The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Internal Medicine Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 5; 11(1):e1-e1 

Effect of Antiplatelet Medications on 
Critically Ill Patients with Pre-existing 
Atrial Fibrillation 

Mohammad Alqadi1*, SE Malhas1, M Safi1, R Assaly2, N Altorok3 

1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 
2Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, The University 
of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 
3Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 

*Corresponding author: Mohammad.Alqadi@utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Introduction: Limited data was found about the usage of antiplatelet medications on patients who 
previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), and were critically ill and admitted to stepdown care 
unit (SDU) due to other acute conditions. Our goal to clarify the effect of antiplatelet medications on the 
adverse events (i.e., transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) or death), and the influence of the associated 
clinical factors. 

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on previously diagnosed AF patients, that were 
admitted to SDU. The exposure was the use of antiplatelet medications, and the primary composite 
outcome was the transfer to ICU or death. 

Results:  A total of 1430 patients were included, in which 198 (13.9%) had the primary outcome, the 
exposed group was less likely to report the outcome than the unexposed group, 10% and 16% 
respectively (P= 0.001). Univariate logistic regression showed a statistically significant association 
between the usage of antiplatelet medications and the decreased primary outcome (OR: 0.57, 95% 
CI:0.41-0.79, P=0.001). The multivariate logistic regression was adjusted for other factors, the 
association was still statistically significant (OR: 0.50, 95% CI:0.32-0.77, P=0.002), and had less odds to 
report the main outcome in antiplatelet medications group. 

Conclusion: Among the critically ill SDU patients who previously diagnosed with AF, and admitted due 
to other acute conditions, and who were treated with antiplatelet medications, less likely to be associated 
with adverse events (transfer to ICU or death) by approximately 50%. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-691 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-691
mailto:Mohammad.Alqadi@utoledo.edu