Short summary

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are used extensively in Denmark in the treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and in atrial fibrillation patients. Patients can be treated with standard or reduced dose NOAC, but some studies have indicated that especially the reduced dose is used more frequently than indicated. Incorrect dosing may have consequences for the effect as well as the safety of the NOAC-treatment. In this chart review project we want to examine whether NOAC is dosed in accordance with the recommendations in daily clinical practice.   

Rationale

NOAC is a group of newer oral anticoagulants used to treat and prevent thrombosis. The effectiveness and safety of NOAC have been studied in comprehensive clinical trials and the uptake of NOACs on the Danish marked has been massive. More studies have found that the use of NOAC in daily clinical practise differ from the use of NOAC in randomised clinical studies, e.g. compared to patient population and treatment patterns. It is important to explore the effect and the safety of NOAC in these situations to ensure patient safety.

The overall aim with this project is to study the effect and safety of NOAC among patients treated with other doses of NOAC than recommended in guidelines. First, we want to evaluate the correctness of the dosing of NOAC in clinical practise through assessment of data collected from patient records. 

Description of the cohort

Patients who started NOAC-treatment in the period 2016 onwards.

Patients are identified through registers or in regional patient record systems.

Data and biological material

From patient records we collect information on:

Patient characteristics/information:

• Height and weight
• Blood test results
• Presence of disease
• Functional status

Treatment characteristics:

• Treatment indication
• Strength and dosing of treatment
• Place of treatment initiation