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AFASAK
Copenhagen Atrial Fibrillation, Aspirin and Anticoagulation
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Author(s) |
(a) Petersen P, Boysen G, Godtfredsen J, Andersen ED, Andersen B
(b) Kottcamp H, Hindricks G, Breithardt G
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Title(s) |
(a) Placebo-controlled, randomised trial of warfarin and aspirin for prevention of thromboembolic complications in chronic atrial fibrillation. The Copenhagen AFASAK study
(b) Role of anticoagulant therapy in atrial fibrillation
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Reference(s) |
(a) Lancet 1989;1:175-9
(b) J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 1998;9 Suppl:S86-96
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Disease |
Atrial fibrillation
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Purpose |
To compare the efficacy of warfarin and aspirin in preventing thromboembolic complications in chronic atrial fibrillation
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Study design |
Randomised, open (warfarin), double-blind (aspirin), placebo-controlled
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Follow-up |
2 years
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Patients |
1007 patients (335 warfarin, 336 aspirin, 336 placebo) with chronic non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation
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Treatment regimen |
Warfarin to achieve target international normalised ratio 2.8-4.2, aspirin, 75 mg/day, or placebo
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Results |
The incidence of thromboembolic complications (stroke, TIA, or embolic complications) was significantly lower in the warfarin group (2.0%/year) than in the aspirin group (5.5%/year) or the placebo group (5.5%/year, relative risk reduction for warfarin vs placebo 71%; p < 0.05). Bleeding complications were more common in the warfarin group (21 patients) than in the aspirin (2 patients) or placebo groups (0 patients)
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Comments |
The trial was terminated early when interim analysis demonstrated a significant benefit from warfarin therapy
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