Atrial fibrillation and gastroesophageal reflux disease: the cardiogastric interaction

Gastroesophageal reflux disease may causally associate with the increased atrial fibrillation risk: evidence from two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses

Background

The risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to observational research. The causal significance of this association is still unclear. This study sought to assess GERD's role as a potential contributing factor in AF.

Methods

With the use of a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique, we assessed the causal relationship between GERD and AF. The association of genetic variants with GERD was examined using data from a recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) that included 602,604 people. Data on the association between genetic variations and AF was obtained from a second GWAS with 1,030,836 participants. The effect sizes were examined based on the inverse-variance weighted method. Additional statistical techniques, including MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum, outlier, and weighted median were used in the sensitivity analysis.

Results

MR analyses in inverse-variance weighted models, using 76 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers, revealed a relationship between genetically predicted GERD and a greater AF incidence [odds ratio (OR): 1.165, 95% CI 1.102-1.231; P = 7.637 × 10-8]. According to MR-Egger, there was no evidence of gene pleiotropy that could be found (intercept = 0.003, P = 0.581). The findings of the sensitivity study, which used several MR methods, were found to be reliable.

Conclusion

The MR analysis revealed a correlation between GERD and increased AF incidence, supporting the idea that treating patients with GERD as early as possible might reduce their chance of developing AF.

Rheumatoid arthritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a bidirectional and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Aims/hypothesis: The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported by many observational studies in the Asian population. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional causal effects between GERD and RA by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using genetic evidence. Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to determine the causal effect of GERD (129,080 cases vs. 602,604 control participants) on RA (6,236 cases vs. 147,221 control participants) and RA on GERD, respectively. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis. Weighted median and MR-Egger regression were taken as supplementary analyses. Cochran's Q test evaluated the heterogeneity. Horizontal pleiotropy was detected by estimating the intercept term of MR-Egger regression. Furthermore, multivariable MR analyses were performed to exclude the influence of confounding factors, including the years of schooling, BMI, and time spent watching television, between GERD and RA. Result: Both univariate MR (UVMR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) provided valid evidence that RA was causally and positively influenced by GERD (UVMR: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.25-1.76, p = 6.18*10-6; MVMR: OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.24-2.31, p = 8.62*10-4), whereas GERD was not influenced by RA (UVMR: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.06, p = 0.042; MVMR: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00-1.07, p = 0.0271). Conclusion: Our comprehensive bidirectional MR analysis found that for the European population, GERD can induce the occurrence of RA (OR = 1.69, p < 0.00125), whereas RA only has no significant influence on GERD. In particular, patients with GERD are suffering a 69% increased risk of RA occurrence, which means GERD is a substantial risk factor for RA.

Smartphone detection of atrial fibrillation using photoplethysmography: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Timely diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) is essential to reduce complications from this increasingly common condition. We sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy of smartphone camera photoplethysmography (PPG) compared with conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) for AF detection.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane (1980-December 2020), including any study or abstract, where smartphone PPG was compared with a reference ECG (1, 3 or 12-lead). Random effects meta-analysis was performed to pool sensitivity/specificity and identify publication bias, with study quality assessed using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2) risk of bias tool.

RESULTS

28 studies were included (10 full-text publications and 18 abstracts), providing 31 comparisons of smartphone PPG versus ECG for AF detection. 11 404 participants were included (2950 in AF), with most studies being small and based in secondary care. Sensitivity and specificity for AF detection were high, ranging from 81% to 100%, and from 85% to 100%, respectively. 20 comparisons from 17 studies were meta-analysed, including 6891 participants (2299 with AF); the pooled sensitivity was 94% (95% CI 92% to 95%) and specificity 97% (96%-98%), with substantial heterogeneity (p<0.01). Studies were of poor quality overall and none met all the QUADAS-2 criteria, with particular issues regarding selection bias and the potential for publication bias.

CONCLUSION

PPG provides a non-invasive, patient-led screening tool for AF. However, current evidence is limited to small, biased, low-quality studies with unrealistically high sensitivity and specificity. Further studies are needed, preferably independent from manufacturers, in order to advise clinicians on the true value of PPG technology for AF detection.

Left atrial epicardial adipose tissue is associated with low voltage zones in the left atrium in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Objective

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is related to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the specific mechanism is still unclear. Left atrial (LA) low voltage zones (LVZ) can well reflect atrial fibrosis. This study investigated the relationship between EAT and LVZ in non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients.

Methods

This observational study including patients with NVAF (n = 214) undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFCA) for the first time in our hospital and 62 matched controls. The EAT volume and attenuation were measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. A three-dimensional mapping system was used to map the left atrial endocardium and evaluate LA-LVZ. Patients were divided into LVZ and non-LVZ groups according to the presence or absence of LVZ.

Results

Patients with AF showed higher LA-EAT volume and lower attenuation value than controls (29.7 ± 11.2 cm³ vs. 20.9 ± 8.6 cm³, P = 0.021; −91.2 ± 5.6 HU vs. −88.7 ± 5.9 HU, P < 0.001). Compared with the group without LVZ, there were significant differences in age [65 (59–71) vs. 60 (52–69), P = 0.006], LAVI [75.1 ± 20.7 ml/m² vs. 67.2 ± 20.9 ml/m², P = 0.018], LA-EAT volume (34.8 ± 11.5 cm³ vs. 28.1 ± 10.6 cm³, P < 0.001) and LA-EAT attenuation (−93.9 ± 5.3 HU vs. −90.4 ± 5.5 HU, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.040; 95%CI: 1.001–1.078, P = 0.042), LAVI (OR = 1.019; 95%CI: 1.002–1.037, P = 0.032), LA-EAT volume (OR = 1.193; 95%CI: 1.015–1.402, P = 0.034) and attenuation value (OR = 0.801; 95%CI: 0.701–0.916 P = 0.001) were independent predictors of LVZ. After LA-EAT attenuation was incorporated into the clinical model, the comprehensive discrimination and net reclassification tended to improve (IDI and NRI > 0, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

LA-EAT volume and attenuation values can independently predict the presence of LVZ, and LA-EAT attenuation has a better predictive value than LA-EAT volume.

Endoscopic Findings of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease in Elderly and Younger Age Groups

Objective: To determine and compare the clinical features and endoscopic findings of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in elderly and younger age groups. Materials and Methods: The clinical and endoscopic features were evaluated for all patients with GERD between January 2017 and September 2020. The criteria for inclusion were being aged over 65 and under 50 years and having an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with reflux symptoms resistant to ppi theraphy. The exclusion criteria included prior surgery, age under 18 years, and pregnancy. The diagnosis of GERD was made according to the patients' symptoms. The SPSS 11.0 for Windows pocket program was used for statistical analysis. Results: Two hundred eighty-six patients aged over 65 years and 261 patients aged below 50 years were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the older group was 68.2 ± 4.5 years and the mean age of the young group was 38 ± 7.2 years. The male/female ratio was 5/3 and 2/1 in the young and older groups, respectively. The older patients had less severe and rare typical symptoms than the young patients. However, significantly more serious endoscopic findings were noted in the older patients compared with the younger patients. Conclusion: The older and young patients with GERD were predominantly male and typical reflux problems were less common in older patients with GERD. Older patients had more important endoscopic findings such as hernia, esophagitis, and cancer.

Reflux esophagitis is associated with higher risks of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation: A nationwide inpatient sample analysis

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a subset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with endoscopic evidence of esophageal inflammation, which has been linked to an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on the effect of RE on patient outcomes is limited. We sought to examine the potential association of RE with outcomes of patients with AF in a nationwide study.The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried to identify hospitalized adult patients with AF and RE between 2010 and 2014. Primary outcomes included inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. AF related complications such as acute stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and acute heart failure were assessed as secondary outcomes. Propensity score matching and multivariate regression analysis were used.Six lakh sixty seven thousands five hundred twenty patients were admitted for primary diagnosis of AF out of which 5396 had a secondary diagnosis of RE. In the AF with RE cohort, the average age was 73.6 years, 41.5% were male, and 79.9% were Caucasian. There was a greater prevalence of concomitant dyslipidemia, chronic liver disease and chronic pulmonary disease (P < .01) when compared to the AF without RE cohort. Patients with AF and RE also had higher incidence of acute strokes and TIAs (P < .05), longer LOS (P < .001), and higher hospital charges (P < .05) with no difference in acute heart failure (P = .08), hospital mortality (P = .12), or CHA2DS2-VASc score (P = .67).In hospitalized patients with AF, RE was associated with a higher rate of acute stroke and TIAs, longer LOS, and greater hospital charges.

Atrial fibrillation and autonomic nervous system: A translational approach to guide therapeutic goals

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is known to play an important role in the genesis and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Biomolecular and genetic mechanisms, anatomical knowledges with recent diagnostic techniques acquisitions, both invasive and non-invasive, have enabled greater therapeutic goals in patients affected by AF related to ANS imbalance. Catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) in the left and right atrium has been proposed in varied clinical conditions. Moreover interesting results arise from renal sympathetic denervation and vagal nerve stimulation. Despite all this, in the scenario of ANS modulation translational strategies we necessary must consider the treatment or correction of dynamic factors such as obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, lifestyle, food, and stress. Finally, new antiarrhythmic drugs, gene therapy and "ablatogenomic" could be represent exciting future therapeutic perspectives.

Pre-procedural proton pump inhibition is associated with fewer peri-oesophageal lesions after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoenergy is safe and efficient for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Pre-existing upper gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies have been shown to increase the risk for AF. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing incidental pathologies of the upper GI tract in patients scheduled for PVI and to analyse the impact of patients’ characteristics on PVI safety outcome. In 71 AF patients, who participated in the MADE-PVI trial, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and endosonography were prospectively performed directly before and the day after PVI to assess pre-existing upper GI pathologies and post-interventional occurrence of PVI-associated lesions. Subgroup analysis of the MADE-PVI trial identified clinically relevant incidental findings in 53 patients (74.6%) with age > 50 years being a significant risk factor. Pre-existing reflux oesophagitis increased risk for PVI-associated mediastinal oedema, while patients already treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) had significantly fewer mediastinal oedema. Our results suggest that AF patients with pre-existing reflux oesophagitis are at higher risk for PVI-associated mediastinal lesions, which is decreased in patients with constant PPI-treatment prior to PVI. Since PVI-associated mediastinal lesions are regarded as surrogate parameter for an increased risk of the fatal complication of an oesophago-atrial fistula, our findings hint at a beneficial effect of pre-interventional prophylactic PPI-treatment to reduce risk for PVI-associated complications.

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00016006; date of registration: 17/12/2018).

Bidirectional association between GERD and rheumatoid arthritis: two longitudinal follow-up studies using a national sample cohort

Several previous studies have suggested a relationship between GERD and RA. However, no study has investigated the bidirectional relationship between GERD and RA. This study aimed to evaluate the causal relationships between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Participants aged ≥ 20 years old in the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Sample Cohort from 2002 to 2013 were enrolled. In study I, 132,140 GERD participants were 1:2 matched with 264,280 control I participants. In study II, 6615 RA participants were 1:4 matched with 26,460 control II participants. Both control I and control II groups were matched with their study groups for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The occurrence of RA (study I) and GERD (study II) were followed up in both the study and control groups. The hazard ratios (HRs) of GERD for RA (study I) and of RA for GERD (study II) were analysed using stratified Cox-proportional hazards models. In study I, 0.8% (1,034/132,140) of the GERD group and 0.5% (1,290/264,280) of the control I group had RA (P < 0.001). The GERD group demonstrated a 1.49-fold higher adjusted HR than did the control I group (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.37-1.62, P < 0.001). In study II, 22.5% (1,490/6,615) of the RA group and 15.2% (4,034/26,460) of the control II group had GERD (P < 0.001). The RA group showed a 1.46-fold higher adjusted HR than did the control II group (95% CI = 1.38-1.55, P < 0.001). GERD and RA have bidirectional associations in Korean adult population. Key Points • Several previous studies have suggested a relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). • However, no study has investigated the bidirectional relationship between GERD and RA. • This is the first study to present a bidirectional relationship between GERD and RA. • GERD and RA have bidirectional relations with each other.

Prevention of Esophageal Damage During Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation by the Esophagus Mechanical Deviation

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent arrhythmia in the world population. Despite the use of antiarrhythmics, it is difficult to control clinically, causing symptoms and mainly generating risk of a thromboembolic event. Since 1998, by means of radiofrequency ablation, the treatment of atrial fibrillation has completely changed, but together with this important evolution complications from this ablative treatment technique have also started. In addition to the pulmonary vein stenosis caused by the ablation and later corrected with the change in the technique, atrioesophageal fistulas appeared due to the application of radiofrequency in the posterior wall of the left atrium. This wall is very close (0.5 cm onaverage) to the esophagus, which facilitates the formation of the fistula that leads to the death of almost 100% of the affected patients, despite the various treatment measurements already developed. To avoid this serious complication, several authors have created techniques to protect the esophagus including its mechanical deviation to a region opposite to the radiofrequency application, taking advantage of its mobility and easiness of handling. The mechanical deviation of the esophagus has proven to be the simplest, cheapest and most efficient way to protect this organ from radiofrequency thermal damage during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Prevenção de Dano Esofágico Durante Ablação de Fibrilação Atrial por Desvio Mecânico do Esôfago

A fibrilação atrial é a arritmia de maior prevalência na população mundial. Apesar do uso de antiarrítmicos, é de difícil controle clínico, ocasionando sintomas e principalmente gerando risco de um evento tromboembólico. A partir de 1998, por meio da ablação por radiofrequência, o tratamento da fibrilação atrial mudou completamente, porém junto a essa importante evolução também iniciaram as complicações advindas dessa técnica de tratamento ablativo. Além das estenoses das veias pulmonares causadas pela ablação e posteriormente corrigidas com a mudança da técnica, surgiram as fístulas átrio-esofágicas, devido à aplicação de radiofrequência na parede posterior do átrio esquerdo. Esta parede está bem próxima (0,5 cm em média) do esôfago, facilitando a formação da fístula que leva à morte quase 100% dos pacientes acometidos, apesar das diversas medidas de tratamento já desenvolvidas. Para evitar essa grave complicação, vários autores criaram técnicas para proteger o esôfago incluindo seu desvio mecânico para uma região oposta à da aplicação de radiofrequência, aproveitando a sua mobilidade e facilidadede abordagem. O desvio mecânico do esôfago tem se mostrado a forma mais simples, barata e eficiente de proteger esse órgão da lesão térmica da radiofrequência durante a ablação da fibrilação atrial.

Upper Endoscopy in Patients with Extra-Oesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Multicentre Study

Background

There are no evidence-based recommendations for performing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in patients with extra-oesophageal symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, UGIEs are often performed in clinical practice in these patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal lesions in patients with atypical GORD symptoms.

Methods

Patients complaining of at least one extra-oesophageal GORD symptom and undergoing UGIE in seven centres were prospectively enrolled. Clinically relevant lesions (Barrett's oesophagus, erosive oesophagitis, gastric precancerous conditions, peptic ulcer, cancer, and H. pylori infection) were statistically compared between groups regarding GORD symptoms (atypical vs. both typical and atypical), type of atypical symptoms, age, and presence of hiatal hernia.

Results

Two hundred eleven patients were enrolled (male/female: 74/137; mean age: 55.5 ± 14.7 years). Barrett's oesophagus was detected in 4 (1.9%), erosive oesophagitis in 12 (5.7%), gastric precancerous conditions in 22 (10.4%), and H. pylori infection in 38 (18%) patients. Prevalence of clinically relevant lesions was lower in patients with only atypical GORD symptoms (28.6 vs. 42.5%; p = 0.046; χ² test), in patients ≤50 years (20 vs. 44.8%; p = 0.004; χ² test), and in those in ongoing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy (21.1 vs. 40.2%; p = 0.01; χ² test). No clinically relevant lesions were detected in patients ≤50 years, without alarm symptoms, and receiving PPI therapy. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in only 6 patients with cardiologic and in 41 patients with ear-nose-throat symptoms (11.3 vs. 35.1%; p = 0.03; χ² test).

Conclusions

Clinically relevant lesions are uncommon among young (≤50 years) patients with extra-oesophageal GORD symptoms. Hiatal hernia is not more prevalent in patients with cardiologic symptoms and suspicion of GORD. The usefulness of UGIE in these patients is questionable.

Atrial fibrillation: A review of modifiable risk factors and preventive strategies

Atrial fibrillation (AF), as the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Successful therapeutic strategies have been introduced so far, but they are associated with significant costs. Therefore, identification of modifiable risk factors of AF and the development of appropriate preventive strategies may play a substantial role in promoting community health and reducing health care system costs. Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles have been proposed as possible contributors to the development and progression of AF. In this review, we discuss the role of modifiable risk factors in the development and management of AF and the evidence for the underlying mechanism for each of the potential risk factor.

Pharmacological Inhibition of Serine Proteases to Reduce Cardiac Inflammation and Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation

Systemic inflammation correlates with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and thrombogenesis. Systemic inflammation alters vessel permeability, allowing inflammatory and immune cell migration toward target organs, including the heart. Among inflammatory cells infiltrating the atria, macrophages and mast cell have recently attracted the interest of basic researchers due to the pathogenic mechanisms triggered by their activation. This chemotactic invasion is likely implicated in short- and long-term changes in cardiac cell-to-cell communication and in triggering fibrous tissue accumulation in the atrial myocardium and electrophysiological re-arrangements of atrial cardiomyocytes, thus favoring the onset and progression of AF. Serine proteases are a large and heterogeneous class of proteases involved in several processes that are important for cardiac function and are involved in cardiac diseases, such as (i) coagulation, (ii) fibrinolysis, (iii) extracellular matrix degradation, (iv) activation of receptors (i.e., protease-activated receptors [PPARs]), and (v) modulation of the activity of endogenous signals. The recognition of serine proteases substrates and their involvement in inflammatory/profibrotic mechanisms allowed the identification of novel cardio-protective mechanisms for commonly used drugs that inhibit serine proteases. The aim of this review is to summarize knowledge on the role of inflammation and fibrosis as determinants of AF. Moreover, we will recapitulate current findings on the role of serine proteases in the pathogenesis of AF and the possible beneficial effects of drugs inhibiting serine proteases in reducing the risk of AF through decrease of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. These drugs include thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors (used as oral anticoagulants), dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, used for type-2 diabetes, as well as novel experimental inhibitors of mast cell chymases.

Adverse Reactions of the Cardiovascular System when Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ways to Reduce Them

The most important issue of modern pharmacotherapy is not only efficacy, but also the safety of medicines. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is one of the main methods of treating acute and chronic pain in a wide range of diseases and pathological conditions. However, the prescription of this group of drugs requires consideration of the potential risks of complications, including from the side of the cardiovascular system. The purpose of the review was to assess the adverse reactions of the cardiovascular system when taking NSAIDs and approaches to their reduction. The article presents data on the mutual potential impact of cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal system, presents the results of large-scale studies of Russian and foreign authors and meta-analyzes of the NSAIDs effect on blood pressure profile, development of myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the side effects of NSAIDs are reviewed; the complexity of managing comorbid patients is demonstrated; it is shown that symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammatory syndrome should be carried out considering a personalized approach to the patient and rational choice of drugs.

Before the NSAIDs prescription, it is necessary to consider all cardiovascular risk factors with the determination of the total risk of cardiovascular complications. In patients with a very high cardiovascular risk, the use of any NSAIDs should be avoided; with high and moderate risk, the use of NSAIDs with the most favorable cardiovascular safety profile is possible. If the patient belongs to the category of low total coronary risk, the doctor can choose any NSAIDs. 

Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

associations between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are inconclusive. Some studies found that AF was a risk factor for GERD whereas other studies showed opposite results. The primary objective of this study was to systematically evaluate whether GERD and AF have a bidirectional association using a meta-analysis.

METHODS

a systematic review was conducted of studies on the association between GERD and AF, written in the English language and included in Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed and EMBASE until February 2017. The search was limited to longitudinal, case-control, and cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

among 548 studies found in the above-mentioned databases, seven fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among these seven studies, two were longitudinal studies, two were case-control studies, and three were cross-sectional studies. The summary adjusted relative risks (RRs) for AF-induced GERD and GERD-induced AF were 1.54 (95% CI, 1.08-2.17) and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.86-1.31), respectively. The subgroup analysis showed that the associations were not significantly modified by sample size, study design, age, or geographic area.

CONCLUSIONS

this meta-analysis supported the association of AF with increased risk of GERD.

Association of atrial fibrillation and gastroesophageal reflux disease: Natural and therapeutic linkage of the two common diseases

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is popular in Japan. The two common diseases share several predisposing factors such as lifestyle and senescence, and inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in their development and progression. Incidental cases of AF treated successfully by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) applied for coexisting GERD have been sporadically reported. An increasing evidence indicates that GERD induces the initiation and the perpetuation of AF. This is caused by the autonomic nerve influence, mechanical compression, and propagation of local inflammation due to proximity of left atrium (LA) and lower esophagus. Meanwhile, AF also develops GERD by mechanical and inflammatory actions of LA characterized by remodeling and inflammation. The robust association of AF with GERD is not limited to their natural interaction, i.e., pharmacological or nonpharmacological treatment of AF is reported to aggravate GERD. Many cardiac drugs (anticoagulants, calcium antagonists, and nitrates) induce esophageal mucosal damage and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation promoting acid reflux. These drugs are frequently prescribed in patients with AF for stroke prevention, rate control, and for coexisting coronary heart disease. Catheter ablation also yields both GERD and esophageal thermal injury, which is a precursor lesion of atrioesophageal fistula. The notion that AF and GERD are mutually interdependent is widely and empirically recognized. However, mechanistic link of the two common diseases and objective evaluation of PPI as an adjunctive AF treatment warrant future large-scale prospective trials.

Exercise and Atrial Fibrillation: Some Good News and Some Bad News

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered as the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults, whose incidence rate is on the rise due to the increase in the mean age of the global population. In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify effective factors in the incidence of AF to prevent them and thereby reduce the consequences of AF. Physical activity is one of the topics that attracted much attention in the last two decades. According to some findings, extreme and prolonged exercise itself can be considered as a risk factor for the onset of AF; however, other studies have shown that exercise can be regarded a protective factor against AF in the general population. The present study reviews the findings of studies on the relationship between AF and exercise and discusses possible mechanisms for this relationship. Additionally, we present some recommendations for researchers and physicians about exercise management in association with AF prevention.

Preoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder Is Associated With Increased Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

In North America, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disorder ranges from 18.1% to 27.8%. We measured the risk posed by preoperative esophageal disease for patients undergoing abdominal operations.

METHOD

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP; 2005-2015) data were merged with institutional clinical data repository records to identify esophageal disease in surgical patients undergoing intra-abdominal procedures. Patients with esophageal disease were classified as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or other, which included patients with esophageal stricture, spasm, ulcer, or diverticuli, achalasia, esophagitis, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and multiple esophageal diagnoses, excluding GERD. ACS NSQIP-targeted procedure groups included were colectomy, proctectomy, ventral hernia repair, bariatric surgery, hepatectomy, appendectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, open aortoiliac repair, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and oophorectomy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model postoperative complication rates, adjusting for ACS NSQIP risk of morbidity, demographic factors, ACS NSQIP-targeted procedure groups, and open versus laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

Of 9172 intra-abdominal cases, 21.3% had preoperative esophageal disease (19.6% GERD and 1.7% other). After adjustment, patients with GERD were at higher risk for experiencing a number of complications, including all-cause 30-d complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.41, P = 0.044), renal complication (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.09-1.87, P = 0.036), wound complication (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.79, P = 0.028), and readmission within 30 d (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.35-2.04, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative GERD is associated with increased postoperative complication rate. Surgeons should consider assessing GERD in patients undergoing abdominal operations.

Inflammation and atrial fibrillation: A comprehensive review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has different underlying substrates. Atrial remodeling involves electrophysiological and structural abnormalities that promote the development and perpetuation of AF. Experimental and clinical data indicate that inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial remodeling. The mechanistic links between atrial remodeling and inflammation are complex while diverse underlying diseases and conditions may affect these pathways. Inflammatory markers have also been associated with AF development, recurrence, perpetuation, total AF burden as well as with thromboembolic complications. The development of specific anti-inflammatory interventions in this setting seems to be challenging and complicated. Several agents with pleiotropic properties, including anti-inflammatory, have been tested in experimental and clinical settings with variable results. This updated review provides a concise overview of all available data regarding the role of inflammation in AF including the predictive role of inflammatory markers. Also, current knowledge and future directions on anti-inflammatory strategies are critically discussed.

Low back pain and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with COPD: the disease in the breath

COPD is a worsening condition that leads to a pathologic degeneration of the respiratory system. It represents one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in the world, and it is characterized by the presence of associated comorbidity. This article analyzes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and low back pain (LBP) in patients with COPD and tries to produce anatomo-clinical considerations on the reasons of the presence of these comorbidities. The considerations of the authors are based on the anatomic functions and characteristics of the respiratory diaphragm that are not always considered, from which elements useful to comprehend the symptomatic status of the patient can be deduced, finally improving the therapeutic approach. The information contained in the article can be of help to the clinician and for physiotherapy, and to all health professionals who gravitate around the patient’s care, improving the approach to the diaphragm muscle.