The Frequency of Antithrombotic Therapy in Management of Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with poor outcomes, including stroke. The ability of anticoagulation therapy to reduce the risk of stroke has been well established; however, the frequency of anticoagulation therapy uses is unknown in our community. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of anticoagulation therapy and its different types among patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study between April 2015 to April 2016 (before the Covid-19 pandemic), a number of 200 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, in two groups of 100 patients with and without recent embolic events were studied who were hospitalized in Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan. The CHA2DS2-VASc score and the amount and type of anticoagulant usage were evaluated in each group. Findings: In included 200 patients (mean age 70 years, 55 women), hypertension and diabetes were the most prevalent diseases. There was no significant difference in the mean of the CHA2DS2-VASc score between the two groups; 3.8 vs 3.6. (P > 0.05). There was a history of anticoagulant use in 48 of the patients hospitalized without embolic events and a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: of 3.6. Conclusion: About half of the hospitalized patients without embolic events and one-third of the patients with embolic events took anticoagulants for thromboembolic prevention, mostly warfarin. In patients with atrial fibrillation, despite the need to receive anticoagulants to prevent stroke, including people with a high CHA2DS2-VASc score, the consumption of direct thrombin inhibitors was seen at a very low level. © 2023 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.