Key result
Only 50% of eligible high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation received appropriate anticoagulation, and antithrombotic use was significantly less common in patients over 75 years of age (p<0.001).
Why the study?
Is antithrombotic therapy appropriately prescribed for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation based on clinical risk?
Population
344 patients with atrial fibrillation, mean age 68.4 years, 42% men.
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
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Underuse of anticoagulation in high-risk AF, especially elderly, should not yet change practice; leaves open targeted interventions and prospective studies.
Observational (n=344)
Is antithrombotic therapy appropriately prescribed for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation based on clinical risk?
p-value: p=<0.001
Highlights a significant gap in guideline-directed use of anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation, with underuse in high-risk elderly patients and overuse in low-risk patients.
Melbourn et al. (1999) conducted an observational in atrial fibrillation (n=344). Antithrombotic use (warfarin or aspirin) vs. Clinical criteria recommendations was evaluated on Appropriateness of antithrombotic use based on stroke risk (p=<0.001). Only 50% of eligible high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation received appropriate anticoagulation, and antithrombotic use was significantly less common in patients over 75 years of age (p<0.001).
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