A Cost Minimisation Analysis of NOACs Compared to Warfarin to Attain Therapeutic Anticoagulation amongst AF Patients, Pre- and Post- Cardioversion
O'Shea, M.; Murphy, A.; Kirby, A.; Allen, G.; O'Shea, S.; Curtin, R.
Irish Medical Journal 109(10): 480
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0332-3102 PMID: 28644585 Document Number: 686137
Atrial fibrillation can be managed with anticoagulation and restoration of normal sinus rhythm using direct current cardioversion (DCCV). To reduce the risk of thromboembolism, anticoagulation pre-and-post DCCV is recommended. This study investigates the cost effectiveness of using NOACs compared to warfarin to attain therapeutic anticoagulation amongst AF patients pre-and-post DCCV. Propensity score matching revealed no statistically significant difference in outcomes from using NOACs and Warfarin. A cost minimisation study was performed; demonstrating a cost differential of €209 between those administered NOACs and warfarin pre- and post-DCCV. This study demonstrates how using NOACs compared to warfarin to attain therapeutic anticoagulation amongst AF patients pre-and-post DCCV is cost effective.