Warfarin use and the risk of motor vehicle crash in older drivers

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Feb;61(2):229-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02548.x.

Abstract

Aim: On the basis of a recent report, we assessed whether the use of warfarin by elderly drivers results in an increased risk of motor vehicle crash.

Methods: We used computerized records of Quebec insurance programmes, covering a population of 7 million people, to conduct a case-control study based on 5,579 cases and 12,911 controls.

Results: The rate of injurious motor vehicle crash associated with the use of warfarin in the past year was not elevated (rate ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval 0.55, 1.05).

Conclusions: Warfarin therapy does not appear to increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents in elderly drivers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quebec
  • Risk Assessment
  • Warfarin / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin