Key result
Prior use of anticoagulants was observed in only 21% of patients with atrial fibrillation before an ischaemic event, compared to 2% of those in sinus rhythm (OR 14.2; 95% CI 8.6-23.2).
Why the study?
Are anticoagulants adequately utilized in patients with atrial fibrillation prior to an ischemic event in clinical practice?
Observational (n=1,934)
No
Are anticoagulants adequately utilized in patients with atrial fibrillation prior to an ischemic event in clinical practice?
Effect estimate: OR 14.2 (95% CI 8.6-23.2)
Absolute Event Rate: 21% vs 2%
Anticoagulation is significantly underused in patients with atrial fibrillation, suggesting that randomized trial results have not adequately translated into clinical practice.
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Observed low anticoagulant use in AF before ischemic events highlights potential underutilization; leaves open the extent of trial-to-practice translation.
G E Mead (1999) conducted an observational in Atrial fibrillation and acute stroke, transient ischaemic attack or retinal artery occlusion (n=1,934). Anticoagulants vs. Sinus rhythm was evaluated on Prior use of anticoagulants before the vascular event (OR 14.2, 95% CI 8.6-23.2). Prior use of anticoagulants was observed in only 21% of patients with atrial fibrillation before an ischaemic event, compared to 2% of those in sinus rhythm (OR 14.2; 95% CI 8.6-23.2).
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