The Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Atrial Fibrillation: Challenges and Considerations.

ABSTRACT: The nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban are used for the reduction of the risk of stroke or systemic embolism (SEE) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The purpose of this review is to highlight the safety and efficacy results of the pivotal NOAC clinical trials for use in NVAF, discuss some of the unique management challenges in the use of NOACs in special populations, summarize data on emerging and novel indications, and address potential future directions.

Methods

A literature search was conducted and to identify relevant clinical trials and studies regarding the use of NOACs for the prevention of stroke or SEE in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Results

Relative to warfarin, NOACs are a

SUBMITTER: Plitt A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5673394 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature