Background: Anticoagulation therapy becomes more challenging in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the increased risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events. While DOACs have several benefits over more conventional treatments, there is still much we don't know about their pharmacokinetics and safety in CKD. Objective: In order to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the relative safety and pharmacokinetic variability of DOACs in CKD patients. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA 2020 standards, a systematic review was carried out. Up to December 2025, electronic databases were combed through. We considered studies that looked at the pharmacokinetics, bleeding risk, and thromboembolic outcomes of DOACs in CKD. Eleven research, comprising pharmacokinetic studies, randomized trials, and cohort studies, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: Significant pharmacokinetic variability was observed across DOACs. Dabigatran showed high renal dependence and increased accumulation risk in advanced CKD, while apixaban demonstrated stable pharmacokinetics and minimal dialyzability. Rivaroxaban exhibited intermediate characteristics. In hemodialysis populations, dabigatran and rivaroxaban were related to higher rates of bleeding, but apixaban consistently linked with a decreased major bleeding risk than warfarin. Evidence regarding thromboembolic outcomes was mixed, with some studies showing no significant benefit of anticoagulation in dialysis patients. Conclusion: DOACs demonstrate variable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles in CKD. Apixaban appears to offer the most favorable balance between efficacy and safety, while dabigatran should be avoided in advanced CKD. Individualized treatment decisions are essential, and to determine the best anticoagulation therapies for this group, further randomized trials are required.
A leading cause of death and disability, chronic kidney disease (CKD) worsens with time, largely driven by its strong association with cardiovascular disease and thromboembolic complications. Patients with impaired renal function frequently require anticoagulation in cases like this atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism, placing them at increased risk for both thrombosis and bleeding. This coexistence of opposing risks makes anticoagulant selection particularly challenging in this population [1].
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have long been the backbone of anticoagulant treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The need for regular monitoring to sustain therapeutic anticoagulation, as well as their variable pharmacokinetics and a plethora of medication and food interactions, make their usage difficult. These limitations are further exacerbated in CKD, where altered metabolism and reduced renal function contribute to increased variability in drug response and possibly unfavorable results [2].
Compared to VKAs, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have better predictable pharmacokinetics, set dosage regimens, and less need for frequent laboratory testing, all of which have greatly altered anticoagulation treatment. Reasons for their broad use include the positive safety profiles shown in large-scale clinical studies and the fact that they are more convenient to use [3,4]. Despite these advantages, their use in patients with CKD remains complex due to differences in renal elimination among individual agents [5].
An essential part of renal function is the pharmacokinetics of DOACs, influencing their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. As kidney function declines, reduced drug clearance may lead to accumulation and increased bleeding risk. Conversely, inappropriate dose reduction or avoidance may compromise therapeutic efficacy, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. This delicate balance underscores the importance of understanding drug-specific pharmacokinetic profiles in patients with renal impairment [6].
Importantly, DOACs differ significantly in their pharmacokinetic characteristics, including the extent of renal excretion and bioavailability. These differences may result in variable safety and efficacy outcomes across stages of CKD. For instance, agents with lower renal clearance may provide more stable exposure in advanced CKD, whereas those with higher renal dependence may carry increased risks of accumulation. Understanding these variations is critical for optimizing anticoagulant therapy in this vulnerable population [7].
Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have traditionally been under- or excluded-represented in randomized controlled studies assessing anticoagulant treatments, despite their increasing clinical use. As a result, available evidence remains limited and sometimes inconsistent, complicating clinical decision-making and guideline development. This evidence gap highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation of both pharmacokinetic and clinical outcomes in this population [8,9].
Bleeding complications remain a major concern when prescribing anticoagulants to patients with renal impairment, as both minor and serious bleeding episodes may have a considerable effect on death rates, hospitalization rates, and quality of life. In addition, CKD is associated with complex alterations in hemostasis, resulting in a paradoxical state characterized by both increased bleeding and thrombotic tendencies. These factors necessitate careful individualized risk–benefit assessment when selecting anticoagulant therapy [10,11].
A number of variables, including age, comorbidities, concomitant medicines, and the degree of renal failure, contribute to the pharmacokinetic heterogeneity in chronic kidney disease. While observational studies involving real-world patients with decreased renal function have shed light on the usage of DOACs, the results cannot be applied to a broader population due to research design and population heterogeneity. To better understand the pharmacokinetic variability and comparative safety profiles of DOACs in CKD, as well as to facilitate more educated and personalized clinical decision-making, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature is necessary [12-15].
Study Design
The researchers behind this study used a systematic review approach that adheres to the standards set forth by PRISMA 2020 to guarantee their work is transparent, rigorous, and reproducible. The major goal of this study was to collect and assess the available data about the relative safety and pharmacokinetic variability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran are direct octave angiotensin-converting enzyme (DOAC) medications that have been the subject of recent research on their pharmacokinetic profiles, bleeding risk, thromboembolic outcomes, and dosage considerations in patients with different degrees of renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who need hemodialysis. To fully comprehend medication behavior and safety in this high-risk group, pharmacological and clinical data were both taken into account.
Eligibility Criteria
Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the studies:
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Eleven papers fulfilled all qualifying criteria and were included into the final synthesis.
Search Strategy
From the beginning of the database up to December 2025, a thorough literature search was carried out throughout many electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Boolean operators and various keyword combinations were employed in the search strategy:
For further comprehensiveness, we manually checked the reference lists of all the included research and related review articles. We loaded all the collected information into our reference management program and deleted any duplicates before screening.
Study Selection Process
Two separate reviewers were responsible for selecting the studies. A first step was determining the relevancy of titles and abstracts. After that, the evaluation of full-text publications was done using the previously established criteria for inclusion and exclusion.
Reviewers discussed and ultimately reached a consensus on matters of disagreement. When two reviewers could not reach a consensus, a third reviewer was asked to weigh in. Using a PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 1), which shows the steps of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, the whole selection process is described.
Figure 1 PRISMA Flow Diagram
Data Extraction
Prior to its implementation, a standardized data extraction form underwent pilot testing. From all of the studies that were considered, the following data was retrieved:
Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, with cross-checking to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Quality Assessment
A variety of standardized evaluation measures tailored to each study's unique design were used to determine the included studies' methodological quality:
We checked each research for selection bias, group comparability, outcome assessment, and clear reporting. Researchers graded the quality of the studies using a scale from poor to high.
Limitations in observational design, limited sample numbers in pharmacokinetic investigations, and possible confounding variables led to most research being graded as mediocre quality.
Data Synthesis
A narrative synthesis method was used since there was a lot of variation in the research designs, demographics, and outcome measures. Important theme areas were used to arrange the findings:
Quantitative results (e.g., hazard ratios, relative risks, pharmacokinetic measures) were reported descriptively. Discordance in outcome definitions, research designs, and assessment methodologies necessitated avoiding a meta-analysis.
Ethical Considerations
There was no need for ethics clearance or informed consent since this research relied on already available data. It is presumed that all included studies had the necessary ethical permissions in place before data collection and that they were all peer-reviewed. Research integrity, openness, and accurate reporting were maintained throughout the evaluation process in compliance with PRISMA 2020 requirements.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Their Comparative Safety and Pharmacokinetic Variability in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review Reviewing and Interpreting Included Studies
Study Designs and Populations: The eleven papers that were included exhibited a range of methodological methods to assessing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These studies comprised pharmacokinetic (PK) investigations, retrospective cohort studies, and one randomized controlled trial (RCT). Pharmacokinetic investigations (e.g., Khadzhynov et al. [16], De Vriese et al. [17], and Mavrakanas et al. [18] provide detailed insights into drug disposition, while large observational studies (e.g., Chan et al. [19] and Siontis et al. [20] offer real-world safety and effectiveness data.
From little pharmacokinetic studies (n = 12–18) to massive administrative cohorts (n = more than 25,000 patients), sample sizes vary greatly. Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and hemodialysis (HD), were the primary focus of most investigations. The length of the follow-up varied, ranging from short-term observational follow-up of less than five years to longer-term pharmacokinetic evaluations of a single dosage.
Pharmacokinetic Variability Across CKD Stages
Substantial pharmacokinetic variability was observed across DOACs, primarily driven by differences in renal elimination.
Dabigatran demonstrated the greatest dependence on renal clearance. In the study by Khadzhynov et al. [16], Approximately 48.8% to 59.3% of the medication in circulation was eliminated after a single 4-hour hemodialysis session, and there was very little redistribution of the drug after dialysis (<16%). The expected pharmacodynamic effects were confirmed by the linear connection between anticoagulant activity and plasma medication concentrations. However, the high reliance on renal excretion explains the significant risk of drug accumulation in advanced CKD.
With a half-life of around 8.6 hours and no appreciable buildup after repeated dosage, hemodialysis was shown to be ineffective in removing rivaroxaban, as shown by De Vriese et al. [17]. Substantial drug exposure was achieved with a 10 mg dosage in HD patients, which is equivalent to a 20 mg dose in healthy persons. In terms of pharmacokinetic stability, apixaban was the clear winner. In patients with maintained renal function, a lower dosage of 2.5 mg twice daily produced drug exposure equivalent to regular dosing, according to Mavrakanas et al. [18]. In contrast, the usual dose of 5 mg twice daily led to supratherapeutic levels. The amount of apixaban that was eliminated by dialysis was only around 4%.
Comparative Safety Outcomes: Bleeding Events
Several studies evaluated bleeding risk among DOACs and compared them with warfarin. Chan et al. [19] reported that dabigatran was associated with a 48% increased risk of bleeding compared with warfarin (RR 1.48), while rivaroxaban increased risk by 38% (RR 1.38), raising concerns about their safety in hemodialysis populations.
The opposite is true according to the results of Siontis et al. [20], who discovered that apixaban considerably reduced the incidence of serious bleeding when compared to warfarin (HR 0.72). Also, as compared to warfarin and reduced-dose apixaban, the risks of stroke, systemic embolism, and death were lower with standard-dose apixaban (5 mg twice daily).
Apixaban users had a lower rate of serious bleeding events (0 vs. 7 occurrences) compared to warfarin users, according to Sarratt et al. [21], however this difference wasn't statistically significant. Also, in patients with severe CKD, Stanifer et al. [22] showed that apixaban reduced the risk of significant bleeding by 66%.
Comparative Safety Outcomes: DOAC-to-DOAC Comparisons
Miao et al. [23] analyzed rivaroxaban and apixaban in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis and found no statistically significant variations in the risk of stroke, systemic embolism, or serious bleeding. These findings suggest comparable safety and efficacy between the two agents, although statistical power may have been limited.
Thromboembolic Outcomes and Efficacy
When compared to warfarin, Siontis et al. found that standard-dose apixaban decreased the risk of systemic embolism and stroke.
However, Mavrakanas et al. [24] found insignificant reduction in stroke risk with apixaban compared with no anticoagulation, but observed an increased risk of fatal or intracranial bleeding (HR 2.74), highlighting the complexity of anticoagulation decisions in ESRD patients.
Comparison with Vitamin K Antagonists
Yang et al. [25] reported suboptimal anticoagulation control among CKD patients receiving warfarin, with poor time in therapeutic range (TTR).
The FAERC study [10] treated patients with DOACs had a lower risk of cerebrovascular events compared to those treated with acenocoumarol, but there was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes of bleeding or death.
Randomized Trial Evidence
In hemodialysis patients, the VALKYRIE study compared rivaroxaban with vitamin K antagonists [26]. Although there were no significant differences in the course of vascular calcification, the trial did show that groups treated with rivaroxaban had fewer serious bleeding episodes.
Dosing Considerations
In order to attain the desired drug exposure in hemodialysis patients, pharmacokinetic findings suggest reducing the dosage of apixaban from 2.5 mg twice day. However, clinical outcomes data suggest that standard dosing may provide better outcomes in patients who do not meet formal dose-reduction criteria.
This discrepancy highlights the complex relationship between pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes and underscores the importance of individualized dosing strategies.
Overall Interpretation
From what we can tell from the trials apixaban has the best safety profile of the DOACs used to treat CKD. It has a lower risk of bleeding and is just as effective as, or perhaps more effective than, warfarin. The reason for this is probably because of its steady pharmacokinetics and reduced renal clearance.
Dabigatran, due to its high renal elimination, is associated with increased bleeding risk and is generally not recommended in advanced CKD. Rivaroxaban shows mixed evidence, with pharmacokinetic stability but inconsistent safety outcomes across studies.
Overall, DOAC use in CKD requires careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and individualized risk–benefit assessment, particularly in patients with ESRD.
Table 1: Features and Main Outcomes of the Included Studies
|
Study |
Country |
Design |
Sample Size |
Population |
Intervention |
Follow- up |
Key Results |
|
Khadzhynov et al. [16] |
Germany |
Phase I PK |
ESRD patients |
HD patients |
Dabigatran |
Single dose |
48.8–59.3% removed by HD; minimal redistribution |
|
Chan et al. [19] |
USA |
Retrospetive cohort |
29,97 7 |
AF + HD |
Dabigatran, rivaroxaban vs warfarin |
Variable |
Dabigatran RR 1.48; rivaroxaban RR 1.38 bleeding risk |
|
De Vriese et al. [17] |
Belgiu m |
PK/PD |
18 |
HD patients |
Rivaroxaban 10 mg |
Single/multiple |
Not dialyzable; no accumulat ion |
|
Mavrak anas et al. [18] |
USA |
PK |
12 |
HD patients |
Apixaban 2.5 vs 5 mg |
Steady state |
2.5 mg therapeutic; 5 mg supratherapeutic |
|
Sarratt et al. [21] |
USA |
Retrospective |
160 |
HD patients |
Apixaban vs warfarin |
12 months |
0 vs 7 major bleeds |
|
Yang et al. [25] |
USA |
Retrospective |
Multiple |
AF+CKD |
Warfarin |
Variable |
Poor TTR control |
|
Siontis et al., [20] |
USA |
Retrospective |
25,52 3 |
AF+ESRD |
Apixaban vs warfarin |
Variable |
↓ bleeding (HR 0.72); ↓ stroke and death |
|
Miao et al. [23] |
USA |
Retrospective |
2,623 |
ESRD+AF |
Rivaroxaban vs apixaban |
Variable |
No difference in outcomes |
|
De Vriese et al. [26] |
Europe |
RCT |
132 |
AF+HD |
VKA vs rivaroxaban |
18 months |
Fewer major Bleeds with rivaroxaba n |
|
Mavrak anas et al. [24] |
USA |
Retrospective |
2,082 |
AF+HD |
Apixaban vs warfarin |
Variable |
No stroke benefit; ↑ bleeding |
|
Stanifer et al. [22] |
Multicenter |
Post-hoc RCT |
269 |
CKD (CrCl 25–30) |
Apixaban vs warfarin |
Trial duration |
HR 0.34 for major bleeding |
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may benefit since it synthesises all the existing information on the safety and pharmacokinetic variability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The results show that there is a lot of variation in how drugs work and how patients feel when they're in various stages of kidney disease, which is why this high-risk group needs tailored anticoagulation plans [15], Tham et al. [6]. The review highlights the importance of renal function in determining the distinct pharmacokinetic profiles of DOACs. Dabigatran, characterized by high renal clearance, demonstrated significant accumulation risk in patients with advanced CKD, consistent with prior analyses linking renal impairment to increased drug exposure and bleeding risk [9], Khadzhynov et al. [16]. This supports recommendations to avoid dabigatran in severe renal dysfunction.
In contrast, apixaban exhibited more stable pharmacokinetic behavior across CKD stages, likely due to its lower dependence on renal elimination. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that reduced dosing in hemodialysis patients achieved drug exposure comparable to standard dosing in individuals with normal renal function [18]. However, clinical outcomes data suggested that standard dosing may provide superior protection against thromboembolic events in selected patients [20,22].
Rivaroxaban demonstrated intermediate pharmacokinetic characteristics, with limited dialyzability and altered but relatively stable exposure in hemodialysis patients [17]. These findings align with broader literature suggesting that while rivaroxaban can be used with dose adjustment, its safety profile may be less favorable compared to apixaban in advanced CKD [27].
Anticoagulants vary significantly in their risk according to the comparative safety study. According to a study conducted by Chan et al. in 2015 [19], hemodialysis patients were found to have an increased risk of bleeding when using dabigatran and rivaroxaban compared to warfarin. On the other hand, apixaban has shown a constant decreased risk of significant bleeding, which supports its good safety profile in populations with chronic kidney disease [20,13].
Previous studies in larger populations have shown that DOACs are just as safe as warfarin, and in some cases even better, in terms of bleeding outcomes [3] (based on observational data and randomized trials).
[4]. However, the applicability of these findings to CKD populations remains limited due to underrepresentation in clinical trials.
The balance between thromboembolic prevention and bleeding risk remains particularly complex in CKD patients. While DOACs offer effective stroke prevention, some evidence suggests that anticoagulation may not significantly reduce thromboembolic events in hemodialysis patients, while still increasing bleeding risk [25]. This underscores the need for careful patient selection. Comparative studies between DOACs have yielded mixed results. While some analyses demonstrated no significant differences between rivaroxaban and apixaban in terms of safety and efficacy [23], other studies suggest a consistent advantage for apixaban, particularly in advanced CKD [1,12] Warfarin remains widely used in CKD despite its limitations. Poor anticoagulation control and variability in therapeutic range are common in this population, contributing to increased risks of both thromboembolic and bleeding events [25]. Additionally, concerns regarding vascular calcification further limit its long-term use [8] .
The FAERC study provided additional real-world evidence suggesting that DOACs may offer comparable or superior efficacy to vitamin K antagonists, with no significant differences in bleeding outcomes [10]. These findings support the growing shift toward DOAC use in CKD populations.
Pharmacokinetic variability remains a central factor influencing clinical outcomes. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and drug interactions contribute to interindividual variability, complicating dosing strategies and increasing the risk of adverse events [14].
Recent meta-analyses further support the safety and efficacy of DOACs in CKD, although variability in study designs and patient populations limits the strength of conclusions [5,7]. This highlights the need for more robust, CKD-specific clinical trials.
Importantly, this review highlights the disconnect between pharmacokinetic predictions and clinical outcomes. While reduced dosing may achieve target drug exposure, clinical evidence suggests that inappropriate dose reduction may compromise efficacy, particularly with apixaban [20].
Overall, the findings emphasize that DOAC selection in CKD should be guided by both pharmacokinetic considerations and clinical outcome data. While dabigatran is often to be avoided CKD, apixaban seems to provide the best balance between safety and effectiveness. With the right dosage modification, rivaroxaban may be taken carefully.
This systematic review demonstrates that direct oral anticoagulants exhibit significant variability in pharmacokinetic behavior and clinical safety across different stages of chronic kidney disease. Apixaban has the best safety profile of with less bleeding risk and the same or better effectiveness as warfarin. On the other hand, rivaroxaban has intermediate features that need careful dosage modification, while dabigatran's high renal clearance and accumulation risk provide significant safety concerns in advanced CKD.
The findings highlight the importance of individualized anticoagulation strategies that consider renal function, patient characteristics, and drug-specific properties. Evidence gaps persist, especially in patients with the benefits of DOACs over standard vitamin K antagonists. Optimal dosage regimens and better therapeutic results in this complicated group can only be achieved by future large-scale randomized studies.
Limitations
A number of restrictions apply to this. It was not possible to do a quantitative meta-analysis because, first, the included studies showed a great deal of variation in research designs, patient demographics, and outcome measures. Secondly, a lot of research relied on observational methods, which might include biases including selection bias and residual confounding. Third, pharmacokinetic studies included small sample sizes, reducing generalizability. Additionally, patients with advanced CKD and ESRD remain underrepresented in randomized controlled trials, limiting the strength of evidence. Finally, variability in dosing regimens and definitions of outcomes across studies may have influenced the interpretation of results.