Silver Book

Silver Book Fact

Cost of warfarin therapy for AFib patients

In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and one additional stroke risk factor, warfarin therapy cost $8,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) saved.

Gage, BF, AB Cardinalli, GW Albers, and DK Owens. Cost-Effectiveness of Warfarin and Aspirin for Prophylaxis of Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA. 1995; 274(23): 1839-45. Cost-Effectiveness of Warfarin and Aspirin for Prophylaxis of Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Reference

Title
Cost-Effectiveness of Warfarin and Aspirin for Prophylaxis of Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Publication
JAMA
Publication Date
1995
Authors
Gage, BF, AB Cardinalli, GW Albers, and DK Owens
Volume & Issue
Volume 274, Issue 23
Pages
1839-45
URL
Read Full Resource

Categories

  • Innovative Medical Research
  • Economic Value

Related Facts

  • Adjusted-dose warfarin reduced stroke risk in AFib patients
    Meta-analysis of randomized trials found that adjusted-dose warfarin reduced stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients by 60%. Antiplatelet agents reduced risk by 20%.  
  • Aspirin use in AFib patients
    Meta-analysis of a number of randomized controlled trials found that aspirin use in atrial fibrillation patients reduced stroke risk by an average 22%.  
  • Catheter ablation reduces risk of stroke and death among AFib patients
    Atrial fibrillation patients who underwent catheter ablation had a reduced risk of stroke and death—2.2% of those who had ablation experienced stroke versus 4.7% on medications alone, and 6% died from…  
  • Effectiveness of pacemaker/defibrillators to control AFib
    Widespread use of pacemaker/defibrillators to control atrial fibrillation could result in a 50% decrease in stroke.  
  • Identifying individuals at high risk for developing AFib
    Using simple bedside measures, identification of individuals at risk for developing atrial fibrillation is feasible. Selecting high-risk individuals for inclusion in atrial fibrillation prevention trials may also enhance prevention strategies.