[Impact of antithrombotic treatment and geriatric syndromes in octogenarians with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic heart disease. Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Heart Disease in the Elderly]

Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol. 2020 Nov-Dec;55(6):338-342. doi: 10.1016/j.regg.2020.05.008. Epub 2020 Jul 25.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Background and objectives: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischaemic heart disease (IHC) increases with age. They coexist in up to 20% of octogenarian patients, a situation that poses a therapeutic challenge. Trials that have addressed this scenario, which included a low percentage of octogenarians, showed that double therapy (single antiplatelet + anticoagulation) compared to triple therapy (double antiplatelet + anticoagulation) was associated with less bleeding events, especially with direct oral anticoagulants. These studies did not have sufficient power to detect differences in ischaemic events. On the other hand, prevalent characteristics in the elderly, such as geriatric syndromes, were not assessed in these studies, and are not usually evaluated in clinical practice. Accordingly, their prognostic impact remains unknown in this clinical context.

Methods: Observational, prospective, and multicentre study that will include patients ≥ 80 years with AF and IHC in Spain. Baseline characteristics and geriatric syndromes will be assessed, as well as the choice of antithrombotic treatment. The primary endpoint is cardiovascular and overall mortality at one and three years follow-up.

Results: This study will assess both characteristics and prognosis of octogenarian patients with AF and IHC in Spain, the factors involved in the choice of antithrombotic treatment, and the incidence of ischaemic and haemorrhagic events during the short- and long-term follow-up.

Conclusion: This study will contribute to improve the knowledge in terms of safety and efficacy of the different therapeutic options in older patients with AF and IHC, as well as their prognostic impact.

Keywords: Antiagregación; Anticoagulación; Antithrombotic therapy; Atrial fibrillation; Cardiopatía isquémica; Elderly; Fibrilación auricular; Fragilidad; Frailty; Ischaemic heart disease; Paciente mayor.

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / drug therapy
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / adverse effects
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Myocardial Ischemia* / complications
  • Myocardial Ischemia* / drug therapy
  • Myocardial Ischemia* / mortality
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Fibrinolytic Agents