The COMPASS Trial

Abstract

Background: Rivaroxaban 2.5mg twice daily plus aspirin 100mg reduced the risk of cardiovascular events as compared to aspirin monotherapy in the COMPASS (Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies) trial but increased the risk of major bleedings. Analysis of net clinical benefit (NCB) is of key clinical relevance and represents an integrated measure of overall patient outcome. Methods: The current pre-specified analysis was performed to assess the NCB of adding rivaroxaban 2.5mg twice daily to aspirin monotherapy in patients with chronic vascular disease in the COMPASS study cohort (intention-to treat study population), with a specific focus on high-risk subgroups. The pre-defined NCB outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, fatal bleeding, or symptomatic bleeding into a critical organ. Results: A lower number of NCB adverse outcomes was observed with rivaroxaban 2.5mg twice daily + ASA vs. ASA alone (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.80, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.70-0.91), p=0.0005), which became increasingly favorable with longer treatment duration. The main drivers of NCB outcomes were 'efficacy' events, in particular stroke (0.5%/yr vs. 0.8%/yr, HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44-0.76, pConclusions: Compared to ASA monotherapy the combination of rivaroxaban 2.5mg twice daily+ ASA resulted in fewer NCB events primarily by preventing adverse efficacy events, particularly stroke and cardiovascular mortality, whereas severe bleedings were less frequent and with less clinical impact. The NCB was particularly favorable in high-risk subgroups and those with multiple risk characteristics. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01776424