Oral anticoagulants for cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation: which option works best for you
Official title: The Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Cirrhosis and Atrial Fibrillation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11300998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tries to figure out which blood thinner (warfarin or DOACs) works safest and best for people with cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $827,671 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167021-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11300998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cirrhosis and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are candidates for oral anticoagulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atrial fibrillation or with contraindications to anticoagulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation, choosing the right anticoagulant can be challenging because bleeding and liver issues matter. The study will compare different oral anticoagulants to see which offers better protection against stroke with fewer complications in routine care. Researchers will use patient data from real-world settings to understand outcomes across diverse groups. The goal is to provide clearer guidance for doctors and patients about which option to choose in everyday clinical practice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help doctors and patients choose the safer, more effective anticoagulant for cirrhosis with atrial fibrillation, potentially reducing stroke and bleeding risks.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research showed uncertainties in this patient population; this study aims to provide clearer comparative data in real-world settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simon, Tracey — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Simon, Tracey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing blood thinners for patients with liver disease and irregular heartbeat
This study is looking at how well different blood thinners work and how safe they are for people who have both liver cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation, to help find the best treatment for those at risk of stroke.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis
A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
-
Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin
This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center
A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.