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Published on: February 2, 2021
Apixaban Use in Patients with Kidney Impairment: A Review of Pharmacokinetic, Interventional, and Observational Study
Stephen R Mandt1, Noble Thadathil2, Christian Klem2
1Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA. Stephen.Mandt@gmail.com.
Insights
Direct oral anticoagulants like apixaban are effective for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), even with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Apixaban demonstrates a favorable safety and efficacy profile across various kidney function levels.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health concern, increasing risks for atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are standard for anticoagulation (AC) in AF and VTE, but their use in patients with kidney impairment requires careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effectiveness and safety of apixaban in patients with renal dysfunction.
- To assess available pharmacokinetic, interventional, observational, and guideline data on apixaban use in CKD patients.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of published scientific literature.
- Assessment of pharmacokinetic data.
- Evaluation of interventional and observational studies.
- Analysis of clinical guidelines.
Main Results:
- Apixaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, shows well-established pharmacokinetics and consistent outcomes in patients with kidney impairment.
- Scientific literature indicates apixaban offers a favorable efficacy and safety profile compared to vitamin K antagonists for AF and VTE patients with CKD.
- Data support apixaban's approved dosing for stroke risk reduction in nonvalvular AF and VTE treatment across all kidney function ranges.
Conclusions:
- Apixaban is a viable anticoagulation option for patients with AF or VTE and varying degrees of kidney impairment.
- While generally safe and effective, management of advanced CKD or dialysis patients may necessitate individualized approaches due to limited specific data.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a significant global health issue and is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). While direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become a standard of care for anticoagulation (AC) in patients with AF and VTE, the appropriate use of these agents in comorbid kidney impairment warrants detailed discussion. This scientific narrative review summarizes the effectiveness and safety of apixaban use in patients with renal dysfunction by assessing the current published pharmacokinetic, interventional, observational, and guideline data. Apixaban is a highly selective, orally active, direct inhibitor of factor Xa, with well-established pharmacokinetics and consistent clinical outcomes across a broad range of patient populations, including those with kidney impairment. Overall, the scientific literature has shown that apixaban has a favorable clinical efficacy and safety profile compared with vitamin K antagonists for patients with AF or VTE and comorbid kidney impairment. These data support the approved label dosing strategy of apixaban in reducing the risk of stroke/systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular AF and in treating VTE across all ranges of kidney function. Both clinician experience and knowledge of patient-specific factors may be required in the management of comorbid patients with advanced CKD or those requiring dialysis, as data on these patients are limited.
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