Factor Xa inhibitors vs warfarin for preventing stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Abstract

CLINICAL QUESTION:

Is treatment with factor Xa inhibitors associated with better efficacy and safety compared with the vitamin K antagonist warfarin for preventing strokes or other systemic embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation?

BOTTOM LINE:

Compared with warfarin, factor Xa inhibitors are associated with a lower risk of stroke and other systemic embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Factor Xa inhibitors were associated with lower rates of intracranial hemorrhage and mortality compared with warfarin. Factor Xa inhibitors were associated with a reduction in major bleeding events, but there was heterogeneity between the included studies, and the reduction was not statistically significant in a prespecified sensitivity analysis.

• Authors: Karsten M H Bruins Slot, Eivind Berge
• Journal: JAMA (JAMA) Vol. 311 Issue 11 Pg. 1150-1 (Mar 19 2014) ISSN: 1538-3598 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24643605 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Comment)

Chemical References

• Factor Xa Inhibitors
• Vitamin K

Topics

• Atrial Fibrillation (complications)
• Embolism (prevention & control)
• Factor Xa Inhibitors
• Humans
• Intracranial Embolism (prevention & control)
• Vitamin K (antagonists & inhibitors)