The American journal of medicine
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Comparative safety and effectiveness of reduced doses of direct acting oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
This Nordic observational cohort study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of reduced-dose direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban compared to standard warfarin for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. ⋯ In this study, atrial fibrillation patients initiating reduced-dose rivaroxaban and dabigatran exhibited incidences of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism similar to warfarin, and for apixaban, even lower. Rates of intracranial hemorrhage were comparable to or lower for patients on DOACs compared to warfarin.
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Long COVID is a multisystemic condition that affects the lives of millions of people globally, yet factors associated with it are poorly defined. Our purpose in this study was to identify factors associated with long COVID. ⋯ Several demographic features were associated with long COVID, which may be the result of social, clinical, or biological influences.
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Observational Study
Smoking and respiratory diseases in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction.
Coronary microvascular disease (CMD) is common in patients with and without obstructive coronary artery disease, and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Respiratory-related variables are associated with pulmonary and systemic microvascular dysfunction, while evidence about their relationship with CMD is limited. We aim to evaluate respiratory-related variables as risk factors of CMD. ⋯ In patients undergoing invasive coronary microvascular evaluation, current smoking and obstructive sleep apnea are independently associated with CMD. Among smokers, higher pack-years is a strong predictor for CMD. Our findings should raise awareness for prevention and possible treatment options.