Objective  To compare the effect of rivaroxaban and warfarin in treating senile patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

  Methods  A total of 120 senile patients with persistent atrial fibrillation treated in the hospital were divided into two groups, receiving routine treatment. Rivaroxaban group (60 cases) was given rivaroxaban, and warfarin group (60 cases) was additionally treated with warfarin. The coagulation function, N terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), incidences of embolism, bleeding, death before treatment and after treatment for 2 months were compared between two groups.

  Results  After 2-month treatment, the D-dimer (D-D), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and NT-proBNP in two groups improved, but showed no significant difference (P>0.05); the MMSE scores increased, and the ADL scores decreased in two groups, but there were no significant between-group differences (P>0.05); there was no statistical difference in the rates of embolism and death, as well as mortality rate between rivaroxaban group and warfarin group after 2-month treatment (P>0.05); the bleeding rate of rivaroxaban group was lower than that of warfarin group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Rivaroxaban and warfarin for senile patients with persistent atrial fibrillation have similar effects in controlling coagulation function and NT-proBNP, improving mental state and quality of life. However, rivaroxaban can decrease the bleeding rate during treatment.