EFFICACY OF DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS IN NON-VALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A HEAD-TO-HEAD TRIAL ANALYSIS

Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) have revolutionized the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), offering advantages over traditional anticoagulants. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different DOACs in patients with NVAF through a head-to-head trial. The primary objective was to assess the thromboembolic event rates and major bleeding risks between rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran. Secondary endpoints included assessing quality of life and pharmacokinetics. The results revealed no statistically significant difference in thromboembolic outcomes among the three drugs. However, apixaban demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of major bleeding events compared to rivaroxaban and dabigatran (p<0.05). These findings indicate that while all three DOACs are effective in managing NVAF, apixaban may offer superior safety in terms of bleeding complications. The study's novelty lies in its comprehensive comparison across the three leading agents, presenting valuable insights into their relative benefits and safety profiles. The results underscore the importance of personalized treatment approaches in NVAF management, with apixaban potentially favored in high-risk bleeding patients.