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Suboptimal Use of Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: Has the Introduction of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Improved Prescribing Practices?

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and the associated risk of stroke are emerging epidemics throughout the world. Suboptimal use of oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention has been widely reported from observational studies. In recent years, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been introduced for thromboprophylaxis. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate current practices of anticoagulation in AF, pharmacologic features and adoption patterns of DOACs, their impacts on proportion of eligible patients with AF who receive oral anticoagulants, persisting challenges and future prospects for optimal anticoagulation.

Literature Source and Selection Criteria

In conducting this review, we considered the results of relevant prospective and retrospective observational studies from real-world practice settings. PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus (RIS), Google Scholar, EMBASE and Web of Science were used to source relevant literature. There were no date limitations, while language was limited to English. Selection was limited to articles from peer reviewed journals and related to our topic.

Results

Most studies identified in this review indicated suboptimal use of anticoagulants is a persisting challenge despite the availability of DOACs. Underuse of oral anticoagulants is apparent particularly in patients with a high risk of stroke. DOAC adoption trends are quite variable, with slow integration into clinical practice reported in most countries; there has been limited impact to date on prescribing practice.

Conclusion

Available data from clinical practice suggest that suboptimal oral anticoagulant use in patients with AF and poor compliance with guidelines still remain commonplace despite transition to a new era of anticoagulation featuring DOACs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia

    Endalkachew A. Alamneh, Leanne Chalmers & Luke R. Bereznicki

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Endalkachew Admassie Alamneh has no conflicts of interest that might be relevant to the contents of this manuscript. Leanne Chalmers has received consultancy funding from Aspen Pharmacare Australia. Luke Bereznicki has received consultancy funding to research activities regarding anticoagulant medications from Roche Diagnostics, Boehringer Ingelheim and Aspen Pharmacare Australia. In 2015, he was a member of the Pradaxa Advisory Board in Australia.

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Alamneh, E.A., Chalmers, L. & Bereznicki, L.R. Suboptimal Use of Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: Has the Introduction of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Improved Prescribing Practices?. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 16, 183–200 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40256-016-0161-8

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