Systematic Review and Adjusted Indirect Comparison Meta-Analysis of Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation Thursday, November 22nd, 2012AHA: 8/21/12
Background—Oral anticoagulants such as apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban are alternatives to warfarin for preventing events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Direct comparative studies between agents are unavailable. Our objective was to conduct an adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis between new oral agents in atrial fibrillation.
Methods and Results—We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central through February 2012 for randomized, controlled trials in patients with atrial fibrillation evaluating apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban versus warfarin. For dabigatran, only data from the Food and Drug Administration–approved dose were included. Outcomes included the composite of stroke or systemic embolism, any stroke, and major bleeding among, others. Read more