Direct oral anticoagulants vs Vitamin-K antagonists in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

TL;DR

This study compares the safety and effectiveness of two types of blood thinners in organ transplant patients, finding that one may reduce bleeding risk.

Contribution

The study provides the first meta-analysis comparing DOAC and VKA in solid organ transplant recipients.

Findings

DOAC significantly reduced composite bleeding risk compared to VKA.

No significant difference in major bleeding, VTE, or ischemic stroke risk between DOAC and VKA.

Current evidence suggests DOAC may be safer but more high-quality trials are needed.

Abstract

Oure review aimed to examine evidence on the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) vs Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with solid organ transplants.

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science libraries were searched from inception to 25th November 2023 for all studies comparing DOAC with VKA in solid organ recipients.

Nine studies were included with patients who had undergone kidney, heart, or liver transplants. Meta-analysis showed that patients receiving DOAC had a significantly reduced risk of composite bleeding as compared to those with VKA (RR: 0.45 95% CI: 0.30, 0.68 I2=25%). However, the risk of major bleeding was not significantly different between the two groups (RR: 0.76 95% CI: 0.40, 1.42 I2=37%). Pooled analysis showed that the risk of VTE (RR: 0.90 95% CI: 0.72, 1.13 I2=0%) and ischemic stroke (RR: 0.87 95% CI: 0.39, 1.94 I2=12%) was not significantly different between DOAC and VKA groups.

Limited data shows that DOAC are safe and effective in patients with solid organ transplants. The overall risk of bleeding may be reduced with the use of DOAC. There is a need for randomized controlled trials comparing DOAC and VKA in such patients to obtain high-quality evidence.

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