The aim of the study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in comparison with warfarin after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA).
228 consecutive patients, having undergone AF CA, were enrolled in retrospective trial. In group I (n=170) warfarin was administered by modified interrupted scheme, in group II (n=58) dabigatran was administered by 150 mg twice a day. The main clinical efficacy and safety indicators were evaluated during the procedure and within 12 months after the procedure.
There was no statistically significant difference between patients taking warfarin and dabigatran (p>0,1) in all of the investigated parameters, including the amount of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Side effects of mild dyspepsia were observed in the dabigatran group in 2.7% of the observations and in the warfarin group in 2.4% (p = 0,589). None of them required discontinuation of the therapy.
Dabigatran can be considered as an alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in patients undergoing AF CA.