Selection of Oral Anticoagulants in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Anticoagulant therapy is indicated for management of ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We retrospectively investigated how oral anticoagulants were selected for ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants as first-line regimen for acute ischemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

PurposeThere are various patterns in determining the choice of the first-line antithrombotic agent for acute stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We investigated the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants as first-line antithrombotics for patients with acute stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation.Materials and MethodsPatients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack within 24 h from stroke onset were included. On the basis of the first regimen used and the regimen within 7 days after admission, the study population was divided into three groups: 1) antiplatelet switched to warfarin (A-W), 2) antiplatelet switched to NOAC (A-N), and 3) NOAC only (N only). We compared the occurrence of early neurologic deterioration, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, systemic bleeding, and poor functional outcome at 90 days.ResultsOf 314 included patients, 164, 53, and 97 were classified into the A-W, A-N, and N only groups, respectively. Early neurologic deterioration was most frequently observed in the A-W group (9.1%), followed by the A-N (5.7%) and N only (1.0%) groups (p = 0.017). Multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounders demonstrated that the N only group was independently associated with a lower rate of early neurologic deterioration (odds ratio [OR] 0.104, 95% CI 0.013-0.831) or poor functional outcome at 90 days (OR 0.450, 95% CI 0.215-0.940) than the A-W group. However, the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or any systemic bleeding event did not differ among the groups.ConclusionUsing non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants as the first-line regimen for acute ischemic stroke may help prevent early neurologic deterioration without increasing the bleeding risk.     

Use of ambulatory electrocardiography for the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with stroke. Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care

BACKGROUND: Patients with stroke commonly undergo investigations to determine the underlying cause of stroke. These investigations often include ambulatory electrocardiography to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. There is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding whether routine ambulatory electrocardiography should be performed in all or selected stroke patients. This paper reviews the available evidence on (1) the yield of ambulatory electrocardiography in detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack and (2) the effectiveness of anticoagulation in preventing recurrent stroke in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. METHODS: A MEDLINE search for primary articles was performed, and the references were reviewed manually. In addition, citations were obtained from experts. The evidence was systematically reviewed using the evidence-based methodology of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. RESULTS: Ambulatory electrocardiography can detect atrial fibrillation not found on initial electrocardiogram in between 1% and 5% of people with stroke. Ambulatory electrocardiography is generally safe. The risk of recurrent stroke in the setting of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is uncertain, but appears to be similar to that seen with chronic atrial fibrillation (about 12% per year). Therapy with warfarin may reduce this risk by about two-thirds as compared to placebo. The annual risk of major bleeding with warfarin therapy is between 1% and 3% but rates for individual patients depend on various specific risk factors. INTERPRETATION: There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of ambulatory electrocardiography for the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in either selected or unselected patients with stroke (C Recommendation). There is fair evidence to recommend therapy with warfarin for patients with stroke and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (B Recommendation).     

Stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a current community perspective

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is responsible for up to 10% of all ischaemic strokes. The risk of stroke in these patients is substantial, particularly when associated with past cerebral ischaemia, hypertension, diabetes and age over 65. Warfarin has recently been shown to reduce this risk by two-thirds with relative safety. The files of 103 patients with chronic NVAF on recent presentation to hospital were studied to see if they had been given warfarin beforehand. Two-thirds would have been ideal candidates, having at least one added risk factor for stroke, and no contraindication for the use of warfarin. Yet fewer than 10% were taking it. Sixteen of these 103 patients had an ischaemic event at presentation, mostly stroke. Twelve were ideal candidates for warfarin prophylaxis, but none had received it for this purpose. Much more must be done to prevent stroke in these patients.     

The morbidity related to atrial fibrillation at a tertiary centre in one year: 9.0% of all strokes are potentially preventable.

Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for stroke. Anticoagulant therapy reduces this risk but increases the risk of haemorrhage. We aimed to compare the morbidity related to the treatment of atrial fibrillation with warfarin seen in one year at our hospital, with the morbidity in those patients in whom embolism was potentially preventable. There were 111 patients admitted to our hospital in a 12 month period with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who had stroke, TIA or peripheral embolism. Atrial fibrillation was identified prior to admission in 87 of these 111 (78%) patients with thromboembolism, yet only 14 of these (16%) were receiving warfarin for stroke prophylaxis. Through chart review, a further 56 (64%) patients with embolism could have been receiving anticoagulant therapy if published clinical guidelines(1) were applied. Therefore, 40 episodes of thromboembolism were potentially preventable. Over the same period, there were 18 patients admitted with haemorrhage related to warfarin therapy for stroke prophylaxis in NVAF, including 10 gastrointestinal, five intracerebral, and three peripheral haemorrhages. Most haemorrhages were associated with a high International Normalized Ratio (INR) and the patients were left less disabled than those with embolism. Only one patient with haemorrhage had an absolute contraindication to warfarin therapy (6%). We conclude that the number of preventable strokes far outweighed the morbidity due to warfarin use in the management of NVAF.     

Warfarin for stroke prevention still underused in atrial fibrillation: patterns of omission

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The value of warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation is well established. However, the prevalence of such treatment generally lags behind actual requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate doctor- and/or patient-related demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic factors that influence decision for warfarin treatment. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1998, 1027 patients were discharged with chronic or persistent atrial fibrillation. This population was composed of (1) patients with cardiac prosthetic valves (n=48), (2) those with increased bleeding risks (n=152), (3) physically or mentally handicapped patients (n=317), and (4) the remaining 510 patients, the main study group who were subjected to thorough statistical analysis for determining factors influencing warfarin use. RESULTS: The respective rates of warfarin use on discharge in the 4 groups were 93.7%, 30.9%, 17.03%, and 59.4% (P=0.001); of the latter, an additional 28.7% were discharged on aspirin. In the main study group, warfarin treatment rates increased with each consecutive triennial period (29.7%, 53.6%, and 77.1%, respectively; P=0.001). Age >80 years, poor command of Hebrew, and being hospitalized in a given medical department emerged as independent variables negatively influencing warfarin use: P=0.0001, OR 0.30 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.55); P=0.02, OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.94); and P=0.0002, OR 0.26 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.52), respectively. In contrast, past history of stroke and availability of echocardiographic information, regardless of the findings, each increased warfarin use (P=0.03, OR 1.95 [95% CI 1.04 to 3.68], and P=0.0001, OR 3.52 [95% CI 2.16 to 5.72], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Old age, language difficulties, insufficient doctor alertness to warfarin benefit, and patient disability produced reluctance to treat. Warfarin use still lags behind requirements.     

Preceding Antithrombotic Treatment is Associated With Acute Ischemic Stroke Severity and Functional Outcome at 90 Days Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundAntithrombotic therapies are known to prevent ischemic stroke (IS) for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but are often underused in clinical practice. The aim of present study was to investigate the prevalence of patients with acute IS with known history of AF who were not receiving antithrombotic treatment before stroke and to evaluate the association of preceding antithrombotic treatment with stroke severity and outcomes at 90 days after admission.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, multi-center, observational study of 748 patients with acute IS and known history of AF admitted to 6 participating hospitals between March 2016 and October 2017. The primary outcome was stroke severity at admission as assessed using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The secondary outcome was functional outcome at 90 days after admission as measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.ResultsA total of 748 patients, 54 (7.2%) were receiving therapeutic warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 2) and 100 (13.4%) had subtherapeutic warfarin anticoagulation (INR < 2), 340 (45.5%) were receiving antiplatelet treatment, and 254 (34.0%) were not receiving any antithrombotic treatment prior to stroke. Compared with no antithrombotic treatment, therapeutic warfarin (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.82; P = .022), and antiplatelet therapy only (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.76-0.96; P = .041) were associated with lower odds ratio of moderate or severe stroke (NIHSS ≥ 16). Patients receiving preceding therapeutic warfarin (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.22-3.57; P = .025), antiplatelet therapy only (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-2.59; P = .043), and subtherapeutic warfarin with INR 1.5 to 1.99 (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10-2.66; P = .042) had higher odds ratio of better functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at 90 days.ConclusionsAmong patients with AF who had experienced an acute IS, inadequate therapeutic warfarin preceding the stroke was very prevalent in China. Therapeutic warfarin was associated with less severe stroke and better functional outcome at 90 days.     

Stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a review of prospective randomized trials.

Patients with atrial fibrillation are at risk for cerebral embolism; however, the roles of chronic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation have been controversial. Recently, the results of three large prospective randomized trials that examined the risks and benefits of warfarin or aspirin for stroke prophylaxis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were reported. All three studies revealed a reduction in the stroke rate for patients treated with warfarin and a small incidence of major bleeding. One of the studies also reported a reduced stroke rate in aspirin-treated patients. The reduction of thromboembolic events associated with chronic warfarin therapy appears to outweigh the risks of significant bleeding for most patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Aspirin may offer an alternative for subgroups of patients who are at low risk for stroke or those who are not good candidates for anticoagulation.     

影响急性脑梗死出血性转化的危险因素

目的 探讨急性脑梗死的出血性转化的危险因素。方法 收集2012年1月～2015年1月在湖北省恩施州利川市人民医院神经内科住院的急性脑梗死患者的临床及实验室检查资料,并在入院后10 d内行头颅CT复查,采用多变量logistic回归分析确定出血性转化的独立危险因素。结果 共纳入345例急性脑梗死患者,其中男205例,女140例,101例发生出血性转化。出血性转化组的年龄、脑梗死体积、脑卒中史或TIA史、高血压病、糖尿病、抗凝药和房颤的比例均显著高于非出血性转化组(P<0.05),而2组抗血小板聚集药、他汀类、高脂血症史、吸烟或饮酒史无明显差异(P>0.05)。多变量logistic回归分析显示年龄(OR=1.168,95%,CI=1.059～3.412; P=0.021)、梗死体积(OR=3.461,95%C1=1.317～6.270; P=0.044)和房颤(OR=1.284,95%C1= 1.117～2.903; P=0.015)为出血性转化的独立危险因素。结论 急性脑梗死患者出血性转化的发生率为29.3%,年龄、脑梗死体积和房颤为出血性转化的独立危险因素,绝大多数出血性转化不会加重临床症状,临床症状加重的患者主要是脑实质血肿型。     

Low-dose warfarin in atrial fibrillation leads to more thromboembolic events without reducing major bleeding when compared to adjusted-dose--a meta-analysis

The use of warfarin with a range INR of 2.0-3.0 is recommended in prevention of stroke for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, in particular those older than 75 years. The risk of bleeding that is associated with this range of INR has led to evaluate lower ranges (low-dose or fixed minidose) in terms of risks and benefits. A meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials evaluating 'low-intensity' 'minidose' or 'low-dose anticoagulant' treatment for prevention of thromboembolic events in AF was conducted by two independent reviewers. Study quality was evaluated in a blinded fashion. Four original studies were retrieved. Outcome events were determined in various treatment groups: ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, thromboses (ischemic stroke, systemic embolism or myocardial infarction), vascular death, major hemorrhage and hemorrhagic death. Results obtained with a random effects model were expressed as a common relative risk. Adjusted-dose warfarin compared with lower dose warfarin (INR < or = 1.6) in 2108 randomised patients significantly reduced the risk of any thrombosis: Relative risk (RR): 0.50 (95% CI; 0.25 to 0.97). The RR was 0.46 (95%CI; 0.2 to 1.07) for ischemic stroke. Inversely lower dose did not statistically decrease the risk for major hemorrhage compared to adjusted-dose: RR adjusted-dose vs lower dose: 1.23 (95% CI; 0.67-2.27). The RR was 0.97 (95 % CI 0.27-3.54) for hemorrhagic death. Our meta-analysis showed that adjusted-dose compared with low-dose or minidose warfarin therapy (INR < or =1.6) was more effective to prevent ischemic thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation.     

Secondary prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: a practical approach with edoxaban

Patients with atrial fibrillation and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack exhibit a very high risk of recurrence. Secondary prevention with oral anticoagulants is mandatory. Overall, clinical guidelines recommend the use of target-specific oral anticoagulants over vitamin K antagonists for secondary prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, many patients with atrial fibrillation and previous stroke are not receiving the appropriate antithrombotic treatment, perhaps due to the perceived risks of anticoagulation including the risk of hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic stroke. The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial showed that although edoxaban 60 mg and warfarin reduced the risk of stroke to a similar extent, edoxaban exhibited a lesser risk of bleeding, particularly intracranial hemorrhage. Importantly, these data were independent of the presence of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack. Therefore, edoxaban can be used in both primary and secondary prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The aim of this review was to update the available evidence about edoxaban in the clinical management of secondary prevention in individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.     

出血性卒中与缺血性卒中危险因素比较

目的探讨不同危险因素对缺血性和出血性卒中发病的影响。方法收集3 102例脑卒中患者的个人疾病史、生活方式、临床检查及生化指标结果等资料,运用Epidata软件建立数据库,采用SAS 9.2进行统计分析。结果脑梗死组发病到入院时间、住院时间、高胆固醇血症、糖尿病史、心脏病史、房颤史、脑卒中史,吸烟的OR值分别是3.36、4.953、3.375、2.224、2.394、2.362、3.573、2.076、2.885。脑出血组呼吸、体温、心率、血压、高血糖、Tbil、高血压史OR值分别是0.824、0.390、0.673、0.425、0.594、0.598、0.934。结论发病到入院时间、住院时间、高胆固醇血症、糖尿病史、心脏病史、房颤史、脑卒中史、吸烟等对脑梗死的影响更大,而呼吸、体温、心率、高血压、高血糖、Tbil、高血压史对脑出血的影响更大。     

低强度华法林在老年非瓣膜性心房颤动卒中高风险患者卒中一级预防中的疗效和安全性观察

目的   探讨低强度华法林在老年非瓣膜性心房颤动卒中高风险患者卒中一级预防中的疗效及安全性。 方法  本研究连续入组首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院2010年1月～2014年1月,心内科、老年科住院部及抗凝门诊确诊的治疗时间＞1年的非瓣膜性心房颤动卒中高风险患者80例,根据患者接受治疗情况分为低强度华法林治疗组和阿司匹林对照组各40例,其中华法林组控制凝血酶原时间国际标准化比值（international normalized ratio,INR）为1.6～2.5,比较两组患者缺血性卒中及全身大出血等不良反应的发生率。 结果  两组间在性别、年龄、伴随疾病等方面差异无显著性。低强度华法林治疗组心源性脑栓塞发生率为2.5%,阿司匹林治疗组为7.5%,两组比较差异无显著性（P＞0.05）。低强度华法林治疗组无其他部位栓塞发生,而阿司匹林治疗组患者其他部位栓塞仅1例,两组比较差异无显著性（P＞0.05）。两组均无心源性短暂性脑缺血发作发生。低强度华法林治疗组与阿司匹林治疗组均无严重脑出血、肾出血、其他器官出血等并发症发生。 结论  低强度华法林在非瓣膜性心房颤动卒中高风险患者卒中一级预防中疗效性与安全性方面可能与阿司匹林相当。     

Preceding direct oral anticoagulant administration reduces the severity of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation – K-PLUS registry

BackgroundStroke severity can be mitigated by preceding anticoagulant administration in acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated if such mitigative effects are different between warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).Material and methodsWe collected data from a regional multicenter stroke registry. Ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients with AF were included. Background characteristics, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, lesion characteristics, and in-hospital death were analyzed according to preceding antithrombotic agents at onset.ResultsA total of 2173 patients had AF; 628 were prescribed warfarin, 272 DOACs, 429 antiplatelets alone, and 844 no antithrombotics. The NIHSS score on admission was lowest in the DOACs group compared to the other groups. In neuroimaging analysis, small ischemic lesions were observed more frequently in the DOACs group, while large ischemic lesions were less frequent in this group. When the no antithrombotics group was used as a reference, the adjusted odds ratio for moderate to severe stroke was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.78) in the DOACs group, while it was 0.98 (0.77–1.24) in the warfarin group and 0.94 (0.72–1.22) in the antiplatelets group. In-hospital mortality was lowest in the DOACs group compared to the other groups.ConclusionPreceding DOAC administration might mitigate the severity of stroke in AF patients more strongly than other antithrombotics, possibly leading to a better outcome in patients with stroke.     

Pharmacotherapy for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Cerebral Microbleeds

Background: Patients with cerebral microbleeds have increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. No trial specifically informs antithrombotic therapy for patients with cerebral microbleeds and atrial fibrillation. We investigated the safety of anticoagulation versus no anticoagulation with regard to cerebrovascular outcomes and mortality. Methods: All consecutive atrial fibrillation patients from 2015 to 2018 with MRI evidence of ≥1 cerebral microbleed at time of imaging were reviewed. Patients were treated with warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or neither. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality informed by National Death Registry and the composite of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. All statistical tests were 2-sided and significant at P < .05. Results: The median interval from patient identification until the end of electronic health record surveillance was 9.93 months (interquartile range, 2.83-19.17 months). We identified 308 atrial fibrillation patients with cerebral microbleeds; 128(41.6%) were on warfarin, 88(28.6%) on direct oral anticoagulants, and 92(29.9%) on neither. Over the surveillance interval, 87 deaths, 51 ischemic strokes, and 14 hemorrhagic strokes occurred. The estimated likelihoods of the composite stroke outcome and ischemic stroke only did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. However, patients taking direct oral anticoagulants had a significantly smaller likelihood of all-cause mortality than patients who were not anticoagulated (adjusted hazard ratio: .44[.23, .83], P=.012). Conclusions: In patients with coprevalent atrial fibrillation and cerebral microbleeds, we did not detect differences in subsequent ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or both, comparing warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or neither. Patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants had better survival than nonanticoagulated patients.     

A Therapeutic International Normalized Ratio Results in Smaller Infarcts and Better Outcomes for Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Background: Prior studies have shown that warfarin is effective for both primary and secondary stroke prevention in individuals with atrial fibrillation. It is also known that those on warfarin with atrial fibrillation often have poorer long-term poststroke outcomes, possibly because cardioembolic strokes tend to be larger and more severe. Less is known regarding the direct effect of the international normalized ratio (INR) value at the time of stroke on severity or long-term functional status. Methods: We prospectively followed a consecutive series of 112 patients presenting to our institution with acute ischemic stroke between 2013 and 2018 who were on warfarin. Along with INR on admission, data were collected regarding patient demographics, vascular risk factors, stroke characteristics, and functional outcomes. Patients were stratified by INR into “therapeutic” and “subtherapeutic” groups. Stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale), infarct volume, and outcome (modified Rankin Scale) were assessed on admission, discharge, and follow-up (3 months poststroke). Differences were calculated using Student's t-tests and regression analyses. Results: The average INR on admission was 1.6 for the entire cohort. Seventy six percent were subtherapeutic on admission (INR < 2.0). Therapeutic patients had lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores on admission (5.9 versus 9.5, P = .033), significantly smaller stroke volumes (19.5 cc versus 49.2 cc, P = .036), and were more likely to show more than 1 digit improvement on follow-up mRS than subtherapeutic patients. Conclusions: Stroke size and severity is significantly reduced in patients with ischemic strokes who present therapeutic on warfarin. The greater volume of brain saved may ultimately lead to better functional recovery.     

缺血性卒中患者出院降压药物应用现状及其影响因素

目的 本研究旨在评估中国城市29家医院缺血性卒中（ischemic stroke,IS）合并高血压病患者出院时降压药物应用情况及其影响因素。方法 本调查为多中心横断面研究,通过连续收集诊断明确的IS患者人口学信息、既往病史、出院降压药物应用及医院资源信息,进行统计分析。结果 2011年3月1～31日期间,29家Ⅱ级或Ⅲ级医院神经内科出院的IS患者,893例合并高血压病,出院时降压药物应用率73.35％,处方一种降压药比例为41.99%。应用的降压药物中,比例最高的是钙离子拮抗剂（54.54%）。多因素分析后显示心房颤动［比值比（odds ratio,OR）0.39;95%可信区间（confidence interval,CI）0.22～0.68;P =0.0009］、心功能不全病史（OR 0.32;95%CI 0.15～0.65;P =0.0017）与应用降压药物有关,而未成立卒中单元（OR 1.98;95%CI 1.42～2.75;P <0.0001）及神经内科病床＜70张（OR 1.57;95%CI 1.12～2.19;P =0.0080）与未应用降压药物有关。结论 中国城市卒中合并高血压患者降压药应用率相对不足,应加以改进提高,并合理规范应用。     

Cardiovascular risk factors in patients aged 85 or older with ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES: To define a cardiovascular risk factor profile in very old patients with ischemic stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from a prospective hospital-based stroke registry was collected. Demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals aged 85 years or older with ischemic stroke (n=303) were compared with patients under 85 years (n=1537). RESULTS: The study population accounted for 16.5% of all cases of ischemic stroke. The mean (S.D.) age was 88.2 (2.8) years (70% women). Hypertension occurred in 44.9% of patients, atrial fibrillation in 42.6%, diabetes in 16.2%, and congestive heart failure in 15.5%. The most frequent stroke subtypes were cardioembolic (36%) and atherothrombotic (31.4%) infarction. Congestive heart failure (odds ratio [OR]=3.62), chronic renal disease (OR=2.54), female sex (OR=2.27), previous cerebrovascular disease (OR=1.71), and atrial fibrillation (OR=1.38) were significantly associated with ischemic stroke, whereas diabetes (OR=0.68), hypertension (OR=0.61), hyperlipidemia (OR=0.45), and heavy smoking (OR=0.21) occurred more frequently in patients under 85 years. CONCLUSION: Adequate treatment of potentially modifiable risk factors, including congestive heart failure, chronic renal disease, and atrial fibrillation may contribute to prevent ischemic stroke in very old people.     

Interventional treatments for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation with emphasis upon the WATCHMAN device

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Many strokes occur in patients with atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines recommend an antithrombotic regimen with warfarin to prevent thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation; however, a substantial number of patients are not eligible for this therapy. The exclusion of the left atrial appendage from circulation seems to be an alternative strategy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. The review focuses on the different devices for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, two devices developed for percutaneous transcatheter occlusion of the left atrial appendage have been studied: the PLAATO (Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Transcatheter Occlusion) device and the WATCHMAN device. Safety and feasibility data are available for both devices. About 200 patients have received a PLAATO device. These patients were at high risk for thrombembolic stroke and were not candidates for oral anticoagulation therapy. The WATCHMAN device was implanted in 75 patients that were eligible for long-term anticoagulation therapy with a moderate risk for thrombembolic stroke due to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. SUMMARY: For both devices, a reduction in the risk of stroke was documented, and device implantation was shown to be safe and feasible. Provided the ongoing trials show noninferiority to oral anticoagulation, another therapeutic option will become available to prevent ischemic strokes.     

伴脑出血史的缺血性卒中患者使用抗血小板药物二级预防的调查

目的 通过结局调查分析既往有脑出血史的缺血性卒中患者使用抗血小板药物(antiplatelet drugs,APD)的状况以及使用APD对再发脑出血和再发脑梗死的影响.方法 随访我院既往有过脑出血的脑梗死患者的单中心、回顾性队列研究.统计学方法采用生存曲线及Logistic回归分析APD对既往有过脑出血患者缺血性卒中二级预防结局的影响.结果 既往有过脑出血的缺血性卒中合并心房颤动和心肌梗死的患者在心内科就诊时更易接受服用APD.既往有过脑出血患者缺血性卒中二级预防中APD没有增加再发脑出血(OR=1.149,95%CI0.376～3.513,P=0.808);未良好控制的高血压和脑叶出血是再发脑出血的危险因素;APD的使用能明显降低再发脑梗死的发生(OR=0.410,95%CI0.203～0.826,P=0.013).既往有过脑出血的缺血性卒中患者服用APD再发脑出血间隔时间均值为39个月,未服APD患者为45个月(X2=1.257,P=0.262).既往有过脑出血的缺血性卒中患者服用APD再发脑梗死间隔时间均值为42个月,末服APD患者为22个月(X2=14.315,P=0.001).结论 既往有过脑出血的缺血性卒中患者,通过APD进行缺血性卒中二级预防可获益,再发肭出血未见增多.考虑到本调查中脑叶出血和高血压控制不良容易再发脑出血,使用APD时把血压控制在正常范围并排除既往有过脑叶出血的病例,也许是更为安全的选择.