Abstract
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Abstract
Year 2021
October 2021

SHBC1109

Abstract Title
Effects of anti-coagulation in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors

W.S.J.ONG1, K.K.I.CHUNG1 

Institutions

Tan Tock Seng Hospital1

Background & Hypothesis

Atrial fibrillation has been shown to be associated with greater cognitive decline and increased dementia risk independent of ischemic stroke. Anti-coagulation was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke and positive net clinical benefit in elderly patients in Asian populations. We hypothesize that elderly patients (>75 years old) with atrial fibrillation on oral anti-coagulants have lower incidence of dementia compared with patients on anti-platelet agents or no anti-thrombotic treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study of 747 patients, male 37%, mean age 84.29 ± 5.99 years old with mean follow up of 13.54 ± 3.38 years. 94% hypertension, 40% diabetes mellitus, 38% ischemic heart disease, 33% heart failure, 39% previous stroke, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 5.23 ± 1.59. 27% patients on oral anti-coagulants, 64% anti-platelet agent and 9% not on any anti-thrombotic medication.

Results

265 patients were diagnosed with dementia, 17 patients were on oral anti-coagulants, 222 patients were on anti-platelet agent. Oral anti-coagulants were associated with lower incidence of dementia compared with anti-platelet agents (p<0.0001). 26 patients who developed dementia were not on any anti-thrombotic agent. 261 patients were readmitted with stroke (2.58%/100 patient year), 182 patients were on anti-platelet agent while 12 were on anti-coagulant (P<0.0001).

Discussion & Conclusion

Oral anti-coagulants were associated with lower incidence of dementia and stroke compared with anti-platelet agents in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

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