What is the effect of NOACs compared to warfarin in Asian patients?
A meta-analysis of 5 NOAC trials comprising 1154 Asian patients found that the effect sizes of the primary efficacy endpoint (stroke and systemic embolism) and the primary safety endpoint (major bleeding) were greater in Asians than non-Asians when taking standard dose NOACs (dabigatran 150 mg, rivaroxaban 20 mg, apixaban 5 mg, and edoxaban 60 mg). Evidence suggested that Asians have a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) when taking Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) compared to whites, and a higher risk of bleeding on VKA than non-Asians.