Safety of Using Direct Oral Anticoagulants Soon After Ischemic Stroke

In an observational study, early DOAC use after mild stroke was relatively safe.

Several direct, non–vitamin K antagonist, oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are available for stroke prevention in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF). The clinical trials that evaluated DOACs for stroke prevention typically excluded patients with an ischemic stroke in the previous 2 weeks. The time period soon after an embolic stroke is the time of greatest risk for hemorrhagic transformation. Therefore, data on safety of DOACs in this time frame are sparse. In this study, researchers reviewed their experience in 204 AF patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Patients (median age, 79; 89% with acute ischemic stroke) received either a DOAC or a vitamin K antagonist after the event. The investigators evaluated outcome…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Safety of Using Direct Oral Anticoagulants Soon After Ischemic Stroke

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Reviewing Author