Real‐life experience with non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients undergoing elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

• DOI: 10.1111/anec.12766
• Publication Date: 2020-04-29T14:40:31Z
• Authors: Saga Itäinen‐Strö...; Anna‐Mari Hekkala; Aapo L. Aro; Tuija Vasankari; Kari Eino Juhani ...; Mika Lehto
• Keywords: Vitamin K antagonist; Regimen

Abstract Background Nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly used in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing elective cardioversion (ECV). The aim was to investigate the use of NOACs and warfarin ECV a real‐life setting assess how chosen regimen affected delay rate complications. Methods Consecutive AF ECVs city hospitals Helsinki between January 2015 December 2016 were studied. Data on patient characteristics, delays cardioversion, anticoagulation treatment, acute (<30 days) complications, changes within one year evaluated. Results Nine hundred (59.2% men; mean age, 68.0 ± 10.0) underwent 992 ECVs, which 596 (60.0%) performed using 396 (40.0%) warfarin. CHA 2 DS ‐VASc score 2.5 (±1.6). In without previous associated shorter time than (51 versus. 68 days, respectively; p < .001). Six thromboembolic events (0.6%) occurred: 4 (0.7%) NOAC‐treated (0.5%) warfarin‐treated patients. Clinically relevant bleeding occurred seven (1.8%) receiving three NOACs. Anticoagulation treatment altered for 99 (11.0%) during study period, majority (88.2%) from Conclusions this study, rates complications low ECV. Patients NOAC therapy had continued their more often