[Quality of life of elderly people on oral anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation: VKA versus direct oral anticoagulants].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Its prevalence increases with age and increases the risk of stroke and systemic embolism. Few data are currently available on the quality of life (QOL) of anticoagulated patients with the advent of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). Our study aims to describe levels of QOL in elderly patients with AF receiving oral anticoagulants and compare QOL of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and DOAC. This prospective study included patients of 65 years and over, receiving anticoagulants for AF (VKA or DOAC) from general practice (n=70) or cardiac practice (n=30). The patients completed a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic, geriatric data and a QOL standardized scale: the anti-clot treatment scale (ACTS) 17 items exploring two dimensions "Burdens" and "Benefits". Eighty-nine patients were enrolled: 61 were taking VKA and 28 taking DOAC. Our two groups were comparable for all demographic and clinical characteristics studied. Our patients' mean scores were 48.6±12.1 on Burdens and 9.7±3.8 on Benefits. Burdens and Benefits scores were significantly better for patients treated with DOAC compared to patients with VKA (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively). Anticoagulation in the elderly should be encouraged given the high thrombotic risk of AF. No matter what kind of molecule is chosen if in accordance to good guidance. Patients treated with ACOD seem to have a better QOL, but these results should be confirmed through larger randomized studies.