Are COMPASS Candidates Among Internal Medicine Patients? Insights from the Internal Medicine Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: We sought to evaluate if internal medicine
outpatients are candidates to COMPASS trial strategy (low
dose rivaroxaban twice a day plus daily acetylsalicylic acid),
to detail the inclusion and exclusion criteria of COMPASS trial presented by internal medicine patients and to evaluate the frequency of patients already under the strategy.

Methods: Observational, retrospective, and transversal
study in an internal medicine department of a tertiary university hospital. During a one-month period, we consulted all electronic medical records of internal medicine appointments to assess which patients presented inclusion and exclusion criteria of the COMPASS trial.

Results: Of 228 patients, 40 (17.5%) met inclusion criteria
for COMPASS trial. Twelve (30.0%) had coronary artery disease, 21 (52.5%) had peripheral artery disease, and 6 (1.5%) had both. One patient was already on the COMPASS trial strategy. Of those who met inclusion criteria, 70.0% (n = 28) presented at least one exclusion criteria. The most frequent was the use of oral anticoagulation (mostly due to atrial fibrillation), followed by the users of non- acetylsalicylic acid antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusion: The number of internal medicine patients who are eligible to benefit from the COMPASS strategy is relevant. Internal medicine physicians must be aware of inclusion and exclusion criteria of this new prevention strategy to promptly apply it in clinical practice.