[Use and clinical implications of anticoagulation maintenance after a successful cardioversion].
METHODS
We studied the use of anticoagulation following cardioversion due to persistent atrial fibrillation in 422 patients with low or moderate risk of embolism, as well as its benefit during a follow-up of one year.


RESULTS
Oral anticoagulation was maintained after the first month in 80% of patients who showed sinus rhythm and in 43% after 12 months. Its maintenance in patients in sinus rhythm was related to a trend to lower incidence of embolic events (2.8% vs. 0.7%; p=0.37). The incidence of major bleeding in patients who remained on oral anticoagulation was 4.9%, and age ≥75 years (OR 5.3; p=0.02) was the only independently related factor.


CONCLUSIONS
Anticoagulation is frequently maintained to long-term in patients without high risk of embolism but it seems that this treatment doe not have a favorable risk profile with a CHADS(2)=0 or 1 older than ≥75.
Sección de Cardiología, IISPV, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, España. txalegret@hotmail.com
Josep M
JM
Alegret
Xavier
X
Viñolas
Julián
J
Villacastín
Juan G
JG
Martínez
Nicolás
N
Pachón
Francisco
F
Crespo
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D012074:Remission Induction
D000925:Anticoagulants