Switching from VKA to NOAC, and early treatment discontinuation, are common among atrial fibrillation patients at increased risk of stroke.
Observational
What are the patterns of treatment changes and discontinuation among atrial fibrillation patients using NOACs?
Switching between oral anticoagulants and early discontinuation are common in atrial fibrillation patients, particularly those at high stroke risk, highlighting the need to understand the clinical impact of these treatment changes.
-VASc score ≥1. We conclude that switching from VKA to NOAC, and to a lesser extent from NOAC to VKA, is common, as is early treatment discontinuation. The majority of treatment changes are observed in patients at increased risk of stroke. More research is warranted on the risks of bleeding and thromboembolism associated with switching and discontinuation of NOACs as well as the underlying reasons why these treatment changes occur.
Hellfritzsch et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Atrial Fibrillation. Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) vs. Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) was evaluated on Treatment changes (switching and discontinuation). Switching from VKA to NOAC, and early treatment discontinuation, are common among atrial fibrillation patients at increased risk of stroke.