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Racial Disparities and Trends in Anticoagulant Use among Ambulatory Care Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter in the United States from 2007-2019 [preprint]

Kan, Vincent
Lapane, Kate L
McManus, David D
Baek, Jonggyu
Darling, Chad E
Alcusky, Matthew J
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Abstract

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, significantly increasing the risk of stroke. The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) since 2010 has transformed anticoagulation therapy, offering an alternative to warfarin with improved safety profiles. Despite the increased adoption of DOACs, disparities in their use among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States remain understudied. Methods This study utilized a repeated cross-sectional design, analyzing data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) from 2007 to 2019. The study population included adults diagnosed with AF or atrial flutter (AFL). We analyzed the temporal trends of DOAC and warfarin use from 2007 to 2019. We examined the prevalence of DOAC versus warfarin use and assessed associations between race/ethnicity, patient characteristics, and DOAC utilization from 2011 to 2019. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for the associations. Results From 2011 to 2019, NAMCS recorded 3,224 visits involving AF or AFL, representing a weighted estimate of 103.6 million visits. DOAC use increased significantly, with apixaban becoming the predominant anticoagulant by 2016. Non-Hispanic Black patients were less likely to use DOACs compared to non-Hispanic White patients over time (aPR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.90). Patients with Medicaid insurance were also less likely to use DOACs (aPR 0.14; 95% CI: 0.04-0.46). Conclusion Despite the shift from warfarin to DOACs for AF and AFL treatment, significant racial and socioeconomic disparities persist. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those with Medicaid insurance are less likely to use DOACs. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to advanced anticoagulant therapies.

Source

Kan V, Lapane K, McManus DD, Baek J, Darling CE, Alcusky M. Racial Disparities and Trends in Anticoagulant Use among Ambulatory Care Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter in the United States from 2007-2019. medRxiv. [Preprint]. 2024 June 15:2024.06.14.24308960. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.06.14.24308960

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10.1101/2024.06.14.24308960
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This article is a preprint. Preprints are preliminary reports of work that have not been certified by peer review.

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No external funding was received for this study.
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