Strategies for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation in patiEnts Receiving Dialysis 2 (SAFE-D2)

People receiving dialysis are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke. Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) are commonly used to prevent strokes in people with AF, but it is not known whether they are beneficial for people receiving dialysis because this group has not been well represented in previous clinical trials. As a result, healthcare providers do not have clear evidence to guide treatment decisions.

The SAFE-D2 study will compare two approaches to preventing stroke in adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis who have non-valvular AF and are at increased risk of stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned (by chance) to receive either apixaban, an oral blood thinner, or no oral anticoagulant, while continuing to receive their usual dialysis and medical care.

The main goal of the study is to determine whether apixaban is more effective than no oral anticoagulant at reducing the risk of stroke or blood clots traveling to other parts of the body (systemic embolism). The study will also compare the two approaches with respect to survival, heart-related complications, major bleeding and other bleeding events, hospitalizations, dialysis access complications, quality of life, and the overall balance of benefits and risks.

Approximately 848 participants from Canada, Brazil, and Israel will take part in the study. The results of SAFE-D2 are expected to provide important evidence to help patients, families, and healthcare providers make informed decisions about stroke prevention for people receiving dialysis who have atrial fibrillation.