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Kiani S. Inhaled Oral Flecainide for Rapid Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:1034-1036. [PMID: 38795097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Kiani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, UMass Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
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Tsiachris D, Argyriou N, Tsioufis P, Antoniou CK, Laina A, Oikonomou G, Doundoulakis I, Kordalis A, Dimitriadis K, Gatzoulis K, Tsioufis K. Aggressive Rhythm Control Strategy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Presenting at the Emergency Department: The HEROMEDICUS Study Design and Initial Results. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:109. [PMID: 38667727 PMCID: PMC11049958 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11040109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation has progressively become a more common reason for emergency department visits, representing 0.5% of presenting reasons. Registry data have indicated that about 60% of atrial fibrillation patients who present to the emergency department are admitted, emphasizing the need for more efficient management of atrial fibrillation in the acute phase. Management of atrial fibrillation in the setting of the emergency department varies between countries and healthcare systems. The most plausible reason to justify a conservative rather than an aggressive strategy in the management of atrial fibrillation is the absence of specific guidelines from diverse societies. Several trials of atrial fibrillation treatment strategies, including cardioversion, have demonstrated that atrial fibrillation in the emergency department can be treated safely and effectively, avoiding admission. In the present study, we present the epidemiology and characteristics of atrial fibrillation patients presenting to the emergency department, as well as the impact of diverse management strategies on atrial-fibrillation-related hospital admissions. Lastly, the design and initial data of the HEROMEDICUS protocol will be presented, which constitutes an electrophysiology-based aggressive rhythm control strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation in the emergency department setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsiachris
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.A.); (P.T.); (C.K.A.); (A.L.); (G.O.); (A.K.); (K.D.); (K.G.); (K.T.)
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Liu S, Stiell I, Eagles D, Borgundvaag B, Grewal K. Hypotension and respiratory events related to electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in the emergency department. CAN J EMERG MED 2024; 26:103-110. [PMID: 38001329 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00621-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) is common in the ED. Our previous work showed that hypotension and respiratory events were important adverse events that occurred in patients undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF/AFL. The purpose of this study was to examine if (1) beta-blockers or calcium channel blocker use prior to ECV were associated with hypotension and (2) medications used for procedural sedation were associated with respiratory events. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of pooled study data from four previous multicentred studies on AF/AFL. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression to examine predictors of hypotension and respiratory adverse events. RESULTS There were 1736 patients who received ECV. A hypotensive event occurred in 62 (3.6%) patients. There was no significant difference in the odds of a hypotensive event in patients who received a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker in the ED compared to no rate control. Procedural sedation with fentanyl (OR 2.01 95% CI 1.15-3.51) and home beta-blocker use (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.14-3.21) were significantly associated with hypotensive events. A respiratory event occurred in 179 (10.3%) patients. Older age (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.30- 3.15) and receiving midazolam for procedural sedation were found to be significantly associated with respiratory events (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.02-3.88). CONCLUSION Beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker use prior to ECV for AF/AFL was not associated with hypotension. However, sedation with fentanyl and home beta-blocker use was associated with hypotension. The use of midazolam for procedural sedation was significantly associated with respiratory events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Liu
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Debra Eagles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keerat Grewal
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Kłosiewicz T, Cholerzyńska H, Zasada WA, Shadi A, Olszewski J, Konieczka P, Podlewski R, Puślecki M. Impact of Various Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Strategies on Length of Stay in the Emergency Department and Early Complications-3 Years of a Single-Center Experience. J Clin Med 2023; 13:190. [PMID: 38202197 PMCID: PMC10779744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia presenting in emergency departments (EDs), vastly increasing mainly due to society's lifestyles leading to numerous comorbidities. Its management depends on many factors and is still not unified. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare different AF management strategies in the ED and to evaluate their influence on the length of stay (LOS) in the ED and their safety. We analyzed medical records over 3 years of data collection, including age, primary AF diagnosis, an attempt to restore sinus rhythm, complications, and length of stay. Patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment method received: only pharmacological cardioversion (MED), only electrical cardioversion (EC), and patients who received medications followed by electrical cardioversion (COMB). We included 599 individuals in the analysis with a median age of 71. The restoration of sinus rhythm and LOS were as follows: MED: 64.95%, 173 min; COMB: 87.91%, 295 min; SH: 92.40%, 180 min. The difference between the MED and EC strategies, as well as MED and COMB, was statistically significant (p < 0.001 in both). The total number of complications was 16, with a rate of 32.67%. The majority of them followed a drug administration, and the most common complication was bradycardia. Electrical cardioversion is a safe and effective treatment strategy in stable patients with AF in the ED. It is associated with a shortened LOS. Medication administration preceded the majority of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kłosiewicz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Hanna Cholerzyńska
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Wiktoria Antonina Zasada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Amira Shadi
- College of Emergency Physicians in Poland, 5 Truflowa Street, 62-070 Dopiewiec, Poland; (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Jakub Olszewski
- College of Emergency Physicians in Poland, 5 Truflowa Street, 62-070 Dopiewiec, Poland; (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Patryk Konieczka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Roland Podlewski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Mateusz Puślecki
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
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Katz A, Balasubramanian S, Freedman Z. Procainamide-Provoked Brugada Pattern in a Patient Presenting with New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter: When Does it Matter? J Emerg Med 2023; 65:e229-e233. [PMID: 37495422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited disease that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Medications, such as antidysrhythmics, and fevers can unmask or induce the Brugada pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This case report highlights a patient who developed drug-induced Brugada type I pattern after a procainamide infusion for the treatment of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter and discusses the implications for this incidental but potentially lethal finding. CASE REPORT We report a case of a young man who presented to the emergency department (ED) with new-onset AF with rapid ventricular response that began within 12 h of presentation. ED treatments included a crystalloid IV fluid bolus, diltiazem pushes, synchronized electrical cardioversion, and a procainamide infusion. After the procainamide infusion, the patient developed ECG findings consistent with Brugada pattern. Both the AF and Brugada pattern resolved spontaneously within 24 h. The patient was discharged without implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement due to presumed isolated procainamide-induced Brugada pattern and lack of concerning features, such as inducible dysrhythmia during electrophysiology study, family history of sudden death, and history of syncope. The patient was counseled to follow-up with genetics and avoid BrS-inducing medications. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS BE AWARE OF THIS?: Procainamide, an option for the treatment of AF in the ED, can provoke Brugada pattern. If encountered, it is important to recall that some patients may not be diagnosed with BrS if determined to be low risk according to the Shanghai criteria. All patients should be referred to cardiology for further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Katz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Shriman Balasubramanian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Cornell and Columbia, New York, New York
| | - Zachary Freedman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Cornell and Columbia, New York, New York
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Ray L, Geier C, DeWitt KM. Pathophysiology and treatment of adults with arrhythmias in the emergency department, part 1: Atrial arrhythmias. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2023; 80:1039-1055. [PMID: 37227130 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article, the first in a 2-part review, aims to reinforce current literature on the pathophysiology of cardiac arrhythmias and various evidence-based treatment approaches and clinical considerations in the acute care setting. Part 1 of this series focuses on atrial arrhythmias. SUMMARY Arrhythmias are prevalent throughout the world and a common presenting condition in the emergency department (ED) setting. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and expected to increase in prevalence. Treatment approaches have evolved over time with advances in catheter-directed ablation. Based on historic trials, heart rate control has been the long-standing accepted outpatient treatment modality for AF, but the use of antiarrhythmics is often still indicated for AF in the acute setting, and ED pharmacists should be prepared and poised to help in AF management. Other atrial arrhythmias include atrial flutter (AFL), atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), which warrant distinction due to their unique pathophysiology and because each requires a different approach to utilization of antiarrhythmics. Atrial arrhythmias are typically associated with greater hemodynamic stability than ventricular arrhythmias but still require nuanced management according to patient subset and risk factors. Since antiarrhythmics can also be proarrhythmic, they may destabilize the patient due to adverse effects, many of which are the focus of black-box label warnings that can be overreaching and limit treatment options. Electrical cardioversion for atrial arrhythmias is generally successful and, depending on the setting and/or hemodynamics, often indicated. CONCLUSION Atrial arrhythmias arise from a variety of mechanisms, and appropriate treatment depends on various factors. A firm understanding of physiological and pharmacological concepts serves as a foundation for exploring evidence supporting agents, indications, and adverse effects in order to provide appropriate care for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance Ray
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Curtis Geier
- San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kyle M DeWitt
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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Oxenford C, Fryar J, Pelecanos A, O'Rourke P, Tan C, Alghamry A. The utility of delta troponin in diagnosing significant coronary artery disease in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Coron Artery Dis 2023; 34:195-201. [PMID: 36951751 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000001228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Troponin I (cTnI) elevation is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but does not reliably indicate underlying coronary ischemia. We investigated whether dynamic changes in cTnI value (delta troponin) are useful in revealing significant coronary artery disease (sCAD) in patients presenting with symptomatic AF. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-control study analyzing serial cTnI values in 231 patients presenting with symptomatic AF who had an objective assessment for underlying CAD within 6 months of the index admission. Diagnostic performance of an elevated cTnI (>0.04 μg/L) only, and elevated cTnI coupled with Youden Index derived cutoffs for absolute and relative changes in troponin, for distinguishing patients with sCAD, was evaluated. RESULTS A total of 107 patients had an elevated cTnI on serial measurements. In this group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56-0.81] for relative delta troponin and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.59-0.83) for absolute delta troponin. The optimal diagnostic cutoff for relative delta troponin was > -0.42, and > -0.055 μg/L for absolute delta troponin. The specificity of elevated troponin to diagnose sCAD increased from 56 to 77% when relative delta troponin was added, and to 88% with absolute delta troponin. Although the sensitivity of cTnI elevation (57.1%) decreased to 50% for relative and 35.7% for absolute delta troponin, the negative predictive values were high and similar at 86%. CONCLUSION When added to the troponin peak, delta troponin is a promising test for the diagnosis of significant coronary artery disease in patients presenting with symptomatic AF with elevated cTnI. This result requires prospective validation in a larger cohort of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Fryar
- Internal Medicine Services, The Prince Charles Hospital
- University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Alaa Alghamry
- Internal Medicine Services, The Prince Charles Hospital
- University of Queensland, Australia
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Vinson DR, Rauchwerger AS, Karadi CA, Shan J, Warton EM, Zhang JY, Ballard DW, Mark DG, Hofmann ER, Cotton DM, Durant EJ, Lin JS, Sax DR, Poth LS, Gamboa SH, Ghiya MS, Kene MV, Ganapathy A, Whiteley PM, Bouvet SC, Babakhanian L, Kwok EW, Solomon MD, Go AS, Reed ME. Clinical decision support to Optimize Care of patients with Atrial Fibrillation or flutter in the Emergency department: protocol of a stepped-wedge cluster randomized pragmatic trial (O'CAFÉ trial). Trials 2023; 24:246. [PMID: 37004068 PMCID: PMC10064588 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07230-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter in the emergency department (ED) includes rate reduction, cardioversion, and stroke prevention. Different approaches to these components of care may lead to variation in frequency of hospitalization and stroke prevention actions, with significant implications for patient experience, cost of care, and risk of complications. Standardization using evidence-based recommendations could reduce variation in management, preventable hospitalizations, and stroke risk. METHODS We describe the rationale for our ED-based AF treatment recommendations. We also describe the development of an electronic clinical decision support system (CDSS) to deliver these recommendations to emergency physicians at the point of care. We implemented the CDSS at three pilot sites to assess feasibility and solicit user feedback. We will evaluate the impact of the CDSS on hospitalization and stroke prevention actions using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized pragmatic clinical trial across 13 community EDs in Northern California. DISCUSSION We hypothesize that the CDSS intervention will reduce hospitalization of adults with isolated AF or atrial flutter presenting to the ED and increase anticoagulation prescription in eligible patients at the time of ED discharge and within 30 days. If our hypotheses are confirmed, the treatment protocol and CDSS could be recommended to other EDs to improve management of adults with AF or atrial flutter. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05009225 . Registered on 17 August 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Vinson
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA.
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, Roseville, CA, USA.
| | - Adina S Rauchwerger
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Chandu A Karadi
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Judy Shan
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E Margaret Warton
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Zhang
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Dustin W Ballard
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Dustin G Mark
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Erik R Hofmann
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dale M Cotton
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Edward J Durant
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Modesto Medical Center, Modesto, CA, USA
| | - James S Lin
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Dana R Sax
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Luke S Poth
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Stephen H Gamboa
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meena S Ghiya
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mamata V Kene
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center, San Leandro, CA, USA
| | - Anuradha Ganapathy
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Patrick M Whiteley
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Sean C Bouvet
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew D Solomon
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Alan S Go
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mary E Reed
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
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Atzema CL, Stiell IG, Chong AS, Austin PC. Validating emergency department cardioversion procedures in provincial administrative data in Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277598. [PMID: 36454739 PMCID: PMC9714737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardioversion of acute-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) via electrical or pharmacological means is a common procedure performed in many emergency departments. While these procedures appear to be very safe, the rarity of subsequent adverse outcomes such as stroke would require huge sample sizes to confirm that conclusion. Big data can supply such sample sizes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to validate several potential codes for successful emergency department cardioversion of AF patients. METHODS This study combined 3 observational datasets of emergency department AF visits seen at one of 26 hospitals in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2012. We linked patients who were eligible for emergency department cardioversion to several province-wide health administrative datasets to search for the associated cardioversion billing and procedural codes. Using the observational data as the gold standard for successful cardioversion, we calculated the test characteristics of a billing code (Z437) and of procedural codes 1.HZ.09JAFS and 1.HZ.09JAJS. Both include pharmacological and electrical cardioversions, as well as unsuccessful attempts; the latter is <10% using electricity (in Canada, standard practice is to proceed to electrical cardioversion if pharmacological cardioversion is unsuccessful). RESULTS Of 4557 unique patients in the three datasets, 2055 (45.1%) were eligible for cardioversion. Nine hundred thirty-three (45.4%) of these were successfully cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm. The billing code had slightly better test characteristics overall than the procedural codes. Positive predictive value (PPV) of a billing was 89.8% (95% CI, 87.0-92.2), negative predictive value (NPV) 70.5% (95% CI, 68.1-72.8), sensitivity 52.1% (95% CI, 48.8-55.3), and specificity 95.1% (95% CI, 93.7-96.3). CONCLUSIONS AF patients who have been successfully cardioverted in an emergency department can be identified with high PPV and specificity using a billing code. Studies that require high sensitivity for cardioversion should consider other methods to identify cardioverted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L. Atzema
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Toronto, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Ian G. Stiell
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ottawa University of Health Sciences, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Peter C. Austin
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mason JM, O’Brien ME, Koehl JL, Ji CS, Hayes BD. Cardiovascular Pharmacology. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2022; 40:771-792. [DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Can I Send This Patient With Atrial Fibrillation Home From the Emergency Department? J Emerg Med 2022; 63:600-612. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Development of a Care Pathway for Atrial Fibrillation Patients in the Emergency Department. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2022; 21:105-113. [PMID: 35994718 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and its prevalence is continuously increasing in the United States, leading to a progressive rise in the number of disease-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Although optimal long-term outpatient management for AF is well defined, the guidelines for optimal ED management of acute AF episodes is less clear. Studies have demonstrated that discharging patients with AF from the ED after acute stabilization is both safe and cost effective; however, the majority of these patients in the United States and in our institution are admitted to the hospital. To improve care of these patients, we established a multidisciplinary collaboration to develop an evidence-based systematic approach for the treatment and management of AF in the ED, that led to the creation of the University of California-Cardioversion, Anticoagulation, Rate Control, Expedited Follow-up/Education Atrial Fibrillation Pathway. Our pathway focuses on the acute stabilization of AF, adherence to best practices for anticoagulation, and reduction in unnecessary admissions through discharge from the ED with expedited outpatient follow-up whenever safe. A novel aspect of our pathway is that it is primarily driven by the ED physicians, while other published protocols primarily involve consulting cardiologists to guide management in the ED. Our protocol is very pertinent considering the current trend toward increased AF prevalence in the United States, coupled with a need for widespread implementation of strategies aimed at improving management of these patients while safely reducing hospital admissions and the economic burden of AF.
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Lacoste JL, Szymanski TW, Avalon JC, Kabulski G, Kohli U, Marrouche N, Singla A, Balla S, Jahangir A. Atrial Fibrillation Management: A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Pharmacotherapy, Rate, and Rhythm Control Strategies. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2022; 22:475-496. [PMID: 35353353 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-022-00529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasingly common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice that leads to a substantial increase in utilization of healthcare services and a decrease in the quality of life of patients. The prevalence of AF will continue to increase as the population ages and develops cardiac comorbidities; thus, prompt and effective treatment is important to help mitigate systemic resource utilization. Treatment of AF involves two tenets: prevention of stroke and systemic embolism and symptom control with either a rate or a rhythm control strategy. Historically, due to the safe nature of medications like beta-blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, used in rate control, it has been the initial strategy used for symptom control in AF. Newer data suggest that a rhythm control strategy with antiarrhythmic medications with or without catheter ablation may lead to a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly in patients newly diagnosed with AF. Modulation of factors that promote AF or its complications is another important aspect of the overall holistic management of AF. This review provides a comprehensive focus on the management of patients with AF and an in-depth review of pharmacotherapy of AF in the rate and rhythm control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Lacoste
- Department of Pharmacy, WVU Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
| | - Thomas W Szymanski
- Department of Pharmacy, WVU Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Juan Carlo Avalon
- Department of Internal Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Galen Kabulski
- Department of Pharmacy, WVU Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Utkarsh Kohli
- Department of Pediatrics, WVU School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nassir Marrouche
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Atul Singla
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sudarshan Balla
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, WVU School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Arshad Jahangir
- Center for Advanced Atrial Fibrillation Therapies at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA
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Implementation of a Procainamide-Based Cardioversion Strategy for the Management of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation. Adv Emerg Nurs J 2021; 43:186-193. [PMID: 34397493 DOI: 10.1097/tme.0000000000000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) remains the most common rhythm disturbance in adult patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Although pharmacologic cardioversion has been established as safe and effective in recent-onset AF, its use in U.S. EDs is uncommon. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) procainamide for pharmacologic cardioversion in patients presenting to the ED with AF of <48-hr duration. Patients presenting to the ED with recent-onset AF (<48 hr) undergoing a cardioversion strategy with IV procainamide from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. Clinical outcomes assessed included rates of cardioversion, hospital admission, stroke, and return ED visits for arrhythmia or serious adverse events. A total of 64 patients received procainamide therapy-60.9% achieved cardioversion and 35.9% were admitted to the hospital. The mean dose was 1062.4 mg (12.1 mg/kg). No patients returned to the ED secondary to stroke and 9.4% experienced complications attributed to procainamide, the most common being hypotension. Within 30 days of therapy, 20.3% of patients returned to the ED secondary to arrhythmia recurrence. Patients experiencing cardioversion with procainamide were less likely to be admitted to the hospital (25.6% vs. 52.0%; p = 0.04) or receive a rate control agent (17.9% vs. 64.0%; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the rate of 30-day return between those who experienced pharmacologic cardioversion and those who did not (p = 0.220). The implementation of a procainamide-based acute cardioversion strategy for patients presenting to the ED with recent-onset AF resulted in a 60% cardioversion rate, which was associated with a significantly higher rate of discharge from the ED. Transient hypotension was the most common adverse event. Further investigation into ED-based protocols for management of recent-onset AF is necessary to better understand their safety and efficacy.
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15
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Wong BM, Perry JJ, Cheng W, Zheng B, Guo K, Taljaard M, Skanes AC, Stiell IG. Thromboembolic events following cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation and flutter: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CAN J EMERG MED 2021; 23:500-511. [PMID: 33715143 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have presented concerning data on the safety of cardioversion for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of oral anticoagulation use on thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of low-risk acute atrial fibrillation and flutter patients of < 48 h in duration. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from inception through February 6, 2020 for studies reporting thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. Main outcome was thromboembolic events within 30 days post-cardioversion. Primary analysis compared thromboembolic events based on oral anticoagulation use versus no oral anticoagulation use. Secondary analysis was based on baseline thromboembolic risk. We performed meta-analyses where 2 or more studies were available, by applying the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. RESULTS Of 717 titles screened, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Primary analysis of seven studies with low risk of bias demonstrated insufficient evidence regarding the risk of thromboembolic events associated with oral anticoagulation use (RR = 0.82 where RR < 1 suggests decreased risk with oral anticoagulation use; 95% CI 0.27 to 2.47; I2 = 0%). Secondary analysis of 13 studies revealed increased risk of thromboembolic events with high baseline thromboembolic risk (RR = 2.25 where RR > 1 indicates increased risk with higher CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores; 95% CI 1.25 to 4.04; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION Primary analysis revealed insufficient evidence regarding the effect of oral anticoagulation use on thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of low-risk acute atrial fibrillation and flutter, though the event rate is low in contemporary practice. Our findings can better inform patient-centered decision-making when considering 4-week oral anticoagulation use for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton M Wong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey J Perry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Cheng
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Guo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Allan C Skanes
- Division of Cardiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, The Ottawa Hospital, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9, Canada.
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16
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Fried AM, Strout TD, Perron AD. Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in the emergency department: A large single-center experience. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 42:115-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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17
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The Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2018 guideline update for atrial fibrillation - A different perspective. CAN J EMERG MED 2020; 21:572-575. [PMID: 31551100 DOI: 10.1017/cem.2019.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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18
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Rationale, considerations, and goals for atrial fibrillation centers of excellence: A Heart Rhythm Society perspective. Heart Rhythm 2020; 17:1804-1832. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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19
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Christians BE, Solie CJ, Swanson MB, Harland KK, Fairfield C, Wallace KL, Mohr NM. The Iowa less aggressive protocol: A mixed-methods study on the novel treatment protocol of atrial fibrillation. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 45:439-445. [PMID: 33039220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia in the United States. Our aim was to determine if a novel protocol for management of atrial fibrillation was feasible to implement in an emergency department (ED). Interviews were conducted with ED physicians and physician assistants to identify themes in relation to the clinical use and impleon of the protocol. METHODS A novel protocol was developed by a multi-disciplinary team and implemented in an academic ED. The protocol used cardiac computed tomography (CT) to rule out left atrial thrombus in patients with greater than 12 h of symptoms and high risk of thromboembolism, or any patient with greater than 48 h of symptoms. Patients who underwent cardiac CT or electrical cardioversion were followed up at 30 days via telephone to monitor for recurrence or adverse thromboembolic events. Providers were interviewed to identify themes regarding protocol usage, barriers to its use, and future changes to increase utilization. RESULTS Patients with atrial fibrillation in the ED were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-nine patients were treated using the protocol. Seven patients (24%) underwent cardiac CT prior to electrical cardioversion. Cardioversion success rate was 83%, with 69% of patients discharged home. Thirty-day follow-up was completed on 25 patients (86%). Six patients (24%) had reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation requiring subsequent cardioversion. No patients experienced stroke or thromboembolic event. Interviews were conducted with 14 providers. Usage barriers included time, availability, and additional work-up. Six subthemes were identified for future changes including EMR order set, frequent reminders, increased education, increased awareness, activation energy, and EMR pop-ups. CONCLUSION The Iowa Less Aggressive Protocol is a novel treatment protocol for the ED management of atrial fibrillation that was feasible to implement and use. Providers viewed the protocol favorably and identified areas of improvement for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Christians
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Christopher J Solie
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Emergency Physicians and Consultants, P.A. 500 S Maple St, Waconia, MN 55387, USA.
| | - Morgan B Swanson
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 375 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Karisa K Harland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Catherine Fairfield
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Kelli L Wallace
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Nicholas M Mohr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Anesthesia, Division of Critical Care, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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20
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia managed in the emergency department (ED). Visits to the ED for a presentation of AF have been increasing in recent years, with an admission rate that exceeds 60% in the United States and contributes substantially to health care costs. Recent-onset AF-defined as symptom onset less than 48 hr-is a common ED presentation for which rate control or acute electrical or pharmacological cardioversion may be appropriate treatment modalities depending on patient-specific circumstances. The focus of this review is to discuss the current recommendations regarding the management of recent-onset nonvalvular AF in the ED, discuss medication administration considerations, and identify implementation strategies in the ED to optimize throughput and reduce hospital admissions.
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21
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Bond C, Morgenstern J, Heitz C, Milne WK. Hot Off the Press: Chemical Versus Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:333-335. [PMID: 31626719 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant dysrhythmia that often requires treatment in the emergency department (ED). This can be performed with rhythm control using electrical or chemical cardioversion or with rate control. There is widespread variation in management of AF within Canada and worldwide. This study focuses on rhythm control techniques, comparing ED length of stay when using an electrical-first strategy versus a chemical-first strategy of cardioversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bond
- From the, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - William K Milne
- and the, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Goderich, Ontario, Canada
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22
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deSouza IS, Tadrous M, Sexton T, Benabbas R, Carmelli G, Sinert R. Pharmacologic Cardioversion of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2020; 76:14-30. [PMID: 32173135 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We conduct a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis to indirectly compare and rank antidysrhythmic drugs for pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in the emergency department (ED). METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to March 2019, limited to human subjects and English language. We also searched for unpublished data. We limited studies to randomized controlled trials that enrolled adult patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter and compared antidysrhythmic agents, placebo, or control. We determined these outcomes before data extraction: rate of conversion to sinus rhythm within 4 hours, time to cardioversion, rate of significant adverse events, and rate of thromboembolism within 30 days. We extracted data according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses network meta-analysis and appraised selected trials with the Cochrane review handbook. RESULTS The systematic review initially identified 640 studies; 19 met inclusion criteria. Eighteen trials that randomized 2,069 atrial fibrillation patients provided data for atrial fibrillation conversion rate outcome. Bayesian network meta-analysis using a random-effects model demonstrated that antazoline (odds ratio [OR] 24.9; 95% credible interval [CrI] 7.4 to 107.8), tedisamil (OR 12.0; 95% CrI 4.3 to 43.8), vernakalant (OR 7.5; 95% CrI 3.1 to 18.6), propafenone (OR 6.8; 95% CrI 3.6 to 13.8), flecainide (OR 6.1; 95% CrI 2.9 to 13.2), and ibutilide (OR 4.1; 95% CrI 1.8 to 9.6) were associated with increased likelihood of conversion within 4 hours compared with placebo or control. Overall quality was low, and the network exhibited inconsistency. CONCLUSION For pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation within a 4-hour ED visit, there is insufficient evidence to determine which treatment is superior. Several agents are associated with increased likelihood of conversion within 4 hours compared with placebo or control. Limited data preclude any recommendation for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial flutter. Further high-quality study is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S deSouza
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY.
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Theresa Sexton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Roshanak Benabbas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Guy Carmelli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Richard Sinert
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY
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23
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Stiell IG, Sivilotti MLA, Taljaard M, Birnie D, Vadeboncoeur A, Hohl CM, McRae AD, Rowe BH, Brison RJ, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Macle L, Borgundvaag B, Morris J, Mercier E, Clement CM, Brinkhurst J, Sheehan C, Brown E, Nemnom MJ, Wells GA, Perry JJ. Electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion for emergency department patients with acute atrial fibrillation (RAFF2): a partial factorial randomised trial. Lancet 2020; 395:339-349. [PMID: 32007169 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)32994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute atrial fibrillation is the most common arrythmia treated in the emergency department. Our primary aim was to compare conversion to sinus rhythm between pharmacological cardioversion followed by electrical cardioversion (drug-shock), and electrical cardioversion alone (shock-only). Our secondary aim was to compare the effectiveness of two pad positions for electrical cardioversion. METHODS We did a partial factorial trial of two protocols for patients with acute atrial fibrillation at 11 academic hospital emergency departments in Canada. We enrolled adult patients with acute atrial fibrillation. Protocol 1 was a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled comparison of attempted pharmacological cardioversion with intravenous procainamide (15 mg/kg over 30 min) followed by electrical cardioversion if necessary (up to three shocks, each of ≥200 J), and placebo infusion followed by electrical cardioversion. For patients having electrical cardioversion, we used Protocol 2, a randomised, open-label, nested comparison of anteroposterior versus anterolateral pad positions. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1, stratified by study site) for Protocol 1 by on-site research personnel using an online electronic data capture system. Randomisation for Protocol 2 occurred 30 min after drug infusion for patients who had not converted and was stratified by site and Protocol 1 allocation. Patients and all research and emergency department staff were masked to treatment allocation for Protocol 1. The primary outcome was conversion to normal sinus rhythm for at least 30 min at any time after randomisation and up to a point immediately after three shocks. Protocol 1 was analysed by intention to treat and Protocol 2 excluded patients who did not receive electrical cardioversion. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01891058. FINDINGS Between July 18, 2013, and Oct 17, 2018, we enrolled 396 patients, and none were lost to follow-up. In the drug-shock group (n=204), conversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 196 (96%) patients and in the shock-only group (n=192), conversion occurred in 176 (92%) patients (absolute difference 4%; 95% CI 0-9; p=0·07). The proportion of patients discharged home was 97% (n=198) versus 95% (n=183; p=0·60). 106 (52%) patients in the drug-shock group converted after drug infusion only. No patients had serious adverse events in follow-up. The different pad positions in Protocol 2 (n=244), had similar conversions to sinus rhythm (119 [94%] of 127 in anterolateral group vs 108 [92%] of 117 in anteroposterior group; p=0·68). INTERPRETATION Both the drug-shock and shock-only strategies were highly effective, rapid, and safe in restoring sinus rhythm for patients in the emergency department with acute atrial fibrillation, avoiding the need for return to hospital. The drug infusion worked for about half of patients and avoided the resource intensive procedural sedation required for electrical cardioversion. We also found no significant difference between the anterolateral and anteroposterior pad positions for electrical cardioversion. Immediate rhythm control for patients in the emergency department with acute atrial fibrillation leads to excellent outcomes. FUNDING Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Birnie
- Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alain Vadeboncoeur
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Corinne M Hohl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robert J Brison
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Laurent Macle
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Judy Morris
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine M Clement
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Brinkhurst
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Connor Sheehan
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Erica Brown
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - George A Wells
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey J Perry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Andrade JG, Mitchell LB. Periprocedural Anticoagulation for Cardioversion of Acute Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter: Evidence Base for Current Guidelines. Can J Cardiol 2019; 35:1301-1310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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25
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Ptaszek LM, Baugh CW, Lubitz SA, Ruskin JN, Ha G, Forsch M, DeOliveira SA, Baig S, Heist EK, Wasfy JH, Brown DF, Biddinger PD, Raja AS, Scirica B, White BA, Mansour M. Impact of a Multidisciplinary Treatment Pathway for Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department on Hospital Admissions and Length of Stay: Results of a Multi-Center Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e012656. [PMID: 31510841 PMCID: PMC6818017 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.012656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Variability in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the emergency department (ED) leads to avoidable hospital admissions and prolonged length of stay (LOS). In a retrospective single‐center study, a multidisciplinary AF treatment pathway was associated with a reduced hospital admission rate and reduced LOS. To assess the applicability of the AF pathway across institutions, we conducted a 2‐center study. Methods and Results We performed a prospective, 2‐stage study at 2 tertiary care hospitals. During the first stage, AF patients in the ED received routine care. During the second stage, AF patients received care according to the AF pathway. The primary study outcome was hospital admission rate. Secondary outcomes included ED LOS and inpatient LOS. We enrolled 104 consecutive patients in each stage. Patients treated using the AF pathway were admitted to the hospital less frequently than patients who received routine care (15% versus 55%; P<0.001). For admitted patients, average hospital LOS was shorter in the AF pathway cohort than in the routine care cohort (64 versus 105 hours, respectively; P=0.01). There was no significant difference in the average ED LOS between AF pathway and routine care cohorts (14 versus 12 hours, respectively; P=0.32). Conclusions In this prospective 2‐stage, 2‐center study, utilization of a multidisciplinary AF treatment pathway resulted in a 3.7‐fold reduction in admission rate and a 1.6‐fold reduction in average hospital LOS for admitted patients. Utilization of the AF pathway was not associated with a significant change in ED LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M Ptaszek
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | | | - Steven A Lubitz
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Jeremy N Ruskin
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Grace Ha
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Margaux Forsch
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | | | - Samia Baig
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - E Kevin Heist
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Jason H Wasfy
- Cardiology Division Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - David F Brown
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Paul D Biddinger
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Ali S Raja
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Benjamin Scirica
- Heart and Vascular Center Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston MA
| | - Benjamin A White
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Moussa Mansour
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
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Martín A, Coll‐Vinent B, Suero C, Fernández‐Simón A, Sánchez J, Varona M, Cancio M, Sánchez S, Carbajosa J, Malagón F, Montull E, Arco C. Benefits of Rhythm Control and Rate Control in Recent-onset Atrial Fibrillation: The HERMES-AF Study. Acad Emerg Med 2019; 26:1034-1043. [PMID: 30703274 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although rhythm control has failed to demonstrate long-term benefits over rate control in longstanding episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF), there is little evidence concerning recent-onset ones. We analyzed the benefits of rhythm and rate control in terms of symptoms alleviation and need for hospital admission in patients with recent-onset AF. METHODS This was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study with prospective standardized data collection carried out in 124 emergency departments (EDs). Clinical variables, treatment effectiveness, and outcomes (control of symptoms, final disposition) were analyzed in stable patients with recent-onset AF consulting for AF-related symptoms. RESULTS Of 421 patients included, rhythm control was chosen in 352 patients (83.6%), a global effectiveness of 84%. Rate control was performed in 69 patients (16.4%) and was achieved in 67 (97%) of them. Control of symptoms was achieved in 396 (94.1%) patients and was associated with a heart rate after treatment ≤ 110 beats/min (odds ratio [OR] = 14.346, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.90 to 52.70, p < 0.001) and a rhythm control strategy (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.02 to 7.61, p = 0.046). Sixty patients (14.2%) were admitted: discharge was associated with a rhythm control strategy (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.20-4.60, p = 0.031) and admission was associated with a heart rate > 110 beats/min after treatment (OR = 29.71, 95% CI = 7.19 to 123.07, p < 0.001) and acute heart failure (OR = 9.45, 95% CI = 2.91 to 30.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In our study, recent-onset AF patients in whom rhythm control was attempted in the ED had a high rate of symptoms' alleviation and a reduced rate of hospital admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Martín
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa and Universidad Alfonso X Madrid
| | - Blanca Coll‐Vinent
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Department Unitat de Fibril·lació Auricular (UFA) Grup de Recerca “Urgències: processos i patologies” IDIBAPS, Hospital Universitari Clínic Barcelona
| | - Coral Suero
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital de la Axarquía Málaga
| | - Amparo Fernández‐Simón
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío Sevilla
| | - Juan Sánchez
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Granada
| | - Mercedes Varona
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital de Basurto, Bilbao
| | - Manuel Cancio
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department, Hospital Donostia San Sebastián
| | - Susana Sánchez
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital Universitario Río Hortega Valladolid
| | - José Carbajosa
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital General Universitario Alicante
| | - Francisco Malagón
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital Universitario Torrejón Madrid
| | | | - Carmen Arco
- Arrhythmia Division Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) Madrid
- Emergency Department Hospital Universitario La Princesa and Universidad Autónoma Madrid Spain
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Scheuermeyer FX, Andolfatto G, Christenson J, Villa‐Roel C, Rowe B. A Multicenter Randomized Trial to Evaluate a Chemical-first or Electrical-first Cardioversion Strategy for Patients With Uncomplicated Acute Atrial Fibrillation. Acad Emerg Med 2019; 26:969-981. [PMID: 31423687 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency department (ED) patients with uncomplicated atrial fibrillation (AF) of less than 48 hours may be safely managed with rhythm control. Although both chemical-first and electrical-first strategies have been advocated, there are no comparative effectiveness data to guide clinicians. METHODS At six urban Canadian centers, ED patients ages 18 to 75 with uncomplicated symptomatic AF of less than 48 hours and CHADS2 score of 0 or 1 were randomized using concealed allocation in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following strategies: 1) chemical cardioversion with procainamide infusion, followed by electrical countershock if unsuccessful; or 2) electrical cardioversion, followed by procainamide infusion if unsuccessful. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients discharged within 4 hours of arrival. Secondary outcomes included ED length-of-stay (LOS); prespecified ED-based adverse events; and 30-day ED revisits, hospitalizations, strokes, deaths, and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS Eighty-four patients were analyzed: 41 in the chemical-first group and 43 in the electrical-first group. Groups were balanced in terms of age, sex, vital signs, and CHADS2 scores. All patients were discharged home, with 83 (99%) in sinus rhythm. In the chemical-first group, 13 of 41 patients (32%) were discharged within 4 hours compared to 29 of 43 patients (67%) in the electrical-first group (p = 0.001). In the chemical-first group, the median ED LOS was 5.1 hours (interquartile range [IQR] = 3.5 to 5.9 hours) compared to 3.5 hours (IQR = 2.4 to 4.6 hours) in the electrical-first group, for a median difference of 1.2 hours (95% confidence interval = 0.4 to 2.0 hours, p < 0.001). No patients experienced stroke or death. All other outcomes, including adverse events, ED revisits, and QoL, were similar. CONCLUSION In uncomplicated ED AF patients managed with rhythm control, chemical-first and electrical-first strategies both appear to be successful and well tolerated; however, an electrical-first strategy results in a significantly shorter ED LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank X. Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine St Paul's Hospital and the University of British Columbia Vancouver BC
- Department of Emergency Medicine South Health Campus and the University of Calgary Calgary AB
| | - Gary Andolfatto
- Department of Emergency Medicine Lions Gate Hospital the University of British Columbia Vancouver BC
| | - Jim Christenson
- Department of Emergency Medicine St Paul's Hospital and the University of British Columbia Vancouver BC
| | - Cristina Villa‐Roel
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Alberta Hospital and the University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Brian Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Alberta Hospital and the University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
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29
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Andrade JG, Verma A, Mitchell LB, Parkash R, Leblanc K, Atzema C, Healey JS, Bell A, Cairns J, Connolly S, Cox J, Dorian P, Gladstone D, McMurtry MS, Nair GM, Pilote L, Sarrazin JF, Sharma M, Skanes A, Talajic M, Tsang T, Verma S, Wyse DG, Nattel S, Macle L. 2018 Focused Update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Can J Cardiol 2019; 34:1371-1392. [PMID: 30404743 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines Committee provides periodic reviews of new data to produce focused updates that address clinically important advances in atrial fibrillation (AF) management. This 2018 Focused Update addresses: (1) anticoagulation in the context of cardioversion of AF; (2) the management of antithrombotic therapy for patients with AF in the context of coronary artery disease; (3) investigation and management of subclinical AF; (4) the use of antidotes for the reversal of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants; (5) acute pharmacological cardioversion of AF; (6) catheter ablation for AF, including patients with concomitant AF and heart failure; and (7) an integrated approach to the patient with AF and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. The recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) standards. Individual studies and literature were reviewed for quality and bias; the literature review process and evidence tables are included as Supplementary Material and are available on the CCS Web site. Details of the updated recommendations are presented, along with their background and rationale. This document is linked to an updated summary of all CCS AF guidelines recommendations, from 2010 to the present 2018 Focused Update, which is provided in the Supplementary Material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason G Andrade
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Atul Verma
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - L Brent Mitchell
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ratika Parkash
- QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kori Leblanc
- University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Atzema
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff S Healey
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan Bell
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Cairns
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stuart Connolly
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jafna Cox
- QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Paul Dorian
- St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Gladstone
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Sean McMurtry
- University of Alberta, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Girish M Nair
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise Pilote
- McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mike Sharma
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allan Skanes
- London Heart Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario Talajic
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Teresa Tsang
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Subodh Verma
- St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D George Wyse
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laurent Macle
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Stiell IG, McMurtry MS, McRae A, Parkash R, Scheuermeyer F, Atzema CL, Skanes A. Safe Cardioversion for Patients With Acute-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter: Practical Concerns and Considerations. Can J Cardiol 2019; 35:1296-1300. [PMID: 31495687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Viewpoint concerns raised by Canadian emergency physicians regarding recommendations 2 and 6 from the recent Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2018 update for atrial fibrillation are discussed. These recommendations narrow the window for safe cardioversion and suggest 4 weeks of anticoagulation for all patients who undergo urgent cardioversion regardless of their CHADS-65 status. We discuss the implications of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation weak recommendations on the basis of low-quality evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - M Sean McMurtry
- Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew McRae
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ratika Parkash
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Frank Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Clare L Atzema
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allan Skanes
- Division of Cardiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Britt T, Janson JP, Knisely T, LaBond VA. Barriers to Emergency Department Utilization of AFIB Protocol in Uncomplicated Lone AFIB Patients-Results from an Online Survey Study. J Atr Fibrillation 2019; 11:2138. [PMID: 31139303 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Historically, atrial fibrillation (AFIB) management has focused on rate control and anticoagulation, necessitating hospital admission. Recently, some emergency departments (EDs) have implemented protocols to avoid hospital admission when managing lone AFIB. Despite this recent trend, there is still reluctance toward the implementation of these protocols by some emergency physicians (EPs). Objective This study investigates barriers to implementation of ED AFIB protocols by surveying which aspects may impede their use. Methods To analyze the perceived barriers from EPs, we formulated a survey assessing the various components of ED AFIB management to identify which aspects might impede EP utilization. It was distributed as an email to large national ED physician group. Data was analyzed using descriptive means and weighted averages. Results Of 185 respondents (response rate 6.1%), 17.4% already had AFIB protocols in place at their home institutions and 82.6% did not. Majority opinion of largest barriers toward the implementation of AFIB protocols were the extended ED length of stay and discharge with unclear follow-up. There was little concern with chemical and electrical cardioversion and very limited concern with rate control and initiating oral anticoagulation. EPs supported placement in Observation for implementation and involvement of discharge planning to establish prescriptions and follow-up. Conclusion EP input regarding the development of ED AFib protocols will be essential in order to develop cost effective, convenient and safe methods of treatment. This survey of EP suggests that ED length of stay and insuring close outpatient follow up are key issues to address as protocols are designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Britt
- Genesys Regional Medical Center One Genesys Parkway Grand Blanc, MI 48439
| | - J P Janson
- Genesys Regional Medical Center One Genesys Parkway Grand Blanc, MI 48439
| | - T Knisely
- Genesys Regional Medical Center One Genesys Parkway Grand Blanc, MI 48439
| | - V A LaBond
- Genesys Regional Medical Center One Genesys Parkway Grand Blanc, MI 48439
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Jaakkola S, Kiviniemi TO, Airaksinen KEJ. Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation - how to prevent thromboembolic complications? Ann Med 2018; 50:549-555. [PMID: 30207497 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2018.1523552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardioversion is an essential component of rhythm control strategy for atrial fibrillation. The thromboembolic risk of cardioversion is well established and the mechanisms behind the phenomenon have been comprehensively described. There are several clinical aspects that are important to take into consideration when assessing the safety of cardioversion. Before proceeding to cardioversion, the probability of early treatment failure and antiarrhythmic treatment options to prevent recurrences should be carefully evaluated to avoid the risks of repeated futile cardioversions. Effective periprocedural anticoagulation is the mainstay in thromboembolic complication prevention and the first week after rhythm conversion is the most vulnerable period in this respect. Early timing of cardioversion appears to be another important measure to decrease the risk of thromboembolic complications. Transoesophageal echocardiography is useful in clinical scenarios where early cardioversion is desirable due to debilitating clinical symptoms and a short duration of arrhythmia or the adequacy of preceding anticoagulation is uncertain. However, it does not lessen the need for effective anticoagulation after cardioversion. This review summarizes the recent scientific discoveries to improve the safety of cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Key messages Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation entails a significant risk of thromboembolic complications, especially during the first week after the procedure. The intensity of periprocedural anticoagulation and the timing of cardioversion appear to be significant determinants of the risk of thromboembolism. Awareness of the clinical aspects influencing cardioversion safety should be raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Jaakkola
- a Heart Center , Turku University Hospital and University of Turku , Turku , Finland
| | - Tuomas O Kiviniemi
- a Heart Center , Turku University Hospital and University of Turku , Turku , Finland
| | - K E Juhani Airaksinen
- a Heart Center , Turku University Hospital and University of Turku , Turku , Finland
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Lip GY, Banerjee A, Boriani G, Chiang CE, Fargo R, Freedman B, Lane DA, Ruff CT, Turakhia M, Werring D, Patel S, Moores L. Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. Chest 2018; 154:1121-1201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 481] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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deSouza IS, Benabbas R. In Reply to Markey et al. J Emerg Med 2018; 55:571. [PMID: 30143331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2018.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian S deSouza
- Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Roshanak Benabbas
- Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
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35
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Baugh CW, Clark CL, Wilson JW, Stiell IG, Kocheril AG, Luck KK, Myers TD, Pollack CV, Roumpf SK, Tomassoni GF, Williams JM, Patel BB, Wu F, Pines JM. Creation and Implementation of an Outpatient Pathway for Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department Setting: Results of an Expert Panel. Acad Emerg Med 2018. [PMID: 29524340 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF) is a common condition among emergency department (ED) patients in the United States. Traditionally, ED care for primary complaints related to AF focus on rate control, and patients are often admitted to an inpatient setting for further care. Inpatient care may include further telemetry monitoring and diagnostic testing, rhythm control, a search for identification of AF etiology, and stroke prophylaxis. However, many patients are eligible for safe and effective outpatient management pathways. They are widely used in Canada and other countries but less widely adopted in the United States. In this project, we convened an expert panel to create a practical framework for the process of creating, implementing, and maintaining an outpatient AF pathway for emergency physicians to assess and treat AF patients, safely reduce hospitalization rates, ensure appropriate stroke prophylaxis, and effectively transition patients to longitudinal outpatient treatment settings from the ED and/or observation unit. To support local pathway creation, the panel also reached agreement on a protocol development plan, a sample pathway, consensus recommendations for pathway components, sample pathway metrics, and a structured literature review framework using a modified Delphi technique by a technical expert panel of emergency medicine, cardiology, and other stakeholder groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol L. Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine Beaumont Health System Royal Oak MI
| | - Jason W. Wilson
- Department of Emergency Medicine Tampa General Hospital Tampa FL
| | - Ian G. Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa OntarioCanada
| | - Abraham G. Kocheril
- Department of Cardiology Presence Medical Group and University of Illinois Urbana IL
| | | | - Troy D. Myers
- Department of Emergency Medicine CarolinaEast Medical Center New Bern NC
| | - Charles V. Pollack
- Department of Emergency Medicine Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia PA
| | - Steven K. Roumpf
- Department of Emergency Medicine Indiana University Health IndianapolisIN
| | | | | | - Brian B. Patel
- Department of Emergency Medicine Sturdy Memorial Hospital Attleboro MA
| | - Fred Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine UCSF Fresno Fresno CA
| | - Jesse M. Pines
- Department of Emergency Medicine George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Washington DC
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Vandermolen JL, Sadaf MI, Gehi AK. Management and Disposition of Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review. J Atr Fibrillation 2018; 11:1810. [PMID: 30455832 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) in the emergency department (ED) varies greatly, and there are currently no United States guidelines to guide management with regard to patient disposition after ED treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the literature for decision aids to guide disposition of patients with AF/AFLin the ED, and assess potential outcomes associated with different management strategies in the ED. Methods and Results A systematic review was done using PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and EMBASE, combining the search terms "Atrial Fibrillation", "Atrial Flutter", "Emergency Medicine", "Emergency Service", and "Emergency Treatment". After removal of duplicates, 754 articles were identified. After initial screening of titles and abstracts, 69full text articles were carefully reviewed and 34 articles were ultimately included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were grouped into four main categories: decision aids and outcome predictors, electrical cardioversion-based protocols, antiarrhythmic-based protocols, and general management protocols. Conclusion This systematic review is the first study to our knowledge to evaluate the optimal management of symptomatic AF/AFLin the ED with a direct impact on ED disposition. There are several viable management strategies that can result in safe discharge from the ED in the right patient population, and decision aids can be utilized to guide selection of appropriate patients for discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Vandermolen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Murrium I Sadaf
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anil K Gehi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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37
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Emergency medicine considerations in atrial fibrillation. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 36:1070-1078. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Bhatia S, Sugrue A, Asirvatham S. Atrial Fibrillation: Beyond Rate Control. Mayo Clin Proc 2018; 93:373-380. [PMID: 29502567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia encountered in the primary care setting. Although a rate control strategy is pursued by physicians for the initial treatment of atrial fibrillation, the efficacy of a rhythm control approach is often undervalued despite offering effective treatment options. There are many pharmacological therapies available to patients, with drug choice often dictated by safety concerns (toxicities and proarrhythmic adverse effects) as well as patient characteristics and comorbidities. This article presents a simplified approach to understanding the rhythm control strategy, including the advantages and disadvantages of various antiarrhythmic drugs and common drug-drug interactions encountered in the primary care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subir Bhatia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Alan Sugrue
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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De Leon E, Duan L, Rippenberger E, Sharp AL. Impact of Standardizing Management of Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Heart Rate in the Emergency Department. Perm J 2018; 22:17-049. [PMID: 29401054 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/17-049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is substantial variation in the emergency treatment of atrial fibrillation with tachycardia. A standardized treatment approach at an academic center decreased admissions without adverse outcomes, but this approach has not been evaluated in a community Emergency Department (ED). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the implementation of a standardized treatment guideline for patients with atrial fibrillation and a rapid heart rate in a community ED. DESIGN An observational pre-/postimplementation (August 2013 to July 2014 and August 2014 to July 2015, respectively) study at a community ED. The standardized treatment guideline encouraged early oral treatment with rate control medication, outpatient echocardiogram, and early follow-up. A multiple logistic regression model adjusting for patient characteristics was generated to investigate the association between the intervention and ED discharge rate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary measure was ED discharge. Secondary measures included stroke or death, ED return visit, hospital readmission, length of stay, and use of oral rate control medications. RESULTS A total of 199 (104 pre/95 post) ED encounters were evaluated. The ED discharge rate increased 14% after intervention (57.7% to 71.6%, p = 0.04), and use of rate control medications increased by 19.4% (p < 0.01). Adjusted multivariate results showed a nearly 2-fold likelihood of ED discharge after guideline implementation (odds ratio = 1.97, 95%confidence interval = 1.07-3.63). Length of stay, return visits, and hospital readmissionswere similar. CONCLUSION A standardized approach to ED patients with atrial fibrillation and tachycardia is associated with a decrease in hospital admissions without adversely affecting patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto De Leon
- Emergency Physician at the Panorama City Medical Center in CA.
| | - Lewei Duan
- Biostatistician in the Southern California Permanente Medical Group Department of Research and Evaluation in Pasadena.
| | - Ellen Rippenberger
- Clinical Research Associate in the Division of Biomarkers, Early Detection and Prevention at the City of Hope in Duarte, CA.
| | - Adam L Sharp
- Research Scientist in the Southern California Permanente Medical Group Department of Research and Evaluation in Pasadena.
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Transesophageal Echocardiography: Guidelines for Point-of-Care Applications in Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation. Ann Emerg Med 2018; 71:201-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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41
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Tampieri A, Cipriano V, Mucci F, Rusconi AM, Lenzi T, Cenni P. Safety of cardioversion in atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 h without post-procedural anticoagulation in patients at low cardioembolic risk. Intern Emerg Med 2018; 13:87-93. [PMID: 28025766 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-016-1589-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is no unified consensus on short-term anticoagulation after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 h in low-cardioembolic-risk patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of transient ischemic attacks, stroke and death in this subset of patients after cardioversion without post-procedural anticoagulation. In a prospective observational study, patients with recent-onset AF undergoing cardioversion attempts in the Emergency Department were evaluated over the past 3 years. Inclusion criteria were conversion to sinus rhythm, low thromboembolic risk defined by a CHA2DS2VASc score of 0-1 points for males (0-2 points for females aged over 65 years), and hospital discharge without anticoagulant treatment. Patients with severe valvular heart disease, underlying systemic causes of AF, and those discharged with anticoagulant therapy were excluded. The main outcomes measured were TIA, stroke and death at thirty days' follow-up after discharge. During the study period, 218 successful cardioversions, obtained both electrically and pharmacologically, were performed on 157 patients. One hundred and eleven patients were males (71%), the mean age was 55.2 years (±standard deviation 10.7), 99 patients (63%) reported a CHA2DS2VASc score of 0, and the remaining 58 (37%) had a risk profile of 1 point. Of these, latter 8 were females (5%) older than 65 years (risk score 2 points). At the thirty days outcome, none of the 150 enrolled patients who completed a follow-up visit has reported TIA or stroke, nor died, in the overall 211 successful cardioversions evaluated. In our study, the rate of thromboembolic events after cardioversion of recent-onset AF of less than 48 h duration, in patients with a 0-1 CHA2DS2VASc risk profile (females 0-2), appeared to be extremely low even in absence of post-procedural anticoagulation. These findings seem to confirm data from previous studies, and suggest that routine post-procedural short-term anticoagulation may be considered as an overtreatment in this very low-risk subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tampieri
- Emergency Department, S.Maria della Scaletta Hospital, via Montericco 4, Imola, 40026, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Valentina Cipriano
- Emergency Department, S.Maria della Scaletta Hospital, via Montericco 4, Imola, 40026, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mucci
- Emergency Department, S.Maria della Scaletta Hospital, via Montericco 4, Imola, 40026, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tiziano Lenzi
- Emergency Department, S.Maria della Scaletta Hospital, via Montericco 4, Imola, 40026, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cenni
- Emergency Department, S.Maria della Scaletta Hospital, via Montericco 4, Imola, 40026, Bologna, Italy
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Rhythm and rate control of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department – A large community-based observational study. CAN J EMERG MED 2017; 20:834-840. [DOI: 10.1017/cem.2017.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia presentation to the emergency department (ED) and frequently results in admission to the hospital. Although rarely life-threatening and not usually an emergent condition, AF places a large burden on our health-care system. The objective of this study was to describe the practices of ED physicians in the management of AF in a large urban Canadian city.MethodsFrom January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, patients with a primary diagnosis of AF were identified across 10 EDs in Toronto, Canada (N=2,609). Fifty patients were selected at random from each hospital for a detailed chart review (n=500).ResultsTwo hundred thirty-two patients (46%) received rate control, and 129 (26%) received rhythm control with the remainder (28%) receiving neither therapy. Sixty-seven percent of patients were discharged home. Most patients (79%) were symptomatic on arrival; however, only a minority of these (31%) received rhythm control. Factors that were associated with rhythm control included younger age, duration of palpitations ≤ 48 hours, a lower CHADS2 score, and the absence of left ventricular dysfunction.ConclusionOur data suggest a wide range of practice amongst ED physicians treating patients presenting to the ED with a primary diagnosis of AF. A randomized trial is needed to better understand the optimal management strategy in this patient population and setting.
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Abstract
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is increasing rapidly, resulting in more patients presenting for care in the emergency department and in-hospital settings. To reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve patient quality of life, clinicians working in these settings need to be both current and facile in their approach to management of these patients. Frequent updates to guideline recommendations (based on emerging research) make this challenging for practicing physicians. This article reviews the acute management of atrial fibrillation in the emergency and in-hospital settings, including practical approaches to rhythm and rate control, anticoagulation, and special situations, incorporating the most up-to-date guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Atzema
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, 2075 Bayview Avenue, G146, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Sheldon M Singh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Schulich Heart Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, A222, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
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Solie CJ, Mohr NM, Runde DP. Can Multidetector Computed Tomography Rule Out Left Atrial Thrombus in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation? Ann Emerg Med 2017; 71:480-481. [PMID: 29033295 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Solie
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
| | - Nicholas M Mohr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
| | - Daniel P Runde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
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Ibutilide Effectiveness and Safety in the Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter in the Community Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 71:96-108.e2. [PMID: 28969929 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2017.07.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Little is known about the use of ibutilide for cardioversion in atrial fibrillation and flutter outside of clinical trials. We seek to describe patient characteristics, ibutilide administration patterns, cardioversion rates, and adverse outcomes in the community emergency department (ED) setting. We also evaluate potential predictors of cardioversion success. METHODS Using a retrospective cohort of adults who received ibutilide in 21 community EDs between January 2009 and June 2015, we gathered demographic and clinical variables from electronic health records and structured manual chart review. We calculated rates of cardioversion and frequency of ventricular tachycardia within 4 hours and estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) in a multivariate regression model for potential predictors of cardioversion. RESULTS Among 361 patients, the median age was 61 years (interquartile range 53 to 71 years) and most had recent-onset atrial fibrillation and flutter (98.1%). Five percent of the cohort had a history of heart failure. The initial QTc interval was prolonged (>480 ms) in 29.4% of patients, and 3.1% were hypokalemic (<3.5 mEq/L). The mean ibutilide dose was 1.5 mg (SD 0.5 mg) and the rate of ibutilide-related cardioversion within 4 hours was 54.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49.6% to 60.1%), 50.5% for atrial fibrillation and 75.0% for atrial flutter. Two patients experienced ventricular tachycardia (0.6%), both during their second ibutilide infusion. Age (in decades) (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5), atrial flutter (versus atrial fibrillation) (aOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 5.1), and no history of atrial fibrillation and flutter (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.1) were associated with cardioversion. CONCLUSION The effectiveness and safety of ibutilide in this community ED setting were consistent with clinical trial results despite less stringent patient selection criteria.
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Bonora A, Turcato G, Franchi E, Taioli G, Dilda A, Zerman G, Maccagnani A, Pistorelli C, Olivieri O. Efficacy and safety in pharmacological cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: a propensity score matching to compare amiodarone vs class IC antiarrhythmic drugs. Intern Emerg Med 2017; 12:853-859. [PMID: 27384766 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-016-1497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The acute management of recent-onset (<48 h) atrial fibrillation (AF) is still debated. Aim of our study was to compare efficacy and safety of intravenously administered class IC antidysrhythmic agents vs amiodarone in a propensity score matched series of patients acutely treated for AF in the emergency department. During a 3-year period, we retrospectively evaluated all episodes of recent-onset (<48 h) AF pharmacologically treated for sinus rhythm restoration in the emergency department. By means of a propensity score matching considering the main statistically different covariates, we selected two accurately matched treatment groups. We analysed the differences between amiodarone and class IC group in terms of efficacy and safety that is conversion to sinus rhythm rates within 12 and 48 h after starting treatment, time to conversion, and adverse drug effects. An overall number of 817 episodes of recent-onset AF were collected (amiodarone group = 406, class IC group = 411). After matching, we obtained 358 episodes equally divided (amiodarone group = 179 and class IC group = 179). Conversion rates within 12 h were 139 (53.1 %) in amiodarone group and 95 (72.6 %) in class IC group (p < 0.05). Median time for cardioversion was 420 min (331.6-508.3 CI 95 %) in amiodarone and 55 min (44.9-65.1 CI 95 %) in class IC group (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events in both groups was very low and equally distributed (p = ns). Intravenously administration of class IC agents, when compared with amiodarone, proved to be more rapid and effective, and equally safe in the acute management of recent-onset AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bonora
- Emergency and Intensive Care Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy.
| | - Gianni Turcato
- Postgraduate School of Emergency Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Elena Franchi
- Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Gabriele Taioli
- Postgraduate School of Emergency Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Alice Dilda
- Emergency and Intensive Care Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Germana Zerman
- Emergency and Intensive Care Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Antonio Maccagnani
- Emergency and Intensive Care Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Claudio Pistorelli
- Emergency and Intensive Care Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Oliviero Olivieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
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Butler M, Froese P, Zed P, Kovacs G, MacKinley R, Magee K, Watson ML, Campbell SG. Emergency department procedural sedation for primary electrical cardioversion - a comparison with procedural sedations for other reasons. World J Emerg Med 2017; 8:165-169. [PMID: 28680511 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia treated in the emergency department (ED), with primary electrical cardioversion (PEC) the preferred method of rhythm control. Anecdotally, patients undergoing ED procedural sedation (EDPS) for PEC differ from those requiring EDPS for other procedures: they are at higher risk of adverse events, and require fewer drugs and lower doses. We attempt to verify this using an EDPS registry at a Canadian, tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODS This is a retrospective review of patients that underwent EDPS for the period of June 2006 to September 2014. We compared demographics, medication use and intra-procedural adverse events between those receiving EDPS for PEC for AF compared to that for other indications. We report the asssociation between AEs and predictors using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 4 867 patients were included, 714 for PEC for AF and 4 153 for other indications. PEC patients were more likely male (58.5% vs. 47.1%), older (59.5 years vs. 48.1 years), and less likely to be ASA I (46.6% vs. 69.0%). PEC patients received smaller doses of propofol and less likely to receive adjuvant analgesic therapy (11.5% vs. 78.2%). PEC patients were more likely to experience hypotension (27.6% vs. 16.5%) but respiratory AEs (apnea, hypoxia and airway intervention) were not different. CONCLUSION EDPS for PEC differs from that conducted for other purposes: patients tend to be less healthy, receive smaller doses of medication and more likely to suffer hypotension without an increase in respiratory AEs. These factors should be considered when performing EDPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Butler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada.,Department of Undergraduate Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
| | - Patrick Froese
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
| | - Peter Zed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - George Kovacs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
| | - Robert MacKinley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
| | - Kirk Magee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
| | - Mary-Lynn Watson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
| | - Samuel G Campbell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A6, Canada
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Outcomes for Emergency Department Patients With Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter Treated in Canadian Hospitals. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 69:562-571.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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49
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Hospital-level variation and predictors of admission after ED visits for atrial fibrillation: 2006 to 2011. Am J Emerg Med 2016; 34:2094-2100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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50
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Katritsis DG, Josephson ME. Anticoagulation for Cardioversion of Acute Onset Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2016; 2:495-497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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