Bleeding with oral anticoagulant dabigatran is highly associated with occult cancers in atrial fibrillation patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine cancer and bleeding in atrial fibrillation patients administered with dabigatran.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This study enrolled 509 consecutive nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients who received dabigatran. The mean administration period was 14.8 ± 15.7 months. We investigated the prevalence and new development of cancers. Further, the relation between cancer and adverse events was evaluated.

RESULTS: In the 509 patients, major bleeding occurred in 2.6% and dyspepsia in 8.4%. Further, 16.9% patients had a history of cancer and 3.9% developed new cancers. These adverse events developed in 45% patients who developed new cancers. The cancer (hazard ratio: 6.30; p = 0.003) was a significant predictor of major bleeding.

CONCLUSION: Bleeding was associated with the presence of cancer.