National utilization patterns of warfarin use in older patients with atrial fibrillation: a population-based study of Medicare Part D beneficiaries

Source: Annals of Pharmacotherapy Area: Evidence > Medicines Management > References Background: Although warfarin therapy reduces stroke incidence in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the rate of warfarin use in this population remains low.  In 2008, the US Medicare Part D programme was expanded to pay for medications for Medicare enrollees. Objective: To examine rates and predictors of warfarin use in Medicare Part D beneficiaries with AF. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study used claims data from 41,447 Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older with at least 2 AF diagnoses in 2007 and at least 1 diagnosis in 2008.  All subjects had continuous Medicare Part D prescription coverage in 2008.  Statistical analysis using chi2 was used to examine differences in warfarin use by patient characteristics (age, ethnicity, sex, Medicaid eligibility, comorbidities, contraindications to warfarin and whether they visited a cardiologist or a primary care physician (PCP)), CHADS2 score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, ...
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news