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Review of Challenges in Optimizing Oral Anticoagulation Therapy for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

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Abstract

Oral anticoagulant therapy is the mainstay of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation; it is highly effective at reducing stroke risk, but its use can be limited by increased risk of bleeding. As new oral anticoagulants are available, barriers to optimal use of oral anticoagulation therapy warrant consideration by healthcare professionals and administrators who are seeking to optimize the quality of care for patients with atrial fibrillation. Suboptimal use of oral anticoagulation therapy constitutes an important health problem with significant humanistic and economic consequences. Based on a review of the medical literature published between 2000 and 2011, this article summarizes the literature on the barriers to optimal use of oral anticoagulation therapy, describes the clinical and economic burdens that these barriers add to the burden of atrial fibrillation, and discusses how well the new oral anticoagulants may address some of these issues.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for the literature review and the preparation of this manuscript was provided by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Two Hilton Court, Parsippany, NJ, USA. The funding organization was involved in the design of the literature review study and the design and review of the manuscript. We would like to thank Kate Lothman, Medical Editor at RTI Health Solutions, for her contributions of editorial revisions to each manuscript draft, as well as numbering and formatting the references.

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  1. RTI Health Solutions, 200 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA

    Maria M. Fernandez & Susan Hogue

  2. RTI Health Solutions, Lund, Sweden

    Birgitta von Schéele

  3. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Two Hilton Court Parsippany, NJ, USA

    Winghan Jacqueline Kwong

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  1. Maria M. Fernandez
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Fernandez, M.M., von Schéele, B., Hogue, S. et al. Review of Challenges in Optimizing Oral Anticoagulation Therapy for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 13, 87–102 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40256-013-0016-5

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