Why the study?
Does dabigatran etexilate prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Does dabigatran etexilate prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Dabigatran offers an alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation with less monitoring required, though potential serious side effects must be considered.
May warrant caution in AF stroke prevention due to side-effect risks despite less monitoring; leaves open optimal patient selection versus warfarin.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke. Anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin, is prescribed to prevent stroke in patients with AF. Careful monitoring is required to achieve safe and effective levels of warfarin in the blood. In March 2012, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended a new anticoagulant--dabigatran etexilate--for the prevention of stroke in patients with AF. Treatment with dabigatran requires less monitoring than warfarin and may therefore enhance the care of this patient group. However, it is important to note that some patients may be at increased risk of serious side effects associated with dabigatran. This article discusses the risks and benefits of using dabigatran for stroke prevention in patients with AF.
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Tracy Mooney (2013) studied this question.
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