Renal function and oral anticoagulant treatment of incident non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: To describe the renal function of individuals newly diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in England, and describe how oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment varies according to renal function. Patients & methods: We identified a cohort of individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (n = 18,419) and described their renal function at diagnosis and the prevalence of OAC treatment initiation by renal function. Results: 79% of individuals had some evidence of renal dysfunction with 12% having a glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2. OAC treatment initiation in the 6 months following diagnosis was lower in individuals with severe renal dysfunction than in those with normal renal function. Conclusion: The high prevalence of renal dysfunction and low OAC treatment prevalence highlights the need for additional evidence regarding OACs in individuals with severe renal dysfunction.