Would you use novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for thromboprophylaxis in patients with an underlying hypercoagulable state? A literature review through a case report

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is an autoimmune condition that predisposes to venous and arterial thrombosis. Warfarin is the agent of choice for anticoagulation. However, a need for routine international normalised ratio (INR) checks and multiple drug interactions are some of the difficulties with warfarin. Currently, there is mixed evidence for and against the use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for thromboprophylaxis. We present a case report of a patient with APLS on a NOAC for secondary thromboprophylaxis who developed a stroke and discuss current evidence regarding the use of NOACs in patients with APLS. The patient was switched to warfarin for secondary thromboprophylaxis with an INR goal of 2–3. Literature review revealed mixed case reports for and against NOACs for secondary prevention of thrombotic events in patients with APLS. There needs to be further randomised controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of NOACs for thromboprophylaxis in patients with APLS.