| 1. |
- Lopes, Renato D., et al.
(author)
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Digoxin and Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
- 2018
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 71:10, s. 1063-1074
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Digoxin is widely used in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVES The goal of this paper was to explore whether digoxin use was independently associated with increased mortality in patients with AF and if the association was modified by heart failure and/or serum digoxin concentration.METHODS: The association between digoxin use and mortality was assessed in 17,897 patients by using a propensity score-adjusted analysis and in new digoxin users during the trial versus propensity score-matched control participants. The authors investigated the independent association between serum digoxin concentration and mortality after multivariable adjustment.RESULTS: At baseline, 5,824 (32.5%) patients were receiving digoxin. Baseline digoxin use was not associated with an increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96 to 1.23; p = 0.19). However, patients with a serum digoxin concentration $ 1.2 ng/ml had a 56% increased hazard of mortality (adjusted HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.04) compared with those not on digoxin. When analyzed as a continuous variable, serum digoxin concentration was associated with a 19% higher adjusted hazard of death for each 0.5-ng/ml increase (p = 0.0010); these results were similar for patients with and without heart failure. Compared with propensity score-matched control participants, the risk of death (adjusted HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.37 to 2.31) and sudden death (adjusted HR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.11 to 4.12) was significantly higher in new digoxin users.CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF taking digoxin, the risk of death was independently related to serum digoxin concentration and was highest in patients with concentrations $ 1.2 ng/ml. Initiating digoxin was independently associated with higher mortality in patients with AF, regardless of heart failure.
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| 2. |
- Christersson, Christina, et al.
(author)
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Effect of apixaban compared with warfarin on coagulation markers in atrial fibrillation.
- 2019
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In: Heart. - : BMJ. - 1355-6037 .- 1468-201X. ; 105:3, s. 235-242
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Compare the effect of apixaban and warfarin on coagulation and primary haemostasis biomarkers in atrial fibrillation (AF).METHODS: The biomarker substudy from the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation trial included 4850 patients with AF randomised to treatment with apixaban or warfarin. Sixty per cent of patients used vitamin K antagonist (VKA) within 7 days before randomisation. Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), D-dimer, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen were analysed at randomisation and after 2 months of study treatment.RESULTS: In patients not on VKA treatment at randomisation, F1+2 and D-dimer levels were decreased by 25% and 23%, respectively, with apixaban, and by 59% and 38%, respectively, with warfarin (p<0.0001 for treatment differences for both). In patients on VKA at randomisation, F1+2 and D-dimer levels increased by 41% and 10%, respectively, with apixaban and decreased by 37% and 11%, respectively, with warfarin (p<0.0001 for treatment differences for both). sCD40L levels were slightly increased at 2 months, regardless of VKA or randomised treatment. Apixaban and warfarin also both reduced vWF antigen regardless of VKA treatment. The efficacy (stroke) and safety (bleeding) of apixaban compared with warfarin was similar irrespectively of biomarker levels at 2 months.CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with apixaban compared with warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF was associated with less reduction in thrombin generation and fibrin turnover. This effect of apixaban could contribute to the clinical results where apixaban was superior to warfarin both in stroke prevention and in reducing bleeding risk.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00412984.
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| 3. |
- De Caterina, Raffaele, et al.
(author)
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History of bleeding and outcomes with apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation in the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation trial
- 2016
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In: American Heart Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-8703 .- 1097-6744. ; 175, s. 175-183
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims History of bleeding strongly influences decisions for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF). We analyzed outcomes in relation to history of bleeding and randomization in ARISTOTLE trial patients. Methods and results The on-treatment safety population included 18,140 patients receiving at least 1 dose of study drug (apixaban) or warfarin. Centrally adjudicated outcomes in relation to bleeding history were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for randomized treatment and established risk factors. Efficacy end points were analyzed on the randomized (intention to treat) population. A bleeding history was reported at baseline in 3,033 patients (16.7%), who more often were male, with a history of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism and diabetes; higher CHADS2 scores, age, and body weight; and lower creatinine clearance and mean systolic blood pressure. Major (but not intracranial) bleeding occurred more frequently in patients with versus without a history of bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61). There were no significant interactions between bleeding history and treatment for stroke/systemic embolism, hemorrhagic stroke, death, or major bleeding, with fewer outcomes with apixaban versus warfarin for all of these outcomes independent of the presence/absence of a bleeding history. Conclusion In patients with AF in a randomized clinical trial of oral anticoagulants, a history of bleeding is associated with several risk factors for stroke and portends a higher risk of major-but not intracranial-bleeding, during anticoagulation. However, the beneficial effects of apixaban over warfarin for stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, death, or major bleeding remains consistent regardless of history of bleeding.
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| 4. |
- Halvorsen, Sigrun, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy and safety of apixaban compared with warfarin according to age for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation : observations from the ARISTOTLE trial
- 2014
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In: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 35:28, s. 1864-1872
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims The risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age. In the ARISTOTLE trial, apixaban when compared with warfarin reduced the rate of stroke, death, and bleeding. We evaluated these outcomes in relation to patient age. Methods and results A total of 18 201 patients with AF and a raised risk of stroke were randomized to warfarin or apixaban 5 mg b.d. with dose reduction to 2.5 mg b.d. or placebo in 831 patients with >= 2 of the following criteria: age >= 80 years, body weight <= 60 kg, or creatinine >= 133 mu mol/L. We used Cox models to compare outcomes in relation to patient age during 1.8 years median follow-up. Of the trial population, 30% were <65 years, 39% were 65 to <75, and 31% were >= 75 years. The rates of stroke, all-cause death, and major bleeding were higher in the older age groups (P < 0.001 for all). Apixaban was more effective than warfarin in preventing stroke and reducing mortality across all age groups, and associated with less major bleeding, less total bleeding, and less intracranial haemorrhage regardless of age (P interaction >0.11 for all). Results were also consistent for the 13% of patients >= 80 years. No significant interaction with apixaban dose was found with respect to treatment effect on major outcomes. Conclusion The benefits of apixaban vs. warfarin were consistent in patients with AF regardless of age. Owing to the higher risk at older age, the absolute benefits of apixaban were greater in the elderly.
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| 5. |
- Horowitz, John D., et al.
(author)
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Asymmetric and Symmetric Dimethylarginine Predict Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation : An ARISTOTLE Substudy
- 2018
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 72:7, s. 721-733
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND There is little mechanistic information on factors predisposing atrial fibrillation (AF) patients to thromboembolism or bleeding, but generation of nitric oxide (NO) might theoretically contribute to both. OBJECTIVES The authors tested the hypothesis that plasma levels of the methylated arginine derivatives asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA/SDMA), which inhibit NO generation, might be associated with outcomes in AF. METHODS Plasma samples were obtained from 5,004 patients with AF at randomization to warfarin or apixaban in the ARISTOTLE (Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation) trial. ADMA and SDMA concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Relationships to clinical characteristics were evaluated by multivariable analyses. Associations with major outcomes, during a median of 1.9 years follow-up, were evaluated by adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Both ADMA and SDMA plasma concentrations at study entry increased significantly with patients' age, female sex, renal impairment, permanent AF, or congestive heart failure. ADMA and SDMA increased (p < 0.001) with both increased CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, but decreased in the presence of diabetes. On multivariable analysis adjusting for established risk factors and treatment, tertile groups of ADMA concentrations were significantly associated with stroke/systemic embolism (p = 0.034), and death (p < 0.0001), whereas tertile groups of SDMA were associated with major bleeding and death (p < 0.001 for both). Incorporating ADMA and SDMA into CHA2DS2-VASc or HAS-BLED predictive models improved C-indices for those outcomes. Neither ADMA nor SDMA predicted differential responses to warfarin or apixaban. CONCLUSIONS In anticoagulated patients with AF, elevated ADMA levels are weakly associated with thromboembolic events, elevated SDMA levels with bleeding events and both are strongly associated with increased mortality. These findings suggest that disturbances of NO function modulate both thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk in anticoagulated patients with AF. (Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation [ARISTOTLE]; NCT00412984)
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| 6. |
- Hylek, Elaine M., et al.
(author)
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Major Bleeding in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Apixaban or Warfarin
- 2014
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 63:20, s. 2141-2147
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives This study sought to characterize major bleeding on the basis of the components of the major bleeding definition, to explore major bleeding by location, to define 30-day mortality after a major bleeding event, and to identify factors associated with major bleeding. Background Apixaban was shown to reduce the risk of major hemorrhage among patients with atrial fibrillation in the ARISTOTLE (Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation) trial. Methods All patients who received at least 1 dose of a study drug were included. Major bleeding was defined according to the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Factors associated with major hemorrhage were identified using a multivariable Cox model. Results The on-treatment safety population included 18,140 patients. The rate of major hemorrhage among patients in the apixaban group was 2.13% per year compared with 3.09% per year in the warfarin group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60 to 0.80; p < 0.001). Compared with warfarin, major extracranial hemorrhage associated with apixaban led to reduced hospitalization, medical or surgical intervention, transfusion, or change in antithrombotic therapy. Major hemorrhage followed by mortality within 30 days occurred half as often in apixaban treated patients than in those receiving warfarin (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.74; p < 0.001). Older age, prior hemorrhage, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, diabetes, lower creatinine clearance, decreased hematocrit, aspirin therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were independently associated with an increased risk. Conclusions Apixaban, compared with warfarin, was associated with fewer intracranial hemorrhages, less adverse consequences following extracranial hemorrhage, and a 50% reduction in fatal consequences at 30 days in cases of major hemorrhage. (c) 2014 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation
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| 7. |
- Rao, Meena P, et al.
(author)
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Blood Pressure Control and Risk of Stroke or Systemic Embolism in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation : Results From the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) Trial
- 2015
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In: Journal of the American Heart Association. - 2047-9980. ; 4:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension are at high risk for stroke. Previous studies have shown elevated risk of stroke in patients with AF who have a history of hypertension (regardless of blood pressure [BP] control) and in patients with elevated BP. We assessed the association of hypertension and BP control on clinical outcomes.METHODS AND RESULTS: In ARISTOTLE (n=18 201), BP was evaluated as history of hypertension requiring treatment and elevated BP (systolic ≥140 and/or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg) at study entry and any point during the trial. Hazard ratios (HRs) were derived from Cox proportional hazards models including BP as a time-dependent covariate. A total of 15 916 (87.5%) patients had a history of hypertension requiring treatment. In patients with elevated BP measurement at any point during the trial, the rate of stroke or systemic embolism was significantly higher (HR, 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.86), as was hemorrhagic stroke (HR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.26-2.72) and ischemic stroke (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.18-1.90). Rates of major bleeding were lower in patients with a history of hypertension (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98) and nonsignificantly lower in patients with elevated BP at study entry (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.03). The benefit of apixaban versus warfarin on preventing stroke or systemic embolism was consistent among patients with and without a history of hypertension (P interaction=0.27), BP control at baseline (P interaction=0.43), and BP control during the trial (P interaction=0.97).CONCLUSIONS: High BP measurement at any point during the trial was independently associated with a substantially higher risk of stroke or systemic embolism. These results strongly support efforts to treat elevated BP as an important strategy to optimally lower risk of stroke in patients with AF.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://ClinicalTrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT00412984.
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| 8. |
- Wallentin, Lars, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy and safety of apixaban compared with warfarin at different levels of predicted international normalized ratio control for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
- 2013
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 127:22, s. 2166-2176
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundIn the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial, apixaban compared with warfarin reduced stroke and systemic embolism, major bleeding, and mortality. We evaluated treatment effects in relation to 2 predictions of time in therapeutic range (TTR).Methods and ResultsThe trial randomized 18 201 patients with atrial fibrillation to apixaban 5 mg twice daily or warfarin for at least 12 months. For each patient, a center average TTR was estimated with the use of a linear mixed model on the basis of the real TTRs in its warfarin-treated patients, with a fixed effect for country and random effect for center. For each patient, an individual TTR was also predicted with the use of a linear mixed effects model including patient characteristics as well. Median center average TTR was 66% (interquartile limits, 61% and 71%). Rates of stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and mortality were consistently lower with apixaban than with warfarin across center average TTR and individual TTR quartiles. In the lowest and highest center average TTR quartiles, hazard ratios for stroke or systemic embolism were 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–1.00) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.57–1.35) (Pinteraction=0.078), for mortality were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.74–1.13) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.71–1.16) (Pinteraction=0.34), and for major bleeding were 0.50 (95% CI, 0.36–0.70) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.58–0.97) (Pinteraction=0.095), respectively. Similar results were seen for quartiles of individual TTR.ConclusionsThe benefits of apixaban compared with warfarin for stroke or systemic embolism, bleeding, and mortality appear similar across the range of centers’ and patients’ predicted quality of international normalized ratio control.Clinical Trial RegistrationURL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00412984.
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| 9. |
- Wallentin, Lars, et al.
(author)
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Growth Differentiation Factor 15, a Marker of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, for Risk Assessment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation : Insights From the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) Trial
- 2014
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 130:21, s. 1847-1858
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background-Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), high-sensitivity troponin, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels are predictive of death and cardiovascular events in healthy elderly subjects, patients with acute coronary syndrome, and patients with heart failure. High-sensitivity troponin I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide are also prognostic in patients with atrial fibrillation. We evaluated the prognostic value of GDF-15 alone and in addition to clinical characteristics and other biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results-The Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial randomized 18 201 patients with atrial fibrillation to apixaban or warfarin. Biomarkers were measured at randomization in 14 798 patients. Efficacy and safety outcomes during 1.9 years of follow-up were compared across quartiles of GDF-15 by use of Cox analyses adjusted for clinical characteristics, randomized treatment, and other biomarkers. The GDF-15 level showed a median of 1383 ng/L (interquartile range, 977-2052 ng/L). Annual rates of stroke or systemic embolism ranged from 0.9% to 2.03% (P<0.001); of major bleeding, from 1.22% to 4.53% (P<0.001); and of mortality, from 1.34% to 7.19% (P<0.001) in the lowest compared with the highest GDF-15 quartile. The prognostic information provided by GDF-15 was independent of clinical characteristics and clinical risk scores. Adjustment for the other cardiac biomarkers attenuated the prognostic value for stroke, whereas the prognostic value for mortality and major bleeding remained. Apixaban consistently reduced stroke, mortality, and bleeding, regardless of GDF-15 levels. Conclusions-GDF-15 is a risk factor for major bleeding, mortality, and stroke in atrial fibrillation. The prognostic value for major bleeding and death remained even in the presence of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin I.
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