Efficacy of Low-Dose Anticoagulation in Older Age Groups with Atrial Fibrillation

Individuals aged 80 years or older with atrial fibrillation are thought to have a higher risk for bleeding with anticoagulation, particularly if they are considered ineligible for a standard anticoagulation regimen. In the manufacturer-funded, randomized, controlled ELDERCARE-AF trial, low-dose edoxaban was superior to placebo in reducing risk for stroke or systolic embolism in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation thought to have a contraindication to anticoagulation (NEJM JW Cardiol Oct 2020 and N Engl J Med 2020; 383:1735). Now, the investigators report findings across three age strata.

The prespecified subanalysis included 354 patients aged 80–84 years, 374 patients aged 85–89, and 256 patients aged ≥90. Annual risk for stroke or sy…