State of play and future direction with NOACs: An expert consensus

A. T. Cohen, Gregory Lip, R. De Caterina, H. Heidbuchel, J. L. Zamorano, G. Agnelli, F. Verheugt, A. J. Camm

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
160 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are cardiovascular conditions significant in contemporary practice. In both, the use of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has been traditionally used to prevent adverse events. However, VKA therapy is associated with challenges relating to dose maintenance, the need to monitor anticoagulation, and bleeding risks. The non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are becoming accepted as a clear alternative to VKA therapy for both AF and VTE management. The aim of this paper was to review contemporary evidence on the safety of NOACs in both conditions. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore key safety issues and expert consensus was achieved from eight professionals specialised in AF and VTE care. Consensus-based statements were formulated where available evidence was weak or contradictory. The expert statements in this paper form a key overview of the safety of NOACs compared with VKA therapy, and the comparative safety of different NOACs. It is apparent that a detailed patient work-up is required in order to identify and manage individual risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis prior to NOAC therapy. Additional measures, such as dose reductions, may also be used to maintain the safety of NOACs in practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-21
JournalVascular Pharmacology
Volume106
Early online date12 Apr 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2018

Keywords

  • oral anticoagulants
  • pulmonary embolism
  • deep vein thrombosis
  • atrial fibrillation
  • expert consensus

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'State of play and future direction with NOACs: An expert consensus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this