Background: Aspirin is a common, over the counter (OTC) medication. In conjunction with a five-day lead-in of Rivaroxaban, it is effective VTE prophylaxis for total knee & hip arthroplasty (TKA & THA) (EPCAT II study).
Aspirin may be thought of as a benign medication by patients given its non-prescriptive nature. Considering its role in VTE prophylaxis, it is important to ensure patient adherence to the full treatment regime [5 days Rivaroxaban then Aspirin 81 mg x 9 days (TKA) or x 30 days (THA)]. This retrospective quality assurance (QA) study analyzed compliance rates with Rivaroxaban and Aspirin in an elective TKA/THA population.
Aims: The main goal was to measure patient adherence with Aspirin post TKA & THA surgery. Patients were also assessed for GI symptoms with Aspirin use. Compliance with the initial five-day run-in Rivaroxaban was also evaluated.
Methods: Patients undergoing elective TKA or THA on or after December 1, 2019 were eligible. REB was notified; given the QA nature of the study, formal REB approval was not required. Patients were called once VTE prophylaxis was completed so as not to influence compliance. To minimize recall bias, phone calls were completed within 60 days.
Results: 100 consecutive patients with TKA or THA surgery on or after December 1, 2019 were followed. Preliminary results on the first 50 patients show 96% compliance with each of Rivaroxaban and Aspirin. Of patients who were non-adherent, 25% reported no concern for VTE risk after surgery versus 48% of adherent patients. 98% of patients reported receiving adequate VTE education; some reported this as a contributor to compliance. 2% reported stomach upset. Complete analysis pending.
Conclusions: Interim results reveal no difference in adherence with prescription Rivaroxaban versus OTC Aspirin. Overall results show excellent compliance rates. Education on VTE appears to positively influence adherence. Aspirin was not associated with GI discomfort.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Sardo L, Bayadinova J. Patient Compliance with Aspirin and Rivaroxaban Post Elective Joint Replacement Surgery: A Quality Assurance Initiative [abstract]. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2020; 4 (Suppl 1). https://abstracts.isth.org/abstract/patient-compliance-with-aspirin-and-rivaroxaban-post-elective-joint-replacement-surgery-a-quality-assurance-initiative/. Accessed September 24, 2023.« Back to ISTH 2020 Congress
ISTH Congress Abstracts - https://abstracts.isth.org/abstract/patient-compliance-with-aspirin-and-rivaroxaban-post-elective-joint-replacement-surgery-a-quality-assurance-initiative/