Choice of New Oral Anticoagulant Agents Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Many patients with AF receive chronic anticoagulation, either with Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or with non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs). We sought to analyze variables associated with prescription of NOAC. Methods: Patients with AF under anticoagulation treatment were prospectively recruited in this observational registry. The sample comprised 1290 patients under chronic anticoagulation for AF, 994 received VKA (77.1%) and 296 NOAC (22.9%). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with use of NOAC. Results: Mean age was 73.8 ± 9.4 years, and 42.5% of the patients were women. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was 0 in 4.9% of the population, 1 in 24.1%, and ≥2 in 71% (median = 4, interquartile range = 2). Variables associated with NOAC treatment were major bleeding (odds ratio [OR] = 3.36; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.73-6.51; P