Table 4 Characteristics of included observational studies
Reference | Type of study | Aim | Treatment | Sample size and number of older participants | Follow-up | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Burton 2006 [48] | Regional cohort-study | To measure the complication rates and adequacy of warfarin control in a cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation managed in primary care and to compare them with published data from controlled trials and community patients with atrial fibrillation not receiving warfarin. | ASA, warfarin INR 2–3, no antithrombotic therapy | N = 601, mean age 77 years. Subgroup analysis age ≥ 75 years. | 5 years | Antithrombotic treatment, stroke or TIA, bleeding complications, death |
Sam 2004 [59] | Community-based observational cohort-study | To determine the prevalence of warfarin and ASA use in atrial fibrillation. | ASA, warfarin, control | N = 393, men: mean age 72.5 years, women: mean age 79 years. | 14 years | ASA and warfarin use, bleeding complication, cardiovascular events |