Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Real-world data on atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Egypt, are sparse. The aim of the FLOW-AF registry was to evaluate the characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical and economic outcomes of newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients within the MENA region, including Egypt. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, observational registry enrolled newly diagnosed patients with NVAF from January 2020 to December 2022 at eight private-sector healthcare centers in Egypt. Data were collected at enrollment (baseline), and then at 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Baseline data included demographics, AF characteristics, medical history, and antithrombotic treatment patterns. Follow-up data included clinical events, healthcare resource utilization, and related costs. RESULTS: A total of 723 patients were enrolled. Overall, 51.87% were females, and the mean age was 61.9 years. All patients attended the private health sector. The mean (standard deviation) CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and HAS-BLED risk scores were 2.37 (1.55) and 1.46 (1.18), respectively. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (62.52%), vitamin K antagonists (22.28%), and antiplatelet therapy (9.85%) were among the prescribed treatments. Rates of transient ischemic attack and all-cause mortality were 2.64% and 0.83%, respectively; all other outcomes (stroke, bleeding, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism) occurred at a rate of ≤ 0.41%. Antithrombotic medications were the major contributors to per-patient total yearly cost (USD 381.2). CONCLUSIONS: The FLOW-AF study showed that patients with NVAF in Egypt are younger and exhibit lower mean baseline CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and HAS-BLED scores compared to Western and other Eastern regions. Additional research, including a broader study population with a longer follow-up, is essential to comprehensively assess the characteristics and outcomes of the NVAF population in Egypt.