Comparison of the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants with warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomised trials

This meta-analysis evaluated the 4 new oral anticoagulants and compared their efficacy and side-effects to those of warfarin using results from randomized trials of treatment of afib.  Outcomes in nearly 72,000 recipients were evaluated, including stroke, embolic events, mortality, MI, and bleeding.  The newer anticoagulants reduced stroke risk by 19% compared to warfarin, and were associated with reduced mortality and intracranial hemorrhage.  The oral anticoagulants were associated with an increased risk of GI bleeding.