title: Cost-effectiveness of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a systematic and qualitative review.
abstract: The introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) into clinical practice represented a major change in the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF); drugs as effective as the gold standard were available, rapidly functioning and without major interferences with drugs and foods. However, a huge increase in the economic burden of NVAF was predicted, and many cost-effectiveness analyses were developed to aid policy makers and clinicians in implementing strategies for the prevention of stroke in NVAF. The present systematic review identified 54 studies from 21 different countries, reporting the incremental cost-effectiveness of dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban. A critical appraisal of the studies was conducted in order to highlight consolidated results and biases.
authors.affiliation: a ASST di Pavia, Department of Medicine , 'C. Mira' Hospital , Casorate Primo , Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola Lucio
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Liberato
authors.affiliation: b Azienda Sanitaria Locale AT, Hematology Unit , 'Cardinal Massaia' Hospital , Asti , Italy.
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marchetti
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D020521:Stroke / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants
keywords: Cost-effectiveness analysis; anticoagulant therapy; apixaban; atrial fibrillation; critical appraisal; dabigatran; decision analysis; edoxaban; health economics; rivaroxaban