Warfarin and the risk of stroke and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion Observational studies suggest that warfarin was not associated with a clear benefit or harm among patients who have atrial fibrillation and are receiving dialysis. These estimates were limited by study heterogeneity including the inability to account for a number of important confounders such as the time in the therapeutic range. Given the high prevalence of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and bleeding complications in this population, well-designed clinical trials of warfarin and other anti-coagulants are urgently needed. Teaser Patients with atrial fibrillation receiving maintenance dialysis are at a high risk of ischemic stroke. The role of warfarin in mitigating the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving dialysis is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, which suggested that warfarin was not associated with a clear benefit or harm among patients who have atrial fibrillation and are receiving maintenance dialysis.
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research