Loading...
A manufacturer-funded, open-label randomized trial (SPORTIF III) showed the direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran (36 mg twice daily) to be as safe and effective as well-controlled warfarin (target INR, 2.0-3.0) for preventing systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and at least one additional stroke risk factor, with some excess risk for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (Journal Watch Cardiology Jan 16 2004). Now, in SPORTIF V, researchers have followed the same protocol, except that the study drugs were given in double-blind fashion. Subjects were 3922 NVAF patients in the U.S. and Canada who were at risk for stroke.
During a mean follow-up of 20 months, the incidence of "primary events" (any str…