Meta-analysis of safety and efficacy for direct oral anticoagulation treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation in relation to renal function

Abstract Introduction We performed a meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) in relation to renal function. We also examined the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline and compared the outcomes for patients with stable and worsening renal function. Materials and methods We selected studies that used randomized controlled trials in which outcomes for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban) were compared with those for warfarin in AF patients with normal, mild or moderate renal function, except the severe one (creatinine clearance  Results We assessed five clinical trials, involving 72,608 patients. Pooled analysis indicated that the risk of stroke was lower for DOACs than for warfarin among patients with mild renal impairment (Risk ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.91) and moderate renal impairment (0.80, 0.69–0.92). No major differences were found in patients with normal renal function. Additionally, DOACs were associated with fewer major bleeds among patients with normal (0.77, 0.70–0.84), mild (0.86, 0.77–0.95), and moderate renal impairment (0.73, 0.65–0.82). Among those treated with DOACs, a lower dosage was associated with lower risk of major bleeding (0.75, 0.68–0.83) and higher risk of stroke or systemic embolism (1.28, 1.12–1.47). Further, DOACs tended to be associated with a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than warfarin even after 30 months. Finally, we found significant differences in the risk of stroke (2.09, 1.64–2.68) and major bleeding (2.01, 1.66–2.42) between patients with stable and worsening renal function. Conclusions DOACs have a greater clinical benefit than warfarin with respect to renal function. They are associated with a comparatively lower risk of stroke and major bleeding, as well lower eGFR. This suggests these agents are a better choice in patients with renal disease.