Establishing reference intervals for NOAC therapy in ethnic Chinese patients

Monitoring of NOAC Therapy: Standardizing Reference Intervals

Observational Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT04611893

This study is trying to find the right blood test levels for certain blood thinners in ethnic Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation to help ensure they are getting the best treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment360 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT04611893 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to establish reference intervals for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban in ethnic Chinese patients. A total of 360 patients aged 18 and above with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who have been on NOAC therapy for at least three months will be recruited. Blood samples will be collected before and two hours after medication administration, and demographic and medical history data will be retrieved from the Central Medical System. The study seeks to standardize the monitoring of NOAC therapy specifically for this ethnic group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are ethnic Chinese patients aged 18 and older with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who have been on NOAC therapy for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with valvular atrial fibrillation, recent hemorrhage or ischemia, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate monitoring and management of NOAC therapy in ethnic Chinese patients, potentially reducing the risk of stroke and other complications.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be studies on NOACs in other populations, this specific focus on ethnic Chinese patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ethnic Chinese ONLY
2. 18 years old or above
3. Non-valvular atrial fibrillation
4. Duration of NOAC use at least 3 months
5. No changes in NOAC dosage or type within 3 months
6. Creatinine Clearance (by Cockcroft-Gault formula) \>/=30mL/min

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Valvular atrial fibrillation or no atrial fibrillation
2. Recent haemorrhage or ischemia within 1 year
3. Active liver disease
4. Abnormal baseline clotting profile
5. Abnormal baseline thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis
6. Thromboembolic tendency other than atrial fibrillation (e.g. antiphospholipid syndrome, protein C, S, anti-thrombin III deficiency)
7. Non-compliant patients, defined as missing any doses of NOAC in recent 1 month
8. Anticoagulation for disorders other than AF
9. Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ischemic StrokeStroke, AcuteStroke SyndromeIschemicstrokeischemic stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.