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Thromb Haemost 2010; 104(06): 1099-1105
DOI: 10.1160/TH10-07-0491
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

New-onset atrial fibrillation and warfarin initiation: High risk periods and implications for new antithrombotic drugs

David A. Garcia
1   Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
,
Renato D. Lopes
2   Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
,
Elaine M. Hylek
3   Department of Medicine, Research Unit-Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 28 July 2010

Accepted after minor revision: 03 September 2010

Publication Date:
24 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Atrial fibrillation is a common condition that increases the risk of stroke in many patients. Although warfarin has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, many patients who might benefit from anticoagulation do not receive this therapy. Fear of bleeding is the most often cited reason. Several new anticoagulant medications are being studied to determine their efficacy and safety relative to warfarin. Unlike earlier trials that established the superiority of warfarin over placebo, recent trials in atrial fibrillation have enrolled a disproportionate number of patients already taking warfarin. This review suggests that the risk of both haemorrhage and stroke are highest when atrial fibrillation is newly diagnosed and during the initiation of anticoagulant medication. Randomised controlled trials designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new anti-thrombotic agents should include substantial numbers of patients without prior exposure to anticoagulation since these individuals are at the highest risk for bleeding and thromboembolism.

Keywords

Clinical trials - oral anticoagulants - thrombosis - stroke prevention - heart
 

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