Use of Vitamins K antagonists in non-valvular atrial fibrillation thromboembolic risk prevention in Burkina Faso

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is the commonest cardiac rythm disorder. Thromboembolic accidents are common complications that should be prevented by anticoagulant treatment. The aim of our study is to assess the use of vitamins K antagonists in the prevention of thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation. METHODS: It was a descriptive retrospective study of patients folders, performed in the cardiology department from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2011. The study included all patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation. Thromboembolic risk was assessed through the CHA2DS2VASc score, and hemorrhagic risk through the HAS-BLED score. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation accounted for 10.6% of all hospitalizations (103/970). Five patients had contra indication to anticoagulants. Non valvular AF was noticed in 68 cases (66%). The non valvular AF was chronic in 40 cases (59%) and paroxystic in eight cases (12%). The median age of the population was 64.5+13.8 years old. Median CHA2DS2VASc score was 3.9 + 1.6. Two patients had a score < 1. Sex, place of residence, age > 65, and cardiac failure did not interfere with prescription of vitamins K antagonists. Ischemic stroke and intra cavity thrombus were the indications for vitamins K antagonists’ prescriptions. The median HAS-BLED score was 3.5 + 1.5. The rate of vitamins K antagonists use was 35.3%. One case of death due to hemorrhagic stroke was noticed. CONCLUSION: Guidelines on thromboembolic risk prevention are poorly used in the cardiology department. But the use of scoring systems allows the assessment of vitamins K antagonists treatment benefit/risk in atrial fibrillation, and minimizes the hemorrhagic risk.