Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Compared with Warfarin in Patients with Low Bodyweight who have Atrial Fibrillation: A  Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ConclusionIn this pooled meta-analytical synthesis of studies comprising both real-world and randomized controlled data, the use of DOAC analogs in patients with atrial fibrillation and low bodyweight (< 60 kg or BMI< 18 kg/m2) was associated with a significant reduction in risks of stroke and major bleeding compared with patient cohorts stabilized on warfarin-based therapy. There was uncertainty regarding the composite outcome and mortality point estimate between these two anticoagulation strategies. This finding helps to resolve the uncertainty associated with the use of DOACs in this cohort. Additionally, it suggests the need for confirmatory non-inferiority randomized controlled trials evaluating DOACs versus warfarin in this cohort of patients.
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research