Impact of three major risk factors on clinical outcomes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation receiving rivaroxaban: Sub-analysis from the XAPASS study.

Background: To evaluate the impact of three risk factors (age [≥75 years], renal impairment [creatinine clearance <50 ml/min], and low body weight [≤50 kg]) on the risk of any bleeding events, all-cause mortality, and stroke, non-central nervous system (non-CNS) systemic embolism (SE), and myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) treated with rivaroxaban in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: The Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS) is a prospective, single-arm, observational study. Enrolled patients were divided into four subgroups by the number of risk factors. Results: Overall, 9823 patients were included: 4299 with low risk, 2816 with moderate risk, 1574 with high risk, and 1134 with very high risk. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) (reference: low risk) for the moderate-, high-, and very-high-risk groups were 1.62 (1.19, 2.21) (p = 0.002), 2.15 (1.47, 3.15) (p < 0.001), and 2.49 (1.60, 3.87) (p <0.001) for major bleeding, and 1.98 (1.47, 2.66), 2.29 (1.59, 3.29), and 2.74 (1.81, 4.16) (p <0.001 for all) for stroke/non-CNS SE/MI, respectively. Conclusions: Age ≥75 years and renal impairment, but not low body weight, were determinants for major bleeding. The accrual of three risk factors was associated with increased risk for major bleeding and stroke/non-CNS SE/MI in patients with NVAF receiving rivaroxaban; there was no increase in the cumulative risk for these with an increasing number of risk factors.

Systematic Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients at Moderate-to-High Risk of Stroke　- Potential to Increase the Atrial Fibrillation Detection Rate (SCAN-AF).

BACKGROUND: To determine the rate of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) we screened for AF using an oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitor device followed by a single-lead handheld electrocardiogram (ECG), with confirmation by 12-lead ECG as the reference standard.Methods and Results: From October 2017 to August 2019, 1,148 patients were enrolled without known AF, who were aged ≥65 years with moderate-to-high stroke risk, at 71 centers in Japan. After exclusion of 7 patients with confirmed AF at the index visit, 1,141 patients were asked to use an oscillometric BP monitor twice daily for 2 weeks (max: 4 weeks) to detect an irregular pulse. The BP monitor detected an irregular pulse in 481 patients, of which 1 patient had confirmed AF. Thereafter, 480 patients were instructed to acquire ECGs twice daily for an additional 2 weeks (max: 4 weeks) using a single-lead handheld ECG device. The handheld ECG device detected irregular rhythm in 41 patients, of which 1 patient had confirmed AF. In total, undiagnosed AF was confirmed in 9 (0.8%) patients of the overall study cohort during the 24-week follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential use of a BP monitor and handheld ECG for 4 weeks is a practical strategy for identifying undiagnosed AF in Japanese people at heightened risk of stroke.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban using Japan-specific dosage during long-term follow-up in patients with atrial fibrillation: XAPASS.

BACKGROUND: The Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS) was designed to investigate safety and effectiveness during long-term follow-up of rivaroxaban treatment, using reduced doses compared with other global regions, in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label, single-arm, observational study, 11,308 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation newly prescribed rivaroxaban (15/10 mg once daily) at 1416 sites across Japan were enrolled and followed for a mean of 2.5 years. RESULTS: In total, 10,664 and 10,628 patients were included in the safety and effectiveness analyses, respectively. In the safety population, mean (standard deviation) age was 73.1 (9.8) years and Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/TIA (2 points) (CHADS2) score was 2.2 (1.3). Incidences (95% confidence intervals) of any and major bleeding were 3.77 (3.53-4.01) and 1.16 (1.03-1.29) events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Age ≥75 years, creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, diabetes mellitus, and vascular disease were independently associated with incidence of major bleeding. The primary composite effectiveness outcome of stroke, non-central nervous system systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction occurred at an incidence (95% confidence interval) of 1.32 (1.18-1.46) events per 100 patient-years. Age ≥75 years, hypertension, prior ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, and concomitant use of antiplatelets were independently associated with incidence of the composite outcome of stroke, non-central nervous system systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: In the XAPASS, a large-scale study involving a broad range of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation newly prescribed rivaroxaban using Japan-specific dosage in real-world clinical practice, no unexpected safety or effectiveness concerns were detected during up to 5 years of follow-up.

Impact of body mass index on real-world outcomes of rivaroxaban treatment in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

This sub-analysis of the XAPASS, a prospective, single-arm, observational study, aimed to evaluate relationships between body mass index (BMI) and safety (major bleeding and all-cause mortality) and effectiveness [stroke/non-central nervous system (non-CNS) systemic embolism (SE)/myocardial infarction (MI)] outcomes in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) receiving rivaroxaban. Patients were categorized according to BMI (kg/m2) as underweight (< 18.5), normal weight (18.5 to < 25), overweight (25 to < 30), or obese (≥ 30). In total, 9578 patients with NVAF completed the 1-year follow-up and were evaluated; of these, 7618 patients had baseline BMI data. Overall, 542 (5.7%), 4410 (46.0%), 2167 (22.6%), and 499 (5.2%) patients were underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that none of the BMI categories were independent predictors of major bleeding whereas being underweight was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.40-5.26, p < 0.001]. The incidence of stroke/non-CNS SE/MI was higher in patients who were underweight than in those of normal weight (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.20-3.70, p = 0.009). However, in multivariable analyses, being underweight was not identified as an independent predictor of stroke/non-CNS SE/MI (HR 1.64, 95% CI 0.90-2.99, p = 0.104). In conclusion, the high incidence of thromboembolic events and all-cause mortality in patients who were underweight highlights that thorough evaluation of disease status and comorbidities may be required in this population.

Distinguishing coagulase-negative Staphylococcus bacteremia from contamination using blood-culture positive bottle detection pattern and time to positivity.

AIM: Detection of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in blood culture may be a result of either bacteremia or contamination. This often leads to diagnostic uncertainly. Our objective was to develop a method for differentiating whether a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus sp. positive blood culture represents bacteremia or contamination based on positive bottle detection pattern and time to positivity (TTP). METHODS: This study included 155 and 51 adults with positive blood cultures for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis, respectively, over a three-year period from 2016 to 2018. Positive blood culture cases were categorized as either bacteremia or contamination based on the clinically available information, and the detection pattern and TTP in each category were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 57, 92, and 6 S. epidermidis positive blood cultures were categorized as bacteremia, contamination, and undetermined, respectively, whereas 15 and 36 S. hominis positive blood cultures were categorized as bacteremia and contamination, respectively. For positive blood cultures categorized as bacteremia, all four bottles in two sets of blood cultures were positive in 47/47 S. epidermidis and 14/14 S. hominis, respectively, whereas either one bottle in each of two sets or three bottles in two sets were positive in 10/19 S. epidermidis and 1/4 S. hominis, respectively; most of those TTPs were <48 h. Among them, the TTP in catheter-related blood stream infection was <24 h. CONCLUSION: Although clinical assessment is crucial to differentiate between bacteremia and contamination, a combination of positive bottle detection pattern and TTP is a valuable diagnostic auxiliary tool.

Clinical Risk Factors of Thromboembolic and Major Bleeding Events for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Rivaroxaban in Japan.

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) receiving direct oral anticoagulants; however, data on risk factors in Japanese patients are limited. METHODS: XAPASS (Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective observational study examining the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in Japanese real-world clinical practice. We investigated risk factors for stroke/noncentral nervous system systemic embolism (non-CNS SE)/myocardial infarction (MI) and major bleeding using 1-year follow-up data. Associations between baseline characteristics and outcomes were examined by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: During April 2012-June 2014, 11,308 patients newly started with rivaroxaban treatment were enrolled. Of 9578 patients with 1-year data fixed as of September 2017, 6220 patients who received appropriate dosages of rivaroxaban for their creatinine clearance were included in the present safety outcomes subanalysis, and 6198 were included in the effectiveness outcomes analysis. Stroke/non-CNS SE/MI was observed in 97 of 6198 patients (1.6%, 1.8 events/100 patient-years), and major bleeding occurred in 102 of 6220 patients (1.6%, 1.9 events/100 patient-years). Age greater than or equal to 75 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.27; [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49, 3.47]), prior ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (2.08; [1.38, 3.13]), and antiplatelet use (3.23; [1.83, 5.70]) were associated with stroke/non-CNS SE/MI. Creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min (HR: 1.86; [95% CI: 1.26, 2.75]), diabetes (1.55; [1.02, 2.35]), and antiplatelet use (3.04; [1.70, 5.45]) were associated with major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: These results would help physicians to assess risks in Japanese patients with NVAF receiving rivaroxaban.

Real-world outcomes of rivaroxaban treatment in elderly Japanese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as rivaroxaban, reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it is still unclear whether the stroke reduction benefit outweighs the bleeding risk in elderly Japanese patients with NVAF. The Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS) was a real-world, prospective observational, post-marketing surveillance study on the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in Japanese clinical practice. This sub-analysis evaluated the clinical outcomes of elderly patients aged ≥ 75 years. At the 1-year follow-up, there were 4,685 (48.91%) and 4,893 (51.09%) patients aged ≥ 75 and < 75 years, respectively. Safety and effectiveness outcomes were compared between patients aged ≥ 75 years and those aged < 75 years, and among 3 elderly sub-populations (age ranges: 75-79, 80-84, and ≥ 85 years). Patients aged ≥ 75 years had higher rates of major bleeding [2.22 vs. 1.35 events per 100 patient-years, hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.28] and composite of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)/non-central nervous system (non-CNS) systemic embolism (SE)/myocardial infarction (MI) (2.41 vs. 1.21 events per 100 patient-years, HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.40-2.77) compared to patients aged < 75 years. Intracranial hemorrhage rates were < 1 event per 100 patient-years in both groups (0.85 vs. 0.59 events per 100 patient-years, HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.85-2.40). Kaplan-Meier curves of major bleeding and stroke/non-CNS SE/MI showed that no significant differences of cumulative event rates were identified among the 3 elderly sub-populations. Stepwise Cox regression analyses revealed that creatinine clearance (CrCl) (<50 mL/min), hepatic impairment, and hypertension were specific predictors for major bleeding and no specific predictors were found for stroke/non-CNS SE/MI in patients aged ≥ 75 years. In conclusion, safety and effectiveness event rates were higher in patients aged ≥ 75 years compared with those aged < 75 years, yet, no distinct differences were observed among the 3 elderly sub-populations.

Relationship of quantitative flow ratio after second-generation drug-eluting stent implantation to clinical outcomes.

The correlation of fractional flow reserve, which is presently the gold standard for evaluating myocardial ischemia, with three-dimensional quantitative coronary analysis-based quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is well-known. This study aims to evaluate the relationship of QFR after second-generation drug-eluting stent (2nd gen-DES) implantation to clinical outcomes. A total of 61 consecutive lesions, on which 2nd gen-DES implantation was performed from October 2014 to December 2015, were analyzed. Contrast-flow QFR (c-QFR) was obtained using reliable software (QAngio XA 3D) by modeled hyperemic flow velocity derived from coronary angiography without pharmacologically induced hyperemia. Clinical and angiographic data at the follow-up (18-30 months) were obtained from all cases. c-QFR measurement was possible in 52 (85%) lesions. Of these, clinically-driven target vessel revascularization (TVR) was performed in 8 (15%) lesions. Vessel c-QFR was significantly lower in the TVR group (0.703 ± 0.163 vs. 0.883 ± 0.103, p = 0.016). In the results of the receiver operating characteristics analysis for TVR, area under the curve for vessel c-QFR was 0.857. The cutoff point for the prediction of TVR was defined as vessel c-QFR of ≤ 0.82, the sensitivity of 88%, and specificity of 80%. Conclusion: Vessel c-QFR can predict TVR after 2nd gen-DES implantation. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate whether c-QFR guided coronary intervention ameliorates TVR rate.

Real-World Outcomes of Rivaroxaban Treatment in Patients with Both Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and a History of Ischemic Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack.

INTRODUCTION: Prior stroke is a risk factor for stroke and bleeding during anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although rivaroxaban is widely prescribed to reduce their risk of stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF), the real-world evidence on rivaroxaban treatment is limited. We aimed to examine the outcomes of rivaroxaban treatment in NVAF patients with prior ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) by using the data of the Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese -Patients with AF, a prospective, single-arm, observational study. METHODS: The clinical outcomes of 9,578 patients who completed the 1-year follow-up were evaluated. Safety and effectiveness outcomes were compared between patients with and without prior ischemic stroke/TIA. RESULTS: Among the patients, 2,153 (22.5%) had prior ischemic stroke/TIA. They were significantly older and had lower body weight, lower creatinine clearance, higher CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and modified HAS-BLED scores as compared to those without prior ischemic stroke/TIA. Any bleeding (9.1 vs. 7.2 events per 100 patient-years), major bleeding (2.3 vs. 1.6 events per 100 patient-years), and stroke/non-central nervous system systemic embolism/myocardial infarction (3.4 vs. 1.3 events per 100 patient-years) were more frequent in patients with prior ischemic stroke/TIA. Stepwise regression analysis suggested that body weight of ≤50 kg and diabetes mellitus were predictive of major bleeding in patients with prior ischemic stroke/TIA. CONCLUSIONS: Safety and effectiveness event rates were higher in patients with prior ischemic stroke/TIA than those without. This might be explained by differences in several risk profiles including age, body weight, renal function, and risk scores such as CHADS2 between the groups. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01582737.

Outcomes associated with under-dosing of rivaroxaban for management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation in real-world Japanese clinical settings.

The approved dose of oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in Japan is 15 mg once daily (od) in patients whose creatinine clearance is ≥ 50 mL/min, but recent real-world studies have demonstrated that these patients often received less than the recommended dose due to bleeding concerns. The effect of under-dosing on safety and effectiveness outcomes remains unclear. We used 1-year follow-up data from the XAPASS, a real-world Japanese prospective, single-arm, observational study. Of the 11,308 patients, 6521 patients who completed a 1-year follow-up and had a creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min were included in this sub-analysis. Primary endpoints were any bleeding and a composite of stroke/non-central nervous system systemic embolism (non-CNS SE)/myocardial infarction (MI). Among the 6521 patients, 4185 (64.2%; mean CHADS2 score: 1.8) received the 15 mg od (recommended dose), whereas 2336 (35.8%; mean CHADS2 score: 2.3) received 10 mg od (under-dose). After adjusting for patient characteristics by propensity scoring and inverse probability of treatment weighting, incidence rates of major bleeding were comparable between under-dosed patients and patients who received the recommended dose (1.34 vs. 1.63 events/100 patient-years, p = 0.197), although the incidence rates of stroke/non-CNS SE/MI were higher in under-dosed patients than in those who received the recommended dose (2.15 vs. 1.48 events/100 patient-years, p = 0.009). In Japanese clinical practice, some NVAF patients receive rivaroxaban doses inconsistent with the recommendation. Considering the total clinical benefit, the recommended dose may be preferable in terms of balance of safety and effectiveness.Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01582737.

Real-world outcomes of rivaroxaban treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and worsening renal function.

BACKGROUND: Rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant administered to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety and Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS) was a prospective, observational, post-marketing surveillance study that examined the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in routine clinical practice. This sub-analysis of the XAPASS investigated the outcomes of patients with worsening renal function (WRF). METHODS: The XAPASS included 11,308 patients with NVAF who began treatment with rivaroxaban. Of 9578 patients who completed 1-year follow-up, the 7509 patients, for whom the change in creatinine clearance could be assessed, were included in the present analysis. Patients with WRF were those with a decrease in creatinine clearance of ≥20% from enrollment to any time point; patients with stable renal function (SRF) were those without such a decrease. Outcomes in patients with WRF versus SRF were compared at 1 year. RESULTS: We identified 1229 patients with WRF and 6280 patients with SRF. Patients with WRF were older and had higher mean CHADS2 and modified HAS-BLED scores compared to patients with SRF. The incidence rates of any bleeding (hazard ratio: 1.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.88-1.41), major bleeding (1.20; 0.75-1.90), and the composite endpoint stroke/systemic embolism/myocardial infarction (1.06; 0.65-1.71) were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: No association between WRF and occurrence of any bleeding, major bleeding, and stroke/systemic embolism/myocardial infarction was observed in patients with AF on rivaroxaban treatment during 1-year follow-up in real-world clinical practice. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01582737.

Study design of nationwide Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry: Protocol for a prospective, multicenter, open registry.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation has become a popular interventional treatment for cardiac tachyarrhythmias and the number has been on the rise year by year. However, little is known about its efficacy and safety in the real-world settings. METHOD: Japanese Catheter Ablation (J-AB) Registry is a nationwide, multicenter, observational registry, performed by Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS), collaborated with National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. This study is a voluntary nationwide registry and data are collected prospectively using a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system. Detailed data collection including antiarrhythmic medication is also performed every September. The acute success rate at discharge and the complications associated with ablation procedure will be collected in all cases. Major bleeding events are defined according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. Based on the provided information, the annual incidence and predictive factors for outcome will be investigated by the Event Assessment Committee. This registry started in August 2017 and the number of participating medical instructions will be more than 250 hospitals and the target procedure number will be 70 000 per year. We will also compare the results with other registries in foreign countries. RESULT: The results of this study are currently under investigation. CONCLUSION: The J-AB registry will provide a real-world data regarding the acute success and complications in Japan, focusing on various types of catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias.

Real-world outcomes of the Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety & Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS).

BACKGROUND: Although the efficacy and safety of the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were shown in global and Japanese phase III clinical trials, safety and effectiveness data from unselected patients in everyday clinical practice are limited. The objective of the XAPASS (Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety & Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in Japanese real-world clinical practice. METHODS: The XAPASS is a prospective, single-arm, real-world observational study mandated by the Japanese authority as post-marketing surveillance. In total, 11,308 patients with NVAF who began treatment with rivaroxaban were enrolled from April 2012 to June 2014, and 9578 patients were analyzed to examine the one-year outcomes. RESULTS: The mean treatment duration was 300±119 days. The patients' age was 73.2±9.8 years, and their CHADS2 score was 2.2±1.3. Any bleeding and major bleeding occurred in 602 patients (7.6 events per 100 patient-years) and 143 patients (1.8 events per 100 patient-years), respectively. Stroke/non-central nervous system systemic embolism/myocardial infarction was observed in 144 patients (1.8 events per 100 patient-years). CONCLUSIONS: Real-world outcomes of the XAPASS showed incidence rates of major bleeding and thromboembolic events, suggesting that rivaroxaban is safe and effective in Japanese daily clinical practice (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01582737).

Influence of substrate modification in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation on the incidence of acute complications: Analysis of 10 795 procedures in J-CARAF Study 2011-2016.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In expectation of better outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), several strategies of extra-PV (pulmonary vein) substrate modification have been utilized. We assessed whether substrate modification or ablation of extra-PV source is a predictor of complications. METHODS: Japanese Heart Rhythm Society requested electrophysiology centers to register the data of patients who underwent AF ablation. RESULTS: The data of 10 795 AF ablation cases (age; 63.8 ± 10.6 years) treated during 2011-2016 were registered. Pericardial effusion (n = 105), massive bleeding (n = 108), stroke (n = 6), atrial-esophageal fistula (n = 2), and other 114 complications occurred in 323 patients (3.0%). Univariate analysis revealed that age â‰§ 65 years, female gender, heart failure, CHA2DS2-VASc≧3, hemodialysis, deep sedation, and complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE)-guided ablation ([+] vs [-] = 4.3% vs 2.8%, P = .005) were related with the higher incidence of complications. Redo session, 3-D imaging system ([+] vs [-]: 4.4% vs 2.9%, P = .017), and periprocedural dabigatran were related with the lower incidence of complications. None of the linear ablation of the left atrium, ganglionated plexi ablation, and superior vena cava ablation affected the incidence of complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that in addition to 3-D imaging system, age â‰§ 65 years, redo session, and deep sedation, CFAE ablation was an independent predictor of the risk of complications (OR 1.78, P = .001). Specifically, implantation of a permanent pacemaker due to emerging sinus node dysfunction was frequent after CFAE ablation (CFAE [+] vs [-] = 4/1047 vs 2/9748, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among extra-PV ablation strategies, CFAE-guided ablation is a predictor of ablation-related complications.

Design and baseline characteristics of the Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety & Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS).

Background: The phase III Japanese Rivaroxaban Once-Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (J-ROCKET AF) showed that the rivaroxaban group had a lower event rate of intracranial bleeding than the warfarin group and that rivaroxaban was noninferior to warfarin for the principal safety outcome. However, safety and effectiveness data from unselected patients with AF in everyday clinical practice in Japan are lacking. Methods: The Xarelto Post-Authorization Safety & Effectiveness Study in Japanese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (XAPASS) is a real-world, prospective, single-arm, observational study mandated by the Japanese authority as postmarketing surveillance. XAPASS involves patients with nonvalvular AF prescribed rivaroxaban. The principal safety outcome is a composite of major and nonmajor bleeding events, and the primary effectiveness outcome is the incidence of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, noncentral nervous system systemic embolism, and myocardial infarction. Results: In total, 11 308 patients were enrolled from April 2012 to June 2014. Their age was 73.1 ± 9.9 years, and their CHADS 2 score was 2.2 ± 1.3. Female patients, patients aged ≥75 years, patients with a body weight of ≤50 kg, and patients with a creatinine clearance of <50 mL/min constituted 38.1%, 48.7%, 19.5%, and 23.9% of all patients, respectively. Almost half (53.2%) of patients were prescribed other anticoagulants before starting rivaroxaban. Conclusions: Data from this study will supplement those from the J-ROCKET AF and provide practical information for the optimal use of rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in Japanese patients with AF (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01582737).