Abstract
Introduction: After total hip replacement (THR), thromboprophylaxis for at least 10 days and for up to 35 days is recommended – yet a convenient, oral anticoagulant is not currently available. Rivaroxaban – a once-daily, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor with a predictable clinical profile – is in advanced clinical development. RECORD1, a multinational, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase III study, compared once-daily oral rivaroxaban with subcutaneous enoxaparin for 5 weeks following THR.
Methods: In total, 4541 patients were randomized to receive oral rivaroxaban 10 mg (6–8 hours after surgery and once daily thereafter), or 40 mg enoxaparin (administered subcutaneously the evening before surgery, resumed 6–8 hours after surgery, and continued once daily). Thromboprophylaxis was administered for 35±4 days; mandatory, bilateral venography was conducted the next day. The primary efficacy endpoint was the composite of any deep vein thrombosis (DVT), nonfatal pulmonary embolism (PE), and all-cause mortality. Safety endpoints included major and non-major bleeding during the active treatment period.
Results: The incidence of the composite of DVT, PE, and all-cause mortality was significantly lower for rivaroxaban compared with enoxaparin (1.1% vs 3.7%, respectively; p< 0.001; relative risk reduction [RRR] 70%). The incidence of major VTE was also significantly lower for rivaroxaban compared with enoxaparin (0.2% vs 2.0%, respectively; p< 0.001; RRR 88%). There were no significant differences in the incidence of major bleeding (0.3% vs 0.1%; p=0.178) or non-major bleeding (5.8% vs 5.8%; p=1.000) between rivaroxaban and enoxaparin, respectively. There was no evidence of cardiac or liver safety issues.
Conclusions: Following THR, thromboprophylaxis with once-daily, oral rivaroxaban was shown to be significantly more effective than subcutaneous, once-daily enoxaparin – without an increased risk of bleeding. This trial demonstrates the efficacy and safety of oral rivaroxaban using a fixed, unmonitored, once-daily dose for extended thromboprophylaxis after THR.
Correspondence should be addressed to: EFORT Central Office, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH – 8005 Zürich, Switzerland. Email: office@efort.org