Aspirin versus P2Y12 inhibitors with anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation

Heart. 2021 Nov;107(21):1731-1738. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2021-319321. Epub 2021 Jul 14.

Abstract

Objective: Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) can be treated with multiple antithrombotic therapies including antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies; however, this has the potential to increase bleeding risk. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin in patients also receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Methods: We evaluated patients from the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischaemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial who received rivaroxaban plus an antiplatelet agent; the choice of antiplatelet agent was left to the physician's discretion. The primary efficacy and safety end points, consistent with those of the AFIRE trial, were compared between P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin groups. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularisation or death from any cause. The primary safety end point was major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.

Results: A total of 1075 patients were included (P2Y12 inhibitor group, n=297; aspirin group, n=778). Approximately 60% of patients were administered proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and there was no significant difference in PPI use in the groups. There were no significant differences in the primary end points between the groups (efficacy: HR 1.31; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.94; p=0.178; safety: HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.47; p=0.456).

Conclusions: There were no significant differences in cardiovascular and bleeding events in patients with AF and stable CAD taking rivaroxaban with P2Y12 inhibitors or aspirin in the chronic phase.

Trial registration number: UMIN000016612; NCT02642419.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; coronary artery disease.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Rivaroxaban / therapeutic use
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Factor Xa Inhibitors
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists
  • Rivaroxaban
  • Aspirin

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02642419