Time trends in antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation treated with coronary stents: Results from TALENT‐AF (The internAtionaL stENT – Atrial Fibrillation study) multicenter registry

Background Antithrombotic management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is highly variable; limited evidence‐based guidelines exist to influence practice. Hypothesis Patient characteristics and availability of novel drugs may have contributed to practice variability. Methods We undertook an international multicenter retrospective registry of AF patients treated with PCI. The primary measures of interest were antiplatelet and OAC prescriptions at discharge. We compared temporal trends between Prior (2010–2012) and Recent (2013–2015) cohorts and investigated variables associated with OAC prescription. Results We identified 488 cases (140 Prior, 348 Recent). Median CHADS2 and HAS‐BLED scores were 2 (IQR, 1–3) and 2 (IQR, 2–3). Clinical characteristics were similar between cohorts, with high (85%) prevalence of ACS. More patients in the Recent cohort, compared with Prior, received OAC (56.9% vs 44.3%; P = 0.01) and NOAC (27.3% vs 3.6%; P < 0.01) at baseline. Triple therapy at discharge was not different between the cohorts. Clinical presentation with ACS and consequent use of potent P2Y12 inhibitors were associated with reduced odds of OAC prescription at discharge (OR: 0.57, P = 0.045 and OR: 0.38, P = 0.023, respectively). Conclusions Despite little change over time in clinical characteristics of AF patients undergoing PCI, significantly more patients received OAC at presentation. However, triple therapy was not more frequent in the Recent cohort, and ACS presentation was associated with lack of OAC at discharge. We underscore the need for trial evidence and use of updated guidelines to assist clinicians in balancing ischemic and bleeding risks.