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Boskovic M, Jortveit J, Haraldsen MB, Berge T, Engdahl J, Løchen ML, Schuster P, Sandberg EL, Grimsmo J, Atar D, Anfinsen OG, Pripp AH, Grenne BL, Halvorsen S. The NORwegian atrial fibrillation self-SCREENing (NORSCREEN) trial: rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial. Europace 2024; 26:euae228. [PMID: 39248170 PMCID: PMC11448330 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, and many cases of AF may be undiagnosed. Whether screening for AF and subsequent treatment if AF is detected can improve long-term outcome remains an unsettled question. The primary aim of the NORwegian atrial fibrillation self-SCREENing (NORSCREEN) trial is to assess whether self-screening for AF with continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) for 3-7 days in individuals aged 65 years or older with at least one additional risk factor for stroke, and initiation of guideline-recommended therapy in patients with detected AF, will reduce the occurrence of stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS This study is a nationwide open, siteless, randomized, controlled trial. Individuals ≥65 years of age are randomly identified from the National Population Register of Norway and are invited to take a digital inclusion/exclusion test. Individuals passing the inclusion/exclusion test are randomized to either the intervention group or the control group. A total of 35 000 participants will be enrolled. In the intervention group, self-screening is performed continuously over 3-7 days at home with a patch ECG device (ECG247) at inclusion and after 12-18 months. If AF is detected, guideline-recommended therapy will be initiated. Patients will be followed up for 5 years through national health registries. The primary outcome is time to a first stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke). The first participant in the NORSCREEN trial was enrolled on 1 September 2023. CONCLUSION The results from the NORSCREEN trial will provide new insights regarding the efficacy of digital siteless self-screening for AF with respect to stroke prevention in individuals at an increased risk of stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trials: NCT05914883.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Boskovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiology, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Jarle Jortveit
- Department of Cardiology, Sorlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Marius Blørstad Haraldsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Berge
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Research, Vestre Viken Hospital, Baerum Hospital, Rud, Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Vestre Viken Hospital, Baerum Hospital, Rud, Norway
| | - Johan Engdahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyds Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja-Lisa Løchen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Peter Schuster
- Department, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jostein Grimsmo
- Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Lovisenberg Rehabilitation, Cathinka Guldbergs Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- LHL (The National Patient Organization for Heart, Vascular and Lung Diseases, Allergy, Stroke, Aphasia and their Relatives), Jessheim, Norway
| | - Dan Atar
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole-Gunnar Anfinsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Are Hugo Pripp
- Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Leangen Grenne
- Clinic of Cardiology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sigrun Halvorsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
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Peng L, Liu L, Chai M, Cai Z, Wang D. Predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for clinical outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1461923. [PMID: 39390991 PMCID: PMC11464451 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1461923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The association between the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and the prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) has been extensively studied, yet clinical outcomes have varied. Consequently, this analysis was undertaken to explore the link between NLR and the prognostic markers of AF. Methods We conducted an exhaustive search across electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, to investigate the correlation between the NLR and indicators of adverse clinical outcomes associated with AF from the database establishment date through March 31, 2024. In this study, the recurrence rate of AF was the primary outcome measure, while the secondary outcome measures were mortality, stroke, and left atrial thrombus. Odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), hazard ratio (HR) and standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were integrated for assessment, and the stability of prognostic outcomes and publication bias were verified by sensitivity analysis and Egger's test, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed to pinpoint the sources of heterogeneity. Results This analysis included 20 studies, encompassing a total of 59,256 patients. Our statistical analysis of both categorical and continuous variables revealed that an elevated NLR was significantly associated with increased risks in AF patients for recurrence (categorical variable: OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.21-1.60; continuous variable: SMD = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.24-0.74), mortality (categorical variable: OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.59-2.20), stroke (categorical variable: OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.13-2.17; continuous variable: SMD = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.63-0.91), and left atrial thrombus (categorical variable: OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.27-2.75; continuous variable: SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.30-0.89). Subgroup analyses found that high NLR was significantly linked to AF recurrence when the NLR was >3. High NLR was significantly linked to the risk of stroke in AF when the NLR was ≤3. Conclusions This study suggested that a high NLR is significantly linked to prognostic risk markers of AF, and NLR may be an effective biomarker for the prognosis of AF in clinical practice. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42024530970).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Linping Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Jinan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Miaomiao Chai
- Department of Cardiology, Linping Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhonggui Cai
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Shandong Healthcare Group Zaozhuang Hospital, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Deqi Wang
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, China
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Casado-Arroyo R, Bernardi M, Sabouret P, Franculli G, Tamargo J, Spadafora L, Lellouche N, Biondi-Zoccai G, Toth PP, Banach M. Investigative agents for atrial fibrillation: agonists and stimulants, progress and expectations. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:967-978. [PMID: 39096248 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2388583] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Its prevalence has increased due to worldwide populations that are aging in combination with the growing incidence of risk factors associated. Recent advances in our understanding of AF pathophysiology and the identification of nodal players involved in AF-promoting atrial remodeling highlights potential opportunities for new therapeutic approaches. AREAS COVERED This detailed review summarizes recent developments in the field antiarrhythmic drugs in the field AF. EXPERT OPINION The current situation is far than optimal. Despite clear unmet needs in drug development in the field of AF treatment, the current development of new drugs is absent. The need for a molecule with absence of cardiac and non-cardiac toxicity in the short and long term is a limitation in the field. Improvement in the understanding of AF genetics, pathophysiology, molecular alterations, big data and artificial intelligence with the objective to provide a personalized AF treatment will be the cornerstone of AF treatment in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Casado-Arroyo
- Department of Cardiology, H.U.B.-Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marco Bernardi
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierre Sabouret
- Heart Institute, ACTION Study Group-CHU Pitié-Salpétrière Paris, Paris, France
- Collège National des Cardiologues Français (CNCF), Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe Franculli
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Juan Tamargo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luigi Spadafora
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolas Lellouche
- Service de Cardiologie, AP-HP, University Hospital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Peter P Toth
- CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL, USA
- Cicarrone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz Lodz Poland, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Congenital Diseases of Adults, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute Lodz Poland, Lodz, Poland
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Toyoda K, Yoshimura S, Nakai M, Wada S, Miwa K, Koge J, Yoshida T, Kamiyama K, Mizoue T, Hatano T, Yoshida Y, Sasahara Y, Ishigami A, Iwanaga Y, Miyamoto Y, Minematsu K, Kobayashi S, Koga M. Severity, Outcomes, and their Secular Changes in 33,870 Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in a Hospital-Based Registry: Japan Stroke Data Bank. J Atheroscler Thromb 2024:65117. [PMID: 39198185 DOI: 10.5551/jat.65117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM Severity, functional outcomes, and their secular changes in acute atrial fibrillation (AF)-associated stroke patients were determined. METHODS Acute ischemic stroke patients with AF in a hospital-based, multicenter, prospective registry from January-2000 through December-2020, were compared with those without AF. The co-primary outcomes were the initial severity assessed by the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and favorable outcome assessed by the modified Rankin Scale scores 0-2 at hospital discharge. RESULTS Of the 142,351 patients studied, 33,870 had AF. AF patients had higher NIHSS scores (median 9 vs. 3, adjusted coefficient 5.468, 95% CI 5.354-5.582) than non-AF patients. Favorable outcome was less common in AF patients than in non-AF patients in the unadjusted analysis (48.4% vs. 70.4%), but it was more common with adjustment for the NIHSS score and other factors (adjusted OR 1.110, 95% CI 1.061-1.161). In AF patients, the NIHSS score decreased throughout the 21-year period (adjusted coefficient -0.088, 95% CI -0.115 - -0.061 per year), and the reduction was steeper than in non-AF patients (P<0.001). In AF patients, favorable outcome became more common over the period (adjusted OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.010-1.026), and the increase was steeper than in non-AF patients (P<0.001); the increase was no longer significant after further adjustment by reperfusion therapy. CONCLUSIONS Initial stroke severity became milder and functional outcomes improved in AF patients over the 21-year period. These secular changes were steeper than in non-AF patients, suggesting that AF-associated stroke seemed to reap more benefit of recent development of stroke care than stroke without AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Toyoda
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Sohei Yoshimura
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Michikazu Nakai
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
- Clinical Research Support Center, University of Miyazaki Hospital
| | - Shinichi Wada
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Kaori Miwa
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Junpei Koge
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | | | | | | | - Taketo Hatano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kokura Memorial Hospital
| | - Yasuhisa Yoshida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cerebrovascular Research Institute, Eishokai Yoshida Hospital
| | - Yusuke Sasahara
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Akiko Ishigami
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Yoshitaka Iwanaga
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Yoshihiro Miyamoto
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | | | | | - Masatoshi Koga
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
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Ruiz-García A, Serrano-Cumplido A, Escobar-Cervantes C, Arranz-Martínez E, Pallarés-Carratalá V. Atrial Fibrillation Prevalence Rates and Its Association with Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Factors: SIMETAP-AF Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1309. [PMID: 39202590 PMCID: PMC11356659 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia and the main cause of hospital admissions for cardioembolic stroke. The SIMETAP research project aims to update the prevalence rates of cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic factors and to evaluate their respective associations with factors that could be related. The present study aims to assess the AF prevalence rates in an adult population and its association with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a primary care setting, with a population-based random sample of 6588 people aged 18.0-102.8 years. Crude and adjusted prevalence rates of AF were calculated. The associations of CKM factors with AF were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence rates of AF were 2.9% in the overall adult population, 6.1% in the population aged ≥50 years, and 12.9% in the population aged ≥70 years, with no significant differences by sex. AF prevalence in the population under 50 years of age barely reached 1‰. Heart failure (HF), hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), stroke, low HDL-cholesterol, and prediabetes were independent CKM factors associated with AF in the overall population, as were the same factors, except prediabetes, in the population ≥50 years old (p < 0.001). High or very high vascular risk was present in 92.4% [95% CI: 89.1-95.7]) of the population with AF. Conclusions: The adjusted prevalence rate of AF in the population aged 50 years or older was 6.1%, twice that of the overall adult population and half that of the population aged 70 years or older. The main independent CKM factors associated with AF were HF, stroke, CKD, hypertension, and low HDL-cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ruiz-García
- Lipids and Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Pinto University Health Centre, 28320 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Medicine, European University of Madrid, 28005 Madrid, Spain
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Mileva N, Vassilev D, Panayotov P, Nikolov P, Dimitrov G, Karamfiloff K, Rigatelli G, Gil RJ. Impact of the Type of Anticoagulation Therapy on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Bifurcation Lesion and Atrial Fibrillation-Insights from the Bulgarian Bifurcation Registry. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1294. [PMID: 39202575 PMCID: PMC11356353 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease represent a group with a greater risk of mortality. To evaluate patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a significant coronary bifurcation lesion and compare the clinical outcomes between the patients on anticoagulant treatment with Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and those on direct anticoagulant (DOAC). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of patients with AF and stable coronary artery disease, who had evidence of a significant coronary bifurcation lesion. A log-rank test was used to assess the difference in mortality between patients taking VKA and those on DOAC. The primary endpoint was the incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular death at mid-term. Results: A total of 226 patients with AF and a significant bifurcation lesion were included. The mean age was 70.9 ± 9.2, and 70% were males. Of the patients, 123 (54.7%) were on VKA treatment, and 103 (45.3%) were taking DOAC. For a median follow-up time of 55 (39-96) months, overall mortality was 40%, whereas CV mortality was 31%. Both all-cause (28.2% versus 50.4%, p = 0.020) and CV death (12.7% versus 24.9%, p = 0.032) were significantly lower in patients taking DOAC versus those on VKA. In patients treated with PCI, CV mortality was significantly lower in patients taking DOAC (21.4% versus 40.5%, p = 0.032). VKA therapy was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.11-3.18; p = 0.01), together with chronic kidney disease (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.13-2.92; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Treatment with DOAC in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary bifurcation lesion was associated with significantly lower mortality independently of the treatment approach. VKA was an independent predictor of CV mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niya Mileva
- Medica Cor Hospital, 7000 Ruse, Bulgaria; (D.V.); (P.P.)
| | - Dobrin Vassilev
- Medica Cor Hospital, 7000 Ruse, Bulgaria; (D.V.); (P.P.)
- Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”, 7017 Ruse, Bulgaria
| | - Panayot Panayotov
- Medica Cor Hospital, 7000 Ruse, Bulgaria; (D.V.); (P.P.)
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Pleven, 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
| | - Pavel Nikolov
- Cardiology Department, Alexandrovska University Hospital, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.N.); (G.D.); (K.K.)
| | - Georgi Dimitrov
- Cardiology Department, Alexandrovska University Hospital, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.N.); (G.D.); (K.K.)
| | - Kiril Karamfiloff
- Cardiology Department, Alexandrovska University Hospital, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.N.); (G.D.); (K.K.)
| | | | - Robert J. Gil
- National Medical Institute of Internal Affairs and Administration Ministry, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland;
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Nakamaru R, Nishimura S, Kumamaru H, Shoji S, Nakatani E, Yamamoto H, Miyachi Y, Miyata H, Kohsaka S. Trajectories of Frailty and Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Shizuoka Kokuho Database. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2024; 17:e010642. [PMID: 39167767 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.123.010642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of frailty has gained considerable attention due to its profound influence on clinical outcomes. However, our understanding of the progression of frailty and long-term clinical outcomes in older individuals with atrial fibrillation remains scarce. METHODS Using data from 2012 to 2018 from a comprehensive claims database incorporating primary and hospital care records in Shizuoka, Japan, we selected patients aged ≥65 years with atrial fibrillation who initiated oral anticoagulant therapy. The trajectory of frailty was plotted using Sankey plots, illustrating the annual changes in their frailty according to the electronic frailty index during a 3-year follow-up after oral anticoagulant initiation, along with the incidence of clinical adverse outcomes. For deceased patients, we assessed their frailty status in the year preceding their death. RESULTS Of 6247 eligible patients (45.1% women; mean age, 79.3±8.0 years) at oral anticoagulant initiation, 7.7% were categorized as fit (electronic frailty index, 0-0.12), 30.1% as mildly frail (>0.12-0.24), 35.4% as moderately frail (>0.24-0.36), and 25.9% as severely frail (>0.36). Over the 3-year follow-up, 10.4% of initially fit patients transitioned to moderately frail or severely frail. Conversely, 12.5% of severely frail patients improved to fit or mildly frail. Death, stroke, and major bleeding occurred in 23.4%, 4.1%, and 2.2% of patients, respectively. Among the mortality cases, 74.8% (N=1183) and 3.5% (N=55) had experienced moderately or severely frail and either a stroke or major bleeding in the year preceding their death, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a contemporary era of atrial fibrillation management, a minor fraction of older patients on oral anticoagulants died following a stroke or major bleeding. However, their frailty demonstrated a dynamic trajectory, and a substantial proportion of death was observed after transitioning to a moderately or severely frail state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Nakamaru
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., H.Y., H.M., S.K.)
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
| | - Shiori Nishimura
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., H.Y., H.M., S.K.)
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
| | - Hiraku Kumamaru
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., H.Y., H.M., S.K.)
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
| | - Satoshi Shoji
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
- Department of Cardiology (S.S., S.K.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (S.S.)
| | - Eiji Nakatani
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
| | - Hiroyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., H.Y., H.M., S.K.)
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
| | - Yoshiki Miyachi
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
| | - Hiroaki Miyata
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., H.Y., H.M., S.K.)
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
- Department of Health Policy and Management (H.M.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Kohsaka
- Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., H.Y., H.M., S.K.)
- Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Japan (R.N., S.N., H.K., S.S., E.N., H.Y., Y.M., H.M., S.K.)
- Department of Cardiology (S.S., S.K.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Ogieuhi IJ, Ugiomoh OMA, Awe M, Khan M, Kwape JM, Akpo D, Thiyagarajan B, Nnekachi NP. Exploring the bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and atrial fibrillation: implications for risk stratification and management. Egypt Heart J 2024; 76:95. [PMID: 39080107 PMCID: PMC11289190 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-024-00524-z] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by the absence of p-waves on ECG and irregular rhythm. It often presents with palpitations either palpitations may occur acutely over a short period or intermittently over several years. Other cardinal symptoms of atrial fibrillation include fatigue, dyspnea, and lightheadedness; it is important however to note that most affected individuals are asymptomatic. Concurrently, sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders which are a group of conditions associated with the body's internal clock that affect the timing of sleep and alertness, are raising concerns due to their potential associations to arrhythmias. This review explores the bidirectional relationship between AF and sleep disorders, highlighting their implications for risk stratification and management strategies. MAIN BODY The narrative approach of this review synthesizes evidence from numerous studies obtained through meticulous literature searches. Specific sleep disorders with a bidirectional relationship with AF are the focus, with scrutiny on the prevalence of this connection. The examination delves into the pathophysiology of sleep-related autonomic dysregulation and inflammation, emphasizing potential management modalities. Various meta-analysis cohorts have highlighted a strong connection between sleep disorders and atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with sleep disorders, especially OSA, have a higher likelihood of developing AF, and conversely, those with AF are more prone to sleep disorders. This impact is not limited to development, as sleep disorders also contribute to the progression of AF, with AF, in turn, negatively impacting sleep duration and quality. Sleep disorders may play an important role in atrial remodeling as well as electrophysiological abnormalities, rendering the atrial tissue more susceptible to arrhythmogenesis. The narrative review suggests that treating sleep disorders could not only improve sleep quality but also reduce risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation. The effective management of sleep disorders emerges as a potential challenge in preventing and treating atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this narrative study highlights the bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and atrial fibrillation. There is a positive correlation, affecting the development, progression, and management of atrial fibrillation. The detrimental impact of sleep disorders on atrial remodeling and electrophysiological abnormalities underscores the significance of their diagnosis and treatment. Education about the importance of sleep and the benefits of sleep disorder treatment becomes imperative for patients with AF and sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mishael Awe
- Medical Academy Named After S I Georgievskiy Crimean Federal University Named After V I Vernadsky, Simferopol, Russia
| | - Maham Khan
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Deborah Akpo
- State Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, Anambra State, Nigeria
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9
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Eklund M, Bernfort L, Appelberg K, Engler D, Schnabel RB, Martinez C, Wallenhorst C, Boriani G, Buckley CM, Diederichsen SZ, Svendsen JH, Montaner J, Potpara T, Levin LÅ, Lyth J. The budget impact of implementing atrial fibrillation-screening in European countries. Eur Heart J Suppl 2024; 26:iv19-iv32. [PMID: 39099577 PMCID: PMC11292408 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
A budget impact analysis estimates the short-term difference between the cost of the current treatment strategy and a new treatment strategy, in this case to implement population screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to estimate the financial impact of implementing population-based AF-screening of 75-year-olds compared with the current setting of no screening from a healthcare payer perspective in eight European countries. The net budget impact of AF-screening was estimated in country-specific settings for Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden. Country-specific parameters were used to allow for variations in healthcare systems and to reflect the healthcare sector in the country of interest. Similar results can be seen in all countries AF-screening incurs savings of stroke-related costs since AF treatment reduces the number of strokes. However, the increased number of detected AF and higher drug acquisition will increase the drug costs as well as the costs of physician- and control visits. The net budget impact per invited varied from €10 in Ireland to €122 in the Netherlands. The results showed the increased costs of implementing AF-screening were mainly driven by increased drug costs and screening costs. In conclusion, across Europe, though the initial cost of screening and more frequent use of oral anti-coagulants will increase the healthcare payers' costs, introducing population screening for AF will result in savings of stroke-related costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Eklund
- Unit of Healthcare Analysis, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lars Bernfort
- Unit of Healthcare Analysis, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Appelberg
- Unit of Healthcare Analysis, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Engler
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Germany
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carlos Martinez
- Institute for Epidemiology, Statistics and Informatics GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Italy University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Søren Zöga Diederichsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Inge Lehmanns Vej 7, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hastrup Svendsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Inge Lehmanns Vej 7, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joan Montaner
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute de Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Tatjana Potpara
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Cardiology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lars-Åke Levin
- Unit of Healthcare Analysis, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Lyth
- Unit of Healthcare Analysis, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Itäinen-Strömberg S, Lehto M, Halminen O, Putaala J, Haukka J, Lehtonen O, Teppo K, Mustonen P, Linna M, Hartikainen J, Airaksinen KEJ, Aro AL. Thromboembolic and bleeding complications after elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a nationwide cohort study. Europace 2024; 26:euae131. [PMID: 38829189 PMCID: PMC11146156 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Elective cardioversion (ECV) is routinely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) to restore sinus rhythm. However, it includes a risk of thromboembolism even during adequate oral anticoagulation treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications after ECV in a real-life setting utilizing data from a large AF population. METHODS AND RESULTS This nationwide register-based study included all (n = 9625) Finnish AF patients undergoing their first-ever ECV between 2012 and 2018. The thromboembolic and bleeding complications within 30 days after ECV were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 67.7 ± 9.9 years, 61.2% were men, and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.6 ± 1.6. Warfarin was used in 6245 (64.9%) and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in 3380 (35.1%) cardioversions. Fifty-two (0.5%) thromboembolic complications occurred, of which 62% were ischaemic strokes, 25% transient ischaemic attacks, and 13% other systemic embolisms. Thromboembolic events occurred in 14 (0.4%) NOAC-treated patients and in 38 (0.6%) warfarin-treated patients (odds ratio 0.77; confidence interval: 0.42-1.39). The median time from ECV to the thromboembolic event was 2 days, and 78% of the events occurred within 10 days. Age and alcohol abuse were significant predictors of thromboembolic events. Among warfarin users, thromboembolic complications were more common with international normalized ratio (INR) <2.5 than INR ≥2.5 (0.9% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.026). Overall, 27 (0.3%) bleeding events occurred. CONCLUSION The rate of thromboembolic and bleeding complications related to ECV was low without significant difference between NOAC- and warfarin-treated patients. With warfarin, INR ≥2.5 at the time of cardioversion reduced the risk of thromboembolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saga Itäinen-Strömberg
- Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Lehto
- Jorvi Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Espoo, Finland
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Halminen
- Aalto University, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Espoo, Finland
| | - Jukka Putaala
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Haukka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Clinicum, Finland
| | - Ossi Lehtonen
- University of Eastern Finland, School of Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Konsta Teppo
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pirjo Mustonen
- Heart Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Miika Linna
- Aalto University, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Espoo, Finland
- University of Eastern Finland, School of Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha Hartikainen
- University of Eastern Finland, School of Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Aapo L Aro
- Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Goodman SG, Roy D, Pollack CV, Leblanc K, Kwaku KF, Barnes GD, Bonaca MP, True Hills M, Campello E, Fanikos J, Connors JM, Weitz JI. Current Gaps in the Provision of Safe and Effective Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation and the Potential for Factor XI-Directed Therapeutics. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2024; 23:47-57. [PMID: 38381695 PMCID: PMC11191052 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000351] [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] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The global prevalence of atrial fibrillation is rapidly increasing, in large part due to the aging of the population. Atrial fibrillation is known to increase the risk of thromboembolic stroke by 5 times, but it has been evident for decades that well-managed anticoagulation therapy can greatly attenuate this risk. Despite advances in pharmacology (such as the shift from vitamin K antagonists to direct oral anticoagulants) that have increased the safety and convenience of chronic oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation, a preponderance of recent observational data indicates that protection from stroke is poorly achieved on a population basis. This outcomes deficit is multifactorial in origin, stemming from a combination of underprescribing of anticoagulants (often as a result of bleeding concerns by prescribers), limitations of the drugs themselves (drug-drug interactions, bioaccumulation in renal insufficiency, short half-lives that result in lapses in therapeutic effect, etc), and suboptimal patient adherence that results from lack of understanding/education, polypharmacy, fear of bleeding, forgetfulness, and socioeconomic barriers, among other obstacles. Often this adherence is not reported to treating clinicians, further subverting efforts to optimize care. A multidisciplinary, interprofessional panel of clinicians met during the 2023 International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress to discuss these gaps in therapy, how they can be more readily recognized, and the potential for factor XI-directed anticoagulants to improve the safety and efficacy of stroke prevention. A full appreciation of this potential requires a reevaluation of traditional teaching about the "coagulation cascade" and decoupling the processes that result in (physiologic) hemostasis and (pathologic) thrombosis. The panel discussion is summarized and presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun G. Goodman
- From the Division of Cardiology, St Michael’s Hospital, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre and Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Denis Roy
- Department of Medicine and Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles V. Pollack
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Kori Leblanc
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin F. Kwaku
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | - Geoffrey D. Barnes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Marc P. Bonaca
- Division of Cardiology, CPC Clinical Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Elena Campello
- Department of Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Diseases Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - John Fanikos
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
| | - Jean M. Connors
- Hematology Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jeffrey I. Weitz
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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12
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Soejima K, Nogami A, Kumagai K, Uno K, Kurita T, Morishima I, Miura F, Kato R, Kimura T, Takita A, Gosho M, Aonuma K. Impact of frailty in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation. J Arrhythm 2024; 40:463-471. [PMID: 38939797 PMCID: PMC11199813 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The relationships between frailty and clinical outcomes in elderly Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) after catheter ablation (CA) have not been established. We evaluated the frailty rate of patients undergoing CA for NVAF, examined whether CA for NVAF improves frailty, and analyzed the CA outcomes of patients with and without frailty. Methods Elderly Japanese patients (≥65 years; mean age: 72.8 years) who participated in the real-world ablation therapy with anti-coagulants in management of atrial fibrillation registry and who responded to the frailty screening index survey were included (n = 213). Frailty and AF recurrence were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months after CA. Results Twenty-six patients (12.8%) were frail, 109 (53.7%) were pre-frail, and 68 (33.5%) were robust. Cardiovascular (frailty: 0.5%/person-year; pre-frailty: 0.1%/person-year; robust: 0.1%/person-year) and cardiac (frailty: 0.5%/person-year; pre-frailty: 0.1%/person-year; robust: 0.1%/person-year) events, as well as major bleeding (frailty: 0.3%/person-year; pre-frailty: 0.1%/person-year; robust: 0.1%/person-year), were numerically more frequent in the frailty group. No deaths from cardiovascular or stroke/systemic thromboembolic events occurred. A large proportion of patients did not experience 3-month (frailty: 96.2%; pre-frailty: 96.3%; robust: 88.2%) or 6-month (frailty: 88.5%; pre-frailty: 91.7%; robust: 86.8%) AF recurrence after CA. Weight loss, walking speed, and fatigue improved in the frailty and pre-frailty groups after CA. Conclusion Japanese patients aged ≥65 years with frailty or pre-frailty had improved frailty screening index components, such as weight loss, walking speed and fatigue, after CA. Therefore, elderly patients with frailty or pre-frailty may benefit from CA for NVAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Soejima
- Department of CardiologyKyorin University School of MedicineMitakaTokyoJapan
| | - Akihiko Nogami
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | | | - Kikuya Uno
- Heart Rhythm CenterTokyo Heart Rhythm HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Kurita
- Division of Cardiovascular CenterKindai University School of MedicineOsaka‐SayamaJapan
| | | | - Fumiharu Miura
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineHiroshima Prefectural HospitalHiroshimaJapan
| | - Ritsushi Kato
- Department of ArrhythmiaSaitama Medical University International Medical CenterSaitamaJapan
| | - Tetsuya Kimura
- Primary Medical Science DepartmentDaiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.TokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Takita
- Data Intelligence DepartmentDaiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.TokyoJapan
| | - Masahiko Gosho
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Kazutaka Aonuma
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
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13
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Bücke P, Jung S, Kaesmacher J, Goeldlin MB, Horvath T, Prange U, Beyeler M, Fischer U, Arnold M, Seiffge DJ, Meinel TR. Intravenous thrombolysis in patients with recent intake of direct oral anticoagulants: A target trial analysis after the liberalization of institutional guidelines. Eur Stroke J 2024:23969873241252751. [PMID: 38738861 DOI: 10.1177/23969873241252751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to report the safety and efficacy of off-label intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase after sequentially liberalizing our institutional guidelines allowing IVT for patients under direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) regardless of plasma levels, time of last intake, and without prior anticoagulation reversal therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We utilized the target-trial methodology to emulate hypothetical criteria of a randomized controlled trial in our prospective stroke registry. Consecutive DOAC patients (06/2021-11/2023) otherwise qualifying for IVT were included. Safety and efficacy outcomes (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [ICH], any radiological ICH, major bleeding, 90-day mortality, 90-day good functional outcome [mRS 0-2 or return to baseline]) were assessed using inverse-probability-weighted regression-adjustment comparing patients with versus without IVT. RESULTS Ninety eight patients fulfilled the target-trial criteria. IVT was given in 49/98 (50%) patients at a median of 178 (interquartile range 134-285) min after symptom onset with median DOAC plasma level of 77 ng/ml (15 patients had plasma levels > 100 ng/ml; 25/49 [51%] were treated within 12 h after last DOAC ingestion). Endovascular therapy was more frequent in patients without IVT (73% vs 33%). Symptomatic ICH occurred in 0/49 patients receiving IVT and 2/49 patients without IVT (adjusted difference -2.5%; 95% CI -5.9 to 0.8). The rates of any radiological ICH were comparable. Patients receiving IVT were more likely to have good functional outcomes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION After liberalizing our approach for IVT regardless of recent DOAC intake, we did not experience any safety concerns. The association of IVT with better functional outcomes warrants prospective randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Bücke
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon Jung
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kaesmacher
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Stroke Research Center Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martina B Goeldlin
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Horvath
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Prange
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Morin Beyeler
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Urs Fischer
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Arnold
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - David J Seiffge
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Meinel
- Stroke Research Center Bern, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
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Šustr F, Macháčková T, Pešl M, Svačinova J, Trachtová K, Stárek Z, Kianička B, Slabý O, Novák J. Identification of Plasmatic MicroRNA-206 as New Predictor of Early Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation Using Next-generation Sequencing. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:301-310. [PMID: 38459249 PMCID: PMC11068688 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is indicated in patients with recurrent and symptomatic AF episodes. Despite the strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, AF recurrence after CA remains high. Identification of a novel biomarker that would predict AF recurrence would help to stratify the patients. The aim of the study was to seek novel biomarkers among the plasmatic microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs). METHODS A prospective monocentric study was conducted. A total of 49 consecutive AF patients indicated for CA were included. Blood sampling was performed prior to CA. RNA was isolated from plasma using commercial kits. In the exploration phase, small RNA sequencing was performed in ten AF patients (five with and five without AF recurrence) using Illumina instrument. In the validation phase, levels of selected miRNAs were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in all participants. RESULTS Altogether, 22 miRNAs were identified as altered between the groups by next-generation sequencing (using the DESeq2 algorithm). Using qRT-PCR, levels of the five most altered miRNAs (miR-190b/206/326/505-5p/1296-5p) were verified in the whole cohort. Plasma levels of hsa-miR-206 were significantly higher in patients with early (within 6 months) AF recurrence and showed an increase of risk recurrence,2.65 times by every increase in its level by 1 unit in the binary logistic regression. CONCLUSION We have identified a set of 22 plasmatic miRNAs that differ between the patients with and without AF recurrence after CA and confirmed hsa-miR-206 as a novel miRNA associated with early AF recurrence. Results shall be verified in a larger independent cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Šustr
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, Pekařská 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Táňa Macháčková
- Ondrej Slaby Joint Research Group, Central European Institute of Technology and Department of Biology of Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pešl
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Cardioangiology, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Svačinova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Trachtová
- Ondrej Slaby Joint Research Group, Central European Institute of Technology and Department of Biology of Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Stárek
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Cardioangiology, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslav Kianička
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, Pekařská 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Slabý
- Ondrej Slaby Joint Research Group, Central European Institute of Technology and Department of Biology of Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Novák
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, Pekařská 53, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Vardas EP, Theofilis P, Oikonomou E, Vardas PE, Tousoulis D. MicroRNAs in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms, Vascular Implications, and Therapeutic Potential. Biomedicines 2024; 12:811. [PMID: 38672166 PMCID: PMC11048414 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040811] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most prevalent arrhythmia in clinical practice, presents a growing global health concern, particularly with the aging population, as it is associated with devastating complications and an impaired quality of life. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, including the pathways of fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, have emerged as substantial contributors in AFib pathophysiology, by affecting those pathways. In this review, we explore the intricate relationship between miRNAs and the aforementioned aspects of AFib, shedding light on the molecular pathways as well as the potential diagnostic applications. Recent evidence also suggests a possible role of miRNA therapeutics in maintenance of sinus rhythm via the antagonism of miR-1 and miR-328, or the pharmacological upregulation of miR-27b and miR-223-3p. Unraveling the crosstalk between specific miRNA profiles and genetic predispositions may pave the way for personalized therapeutic approaches, setting the tone for precision medicine in atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil P. Vardas
- 1st Cardiology Department, General Hospital of Athens “Hippokration”, University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.)
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Cardiology Department, General Hospital of Athens “Hippokration”, University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Cardiology Department, Sotiria Regional Hospital for Chest Diseases, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Panos E. Vardas
- Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Heart Sector, Hygeia Hospitals Group, Attica, 15123 Athens, Greece;
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, General Hospital of Athens “Hippokration”, University of Athens Medical School, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.)
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16
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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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17
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Sandberg EL, Halvorsen S, Berge T, Grimsmo J, Atar D, Grenne BL, Jortveit J. Screening for Atrial Fibrillation by Digital Health Technology in Older People in Homecare Settings: A Feasibility Trial. Int J Telemed Appl 2024; 2024:4080415. [PMID: 38567031 PMCID: PMC10985273 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4080415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Users of homecare services are often excluded from clinical trials due to advanced age, multimorbidity, and frailty. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and frequently undiagnosed arrhythmia in the elderly and is associated with severe mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Timely identification prevents associated complications through evidence-based treatment. This study is aimed at assessing the feasibility of AF screening using new digital health technology in older people in a homecare setting. Methods Users of homecare services ≥ 65 years old with at least one additional risk factor for stroke in two Norwegian municipalities were assessed for study participation by nurses. Participants performed a continuous prolonged ECG recording using a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor). Results A total of 144 individuals were assessed for study participation, but only 18 (13%) were included. The main reasons for noninclusion were known AF and/or anticoagulation therapy (25%), severe cognitive impairment (26%), and lack of willingness to participate (36%). The mean age of participants performing the ECG test was 81 (SD ± 7) years, and 9 (50%) were women. All ECG tests were interpretable; the mean ECG monitoring time was 104 hours (IQR 34-338 hours). AF was detected in one individual (6%). Conclusion This feasibility study highlights the challenges of enrolling older people receiving homecare services in clinical trials. However, all included participants performed an interpretable and prolonged continuous ECG recording with a digital ECG patch device. This trial is registered with NCT04700865.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvard Liljedahl Sandberg
- Sorlandet Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Arendal, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrun Halvorsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Berge
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Baerum Hospital, Department of Medical Research and Department of Internal Medicine, Rud, Norway
| | - Jostein Grimsmo
- Lovisenberg Rehabilitation, Cathinka Guldbergs Hospital, Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Oslo, Norway
- LHL (National Organization for Heart and Lung Diseases), Jessheim, Norway
| | - Dan Atar
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Leangen Grenne
- Clinic of Cardiology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jarle Jortveit
- Sorlandet Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Arendal, Norway
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18
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Jortveit J, Boskovic M, Sandberg EL, Vegsundvåg J, Halvorsen S. High Diagnostic Accuracy of Long-Term Electrocardiogram Interpretation by General Practitioners. Int J Telemed Appl 2024; 2024:6624344. [PMID: 38425473 PMCID: PMC10904176 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6624344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Traditional long-term ECG monitoring systems have primarily been used by cardiologist. New remote and wearable easy-to-use devices have led to increased use of ECG recordings also outside cardiology clinics. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of interpretation of the one-lead ECG recordings from a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor system) by general practitioners (GP). Methods Norwegian GPs were invited to digitally assess 10 long-term ECG recordings with different arrhythmias performed by the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor system. For all ECG examinations, the presence/absence of different arrhythmias was registered. Results A total of 40 GPs accepted the invitation and assessed all the 10 long-term ECG recordings. All the tests were assessed as interpretable by all the GPs. Arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation/flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia) were correctly identified in most cases, with sensitivity of 98% (95% CI 95-99%), specificity of 75% (95% CI 68-82%), and diagnostic accuracy of 89% (85-92%). Incorrect automatic system algorithm interpretations were rarely corrected by the GPs. Conclusion GPs interpreted one-lead recordings by the ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor system with high diagnostic accuracy for common arrhythmias. However, in cases with rare arrhythmias, we recommend consulting a cardiologist to confirm the diagnosis before treatment is initiated. This trial is registered with NCT04700865.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarle Jortveit
- Department of Cardiology, Sorlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | | | | | - Jonas Vegsundvåg
- Department of Primary Health Care Services, Aalesund Municipality, Aalesund, Norway
| | - Sigrun Halvorsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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19
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Huang M, Huiskes FG, de Groot NMS, Brundel BJJM. The Role of Immune Cells Driving Electropathology and Atrial Fibrillation. Cells 2024; 13:311. [PMID: 38391924 PMCID: PMC10886649 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common progressive cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and entails serious complications including stroke and heart failure. Despite decades of clinical research, the current treatment of AF is suboptimal. This is due to a lack of knowledge on the mechanistic root causes of AF. Prevailing theories indicate a key role for molecular and structural changes in driving electrical conduction abnormalities in the atria and as such triggering AF. Emerging evidence indicates the role of the altered atrial and systemic immune landscape in driving this so-called electropathology. Immune cells and immune markers play a central role in immune remodeling by exhibiting dual facets. While the activation and recruitment of immune cells contribute to maintaining atrial stability, the excessive activation and pronounced expression of immune markers can foster AF. This review delineates shifts in cardiac composition and the distribution of immune cells in the context of cardiac health and disease, especially AF. A comprehensive exploration of the functions of diverse immune cell types in AF and other cardiac diseases is essential to unravel the intricacies of immune remodeling. Usltimately, we delve into clinical evidence showcasing immune modifications in both the atrial and systemic domains among AF patients, aiming to elucidate immune markers for therapy and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Huang
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.H.); (F.G.H.)
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Fabries G. Huiskes
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.H.); (F.G.H.)
| | | | - Bianca J. J. M. Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.H.); (F.G.H.)
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20
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Al-Ezzi SMS, Bista I, Al-Ezzi MM, Prajjwal P, Al-Ezzi SMS, Pattani HH, Amiri B, Marsool MDM. Updates in the management of atrial fibrillation: Emerging therapies and treatment. Dis Mon 2024; 70:101633. [PMID: 37716839 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2023.101633] [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] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The most common and clinically important cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF), which has a large negative impact on public health due to higher fatalities, morbidity, and healthcare expenditure rates. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and outcomes of various treatment approaches and interventions for AF. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHOD The most pertinent published research (original papers and reviews) in the scientific literature were searched for and critically assessed using the online, internationally indexed databases PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Reviews. These studies are summarised in this review. Keywords like "Atrial Fibrillation", "emerging therapies", "treatment", "catheter ablation", and "atrial appendage" were used to search the papers. The papers were researched and examined to be relevant to the topic. CONCLUSION A lot of work has gone into enhancing AF management to deal with this expanding public health concern. Significant developments and advances in the treatment of AF during the past few years have aided clinicians in giving AF patients better care. The most recent treatments for AF include medication, catheter ablation, cryo-balloon ablation, and left atrial appendage closure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bita Amiri
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz, Iran
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21
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Karlsson M, Platonov PG, Ulimoen SR, Sandberg F, Wallman M. Model-based estimation of AV-nodal refractory period and conduction delay trends from ECG. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1287365. [PMID: 38283279 PMCID: PMC10811553 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1287365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, associated with significant burdens to patients and the healthcare system. The atrioventricular (AV) node plays a vital role in regulating heart rate during AF by filtering electrical impulses from the atria. However, it is often insufficient in regards to maintaining a healthy heart rate, thus the AV node properties are modified using rate-control drugs. Moreover, treatment selection during permanent AF is currently done empirically. Quantifying individual differences in diurnal and short-term variability of AV-nodal function could aid in personalized treatment selection. Methods: This study presents a novel methodology for estimating the refractory period (RP) and conduction delay (CD) trends, and their uncertainty in the two pathways of the AV node during 24 h using non-invasive data. This was achieved by utilizing a network model together with a problem-specific genetic algorithm and an approximate Bayesian computation algorithm. Diurnal variability in the estimated RP and CD was quantified by the difference between the daytime and nighttime estimates, and short-term variability was quantified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance between adjacent 10-min segments in the 24-h trends. Additionally, the predictive value of the derived parameter trends regarding drug outcome was investigated using several machine learning tools. Results: Holter electrocardiograms from 51 patients with permanent AF during baseline were analyzed, and the predictive power of variations in RP and CD on the resulting heart rate reduction after treatment with four rate control drugs was investigated. Diurnal variability yielded no correlation to treatment outcome, and no prediction of drug outcome was possible using the machine learning tools. However, a correlation between the short-term variability for the RP and CD in the fast pathway and resulting heart rate reduction during treatment with metoprolol (ρ = 0.48, p < 0.005 in RP, ρ = 0.35, p < 0.05 in CD) were found. Discussion: The proposed methodology enables non-invasive estimation of the AV node properties during 24 h, which-indicated by the correlation between the short-term variability and heart rate reduction-may have the potential to assist in treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Karlsson
- Department of Systems and Data Analysis, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pyotr G. Platonov
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara R. Ulimoen
- Department of Medical Research, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Bærum Hospital, Drammen, Norway
| | - Frida Sandberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikael Wallman
- Department of Systems and Data Analysis, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
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22
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Etminani F, Sandgren E, Holm J, Magnusson P, Modica A, Moberg K, Davidsson T, Stalpe L, Kiflemariam S, Younan N, Parikh P, Wadhwa M, Sundin A, Engdahl J. Randomised, siteless study to compare systematic atrial fibrillation screening using enrichment by a risk prediction model with standard care in a Swedish population aged ≥ 65 years: CONSIDERING-AF study design. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080639. [PMID: 38216189 PMCID: PMC10806481 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and confers an increased risk of mortality, stroke, heart failure and cognitive decline. There is growing interest in AF screening; however, the most suitable population and device for AF detection remains to be elucidated. Here, we present the design of the CONSIDERING-AF (deteCtiON and Stroke preventIon by moDEl scRreenING for Atrial Fibrillation) study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS CONSIDERING-AF is a randomised, controlled, siteless, non-blinded diagnostic superiority trial with four parallel groups and a primary endpoint of identifying AF during a 6-month study period set in Region Halland, Sweden. In each group, 740 individuals aged≥65 years will be included. The primary objective is to compare the intervention of AF screening enrichment using a risk prediction model (RPM), followed by 14 days of a continuous ECG patch, with no intervention (standard care). Primary outcome is defined as the incident AF recorded in the Region Halland Information Database after 6 months as compared with standard care. Secondary endpoints include the difference in incident AF between groups enriched or not by the RPM, with and without an invitation to 14 days of continuous ECG recording, and the proportions of oral anticoagulation treatment in the four groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has ethical approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. Results will be published in peer-reviewed international journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05838781.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Etminani
- Center for Applied Intelligent Systems Research in Health (CAISR Health), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Department of Research and Development (FoU), Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Emma Sandgren
- Department of Medicine, Hallands sjukhus Varberg, Varberg, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ninia Younan
- Department of Medicine, Hallands sjukhus Varberg, Varberg, Sweden
| | - Purvee Parikh
- Medical Affairs, Philips, Ambulatory Monitoring and Diagnostics, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Manish Wadhwa
- Medical Affairs, Philips, Ambulatory Monitoring and Diagnostics, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Johan Engdahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Meyer M, Arnold A, Stein T, Niemöller U, Tanislav C, Erkapic D. Arrhythmias among Older Adults Receiving Comprehensive Geriatric Care: Prevalence and Associated Factors. Clin Pract 2024; 14:132-147. [PMID: 38248435 PMCID: PMC10801505 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14010011] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias are medical conditions that increase with age and are associated with significant morbidities and mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of arrhythmias and clinical associations in the collective of older adults receiving comprehensive geriatric care (CGC). METHODS Holter ECG monitoring (HECG) of older patients hospitalized for CGC was analyzed. The prevalence of arrhythmias and the associations between the presence of arrhythmias, patients' characteristics and the functional status regarding basic activities of daily living (assessed by the Barthel index (BI)), walking ability (assessed by the timed up and go test (TUG)), and balance and gait (assessed by the Tinetti balance and gait test (TBGT)) were examined. RESULTS In the presented study, 626 patients were included (mean age: 83.9 ± 6.6 years, 67.7% were female). The most common arrhythmias detected in HECG were premature ventricular contractions (87.2%), premature atrial contractions (71.7%), and atrial fibrillation (22.7%). Atrial flutter was found in 1.0%, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in 5.8%, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia in 12.5%, first-degree AV block in 0.8%, second-degree AV block type Mobitz I in 0.8%, second-degree AV block type Mobitz II in 0.3%, pause > 2.5 s any cause in 3.5%, and pause > 3 s any cause in 1.6% of the cases. Premature atrial contractions were associated with the female sex (74.8% vs. 65.3%, p = 0.018), whereas in male patients, the following arrhythmias were more common: premature ventricular contractions (91.6% vs. 85.1%, p = 0.029), ventricular bigeminus (8.4% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.021), and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (17.3% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.014). Atrial fibrillation detected in HECG was more frequent in patients at high risk of falls, indicated by their TBGT score ≤ 18 (24.7% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.006), and premature ventricular contractions were more common in patients unable to walk (TUG score 5) compared to those with largely independent mobility (TUG score 1 or 2) (88.0% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.023). In a logistic regression analysis, atrial fibrillation detected in HECG was identified as a risk factor for a high risk of falls (odds ratio (OR): 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-4.46). CONCLUSION In our study, investigation of HECG of older adults hospitalized for CGC revealed that premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions, and atrial fibrillation were the most common arrhythmias. Premature atrial contractions were found to be more frequent in female patients, while male patients were more prone to premature ventricular contractions. In the investigated population, atrial fibrillation emerged as a risk factor associated with a high risk of falls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Meyer
- Department of Geriatrics, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen, Wichernstrasse 40, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Andreas Arnold
- Department of Geriatrics, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen, Wichernstrasse 40, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Thomas Stein
- Department of Geriatrics, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen, Wichernstrasse 40, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Niemöller
- Department of Geriatrics, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen, Wichernstrasse 40, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Christian Tanislav
- Department of Geriatrics, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen, Wichernstrasse 40, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Damir Erkapic
- Department of Cardiology and Rhythmology, Diakonie Hospital Jung-Stilling Siegen, Wichernstrasse 40, 57074 Siegen, Germany
- University Hospital, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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24
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Deering TF, Goyal SK, Bhimani AA, Hoosien M, Karimianpour A, Krishnasamy KP, Nilsson KR, Omar A, Lakkireddy D, Gopinathannair R, Katapadi A, Sohns C. Atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: Where do we stand in 2023? - State of the art review. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 47:88-100. [PMID: 38071456 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure are common overlapping cardiovascular disorders. Despite important therapeutic advances over the past several decades, controversy persists about whether a rate control or rhythm control approach constitutes the best option in this population. There is also considerable debate about whether antiarrhythmic drug therapy or ablation is the best approach when rhythm control is pursued. A brief historical examination of the literature addressing this issue will be performed. An analysis of several important clinical outcomes observed in the prospective, randomized studies, which have compared AF ablation to non-ablation treatment options, will be discussed. This review will conclude with recommendations to guide clinicians on the status of AF ablation as a treatment option when considering management options in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Deering
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Augusta University, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sandeep K Goyal
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashish A Bhimani
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Hoosien
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmadreza Karimianpour
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kavita P Krishnasamy
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kent R Nilsson
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Augusta University, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Abdullah Omar
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Rakesh Gopinathannair
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Aashish Katapadi
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Christian Sohns
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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25
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Zacher J, Filipovic K, Predel G, Schmidt T. Exercise and Atrial Fibrillation: The Dose Makes the Poison? A Narrative Review. Int J Sports Med 2024; 45:17-22. [PMID: 37802082 PMCID: PMC10776210 DOI: 10.1055/a-2152-7628] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
"All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison" (Paracelsus, ~ 1538 AD). This well-known quote seems to aptly summarize the current understanding of the interaction between exercise and atrial fibrillation (AF). A host of data strongly suggests that regular exercise has a protective effect against developing AF. A small but well-conducted group of trials also demonstrates beneficial effects of exercise in the treatment of AF. Recently, however, potentially detrimental effects of large volumes of high-intensity exercise on the probability of developing AF have moved into the sports-cardiological focus. This effect is well documented for elite athletes; data regarding the general population is less clear. This review presents the current data regarding the protective, therapeutic and potentially risk-enhancing effects of exercise regarding AF. The authors demonstrate that the benefits are clear and strongly outweigh the potential disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Zacher
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, Preventative and
Rehabilitative Sports and Performance Medicine, German Sport University Cologne,
Köln, Germany
| | - Karlo Filipovic
- Department of Electrophysiology, University of Cologne, Heart Center,
Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Georg Predel
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, Preventative and
Rehabilitative Sports and Performance Medicine, German Sport University Cologne,
Köln, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, Preventative and
Rehabilitative Sports and Performance Medicine, German Sport University Cologne,
Köln, Germany
- Schüchtermann-Klinik Bad Rothenfelde, Bad Rothenfelde,
Germany
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26
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Laenens D, Stassen J, Galloo X, Ewe SH, Singh GK, Ammanullah MR, Hirasawa K, Sia CH, Butcher SC, Chew NWS, Kong WKF, Poh KK, Ding ZP, Ajmone Marsan N, Bax JJ. The impact of atrial fibrillation on prognosis in aortic stenosis. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. QUALITY OF CARE & CLINICAL OUTCOMES 2023; 9:778-784. [PMID: 36669758 PMCID: PMC10745267 DOI: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic stenosis (AS) are both highly prevalent and often coexist. Various studies have focused on the prognostic value of AF in patients with AS, but rarely considered left ventricular (LV) diastolic function as a prognostic factor. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prognostic impact of AF in patients with AS while correcting for LV diastolic function. METHODS Patients with first diagnosis of significant AS were selected and stratified according to history of AF. The endpoint was all-cause mortality. RESULTS In total, 2849 patients with significant AS (mean age 72 ± 12 years, 54.8% men) were evaluated, and 686 (24.1%) had a history of AF. During a median follow-up of 60 (30-97) months, 1182 (41.5%) patients died. Ten-year mortality rate in patients with AF was 46.8% compared to 36.8% in patients with sinus rhythm (SR) (log-rank P < 0.001). On univariable (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.25-1.62; P < 0.001) and multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02-1.38; P = 0.026), AF was independently associated with mortality. However, when correcting for indexed left atrial volume, E/e' or both, AF was no longer independently associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Patients with significant AS and AF have a reduced survival as compared to patients with SR. Nonetheless, when correcting for markers of LV diastolic function, AF was not independently associated with outcomes in patients with significant AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Laenens
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Stassen
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier Galloo
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - See Hooi Ewe
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Center Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169609, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gurpreet K Singh
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammed R Ammanullah
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Center Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169609, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kensuke Hirasawa
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ching-Hui Sia
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Center Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Steele C Butcher
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, 197 Wellington St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
| | - Nicholas W S Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Center Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - William K F Kong
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Center Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Kian Keong Poh
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Center Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Zee P Ding
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Center Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169609, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nina Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Turku Heart Center, University of Turku and Turku Unviersity Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland
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Brodersen KD, Heide-Jørgensen U, Nielsen JC, Schmidt M. Ten-year trends in incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation and flutter in Denmark according to demographics, ethnicity, educational level, and area of residence (2009-2018). Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2023; 71:681-691. [PMID: 37389567 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.23.06299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and a major global health burden. Updated trends in the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) are needed. METHODS Using the Danish Heart Statistics, we investigated nationwide trends 2009-2018 in incidence rate and prevalence of AF according to age as well as age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and prevalence (ASP) of AF according to sex, ethnicity, educational level, and area of residence. Comparing year 2018 to 2009, we calculated stratum-specific ASIR ratios (ASIRR) and changes in ASP. RESULTS During 2009-2015 the ASIR for AF increased for both men and women, followed by a decline from 2015-2018. Overall, this resulted in a 9% increase among men (ASIRR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), but no change among women (ASIRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.97-1.04). The ASP increased by 29% among men and 26% among women. An increase in ASIR was observed in all ethnic groups except men of Far Eastern ethnicity. Lower educational level was associated with greater increases in both ASIR and ASP. ASIR and ASP differed slightly between the Danish regions but increased in all of them. CONCLUSIONS During 2009-2018 the incidence and prevalence of AF in Denmark increased although the increase in incidence was transient among women. Factors associated with higher incidence were male sex, higher age, Danish and Western ethnicity as well as Middle Eastern/North African ethnicity among women, and lower educational level. Within Denmark, we observed only minor regional differences in AF incidence and prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine D Brodersen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark -
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark -
| | - Uffe Heide-Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jens C Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Morten Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Chai C, Li S, Chen L, Song X. Causal association of calcific aortic valve stenosis and atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20284. [PMID: 37985719 PMCID: PMC10662195 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47770-w] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in observational studies, but whether these associations are causal has not been determined. This study aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between CAVS and AF via Mendelian randomization (MR). Genetic variants from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of the European population for CAVS were used to investigate the association with AF. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach was used to obtain the primary causal inference, and several sensitivity analysis approaches, such as the MR‒Egger and weighted median (WM), were performed to assess the robustness of the results. A total of nineteen valid and independent genetic SNPs associated with CAVS were obtained from the GWAS database. Genetically predicted CAVS (OR: 1.105; 95% CI: 1.072-1.139; p = 8.60E-11) was associated with an increased risk of AF. Similar results were discovered in the sensitivity analyses by using MR Egger and weighted median approaches. An MR design was used to reduce confounding variables and the potential for reverse causality bias. The results provide genetic evidence that CAVS considerably increased the risk of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chai
- Emergency Center, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Emergency and Resuscitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shoupeng Li
- Emergency Department, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Emergency Department, Xiantao First People's Hospital Affiliated to Changjiang University, Xiantao, China
| | - Xiaobing Song
- Emergency Center, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Emergency and Resuscitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169, Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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29
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Kwon S, Choi EK, Ahn HJ, Lee SR, Oh S, Kim SH, Do MT, Han JH, Jeong CW. Novel laparoscopic renal denervation immediately reduces atrial fibrillation inducibility: a swine model study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19679. [PMID: 37952064 PMCID: PMC10640613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Catheter-based approaches may have inherent limitations in achieving effective renal denervation (RDN) and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of novel laparoscopic RDN on modulating AF inducibility using a swine model. Four and five swine were randomly allocated to the sham and RDN groups, respectively. Each swine underwent measurement of the atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AF induction tests using burst atrial pacing before and immediately after sham or RDN procedures with and without vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). A laparoscopic RDN procedure circumferentially ablated the renal nerves round the renal arteries using radiofrequency energy. There was no significant difference in the baseline AERP between the two groups (p > 0.05). Under VNS, AERP was significantly increased by 20 ms after laparoscopic RDN (95% CI = 0-30, p = 0.004). Compared to the sham group, the RDN group showed significantly reduced AF inducibility [OR (95% CI) = 0.32 (0.13-0.76) and 0.24 (0.11-0.57) with and without VNS, respectively]. After laparoscopic RDN, the duration of inducible AF episodes was significantly shortened from 28 (10-77) s to 7 (3-11) s (p < 0.001). The novel laparoscopic RDN can immediately reduce AF inducibility in a swine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonil Kwon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eue-Keun Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Jeong Ahn
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Ryoung Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seil Oh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyun Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minh-Tung Do
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Jang Hee Han
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Wook Jeong
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Boriani G, Bonini N, Imberti JF. The epidemiology and mortality of patients with atrial fibrillation: a complex landscape. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:798-801. [PMID: 37773881 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Italy University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena
| | - Niccolò Bonini
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Italy University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jacopo Francesco Imberti
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Italy University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Schiavone M, Gasperetti A, Filtz A, Vantaggiato G, Gobbi C, Tondo C, Forleo GB. Safety and Efficacy of Uninterrupted Oral Anticoagulation in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation with Different Techniques. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6533. [PMID: 37892671 PMCID: PMC10607349 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206533] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety and efficacy of an uninterrupted direct anticoagulation (DOAC) strategy during catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been fully investigated with different ablation techniques. METHODS We evaluated consecutive AF patients undergoing catheter ablation with three different techniques. All patients were managed with an uninterrupted DOAC strategy. The primary endpoint was the rate of periprocedural thromboembolic and bleeding events. The secondary endpoints of the study were the rate of MACE and bleeding events at one-year follow-up. RESULTS In total, 162 patients were enrolled. Overall, 53 were female and the median age was 60 [55.5-69.5] years. The median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 2 [1-4] and 2 [1-2], respectively. In total, 16 patients had a past stroke or TIA while 11 had a predisposition or a history of bleeding. The CA procedure was performed with different techniques: RF 43%, cryoballoon 37%, or laser-balloon 20%. Overall, 35.8% were on rivaroxaban, 20.4% were on edoxaban, 6.8% were on apixaban, and 3.7% were on dabigatran. All other patients were all naïve to DOACs; the first anticoagulant dose was given before the ablation procedure. As for periprocedural complications, we found three groin hematomas not requiring interventions, one ischemic stroke, and one systemic air embolism (the last two likely due to several catheter changes through the transeptal sheath). Five patients reached the secondary endpoints: one patient for a myocardial infarction while four patients experienced minor bleeding during 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our results corroborate the safety and the efficacy of uninterrupted DOAC strategy in patients undergoing CA for AF, regardless of the ablation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Schiavone
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (G.V.); (G.B.F.)
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy;
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Gasperetti
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (G.V.); (G.B.F.)
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Annalisa Filtz
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (G.V.); (G.B.F.)
| | - Gaia Vantaggiato
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (G.V.); (G.B.F.)
| | - Cecilia Gobbi
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20154 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Shiozawa M, Koga M, Inoue H, Yamashita T, Yasaka M, Suzuki S, Akao M, Atarashi H, Ikeda T, Okumura K, Koretsune Y, Shimizu W, Tsutsui H, Hirayama A, Nakahara J, Teramukai S, Kimura T, Morishima Y, Takita A, Yamaguchi T, Toyoda K. Risk of both intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke in elderly individuals with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation taking direct oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin: Analysis of the ANAFIE registry. Int J Stroke 2023; 18:986-995. [PMID: 37154598 PMCID: PMC10507992 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231175807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) might have a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. To investigate this, we compared the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and its subtypes, as well as ischemic stroke, in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with warfarin in a real-world setting. We also determined the baseline characteristics associated with both ICH and ischemic stroke. METHODS Patients aged ⩾ 75 years with documented NVAF enrolled in the prospective, multicenter, observational All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly Registry between October 2016 and January 2018 were evaluated. The co-primary endpoints were the incidence of ischemic stroke and ICH. Secondary endpoints included subtypes of ICH. RESULTS Of 32,275 patients (13,793 women; median age, 81.0 years) analyzed, 21,585 (66.9%) were taking DOACs and 8233 (25.5%) were taking warfarin. During the median 1.88-year follow-up, 743 patients (1.24/100 person-years) developed ischemic stroke and 453 (0.75/100 person-years) developed ICH (intracerebral hemorrhage, 189; subarachnoid hemorrhage, 72; subdural/epidural hemorrhage, 190; unknown subtype, 2). The incidence of ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.97), ICH (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.83), and subdural/epidural hemorrhage (aHR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.72) was lower in DOAC users versus warfarin users. The incidence of fatal ICH and fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage was also lower in DOAC users versus warfarin users. Several baseline characteristics other than anticoagulants were also associated with the incidence of the endpoints. Of these, history of cerebrovascular disease (aHR 2.39, 95% CI 2.05-2.78), persistent NVAF, (aHR 1.90, 95% CI 1.53-2.36), and long-standing persistent/permanent NVAF (aHR 1.92, 95% CI 1.60-2.30) was strongly associated with ischemic stroke; severe hepatic disease (aHR 2.67, 95% CI 1.46-4.88) was strongly associated with overall ICH; and history of fall within 1 year was strongly associated with both overall ICH (aHR 2.29, 95% CI 1.76-2.97) and subdural/epidural hemorrhage (aHR 2.90, 95% CI 1.99-4.23). CONCLUSION Patients aged ⩾ 75 years with NVAF taking DOACs had lower risks of ischemic stroke, ICH, and subdural/epidural hemorrhage than those taking warfarin. Fall was strongly associated with the risks of intracranial and subdural/epidural hemorrhage. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT The individual de-identified participant data and study protocol will be shared for up to 36 months after the publication of the article. Access criteria for data sharing (including requests) will be decided on by a committee led by Daiichi Sankyo. To gain access, those requesting data access will need to sign a data access agreement. Requests should be directed to yamt-tky@umin.ac.jp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Shiozawa
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Koga
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | | | | | - Masahiro Yasaka
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine and Neurology, Cerebrovascular Center, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Masaharu Akao
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Takanori Ikeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Okumura
- Division of Cardiology, Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital Cardiovascular Center, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tsutsui
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Teramukai
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kimura
- Primary Medical Science Department, Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Takita
- Data Intelligence Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takenori Yamaguchi
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Kazunori Toyoda
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhang X, Xing Z, Fang C, Yang M, Luo J, Ning Z. Safety and Efficacy of Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure Combined Procedure and Half-Dose Rivaroxaban After Operation in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:2603-2611. [PMID: 37693855 PMCID: PMC10492544 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s424843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the safety and effectiveness of cryo-balloon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) combined procedure and half-dose rivaroxaban after operation in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients and Methods A total of 203 AF patients presented for cryo-balloon PVI, and LAAC combined procedure was included from 2019 to 2021. Postoperative patients were anticoagulated with rivaroxaban with/without clopidogrel for 60 days, with oral rivaroxaban of 10 mg in the elderly group and 20 mg in the non-elderly group. Patients with AF ≥80 and <80 years were considered elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively. Scheduled follow-ups and transesophageal echocardiography were used to assess peri- and post-procedural safety and effectiveness. Results A total of 203 patients underwent the combined procedure, 83 in the elderly and 120 in the non-elderly groups. All patients successfully obtained PVI and satisfactory LAAC. During the perioperative period, one patient had puncture complications in the elderly group and one with thrombosis in the non-elderly group. Oral rivaroxaban was administered to 83.2% and 75% of patients in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively, and rivaroxaban was combined with clopidogrel anticoagulation in the remaining patients. The annual rates of composite clinical events were 8.4% and 9.2% in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Patients in both groups had complete sealing, and there was no displacement of devices, death and peripheral arterial thrombosis. Recurrence of AF occurred in 25 and 32 patients in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Besides, the two groups had no statistically significant difference in cerebral infarction/transient ischemic attack and device-related thrombosis (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study suggests that cryo-balloon PVI and LAAC combined procedure and half-dose rivaroxaban after the operation is safe and effective in treating elderly patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital (Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital), Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongying Xing
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital (Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital), Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital (Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital), Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital (Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital), Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital (Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital), Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongping Ning
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Pudong New Area Zhoupu Hospital (Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital), Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of China
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Garg PK, Wilson N, Levitan EB, Shikany JM, Howard VJ, Newby PK, Judd S, Howard G, Cushman M, Soliman EZ. Associations of dietary patterns with risk of incident atrial fibrillation in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS). Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:2441-2448. [PMID: 37119297 PMCID: PMC10421757 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined whether the risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in a large, biracial, prospective cohort is lower in participants who adhere to heart-healthy dietary patterns and higher in participants who adhere to less heart-healthy diets. METHODS Between 2003 and 2007, the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study enrolled 30,239 Black and White Americans aged 45 years or older. Dietary patterns (convenience, plant-based, sweets, Southern, and alcohol and salads) and the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) were derived based on food frequency questionnaire data. The primary outcome was incident AF at the follow-up visit 2013-2016, defined by either electrocardiogram or self-reported medical history of a physician diagnosis. RESULTS This study included 8977 participants (mean age 63 ± 8.3 years; 56% women; 30% Black) free of AF at baseline who completed the follow-up exam an average of 9.4 years later. A total of 782 incident AF cases were detected. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, neither the MDS score (odds ratio (OR) per SD increment = 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-1.11) or the plant-based dietary pattern (OR per SD increment = 1.03; 95% CI 0.94-1.12) were associated with AF risk. Additionally, an increased AF risk was not associated with any of the less-healthy dietary patterns. CONCLUSIONS While specific dietary patterns have been associated with AF risk factors, our findings fail to show an association between diet patterns and AF development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen K Garg
- Division of Cardiology, USC Keck School of Medicine, 1510 San Pablo St. Suite 322, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Nicole Wilson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Emily B Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James M Shikany
- Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Virginia J Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - P K Newby
- Food Matters Media, LLC, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne Judd
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mary Cushman
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Elsayed Z Soliman
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center (EPICARE), Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Lip GYH, Proietti M, Potpara T, Mansour M, Savelieva I, Tse HF, Goette A, Camm AJ, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Gupta D, Boriani G. Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention: 25 years of research at EP Europace journal. Europace 2023; 25:euad226. [PMID: 37622590 PMCID: PMC10451006 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is one pillar of the management of this common arrhythmia. Substantial advances in the epidemiology and associated pathophysiology underlying AF-related stroke and thrombo-embolism are evident. Furthermore, the introduction of the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (also called direct oral anticoagulants) has clearly changed our approach to stroke prevention in AF, such that the default should be to offer oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention, unless the patient is at low risk. A strategy of early rhythm control is also beneficial in reducing strokes in selected patients with recent onset AF, when compared to rate control. Cardiovascular risk factor management, with optimization of comorbidities and attention to lifestyle factors, and the patient's psychological morbidity are also essential. Finally, in selected patients with absolute contraindications to long-term oral anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion or exclusion may be considered. The aim of this state-of-the-art review article is to provide an overview of the current status of AF-related stroke and prevention strategies. A holistic or integrated care approach to AF management is recommended to minimize the risk of stroke in patients with AF, based on the evidence-based Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway, as follows: A: Avoid stroke with Anticoagulation; B: Better patient-centred, symptom-directed decisions on rate or rhythm control; C: Cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidity optimization, including lifestyle changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marco Proietti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Subacute Care, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Milan, Italy
| | - Tatjana Potpara
- School of Medicine, Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
- Cardiology Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Irina Savelieva
- Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Hung Fat Tse
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andreas Goette
- Medizinische Klinik II: Kardiologie und Intensivmedizin, St. Vincenz-Krankenhaus Paderborn, Am Busdorf 2, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
| | - A John Camm
- Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Carina Blomstrom-Lundqvist
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Dhiraj Gupta
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, via del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Dittrich S, Kece F, Scheurlen C, van den Bruck JH, Filipovic K, Wörmann J, Erlhöfer S, Pavel F, Schipper JH, Sultan A, Lüker J, Steven D. Implementation and first outcomes of a novel standard operating procedure for preprocedural transoesophageal echocardiography screening in course of atrial arrhythmia ablation. Europace 2023; 25:euad279. [PMID: 37713241 PMCID: PMC10516708 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad279] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Preprocedural transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) screening for left atrial (LA) thrombi is the standard of care in many centres performing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, TEE imposes procedural risks for patients and is often challenging to implement in daily practice, besides causing patient discomfort. At our centre, a novel standard operating procedure (SOP) was implemented, aiming to identify patients that can be exempt from TEE screening. We aimed to assess whether this screening approach may reduce preprocedural TEEs without imposing patients of higher risks for cerebrovascular events (CVEs). METHODS AND RESULTS Data of 1874 consecutive patients treated by catheter ablation of LA arrhythmias between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively analysed. A cohort of 937 patients, where decision to perform TEE screening was based on a new SOP (considering rhythm at admission, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and sufficient anticoagulation), was compared to a matched cohort receiving TEE before every procedure. Number of performed TEEs and incidences of CVEs were compared. Implementation of the new SOP led to a 67% reduction in TEEs performed (old SOP: 933 vs. new SOP: 305). No significant differences between the groups were detected regarding transitory ischaemic attack (old SOP: 5 vs. new SOP: 3; P = 0.48) and stroke (no events). No solid thrombi were detected during TEE screening. CONCLUSION The number of preprocedural screening TEEs before AF ablation procedures can be safely reduced by applying risk stratification based on rhythm at admission and CHA2DS2-VASc score, if anticoagulation was performed properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dittrich
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Fehmi Kece
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Scheurlen
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik van den Bruck
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Karlo Filipovic
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonas Wörmann
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne Erlhöfer
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Friederike Pavel
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Schipper
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Arian Sultan
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jakob Lüker
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Steven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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König S, Wohlrab L, Leiner J, Pellissier V, Nitsche A, Darma A, Hilbert S, Nedios S, Seewöster T, Dinov B, Hindricks G, Bollmann A. Patient perspectives on same-day discharge following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: results from a patient survey as part of the monocentric FAST AFA trial. Europace 2023; 25:euad262. [PMID: 37656979 PMCID: PMC10492224 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Same-day discharge (SDD) following catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) was already introduced in selected facilities in Europe, but a widespread implementation has not yet succeeded. Data on patients' perspectives are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a survey to address patients' beliefs towards SDD and identify variables that are associated with their evaluation. METHODS AND RESULTS As part of the prospective, monocentric FAST AFA trial, patients aged ≥20 years undergoing left atrial CA for AF were asked to participate in the survey consisting of a study-specific questionnaire, the AF knowledge scale, and pre-defined patient-reported outcome measures. The study cohort was stratified based on SDD willingness, and a logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for patients' valuation. Between 26 July 2021 and 01 July 2022, 256 of 376 screened patients consented to study participation of whom 248 (mean age 61.8 years, 33.9% female) completed the SDD survey. Of them, 50.0% were willing to have SDD concepts integrated into their clinical course with increased patient comfort (27.5%), shorter waiting times (14.6%), and a cost-efficient treatment (14.0%) being imaginable benefits. In contrast, expressed concerns included uncertainties with occurring complaints (50.6%), the insufficient recognition (47.8%), and treatment (48.9%) of complications. European Heart Rhythm Association class at baseline and inpatient treatments within the preceding year were predictors for SDD willingness whereas comorbidity burden or AF knowledge were not. CONCLUSION We provide a detailed survey expressing patients' beliefs towards SDD following left atrial CA. Our findings may facilitate adequate patient selection to improve the future implementation of SDD programs in suitable cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian König
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Wohlrab
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Leiner
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vincent Pellissier
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Nitsche
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angeliki Darma
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hilbert
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sotirios Nedios
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Timm Seewöster
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Borislav Dinov
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bollmann
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany
- Real World Evidence & Health Technology Assessment, Helios Health Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Piero Perna G, Vora P, Gandini E, Francesca Lusona C, Tosarello D. Persistence to rivaroxaban therapy for stroke prevention in clinical practice in Italy: Rationale and design of the RITMUS-AF prospective observational cohort study. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2023; 47:101229. [PMID: 37292062 PMCID: PMC10244690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a cardiac rhythm disturbance that increases the risk of stroke and is highly prevalent in Europe and Italy, increasingly with advancing age. Oral anticoagulation is a key component of stroke prevention in patients with NVAF, yet withdrawal or interruption of anticoagulation may transiently increase the risk of embolic events. Treatment persistence to anticoagulation is an important metric but one that is not well studied in patients with NVAF in Italy. The RITMUS-AF study aims to evaluate the persistence with rivaroxaban treatment for stroke prevention in patients with NVAF in Italy. Methods RITMUS-AF is a prospective, observational cohort study of patients with NVAF in hospital cardiology departments with a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant surveillance program across all 20 regions of Italy. The study population comprises consecutively screened, consenting patients with NVAF naïve to and newly treated with rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in routine clinical practice. The target enrollment is 800 patients; each patient will be followed for a maximum duration of 24 months. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who discontinue rivaroxaban treatment. Secondary endpoints are reasons for rivaroxaban discontinuation, dose changes and reasons for changes, switches to alternative therapies and the reasons for these decisions, and self-reported adherence. Data analyses will be exploratory and descriptive. Conclusion RITMUS-AF will help to address the limited data in Italian clinical practice on treatment persistence and reasons for drug interruptions in patients with NVAF on rivaroxaban.
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Manzo-Silberman S, Chouihed T, Fraticelli L, Charpentier S, Claustre C, Bonnefoy-Cudraz E, Elbaz M, Peiretti A, Taboulet P, Waintraub X, Roubille F, El Khoury C. Assessment of atrial fibrillation in European emergency departments: insights from a prospective observational multicenter study. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2023; 71:444-455. [PMID: 36422468 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.22.06179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in emergency departments (EDs) have not been well described in France, with limited EU research. This study aimed to describe the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of AF patients in French EDs. METHODS A prospective, observational 2-month study in adults diagnosed with AF was conducted at 32 French EDs. Data regarding patient characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment at EDs were collected, with 12-month follow-up. RESULTS The study included a total of 1369 patients diagnosed with AF at an ED: 279 patients (20.4%) with idiopathic AF (no identified cause of the AF) and 1090 (79.6%) with secondary AF (with a principal diagnosis identified as the cause of AF). Patients were aged 84 years (median) and 51.3% were female. Significantly more idiopathic AF patients than secondary AF patients underwent CHA<inf>2</inf>DS<inf>2</inf>-VASc assessment (67.8% vs. 52.1%,) or echocardiography (21.2% vs. 8.3%), or received an oral anticoagulant and/or antiarrhythmic (62.0% vs. 12.9%). Idiopathic AF patients also had significantly higher rates of discharge to home (36.4% vs. 20.4%) and 3-month cardiologist follow-up (67.0% vs. 41.1%). At 12 months, 96% of patients with follow-up achieved sinus rhythm. The estimated Kaplan-Meier 12-month mortality rate was significantly lower with idiopathic AF than secondary AF (11.9% vs. 34.5%). CONCLUSIONS Patients diagnosed with idiopathic or secondary AF at the ED presented heterogeneous characteristics and prognoses, with those with secondary AF having worse outcomes. Further studies are warranted to optimize patients' initial evaluation in EDs and provide appropriate follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Manzo-Silberman
- Institute of Cardiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, ACTION Study Group, Paris, France -
| | - Tahar Chouihed
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
- Cliniques-Inserm 1433 Investigation Center, Inserm UMR_S 1116, F-CRIN INI-CRCT, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Laurie Fraticelli
- Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Agency for Health, RESCUe Network, Lyon, France
- EA4129, Systemic Health Pathway Laboratory, Lyon, France
| | | | - Clément Claustre
- Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Agency for Health, RESCUe Network, Lyon, France
| | | | - Meyer Elbaz
- Department of Cardiology, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Pierre Taboulet
- Emergency Department, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Waintraub
- Institute of Cardiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, ACTION Study Group, Paris, France
| | - François Roubille
- Department of Cardiology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Carlos El Khoury
- Clinical Research Unit, Emergency Department, Médipôle Hôpital Mutualiste, Lyon, France
- HESPER EA7425, University Lyon1, Lyon, France
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Baj G, Gandin I, Scagnetto A, Bortolussi L, Cappelletto C, Di Lenarda A, Barbati G. Comparison of discrimination and calibration performance of ECG-based machine learning models for prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:169. [PMID: 37481514 PMCID: PMC10363301 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01989-3] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machine learning (ML) methods to build prediction models starting from electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are an emerging research field. The aim of the present study is to investigate the performances of two ML approaches based on ECGs for the prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), in terms of discrimination, calibration and sample size dependence. METHODS We trained two models to predict new-onset AF: a convolutional neural network (CNN), that takes as input the raw ECG signals, and an eXtreme Gradient Boosting model (XGB), that uses the signal's extracted features. A penalized logistic regression model (LR) was used as a benchmark. Discrimination was evaluated with the area under the ROC curve, while calibration with the integrated calibration index. We investigated the dependence of models' performances on the sample size and on class imbalance corrections introduced with random under-sampling. RESULTS CNN's discrimination was the most affected by the sample size, outperforming XGB and LR only around n = 10.000 observations. Calibration showed only a small dependence on the sample size for all the models considered. Balancing the training set with random undersampling did not improve discrimination in any of the models. Instead, the main effect of imbalance corrections was to worsen the models' calibration (for CNN, integrated calibration index from 0.014 [0.01, 0.018] to 0.17 [0.16, 0.19]). The sample size emerged as a fundamental point for developing the CNN model, especially in terms of discrimination (AUC = 0.75 [0.73, 0.77] when n = 10.000, AUC = 0.80 [0.79, 0.81] when n = 150.000). The effect of the sample size on the other two models was weaker. Imbalance corrections led to poorly calibrated models, for all the approaches considered, reducing the clinical utility of the models. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the choice of approach in the analysis of ECG should be based on the amount of data available, preferring more standard models for small datasets. Moreover, imbalance correction methods should be avoided when developing clinical prediction models, where calibration is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Baj
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Gandin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Biostatistics Unit, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Arjuna Scagnetto
- Cardiovascular Center, Territorial Specialistic Department, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Bortolussi
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Cappelletto
- Cardiovascular Center, Territorial Specialistic Department, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Lenarda
- Cardiovascular Center, Territorial Specialistic Department, University Hospital and Health Services of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Biostatistics Unit, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Zheng Y, Li S, Liu X, Lip GYH, Guo L, Zhu W. Effect of Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Polypharmacy: A Meta-analysis. Thromb Haemost 2023. [PMID: 37399842 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with polypharmacy. METHODS AND RESULTS Randomized controlled trials or observational studies reporting the data of NOACs versus VKAs among AF patients with polypharmacy were included. The search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases up to November 2022. A total of 12 studies involving 767,544 AF patients were included. For the primary outcomes, the use of NOACs compared with VKAs was significantly associated with a reduced risk of stroke or systemic embolism in AF patients with moderate polypharmacy (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.77 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.86]) and severe polypharmacy (HR: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.69-0.82]), but there was no significant difference in major bleeding (moderate polypharmacy: HR: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.74-1.01]; severe polypharmacy: HR: 0.91 [95% CI: 0.79-1.06]) between the two groups. In secondary outcomes, there were no differences in the rates of ischemic stroke, all-cause death, and gastrointestinal bleeding between the NOAC- and VKA- users, but NOAC users had a reduced risk of any bleeding compared with VKA- users. Compared with VKAs, the risk of intracranial hemorrhage was reduced in NOAC- users with moderate polypharmacy but not severe polypharmacy. CONCLUSION In patients with AF and polypharmacy, NOACs showed advantages over VKAs in stroke or systemic embolism and any bleeding, and were comparable to VKAs for major bleeding, ischemic stroke, all-cause death, intracranial hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Linjuan Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang of Jiangxi, China
| | - Wengen Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Verma LA, Penson PE, Akpan A, Lip GYH, Lane DA. Managing older people with atrial fibrillation and preventing stroke: a review of anticoagulation approaches. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:963-983. [PMID: 38088256 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2276892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are the cornerstone of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), but prescribing decisions in older people are complicated. Clinicians must assess the net clinical benefit of OAC in the context of multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, frailty and life expectancy. The under-representation of high-risk, older adult sub-populations in clinical trials presents the challenge of choosing the right OAC, where a 'one-size-fits-all' approach cannot be taken. AREAS COVERED This review discusses OAC approaches for stroke prevention in older people with AF and presents a prescribing aid to support clinicians' decision-making. High-risk older adults with multiple chronic conditions, specifically chronic kidney disease, dementia/cognitive impairment, previous stroke/transient ischemic attack or intracranial hemorrhage, polypharmacy, frailty, low body weight, high falls risk, and those aged ≥75 years are considered. EXPERT OPINION Non-vitamin K antagonist OACs are the preferred first-line OAC in older adults with AF, including high-risk subpopulations, after individual assessment of stroke and bleeding risk, except those with mechanical heart valves and moderate-to-severe mitral stenosis. Head-to-head comparisons of NOACs are not available, therefore the choice of drug (and dose) should be based on an individual's risk (stroke and bleeding) and incorporate their treatment preferences. Treatment decisions must be person-centered and principles of shared decision-making applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona A Verma
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter E Penson
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Asangaedem Akpan
- Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Deirdre A Lane
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Trohman RG, Huang HD, Sharma PS. Atrial fibrillation: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and prevention of thromboembolic complications: part 1. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1060030. [PMID: 37396596 PMCID: PMC10311453 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1060030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It was once thought to be benign as long as the ventricular rate was controlled, however, AF is associated with significant cardiac morbidity and mortality. Increasing life expectancy driven by improved health care and decreased fertility rates has, in most of the world, resulted in the population aged ≥65 years growing more rapidly than the overall population. As the population ages, projections suggest that the burden of AF may increase more than 60% by 2050. Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment and management of AF, primary prevention, secondary prevention, and prevention of thromboembolic complications remain a work in progress. This narrative review was facilitated by a MEDLINE search to identify peer-reviewed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and other clinically relevant studies. The search was limited to English-language reports published between 1950 and 2021. Atrial fibrillation was searched via the terms primary prevention, hyperthyroidism, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, catheter ablation, surgical ablation, hybrid ablation, stroke prevention, anticoagulation, left atrial occlusion and atrial excision. Google and Google scholar as well as bibliographies of identified articles were reviewed for additional references. In these two manuscripts, we discuss the current strategies available to prevent AF, then compare noninvasive and invasive treatment strategies to diminish AF recurrence. In addition, we examine the pharmacological, percutaneous device and surgical approaches to prevent stroke as well as other types of thromboembolic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G. Trohman
- Section of Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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Sandberg EL, Halvorsen S, Berge T, Grimsmo J, Atar D, Fensli R, Grenne BL, Jortveit J. Fully digital self-screening for atrial fibrillation with patch electrocardiogram. Europace 2023; 25:euad075. [PMID: 36945146 PMCID: PMC10227758 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. The AF is associated with severe mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs, and guidelines recommend screening people at risk. However, screening methods and organization still need to be clarified. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility of a fully digital self-screening procedure and to assess the prevalence of undetected AF using a continuous patch electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system. METHODS AND RESULTS Individuals ≥65 years old with at least one additional risk factor for stroke from the general population of Norway were invited to a fully digital continuous self-screening for AF using a patch ECG device (ECG247 Smart Heart Sensor). Participants self-reported clinical characteristics and usability online, and all participants received digital feedback of their results. A total of 2118 individuals with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc risk score of 2.6 (0.9) were enrolled in the study [74% women; mean age 70.1 years (4.2)]. Of these, 1849 (87.3%) participants completed the ECG self-screening test, while 215 (10.2%) did not try to start the test and 54 (2.5%) failed to start the test. The system usability score was 84.5. The mean ECG monitoring time was 153 h (87). Atrial fibrillation was detected in 41 (2.2%) individuals. CONCLUSION This fully digitalized self-screening procedure for AF demonstrated excellent feasibility. The number needed to screen was 45 to detect one unrecognized case of AF in subjects at risk for stroke. Randomized studies with long-term follow-up are needed to assess whether self-screening for AF can reduce the incidence of AF-related complications. CLINICAL TRIALS NCT04700865.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigrun Halvorsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Berge
- Department of Medical Research and Department of Internal Medicine, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Baerum Hospital, Rud, Norway
| | - Jostein Grimsmo
- Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, LHL-hospital Gardermoen, Jessheim, Norway
| | - Dan Atar
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune Fensli
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Bjørnar Leangen Grenne
- Clinic of Cardiology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jarle Jortveit
- Department of Cardiology, Sorlandet Hospital, Postboks 416 Lundsiden, 4604 Arendal, Norway
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Erkapic D, Aleksic M, Roussopoulos K, Weipert KF, Sözener K, Kostev K, Allendörfer J, Rosenbauer J, Guenduez D, Tanislav C. Microembolizations in the Arterial Cerebral Circulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using the Cryoballoon Technique-Protocol and Methodology of a Prospective Observational Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091660. [PMID: 37175051 PMCID: PMC10178285 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091660] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable uncertainty regarding the impact of microembolic signals (MESs) on neuropsychological abilities in patients receiving pulmonary vein isolation and beyond using the cryoballoon technique. We conducted the largest prospective observational study on this topic, providing insights into the gradual unmasking of procedure-related MESs and their impacts on neuropsychological outcomes. MESs were continuously detected periprocedurally using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Neuropsychological status was evaluated comprehensively using the CERAD Plus test battery, which consists of 11 neuropsychological subtests. Patients with atrial fibrillation were included in the study with an equal distribution (50:50) of paroxysmal or persistent presentations. Of 167 consecutive eligible patients, 100 were included within the study enrollment period from February 2021 to August 2022. The study, including the documentation of all follow-up visits, ended in November 2022. This paper focuses on describing the study protocol and methodology and presenting the baseline data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damir Erkapic
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Clinic of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marko Aleksic
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Roussopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Kay Felix Weipert
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Korkut Sözener
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
- Department of Rhythmology, Klinikum Hanau, 63450 Hanau, Germany
| | - Karel Kostev
- Epidemiology, IQVIA, Unterschweinstiege 2-14, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Josef Rosenbauer
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
| | - Dursun Guenduez
- Department of Cardiology, Rhythmology and Angiology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Clinic of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Tanislav
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology, Diakonie Klinikum Jung Stilling, 57074 Siegen, Germany
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Caldarola P, De Iaco F, Pugliese FR, De Luca L, Fabbri A, Riccio C, Scicchitano P, Vanni S, Di Pasquale G, Gulizia MM, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Colivicchi F. ANMCO-SIMEU consensus document: appropriate management of atrial fibrillation in the emergency department. Eur Heart J Suppl 2023; 25:D255-D277. [PMID: 37213798 PMCID: PMC10194824 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) accounts for 2% of the total presentations to the emergency department (ED) and represents the most frequent arrhythmic cause for hospitalization. It steadily increases the risk of thromboembolic events and is often associated with several comorbidities that negatively affect patient's quality of life and prognosis. AF has a considerable impact on healthcare resources, making the promotion of an adequate and coordinated management of this arrhythmia necessary in order to avoid clinical complications and to implement the adoption of appropriate technological and pharmacological treatment options. AF management varies across regions and hospitals and there is also heterogeneity in the use of anticoagulation and electric cardioversion, with limited use of direct oral anticoagulants. The ED represents the first access point for early management of patients with AF. The appropriate management of this arrhythmia in the acute setting has a great impact on improving patient's quality of life and outcomes as well as on rationalization of the financial resources related to the clinical course of AF. Therefore, physicians should provide a well-structured clinical and diagnostic pathway for patients with AF who are admitted to the ED. This should be based on a tight and propositional collaboration among several specialists, i.e. the ED physician, cardiologist, internal medicine physician, anesthesiologist. The aim of this ANMCO-SIMEU consensus document is to provide shared recommendations for promoting an integrated, accurate, and up-to-date management of patients with AF admitted to the ED or Cardiology Department, in order to make it homogeneous across the national territory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio De Iaco
- Pronto Soccorso e Medicina d'Urgenza, A.O. Martini, Via Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli, 84 - 10141 Torino (TO), Italy
| | - Francesco Rocco Pugliese
- U.O.C. Medicina e Chirurgia d'Accettazione e d'Urgenza, Ospedale Sandro Pertini, Via dei Monti Tiburtini, 385 - 00157 Roma, Italy
| | - Leonardo De Luca
- U.O.C. di Cardiologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Cir.ne Gianicolense, 87 - 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Pronto Soccorso e Medicina d'Urgenza-118, Azienda USL della Romagna, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34 - 47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Carmine Riccio
- U.O.S.D. Follow up del Paziente Post-Acuto, Dipartimento Cardiovascolare, A.O.R.N. Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Via Ferdinando Palasciano, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Pietro Scicchitano
- U.O. Cardiologia-UTIC, Ospedale "F. Perinei", SS96 - 70022 Altamura (BA), Italy
| | - Simone Vanni
- S.O.C. Medicina d'Urgenza, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Empoli (FI) e Direttore Area Formazione, Dipartimento di Emergenza e Area Critica, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Viale Giovanni Boccaccio, 16/20, 50053 Empoli FI, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Pasquale
- Direzione Generale Cura della Persona, Salute e Welfare, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Viale Aldo Moro, 21 - 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- U.O.C. Cardiologia, Ospedale Garibaldi-Nesima, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione "Garibaldi", Piazza Santa Maria di Gesù, 5 - 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- U.O.C. di Cardiologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Cir.ne Gianicolense, 87 - 00152 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione per il Tuo cuore - Heart Care Foundation, Via Alfonso la Marmora, 36- 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiologia 1-Emodinamica, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare "A. De Gasperis", ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell'Ospedale Maggiore, 3 - 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- U.O.C. Cardiologia Clinica e Riabilitativa, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri - ASL Roma 1, Via Giovanni Martinotti, 20 - 00135 Roma, Italy
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Palmu J, Börschel CS, Ortega-Alonso A, Markó L, Inouye M, Jousilahti P, Salido RA, Sanders K, Brennan C, Humphrey GC, Sanders JG, Gutmann F, Linz D, Salomaa V, Havulinna AS, Forslund SK, Knight R, Lahti L, Niiranen T, Schnabel RB. Gut microbiome and atrial fibrillation-results from a large population-based study. EBioMedicine 2023; 91:104583. [PMID: 37119735 PMCID: PMC10165189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important heart rhythm disorder in aging populations. The gut microbiome composition has been previously related to cardiovascular disease risk factors. Whether the gut microbial profile is also associated with the risk of AF remains unknown. METHODS We examined the associations of prevalent and incident AF with gut microbiota in the FINRISK 2002 study, a random population sample of 6763 individuals. We replicated our findings in an independent case-control cohort of 138 individuals in Hamburg, Germany. FINDINGS Multivariable-adjusted regression models revealed that prevalent AF (N = 116) was associated with nine microbial genera. Incident AF (N = 539) over a median follow-up of 15 years was associated with eight microbial genera with false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected P < 0.05. Both prevalent and incident AF were associated with the genera Enorma and Bifidobacterium (FDR-corrected P < 0.001). AF was not significantly associated with bacterial diversity measures. Seventy-five percent of top genera (Enorma, Paraprevotella, Odoribacter, Collinsella, Barnesiella, Alistipes) in Cox regression analyses showed a consistent direction of shifted abundance in an independent AF case-control cohort that was used for replication. INTERPRETATION Our findings establish the basis for the use of microbiome profiles in AF risk prediction. However, extensive research is still warranted before microbiome sequencing can be used for prevention and targeted treatment of AF. FUNDING This study was funded by European Research Council, German Ministry of Research and Education, Academy of Finland, Finnish Medical Foundation, and the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research, the Emil Aaltonen Foundation, and the Paavo Nurmi Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonatan Palmu
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Turku, Finland; Department of Internal Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Finland
| | - Christin S Börschel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alfredo Ortega-Alonso
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Turku, Finland; Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Lajos Markó
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation of Charité-Universitätsmedizin and the Max-Delbrück Center, Berlin, Germany; Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Inouye
- Cambridge Baker Systems Genomics Initiative, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Cambridge Baker Systems Genomics Initiative, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pekka Jousilahti
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Turku, Finland
| | - Rodolfo A Salido
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karenina Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Caitriona Brennan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gregory C Humphrey
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jon G Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Cornell Institute for Host-Microbe Interaction and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Friederike Gutmann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation of Charité-Universitätsmedizin and the Max-Delbrück Center, Berlin, Germany; Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, Royal Adelaide Hospital, and University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Veikko Salomaa
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Turku, Finland
| | - Aki S Havulinna
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Turku, Finland; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM - HiLIFE, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sofia K Forslund
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation of Charité-Universitätsmedizin and the Max-Delbrück Center, Berlin, Germany; Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Germany; Structural and Computational Biology, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rob Knight
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leo Lahti
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu Niiranen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Turku, Finland; Department of Internal Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Finland
| | - Renate B Schnabel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany.
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Vlachopoulou D, Balomenakis C, Kartas A, Samaras A, Papazoglou AS, Moysidis DV, Barmpagiannos K, Kyriakou M, Papanastasiou A, Baroutidou A, Vouloagkas I, Tzikas A, Giannakoulas G. Cardioselective versus Non-Cardioselective Beta-Blockers and Outcomes in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093063. [PMID: 37176504 PMCID: PMC10179681 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093063] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been independently associated with increased mortality; however, there is no evidence regarding beta-blocker cardioselectivity and long-term outcomes in patients with AF and concurrent COPD. Methods: This post hoc analysis of the MISOAC-AF randomized trial (NCT02941978) included patients hospitalized with comorbid AF. At discharge, all patients were classified according to the presence of COPD; patients with COPD on beta-blockers were classified according to beta-blocker cardioselectivity. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated by using multivariable Cox regression models. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations. Results: Of 1103 patients with AF, 145 (13%) had comorbid COPD. Comorbid COPD was associated with an increased risk of all-cause (aHR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02 to 1.73) and cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.99), but not with increased risk of hospitalizations (aHR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.48). The use of cardioselective versus non-cardioselective beta-blockers was associated with similar all-cause mortality (aHR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.94), cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.33; 95% CI, 0.71 to 2.51), and hospitalizations (aHR 1.65; 95% CI 0.80 to 3.38). Conclusions: In recently hospitalized patients with AF, the presence of COPD was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. No difference between cardioselective and non-cardioselective beta-blockers, regarding clinical outcomes, was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Vlachopoulou
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalampos Balomenakis
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasios Kartas
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Samaras
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andreas S Papazoglou
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios V Moysidis
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Barmpagiannos
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Melina Kyriakou
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasios Papanastasiou
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Amalia Baroutidou
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vouloagkas
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Tzikas
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Interbalkan European Medical Center, Asklipiou 10, 555 35 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Giannakoulas
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece
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De Luca L, Dovizio M, Sangiorgi D, Perrone V, Degli Esposti L. Incidence and Predictors of Switching and Dose Change of Direct Oral Anticoagulants among Elderly Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A 5-Year Analysis of a Large Administrative Database. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062379. [PMID: 36983380 PMCID: PMC10056372 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have emerged as prominent therapeutic options in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We analysed the clinical burden and the switching rate between all available NOACs, and their dosage change over a period of 5 years in a representative population of patients with NVAF aged between 70 and 75 years. Methods and Results: This is a retrospective observational study on administrative databases, covering approximately 6.2 million health-assisted individuals by the Italian National Health System (around 11% of the entire Italian residents). Out of 4640 NVAF patients treated with NOACs and aged 70-75 years in 2017, 3772 (81.3%) patients were still in treatment with NOAC up to 2021 and among them, 3389 (73.0%) patients remained in treatment with the same NOAC during 2017-2021. In fact, 10.2% of patients switched NOAC type and 10.3% changed the dose of the same NOAC. Overall, after switching, the dabigatran and rivaroxaban groups lost, respectively, 13.5% and 2.8% of patients, while apixaban and edoxaban resulted in a relative percentage increase of 6.8% and 44.6% of patients, respectively. By a logistic regression analysis, the treatment with rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban (respect to dabigatran) was associated with a significant risk reduction of switch of 57%, 68%, and 44%, respectively. On the other hand, several features of high risk were associated with dose reduction. Conclusions. In our 5-year analysis of a large administrative database, a switching among NOACs or a change in NOAC dosages occurred in around 20% of elderly patients with NVAF. The type of NOAC was associated with a high switching rate, while several characteristics of high risk resulted as predictors of dose reduction of NOACs. Moreover, a worsening trend of clinical conditions occurred in patients maintaining the same NOAC treatment across 2017-2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo De Luca
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, 00151 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Medicine and Surgery, U.O.C. Cardiologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87, 00152 Roma, Italy
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International, University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Melania Dovizio
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit, Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, 40137 Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Sangiorgi
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit, Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, 40137 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Perrone
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit, Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, 40137 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Degli Esposti
- CliCon S.r.l. Società Benefit, Health, Economics & Outcomes Research, 40137 Bologna, Italy
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50
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Associations of risk factor burden and genetic predisposition with the 10-year risk of atrial fibrillation: observations from a large prospective study of 348,904 participants. BMC Med 2023; 21:88. [PMID: 36882748 PMCID: PMC9993634 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02798-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the effects of risk factor burden and genetic predisposition on the long-term risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is important to improve public health initiatives. However, the 10-year risk of AF considering risk factor burden and genetic predisposition is unknown. METHODS A total of 348,904 genetically unrelated participants without AF at baseline from the UK were categorized into three groups: index ages 45 years (n = 84,206), 55 years (n=117,520), and 65 years (n=147,178). Optimal, borderline, or elevated risk factor burden was determined by body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and history of myocardial infarction or heart failure. Genetic predisposition was estimated using the polygenic risk score (PRS), constructed using 165 predefined genetic risk variants. The combined effects of risk factor burden and PRS on the risk of incident AF in 10 years were estimated for each index age. Fine and Gray models were developed to predict the 10-year risk of AF. RESULTS The overall 10-year risk of AF was 0.67% (95% CI: 0.61-0.73%) for index age 45 years, 2.05% (95% CI: 1.96-2.13%) for index age 55 years, and 6.34% (95% CI: 6.21-6.46%) for index age 65 years, respectively. An optimal risk factor burden was associated with later AF onset regardless of genetic predisposition and sex (P < 0.001). Significant synergistic interactions were observed for risk factor burden with PRS at each index age (P < 0.05). Participants with an elevated risk factor burden and high PRS had the highest 10-year risk of AF in reference to those who had both an optimal risk factor burden and a low PRS. At younger ages, optimal risk burden and high PRS might also lead to later onset of AF, compared to the joint effect of elevated risk burden and low/intermediate PRS. CONCLUSIONS Risk factor burden together with a genetic predisposition is associated with the 10-year risk of AF. Our results may be helpful in selecting high-risk individuals for primary prevention of AF and facilitating subsequent health interventions.
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