What are the prescription patterns of DOACs versus warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation?
Despite increasing overall DOAC use for nonvalvular AF, patients with high thromboembolic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥3) are paradoxically prescribed DOACs less often than warfarin.
Prescription rate of DOACs for nonvalvular AF has increased significantly, with apixaban being the most commonly used agent. Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (≥3) are prescribed DOACs less often than warfarin. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear. Given the favorable risk-benefit profile of DOACs, further studies are needed to identify factors that determine anticoagulant selection in patients with AF with high thromboembolic risk.
Kattoor et al. (Mon,) studied this question.