Incorporating edoxaban into the choice of anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation

Jeffrey I. Weitz; John Eikelboom

doi:10.1160/th15-02-0181

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 2016; 115(02): 257-270
DOI: 10.1160/th15-02-0181

Review Article

Schattauer GmbH

Incorporating edoxaban into the choice of anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation

Authors

Jeffrey I. Weitz

¹Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

²Biochemistry and Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

³Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
John Eikelboom

¹Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

³Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Summary

The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are replacing warfarin for stroke prevention in many patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Edoxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, is the newest entrant in this class. Results of the Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation (ENGAGE AF) study demonstrate that edoxaban is noninferior to warfarin for prevention of stroke and systemic embolic events, and is associated with significantly less major bleeding, including intracranial bleeding, and reduced cardiovascular mortality. With a net clinical benefit over warfarin, edoxaban is well positioned as a choice among the NOACs, which include dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. But how will clinicians choose amongst them? The purpose of this paper is to (a) place the ENGAGE AF trial results into context with results of the studies with the other NOACs, and (b) aid clinicians in selection of the right anticoagulant for the right atrial fibrillation patient.

Keywords

Anticoagulant - atrial fibrillation - edoxaban - non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants

Full Text

References

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