Open AccessImpact of anemia on clinical outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation: The COOL‐AF registry
Author(s) -
Krittayaphong Rungroj,
Pumprueg Satchana,
Thongsri Tomon,
Wiwatworapan Weerapan,
Choochunklin Thaworn,
Kaewkumdee Pontawee,
Yindeengam Ahthit
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.23559
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , stroke (engine) , anemia , hazard ratio , heart failure , confounding , risk factor , cardiology , confidence interval , mechanical engineering , engineering
Background To determine whether anemia is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and major bleeding in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Hypothesis Anemia in patients with NVAF increase risk of clinical complications related to atrial fibrillation. Methods We conducted a prospective multicenter registry of patients with NVAF in Thailand. Demographic data, medical history, comorbid conditions, laboratory data, and medications were collected and recorded, and patients were followed‐up every 6 months. The outcome measurements were ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), major bleeding, heart failure (HF), and death. All events were adjudicated by the study team. We analyzed whether anemia is a risk factor for clinical outcomes with and without adjusting for confounders. Results There were a total of 1562 patients. The average age of subjects was 68.3 ± 11.5 years, and 57.7% were male. The mean hemoglobin level was 13.2 ± 1.8 g/dL. Anemia was demonstrated in 518 (33.16%) patients. The average follow‐up duration was 25.8 ± 10.5 months. The rate of ischemic stroke/TIA, major bleeding, HF, and death was 2.9%, 4.9%, 1.8%, 8.6%, and 9.2%, respectively. Anemia significantly increased the risk of these outcomes with a hazard ratio of 2.2, 3.2, 2.9, 1.9, and 2.8, respectively. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) was prescribed in 74.8%; warfarin accounts for 89.9% of OAC. After adjusting for potential confounders, anemia remained a significant predictor of major bleeding, heart failure, and death, but not for ischemic stroke/TIA. Conclusion Anemia was found to be an independent risk factor for major bleeding, heart failure, and death in patients with NVAF.