Warfarin and phenprocoumon: experience of an outpatient anticoagulation clinic

Abstract Background: Oral anticoagulants are broadly used in cardiology. However, it is still necessary to evaluate their use in clinical practice.Objectives: To describe the differences in the maintenance of anticoagulation control, as well as the incidence of hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events among users of warfarin and phenprocoumon. Methods: Non-concurrent cohort study of 7 patients using oral anticoagulation. Results: Phenprocoumon was the most frequently used anticoagulant in 60% of the patients. The prevalence of RNI< at the last medical appointment was higher among warfarin users (46% vs . 9.5%; p<0.00). During the follow-up, phenprocoumon users were within the therapeutic range during 60.7% of the period, in comparison with 45.6% of Warfarin users (OR:.84; 95%CI:.59-.; p<0.00). The incidence of bleeding was 5./00 patients/year in the phenprocoumon group versus 8.8/00 patients/year in the warfarin group (RR: .5; 95%CI: .87-6.48; p<0.00). Conclusion: Patients that used warfarin remained at subtherapeutic levels for a longer period; however, they also presented more hemorrhagic events. Phenprocoumon users were younger and had been using oral anticoagulation for longer periods, presenting fewer drug-related adverse events. (Arq Bras Cardiol 00; 94() : 40-4)Key Words: warfarin; phenprocumon; anticoagulants; hemorrhage; anticoagulants/administration & dosage.