[Perception of physicians on factors that influence the choice of a dicoumarin or a new oral anticoagulant in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation].

aimsRecent studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulant drugs for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Our aim was to evaluate the factors that can influence physicians in their choice between a classic and a new anticoagulant in these patients.

designSeveral variables of interest were discussed and analysed using a Workmat SITES: Six regional meetings were held in Spain (East, Catalonia, Andalusia-Extremadura, Madrid, North-east, and North of Spain).

participantsMeetings were attended by 39 specialists (cardiologists, neurologists, haematologists, internists, and emergency and Primary Care physicians). MEASUREMENTS: Each participant graded their level of agreement, with a score from 1 to 10, on every analysed variable.

resultsA new anticoagulant drug was preferred in patients with previous failure of dicoumarin therapy (9.7±0.5), high haemorrhagic risk (8.7±1), prior bleeding (7.8±1.5), and high thrombotic risk (7.7±1.2). Dicoumarins were preferred in cases of severe (1.2±0.4) or moderate (4.2±2.5) kidney failure, good control with dicoumarins (2.3±1.5), cognitive impairment (3.2±3), and low haemorrhagic risk (4.3±3). Age, sex, weight, cost of drug, polymedication, and low thrombotic risk achieved intermediate scores. There were no differences between the different specialists or Spanish regions.

conclusionsThe presence of a high thrombotic or haemorrhagic risk and the failure of previous dicoumarin therapy lead to choosing a new oral anticoagulant in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, while kidney failure, cognitive impairment, good control with dicoumarins, and a low bleeding risk predispose to selecting a classic dicoumarin anticoagulant.