New options with dabigatran etexilate in anticoagulant therapy

Figures & data

Table 1 Common conditions and patient-related predisposing characteristics associated with hospitalization and increased risk for VTE

Conditions associated with hospitalization that increase risk of VTE	previous stroke congestive heart failure (NYHA Class III–IV) acute respiratory disease acute myocardial infarction acute arthritis acute infection inflammatory bowel disease
Patient-related predisposing characteristics that increase risk of VTE	recent surgery or major trauma immobility or paralysis malignancy previous VTE older age (>80 years) estrogen therapy (contraceptives or hormone replacement) obesity central vein catheterization varicose veins inherited or acquired thrombophilia.

Abbreviations: VTE, venous thromboembolism; NYHA, New York Heart Association (classification).

Figure 1 Targets of different anticoagulant agents (indicated in colored blocking arrows) in the coagulation cascade.

Abbreviations: F, factor; LMWH, low-molecular-weight heparin; UFH, unfractionated heparin; VKA, vitamin K-antagonist.

Table 2 CHADS₂ score

C:	Congestive heart failure	= 1 point
H:	Hypertension (systolic >160 mmHg)	= 1 point
A:	Age >75 years	= 1 point
D:	Diabetes	= 1 point
S:	Prior transient ischemic attack or stroke	= 2 points

CHADS2score	Adjusted stroke ratea(%) (95% confidence interval)
0	1.9 (1.2–3.0)
1	2.8 (2.0–3.8)
2	4.0 (3.1–5.1)
3	5.9 (4.6–7.3)
4	8.5 (6.3–11.1)
5	12.5 (8.2–17.5)
6	18.2 (10.5–27.4)

Notes: The annual stroke rates for patients suffering from AF according to the CHADS₂ Score. Patients with a CHADS₂ Score of 0 are considered to have a low risk for cardioembolic stroke. Patients with a score of 1–2 are classified as having a moderate risk for stroke and should be medically treated with an antithrombotic agent. Patients with a score of 3 or higher have a high risk for thromboembolic complications and require optimal antithrombotic treatment as well.

a The adjusted stroke rate is the expected stroke rate per 100 person-years derived from the multivariable model assuming that aspirin is not taken.