Guidelines on oral anticoagulation with warfarin - fourth edition.

The writing group was selected to be representative of UK based experts. This guidance is an update of the previous guideline written in 2005 and published in 2006 (Baglin et al, 2006). The guidance is updated with reference to relevant publications since 2005. Publications known to the writing group were supplemented with additional papers identified by searching PubMed for publications in the last 5 years using the key word warfarin and limits clinical trial, randomized control trial, meta-analysis, humans, core clinical journals, and English language. The writing group produced the draft guideline, which was subsequently revised by consensus by members of the Haemostasis and Thrombosis Task Force of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology. The guideline was then reviewed by a sounding board of approximately 50 UK haematologists, the BCSH (British Committee for Standards in Haematology), the British Cardiovascular Society and the British Society for Haematology Committee and comments incorporated where appropriate. The ‘GRADE’ system was used to quote levels and grades of evidence, details of which can be found at http://www.bcshguidelines.com/BCSH_PROCESS/EVIDENCE_LEVELS_AND_GRADES_OF_RECOMMENDATION/43_GRADE.html. The objective of this guideline is to provide healthcare professionals with clear guidance on the indications for and management of patients on warfarin. This guideline replaces the previous BCSH guidelines on oral anticoagulants (Baglin & Rose, 1998; Baglin et al, 2006).