British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Retrospective cohort study (n=31,497) found NOACs and vitamin K antagonists equally effective in preventing stroke but NOACs were linked to higher risk of GI bleeding (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.50-4.62), particularly in women. Aspirin was not effective in prevention of stroke in AF.
Circulation
191 patients in ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial had bioprosthetic valves, of which those on higher-dose edoxaban (HDED) had similar rates of stroke/ systemic embolic events (S/SEE) and major bleeding (MB) vs warfarin. Patients on lower DED had similar rates of S/SEE but lower rates of MB.
European Heart Journal
This covers diagnosis, initial (first 5–21 days) and long-term (first 3–6 months) phase management, extended phase management (beyond first 3–6 months), and special situations.
Journal of the American Medical Association
Review notes that despite limitations of observational data about NOAC use for stroke prevention in AF, they do broadly confirm results of the pivotal NOAC
RCTs and show that these agents are viable alternatives to warfarin in routine clinical practice.
The Lancet Haematology
Study (n=435) reports primary outcome (composite of symptomatic DVT or PE, progression or recurrence of superficial vein-thrombosis, and all-cause
mortality at 45 days) occurred in 3% of those on rivaroxaban v 2% of those on fondaparinux (HR 1.9, p=0·0025 for non-inferiority).
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: