Stroke prevention in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation in Germany - a cross sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in 15-20% of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of AF-related recurrent stroke but clinical guideline recommendations are rather vague regarding its use in the acute phase of stroke. We aimed to assess the current clinical practice of medical stroke prevention in AF patients during the acute phase of ischemic stroke.

Methods

In April 2017, a standardized anonymous questionnaire was sent to clinical leads of all 298 certified stroke units in Germany.

Results

Overall, 154 stroke unit leads participated (response rate 52%). Anticoagulation in the acute phase of stroke is considered feasible in more than 90% of AF patients with ischemic stroke. Clinicians assume that about two thirds of

SUBMITTER: Wutzler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6371606 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature