Real-world utilization of andexanet alfa

In 2018, the FDA approved andexanet alfa for the reversal of life-threatening hemorrhages in patients anticoagulated with apixaban or rivaroxaban. Yet, cost-effective factor Xa inhibitor reversal remains controversial. The objective of this study was to describe real world utilization of andexanet alfa.

This was a retrospective case series of patients receiving andexanet alfa between July 28, 2018 and April 29, 2019 at a large academic health system. Baseline demographics, anticoagulant type and reversal, as well as brain imaging were collected. Primary endpoints were stability of hematoma for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and hemostatic effectiveness for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Secondary endpoints were thromboembolism and 30 day mortality.

Of the 25 patients evaluated, 13 received andexanet alfa for ICH. Eleven of the 13 had follow-up imaging available and stability was observed in 90.9%. Three patients received andexanet alfa for reversal prior to surgical procedures, and 100% hemostatic effectiveness was achieved. Nine patients received andexanet alfa for reversal of extracranial bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleed (n=4). There were no thrombotic events in our cohort, and 30 day mortality was 24%. Sixty-four percent of patients would have met exclusion criteria for the ANNEXA-4 trial.

This is the largest series to date describing real-world utilization of andexanet alfa. Our series showed hemostatic efficacy in 90.9% of patients with ICH, and 100% in patients undergoing surgical procedures. There were no thrombotic complications. Yet, larger and comparative studies are needed to clarify the optimal agent and patient selection for reversal of factor Xa inhibitors.