IC5 SPAF Flashcards
Explain how AFib can result in stroke
AFib in the left atrial appendage can lead to clot formation due to turbulent blood flow
Clot in the heart can embolize into left ventricle => aorta => cerebral circulation
Embolus in cerebral artery blocks blood flow to the brain, leading to brain tissue death and stroke
Why are DOACs recommended over VKAs in SPAF?
- Better outcomes in terms of prevention of stroke or systemic embolism, intracranial hemorrhage, and major bleeding outcomes (as effective in reducing AF-related strokes and systemic embolism, a/w fewer ICH. but incr GI bleed)
- noninferior efficacy, less major bleeding
- DOAC benefit preserved across deteriorating renal function (unlike Warfarin - a/w greater deterioration of renal function due to VKA-associated nephropathy, vascular calcification, glomerular hemorrhage)
- Less DDIs
- No need for monitoring (unlike warfarin - narrow TI, require frequent titration)
Other:
- pt w less than 6 out of 10 INR readings within therapeutic range (labile INR) while on Warfarin
When is warfarin still required?
- Valvular AF (Mechanical/Prosthetic heart valves, mod-severe mitral stenosis)
- Left ventricular thrombus
- APS
In what situation might Warfarin be favoured over DOAC?
- Pt who can maintain 6 out of 10 INR readings within therapeutic range (labile INR) while on Warfarin
- Pt unable to tolerate side effects of DOAC
- Pt with mod-severe liver or renal impairment
- Pt with clinically significant DDI with DOAC
Ischemic stroke risk scoring: CHA2DS2-VASc score
- Congestive HF (1)
- HTN (1)
- Age 75 or older (2)
- DM (1)
- Previous stroke, TIA, or thromboembolism (2)
- Vascular disease e.g., MI, PAD, aortic plaque (1)
- Age 65-74 (1)
- Sex - Female (1)
Based on CHA2DS2-VASc score, when to initiate OAC for SPAF?
Score of >=2 in men, and >= 3 in women
HASBLED score to estimate bleeding risk
- HTN >160mmHg
- Abnormal renal function / liver function
- Stroke (history)
- Bleeding (history or predisposition)
- Labile INR
- Elderly >65yo
- Drugs (e.g., antiplatelets, NSAIDs) / Alcohol (>=8 units per week)
How is HASBLED score used to determine use of anticoagulants in SPAF?
- Identify non-modifiable factors, and address modifiable risk factors (e.g., control BP, stop concomittant antiplatelet)
- Score is poorly correlated with actual bleeding, hence high bleeding risk score is NOT a reason to withhold OAC
- Pt identified to have high bleeding risk should be scheduled for early and more frequent reviews and follow-up
ABC pathway of SPAF
Avoid stroke
- Identify low-risk patients
- Offer SPAF to those with >=1 risk factors (start if >=2)
- Decide on OAC
Better symptom control
- Person-centred and symptom-directed decisions on rate vs rhythm control (rate control more impt)
Cardiovascular and other comorbidities or risk factors
- Manage HTN, HF, DM, cardiac ischemia, sleep apnea
- Lifestyle changes - weight, exercise, alcohol
- Psychological morbidity
What might be used for SPAF if pt has major bleeding, and cannot use OAC
Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion
- Watchman device implanted to catch clot and prevent clot from entering circulation
[SPAF dosing + renal adjustments]
- Apixaban
5mg BD
2.5mg BD for any 2 of the following:
- age >=80yo
- weight =<60kg
- SCr >= 1.5mg/dL or 132.6mmol/L
RENAL ADJ:
CrCl 15-29ml/min: 2.5mg BD
CrCl <15ml/min: NO INFO
HD: 5mg BD approved by FDA
[SPAF dosing + renal adjustments]
- Rivaroxaban
20mg per day
RENAL ADJ:
CrCl 30-50ml/min: 15mg per day
CrCl 15-30ml/min: 15mg OD use with caution
CrCl <15ml/min: Contraindicated
[SPAF dosing + renal adjustments]
- Edoxaban
60mg per day
30mg per day if any of the following:
- CrCl 30-50ml/min
- weight =<60kg
- concomitant PGP inhibitors: verapamil, quinidine, dronedarone
RENAL ADJ:
CrCl 30-50ml/min: 30mg per day
CrCl 15-30ml/min: 30mg per day
CrCl <15ml/min: not recommended
CrCl >95ml/min: avoid due to incr risk of stroke
[SPAF dosing + renal adjustments]
- Dabigatran (most renally cleared)
150mg BD
110mg BD if >=80yo, or use of PgP inhibitors, or high risk of bleeding
RENAL ADJ:
CrCl >50ml/min: 150mg BD, 110mg BD if >80yo or high bleeding risk
CrCl 30-50ml/min: same as above, but 75mg BD if DDI with potent PGP inhibitors
CrCl <30ml/min: contraindicated
CrCl 15-30ml/min: 75mg BD (FDA)
Evidence of OAC use for SPAF in elderly
DOACs have better outcomes in terms of prevention of stroke or systemic embolism, intracranial hemorrhage, and major bleeding outcomes as compared to Warfarin
*Unadjusted doses seem to be a/w better outcomes