Time in Therapeutic Range Using a Nomogram for Dose Adjustment of Warfarin in Patients on Hemodialysis With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Patients treated with hemodialysis and prescribed warfarin typically have lower time in therapeutic range (TTR) compared to the general population. This may result in less benefit or increased risk of over anticoagulation in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess effectiveness of use of an electronic nomogram for the management of warfarin therapy in patients treated with hemodialysis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Adult patients treated with hemodialysis. PATIENTS: Patients on hemodialysis receiving warfarin for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) with therapy managed by nursing led electronic nomogram. MEASUREMENTS: Time in therapeutic range (as fraction and Rosendaal). METHODS: Retrospective chart review over 1 year of international normalized ratio (INR) results was completed, and TTR was calculated. Comparison of patients with TTR greater than 60% to those less than 60% was completed using chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Of 43 patients with warfarin therapy managed by the nomogram, the mean TTR was 55.2% (calculated by fraction method) or 61.2% (calculated by Rosendaal method). More than half of the patients (63.5%) had moderate to good control, defined as TTR greater than 60%. Female sex, liver disease, or history of substance use and more medication holds were associated with lower TTR. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and retrospective nature of review. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review supports the use of an electronic, nursing-led nomogram for the maintenance management of warfarin therapy in stable patients treated with hemodialysis, as use results in TTR greater than 60% for more than half of patients.