Novel oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

Recent trials on novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in patients undergoing cardioversion showed that NOACs are as safe and effective as treatment with vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing electric or pharmacological cardioversion. We conducted an EMBASE and MEDLINE search for studies in which patients undergoing cardioversion were assigned to treatment with NOACs versus VKAs. We identified one prospective randomized study and three post hoc analysis of randomized trials which enrolled 2,788 controls that received NOACs and 1,729 patients that received VKAs. NOACs and VKAs had comparable effects on the rates of stroke/thromboembolism, major bleeding events and all-cause mortality. NOACs are safe and effective alternatives to VKA in patients with AF undergoing cardioversion.