This new oral anticoagulant drug significantly reduced the rate of thromboembolism without increasing the rate of intracranial hemorrhage.
Anticoagulation with warfarin decreases the risk for stroke from atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly more than antiplatelet therapy. However, one third of patients with AF and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) who are eligible for warfarin instead receive antiplatelet therapy, often because of concerns about bleeding. For these patients, new drugs are clearly needed that are as effective as warfarin but as safe as aspirin.
To address this need, investigators have performed an industry-sponsored, prespecified subgroup analysis of patients with prior stroke or TIA enrolled in the AVERROES trial. AVERROES compared outcomes with 5 mg twice daily of apixaban (a factor Xa inhibitor currently available in Europe) and with 81 to 324…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresSpeaker’s bureauGenentech
Grant / Research supportNational Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Michael Goldberg Stroke Research Fund
Editorial boardsPLOS One; Scientific Reports
Leadership positions in professional societiesNeurocritical Care Society (Research Committee Member)
DisclosuresSpeaker’s bureauGenentech
Grant / Research supportNational Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Michael Goldberg Stroke Research Fund
Editorial boardsPLOS One; Scientific Reports
Leadership positions in professional societiesNeurocritical Care Society (Research Committee Member)