-
Ziad Hijazi,
Jonas Oldgren,
Lars Wallentin,
Ulrika Andersson,
Stuart J Connolly,
Salim Yusuf,
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Stefan H Hohnloser, Paul A Reilly,
Dragos Vinereanu,
Agneta Siegbahn
Circulation 01/2013; 127(2):e278-9. · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
Antonio L Dans,
Stuart J Connolly,
Lars Wallentin,
Sean Yang,
Juliet Nakamya,
Martina Brueckmann,
Michael Ezekowitz,
Jonas Oldgren,
John W Eikelboom, Paul A Reilly,
Salim Yusuf
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: RE-LY showed that dabigatran etexilate 150 mg bid (DE150) was superior, and 110 mg bid (DE110) non-inferior to warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolism (SSE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this subgroup analysis, we assess the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in patients who did and didn't receive concomitant antiplatelets METHODS AND RESULTS: All comparisons used a cox proportional hazards model with adjustments made for risk factors for bleeding. A time dependent analysis was performed when comparing patients with concomitant antiplatelets to those without. 6952 of 18,113 patients (38.4%) received concomitant ASA or clopidogrel at some time during the study. DE110 was non-inferior to warfarin in reducing SSE, whether patients received antiplatelets (HR=0.93; 95%CI: 0.70-1.25) or not (HR=0.87; 95%CI: 0.66-1.15; interaction p=0.738). There were less major bleeds than warfarin in both subgroups (HR=0.82; 95%CI: 0.67-1.00 for patients who used antiplatelets; HR=0.79; 95% CI: 0.64-0.96 for patients who didn't; interaction p=0.794). DE 150 reduced the primary outcome of SSE compared to warfarin. This effect seemed attenuated among patients who used antiplatelets (HR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.59-1.08) compared to those who didn't (HR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.38-0.72; p for interaction=0.058). Major bleeding was similar to warfarin regardless of antiplatelet use (HR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.76-1.12 for patients who used antiplatelets; HR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.78-1.15 for patients who didn't; p for interaction=0.875). In the time dependent analysis, concomitant use of a single antiplatelet seemed to increase the risk of major bleeding (HR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.42, 1.82). Dual antiplatelet seemed to increased this even more (HR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.79, 2.98). The absolute risks were lowest on DE110 compared to DE150 or warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant antiplatelet drugs appeared to increase the risk for major bleeding in RE-LY without affecting the advantages of dabigatran over warfarin. Choosing between DE110 and DE150 requires a careful assessment of characteristics that influence the balance between benefit and harm. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00262600.
Circulation 12/2012; · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dabigatran is an oral and direct inhibitor of thrombin. In a study of patients with atrial fibrillation (the RE-LY trial), twice as many subjects given dabigatran reported dyspepsia-like symptoms, compared with those given warfarin (controls). We analyzed data from this trial to quantify upper gastrointestinal non-bleeding adverse events (NB-UGI AEs). METHODS: We analyzed the AE database from the RE-LY trial (18,113 subjects) and assigned NB-UGI AEs to 4 groups: those associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), upper abdominal pain and dyspepsia, dysmotility, or gastroduodenal injury. We analyzed frequency, timing, and severity, and clinical variables associated with NB-UGI AE. RESULTS: NB-UGI AEs occurred in 16.9% of subjects given dabigatran and 9.4% of controls (relative risk [RR]=1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66%-1.97%; P<.001). Rates of AEs were not associated with dose of dabigatran. Among subjects with any UGI symptom who were given dabigatran (n=2045), symptoms were rated as mild in 46.3%, moderate in 44.8%, and severe in 8.9%; these values were similar to those of controls. GERD-associated NB-UGI AEs were most frequent among the 4 groups (compared with controls, RR=3.71; 95% CI, 2.98%-4.62%; P<.001). Four percent of subjects stopped taking dabigatran because of NB-UGI AEs (most within 3 months of starting therapy), compared with 1.7% of controls (RR=2.34; 95% CI, 1.90%-2.88%; P<.001). NB-UGI AEs slightly increased risk of major GI bleeding among subjects given dabigatran and controls (6.8% vs 2.3%, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients given dabigatran for atrial fibrillation, NB-UGI AEs are generally mild or moderate; 4% stop taking the drug over a median of 21.7 months. The greatest increase is in GERD-type NB-UGI AEs. These observations should guide management and prevention strategies.
Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology: the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association 10/2012; · 5.64 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients on warfarin partially depends on maintaining adequate time in therapeutic INR range (TTR). Large differences in TTR have been reported between centers and countries. The association between warfarin dosing practice, TTR, and clinical outcomes was evaluated in RE-LY trial patients receiving warfarin. METHODS AND RESULTS: RE-LY provided an algorithm for warfarin dosing, recommending no change for in-range, and 10-15% weekly dose changes for out-of-range INR values. We determined whether dose adjustments were consistent with algorithm recommendations, but could not verify whether providers used the algorithm. Using multi-level regression models to adjust for patient, center, and country characteristics, we assessed whether algorithm-consistent warfarin dosing could predict patient TTR and the composite outcome of stroke, systemic embolism or major hemorrhage. We included 6,022 non-valvular AF patients from 912 centers in 44 countries. We found a strong association between the proportion of algorithm-consistent warfarin doses and mean country TTR (R(2)=0.65). The degree of algorithm-consistency accounted for 87% of the between-center and 55% of the between-country TTR variation. Each 10% increase in center algorithm-consistent dosing independently predicted a 6.12% increase in TTR (95% CI 5.65-6.59%), and an 8% decrease in rate of the composite clinical outcome (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence, intentional or not, to a simple warfarin dosing algorithm predicts improved TTR and accounts for considerable TTR variation between centers and countries. Systems facilitating algorithm-based warfarin dosing could optimize anticoagulation quality and improve clinical outcomes in AF on a global scale. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT00262600.
Circulation 10/2012; · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Intracranial hemorrhage is the most devastating complication of anticoagulation. Outcomes associated with different sites of intracranial bleeding occurring with warfarin versus dabigatran have not been defined.
Analysis of 18 113 participants with atrial fibrillation in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulant therapY (RE-LY) trial assigned to adjusted-dose warfarin (target international normalized ratio, 2-3) or dabigatran (150 mg or 110 mg, both twice daily).
During a mean of 2.0 years of follow-up, 154 intracranial hemorrhages occurred in 153 participants: 46% intracerebral (49% mortality), 45% subdural (24% mortality), and 8% subarachnoid (31% mortality). The rates of intracranial hemorrhage were 0.76%, 0.31%, and 0.23% per year among those assigned to warfarin, dabigatran 150 mg, and dabigatran 110 mg, respectively (P<0.001 for either dabigatran dose versus warfarin). Fewer fatal intracranial hemorrhages occurred among those assigned dabigatran 150 mg and 110 mg (n=13 and n=11, respectively) versus warfarin (n=32; P<0.01 for both). Fewer traumatic intracranial hemorrhages occurred among those assigned to dabigatran (11 patients with each dose) compared with warfarin (24 patients; P<0.05 for both dabigatran doses versus warfarin). Independent predictors of intracranial hemorrhage were assignment to warfarin (relative risk, 2.9; P<0.001), aspirin use (relative risk, 1.6; P=0.01), age (relative risk, 1.1 per year; P<0.001), and previous stroke/transient ischemic attack (relative risk, 1.8; P=0.001).
The clinical spectrum of intracranial hemorrhage was similar for patients given warfarin and dabigatran. Absolute rates at all sites and both fatal and traumatic intracranial hemorrhages were lower with dabigatran than with warfarin. Concomitant aspirin use was the most important modifiable independent risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage.
Stroke 04/2012; 43(6):1511-7. · 5.73 Impact Factor
-
Ziad Hijazi,
Jonas Oldgren,
Ulrika Andersson,
Stuart J Connolly,
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Stefan H Hohnloser, Paul A Reilly,
Dragos Vinereanu,
Agneta Siegbahn,
Salim Yusuf,
Lars Wallentin
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Cardiac biomarkers are strong predictors of adverse outcomes in several patient populations. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated troponin I and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and their association to cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial.
Biomarkers at randomization were analyzed in 6189 patients. Outcomes were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors and the CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc risk scores. Patients were stratified based on troponin I concentrations: <0.010 μg/L, n=2663; 0.010 to 0.019 μg/L, n=2006; 0.020 to 0.039 μg/L, n=1023; ≥0.040 μg/L, n=497; and on NT-proBNP concentration quartiles: <387; 387 to 800; 801 to 1402; >1402 ng/L. Rates of stroke were independently related to levels of troponin I with 2.09%/year in the highest and 0.84%/year in the lowest troponin I group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99 [95% CI, 1.17-3.39]; P=0.0040), and to NT-proBNP with 2.30%/year versus 0.92% in the highest versus lowest NT-proBNP quartile groups, (HR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.41-4.07]; P=0.0014). Vascular mortality was also independently related to biomarker levels with 6.56%/year in the highest and 1.04%/year the lowest troponin I group (HR, 4.38 [95% CI, 3.05-6.29]; P<0.0001), and 5.00%/year in the highest and 0.61%/year in the lowest NT-proBNP quartile groups (HR, 6.73 [3.95-11.49]; P<0.0001). Biomarkers increased the C-statistic from 0.68 to 0.72, P<0.0001, for a composite of thromboembolic events.
Elevations of troponin I and NT-proBNP are common in patients with AF and independently related to increased risks of stroke and mortality. Cardiac biomarkers seem useful for improving risk prediction in AF beyond currently used clinical variables.
Circulation 02/2012; 125(13):1605-16. · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
Jonas Oldgren,
Marco Alings,
Harald Darius,
Hans-Christoph Diener,
John Eikelboom,
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Gabriel Kamensky, Paul A Reilly,
Sean Yang,
Salim Yusuf,
Lars Wallentin,
Stuart J Connolly
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: CHADS(2) is a simple, validated risk score for predicting the risk for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation not treated with anticoagulants. There are sparse data on the risk for thrombotic and bleeding complications according to the CHADS(2) score in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.
To evaluate the prognostic importance of CHADS(2) risk score in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulants, including the vitamin K antagonist warfarin and the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran.
Subgroup analysis of a randomized, controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00262600)
Multinational study setting.
18 112 patients with atrial fibrillation who were receiving oral anticoagulants.
Baseline CHADS(2) score, which assigns 1 point each for congestive heart failure, hypertension, age 75 years or older, and diabetes mellitus and 2 points for stroke.
Distribution of CHADS(2) scores were as follows: 0 to 1-5775 patients; 2-6455 patients; and 3 to 6-5882 patients. Annual rates of the primary outcome of stroke or systemic embolism among all participants were 0.93% in patients with a CHADS(2) score of 0 to 1, 1.22% in those with a score of 2, and 2.24% in those with a score of 3 to 6. Annual rates of other outcomes among all participants with CHADS(2) scores of 0 to 1, 2, and 3 to 6, respectively, were the following: major bleeding, 2.26%, 3.11%, and 4.42%; intracranial bleeding, 0.31%, 0.40%, and 0.61%; and vascular mortality, 1.35%, 2.39%, and 3.68% (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Rates of stroke or systemic embolism, major and intracranial bleeding, and vascular and total mortality each increased in the warfarin and dabigatran groups as CHADS(2) score increased. The rates of stroke or systemic embolism with dabigatran, 150 mg twice daily, and of intracranial bleeding with dabigatran, 150 mg or 110 mg twice daily, were lower than those with warfarin; there was no significant heterogeneity in subgroups defined by CHADS(2) scores.
These analyses were not prespecified and should be deemed exploratory.
Higher CHADS(2) scores were associated with increased risks for stroke or systemic embolism, bleeding, and death in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulants. Primary Funding Source: Boehringer Ingelheim.
Annals of internal medicine 11/2011; 155(10):660-7, W204. · 16.73 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Dabigatran, administered orally as the prodrug dabigatran etexilate (DE), is a direct thrombin inhibitor shown to be effective in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this analysis was to derive a modeling and simulation-based dose and dosing regimen for AF patients with severe renal failure who could potentially benefit from the use of DE. The exposure was simulated for AF patients with severe renal impairment for several combinations of doses (75, 110, 150 mg) and posologies (BID, QD, Q2D). Simulations were based on a population pharmacokinetic model derived from data from 9522 patients from the pivotal phase III study (RE-LY). Atrial fibrillation patients with a creatinine clearance (CRCL) of <30 to ≥15 mL/min treated with a dose of 75 mg DE BID have target plasma level and exposure data largely within the concentration range proven to be safe and effective in AF patients with CRCL >30 mL/min receiving 150 mg BID. This dosing algorithm was also confirmed and supported by the United States Food and Drug Administration Clinical Pharmacology Division using their model based on the data from the dedicated renal impairment study and taking into account the safety and efficacy information from RE-LY.
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 09/2011; 52(9):1373-8. · 2.91 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: RE-LY (Randomized Evaluation of Long-term Anticoagulation Therapy) is an international multicenter study (18,113 patients from 967 centers in 44 countries) that demonstrated the ability of dabigatran to reduce the occurrence of both stroke and hemorrhage in patients who had atrial fibrillation (AF) with high risks of stroke compared with patients who received warfarin. From Japan, 326 patients were randomized in RE-LY.
RE-LY was designed to compare 2 fixed doses (110 mg or 150 mg, twice daily) of dabigatran, each administered in a blinded manner, with open-label use of warfarin. There were no major differences in patient demographic information among the overall study population and Japanese patients. However, in Japanese patients, the proportion of prior stroke was higher but prior myocardial infarction was lower than in the overall. The yearly rate for the primary endpoints (stroke and systemic embolism) was 1.38, 0.67 and 2.65%/year for 110 mg and 150 mg dabigatran twice daily and warfarin, respectively. These results were similar to the overall results (1.54, 1.11 and 1.71%/year for each group, respectively). For any bleeding, the relative risk of dabigatran at 110 mg and 150 mg twice daily over warfarin was 0.79 and 1.06, respectively, which was similar to the findings overall (dabigatran 110 mg twice daily: 0.78; 150 mg twice daily: 0.91).
In RE-LY, the efficacy and safety profiles of dabigatran for Japanese AF patients at high risk of stroke were essentially the same as for the study population overall.
Circulation Journal 03/2011; 75(4):800-5. · 3.77 Impact Factor
-
Rangadham Nagarakanti,
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Jonas Oldgren,
Sean Yang,
Michael Chernick,
Timothy H Aikens,
Greg Flaker,
Josep Brugada,
Gabriel Kamensky,
Amit Parekh, Paul A Reilly,
Salim Yusuf,
Stuart J Connolly
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial compared dabigatran 110 mg BID (D110) and 150 mg BID (D150) with warfarin for stroke prevention in 18 113 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Cardioversion on randomized treatment was permitted. Precardioversion transesophageal echocardiography was encouraged, particularly in dabigatran-assigned patients. Data from before, during, and 30 days after cardioversion were analyzed. A total of 1983 cardioversions were performed in 1270 patients: 647, 672, and 664 in the D110, D150, and warfarin groups, respectively. For D110, D150, and warfarin, transesophageal echocardiography was performed before 25.5%, 24.1%, and 13.3% of cardioversions, of which 1.8%, 1.2%, and 1.1% were positive for left atrial thrombi. Continuous treatment with study drug for ≥3 weeks before cardioversion was lower in D110 (76.4%) and D150 (79.2%) compared with warfarin (85.5%; P<0.01 for both). Stroke and systemic embolism rates at 30 days were 0.8%, 0.3%, and 0.6% (D110 versus warfarin, P=0.71; D150 versus warfarin, P=0.40) and similar in patients with and without transesophageal echocardiography. Major bleeding rates were 1.7%, 0.6%, and 0.6% (D110 versus warfarin, P=0.06; D150 versus warfarin, P=0.99).
This study is the largest cardioversion experience to date and the first to evaluate a novel anticoagulant in this setting. The frequencies of stroke and major bleeding within 30 days of cardioversion on the 2 doses of dabigatran were low and comparable to those on warfarin with or without transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Dabigatran is a reasonable alternative to warfarin in patients requiring cardioversion.
Circulation 01/2011; 123(2):131-6. · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
New England Journal of Medicine 11/2010; 363(19):1875-6. · 53.30 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: In the Randomised Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial, dabigatran reduced occurrence of both stroke and haemorrhage compared with warfarin in patients who had atrial fibrillation and were at increased risk of stroke. We aimed to assess the effects of dabigatran compared with warfarin in the subgroup of patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack.
In the RE-LY trial, 18,113 patients from 967 centres in 44 countries were randomly assigned to 110 mg or 150 mg dabigatran twice daily or to warfarin dose adjusted to international normalised ratio 2·0 to 3·0. Median follow-up was 2·0 years (IQR 1·14-2·86), and the primary outcome was stroke or systemic embolism. The primary safety outcome was major haemorrhage. Patients and investigators were aware of whether patients received warfarin or dabigatran, but not of dabigatran dose, and event adjudicators were masked to treatment. In a predefined analysis, we investigated the outcomes of the RE-LY trial in subgroups of patients with or without previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack. RE-LY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00262600.
Within the subgroup of patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack, 1195 patients were from the 110 mg dabigatran group, 1233 from the 150 mg dabigatran group, and 1195 from the warfarin group. Stroke or systemic embolism occurred in 65 patients (2·78% per year) on warfarin compared with 55 (2·32% per year) on 110 mg dabigatran (relative risk 0·84, 95% CI 0·58-1·20) and 51 (2·07% per year) on 150 mg dabigatran (0·75, 0·52-1·08). The rate of major bleeding was significantly lower in patients on 110 mg dabigatran (RR 0·66, 95% CI 0·48-0·90) and similar in those on 150 mg dabigatran (RR 1·01; 95% CI 0·77-1·34) compared with those on warfarin. The effects of both doses of dabigatran compared with warfarin were not significantly different between patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack and those without for any of the outcomes from RE-LY apart from vascular death (110 mg group compared with warfarin group, interaction p=0·038).
The effects of 110 mg dabigatran and 150 mg dabigatran twice daily in patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack are consistent with those of other patients in RE-LY, for whom, compared with warfarin, 150 mg dabigatran reduced stroke or systemic embolism and 110 mg dabligatran was non-inferior. [corrected] Most effects of both dabigatran doses were consistent in patients with versus those without previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack.
Boehringer Ingelheim.
The Lancet Neurology 11/2010; 9(12):1157-63. · 23.46 Impact Factor
-
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Lars Wallentin,
Stuart J Connolly,
Amit Parekh,
Michael R Chernick,
Janice Pogue,
Timothy H Aikens,
Sean Yang, Paul A Reilly,
Gregory Y H Lip,
Salim Yusuf
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The comparison of anticoagulants dabigatran and warfarin might be most equitable in vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-naive patients.
Warfarin and 2 doses of dabigatran-110 mg BID (D110) and 150 mg BID (D150)-were compared in a balanced population of VKA-naive (≤62 days of lifetime VKA exposure, with 33% never prescribed a VKA) and VKA-experienced patients with atrial fibrillation (n=18 113). For VKA-naive and -experienced patients assigned warfarin, the time in therapeutic range (international normalized ratio 2.0 to 3.0) was 62% and 67%, respectively, and 61% and 66% for those never and ever prescribed a VKA. In VKA-naive patients, stroke and systemic embolism rates were 1.57%, 1.07%, and 1.69% per year for D110, D150, and warfarin, respectively. D110 was similar to warfarin (P=0.65); D150 was superior (P=0.005). Major bleeding rates were 3.11%, 3.34%, and 3.57% per year, respectively. D110 and D150 were similar to warfarin (P=0.19 and P=0.55). Intracranial bleeding rates were 0.19%, 0.33%, and 0.73% per year, respectively. D110 and D150 were lower than warfarin (P<0.001 and P=0.005). In VKA-experienced patients, stroke and systemic embolism rates were 1.51%, 1.15%, and 1.74% per year for D110, D150, and warfarin, respectively. D110 was similar to warfarin (P=0.32); D150 was superior (P=0.007). Major bleeding rates were 2.66%, 3.30%, and 3.57% per year, respectively. D110 was lower than warfarin (P=0.003); D150 was similar (P=0.41). Intracranial bleeding rates were 0.26%, 0.32%, and 0.79% per year, respectively. D110 and D150 were lower than warfarin (P<0.001 for both). Results were similar for patients never on a VKA.
Previous VKA exposure does not influence the benefits of dabigatran at either dose compared with warfarin.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00262600.
Circulation 11/2010; 122(22):2246-53. · 14.74 Impact Factor
-
Lars Wallentin,
Salim Yusuf,
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Marco Alings,
Marcus Flather,
Maria Grazia Franzosi,
Prem Pais,
Antonio Dans,
John Eikelboom,
Jonas Oldgren,
Janice Pogue, Paul A Reilly,
Sean Yang,
Stuart J Connolly
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Effectiveness and safety of warfarin is associated with the time in therapeutic range (TTR) with an international normalised ratio (INR) of 2·0-3·0. In the Randomised Evaluation of Long-term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial, dabigatran versus warfarin reduced both stroke and haemorrhage. We aimed to investigate the primary and secondary outcomes of the RE-LY trial in relation to each centre's mean TTR (cTTR) in the warfarin population.
In the RE-LY trial, 18 113 patients at 951 sites were randomly assigned to 110 mg or 150 mg dabigatran twice daily versus warfarin dose adjusted to INR 2·0-3·0. Median follow-up was 2·0 years. For 18 024 patients at 906 sites, the cTTR was estimated by averaging TTR for individual warfarin-treated patients calculated by the Rosendaal method. We compared the outcomes of RE-LY across the three treatment groups within four groups defined by the quartiles of cTTR. RE-LY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00262600.
The quartiles of cTTR for patients in the warfarin group were: less than 57·1%, 57·1-65·5%, 65·5-72·6%, and greater than 72·6%. There were no significant interactions between cTTR and prevention of stroke and systemic embolism with either 110 mg dabigatran (interaction p=0·89) or 150 mg dabigatran (interaction p=0·20) versus warfarin. Neither were any significant interactions recorded with cTTR with regards to intracranial bleeding with 110 mg dabigatran (interaction p=0·71) or 150 mg dabigatran (interaction p=0·89) versus warfarin. There was a significant interaction between cTTR and major bleeding when comparing 150 mg dabigatran with warfarin (interaction p=0·03), with less bleeding events at lower cTTR but similar events at higher cTTR, whereas rates of major bleeding were lower with 110 mg dabigatran than with warfarin irrespective of cTTR. There were significant interactions between cTTR and effects of both 110 mg and 150 mg dabigatran versus warfarin on the composite of all cardiovascular events (interaction p=0·036 and p=0·0006, respectively) and total mortality (interaction p=0·066 and p=0·052, respectively) with reduced event rates at low cTTR, and similar rates at high cTTR.
The benefits of 150 mg dabigatran at reducing stroke, 110 mg dabigatran at reducing bleeding, and both doses at reducing intracranial bleeding versus warfarin were consistent irrespective of centres' quality of INR control. For all vascular events, non-haemorrhagic events, and mortality, advantages of dabigatran were greater at sites with poor INR control than at those with good INR control. Overall, these results show that local standards of care affect the benefits of use of new treatment alternatives.
Boehringer Ingelheim.
The Lancet 09/2010; 376(9745):975-83. · 38.28 Impact Factor
-
Stuart J Connolly,
Michael D Ezekowitz,
Salim Yusuf,
John Eikelboom,
Jonas Oldgren,
Amit Parekh,
Janice Pogue, Paul A Reilly,
Ellison Themeles,
Jeanne Varrone,
Susan Wang,
Marco Alings,
Denis Xavier,
Jun Zhu,
Rafael Diaz,
Basil S Lewis,
Harald Darius,
Hans-Christoph Diener,
Campbell D Joyner,
Lars Wallentin
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Warfarin reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation but increases the risk of hemorrhage and is difficult to use. Dabigatran is a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor.
In this noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned 18,113 patients who had atrial fibrillation and a risk of stroke to receive, in a blinded fashion, fixed doses of dabigatran--110 mg or 150 mg twice daily--or, in an unblinded fashion, adjusted-dose warfarin. The median duration of the follow-up period was 2.0 years. The primary outcome was stroke or systemic embolism.
Rates of the primary outcome were 1.69% per year in the warfarin group, as compared with 1.53% per year in the group that received 110 mg of dabigatran (relative risk with dabigatran, 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 1.11; P<0.001 for noninferiority) and 1.11% per year in the group that received 150 mg of dabigatran (relative risk, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.82; P<0.001 for superiority). The rate of major bleeding was 3.36% per year in the warfarin group, as compared with 2.71% per year in the group receiving 110 mg of dabigatran (P=0.003) and 3.11% per year in the group receiving 150 mg of dabigatran (P=0.31). The rate of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.38% per year in the warfarin group, as compared with 0.12% per year with 110 mg of dabigatran (P<0.001) and 0.10% per year with 150 mg of dabigatran (P<0.001). The mortality rate was 4.13% per year in the warfarin group, as compared with 3.75% per year with 110 mg of dabigatran (P=0.13) and 3.64% per year with 150 mg of dabigatran (P=0.051).
In patients with atrial fibrillation, dabigatran given at a dose of 110 mg was associated with rates of stroke and systemic embolism that were similar to those associated with warfarin, as well as lower rates of major hemorrhage. Dabigatran administered at a dose of 150 mg, as compared with warfarin, was associated with lower rates of stroke and systemic embolism but similar rates of major hemorrhage. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00262600.)
New England Journal of Medicine 08/2009; 361(12):1139-51. · 53.30 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are effective for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but are difficult to use. Dabigatran etexilate is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to the active direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran. It is administered in a fixed dose without laboratory monitoring and is being compared with warfarin (international normalized ratio 2-3) in the RE-LY trial. Two doses of dabigatran (110 and 150 mg BID) are being evaluated. RE-LY is a phase 3, prospective, randomized, open-label multinational (44 countries) trial of patients with nonvalvular AF and at least 1 risk factor for stroke. Recruitment concluded with a total of 18,113 patients. Patients who were VKA-naive and experienced are included in balanced proportions. The primary outcome is stroke (including hemorrhagic) or systemic embolism. Safety outcomes are bleeding, liver function abnormalities, and other adverse events. Adjudication of end points is blinded to drug assignment. The trial is expected to accrue a minimum of 450 events with a minimum 1-year of follow-up. RE-LY is the largest AF stroke prevention trial yet undertaken. It is unique because it includes equal numbers of VKA-experienced and naive patients and evaluates 2 different dosages of dabigatran, which may allow tailoring of dosing to individual patient needs. The worldwide site distribution and broad range of stroke risk further increase the general applicability of the trial. Results are expected in 2009.
American heart journal 06/2009; 157(5):805-10, 810.e1-2. · 4.65 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This is the first evaluation of dabigatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients (n = 502) were randomized to receive blinded doses of 50-, 150-, or 300-mg dabigatran twice daily alone or combined with 81- or 325-mg aspirin or open-label warfarin administered to achieve an international normalized ratio of 2 to 3 for 12 weeks. Dabigatran plasma concentrations, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B(2) (DTB2), and liver function were measured at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Clinical end points were assessed according to the treatment received at the time of the event. Overall, 92% of patients completed the study. Major hemorrhages were limited to the group treated with 300-mg dabigatran plus aspirin (4 of 64), and the incidence was significant versus 300-mg dabigatran alone (0 of 105, p <0.02). Total bleeding events were more frequent in the 300-mg (39 of 169, 23%) and 150-mg (30 of 169, 18%) dabigatran groups compared with the 50-mg groups (7 of 107, 7%; p = 0.0002 and p = 0.01, respectively). Thromboembolic events were limited to the 50-mg dabigatran dose groups (2 of 107, 2%). The mean trough d-dimer measurements were suppressed for the 2 highest doses of dabigatran and warfarin (international normalized ratio of 2 to 3). Aminotransferase levels >3 times the upper limit of normal were observed in 0.9% of the dabigatran recipients and in none of the warfarin recipients. Two dabigatran recipients had aminotransferase levels >5 times the upper limit of normal as a result of gallstones, which resolved. Trough activated partial thromboplastin time values were 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 times the baseline level for the 50-, 150-, and 300-mg dabigatran groups, respectively. DTB2 concentrations after 12 weeks of 50-, 150-, and 300-mg dabigatran treatment were increased by 31%, 17%, and 23%, respectively, versus baseline (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, and p = 0.0004). In conclusion, major bleeding events were limited to patients treated with dabigatran 300 mg plus aspirin and thromboembolic episodes were limited to the 50-mg dabigatran groups. The 2 highest doses of dabigatran suppress D-dimer concentrations. Serious liver toxicity was not seen. The significance of the increase of DTB2 concentrations in dabigatran-treated patients needs resolution.
The American Journal of Cardiology 11/2007; 100(9):1419-26. · 3.37 Impact Factor
