, and of NOAC dosing regimens in the prospective GLORIA-AF registry program. Methods Patients newly diagnosed with AF were enrolled in Phase III of GLORIA-AF (2014–2016) from 4 geographical regions (North America [NA], Europe, Asia and Latin America). Treatment persistence after 1 year for i) NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) vs VKA, and ii) twice daily (bid, dabigatran, apixaban) vs once daily (od; rivaroxaban, edoxaban) NOAC treatment was analysed using multivariable Cox analysis; propensity score trimming was used to reduce bias due to unmeasured confounders. Missing data was handled by multiple imputation. Results Overall, 21,592 patients were enrolled (4970 [23%] patients on VKAs, 12,797 [59%] on NOACs, 2391 [11%] on antiplatelets, and 1426 [6.6%] received no therapy; 8 [0.04%] received other treatment). After trimming, 11,935 and 4484 patients treated with NOACs and VKAs, respectively, were compared. NOACs had better treatment persistence than VKAs (discontinuation hazard ratio [HR]=0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.81). Other relevant associations were decreased OAC persistence for symptomatic AF, NA and Asia regions (Table). There was no difference in treatment persistence for patients on a bid (N=7842) vs od (N=4098) NOAC (discontinuation HR=0.94, 95% CI 0.86–1.02). Conclusion In this 1-year interim analysis of GLORIA-AF Phase III, treatment persistence was improved with NOACs vs VKAs, whereas for NOACs, dosing regimen (bid vs od) had no impact on treatment persistence. Acknowledgement/Funding The GLORIA-AF Registry program was funded by Boehringer-Ingelheim

Using non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in specific patient populations: a study of Korean cases.

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly used as alternatives to conventional therapies and have considerable accumulated real-world clinical data in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it is not easy to make a complete changeover to NOACs in real-world clinical practice because NOACs still have challenges in specific patient populations (eg, Asian patients, NVAF patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome [ACS], dialysis patients with NVAF, patients with cancer-associated VTE, etc.). Clinical data on the optimal dose of NOACs in Asian patients with NVAF are not sufficient. The intensity of NOAC and antiplatelet treatment and the duration of antiplatelet treatment should be adjusted according to the bleeding and thrombotic risk profiles of the individual NVAF patient presenting with ACS. Increased bleeding risk and unclear efficacy of NOACs in dialysis patients with NVAF should be considered when making decisions on whether to give NOACs for these patients. If dialysis patients with NVAF require anticoagulant for stroke prevention, then apixaban could be considered while awaiting more clinical efficacy and safety data. Additional studies are needed to determine the utility of continuing treatment with reduced-dose NOACs for long-term therapy after VTE. We have enough experiences in using NOACs in cancer patients showing the benefit of antithrombotic treatment counterbalanced the bleeding risk; however, some challenges of cancer-associated VTE management exist due to differences in cancer types or chemotherapy regimens and comorbidities. Different dosing regimens among NOACs may impact on medication adherence; thus, individual patient preference should be considered in choosing a particular NOAC. A significant proportion of patients remain on warfarin because of the high price of NOACs and variability in reimbursement coverage. To compensate clinical-evidence and achieve optimal use of NOACs, we should pay attention to the outcomes of ongoing studies and evaluate more real-world data.

Oktojenaryen Bir Hastada Apiksaban Tedavisi Altında Gelişen Hemorajik Plevral Efüzyonun Yönetimi

After verification of the relevant trial data with real-world registries, it is now a widely accepted fact that Non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) offer at least equal efficacy about stroke risk reduction with less bleeding events in comparison to Vitamin K antagonists. Spontaneous serous bleeding (pericardial or pleural) is a quite rare complication of NOAC treatment which had just been previously reported in a few cases with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. Here we present a 72-year-old patient receiving apixaban, who was diagnosed to have a massive right pleural hemorrhagic effusion during conventional heart failure treatment. Effusion was drained immediately. Reversal of anticoagulation or blood transfusion was not required.

Non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants and laboratory testing: now and in the future: Views from a workshop at the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

In contrast to vitamin K antagonists, no routine coagulation monitoring is required in patients taking non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants (NOACs). However, dosing must take into account factors such as patient age, renal function, and accompanying haemorrhagic risk. There has been considerable debate about when laboratory measurement might be appropriate and which tests should be used. A workshop at the European Medicines Agency recently discussed the evidence about laboratory measurement from formal studies, clinical experience, and the multiple perspectives on NOAC treatment, and considered how our knowledge might be further enhanced.