Major bleeding risk among non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients initiated on apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban or warfarin: a “real-world” observational study in the United States

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy

Retrospective cohort study (n=29,338) found among newly anticoagulated patients in real-world setting, initiation with rivaroxaban/warfarin was linked to
greater risk of major bleeding vs. initiation on apixaban. Additional observational studies are required to confirm findings.

Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Systematic Review for the 2016 ACC/AHA Guideline Focused Update on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Circulation

This review of 11 RCTs (n=33,051) found strong evidence that prolonged dual anti-platelet therapy after implantation of newer-generation drug eluting
stents entails a tradeoff between reductions in stent thrombosis and MI and increases in major hemorrhage.

Warfarin treatment quality and prognosis in patients with mechanical heart valve prosthesis

Heart

This Swedish cohort study evaluating 18,022 patient-years on warfarin showed high INR variability (above ≥0.4) or lower time in therapeutic range (≤70%) was associated with higher risk of bleeding (rate per 100 years 4.33 vs 2.08, HR 2.15 and 5.13 vs 2.30, HR 2.43, respectively).

The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:

http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services