Secondary stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a challenge in the clinical practice

Background: Despite clear evidence for the effectiveness of oral anticoagulation (OA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), there is evidence for the underutilisation of this therapy in the secondary stroke prevention. We therefore investigate the link between the use of OA in stroke patients with AF and favourable clinical outcome following the acute event. Methods: The study population was determined by identifying the overlap of two different databases: a stroke registry and claims data of a health insurance company. Baseline data originated from the registry; documented dementia and the prescriptions for OA were derived from the insurance database. Patients with AF, minor physical impairment, and evidence of more than 30?days without further hospitalisation within the subsequent 90?days after the acute event were selected for the analysis. Results: 1828 patients were selected (mean age 77.6?years), 1064 patients (58.2%) were female. 827 patients (45%) received a prescription for OA. The following factors were independently associated with a prescription for oral anticoagulants: increased age (OR: 0.54, CI: 0.46-0.63; P?
Source: BMC Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research