Warfarin vs non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants for left atrial appendage thrombus: A meta-analysis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are commonly used for thromboembolic risk reduction and treatment of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. However, data regarding their efficacy and safety in comparison to warfarin for left atrial appendage thrombus is limited.

METHODS:

A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Review from inception to 30 October 2019 was performed. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing warfarin vs NOACs were included. Two investigators independently extracted the data and individual quality assessment was performed. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model to calculate risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS:

Four studies met inclusion criteria and a total of 322 patients were included of whom 141 were in the NOAC arm and 181 were in the warfarin arm. There was no significant difference in thrombus resolution between the two groups (RR, 1.00; 95% CI [0.77-1.29; P = .98]). There was no significant difference in major bleeding (RR, 1.30; 95% CI [0.14-12.21; P = .82]) or stroke (RR, 0.42; 95% CI [0.09-2.06; P = .29]) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION:

The results of our meta-analysis show that NOACs are as efficacious and safe as warfarin in the treatment of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

• Authors: Ghulam Murtaza, Mohit K Turagam, Varunsiri Atti, Jalaj Garg, Urooge Boda, Poonam Velagapudi, Krishna Akella, Andrea Natale, Rakesh Gopinathannair, Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy
• Journal: Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol) Vol. 31 Issue 7 Pg. 1822-1827 (07 2020) ISSN: 1540-8167 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 32323386 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)
• Copyright: © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Anticoagulants
• Warfarin

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Anticoagulants (adverse effects)
• Atrial Appendage (diagnostic imaging)
• Atrial Fibrillation (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Stroke
• Thrombosis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome
• Warfarin (adverse effects)