Revised SPC: Xarelto (rivaroxaban) 10mg film-coated tablets

electronic Medicines Compendium
Details of an open-label cohort study (XAMOS) have been added to section 5.1; the results of this were consistent with the results of the pivotal randomised studies.

Rivaroxaban vs. vitamin K antagonists for cardioversion in atrial fibrillation

European Heart Journal

This descriptive study in patients with AF undergoing elective cardioversion reports that rivaroxaban is similar to warfarin in terms of efficacy (stroke, TIA, peripheral embolism, MI or CV death in 0.51% and 1.02%, respectively) and safety (major bleeding in 0.6% and 0.8%).

Prehospital Ticagrelor in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

New England Journal of Medicine

This international double-blind study found that pre-hospital administration of ticagrelor (in the ambulance) appeared to be safe, but did not improve outcomes when compared to later administration in hospital in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

2014 ESC Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism

European Heart Journal

These updated guidelines on the clinical management of PE consider new data that have extended or modified knowledge in respect of optimal diagnosis, assessment and treatment. New aspects covered include new oral anticoagulants and outpatient treatment, among others.

Prognosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation patients by European cardiologists: One Year Follow-up of the EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation General Registry Pilot Phase (EORP-AF Pilot registry)

European Heart Journal

This analysis of a contemporary European registry of AF patients (n=3119) found overall oral anticoagulant use remains high (around 78% at one year). One-year mortality however remains high (5.7%; 70% cardiovascular deaths), and hospital readmissions were common.

Management of venous thrombo-embolism: an update

European Heart Journal

This article reviews recent advances in the management of venous thromboembolism, including risk stratification, use of new oral anticoagulants in treatment and secondary prophylaxis, and the potential transition of acute VTE to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

One year data from the PREFER in AF European registry show changes in management and implementation of guidelines

Biospace

The results of a multinational disease registry designed to explore AF management in clinical practice show 80% were receiving oral anticoagulants after one year, with an increase in the proportion prescribed new oral anticoagulants (12.6%; up from 6.1% the previous year).

Risk of ischaemic stroke according to pattern of atrial fibrillation: analysis of 6563 aspirin-treated patients in ACTIVE-A and AVERROES

European Heart Journal

In large population of non-anticoagulated AF patients, the pattern of AF (paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent) was a strong independent predictor of stroke risk and may be helpful to assess risk/benefit for anticoagulant therapy, especially in lower risk patients.

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