Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rivaroxaban Versus Dabigatran

Comparison of Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rivaroxaban Versus Dabigatran in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation (RIVAL-AF Study) -Multicenter Randomized Study-

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antiinflammatory effects of rivaroxaban compared with dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Previous study showed that administration of rivaroxaban reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. However, it is unknown whether the anti-inflammatory markers are decreased in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving novel oral anticoagulants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• non-valvular atrial fibrillation
• a CHADS2-VASc score of 1 or more

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindication for rivaroxaban or dabigatran
• stroke or systemic embolism, acute coronary syndromes or peripheral artery disease within 6 months before enrollment
• acute heart failure
• severe chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance < 30mL/min.)
• receiving dual antiplatelet therapy
• patients with a body weight of 50kg or less
• uncontrolled hypertension
• active malignancy, collagen disease, or infectious disease
• patients undergoing surgery within 6 months before enrollment
• patients who are planned to undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
• patients who are not allowed to participate in the trial by judgement of the treating physician