Bleeding-related hospital admissions and 30-day readmissions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with dabigatran versus warfarin

Dabigatran vs warfarin, was associated with comparable incidence of first hospital admission (incidence rate ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.66-1.28) but higher risk of 30-day readmission with respect to bleeding (adjusted HR, 2.87; 95%CI, 1.10-7.43) in 51,946 Hong Kong patients with AF.

The study authors note that dabigatran achieves full anticoagulation more rapidly compared with warfarin, therefore, dabigatran might lead to more early-onset bleeds compared with warfarin. Furthermore, warfarin has well-established means of monitoring which might facilitate the assessment of the readiness for discharge from hospital, as well as dosing management to minimise bleeding risk after discharge when required.

 

The authors recommend close early monitoring of patients initiated on dabigatran following hospital discharge for bleeding.