[Correspondence] Intracerebral haemorrhage, atrial fibrillation, and anticoagulation

The Review by Freek Verheugt and colleagues (July 18, p 303)1 provides an excellent overview of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. However, we emphasise another factor that was omitted: survivors of intracranial haemorrhage who also have atrial fibrillation. Observational studies show up to 37% of patients with an intracerebral haemorrhage have concurrent atrial fibrillation,2 with absolute numbers of patients who have anticoagulant-related intracranial haemorrhage expected to increase because of the increased use of oral anticoagulation and an ageing population.

Source: LANCET - October 30, 2015 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Duncan Wilson, Rustam Al-Shahi Salman, Catharina J M Klijn, Gregory Y H Lip, David J Werring Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research