Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists for cerebral venous thrombosis (DOAC-CVT): an international, prospective, observational cohort study

Abstract

Background

There is an unmet need for high-quality data from prospective studies on the safety and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of DOACs versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for the treatment of CVT in a setting that reflects daily clinical practice.

Methods

DOAC-CVT was an international, prospective, observational cohort study done in 65 hospitals in 23 countries across five continents. Eligible patients were adults (aged ≥18 years) with radiologically confirmed CVT starting oral anticoagulant treatment with either DOACs or VKAs, as per local practice, within 30 days after diagnosis. Exclusion criteria were previous use of anticoagulants at the time of CVT diagnosis or an absolute contraindication to DOACs (eg, pregnancy and lactation, or severe renal or liver disease). Data were collected during routine clinical visits or telephone consultations at CVT diagnosis (baseline) and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after CVT diagnosis. The primary endpoint was a composite of symptomatic venous thromboembolism and major bleeding events (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria) at 6 months. Main outcomes were adjusted for the confounders age, renal function, active cancer, CNS infections, concomitant antiplatelet use, country of inclusion's income status, Glasgow Coma Scale score, intracranial haemorrhage, antiphospholipid antibodies, previous major bleeding, and previous venous thromboembolism using inverse probability-of-treatment weighting. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04660747) and is ongoing.

Findings

Between Jan 27, 2021, and Jan 15, 2024, 619 patients were included; 401 (65%) patients started DOAC treatment, and 218 (35%) patients started VKA treatment. 390 (63%) of 619 patients were female and 229 (37%) of 619 patients were male. Patients’ median age was 41 years (IQR 28–51). 6-month follow-up data were available for 617 (>99%) of 619 patients. 12 (3%) of 401 patients in the DOAC group and seven (3%) of 218 patients in the VKA group had a primary outcome event (weighted odds ratio [OR] 0·99 [95% CI 0·37–3·38]). Three (1%) of 401 patients in the DOAC group died versus three (1%) of 218 patients in the VKA group (weighted OR 0·55 [95% CI 0·11–2·80]).

Interpretation

The rate of recurrent thrombosis and major bleeding did not differ between patients with CVT treated with DOACs versus VKAs. This study adds to the increasing evidence that DOACs are a reasonable treatment option for CVT alongside VKAs.

Funding

Netherlands Thrombosis Foundation.