2018 KHRS Expert Consensus Recommendation for Oral Anticoagulants Choice and Appropriate Doses: Specific Situation and High Risk Patients / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are necessary to prevent thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). OACs used in Korea are composed of warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist OAC. Risk stratification and selection of OACs in patients with AF is usually performed by international guidelines for AF management. However, these guidelines do not always reflect the unique characteristics of AF patients in Korea as they were established based on a small portion of the Asian population and, therefore, have limited application to Korean patients. In addition, under certain conditions, the choice of OACs and doses according to the international guidelines are unsuitable for Korean AF patients. Recently, robust clinical data of Korean AF patients have become available. The Korean AF Management Guideline Committee, as part of the Korean Heart Rhythm Society, analyzed all available studies regarding management of AF including those focusing on Korean patients. Expert consensus and guidelines for optimal management of AF patients in Korea were established following systematic reviews and intensive discussions. This article provides the appropriate choice of OACs and dose for management of Korean AF patients with various clinical conditions.