Dr. Kerstin deWit, MD

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Kingston General Hospital

Studies Atrial Fibrillation
1 reported clinical trial
2 drugs studied

Clinical Trials Kerstin deWit, MD is currently running

Image of trial facility.

Blood Thinners

for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) affects 200,000 Canadians and increases risk of stroke, morbidity and mortality. Having a stroke can affect a patient's ability to speak, eat, walk, work, care for themselves, and interact with others. Not only can it ruin one's life, but it can also be fatal. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot, depriving brain cells of oxygen. In people with atrial fibrillation, blood flow is sluggish in the top chambers of the heart, and blood clots can form there. When a piece of a clot breaks off, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. That's where blood thinners come in. Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, decrease the chances of blood clots forming in the heart, reducing the risk of stroke. Studies show that blood thinners are highly effective at reducing the risk of stroke by up to 95%. The conventional blood thinner is warfarin, taken by mouth. Warfarin requires regular blood tests to make sure a patient getting the correct dose. The patient also may have to avoid certain foods since the medication can interact with them. Newer blood thinners, known as direct-oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are available, which do not require regular blood tests and do not interact with foods. Two of the new blood thinners are called rivaroxaban and apixaban. Like warfarin, they can be taken by mouth, and studies have shown them to be as effective as warfarin. Both rivaroxaban and apixaban have been approved for stroke prevention in AF by Health Canada. However, there have been no direct head-to-head comparisons of these two anticoagulants, meaning comparative safety data is not available. Increasing use of DOACs for stroke prevention in AF and patient values around bleeding highlight the need for a comparison trial to ensure patients receive the anticoagulant with the greatest balance of benefit to potential harm. The trial is to assess bleeding rates and superiority of using apixaban versus rivaroxaban in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
Recruiting3 awards Phase 42 criteria

More about Kerstin deWit, MD

Clinical Trial Related3 years of experience running clinical trials · Led 1 trial as a Principal Investigator · 1 Active Clinical Trial
Treatments Kerstin deWit, MD has experience with
  • Apixaban
  • Rivaroxaban
Breakdown of trials Kerstin deWit, MD has run

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Kerstin deWit, MD specialize in?
Kerstin deWit, MD focuses on Atrial Fibrillation and other conditions. In particular, much of their work with Atrial Fibrillation has involved treating patients, or patients who are undergoing treatment.
Is Kerstin deWit, MD currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Kerstin deWit, MD is currently recruiting for 1 clinical trial in Kingston Ontario. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Kerstin deWit, MD has studied deeply?
Yes, Kerstin deWit, MD has studied treatments such as Apixaban, Rivaroxaban.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Kerstin deWit, MD?
Apply for one of the trials that Kerstin deWit, MD is conducting.
What is the office address of Kerstin deWit, MD?
The office of Kerstin deWit, MD is located at: Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario Canada. This is the address for their practice at the Kingston General Hospital.
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.