1. Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention
with Oral Anticoagulants
Why is there discordance between guideline committees
& specialists when the data is based on the same 3
landmark trials?
5. CCS AF Guidelines
• 2010:
• Dabigatran preferred over warfarin
(Conditional Recommendation,
High-Quality Evidence).
• 2012:
• NOAC preferred over warfarin (note:
apixaban - when approved by
Health Canada) (Conditional
Recommendation, High-Quality
Evidence)
• 2014:
• NOAC preferred over warfarin (note:
edoxaban when approved by Health
Canada) (Strong
Recommendation, High Quality
Evidence)
– High value: greater efficacy of dabigatran
during a relatively short time of follow-up,
lower incidence of intracranial
hemorrhage; ease of use
– Less value: long safety experience with
warfarin
– High value: greater/similar efficacy,
less/same major bleeds, less intracranial
bleeds, easier to use
– Less value: long experience with clinical
use, antidote, simple/standardized test
(i.e. INR)
– High value: greater ease of use,
superior/non-inferior, no more/less major
bleeding especially less intracranial
– Less value: shorter clinical experience,
lack of antidote, lack of simple test for
intensity of anticoagulant effect
12. • Why is there discordance between guideline committees
& specialists when the data is based on the same 3
landmark trials?
• Values influence guideline committees and prescribing.
• Patient values need to be considered as well; shared
decision making.
• Tailor therapy to individual patients.
Hinweis der Redaktion
RxFiles – AF selected as the academic detailing topic for the winter/spring 2013 topic
Dabigatran & rivaroxaban were listed on the SK Drug Formulary with Exceptional Drug Status criteria to meet. Apixaban was approved by Health Canada for stroke prevention in non-valvular AF December 2012. We included all three NOACs in our materials.
A number of guidelines were reviewed for the topic, including the relevant landmark trials, etc.
Will let Cait address “High-quality evidence”.
Do not plan on going into detail with the following:
CADTH: since Sarah will address
CHEST/ACCP 2012 Guidelines: as only addressed dabigatran & are outdated
Double check with Sarah if okay
Back in 2012-13
Cardiologist & neurologist: NOAC (superior & non-inferior for preventing stroke & systemic embolism)
Nephrologist: warfarin (NOACs used/dosed inappropriately in renal dysfunction)
Hematologist: warfarin when it works, NOAC in those who are not appropriate for warfarin
Hematopathologist: if going to use a NOAC, ensure plan in place for potential bleeding
ER Physician: warfarin (now how to reverse a warfarin bleed, how the @#!% do I reverse a NOAC bleed)
Gastroenterologist: warfarin (dabigatran 150mg BID & rivaroxaban cause more GI bleeding)
Internist: warfarin… when managed appropriately
Family physician: what the heck are we supposed to do?!