Thrombotic Events and Anticoagulants in Beta-thalassemia Patients with Focus on Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation: A Brief Review

Abstract

Despite many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of beta-thalassemia patients in recent years and their longevity and quality of life which has been greatly increased, many of these patients have other life-threatening risks. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in beta-thalassemia patients and its related thromboembolism, stroke, and mortality have been increased in the last few years. Appropriate anticoagulant therapy may help to prevent the incidence or recurrence of thromboembolism. So far warfarin is the most widely used drug. Aspirin should use with caution in these patients because of its resistance to aspirin over time, which can increase the risk of thromboembolism. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used to prevent embolism in coronary artery disease and venous thromboembolism, but their use in thalassemia patients is still very limited. More high-quality researches and clinical trials are needed to prove their effectiveness and safety for atrial fibrillation in beta-thalassemia patients.