Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Pages: 308-312

Journal: International Journal of Stroke

Volume number: 13

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 1747-4930

eISSN: 1747-4949

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493017733928

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Abstract: 

Background New evidence regarding stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation has been published. Implementing knowledge into clinical practice remains challenging.

Aims To investigate oral anticoagulants in stroke patients documented in a nationwide registry.

Methods The database is an obligatory federal-state-wide hospital-based registry that covers more than 95% of all ischemic strokes, transient ischemic attacks and intracerebral hemorrhages in a community of more than six million inhabitants (Hesse/Germany). We analyzed oral anticoagulants prescribed on discharge in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack during 2006-2015.

Results From 2006 to 2015, we annually selected median 20,895 patients. From 2006 to 2015, the proportion of patients treated with oral anticoagulants increased (9.8% to 24%). The annual proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation remained constant (median: 23%). In atrial fibrillation patients treated with oral anticoagulants, the age increased (median 2008/2009: 76.9 years vs. 2014/2015 79.4 years). The percentage of treated individuals in atrial fibrillation increased dramatically (2006: 30.1% to 2015: 74.5%); in 2015, 30.8% of these patients received vitamin K antagonists and 70.2% new oral anticoagulants. Independent factors associated with new oral anticoagulants therapy were a previous medication with new oral anticoagulants and a treatment on stroke unit. Between new oral anticoagulants- and vitamin K antagonists-treated patients (2015), no differences in age were noted (both mean: 79.4 years).

Conclusions The new oral anticoagulants availability enhanced a general trend treating more target patients with oral anticoagulants.

Harvard Citation style: Tanislav, C., Allendoerfer, J., Pfeilschifter, W., Fuest, S., Stein, M., Meyer, M., et al. (2018) One decade of oral anticoagulation in stroke patients: Results from a large country-wide hospital-based registry, International Journal of Stroke, 13(3), pp. 308-312. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493017733928

APA Citation style: Tanislav, C., Allendoerfer, J., Pfeilschifter, W., Fuest, S., Stein, M., Meyer, M., Reuter, I., Kaps, M., & Misselwitz, B. (2018). One decade of oral anticoagulation in stroke patients: Results from a large country-wide hospital-based registry. International Journal of Stroke. 13(3), 308-312. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493017733928