Key result
Antithrombotic therapy underuse affects up to ~82% of high-risk AF patients.
Observational (n=115,906)
Yes
Real-world data reveals significant underutilization of antithrombotic therapy in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients, highlighting a major gap in guideline adherence.
Significant underuse of indicated antithrombotic therapy persists in high-risk AF; leaves open effective strategies to improve guideline adherence.
AIMS: To analyze administrative claims data from Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance sources to estimate stroke risk, bleeding risk, and the use of antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Included patients were aged ≥18 years with a new or existing diagnosis of AF. Outcomes were assessed over 1 year and included stroke risk (CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc score), bleeding risk (ATRIA score) and anticoagulant use. RESULTS: A total of 115,906 patients with AF met inclusion criteria between six databases. Among patients with high stroke risk (CHADS2 ≥2) and low bleeding risk (ATRIA 0-3), 42-82% did not receive an antithrombotic. CONCLUSION: Levels of thromboprophylaxis for high-risk AF patients in real-world data differ significantly from current medical guidelines for stroke prevention.
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Lang et al. (2015) conducted an observational in Atrial fibrillation (n=115,906). Antithrombotic treatment was evaluated on Stroke risk, bleeding risk, and anticoagulant use over 1 year. Among patients with atrial fibrillation at high stroke risk and low bleeding risk, 42-82% did not receive antithrombotic therapy, indicating significant underuse compared to guidelines.
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