Comparison of idraparinux with vitamin K antagonists for prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial.

This article reports on a clinical trial that sought to compare the use of idraparinux to vitamin K antagonists to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is the leading cause of stroke and studies have showed that anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists can reduce the risk of stroke by a third. Despite that, the use of the drugs in clinical practice is limited due to the risk of bleeding and the complexity of monitoring the dosage. Researchers are hoping to find an unmonitored, fixed-dose anticoagulant that will be effective. This study was not the answer. It had to be stopped after patients getting the idrapariux bled excessively.