Implementation of a zero fluoroscopic workflow using a simplified intracardiac echocardiography guided method for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, including repeat procedures

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of the interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Traditionally, during these procedures the catheters are guided by fluoroscopy, which poses a risk to the patient and staff by ionizing radiation. Our aim was to describe our experience in the implementation of an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guided zero fluoroscopic (ZF) ablation approach to our routine clinical practice.

METHODS

We developed a simplified ICE guided technique to perform ablation procedures for AF, with the aid of a 3D electroanatomical mapping system. The workflow was implemented in two phases: (1) the Introductory phase, where the first 16 ZF PVIs were compared with 16 cases performed with fluoroscopy and (2) the Extension phase, where 71 consecutive patients (including repeat procedures) with ZF approach were included. Standard PVI (and redoPVI) procedures were performed, data on feasibility of the ZF approach, complications, acute and 1-year success rates were collected.

RESULTS

In the Introductory phase, 94% of the procedures could be performed with complete ZF with a median procedure time of 77.5 (73.5-83) minutes. In one case fluoroscopy was used to guide the ICE catheter to the atrium. There was no difference in the complication, acute and 1-year success rates, compared with fluoroscopy guided procedures. In the Extension phase, 97% of the procedures could be completed with complete ZF. In one case fluoroscopy was used to guide the transseptal puncture and in another to position the ICE catheter. Acute success of PVI was achieved in all cases, 64.4% patients were arrhythmia free at 1-year. Acute major complications were observed in 4 cases, all of these occurred in the redo PVI group and consisted of 2 tamponades, 1 transient ischemic attack and 1 pseudoaneurysm at the puncture site. The procedures were carried out by all members of the electrophysiology unit in the Extension phase, including less experienced operators and electrophysiology fellows (3 physicians) under the supervision of the senior electrophysiologist. Consequently, procedure times became longer [90 (75-105) vs 77.5 (73.5-85) min, p = 0.014].

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, a ZF workflow of AF ablations can be successfully implemented into the routine practice of an electrophysiology laboratory, without compromising safety and effectivity.

Plasma carbohydrate antigen-125 for prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation

Background

Elevated plasma carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA-125) levels are strongly associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure, but the relationship between plasma CA-125 level and AF recurrence following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) remains poorly investigated. We aimed to assess whether elevated CA-125 levels are related to long-term AF recurrence following RFCA.

Methods

Preoperative CA-125 levels were determined in AF patients undergoing initial RFCA. Multivariate-adjusted Cox models were constructed to determine the relationship between CA-125 levels and AF recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of AF recurrence.

Results

Of the 353 enrolled patients, 85 patients (24.1%) had AF recurrence at the 12-month follow-up. These patients had significantly higher baseline CA-125 levels than those without AF recurrence [(18.71 ± 12.63) vs. (11.27 ± 5.40) U/mL, P < 0.001]. The incidence of AF recurrence across quartiles 1–4 of CA-125 was 11.5%, 13.3%, 21.6% and 50.0%, respectively (P-trend < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for AF recurrence across quartiles 1–4 of CA-125 were 1.00 (reference), 1.085 (95% CI, 0.468–2.520), 1.866 (95% CI, 0.867–4.019), and 4.246 (95% CI, 2.113–8.533), respectively (P-trend < 0.001). A similar effect was obtained when CA-125 was studied as continuous data (aHR per unit increase in LnCA-125, 3.225, 95% CI, 2.258–4.606; P < 0.001). When a predefined CA-125 cut-off of 13.75 U/mL was established, patients with CA-125 ≥ 13.75 U/mL had a higher risk of recurrent AF than those with CA-125 < 13.75 U/mL (aHR, 3.540, 95% CI, 2.268–5.525, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed CA-125, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and left atrium anteroposterior diameter as independent risk factors for AF recurrence.

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative CA-125 levels are related to a higher risk of AF recurrence and can independently predict AF recurrence following RFCA.

Declined ELABELA plasma levels in hypertension patients with atrial fibrillation: a case control study

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in patients with hypertension. ELABELA, which has cardioprotective effects, is decreased in the plasma of patients with hypertension and might be associated with AF in the hypertensive population. This study aims to measure the ELABELA plasma levels in hypertension patients with and without AF and to analyse the related factors.

Methods

A total of 162 hypertension patients with or without AF were recruited for our monocentric observational study. Subjects were excluded if they had a history of valvular heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, thyroid diseases, or heart failure. The patients’ histories were recorded, and laboratory examinations were conducted. Plasma ELABELA was detected by immunoassay. Echocardiographs were performed, and parameters were collected by two experienced doctors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between ELABELA plasma level and AF in patients with hypertension.

Results

Plasma ELABELA levels were lower in hypertension patients with AF than in those without AF (2.0 [1.5, 2.8] vs. 4.0 [3.4, 5.0] ng/ml, P < 0.001). ELABELA levels were correlated with age, heart rate, BNP levels and left atrial dimension. In addition to the left atrial dimension, ELABELA plasma levels were associated with AF in patients with hypertension (OR 0.081, 95% CI 0.029–0.224, P < 0.001). ELABELA levels were further decreased in the persistent AF subgroup compared with the paroxysmal AF subgroup (1.8 [1.4, 2.5] vs. 2.2 [1.8, 3.0] ng/ml, P = 0.012) and correlated with HR, BNP and ESR levels.

Conclusions

ELALABELA levels were decreased in hypertension patients with AF and further lowered in the persistent AF subgroup. Decreased ELABELA plasma levels were associated with AF in hypertension patients and may be an underlying risk factor.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02197-x.

Economic burden of rivaroxaban and warfarin among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with obesity and polypharmacy

Aim: Evaluate healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs associated with rivaroxaban and warfarin among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with obesity and polypharmacy. Materials & methods: IQVIA PharMetrics^® Plus (January 2010-September 2019) data were used to identify NVAF patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and polypharmacy (≥5 medications) initiated on rivaroxaban or warfarin. Weighted rate ratios and cost differences were evaluated post-treatment initiation. Results: Rivaroxaban was associated with significantly lower rates of HRU, including hospitalization (rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.77, 0.92]). Medical costs were reduced in rivaroxaban users (difference [95% CI]: -US$6868 [-US$10,628, -US$2954]), resulting in significantly lower total healthcare costs compared with warfarin users (difference [95% CI]: -US$4433 [-US$8136, -US$582]). Conclusion: Rivaroxaban was associated with lower HRU and costs compared with warfarin among NVAF patients with obesity and polypharmacy in commercially insured US patients.

Prognostic impact of the presence of chronic kidney disease on percutaneous left trial appendage closure for atrial fibrillation: A single center experience

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been proposed as an alternative to anticoagulation therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to decrease the thromboembolic risk, while avoiding the risks of chronic anticoagulation. This option may be attractive in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease (CKD), since they exhibit both high-thromboembolic and bleeding risks.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic impact of the presence of CKD in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC peri-procedure and during the follow-up as compared with patients with preserved renal function.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational study that included 124 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC in a university hospital, and the results were evaluated according to the baseline renal function of the patients.

RESULTS

The median age was 75.5 years (IQR 67.6-80) and 62.1% were men, the median of CHA2DS2-Vasc and HASBLED scores was 4 (IQR 3-4) for both scores. Up to 57.3% of the total sample had CKD. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, but CKD patients were older and had a higher HASBLED score. During the procedure, no thromboembolic, bleeding events, or deaths were observed. Combining the time of hospitalization and follow-up, no significant differences were observed between groups in the annual rate of thromboembolic events (0.97/100 patient-years [100PY] vs. 4.06/100PY, p=.09), but there was a higher rate of bleeding events (5.67/100PY vs. 13.3/100PY, p=.033) and mortality among CKD patients (6.50/100PY vs. 17.2/100PY, p=.009), with an odds ratio of 2.711 (95% CI 1.96-6.95). In the multivariate analysis, a preserved eGFR was independently associated with a lower mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

LAAC is a valid alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with CKD and atrial fibrillation, with a low-rate of peri- and post-procedure complications, although CKD patients exhibited a higher risk of bleeding and mortality during the follow-up. However, these higher rates may not be necessarily related to the procedure.

Oral anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation in the ED: RE-LY AF registry analysis

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to determine predictors of OAC initiation in AF patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Secondary analysis of the RE-LY AF registry which enrolled individuals from 47 countries between 2007 and 2011 who presented to an ED with AF and followed them for 1 year. A total of 4149 patients with AF as their primary diagnosis who were not already taking OAC and had a CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥ 1 for men or ≥ 2 for women were included in this analysis. Of these individuals, 26.8% were started on OAC (99.2% vitamin K antagonists) in the ED and 29.8% were using OAC one year later. Factors associated with initiating OAC in the ED included: specialist consultation (relative risk [RR] 1.84, 95%CI 1.44-2.36), rheumatic heart disease (RR 1.60, 95%CI 1.29-1.99), persistence of AF at ED discharge (RR 1.33, 95%CI 1.18-1.50), diabetes mellitus (RR 1.32, 95%CI 1.19-1.47), and hospital admission (RR 1.30, 95%CI 1.14-1.47). Heart failure (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.74-0.94), antiplatelet agents (RR 0.77, 95%CI 0.69-0.84), and dementia (RR 0.61, 95%CI 0.40-0.94) were inversely associated with OAC initiation. Patients taking OAC when they left the ED were more likely using OAC at 1-year (RR 2.81, 95%CI 2.55-3.09) and had lower rates of death (RR 0.55, 95%CI 0.38-0.79) and stroke (RR 0.59, 95%CI 0.37-0.96). In patients with AF presenting to the ED, prompt initiation of OAC and specialist involvement are associated with a greater use of OAC 1 year later and may result in improved clinical outcomes.

Atrial fibrillation epidemiology, disparity and healthcare contacts: a population-wide study of 5.6 million individuals

Background: We aimed to evaluate atrial fibrillation occurrence, reasons for healthcare visits, mortality, causes of death and examined patterns by relative deprivation in the UK. Methods: To study the atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence, mortality and case-fatality, we implemented a prospective cohort study with the linked electronic health records of 5.6 million population in the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 1998 to 2016. A matched case-control study was used to investigate causes of hospitalisation and death comparing individuals with and without incident AF. Results: During a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 199,433(3.6%) patients developed incident AF. Increased risk of hospitalisation for heart failure, cardiovascular conditions and infection was present among patients who later developed AF. Following an AF diagnosis, patients were frequently admitted to the hospital for heart failure, lower respiratory tract infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease. One in 5 AF patients died during the first year after diagnosis, and the mortality increased to 42.7% at the fifth year. The excess deaths in AF cases compared to controls may result from cardiovascular diseases, infection and metabolic disorders. Individuals from areas with higher deprivation in socioeconomic and living status had both higher AF incidence and fatality. Interpretation: We observed an elevated risk of hospitalisation for cardiovascular or respiratory diseases among incident AF patients, and the considerable disparity in AF burden by socioeconomic deprivation informs priorities for prevention and provision of patient care. Funding: The study was supported by the GlaxoSmithKline, University College London Hospital and National Institute for Health Research. The funders did not have any role in study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing of the report.

The role of senescence in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation: A target process for health improvement and drug development

Cellular senescence is a state of growth arrest that occurs after cells encounter various stresses. Senescence contributes to tumour suppression, embryonic development, and wound healing. It impacts on the pathology of various diseases by secreting inflammatory chemokines, immune modulators and other bioactive factors. These secretory biosignatures ultimately cause inflammation, tissue fibrosis, immunosenescence and many ageing-related diseases such as atrial fibrillation (AF). Because the molecular mechanisms underpinning AF development remain unclear, current treatments are suboptimal and have serious side effects. In this review, we summarize recent results describing the role of senescence in AF. We propose that senescence factors induce AF and have a causative role. Hence, targeting senescence and its secretory phenotype may attenuate AF.

The Association Between Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and the Occurrence and Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

Aims: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of studies of the association of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and atrial fibrillation (AF), especially the predictive and prognostic role of LVH.

Methods and Results: We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception through 10 April 2020. A total of 16 cohorts (133,091 individuals) were included. Compared with the normal subjects, patients with LVH were more susceptible to AF (RR = 1.46, 95% CI, 1.32–1.60). In patients with AF and LVH, there was a higher risk of all-cause mortality during 3.95 years (RR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.42–1.79), and these patients were more likely to progress to persistent or paroxysmal AF (RR = 1.45, 95% CI, 1.20–1.76) than were patients without LVH. After catheter ablation of AF, patients with LVH were more likely to recur (RR = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.27–1.95).

Conclusion: LVH is strongly associated with AF and has a negative impact on outcome in patients with AF.

Flow Cytometric Assessment of Endothelial and Platelet Microparticles in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Dabigatran

The prothrombotic state in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is related to endothelial injury, the activation of platelets and the coagulation cascade. We evaluated the levels of platelet- (CD42b) and endothelial-derived (CD144) microparticles in the plasma patients with non-valvular AF treated with dabigatran at the time of expected minimum and maximum drug plasma concentrations. Following that, we determined the peak dabigatran plasma concentration (c_peak ). CD42b increased after taking dabigatran (median [IQR] 36.7 [29.4-53.3] vs. 45.6 [32.3-59.5] cells/µL; p = 0.025). The concentration of dabigatran correlated negatively with the post-dabigatran change in CD42b (ΔCD42b, r = -0.47, p = 0.021). In the multivariate model, the independent predictors of ΔCD42b were: c_peak (HR -0.55; with a 95% confidence interval, CI [-0.93, -0.16]; p = 0.007), coronary artery disease (CAD) (HR -0.41; 95% CI [-0.79, -0.02]; p = 0.037) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) (HR 0.42; 95% CI [0.07, 0.74]; p = 0.019). CD144 did not increase after dabigatran administration. These data suggest that low concentrations of dabigatran may be associated with platelet activation. PAD and CAD have distinct effects on CD42b levels during dabigatran treatment.

Patient-related factors associated with oral anticoagulation control: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Time in therapeutic range (TTR) of ≥70% is a commonly used indicator of optimal anticoagulation control. This study aimed to determine the patterns and predictors of anticoagulation control in a population-based cohort of new users of warfarin.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. All adults (age ≥18 years) who had been newly initiated on warfarin therapy between January 2006 and March 2011were selected from administrative health databases. TTR was calculated using the Rosendaal method. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify patient-related factors associated with optimal TTR. Predictors of patients spending >30% of time above and below the therapeutic international normalised ratio (INR) range were also examined.

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 6032 patients were included in this study. The mean TTR was 54.1 ± 18.8%, and 82.3% of patients had subthreshold TTR (<70%). Compared with New Zealand Europeans, Māori and Pacific people had decreased odds of achieving optimal TTR and increased odds of spending >30% of time below the therapeutic INR range. Patients aged 65-74 years and 75 years or older had increased odds of achieving optimal TTR but decreased odds of spending >30% of time below the therapeutic INR range than those <65 years. Compared with those living in the least socioeconomically deprived areas, those living in the most deprived areas had decreased odds of achieving optimal TTR.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulation control with warfarin is suboptimal in routine care in New Zealand. Age, ethnicity and deprivation index were significant predictors of TTR. It is important to ensure equitable access to appropriate, high-quality care for those living in deprived areas and those from ethnic minority groups.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Rivaroxaban and Warfarin Among Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) Patients with Obesity and Polypharmacy in the United States (US)

Introduction

Current evidence indicates that rivaroxaban may be a safe and effective alternative to warfarin among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and obesity. However, evidence regarding the impact of polypharmacy is limited in this population. The present study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin among NVAF patients with obesity and polypharmacy in the US.

Methods

De-identified health insurance claims data from the IQVIA PharMetrics^® Plus data (01/2010–09/2019) were used to identify NVAF patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and polypharmacy (≥ 5 medications) initiated on rivaroxaban or warfarin. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for imbalances between groups. Study outcomes were evaluated up to 36 months post-treatment initiation and included the composite of stroke or systemic embolism (stroke/SE) and major bleeding. Subgroup analyses were conducted stratified by polypharmacy category (5–9 or ≥ 10 medications). Outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 7000 and 3920 NVAF patients with obesity and polypharmacy were initiated on rivaroxaban and warfarin, respectively. At 36 months of follow-up, rivaroxaban was associated with a 29% lower risk of stroke/SE relative to warfarin (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57, 0.90). Major bleeding risk was not significantly different among rivaroxaban- compared to warfarin-treated patients (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70, 1.03). Subgroup analyses yielded results that were largely consistent with the overall polypharmacy analysis.

Conclusions

These results suggest that rivaroxaban is an effective and safe treatment option among NVAF patients with obesity and polypharmacy in a commercially-insured US population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01746-2.

New-onset atrial fibrillation in the intensive care unit: Protocol for an international inception cohort study (AFIB-ICU)

INTRODUCTION

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is frequently observed in critically ill patients and may be associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality. Considerable variation exists in the reported frequencies of NOAF due to the lack of a standardised definition and detection method. Importantly, there are limited data on NOAF in the intensive care unit (ICU). Thus, we aim to provide contemporary epidemiological data on NOAF in the ICU.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We have designed an international inception cohort study including at least 1,000 consecutive adult patients acutely admitted to the ICU without prior history of persistent or permanent AF. We will present data on the incidence, risk factors, used management strategies and outcomes of NOAF. We will register data daily during stay in the ICU for a maximum of 90 days after admission. The incidence of NOAF and management strategies used will be presented descriptively, and we will use Cox regression analyses including competing risk analyses to assess risk factors for NOAF and any association with 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

The outlined international AFIB-ICU inception cohort study will provide contemporary data on the incidence, risk factors, used management strategies and outcomes of NOAF in adult ICU patients.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This observational study poses no risk to the included patients. All participating sites will obtain relevant approvals according to national laws before patient enrollment. Funding sources will have no influence on data handling, analyses or writing of the manuscript. The study report(s) will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal.

Review Article: Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risk with Direct Oral Anticoagulants

PURPOSE

Although direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are associated with an overall favourable safety profile, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with DOACs compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) remains controversial. Accordingly, we aimed to provide a focused overview of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban and its management.

METHODS

We reviewed published studies reporting on DOACs with gastrointestinal bleeding as an outcome, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), retrospective database studies and large-scale prospective cohort studies.

RESULTS

Cumulative evidence confirms no notable difference in major gastrointestinal bleeding risk between DOACs and VKAs. Moreover, gastrointestinal bleeding in DOAC-treated patients seems less severe and requires less intensive management. The main cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in DOAC-treated patients appears to be gastroduodenal ulcers, whereas lower gastrointestinal bleedings are mainly due to diverticula followed by angiodysplasia and haemorrhoids. The lack of head-to-head RCTs with DOACs precludes drawing conclusions on the DOAC with the lowest gastrointestinal bleeding risk. Prescribing physicians should be aware of risk factors for DOAC-related gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g. age > 65, heavy alcohol use, uncontrolled hypertension, hepatic or renal dysfunction, active cancer, anaemia) and adopt preventive measures accordingly. Management of DOAC-associated major gastrointestinal bleeding involves temporary discontinuation of the DOAC, investigation of the bleeding source and treatment of bleeding with fluid resuscitation combined with transfusion and endoscopic haemostasis.

CONCLUSION

DOACs as a class do not increase the risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding compared to VKAs, which supports their continued use for different anticoagulant indications.

AF episodes recognition using optimized time-frequency features and cost-sensitive SVM

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) Arrhythmia is highly prevalent within a wide range of populations with major associated risks and due to its episodic occurrence, its recognition remains a challenge for doctors. This paper aims to present and experimentally validate a new efficient approach for the detection and classification of this cardiac anomaly using multiple Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. This work consists of applying Stockwell transform (ST) with compact support kernel (ST-CSK) for ECG time-frequency analysis. The estimation of the atrial activity (AA) is then achieved after analyzing P-waves of the ECG signals for each heartbeat. ECG signals segmentation allows characterizing the AA by making use of its (t, f) flatness, (t, f) flux, energy concentration and heart rate variability. The features matrix is employed as an input of the support vector machines (SVM) working in binary and asymmetrical mode with an embedded reject option. The proposed algorithm is trained and then tested using different ECG sources namely two databases provided by PhysionNet (MIT-BIH Arrhythmia, MIT-BIH Atrial Fibrillation) and recorded ECG signals using MySignals HW development platform with raspberry Pi 3 model B[Formula: see text]. The used method has achieved [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The obtained results confirm that the proposed approach represents a promising tool for Atrial Fibrillation Episodes (AFE) recognition with significant separability between Normal atrial activity and atrial activity with AF even under real and clinical conditions.

Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias: Advancements for Better Outcomes

Cardiac arrhythmias are associated with several cardiac diseases and are prevalent in people with or without structural and valvular abnormalities. Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) can be life threating and their onset require immediate medical attention. Similarly, atrial fibrillation and flutter lead to stroke, heart failure and even death. Optimal treatment of VA is variable and depends on the medical condition associated with the rhythm disorder (which includes reversible causes such as myocardial ischemia or pro-arrhythmic drugs). While an implanted cardioverter defibrillator is often indicated in secondary prevention of VA. This review highlights the newest advancements in these techniques and management of ventricular and atrial tachyarrhythmias, along with pharmacological therapy.

Real-world persistence to direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of real-world evidence comparing adherence, persistence, cost, and utilization between oral anticoagulant (OAC) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase (inception-July 2019) was conducted for published observational cohort studies comparing outcomes between ≥2 OACs. A network meta-analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios for non-persistence using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

There were 80 studies evaluating the outcomes of interest. However, due to a paucity in adherence studies and heterogeneity in adherence, cost, and utilization definitions, persistence was the focus of this network meta-analysis. There were 36 studies evaluating non-persistence in 395,593 participants, 24 of which used 3 gap definitions (30-, 60-, and 90-days); 18 unique studies evaluating non-persistence at 12 months were included in the network meta-analysis. Using 30- and 90-day gaps, all NOACs, when compared with VKAs, had lower odds of non-persistence (30-day OR (95%CI): apixaban: 0.63 (0.58, 0.69); rivaroxaban: 0.69 (0.62, 0.76); dabigatran: 0.89 (0.82, 0.97); 90-day OR (95%CI): apixaban: 0.33 (0.22, 0.47); rivaroxaban: 0.47 (0.36, 0.61); dabigatran 0.61 (0.44, 0.85)). When using a 60-day gap, dabigatran had higher odds of non-persistence vs VKAs (OR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.61), but there were no significant differences for apixaban and rivaroxaban. Apixaban had the lowest probability of non-persistence across the 3-gap definitions (95.7% with 30-day gap, 76.9% with 60-day gap, 98.4% with 90-day gap).

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings, despite multiple limitations, can raise awareness and understanding of real-world persistence associated with OAC therapy in NVAF patients.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Atrial Fibrillation-Mechanisms and Pharmacological Interventions

Despite the enormous progress in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, mainly with the use of invasive techniques, many questions remain unanswered regarding the pathomechanism of the arrhythmia and its prevention methods. The development of atrial fibrillation requires functional changes in the myocardium that result from disturbed ionic fluxes and altered electrophysiology of the cardiomyocyte. Electrical instability and electrical remodeling underlying the arrhythmia may result from a cellular energy deficit and oxidative stress, which are caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. The significance of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation remains not fully elucidated; however, it is emphasized by the reduction of atrial fibrillation burden after therapeutic interventions improving the mitochondrial welfare. This review summarizes the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction related to atrial fibrillation and current pharmacological treatment options targeting mitochondria to prevent or improve the outcome of atrial fibrillation.

World Heart Federation Roadmap on Atrial Fibrillation - A 2020 Update

The World Heart Federation (WHF) commenced a Roadmap initiative in 2015 to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and resultant burgeoning of healthcare costs. Roadmaps provide a blueprint for implementation of priority solutions for the principal cardiovascular diseases leading to death and disability. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of these conditions and is an increasing problem due to ageing of the world's population and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors that predispose to AF. The goal of the AF roadmap was to provide guidance on priority interventions that are feasible in multiple countries, and to identify roadblocks and potential strategies to overcome them. Since publication of the AF Roadmap in 2017, there have been many technological advances including devices and artificial intelligence for identification and prediction of unknown AF, better methods to achieve rhythm control, and widespread uptake of smartphones and apps that could facilitate new approaches to healthcare delivery and increasing community AF awareness. In addition, the World Health Organisation added the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to the Essential Medicines List, making it possible to increase advocacy for their widespread adoption as therapy to prevent stroke. These advances motivated the WHF to commission a 2020 AF Roadmap update. Three years after the original Roadmap publication, the identified barriers and solutions were judged still relevant, and progress has been slow. This 2020 Roadmap update reviews the significant changes since 2017 and identifies priority areas for achieving the goals of reducing death and disability related to AF, particularly targeted at low-middle income countries. These include advocacy to increase appreciation of the scope of the problem; plugging gaps in guideline management and prevention through physician education, increasing patient health literacy, and novel ways to increase access to integrated healthcare including mHealth and digital transformations; and greater emphasis on achieving practical solutions to national and regional entrenched barriers. Despite the advances reviewed in this update, the task will not be easy, but the health rewards of implementing solutions that are both innovative and practical will be great.

Newer generation cryoballoon vs. contact force-sensing radiofrequency ablation catheter in the ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an effective treatment to control symptoms. The second generation cryoballoon (CB) was designed for more efficient and homogenous freeze. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters using three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping with the use of contact-force radiofrequency (CF RF) technology has achieved good results in several studies.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of second-generation CB ablation in contrast to CF RF ablation in the ablation of paroxysmal AF.

METHODS

A total of 81 consecutive patients suffering from paroxysmal AF underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) either by the second generation cryoballoon (n = 44) or a contact force-sensing RF catheter (n = 37). The study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS trust. Baseline data, procedural data and patient follow up-at 3, 6 and 12 months-were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 53.8 ± 15 years in the CB group and 62.4 ± 12 years in the RF group, females representing 40.9% and 48.6% respectively. The baseline characteristics were comparable, but the CB group had less left atrial diameter and more left ventricular ejection fraction. The CB procedure was shorter (94.4 ± 39.3 vs. 140.8 ± 44.3 min, p < 0.0001), with longer fluoroscopy time (30 vs. 15.1 min, p = 0.047). Procedural complications were comparable between the two groups (CB 4.6%, CF RF 2.7%, p = 0.411). After 1 year, the recurrence rate in the CB group was similar to RF (27.3% vs. 27% respectively, p = 0.980).

CONCLUSION

Second-generation CB ablation of paroxysmal AF has similar efficacy and safety to contact force-sensing RF catheters, with shorter procedure times and more fluoroscopy.

Dose specific effectiveness and safety of DOACs in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A Canadian retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been proven to be effective and safe for prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, suboptimal adherence, variable dosing and use in patient populations that otherwise would have been excluded from clinical trials may impact the efficacy and safety profile of DOACs in a routine care setting. We compared stroke, bleeding, and mortality rates on and off therapy for standard and low-dose DOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) versus warfarin in a Canadian cohort. We also assessed persistence of DOACs compared to warfarin.

METHODS

We conducted six 1-1 propensity-score matched retrospective cohort analyses using Quebec health administrative databases (2011-2017). NVAF patients (≥18 years) covered by the public medication insurance plan entered the cohort on the first OAC dispensation date. We excluded those with OAC use in the previous year or stroke or bleeding diagnoses in the previous two years. Follow-up ended at death, March 2017 or end of medication coverage by the public plan. Time-dependent Cox regression was applied.

RESULTS

We evaluated 10,893 patients initiated on apixaban (7206 standard, 3687 low-dose), 10,190 on rivaroxaban (7396 standard, 2794 low-dose), 5884 on dabigatran (2756 standard, 3128 low-dose), and propensity score-matched warfarin users. Across standard-dose DOACs, compared to warfarin, stroke risks were similar; bleeding risks were lower with apixaban (hazard ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.52-0.77) and dabigatran (0.47; 0.35-0.64) but not rivaroxaban (0.93; 0.79-1.10); death risks were lower with all DOACs. For low-dose DOACs, rivaroxaban demonstrated higher stroke (1.79; 1.21-2.64) and bleeding risks (1.37; 1.09-1.73); other agents had stroke risks similar to warfarin and bleeding risks lower than warfarin; only low-dose dabigatran had lower death risk (0.59; 0.52-0.68). Treatment discontinuation was lower with DOACs versus warfarin with the exception of low-dose rivaroxaban. The risks of stroke were 2-4 folds higher during time off any OAC versus time on warfarin. The risks of death were higher, while the risks of bleeding were generally lower during times off any OAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard-dose DOACs had similar stroke, better persistence and mortality profiles than warfarin. Only standard dose apixaban and dabigatran had better bleeding profiles than warfarin. Low-dose rivaroxaban had worse persistence, stroke and bleeding profiles than warfarin, while low-dose apixaban and dabigatran had similar stroke and better bleeding profiles. Real-world use of DOACs may explain some of the differences observed in Canadian routine care versus the phase III clinical trials.

Wrist Band Photoplethysmography Autocorrelation Analysis Enables Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Without Pulse Detection

Atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic and intermittent making its detection challenging. A photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a promising option for atrial fibrillation detection. However, the shapes of pulse waves vary in atrial fibrillation decreasing pulse and atrial fibrillation detection accuracy. This study evaluated ten robust photoplethysmography features for detection of atrial fibrillation. The study was a national multi-center clinical study in Finland and the data were combined from two broader research projects (NCT03721601, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03721601 and NCT03753139, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03753139). A photoplethysmography signal was recorded with a wrist band. Five pulse interval variability, four amplitude features and a novel autocorrelation-based morphology feature were calculated and evaluated independently as predictors of atrial fibrillation. A multivariate predictor model including only the most significant features was established. The models were 10-fold cross-validated. 359 patients were included in the study (atrial fibrillation n = 169, sinus rhythm n = 190). The autocorrelation univariate predictor model detected atrial fibrillation with the highest area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.982 (sensitivity 95.1%, specificity 93.7%). Autocorrelation was also the most significant individual feature (p < 0.00001) in the multivariate predictor model, detecting atrial fibrillation with AUC of 0.993 (sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 96.3%). Our results demonstrated that the autocorrelation independently detects atrial fibrillation reliably without the need of pulse detection. Combining pulse wave morphology-based features such as autocorrelation with information from pulse-interval variability it is possible to detect atrial fibrillation with high accuracy with a commercial wrist band. Photoplethysmography wrist bands accompanied with atrial fibrillation detection algorithms utilizing autocorrelation could provide a computationally very effective and reliable wearable monitoring method in screening of atrial fibrillation.

Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Real Clinical Practice: in Appropriate Dose Reductions

Aim. To study the frequency of administration of direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) in doses recommended and not recommended by the instructions of the drugs in non-valve atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Material and methods. 10663 case histories of patients hospitalized for 5 years (2014-2018) were studied, 1307/10663 (12,3%) case histories of patients with AF were selected. In patients with AF, the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, the risk of bleeding, the anticoagulant therapy (ACT) recommended at the prehospital stage and its adequacy was evaluated.

Results. 1 261/1 307 (96,5%) patients had a non-valve AF. The risk of stroke and systemic embolism was 4,7±1,5 (CHA2DS2-VASс), 97,5% of patients with non-valve AF (1229/1261) needed ACT. Only 665/1229 (54.1%) patients with AF received ACT at the time of hospitalization and 578/1229 (47,0%) of patients did not receive ACT. Before hospitalization 281/665 (42,3%) patients received vitamin K antagonist (warfarin). The international normalized ratio in the target range (2,0-3,0) was in 111/281 (39,5%) patients. 57,7% (384/665) outpatients with AF received NOAC: rivaroxaban - 180/384 (46,9%) patients, dabigatran etexilate - 110/384 (28,6%) patients, apixaban - 94/384 (24,5%) patients. Inappropriate reduced doses of DOAC were revealed in 68/384 (17,7%) patients: apixaban - 23,4%, dabigatran - 16,4% and rivaroxaban - 15,6% (p>0,05).

Conclusion. In real clinical practice 42,3% AF patients used warfarin, only 39,5% of them had INR in target values. DOAC in inappropriate reduced doses used 17,7% patients.

Optimal substrate modification strategies using catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: 3-year follow-up outcomes

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of four ablation strategies on the incidence rates of freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial tachycardia (AT) through a 3‐year follow‐up in patients with persistent AF.

Background

The optimal substrate modification strategies using catheter ablation for patients with persistent AF remain unclear.

Methods

Patients with persistent AF were enrolled consecutively to undergo each of four ablation strategies: (a) Group 1 (Gp 1, n = 69), pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus rotor ablation assisted by similarity index and phase mapping; (b) Gp 2 (n = 75), PVI plus linear ablations at the left atrium; (c) Gp 3 (n = 42), PVI plus the elimination of complex fractionated atrial electrograms; (d) Gp 4 (n = 67), PVI only. Potential confounders were adjusted via a multivariate survival parametric model.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar across the four groups. At a follow‐up period of 34.9 ± 38.6 months, patients in Gp 1 showed the highest rate of freedom from AF compared with the other three groups (p = .002), while patients in Gp 3 and 4 showed lower rates of freedom from AT than those of the other two groups (p = .006). Independent predictors of recurrence of AF were the ablation strategy (p = .002) and left atrial diameter (LAD) (p = .01).

Conclusion

In patients with persistent AF, a substrate modification strategy using rotor ablation assisted by similarity index and phase mapping provided a benefit for maintaining sinus rhythm compared with the other strategies. Both ablation strategy and baseline LAD predicted the 3‐year outcomes of freedom from AT/AF

Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin in Patients with Mechanical Heart Valves: Open-Label, Proof-of-Concept trial-The RIWA study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To date, vitamin K antagonists are the only available oral anticoagulants in patients with mechanical heart valves. In this way, we developed a pilot trial with rivaroxaban.

METHODS

 The RIWA study was a proof-of-concept, open-label, randomized clinical trial and was designed to assess the incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding events of the rivaroxaban-based strategy (15 mg twice daily) in comparison to dose-adjusted warfarin. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio and were followed prospectively for 90 days.

RESULTS

 A total of 72 patients were enrolled in the present study. Of these, 44 patients were randomized: 23 patients were allocated to the rivaroxaban group and 21 to the warfarin group. After 90 days of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in one patient (4.3%) in the rivaroxaban group and three patients (14.3%) in the warfarin group (risk ratio [RR] 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-2.85; P = 0.25). Minor bleeding (without discontinuation of medical therapy) occurred in six patients (26.1%) in the rivaroxaban group versus six patients (28.6%) in the warfarin group (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.23-3.32; P = 0.85). One patient in the warfarin group died from myocardial infarction. No cases of hemorrhagic stroke, valve thrombosis, peripheral embolic events, or new intracardiac thrombus were related in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily had thromboembolic and bleeding events similar to warfarin in patients with mechanical heart valves. These data confirm the authors' proof-of-concept and suggest that a larger trial with a similar design is not unreasonable. CLINICALTRIAL.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03566303.

[Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, comorbid atrial fibrillation]

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is caused by the deposition of β-amyloid in small vessels in the cerebral cortex and leptomeninges. Nowadays, CAA is recognized more often due to the development of neuroimaging technologies. The frequency of CAA increases in old age that explains its frequent association with cardiovascular diseases. Combination of CAA with atrial fibrillation (AF) causes particular difficulties in managing of the patients, since antithrombotic drugs prescribed to patients with AF mostly contraindicated in CAA because of increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhages. The article presents a case report of the patient with AF who was admitted to the stroke center with acute ischemic stroke. According to MRI, the focus of acute ischemia was small and localized in the cerebellum. This stroke was regarded as having an undetermined etiology according TOAST classification. Small-vessel occlusion subtype was not diagnosed because the TOAST criteria do not attribute an ischemic focus in the cerebellum to a lacunar stroke, while cardioembolic subtype was rejected due to a small (less than 1.5 cm in diameter) size of the focus. Probable CAA in the patient was diagnosed on the basis of the following MRI data: multiple cortical-subcortical micro-hemorrhages (T2*GRE); a single cortical focus with features of the hemorrhage at the stage of intracellular methemoglobin deposition (T1- weighted MR images); bilateral enlargement of perivascular spaces in semioval centers (FLAIR); a negative fronto-occipital gradient (T2-weighted MR images). A diagnosis of CAA was made in accordance with the 2010 Boston criteria and 2019 recommendations of the International CAA Association. The article discusses the hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic MRI features of CAA. Frequency of occurrence of cortical microinfarcts in CAA is discussed as well as their differences from small cardioembolic infarcts in AF. Algorithms for antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with CAA and AF are considered.

CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED risk scores and real-world oral anticoagulant prescribing decisions in atrial fibrillation

Background: Guidelines indicate that oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment decisions in atrial fibrillation should be based on a balanced consideration of thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Materials & methods: A retrospective cohort of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients were identified. Univariate logistic regression and conditional inference trees were used to quantify the importance of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc and modified HAS-BLED scores and their individual components on OAC treatment decisions. Results: The individual components of these risk scores provided more distinguishability between treated and untreated patients than the risk scores themselves, with bleeding risk factors strongly associated with nontreatment. Conclusion: While individual components of risk scores drive OAC treatment decisions according to guidelines, the relationship between bleeding risk factors and nontreatment warrants further consideration.

Evaluation of atrial fibrillation risk in patients with vasovagal syncope

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine whether autonomic dysfunction in patients with vasovagal syncope with a positive tilt test may cause an alteration in atrial electromechanical properties and pose a risk for subsequent atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

The data of 27 patients with vasovagal syncope and a matched control group comprising 28 healthy individuals were compared. All patients underwent a tilt table test. Atrial electromechanical intervals (PA) were measured from the mitral lateral annulus, mitral septal annulus, and tricuspid annulus with tissue Doppler imaging. Left atrium volumes were measured with the disc method in apical four-chamber imaging.

RESULTS

Although atrial electromechanical intervals such as lateral PA, septal PA, and tricuspid PA durations were significantly longer (p = 0.009, p = 0.002, p = 0.011, respectively), interatrial, right intra-atrial, and left intra-atrial durations were similar in the vasovagal syncope group and the control group (p = 0.298, p = 0.388, p = 0.069, respectively). Left atrial volumes (maximum, minimum, and presystolic) were significantly increased in the vasovagal syncope group when compared with the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively). There was no difference between vasovagal syncope types in terms of atrial electromechanical intervals.

CONCLUSION

Interatrial and intra-atrial intervals were similar in the vasovagal syncope group and the control group. However, an increase in atrial volumes and a prolongation of certain atrial electromechanical intervals were observed in patients with vasovagal syncope. These findings suggest an alteration in atrial electromechanics caused by autonomic dysfunction that can lead to subsequent atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke: A Clinical Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke resulting in a fivefold increased stroke risk and a twofold increased mortality. Our understanding of stroke mechanisms in AF has evolved since the concept of atrial cardiopathy was introduced as an underlying pathological change, with both AF and thromboembolism being common manifestations and outcomes. Despite the strong association with stroke, there is no evidence that screening for AF in asymptomatic patients improves clinical outcomes; however, there is strong evidence that patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source may require long-term monitoring to detect silent or paroxysmal AF. Stroke prevention in patients at risk, assessed by the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, was traditionally achieved with warfarin; however, direct oral anticoagulants have solidified their role as safe and effective alternatives. Additionally, left atrial appendage exclusion has emerged as a viable option in patients intolerant of anticoagulation. When patients with AF have an acute stroke, the timing of initiation or resumption of anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention has to be balanced against the risk of hemorrhagic conversion. Multiple randomized clinical trials are currently underway to determine the best timing for administration of anticoagulants following acute ischemic stroke.

Acute Ischemic Stroke Associated with Myocardial Infarction: Challenges and Management

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may co-occur simultaneously or in close temporal succession, with occurrence of one ischemic vascular event increasing a patient's risk for the other. Both employ time-sensitive treatments, and both benefit from expert consultation. Patients are at increased risk of stroke for up to 3 months following AMI, and aggressive treatment of AMI, including use of reperfusion therapy, decreases the risk of AIS. For patients presenting with AIS in the setting of a recent MI, treatment with alteplase, an intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, can be given, provided anterior wall myocardial involvement has been carefully evaluated. It is important for clinicians to recognize that troponin elevations can occur in the setting of AIS as well as other clinical scenarios and that this may have implications for short- and long-term mortality.

Detection of Myocardial Infarction by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Embolic Stroke Related to First Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Elevated troponin levels are found in a significant number of patients who are diagnosed with acute embolic stroke (AES) after first diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). These myocardial injuries, which are known as cardiocerebral infarction (CCI), are potentially caused by coronary embolism and correspond to simultaneous cardiac and cerebral embolisms. However, this severe condition remains poorly understood. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) characteristics of CCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with first diagnosed AF hospitalized for AES in a neurovascular intensive care unit from 2019 to 2020 were included. Troponin Ic kinetic were measured <72 h, MRI and coronary angiography or CT scan were performed <7 days after admission. Patients with significant coronary lesions were excluded.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1150 patients with strokes were hospitalized in the neurovascular intensive care unit (ICU). Of these patients, 955 had an ischemic stroke and 97 had a transient ischemic attack. Among the 44 patients with AES and with first diagnosed AF, 34 patients underwent CMR and CMR analysis identified 12 MI. A significant rise in troponin (>0.10 µg/L) was observed in 35% of the total population (12/34 patients). More specifically, a rise was seen in 23% of the AES without MI group, 58% of the AES with MI. In addition, coronary embolism was identified in 3 patients who underwent coronary angiography (3/12) and MI was often (30%) localized in infero-latero-medial and infero-apical segments. Most AES were localized in the superficial sylvian territory.

CONCLUSION

We found a high prevalence of CMR-confirmed double embolization sites in the acute phase of an embolic stroke. Further studies are required to better characterize the pathophysiology, clinical course and prognostic value of CCI. Moreover, optimal management strategies, including antiplatelet therapy, remain to be determined.

Perioperative Management of Flecainide: A Problem-Based Learning Discussion

Flecainide is a first-line antiarrhythmic drug used to treat atrial arrhythmias and/or supraventricular tachycardia in those without coronary artery disease or structural heart disease. Even though it is an older antiarrhythmic, flecainide accounted for 1.6 million prescriptions in the United States in 2016, and its utilization is generally increasing. Despite its popularity, flecainide may predispose patients to rapid atrial flutter with resultant hemodynamic compromise, particularly in the physiologically stressful perioperative period. This article reviews the pharmacology of flecainide, describes problematic arrhythmias that may arise specifically during flecainide use, and offers recommendations for perioperative flecainide management.

Follow-up management of patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants

Over the last years, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have radically changed and simplified the therapeutic approach and management of patients on anticoagulant therapy. For these patients, international guidelines recommend to set up a regular follow-up (every 1-6 months) to re-enforce education, to ensure adequate adherence and persistence to treatment. In real-life setting, the application of the suggested follow-up regimens and incidence rates of thrombotic and bleeding complications related to the intensity of follow-up strategies has not been described. We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study at 4 Italian Thrombosis Centres to describe follow-up strategies of patients on DOACs treatment and to assess the incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications. We enrolled 534 patients, with median follow-up 24 months: 52.1% had < 3 visits/year (group 1), while 47.9% required ≥ 3 visits/year (group 2). Mean age and gender were similar between the 2 groups, while severe anaemia (4.4% and 1.2%, p 0.03) and creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min were more common in group 2 (26.8% and 17.8%, p 0.02). The incidence of thromboembolic events was 3.9% in group 2 and 1.1% in group 1 (p 0.03). Major bleeding rates were non-significantly higher in group 2, whereas non-major bleeding rates occurred significantly more frequently in group 2 (26.6% and 18.7%, respectively, p 0.03). A tailored follow-up program is of critical importance to correctly manage patients on DOACs. A less intense follow-up management is feasible and safe for a substantial proportion of patients, provided they are carefully identified at specialized centres.

Small Conductance Ca2 +-Activated K+ (SK) Channel mRNA Expression in Human Atrial and Ventricular Tissue: Comparison Between Donor, Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure Tissue

In search of more efficacious and safe pharmacological treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF), atria-selective antiarrhythmic agents have been promoted that target ion channels principally expressed in the atria. This concept allows one to engage antiarrhythmic effects in atria, but spares the ventricles from potentially proarrhythmic side effects. It has been suggested that cardiac small conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (SK) channels may represent an atria-selective target in mammals including humans. However, there are conflicting data concerning the expression of SK channels in different stages of AF, and recent findings suggest that SK channels are upregulated in ventricular myocardium when patients develop heart failure. To address this issue, RNA-sequencing was performed to compare expression levels of three SK channels (KCNN1, KCNN2, and KCNN3) in human atrial and ventricular tissue samples from transplant donor hearts (no cardiac disease), and patients with cardiac disease in sinus rhythm or with AF. In addition, for control purposes expression levels of several genes known to be either chamber-selective or differentially expressed in AF and heart failure were determined. In atria, as compared to ventricle from transplant donor hearts, we confirmed higher expression of KCNN1 and KCNA5, and lower expression of KCNJ2, whereas KCNN2 and KCNN3 were statistically not differentially expressed. Overall expression of KCNN1 was low compared to KCNN2 and KCNN3. Comparing atrial tissue from patients with AF to sinus rhythm samples we saw downregulation of KCNN2 in AF, as previously reported. When comparing ventricular tissue from heart failure patients to non-diseased samples, we found significantly increased ventricular expression of KCNN3 in heart failure, as previously published. The other channels showed no significant difference in expression in either disease. Our results add weight to the view that SK channels are not likely to be an atria-selective target, especially in failing human hearts, and modulators of these channels may prove to have less utility in treating AF than hoped. Whether targeting SK1 holds potential remains to be elucidated.

Burden of major gastrointestinal bleeding among oral anticoagulant-treated non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common type of major bleeding associated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment. Patients with major bleeding are at an increased risk of a stroke if an OAC is not reinitiated.

METHODS

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients initiating OACs were identified from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare data and four US commercial claims databases. Patients who had a major GI bleeding event (hospitalization with primary diagnosis of GI bleeding) while on an OAC were selected. A control cohort of patients without a major GI bleed during OAC treatment was matched to major GI bleeding patients using propensity scores. Stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding, and mortality (in the CMS population) were examined using Cox proportional hazards models with robust sandwich estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 15,888 patients with major GI bleeding and 833,052 patients without major GI bleeding were included in the study. Within 90 days of the major GI bleed, 58% of patients discontinued the initial OAC treatment. Patients with a major GI bleed had a higher risk of stroke/SE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-1.74], major bleeding (HR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.64-2.95), and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.23-1.36) than patients without a major GI bleed.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a major GI bleed on OAC had a high rate of OAC discontinuation and significantly higher risk of stroke/SE, major bleeding, and mortality after hospital discharge than those without. Effective management strategies are needed for patients with risk factors for major GI bleeding.

Prognostic Value of Pre-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing MitraClip Implantation

Limited data are available regarding the independent prognostic role of preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip. We sought to evaluate the impact of preoperative AF in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) after MitraClip treatment. The study included 605 patients with significant secondary MR from a multicenter international registry. Patients were stratified into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of preoperative AF. Primary end point was 5-year overall death, secondary end points were 5-year cardiac death and first re-hospitalization for HF. To account for baseline differences, patients were propensity score matched 1:1. The overall prevalence of preoperative AF was 44%. At 5-year Kaplan-Meier analysis, compared with patients without AF, those with AF had significantly more adverse events in term of overall death (67% vs 43%; HR 1.84, log-rank p <0.001) and cardiac death (56% vs 29%; HR 2.11, log-rank p <0.001) and re-hospitalization for HF (63% vs 52%; HR 1.33, log-rank p = 0.048). Multivariate analysis identified AF as independent predictor of worse outcome in term of primary end point (HR 1.729, 95% C.I. 1.060 to 2.821; p = 0.028). After propensity score matching, patients with AF had higher rates of death and cardiac mortality but similar rates of re-hospitalization for HF. In conclusion, in patients with HF undergoing MitraClip treatment for secondary MR, preoperative AF is common and an unfavourable predictor of 5-year death and cardiac death. However, AF did not affect the frequency of re-hospitalization for HF.

Relation of Left Atrial Enlargement to Subsequent Thromboembolic Events in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Low to Borderline Embolic Risk

The current thromboembolic risk stratification of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) does not include parameters from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We hypothesized that left atrial enlargement (LAE) on TTE could discriminate who require anticoagulation therapy among NVAF patients with low/borderline clinical embolic risk. This single-center cohort study included 6,602 patients with NVAF (median age, 56 years, 70.0% male) with a low to borderline clinical embolic risk (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score: 0 to 1 in males, 1 to 2 in females). LAE was classified as mild (≥41 mm in males; ≥39 mm in females) or moderate-severe (≥47 mm in males; ≥43 mm in females). The main study outcome was thromboembolic event (ischemic stroke and systemic embolism). Mild and moderate-severe LAE was diagnosed in 26.1% and 32.9% of the cohort, respectively. The patients with moderate-severe LAE showed a higher prevalence of baseline comorbidities and valvular heart disease and had a higher incidence of thromboembolic events than patients with mild or no LAE at 2 years of follow-up (2.5% vs 1.3% vs 1.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, patients with moderate-severe LAE were at a higher risk of thromboembolic event (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.65 to 3.90; p < 0.001) compared to those with no LAE. This result persisted in a subgroup analysis of anticoagulant-naïve patients. The rate of thromboembolic events in patients with low clinical embolic risk and moderate-severe LAE was not different to those with high clinical embolic risk without LAE. In conclusion, Moderate-severe LAE on TTE was a significant predictor of thromboembolic events in NVAF patients at low/borderline clinical embolic risk.

Atrial high‑rate episodes and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with dual chamber permanent pacemakers: a retrospective study

Patients with atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) are at higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The cutoff threshold for AHRE duration for MACE, with/without history of atrial fibrillation (AF) or myocardial infarction (MI), is unknown. A total of 481 consecutive patients with/without history of AF or MI receiving dual-chamber pacemaker implantation were included. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of MACE after AHRE ≥ 5 min, ≥ 6 h, and ≥ 24 h. AHRE was defined as > 175 bpm (MEDTRONIC) or > 200 bpm (BIOTRONIK) lasting ≥ 5 min. Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was conducted. Patients' mean age was 75.3 ± 10.7 years and 188 (39.1%) developed AHRE ≥ 5 min, 115 (23.9%) ≥ 6 h, and 83 (17.3%) ≥ 24 h. During follow-up (median 39.9 ± 29.8 months), 92 MACE occurred (IR 5.749%/year, 95% CI 3.88-5.85). AHRE ≥ 5 min (HR 5.252, 95% CI 2.575-10.715, P < 0.001) and ≥ 6 h (HR 2.548, 95% CI 1.284-5.058, P = 0.007) was independently associated with MACE, but not AHRE ≥ 24 h. Patients with history of MI (IR 17.80%/year) had higher MACE incidence than those without (IR 3.77%/year, p = 0.001). Significant differences were found between MACE patients with/without history of AF in AHRE ≥ 5 min but not AHRE ≥ 6 h or ≥ 24 h. Patients with dual-chamber pacemakers who develop AHRE have increased risk of MACE, particularly after history of AF or MI.

Individualized education focusing on self-management improved the knowledge and self-management behaviour of elderly people with atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

This study examined the effect of an individualized educational intervention on the knowledge, attitudes and self-management ability after 12 weeks for outpatients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

A randomized control-group pretest-post-test experimental design was used. Elderly outpatients with atrial fibrillation aged over 65 years were recruited from a university hospital in Korea. The experimental group received a 50-min individualized education on self-management, one telephone counselling after 8 weeks and maintenance of a self-management diary for 12 weeks. Data were collected from November 2017 to April 2018 and analysed using SPSS 22.0 for descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing.

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was 71.9 (4.6) years. Compared to the control group (n = 29), the experimental group (n = 31) showed a significantly greater improvement in knowledge regarding atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention (t = -2.27, p = .027) and self-management behaviours (t = -8.02, p < .001). There were no significant group differences in attitudes towards atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that education for elderly people with atrial fibrillation should be individualized, focusing on self-management in daily life to prevent cardiovascular complications. Future research is needed to confirm the long-term effects of such education programmes.

The Risk of Falling and Consequences of Falling in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Different Types of Anticoagulant

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to investigate the predictors of falls requiring a visit to the emergency department in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving different types of anticoagulants and to investigate the clinical consequences of falling in the same population.

METHODS

A total of 1217 patients with nonvalvular AF from two institutions were retrospectively evaluated. Each patient underwent a physical examination, and clinical histories and medication profiles were taken from each patient at baseline.

RESULTS

The median age of our cohort was 71 years; 52.3% were males, and 86.1% of patients were receiving anticoagulation at study baseline. The 5-year freedom-from-falling rate was 81.6%. The use and type of anticoagulation was not significantly associated with the risk of falling (P = 0.222), whereas higher Morse Fall Scale (MFS), CHA₂DS₂-VAS_C (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category), and HAS-BLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly [> 65 years], drugs/alcohol concomitantly) scores were significantly associated with a higher hazard of the first fall in univariate analyses. In the multivariate Cox regression model, MFS, older age, osteoporosis, higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher diastolic blood pressure, and use of amiodarone, diuretics, or short- and medium-acting benzodiazepines were mutually independent predictors of the first fall. Of 163 patients, 93 (57%) had a bone fracture during the fall. Type of anticoagulation significantly affected survival after the first fall (P < 0.001): patients inadequately anticoagulated with warfarin had worse survival rates, and patients receiving apixaban and dabigatran had the best survival rates after the first fall.

CONCLUSION

Older patients who had comorbidities and were taking amiodarone, diuretics, or short- or medium-acting benzodiazepines had the highest risk of falls. The type and quality of anticoagulation did not seem to affect the risk of falling but did significantly affect survival after the first fall.

Decentralising atrial fibrillation screening to overcome socio-demographic inequalities in uptake in STROKESTOP II

OBJECTIVE

In the first STROKESTOP atrial fibrillation screening study, participation was influenced by socio-demographic and geographic factors. To improve uptake in the second study, two screening sites were added, closer to low-income neighbourhoods which had very low participation in the first study. This paper aims to analyse the geographic and socio-demographic disparities in uptake in the second trial and compare the results with the first trial.

METHODS

Inhabitants of the Stockholm region born in 1940 and 1941 were randomised 1:1 to be invited to screening or serve as controls. Medical history, blood samples and single-lead-ECG were collected. Invitee's residential parish was used for geo-mapping analysis of the geographical disparities in participation, using hierarchical Bayes methods. Individual data for participants and non-participants were obtained for the socioeconomic variables: educational level, disposable income, immigrant and marital status.

RESULTS

Higher participation was observed in those with higher education, high income, among non-immigrants and married individuals. Participation between the first and second studies improved significantly, where additional screening sites were introduced. These improvements were generally significant, in each population group according to socio-demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Decentralisation of screening sites in an atrial fibrillation screening program yielded a significantly positive impact on screening uptake. Adding local screening sites in areas with low uptake had beneficial impact on participation across a wide spectrum of socio-demographic groups. Decentralised screening substantially increased the screening uptake in deprived areas.

Comparison of the ATRIA, CHA2DS2-VASc, and Modified Scores ATRIA-HSV, CHA2DS2-VASc-HS, for the Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity

Many parameters included in the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) and CHA₂DS₂-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category) scores also predict coronary artery disease (CAD). We modified the ATRIA score (ATRIA-HSV) by adding hyperlipidemia, smoking, and vascular disease and also male sex instead of female. We evaluated whether the CHA₂DS₂-VASc, CHA₂DS₂-VASc-HS, ATRIA, and ATRIA-HSV scores predict severe CAD. Consecutive patients with coronary angiography were prospectively included. A ≥50% stenosis in ≥1epicardial coronary artery (CA) was defined as severe CAD. Patient with normal CA (n = 210) were defined as group 1, with <50% CA stenosis (n = 178) as group 2, and with ≥50% stenosis (n = 297) as group 3. The mean ATRIA, ATRIA-HSV, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, and CHA₂DS₂VASc-HS scores increased from group 1 to group 3. A correlation was found between the Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score and ATRIA (r = 0.570), ATRIA-HSV (r = 0.614), CHA₂DS₂-VASc (r = 0.428), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc-HS (r = 0.500) scores (Ps < .005). Pairwise comparisons of receiver operating characteristics curves showed that ATRIA-HSV (>3 area under curve [AUC]: 0.874) and ATRIA (>3, AUC: 0.854) have a better performance than CHA₂DS₂-VASc (>1, AUC: 0.746) and CHA₂DS₂-VASc-HS (>2, AUC: 0.769). In conclusion, the ATRIA and ATRIA-HSV scores are simple and may be useful to predict severe CAD.

Atrial fibrillation self screening, management and guideline recommended therapy (AF SELF SMART): A protocol for atrial fibrillation self-screening in general practice

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic screening for silent atrial fibrillation (AF) is recommended to reduce stroke, but screening rates are sub-optimal in general practice. We hypothesize that patient self-screening in the waiting room may improve screening and detection of AF.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

This proof-of-concept study tests a purpose-designed AF self-screening station and customised software which seamlessly integrates with general practice electronic medical records and workflow. The self-screening station records a lead-1 ECG. The software automatically (1) identifies eligible patients (aged ≥65 years, no AF diagnosis) from the practice appointment diary; (2) sends eligible patients an automated SMS reminder prior to their appointment; (3) creates individualised QR code to scan at self-screening station; and (4) imports the ECG and result directly into the patients' electronic medical record. Between 5 and 8 general practices in New South Wales, Australia, will participate with an aim of 1500 patients undertaking self-screening. The main outcome measures will be the proportion of eligible patients that undertook self-screening, incidence of newly-diagnosed AF, and patient and staff experience of the self-screening process. De-identified data will be collected using a clinical audit tool, and qualitative interviews will determine patient and staff acceptability.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was received from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee in June 2019 (Project no: 2019/382) and the University of Notre Dame Human Research Ethics Committee (Project no: 019145S) in October 2019. Results will be disseminated through various forums, including peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.Trial registration numberACTRN12620000233921.

Atrial fibrillation after orthotopic heart transplantatation: Pathophysiology and clinical impact

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established post-cardiac surgery complication. Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) represents a peculiar condition where surgical thoracic veins isolation and autonomic denervation occur. This study aims at investigating AF incidence in OHT in order to define its risk factors and to evaluate its prognostic impact.

METHODS

278 patients affected by OHT were recruited in our Cardiac Surgery Unit and retrospectively analyzed, using clinical, surgical and instrumental data.

RESULTS

The patients cohort showed 45 post-operative (16.5%) and 20 late AF cases (7.2%). Only paroxysmal AF episodes were observed. Elderly donors and acute rejection resulted as risk factors in patients with post-operative AF episodes, who presented higher all-cause mortality at 11 years post-OHT (p < 0.001, Kaplan Meier analysis). The majority of late AF episodes occurred during hospitalization, due to renal failure or infections and more frequently in male patients; no significant correlation was observed with acute or chronic rejection or other characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary vein isolation and vagal denervation lead to low AF incidence in OHT recipients. Acute rejection and graft status are the main risk factors for post-operative AF episodes, while other systemic conditions act as late AF triggers. The occurrence of AF episodes is associated with poor outcome and AF should be considered as a marker of clinical frailty.

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrythmia and a major cause of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. AF increases risk of thromboembolic stroke via stasis in the left atrium and subsequent embolization to the brain. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, it is essential that clinicians undertake careful investigation to search for AF. In these patients, up to 23.7% eventually are found to have underlying AF. Oral anticoagulation is effective in prevention of strokes secondary to AF, reducing overall stroke numbers by approximately 64%. Left atrial appendage occlusion is promising for prevention of stroke in AF.

Evaluation of Index of Cardio-Electrophysiological Balance in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation on Antiarrhythmic-Drug Therapy

BACKGROUND

Index of cardio-electrophysiological balance (iCEB) has been described as a novel risk marker for predicting malignant ventricular arrhythmia. There remains limited evidence on the effects of amiodarone and propafenone used for sinus rhythm maintenance on iCEB in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate iCEB in patients with AF on antiarrhythmic-drug therapy.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients with AF (68 patients using amiodarone and 40 patients using propafenone) and 50 healthy subjects were included in the study. All groups underwent a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram. QRS duration, QT, T wave peak-to-end (Tp-e) intervals, iCEB (QT/QRS) and iCEBc (heart rate-corrected QT (QTc)/QRS) rates were calculated from the electrocardiogram and compared between groups.

RESULTS

QT, Tp-e intervals and Tp-e/QT ratio were significantly longer in the amiodarone group than the propafenone and control groups (P < 0.001, for all). iCEB was similar in the amiodarone and control groups (4.4 ± 0.6 and 4.2 ± 0.4; P > 0.05), while iCEB values in the propafenone group were significantly lower than the amiodarone group and control groups (3.9 ± 0.5; P < 0.001). There was a significantly difference in iCEBc values among the amiodarone, control and propafenone groups (4.8 ± 0.6, 4.6 ± 0.4 and 4.3 ± 0.6; P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, higher iCEBc parameters were observed in patients using amiodarone, while iCEBc values were lowest among patients with AF using propafenone. Further studies are needed to determine whether these electrophysiological changes are associated with ventricular arrhythmias for patients with AF on antiarrhythmic-drug therapy.

Correlation between the elevated uric acid levels and circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the elevated uric acid (UA) levels and activation of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

A total of 233 outpatients and inpatients of the Cardiology Department from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were selected and divided into the sinus rhythm group (SR) with 84 cases, the paroxysmal AF group (pAF) with 76 cases, and the persistent AF group (PAF) with 73 patients. The general clinical data and the serum levels of UA of the enrolled patients were collected, and the radioimmunoassay was adopted to detect the levels of renin (Renin), angiotensin II (Ang II), and aldosterone (Ald).

Results

Renin, AngII, Ald, and UA in the PAF group were significantly higher than those in the pAF group, and the levels of the above indicators in the pAF group were significantly higher than those in the SR group (P<0.001). The left atrium anteroposterior diameter (LAD) and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were significantly increased in the PAF group (P<0.001). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the levels of the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), AngII Renin, Ald, LVEDD, and LAD were positively correlated with the serum levels of UA (r=0.174, 0.273, 0.34, 0.385, 0.138, respectively, P<0.05 in all). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was negatively correlated with the UA level (r=-0.177, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that UA (β=0.103) and LAD (β=2.162) were independent risk factors for Renin. The independent risk factor for Ang II was UA (β=0.167). The independent risk factor for Ald was UA (β=0.283) and LAD (β=8.721) (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated UA might cause excessive activation of the RAAS, aggravate the oxidative stress, and participate in the atrial remodeling, thereby promoting the occurrence and persistence of AF.

Inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant prescriptions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: cross-sectional analysis of the French CACAO cohort study in primary care

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) account for an increasing proportion of prescriptions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in primary care. Inappropriate dosing of DOACs is a common problem, with under-dosing being a particular issue. However, conflicting results have been reported about the factors independently associated with inappropriate dosing.

Aim

To describe inappropriate prescriptions of DOACs among patients in the CACAO French nationwide general practice cohort, and to identify the factors independently associated with inappropriate DOAC doses.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional baseline analysis of the CACAO French national multicentre prospective cohort of adult patients in primary care receiving an oral anticoagulant who were recruited between April and October 2014.

Method

A total of 1111 patients from the CACAO cohort who received a DOAC for NVAF were included in this study. Inappropriate prescriptions of DOACs were described (inappropriate dosage, contraindications, non-indications, interactions, and non-compliance with the precautions for use). Multivariate logistic models were used to investigate factors associated with inappropriate DOAC dosing (under-dosing and over-dosing).

Results

Overall, 438 patients (39.4%) received at least one inappropriate DOAC prescription. The most common inappropriate prescription was inappropriate dosage (n = 374, 33.7%), particularly under-dosing (n = 348, 31.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that factors independently associated with under-dosing were older age, prescription of apixaban or dabigatran, and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 vs. a score = 1. Factors with over-dosing were kidney failure, a HAS-BLED score ≥3, and older age.

Conclusion

The appropriateness of DOAC prescribing for NVAF can be improved, especially in older patients, and in patients with kidney failure, a higher risk of ischaemic stroke, and/or a higher risk of bleeding. GPs have a key role in increasing the proportion of appropriate DOAC prescriptions via informational, educational, and/or management strategies.