title: Safety and efficacy of dabigatran etexilate during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize and analyse the published literature on the efficacy and safety of dabigatran for anticoagulation during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A comprehensive search of the literature in the English language was conducted and 10 studies were identified which compared dabigatran therapy with warfarin. Data were extracted and meta-analysed using appropriate methodology. There was significant clinical heterogeneity among studies concerning study designs and methodologies. Most studies consisted of retrospective single-centre observational studies. A total of 3648 patients were included of whom 2241 were receiving warfarin and 1407 dabigatran. Only 12 thrombo-embolic events were reported, 3 during warfarin and 9 during dabigatran therapy [odds ratio (OR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-6.85, P = n.s.). The pooled rate of major bleeding events was similar for warfarin and for dabigatran (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.62-1.80; P = n.s.). Rates of minor bleeding events were also similar between the two treatment groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dabigatran has similar efficacy and safety compared with warfarin when used for periprocedural anticoagulation during AF ablation.
authors: Division of Cardiology, Section of Clinical Electrophysiology, J. W. Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
authors: Stefan H
authors: SH
authors: Hohnloser
authors: A John
authors: AJ
authors: Camm
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D000069604:Dabigatran; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D011725:Pyridines; D014859:Warfarin; D000069604:Dabigatran
keywords: Ablation; Anticoagulation; Atrial fibrillation; Dabigatran; Novel oral anticoagulants