Key result
OAC use in low-stroke-risk AF shows no association with increased bleeding versus non-users.
Why the study?
OAC use in patients with AF and low stroke risk may cause more harm than benefit, but little attention has addressed its prevalence and associated consequences.
Does oral anticoagulant use increase bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation at low risk of stroke?
Population
2810 patients with newly diagnosed AF at low stroke risk from Australian general practice data
Comparison
OAC users within 60 days of AF diagnosis vs OAC non-users
Design
Retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study
Follow-up
6 months
Authors
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No excess bleeding signal with OAC in low-risk AF warrants caution against overtreatment; leaves open net benefit for randomized trials.
Observational (n=2,810)
Yes
Does oral anticoagulant use increase bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation at low risk of stroke?
Absolute Event Rate: 2.6% vs 1.6%
One in four atrial fibrillation patients at low risk of stroke are prescribed oral anticoagulants, representing potential overtreatment, though it was not associated with a significantly increased rate of bleeding compared to non-users.
Kefale et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Atrial fibrillation at low risk of stroke (n=2,810). Oral anticoagulants (OACs) vs. OAC non-users was evaluated on Incident bleeding events within 6 months. Oral anticoagulant use in low-stroke-risk atrial fibrillation patients (25.1% prevalence) was not associated with a significantly increased rate of bleeding compared to non-users.
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