Prevention Of Stroke In Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Publication Date: February 23, 2014
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Treatment
Warfarin (A)
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dabigatran (B)
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apixaban (B)
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rivaroxaban (B)
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The safety and efficacy of combining dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban with an antiplatelet agent have not been established. (C)
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Aspirin, Clopidogrel & Warfarin
Adjusted-dose warfarin (target INR – 2.0-3.0) is recommended for all patients with nonvalvular AF deemed to be at high risk and many deemed to be at moderate risk for stroke who can receive it safely. (A)
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Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin is recommended for low-risk and some moderate-risk patients with AF on the basis of patient preference, estimated bleeding risk if anticoagulated, and access to high-quality anticoagulation monitoring. (A)
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For high-risk patients with AF deemed unsuitable for anticoagulation, dual-antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin offers more protection against stroke than aspirin alone, but with an increased risk of major bleeding, and might be reasonable. (B)
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For patients with ischemic stroke or TIA with paroxysmal (intermittent) or permanent AF, anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist (target INR – 2.5; range – 2.0-3.0) is recommended. (A)
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For patients unable to take oral anticoagulants, aspirin alone is recommended. (A)
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The combination of clopidogrel plus aspirin carries a risk of bleeding similar to that of warfarin and therefore is NOT recommended for patients with a hemorrhagic contraindication to warfarin. (B)
(III)
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Dabigatran
Dabigatran is useful as an alternative to warfarin for the prevention of stroke and systemic thromboembolism in patients with paroxysmal to permanent AF and risk factors for stroke or systemic embolization who do not have a prosthetic heart valve or hemodynamically significant valve disease, severe renal failure (CrCI <15 mL/min), or advanced liver disease (impaired baseline clotting function). (B)
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Dabigatran 150 mg twice daily is an efficacious alternative to warfarin for the prevention of first and recurrent stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF and at least one additional risk factor who have CrCI >30 mL/min. (B)
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On the basis of pharmacokinetic data, the use of dabigatran 75 mg twice daily in patients with AF and at least one additional risk factor who have a low CrCI (15-30 mL/min) may be considered, but its safety and efficacy have not been established. (C)
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Because there are no data to support the use of dabigatran in patients with more severe renal failure, dabigatran is NOT recommended in patients with a CrCI <15 mL/min. (C)
(III)
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Apixaban
Apixaban 5 mg twice daily is an efficacious alternative to aspirin in patients with nonvalvular AF deemed unsuitable for vitamin K antagonist therapy who have at least one additional risk factor and no more than one of the following characteristics: Age ≥80 years, weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. (B)
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Although its safety and efficacy have not been established, apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily may be considered as an alternative to aspirin in patients with nonvalvular AF deemed unsuitable for vitamin K antagonist therapy who have at least 1 additional risk factor and ≥2 of the following criteria: Age ≥80 years, weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. (C)
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Apixaban 5 mg twice daily is a relatively safe and efficacious alternative to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular AF deemed appropriate for vitamin K antagonist therapy who have at least one additional risk factor and no more than one of the following characteristics: Age ≥80 years, weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. (B)
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Although its safety and efficacy have not been established, apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily may be considered as an alternative to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular AF deemed appropriate for vitamin K antagonist therapy who have at least 1 additional risk factor and ≥2 of the following criteria: Age ≥80 years, weight ≤60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL. (C)
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Apixaban should NOT be used if the CrCI is <25 mL/min. (C)
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Rivaroxaban
In patients with nonvalvular AF who are at moderate to high risk of stroke (prior history of TIA, stroke, or systemic embolization or ≥2 additional risk factors), rivaroxaban 20 mg/d is reasonable as an alternative to warfarin. (B)
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In patients with renal impairment and nonvalvular AF who are at moderate to high risk of stroke (prior history of TIA, stroke, or systemic embolization or ≥2 additional risk factors), with a CrCI of 15 to 50 mL/min, 15 mg of rivaroxaban daily may be considered. However, its safety and efficacy have not been established. (C)
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Rivaroxaban should NOT be used if the CrCI is <15 mL/min. (C)
(III)
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Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Prevention Of Stroke In Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authoring Organization
American Heart Association
Endorsing Organization
American Academy of Neurology
Publication Month/Year
February 23, 2014
Last Updated Month/Year
November 4, 2024
Supplemental Implementation Tools
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
Revise management recommendations on the safety and efficacy of a thrombin inhibitor (dabigatran) and 2 factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban and apixaban) in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Target Patient Population
Adults with atrial fibrillation (AF)
Inclusion Criteria
Male, Female, Adult
Health Care Settings
Emergency care, Hospital, Outpatient, Operating and recovery room
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Assessment and screening, Management, Prevention
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D001281 - Atrial Fibrillation
Keywords
atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, echocardiography, gastrointestinal
Source Citation
Furie KL, Goldstein LB, Albers GW, Khatri P, Neyens R, Turakhia MP, Turan TN, Wood KA; on behalf of the American Heart Association Stroke Council, Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research, Council on Cardiovascular Nursing, Council on Clinical Cardiology, and Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. Oral Antithrombotic Agents for the Prevention of Stroke in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Science Advisory for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. PMID: 22858728