Novel oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a focus on the older patient

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that is associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly in the elderly. Traditionally, a vitamin K antagonist such as warfarin is prescribed for stroke prevention. Warfarin is effective at lowering stroke risk but has several limitations due to food restrictions, drug interactions, and a narrow therapeutic window. Various novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are available or under development to provide alternative treatment options. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of three NOACs (dabigatran etexilate, rivaroxaban, and apixaban) in addition to warfarin and aspirin, for prevention of stroke in patients with AF, focusing on the elderly population. Results of clinical trials demonstrate that the efficacy of NOACs for stroke prevention in patients with AF is as good as or better than that of warfarin. The NOACs are also associated with an equivalent or lower risk of bleeding. Regardless of the medication chosen, older patients with AF must be treated cautiously due to an increased risk of stroke and bleeding, as well as potential challenges related to drug interactions and monitoring requirements. NOACs may be suitable alternatives to warfarin for stroke prevention in older patients due to several advantages, including a faster onset of action, few drug or food interactions, and no requirement for regular monitoring. However, dose adjustments may be required for certain patients, such as those with severe renal impairment or in the setting of drug interactions.

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia and a well-established risk factor for stroke.^1,2 Patients with AF have a four- to five-times greater risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack compared with those without AF.^1,3 In addition, strokes that occur in patients with AF are associated with an increased risk of premature death and disability.^4–10

AF is an especially important concern among older adults. Prevalence of AF increases with patient age (Figure 1)^3,11 and, in the USA, approximately 82% of patients with AF are ≥ 65 years old and 37% are ≥ 80 years old.³ The rate of stroke in patients with AF increases substantially in patients aged 80–89 years, with an attributable risk of 23.5%.¹ As age increases, the risk of complications from stroke increases. The CHADS₂ score – calculated based on presence of Congestive heart failure (either systolic or diastolic), Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 years, Diabetes mellitus, and history of Stroke or transient ischemic attack – is used to estimate a patient’s long-term risk of stroke.¹² Points are assigned to each of the included risk factors, with two points assigned for history of stroke, and total scores range from 0 (low risk) to 6 (high risk).

Figure 1.

Impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) by increasing age: overall prevalence of AF and annual incidence of stroke in patients with AF.

Notes: Line indicates the prevalence of AF with increasing age as a percentage of the general population of US adults. Prevalence is plotted on the primary axis and is based on data from Go et al. Copyright © (2001) American Medical Association. All rights reserved. Adapted with permission from Go AS, Hylek EM, Phillips KA, et al. Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults: national implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention: the AnTicoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) Study. JAMA. 2001;285(18):2370–2375.³ Bars provide the incidence of stroke among patients with AF, expressed as a percentage of patients with AF per year. Stroke incidence is plotted on the secondary axis and is based on data from Wolf et al. Copyright © (1987) American Medical Association. All rights reserved. Adapted with permission from Wolf PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation: a major contributor to stroke in the elderly. The Framingham Study. Arch Intern Med. 1987;147(9):1561–1564.⁹⁴

A modified version of the CHADS₂, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, considers the following additional risk factors for stroke in patients with AF: vascular disease (such as myocardial infarction [MI], complex aortic plaque, and peripheral artery disease), female sex, and age 65–74 years.¹³ The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score places greater emphasis on age ≥ 75 years by assigning two points to this risk factor. Because the prevalence of many of the risk factors included in CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc also increases with age,^14–16 age is a dichotomous variable in the calculation of CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.

Stroke prevention in patients with AF focuses on anticoagulant agents, including warfarin (a vitamin K antagonist), which effectively reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots from forming. However, warfarin has a narrow therapeutic window, is associated with an increased risk of bleeding including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and requires frequent monitoring.¹⁷ These limitations have prompted the development of a novel group of anticoagulants, which may be particularly helpful when considering stroke prevention in elderly patients with AF.

Use of warfarin for stroke prevention in older patients

Many clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF. Warfarin-treated patients were 61% less likely to have a stroke and 66% less likely to have an ischemic stroke than patients in control groups.¹⁸ Anticoagulant treatment remains effective in older patients with AF.¹⁹ An analysis of almost 9000 patients with AF found that the benefit of oral anticoagulation in the prevention of stroke was maintained regardless of patient age. When viewed relative to the increase in stroke risk in older patients, these investigators concluded that the absolute benefit of anticoagulation increases as patients age.¹⁹

Despite its efficacy, many patients with AF (50% or more) do not receive warfarin and remain at high risk of stroke.^20–22 In the USA, only approximately one-third of office-based patient visits for AF included a mention of warfarin.²³ Potential contraindications are the most frequently cited reason for why warfarin is not prescribed. However, study conclusions vary on the extent to which true, rather than perceived, contraindications prevent warfarin treatment, particularly in elderly patients.^20,21,24 Among patients without contraindications to warfarin therapy, only 22% were prescribed warfarin in an observational study across five European countries.²¹ Although some retrospective studies of charts or databases have found higher proportions (55%), it is clear that many patients who are candidates for anticoagulation do not receive treatment.^2,25

Multiple studies have found that patients of advanced age are less likely to receive anticoagulation therapy than younger patients (Figure 2).^20,24–26 A retrospective review of hospital admissions for ischemic stroke in patients with AF found that 75% of patients aged < 75 years received anticoagulation therapy compared with only 33% of patients aged > 85 years.²⁵ Similarly, a prospective study found decreasing rates of anticoagulation therapy with increasing age: 75% of patients aged 65–69 years, 59% of patients aged 70–79 years, 45% of patients aged 80–89 years, and 24% of patients aged ≥ 90 years were treated with warfarin.²⁰

Figure 2.

Rates of anticoagulation by patient age group.

Notes: Proportion of patients admitted with electrocardiography-verified atrial fibrillation (AF) who were prescribed warfarin therapy at hospital discharge by patient age. Data from Hylek et al.²⁰

Limited use of anticoagulation is attributed to a number of difficulties with warfarin, including drug interactions (Table 1), risk of bleeding, and dietary restrictions, as well as variability in patient response (eg, due to factors such as age, renal clearance, ethnicity, and genetic variability).^{20,21,27–29} The requirement for frequent monitoring can be a barrier and some patients may be unwilling to undertake treatment.³⁰ Amid these challenges, compliance with warfarin use has also been shown to decline over time. In a study of 1005 adults with AF in which 65% were prescribed warfarin, only 44% were still taking it 30 months later.³¹

Table 1.

Summary of drug–drug interactions for warfarin and the novel oral anticoagulants dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban

Anticoagulant agent	Drug–drug interactions
Warfarin27	Do not use witha • Drugs used for thrombosis treatment or prophylaxis, or other drugs with adverse effects on hemostasis • Fibrinolytic drugs • St John’s wort
	Use caution with • Alcohol • Inhibitors of CYP2C9, 1A2, or 3A4 and drugs known to potentiate the effects of warfarin, including: acetaminophen, allopurinol, amiodarone, antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, metronidazole, sulfamethoxazole), azole antimycoticsb, caffeine, statins (excluding pravastatin), tamoxifen • Inducers of CYP2C9, 1A2, or 3A4 and drugs known to antagonize the effect of warfarin, including: azathioprine, barbiturates, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, rifampin, phenytoin, primidone • NSAIDs, platelet aggregation inhibitors, heparins, other antithrombotic agents • Oral contraceptives • Serotonergic agents, including SSRIs and SNRIs • Antidepressants
Dabigatran54	Avoid coadministration with • P-gp inducer rifampin • In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30–50 mL/min), consider a reduced dose (75 mg twice daily) if coadministered with P-gp inhibitors dronedarone and systemic ketoconazole
	Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding, including drugs such as • NSAIDs used chronically • Antiplatelet agents, heparin, or fibrinolytic therapy
Rivaroxaban55	Avoid concomitant use with • Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (eg, rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or St John’s wort) • Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, azole antimycoticsb or HIV protease inhibitors)
	Concomitant use of other drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding, including drugs such as • Aspirin, platelet aggregation inhibitors, other antithrombotic agents • NSAIDs
Apixaban56	Avoid concomitant use with • Strong dual inducers of CYP3A4 and P-gp (eg, rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or St John’s wort)
	Decrease dose of apixaban when coadministered withe • Strong dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp (eg, azole antimycoticsb or HIV protease inhibitorsc)
	Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding, including drugs such as • NSAIDs used chronically • Platelet aggregation inhibitors or other antithrombotic agents • SSRIs or SNRIs

Notes: ^aWarfarin is associated with a number of drug–drug and drug–food interactions. Consult the prescribing information for warfarin and any drugs used concurrently for a complete list.

^bAzole antimycotics include ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole.

^cIf apixaban is coadministered with drugs that are strong dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp, the dose of apixaban should be decreased to 2.5 mg twice daily. In patients already taking a reduced dose of apixaban, concomitant use of apixaban with strong dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp should be avoided.

Abbreviations: CrCl, creatinine clearance; CYP, cytochrome P450; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; P-gp, P-glycoprotein; SNRI, serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

When warfarin is prescribed, the level of anticoagulation achieved varies, and this affects treatment effectiveness. Maintaining an international normalized ratio (INR) between two and three provides efficacy in reducing stroke risk and minimizes the excess risk of bleeding.^31,32 Patients with an INR less than two have a significantly greater risk of ischemic stroke; patients with an INR greater than three are at a significantly increased risk of bleeding compared with those within the INR range of two to three.³¹ Evidence from meta-analyses of clinical trials and cohort studies indicates that patients receiving warfarin spend, on average, only 51%–64% of the time in this therapeutic range.^33,34 The amount of time spent in the therapeutic range is directly linked to the risk of stroke in patients aged ≥ 70 years.³⁵

A further restriction on appropriate warfarin use in patients of advanced age is the limited ability of risk-stratification schemes to predict stroke risk in patients aged ≥ 75 years³⁶ and perceived difficulty assessing when the benefits of anticoagulation outweigh the risks.³⁷ Several risk-stratification scoring systems to assess risk of bleeding with warfarin treatment have been developed. These include: HAS-BLED (Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile INR, Elderly [≥ 65 years], and concomitant Drug/alcohol use),³⁸ HEMORR₂HAGES (Hepatic or renal disease, Ethanol abuse, Malignancy, Older age, Reduced platelet count or function, Re-bleeding, Hypertension, Anemia, Genetic factors, Excessive fall risk and Stroke),³⁹ or that developed in the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) study (anemia, severe renal disease, age ≥ 75 years, previous hemorrhage, and diagnosed hypertension).⁴⁰ A study comparing the predictive performance of these tools in patients with AF undergoing anticoagulation showed that the HAS-BLED, HEMORR₂HAGES and ATRIA scores had only modest performance in predicting any clinically relevant bleeding, though the HAS-BLED score performed better than the other two. Only HAS-BLED was significantly predictive of ICH.⁴¹

Beyond considering advanced age as a contraindication to warfarin, fear of elderly patients falling (leading to an increased risk of bleeding and ICH) is a frequently cited reason why clinicians do not prescribe anticoagulant therapy to older patients. This perceived risk of bleeding or ICH due to falls appears to be higher than the actual risk.^42–44 Similarly, although clinicians may hesitate to use warfarin in elderly patients with cognitive impairment, mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment does not necessarily interfere with warfarin use.⁴⁵ Caution is warranted, however, as bleeding risk with warfarin treatment does increase with age. Among patients treated with warfarin, the relative risk of a life-threatening bleeding event in patients aged ≥ 80 years was 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3, 15.6) when compared with patients aged < 50 years.⁴⁶

Aspirin as an alternative to warfarin in older patients

Age is an independent risk factor for stroke, and complications from stroke increase as patients with AF age. This should increase the likelihood of preventive treatment but warfarin is under-prescribed in the elderly.²⁵ Due to the bleeding risks associated with warfarin, physicians may prefer to prescribe aspirin for stroke prevention in patients with AF.^20,36 Among 405 inpatients with AF, aged 65 years or older, 199 (49%) did not receive warfarin on discharge and physicians preferred to prescribe aspirin in approximately 70% of these patients.²⁰ Guidelines include recommendations for the use of aspirin for stroke prevention in AF; however, these recommendations are generally restricted to patients considered to be at low risk for stroke or those with contraindications to the use of warfarin.^47–49

Although viewed by many clinicians as an alternative to warfarin, the efficacy of antiplatelet treatment with aspirin for stroke reduction is limited. Pooled clinical trial data show a 21% reduction in the relative risk of stroke with aspirin⁴⁹ and a study in low-risk patients with AF observed that aspirin might be no better than placebo for reducing thromboembolic events and may be associated with an increased risk of major bleeding.⁵⁰ Trials comparing aspirin and warfarin have found aspirin treatment to be less effective in stroke prevention and to cause more bleeding events than treatment with warfarin.^51,52 Similar limitations to aspirin therapy were found in patients of advanced age (≥ 75 years or 80–90 years).^52,53 The Birmingham Atrial Fibrillation Treatment of the Aged (BAFTA) trial demonstrated the superiority of warfarin over aspirin in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with AF aged ≥ 75 years.⁵² The risk of stroke was reduced by 54% (P = 0.003) and the combined risk of fatal or disabling stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), ICH, or clinically significant embolism was reduced by 52% in the warfarin group compared with the aspirin group (P = 0.003), with no difference in major bleeding events. Aspirin therapy is further limited in older patients because the efficacy of aspirin seems to decline beyond the age of 70 years, whereas the risk of bleeding increases.¹⁹

Novel oral anticoagulants in AF

Limitations and concerns associated with warfarin therapy and lack of efficacy associated with aspirin therapy have led to the development of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), including dabigatran (a direct thrombin inhibitor),⁵⁴ rivaroxaban⁵⁵ and apixaban⁵⁶ (direct factor Xa inhibitors). Edoxaban is another direct factor Xa inhibitor that is currently in late-stage clinical trials.⁵⁷

Updated guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians recommend oral anticoagulation in patients with AF at intermediate (CHADS₂ score of 1) or high (CHADS₂ score of ≥ 2) risk of stroke.⁵⁸ In such patients, the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines recommend use of dabigatran 150 mg twice daily rather than dose-adjusted warfarin⁵⁹; however, it should be noted that these guidelines were published prior to the approval of rivaroxaban and apixaban.

While dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are all novel anticoagulants that are administered orally, clinical trial data provide some differentiation between these treatments (Table 2).

Table 2.

Summary of study results for RE-LY, ROCKET-AF, ARISTOTLE, and AVERROES, for stroke and systemic embolism rates, major bleeding rates, and all-cause mortality

Study	Rate of stroke or SE	Major bleeding rates	All-cause mortality
RE-LY60,61 summary	Significant reduction in the risk of stroke or SE with 150 mg dabigatran compared with warfarin; 110 mg dabigatran had similar rates to warfarin	Similar rates of major bleeding with 150 mg dabigatran compared with warfarin; lower rate of major bleeding with 110 mg dabigatran compared with warfarin	No significant difference
Event rate	Stroke or SE rate (% per year)	Major bleeding rate (% per year)	Rate of death (any cause, % per year)
Dabigatran 110 mg	1.54	2.87	3.75
Dabigatran 150 mg	I.I1	3.32	3.64
Warfarin	1.71	3.57	4.13
Relative risk (dabigatran 110 mg vs warfarin)	0.90(0.74–1.10)	0.80 (0.70–0.93)	0.91 (0.80, 1.03)
P value	<0.00l for non-inferiority 0.30 for superiority	0.003	0.13
Relative risk (dabigatran 150 mg vs warfarin)	0.65(0.52–0.81)	0.93 (0.81, 1.07)	0.88 (0.77, 1.00)
P value	<0.001 for non-inferiority <0.001 for superiority	0.32	0.051
ROCKET-AF66 summary	Non-inferiority in the prevention of stroke or SE demonstrated for rivaroxaban compared with warfarin	No significant difference	No significant difference
Event rate	Stroke or SE rate (% per year)	Major bleeding rate (% per year)	Rate of death (any cause, % per year)
Rivaroxaban	2.1	14.9	4.5
Warfarin	2.4	14.5	4.9
Hazard ratio	0.88 (0.75, 1.03)	1.03 (0.96, 1.11)	0.92 (0.82, 1.03)
P value	<0.001 for non-inferiority 0.12 for superiority	0.44	0.15
ARISTOTLE68 summary	Significant reduction in the risk of stroke or SE with apixaban compared with warfarin	Significant lower risk of major bleeding with apixaban compared with warfarin	Significant reduction in all-cause mortality with apixaban compared with warfarin
Event rate	Stroke or SE rate (% per year)	Major bleeding rate (% per year)	Rate of death (any cause, % per year)
Apixaban	1.27	2.13	3.52
Warfarin	1.60	3.09	3.94
Relative risk	0.79 (0.66, 0.95)	0.69 (0.60, 0.80)	0.89 (0.80, 0.998)
P value	0.01	<0.00l	0.047
AVERROES70 summary	Significant reduction in the risk of stroke or SE with apixaban compared with aspirin	No significant difference	No significant difference
Event rate	Stroke or SE rate (% per year)	Major bleeding rate (% per year)	Rate of death (any cause, % per year)
Apixaban	1.6	1.4	3.5
Aspirin	3.7	1.2	4.4
Hazard ratio	0.45 (0.32, 0.62)	1.13 (0.74, 1.75)	0.79 (0.62, 1.02)
P value	<0.00l	0.57	0.07

Note: Data in parentheses are 95% confidence intervals.

Abbreviations: ARISTOTLE, Apixaban for Reduction In STroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in atrial fibrillation; AVERROES, Apixaban Versus acEtylsalicylic acid to pRevent stROke in atrial fibrillation patients who have failed or are unsuitablE for vitamin K antagonist treatment; RE-LY, Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulation therapY; ROCKET-AF, Rivaroxaban Once daily oral direct factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation; SE, systemic embolism.

Dabigatran etexilate: RE-LY

Dabigatran is a direct inhibitor of thrombin, the enzyme that converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble strands of fibrin.⁵⁵ The inhibition of thrombin prevents the formation of blood clots and, therefore, is an effective mechanism for anticoagulation.

The Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulation therapY (RE-LY) trial^60,61 included 18,113 patients with AF who were at risk of stroke. The study subjects were randomized into three groups and received double-blinded dabigatran (150 or 110 mg) or open-label adjusted-dose warfarin. Patients had a mean age of 71 years and a mean CHADS₂ score of 2.1.

In RE-LY, dabigatran 150 mg twice daily was associated with a 35% reduction in the relative risk of stroke or systemic embolism (P < 0.001 for superiority) and a similar rate of major bleeding compared with warfarin.^60,61 The rate of ischemic or unspecified stroke was 0.92% per year for dabigatran 150 mg and 1.21% per year for warfarin (P = 0.03), and the rate of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.10% per year in the dabigatran 150 mg group compared with 0.38% per year in the warfarin group (P < 0.001). The rate of ICH was significantly lower for dabigatran 150 mg than with warfarin (0.32% vs 0.76% per year; P < 0.001). A lower dose of dabigatran (110 mg twice daily) was associated with a similar rate of stroke or systemic embolism compared with warfarin, but a lower rate of major bleeding. The rate of all-cause mortality was 4.13% per year in the warfarin group compared with 3.64% per year with 150 mg of dabigatran (P = 0.051) and 3.75% per year with 110 mg of dabigatran (P = 0.13).

In patients aged ≥ 75 years, dabigatran (150 mg)-treated patients had lower rates of stroke and systemic embolism (relative risk, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49, 0.90) than warfarin-treated patients, and there was no significant difference in the rate of major bleeding (relative risk, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.98, 1.42).⁶² Rates of stroke and hemorrhage were compared in subgroups aged < 75 years and ≥75 years: for dabigatran 150 mg, the rate of stroke or systemic embolism was 0.90% per year in patients aged < 75 years compared with 1.43% per year in patients aged ≥ 75 years. A similar difference between age groups was found among warfarin-treated patients (1.43% per year in patients aged < 75 years; 2.14% per year in patients aged ≥ 75 years). However, based on these age subgroups (< 75 and ≥75 years) the interaction between age and treatment for the outcome of stroke or systemic embolism was not significant (P = 0.81).

The interaction between age and treatment for major bleeding was significant (P < 0.001).⁶² Dabigatran 150 mg twice daily compared with warfarin was associated with a lower risk of major bleeding in patients aged < 75 years (2.12% vs 3.04% per year; P < 0.001).

For patients aged ≥ 75 years, the risk of ICH was lower in dabigatran-treated patients (0.41% per year for dabigatran 150 mg vs 1.00% per year for warfarin).⁶² Patients aged < 75 years had ICH rates of 0.26% per year for dabigatran 150 mg and 0.61% per year for warfarin. However, the test for interaction between age and treatment for ICH was not significant (P = 0.92).

The risk of MI in patients taking dabigatran has been investigated in a number of analyses. In RE-LY, the relative risk of MI was increased by 38% in patients treated with dabigatran 150 mg compared with warfarin (P = 0.048).⁶⁰ However, a re-analysis of the RE-LY results, including newly identified events, found no significant increase in MI among dabigatran-treated patients compared with warfarin-treated patients (relative risk, 1.27; P = 0.12).⁶¹ A meta-analysis of seven dabigatran trials, across different indications, investigated risk of MI or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) associated with dabigatran. The analysis found that the risk of MI or ACS with dabigatran compared with warfarin was increased by 33% (P = 0.03) based on the original RE-LY results, and increased by 27% (P = 0.05) when the newly identified events from the RE-LY trial were added to this analysis.⁶³ A post-hoc analysis of the RE-LY results investigated risk of MI and risk of cardiac events based on an expanded definition, including MI, unstable angina, coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac arrest, and cardiac death.⁶⁴ The analysis demonstrated no significant increase in MI with dabigatran compared with warfarin (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; P = 0.12). Using the expanded definition of cardiac events, there was no statistically significant difference in event rates between the dabigatran 150 mg twice daily and warfarin groups (HR, 0.98; P = 0.77).

While the results from RE-LY demonstrated that both the 150 mg and 110 mg twice daily doses of dabigatran were safe and effective, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved only the 150 mg dose of dabigatran twice daily.⁶⁵ The FDA attempted to find a population for whom a lower dose would yield a more favorable balance between risks and benefits, given that dabigatran 110 mg twice daily demonstrated only non-inferiority in the overall population. Use of lower doses in patients with advanced age, impaired renal function, or a history of hemorrhage was considered, but the FDA did not find an improved benefit–risk profile with the lower dose. In assessing the benefit–risk profile, the benefit of superior efficacy in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily and the lack of a subgroup for whom a lower dose decreased risks led the FDA to approve only the 150 mg dose of dabigatran.

Rivaroxaban: ROCKET-AF

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective, direct factor Xa inhibitor taken orally once daily with the evening meal (20 mg). Inhibition of factor Xa prevents the development of thrombin, thereby disrupting the coagulation cascade and preventing the formation of blood clots.⁵⁵

The Rivaroxaban Once daily oral direct factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET-AF)⁶⁶ was a double-blinded global study. It included patients with AF and a history of prior stroke, transient ischemic attack, or non-neurologic systemic embolism. Patients received 20 mg of rivaroxaban or dose-adjusted warfarin. In total, 14,264 patients with a median age of 73 years and a mean CHADS₂ score of 3.5 were assessed.

In ROCKET-AF, rivaroxaban was non-inferior to warfarin for the prevention of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or systemic embolism (HR for the intention-to-treat population, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.75, 1.03; P < 0.001 for non-inferiority).⁶⁶ Rates of major bleeding were not significantly different between the rivaroxaban and warfarin safety populations. There was no significant difference in the rate of ischemic stroke between treatment groups (P = 0.58); the rate of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.26% per year in the rivaroxaban group and 0.44% per year in the warfarin group (P = 0.02). Rates of MI were similar between treatment groups (P = 0.12). The rate of ICH was significantly reduced for rivaroxaban compared with warfarin (0.5% vs 0.7% per year; HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47, 0.93; P = 0.02). In the intention-to-treat population, the rate of all-cause mortality did not differ between groups (P = 0.15).

A sub-analysis of ROCKET-AF investigated the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients aged ≥ 75 years, and investigators noted that the results for older patients were consistent with the overall study results.⁶⁷ There was no significant interaction between treatment and age for major bleeding (P = 0.34 for interaction). Rates of major bleeding in patients aged ≥ 75 years were 4.86% per year in the rivaroxaban group and 4.40% per year in the warfarin group, compared with 2.69% and 2.79% per year for patients aged < 75 years in the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups, respectively. Clinically relevant non-major bleeding was significantly higher for patients aged ≥ 75 years compared with patients aged < 75 years (P = 0.01). Based on the rates of ICH in patients aged ≥ 75 years (0.66% per year rivaroxaban vs 0.83% per year warfarin) and in patients aged < 75 years (0.37% per year rivaroxaban vs 0.68% per year warfarin), there was no significant interaction for ICH (P = 0.27 for interaction).

Apixaban

Apixaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor that binds directly to factor Xa, preventing amplification of the coagulation process. Thrombin cannot be activated and clotting does not occur. Apixaban is taken orally, 5 mg twice daily.⁵⁶

ARISTOTLE

The Apixaban for Reduction In STroke and Other Throm-boemboLic Events in atrial fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial included patients with non-valvular AF.⁶⁸ Patients had one or more risk factors for stroke and received either apixaban (5 mg twice daily) or dose-adjusted warfarin. Patients randomized to treatment with apixaban received 2.5 mg twice daily if they met at least two of the following criteria: age ≥ 80 years, weight ≤ 60 kg, and/or a serum creatinine level ≥ 1.5 mg/dL. A total of 18,201 patients with a median age of 70 years and a mean CHADS₂ score of 2.1 participated in the double-blinded trial.

In ARISTOTLE, apixaban reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism by 21% compared with warfarin; the effect of apixaban was statistically significant (P = 0.01) and demonstrated superiority of apixaban over warfarin for this primary outcome.⁶⁸ The rate of ischemic or uncertain strokes was similar in the two treatment arms. However, the rate of hemorrhagic stroke was significantly reduced in the apixaban group (0.24% per year) compared with the warfarin group (0.47% per year; HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35, 0.75; P < 0.001).

The rate of major bleeding was 31% lower with apixaban (2.13% per year) compared with warfarin (3.09% per year; HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60, 0.80; P < 0.001), and the rate of ICH was significantly reduced with apixaban versus warfarin (0.33% vs 0.80% per year; HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.58; P < 0.001).⁶⁸ Rates of MI were similar between treatment groups (P = 0.37). All-cause mortality was significantly lower with apixaban than with warfarin (3.52% vs 3.94% per year; HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80, 0.998; P = 0.047).

Overall, in the older patient subgroups (65–74 years and ≥ 75 years), the reductions in stroke and systemic embolism and in major bleeding with apixaban compared with warfarin were statistically significant and consistent with findings in the overall study population. Within the < 65 years age group, the differences between treatment groups in the rates of stroke and systemic embolism and major bleeding were not significant. The efficacy and safety of apixaban for stroke prevention in patients of advanced age with AF was also demonstrated in a sub-analysis of ARISTOTLE.⁶⁹ An age of 65 years or older was associated with an increased risk of stroke and bleeding in patients with AF based on risk-stratification scales such as the CHADS₂ and HAS-BLED. The sub-analysis found that the efficacy and safety of apixaban were consistent across patients with different levels of risk for stroke or bleeding.

AVERROES

Apixaban Versus acEtylsalicylic acid to pRevent stROke in AF patients who have failed or are unsuitablE for vitamin K antagoniSt treatment (AVERROES)⁷⁰ was a NOAC study that included patients for whom warfarin treatment was unsuitable. The study included 5599 patients with AF who received apixaban (5 mg twice daily, or 2.5 mg twice daily in patients meeting specific criteria, as described for the ARISTOTLE trial) or aspirin. The mean age of the patients was 70 years and they had a mean CHADS₂ score of 2.0.

The AVERROES trial was stopped early due to clear evidence of the benefit of apixaban over aspirin.⁷⁰ Apixaban reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism by 55% compared with aspirin (1.6% vs 3.7% per year; HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.32, 0.62; P < 0.001). Analysis of ischemic stroke risk showed a significant reduction for apixaban compared with aspirin (1.1% vs 3.0% per year; HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25, 0.55; P < 0.001). The risk of ICH, hemorrhagic stroke, or major bleeding was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.69, 0.45, and 0.57, respectively). Rates of MI were similar between treatment groups (P = 0.59). Rates of all-cause mortality were 3.5% per year in the apixaban group and 4.4% per year in the aspirin group (P = 0.07).

For AVERROES, the effects of apixaban compared with aspirin in the older patient (age ≥ 75 years) subgroups were consistent with effects in the overall study population.⁷⁰ Both apixaban and aspirin were well tolerated and no significant difference was observed for all-cause mortality rates (3.5% vs 4.4% per year; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62, 1.02; P = 0.07). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients treated with aspirin, the risk of stroke or systemic embolism was increased from 2.7% per year for those aged 65–74 years to 6.1% per year for those aged ≥ 75 years. The risk of major bleeding increased with age for both the aspirin and apixaban groups (aspirin: 0.5% per year for those aged < 65 years compared with 2.2% per year for those aged ≥ 75 years; apixaban: 0.7% per year for those aged < 65 years compared with 2.6% per year for those aged ≥ 75 years). This highlights the increased stroke risk in the elderly population.

Practical considerations for NOAC use in older patients

The NOACs have many benefits over warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF; however, treatment decisions also require an assessment of the practical considerations associated with these treatments including the need for dose adjustment in specific patients, cost-effectiveness, limitations in monitoring the extent of anticoagulation, and the lack of a specific reversal agent.

Such considerations are particularly important in the treatment of older patients, who may experience different reactions to drugs than younger patients. This is often due to older patients having poor renal clearance, a lower body weight, and polypharmacy.⁷¹ Dabigatran exposure may be up to 1.3-times higher in the older population (≥75 years compared with patients aged 65–75 years).⁷² Rivaroxaban results in increased plasma concentration levels (1.5-times higher) in the population aged ≥ 65 years compared with younger patients receiving the same dose.⁵⁵ Apixaban exposure has been reported 1.3-times higher in patients aged > 65 years.⁷³ Due to the age-related variation in drug exposure, modified dosing may be required for some elderly patients; however, this is primarily based on an assessment of renal function rather than age, per se.

Community-level data will be helpful in understanding the benefits and risks of these agents and physicians have begun to make observations in the clinical setting. Bleeding rates both higher and lower than those seen in clinical trials have been observed,^74,75 and one study noted higher rates of bleeding in patients > 75 years of age.⁷⁵ The need for clarity around an optimal approach to dose adjustments with dabigatran and rivaroxaban for elderly patients, beyond the guidance currently provided in prescribing information will probably become more apparent as use of these agents in clinical practice increases.⁷⁶ Patients taking apixaban should be treated with a lower dose (2.5 mg twice daily) when they meet at least 2 of the following characteristics: age ≥ 80 years, body weight ≤ 60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL. Therefore, elderly patients (≥ 80 years) should receive 2.5 mg twice daily if they also have body weight ≤ 60 kg or serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL. Real-world experience will also be valuable as apixaban is used in clinical practice.

Adherence to dosing regimens and monitoring requirements may be a particular challenge for the elderly.⁷⁷ Patient education is required for elderly patients to highlight the importance of compliance, efficacy, and safety.⁷¹ Patients and physicians need to understand the various therapeutic options and the corresponding benefits and risks.

Renal insufficiency

Renal insufficiency may affect drug exposure in older patients. The selection of anticoagulant therapy must be individualized according to patient characteristics, needs, and perceived risk of stroke or bleeding. For example, prescribing information for dabigatran recommends dose adjustment for renal impairment and notes an increased bleeding risk among patients aged > 75 years.⁵⁴ There have been two reported cases of prolonged bleeding time (one fatal) for patients treated with dabigatran⁷⁸; both patients were elderly with poor renal function and low body weight. In addition, a Japanese report identified 75 cases of serious bleeding in patients > 70 years of age. Mortalities included eight patients aged ≥ 75 years, seven of whom were >80 years old.⁷⁹

Renal clearance of dabigatran is higher than that of rivaroxaban and apixaban.⁸⁰ With dabigatran, in patients with a creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 30–50 mL/min, there is a 2.7-fold increase in exposure compared with patients with CrCl of 97–137 mL/min, and lower dosing is recommended in these patients.⁵⁴ Dabigatran is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min). With rivaroxaban in patients with a CrCl of 30–49 mL/min, there is a 1.5-fold increase in exposure compared with patients with normal CrCl⁵⁵ and a lower dose is recommended in patients with a CrCl of 15–50 mL/min. Rivaroxaban is not recommended for use in patients with a CrCl < 15 mL/min. With apixaban, there is a 1.29-fold increase in exposure in patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl of 30–50 mL/min) but no dose adjustment for apixaban is required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment and apixaban should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl of 15–29 mL/min).⁵⁶ As described above, a lower dose of apixaban (2.5 mg twice daily) is indicated in patients meeting two of the following three criteria: age ≥ 80 years, body weight ≤ 60 kg, or serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL. A sub-analysis of the ARISTOTLE trial looking at patients with a CrCl of 25 mL/min or higher divided into three different levels of renal function/impairment found that apixaban was more effective than warfarin at preventing stroke or systemic embolism and reducing mortality regardless of renal function.⁸¹

Cost-effectiveness

Several studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of dabigatran compared with warfarin in elderly patients have been published. These suggest that dabigatran is cost-effective relative to warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with AF.^82–84 Based on patients aged ≥ 70 years in the RE-LY trial, dabigatran 150 mg twice daily was cost-effective compared with warfarin in patients at high risk of hemorrhage, in patients at high risk of stroke unless INR control was excellent, and in patients with a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack.^82,83 This study also found warfarin to be cost-effective in patients at moderate risk for stroke (CHADS₂ score of 1–2), unless hemorrhagic risk was high or time in therapeutic range was low (< 57.1%). In addition, rivaroxaban appears to be cost-effective compared with warfarin.⁸⁵

Apixaban treatment also appears to be cost-effective. Among patients aged ≥ 70 years with a history of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, apixaban would be cost-effective relative to warfarin assuming that it is introduced at a price similar to that of dabigatran.⁸⁶ Apixaban was also more effective and less costly than aspirin over a 10-year follow-up period based on a model developed using data from the AVERROES trial.⁸⁷ A study evaluating medical cost reductions associated with the use of individual NOACs compared with warfarin from the US payer perspective found lower medical costs with use of the NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban) relative to warfarin, with apixaban offering the most substantial reduction in medical cost.⁸⁸

Monitoring and reversal of anticoagulant effect

Unlike the importance of monitoring INR with warfarin, routine monitoring is not required with NOACs, as they exhibit predictable therapeutic effects with fixed doses.⁸⁰ The INR cannot be used to measure the anticoagulant activity of these agents and there are no commercially available tests to monitor anticoagulation intensity with NOACs. This limits options for assessing treatment adherence and presents challenges in emergencies (eg, when there is active bleeding or the need for urgent medical procedures).

The anticoagulant effects of warfarin can be reversed using vitamin K or prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs). There is currently no such pharmacologic antidote for the NOACs, but their shorter half-lives mean that the anticoagulant effect wanes rapidly once treatment is discontinued^54–56 and specific reversal agents are under development. It is possible that therapies such as recombinant factor VIIa and activated PCCs may be used to reverse the effects of direct factor Xa inhibitors and hemodialysis may be effective in removing dabigatran from the blood,⁸⁹ but PCCs have not been shown to be effective.⁹⁰ Activated PCCs mitigated the effect of rivaroxaban in healthy subjects⁹⁰ and results from in vitro testing suggest that activated PCCs and recombinant factor VIIa may reverse the effect of apixaban.⁹¹ Control of the bleeding site, regular fluids, and routine monitoring are advised for moderate bleeding. Hemodialysis for dabigatran and PCCs to enhance thrombin generation should be considered for life-threatening bleeding.^92,93

Conclusion

This review highlights the benefits of NOACs for the elderly population with AF; these novel agents reduce stroke risk in this population, providing a suitable alternative to warfarin. The results from large randomized clinical trials provide a broad evidence base for the use of new anticoagulant therapies in patients with non-valvular AF at risk of stroke. Although the NOACs are often discussed collectively, consideration of the pharmacologic properties of individual agents may help clinicians to identify the most appropriate agent for individual patients. Properties such as drug metabolism and route of elimination may be important considerations in the treatment of stroke prevention in AF in specific patient groups, such as older patients with decreased renal function.

Despite the effectiveness of warfarin at lowering stroke risk in the elderly, this treatment has several disadvantages such as food restrictions, drug interactions and the need for frequent monitoring. NOACs such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban overcome many of these disadvantages. They have a rapid onset of action, predictable anticoagulant effects that remove the requirement for routine coagulation monitoring and a low risk of drug-drug and drug-food interactions. Although clinical trials have not been powered to investigate differences between treatment groups within subgroups of older and younger patients, emerging data suggest that these agents are safe and have efficacy in patients of advanced age. However, the reduction in stroke risk must be balanced against the increased risk of bleeding in older patients and an antidote to reverse the anticoagulant effect of NOACs does not currently exist. Elderly patients must be evaluated carefully for impaired renal function which may increase the risk of bleeding.