Outcomes and predictors of very stable INR control during chronic anticoagulation therapy.
For patients on warfarin therapy, an international normalized ratio (INR) recall interval not exceeding 4 weeks has traditionally been recommended. Less frequent INR monitoring may be feasible in stable patients. We sought to identify patients with stable INRs (defined as having INR values exclusively within the INR range) and comparator patients (defined as at least one INR outside the INR range) in a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. Occurrences of thromboembolism, bleeding, and death were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of stable INR control. There were 2504 stable and 3569 comparator patients. The combined rates of bleeding and thromboembolism were significantly lower in stable patients. Independent predictors of stable INR control were age older than 70 years and the absence of comorbid heart failure and diabetes. Stable patients were significantly less likely to have target INR of 3.0 or higher or chronic diseases. We hypothesize that many patients demonstrating stable INR control could be safely treated with INR recall intervals greater than the traditional 4 weeks.
Witt
Daniel M
DM
Kaiser Permanente Colorado Clinical Pharmacy Anticoagulation Service, Lafayette, USA. dan.m.witt@kp.org
Delate
Thomas
T
Clark
Nathan P
NP
Martell
Chad
C
Tran
Thu
T
Crowther
Mark A
MA
Garcia
David A
DA
Ageno
Walter
W
Hylek
Elaine M
EM
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003120:Colorado / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin