Peter Olexa
The results of a series of 4 extensive randomized clinical trials (RCT) with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban confirmed a higher efficacy and safety of innovative treatment compared to warfarin. The main benefit is primarily in the considerable reduction of the occurrence of intracranial bleeding as well as in the more efficient reduction of thromboembolism. Limited real world data (RWD) are available regarding the comparative safety of non-vitamin K antagonist new oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Analysis of the real world data represents an additional source of information, which could not be obtained from randomized studies. It has a high potential to identify weaknesses in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. RWD should be seen as important complementary information confirming the veracity of the results of randomized trials in regular daily practice. With the exception of edoxoban, we already have sufficient amount of information on the efficacy and safety of medicines from RWD analysis. The objective of this retrospective review analysis is to comprehensively present the results of the completed RWD analyses, which are still little known to cardiologists, however, these results are important in showing the true efficacy and safety profile of individual NOAC molecules in clinical practice. Proper knowledge of the results should be implemented into clinical practice and may change the selection of NOACs in different patient subgroups.