Prospective Evaluation of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Use: Data from a Multidisciplinary Teaching Hospital in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies are pivotal in managing cardiovascular and thromboembolic disorders, significantly reducing thrombotic events and improving patient outcomes. Despite their clinical benefits, their use requires careful monitoring to prevent complications such as bleeding and drug interactions, particularly in regions like the Middle East, where the prevalence of atherothrombotic diseases is rising. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the utilization patterns of these therapies in a multidisciplinary teaching hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted at Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, over seven months, involving adult inpatients from various specialties who were prescribed antiplatelet, anticoagulant, or combination therapies for treatment or prophylaxis. Data were collected using a structured form, capturing patient demographics, clinical details, laboratory findings, and medication information, with daily monitoring from admission to discharge. Results: Approximately 43% of patients received antiplatelet therapy, 22% received anticoagulant therapy, and 35% were prescribed a combination of both. The aspirin-clopidogrel combination was the most commonly prescribed antiplatelet therapy (37%), while enoxaparin was the most frequently used anticoagulant (59%). Aspirin-ticagrelor-enoxaparin was the most prevalent dual pathway antithrombotic therapy (34%). Antiplatelets and their combinations with anticoagulants were primarily used for ischemic heart disease, while anticoagulants were predominantly prescribed for atrial fibrillation. Most antithrombotic drugs were used for therapeutic purposes, with fewer prescribed for both therapeutic and prophylactic use. Antiplatelets were mainly administered orally (95%) and dosed once daily (79%), while anticoagulants were primarily parenteral (86%) and dosed twice daily (51%). Antiplatelet therapy generally had a longer duration than anticoagulant therapy, and most prescriptions originated from the Cardiology department. Conclusion: This study highlights the real-world utilization of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies in a multidisciplinary teaching hospital in the United Arab Emirates, revealing diverse prescribing patterns influenced by patient characteristics and clinical indications. By identifying trends and discrepancies, the findings provide valuable insights to enhance patient safety, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and guide future healthcare policies.