Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation in High-risk Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery: The PRESAGE Trial

The Interplay Between Cardiovascular Disease and Lung Cancer

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lung cancer are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with a significant interplay that complicates patient management and treatment outcomes. This review explores the complex relationship between various forms of CVD - such as coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease - and lung cancer. Shared risk factors, including smoking, aging, and chronic inflammation, contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions. Additionally, treatments for lung cancer, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can exacerbate CVD, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. We delve into specific CVD-related impacts on lung cancer prognosis and vice versa, examining mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and management strategies. Our findings highlight the need for integrated care involving oncologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. Emphasizing comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in lung cancer patients, we advocate for further research to deepen our understanding and develop novel therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and survival rates in patients suffering from both CVD and lung cancer.

Treatment-related cardiovascular events in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Evidence from real-world data with a competing risks approach

BACKGROUND

Understanding cancer treatment-related cardiovascular (CV) events is important for cancer care; however, comprehensive evaluation of CV events in patients with lung cancer is limited. This study aimed to assess the cumulative incidence and associated risks of various CV event types in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A total of 7868 individuals aged 40 years and older, recently diagnosed with NSCLC (2007-2018), were assessed with data obtained from the National Cancer Center, Korea. This study included nine types of CV events. A 2-year cumulative incidence function (CIF) of CV events was estimated, with death as a competing event. The associated risks were assessed by subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) in the Fine-Gray competing risks model.

RESULTS

CV events were observed in 7.8% of patients with NSCLC, with the most frequently observed types being atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF) (2.7%), venous thromboembolic disease (2.0%), and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) (1.5%). Overall, all CV events were highest in the group treated with systemic therapy (CIF, 10.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.5%-11.8%), followed by those treated with surgery (CIF, 10.0%; 95% CI, 8.6%-11.6%); the incidence of AF (CIF, 5.7%; 95% CI, 4.6%-7.0%) was highest in patients treated with surgery. Individuals treated with systemic therapy were found to exhibit a higher CeVD risk than those treated with surgery (sHR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.66-10.23). Among the patients who underwent surgery, those with lobectomy and pneumonectomy had a higher AF risk (vs. wedge resection/segmentectomy; sHR, 7.79; 95% CI, 1.87-32.42; sHR, 8.10; 95% CI, 1.60-40.89).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed treatment-related CV event risks in patients with NSCLC, which suggests that the risk of AF in surgery and CeVD in systemic therapy should be paid more attention to achieve a better prognosis and improve cancer survivorship outcomes.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF) is the most common cardiovascular event, particularly at a high risk in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing surgery. Patients receiving surgery with poor performance status, diagnosed with regional stage, and undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy are at a high risk of AF. Systemic/radiotherapy is associated with cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease in patients with NSCLC.

Exploring postoperative atrial fibrillation after non-cardiac surgery: mechanisms, risk factors, and prevention strategies

Atrial fibrillation (AF) stands as the most prevalent persistent arrhythmia and a common complication after surgical procedures. Although the majority of non-cardiac surgery patients experience postoperative AF (POAF) and the condition is typically self-limited and asymptomatic, its detrimental impact on patient outcomes, prolonged hospitalization, and heightened risk of stroke and overall mortality has become increasingly evident. Of significant concern, POAF emerges as a noteworthy risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality in comparison to patients with non-surgical atrial fibrillation. Multiple studies have corroborated the association between POAF and an elevated risk of stroke and mortality. The development of postoperative atrial fibrillation is multifactorial, with the inflammatory response being a primary contributor; additionally, factors such as hypovolemia, intraoperative hypotension, anemia, trauma, and pain can trigger POAF. Risk factors for POAF in non-cardiac surgery primarily relate to age, hypertension, obesity, prior cardiac disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and male sex. Prophylactic treatment with β-blockers, amiodarone, or magnesium has demonstrated efficacy, but further trials are warranted, especially in high-risk populations. This review provides an account of the incidence rate, pathophysiology, and prognosis of atrial fibrillation after non-cardiac surgery, elucidates the underlying mechanisms of its occurrence, and explores various preventive strategies investigated in this domain.

Cardiac Arrhythmias in Patients Treated for Lung Cancer: A Review

Cardio-oncology currently faces one of the greatest challenges in the field of health care. The main goal of this discipline is to ensure that patients treated for cancer do not suffer or die from cardiovascular disease. The number of studies on the mechanisms of heart injury during cancer treatment is constantly increasing. However, there is insufficient data on heart rhythm disorders that may result from this treatment. This issue seems to be particularly important in patients with lung cancer, in whom anticancer therapy, especially radiotherapy, may contribute to the onset of cardiac arrhythmias. The observed relationship between cardiac dosimetry and radiotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in lung cancer treatment may explain the increased mortality from cardiovascular causes in patients after chest irradiation. Further research is essential to elucidate the role of cardiac arrhythmias in this context. Conversely, recent reports have highlighted the application of stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia. This review of available studies on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of arrhythmias in patients treated for lung cancer aims to draw attention to the need for regular cardiological monitoring in this group of patients. Improving cardiac care for patients with lung cancer has the potential to enhance their overall therapeutic outcomes.

Postoperative day 1 discharge following robotic thoracoscopic pulmonary anatomic resections in the era of enhanced recovery protocol: A single-institution experience

Objective

Implementation and continuing optimization of enhanced recovery protocol after thoracic surgery results in significant improvement of postoperative outcomes. We observed a 10-fold increase in the rate of postoperative day (POD) 1 discharges following robotic thoracoscopic anatomic resections over time. We aimed to determine factors associated with safe POD1 discharges.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of robotic anatomic pulmonary resections between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2022, with patients of the last 2.5 years forming the basis of this study. Data collected included demographics, insurance types, Area Deprivation Index (indicator of poverty), and operative and postoperative variables including length of stay, opioid use, daily pain levels, readmissions, and outpatient interventions. Factors associated with POD1 were analyzed using a logistic regression module.

Result

In total, 279 patients met inclusion criteria (91 POD1 discharges, 32.6%; none discharged with a pleural catheter). There was neither an increase of postdischarge interventions for pleural complications nor readmission in early discharge patients. After adjusting for relevant factors, younger age, right middle lobectomy, lower opioid use on POD1, operating room finish before 4 PM, and low Area Deprivation Index were significantly associated with POD1 discharge. A subanalysis of 49 patients, who could have been discharged on POD1, identified hypoxemia requiring home oxygen, atrial fibrillation, and poorly controlled pain being common mitigatable clinical factors delaying POD1 discharge.

Conclusions

Safe POD1 discharge following robotic thoracoscopic anatomic resection was achieved in 32% of cases. Identification of positive and negative factors affecting early discharge provides guidance for further modifications to increase the number of POD1 discharges.

Effect of colchicine on perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery (COP-AF): an international randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with an increased risk of perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that might reduce the incidence of these complications.

METHODS

COP-AF was a randomised trial conducted at 45 sites in 11 countries. Patients aged 55 years or older and undergoing major non-cardiac thoracic surgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive oral colchicine 0·5 mg twice daily or matching placebo, starting within 4 h before surgery and continuing for 10 days. Randomisation was done with use of a computerised, web-based system, and was stratified by centre. Health-care providers, patients, data collectors, and adjudicators were masked to treatment assignment. The coprimary outcomes were clinically important perioperative atrial fibrillation and MINS during 14 days of follow-up. The main safety outcomes were a composite of sepsis or infection, and non-infectious diarrhoea. The intention-to-treat principle was used for all analyses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03310125.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 14, 2018, and June 27, 2023, we enrolled 3209 patients (mean age 68 years [SD 7], 1656 [51·6%] male). Clinically important atrial fibrillation occurred in 103 (6·4%) of 1608 patients assigned to colchicine, and 120 (7·5%) of 1601 patients assigned to placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0·85, 95% CI 0·65 to 1·10; absolute risk reduction [ARR] 1·1%, 95% CI -0·7 to 2·8; p=0·22). MINS occurred in 295 (18·3%) patients assigned to colchicine and 325 (20·3%) patients assigned to placebo (HR 0·89, 0·76 to 1·05; ARR 2·0%, -0·8 to 4·7; p=0·16). The composite outcome of sepsis or infection occurred in 103 (6·4%) patients in the colchicine group and 83 (5·2%) patients in the placebo group (HR 1·24, 0·93-1·66). Non-infectious diarrhoea was more common in the colchicine group (134 [8·3%] events) than the placebo group (38 [2·4%]; HR 3·64, 2·54-5·22).

INTERPRETATION

In patients undergoing major non-cardiac thoracic surgery, administration of colchicine did not significantly reduce the incidence of clinically important atrial fibrillation or MINS but increased the risk of mostly benign non-infectious diarrhoea.

FUNDING

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Accelerating Clinical Trials Consortium, Innovation Fund of the Alternative Funding Plan for the Academic Health Sciences Centres of Ontario, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, Division of Cardiology at McMaster University, Canada; Hanela Foundation, Switzerland; and General Research Fund, Research Grants Council, Hong Kong.

Mechanisms, prevalence and management of cardiac arrhythmias in cancer patients: a comprehensive review

Recently, prognosis and survival of cancer patients has improved due to progression and refinement of cancer therapies; however, cardiovascular sequelae in this population augmented and now represent the second cause of death in oncological patients. Initially, the main issue was represented by heart failure and coronary artery disease, but a growing body of evidence has now shed light on the increased arrhythmic risk of this population, atrial fibrillation being the most frequently encountered. Awareness of arrhythmic complications of cancer and its treatments may help oncologists and cardiologists to develop targeted approaches for the management of arrhythmias in this population. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the mechanisms triggering cardiac arrhythmias in cancer patients, their prevalence and management.

Management of Atrial Arrhythmias After Lung Transplant

The overall survival in patients undergoing lung transplantation is poor. Although postsurgical atrial arrhythmias seem to play a major role in the morbidity and mortality of this population, data regarding the clinical and interventional management of this complication are still controversial. Through a review of the literature in the field, we observed that not only the surgical technique is clearly arrhythmogenic, but the new administration of peri-procedure beta-blockers and amiodarone for arrhythmia prevention and treatment, respectively, seems harmful in these postsurgical patients. However, low-dose beta-blockers administered after surgery seem feasible in arrhythmia prevention in specific patient subgroups, and, aside from amiodarone, alternative antiarrhythmic agents can be safely and effectively used to treat symptomatic patients on top of adequate rate control. Finally, as to complex atrial arrhythmias occurring late after lung transplant surgery, radiofrequency catheter ablation seems a feasible treatment option. In light of this evidence and considering the absence of clear recommendations in the field, we suggest a practical approach that may help the clinician in the management of this postsurgical complication. However, as most of these considerations are drawn from small-sized and retrospective studies, more evidence is needed in the future to clarify which medical and interventional strategies may best treat these postsurgical arrhythmias and thus potentially improve the outcome of these frail patients.

Rationale and design of the colchicine for the prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery (COP-AF) trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) are common complications after noncardiac surgery. Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The COP-AF trial tests the hypothesis that colchicine reduces the incidence of perioperative AF and MINS in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 'COlchicine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation' (COP-AF) trial is an international, blinded, randomized trial that compares colchicine to placebo in patients aged at least 55 years and undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery with general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria include a history of AF and a contraindication to colchicine (eg, severe renal dysfunction). Oral colchicine at a dose of 0.5 mg or matching placebo is given within 4 hours before surgery. Thereafter, patients receive colchicine 0.5 mg or placebo twice daily for a total of 10 days. The 2 independent co-primary outcomes are clinically important perioperative AF (including atrial flutter) and MINS during 14 days of follow-up. The main safety outcomes are sepsis or infection and non-infectious diarrhea. We aim to enroll 3,200 patients from approximately 40 sites across 11 countries to have at least 80% power for the independent evaluation of the 2 co-primary outcomes. The COP-AF main results are expected in 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

COP-AF is a large randomized and blinded trial designed to determine whether colchicine reduces the risk of perioperative AF or MINS in patients who have major noncardiac thoracic surgery.

Predictors and impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation following thoracic surgery: a state-of-the-art review

This review of 19 studies (39,783 patients) of atrial fibrillation after thoracic surgery addresses the pathophysiology, incidence, and consequences of atrial fibrillation in this population, as well as its prevention and management. Interestingly, atrial fibrillation was most often identified in patients not previously known to have the disease. Rhythm control with amiodarone was the most commonly used treatment and nearly all patients were discharged in sinus rhythm. Major predictors were age; male sex; history of atrial fibrillation; congestive heart failure; left atrial enlargement; elevated brain natriuretic peptide level; and the invasiveness of procedures. Overall, patients with atrial fibrillation stayed 3 days longer in hospital. We also discuss the importance of standardising research on this subject and provide recommendations that might mitigate the impact postoperative atrial fibrillation on hospital resources.

Cardiovascular Toxicity and Risk Mitigation with Lung Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with lung cancer often have concomitant cardiovascular comorbidities and receive potentially cardiotoxic therapies. As oncologic outcomes improve, the relative impact of cardiovascular disease on lung cancer survivors is expected to increase. This review summarizes cardiovascular toxicities observed after treatment for lung cancer, as well as recommended risk mitigation strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

A variety of cardiovascular events may be observed after surgery, radiation therapy (RT), and systemic therapy. The risk of cardiovascular events after radiation therapy (RT) is higher than previously appreciated (23-32%), and RT dose to the heart is a modifiable risk factor. Targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been associated with cardiovascular toxicities distinct from those of cytotoxic agents; these are rare but can be severe and require prompt intervention. Optimization of cardiovascular risk factors is important at all phases of cancer therapy and survivorship. Recommended practices for baseline risk assessment, preventive measures, and appropriate monitoring are discussed herein.

Perioperative cardiovascular pathophysiology in patients undergoing lung resection surgery: a narrative review

Although thoracic surgery is understood to confer a high risk of postoperative respiratory complications, the substantial haemodynamic challenges posed are less well appreciated. This review highlights the influence of cardiovascular comorbidity on outcome, reviews the complex pathophysiological changes inherent in one-lung ventilation and lung resection, and examines their influence on cardiovascular complications and postoperative functional limitation. There is now good evidence for the presence of right ventricular dysfunction postoperatively, a finding that persists to at least 3 months. This dysfunction results from increased right ventricular afterload occurring both intraoperatively and persisting postoperatively. Although many patients adapt well, those with reduced right ventricular contractile reserve and reduced pulmonary vascular flow reserve might struggle. Postoperative right ventricular dysfunction has been implicated in the aetiology of postoperative atrial fibrillation and perioperative myocardial injury, both common cardiovascular complications which are increasingly being appreciated to have impact long into the postoperative period. In response to the physiological demands of critical illness or exercise, contractile reserve, flow reserve, or both can be overwhelmed resulting in acute decompensation or impaired long-term functional capacity. Aiding adaptation to the unique perioperative physiology seen in patients undergoing thoracic surgery could provide a novel therapeutic avenue to prevent cardiovascular complications and improve long-term functional capacity after surgery.

Pharmacological interventions for preventing atrial fibrillation after lung surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter (POAF) is one of the most common cardiac complications after lung surgery. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of pharmacological interventions for new-onset POAF prophylaxis in patients with lung cancer after lung surgery.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of pharmacological interventions to prevent POAF following lung surgery.

RESULTS

A total number of 19 studies with 2,922 participants were included. Pharmacological interventions significantly reduced the incidence of POAF (odds ratio [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.26-0.52) while did not increase the incidence of severe pulmonary complications (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.57-2.41) after lung surgery compared with placebo/usual care. Among different trials, beta-blockers appeared to be the most effective with an OR of 0.13 (95% CI, 0.07-0.27) and a number needed-to-treat (NNT) of 3.63 and was considered safe with no serious adverse events recorded. The risk of POAF decreased from 25.6 to 11.4% (P < 0.001) overall and from 34.2 to 6.7% (P < 0.001) with beta-blockers as monotherapy. Pharmacological interventions did not reduce the 30-day mortality (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.43-1.84, I² = 0%), but showed a trend toward reducing major cardiovascular complications including myocardial ischemia/infarction, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and stroke (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.13-1.29, I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Current clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of pharmacological intervention with beta-blockers, amiodarone, magnesium sulfate, or calcium-channel blockers to reduce the incidence of POAF after lung surgery in patients with lung cancer. In the absence of contraindications, prophylaxis with beta-blockers seems to be the most effective of the treatments studied.

Incidence of stroke in the first year after diagnosis of cancer—A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Patients newly diagnosed with cancer represent a population at highest risk for stroke. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the incidence of stroke in the first year following a new diagnosis of cancer.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 1980 to June 2021 for observational studies that enrolled adults with a new diagnosis of all cancers excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, and that reported the incidence of stroke at 1 year. PRISMA guidelines for meta-analyses were followed. Two reviewers independently extracted data and appraised risk of bias. We used the Dersimonian and Laird random effects method to pool cumulative incidences after logit transformation, and reported pooled proportions as percentages. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

Results

A total of 12,083 studies were screened; 41 studies were included for analysis. Data from 2,552,121 subjects with cancer were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of total stroke at 1 year was 1.4% (95% CI 0.9–2.2%), while the pooled incidence of ischemic stroke was 1.3% (95% CI 1.0–1.8%) and 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.9%) for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), with consistently high statistical heterogeneity (>99% I²).

Conclusion

The estimated incidence of stroke during the first year after a new diagnosis of cancer is 1.4%, with a higher risk for ischemic stroke than ICH. Cancer patients should be educated on the risk of stroke at the time of diagnosis. Future studies should evaluate optimal primary prevention strategies in this high-risk group of patients.

Systematic review registration

https://osf.io/ucwy9/.

Cancer and stroke: What do we know and where do we go?

Cancer is an increasingly recognized cause for ischemic stroke, with recent acknowledgement of cancer-related stroke as an emerging stroke subtype with unique pathophysiologic mechanisms. In addition, cancer-related stroke may differ from stroke in the general population as cancer patients may not receive guideline-recommended stroke care, and the occurrence of stroke may also preclude patients from receiving optimal cancer treatments. Due to the high degree of morbidity and mortality associated with both conditions, understanding the relationship between stroke and cancer is crucial. In this narrative review, we discuss the association between cancer and stroke, the unique pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, treatment options including acute reperfusion therapies and secondary prevention strategies, compare outcomes between cancer-related stroke and stroke in the general population, and review new and emerging evidence in this field.

Collagen Remodeling along Cancer Progression Providing a Novel Opportunity for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant factor in cancer progression. Collagens, as the main component of the ECM, are greatly remodeled alongside cancer development. More and more studies have confirmed that collagens changed from a barrier to providing assistance in cancer development. In this course, collagens cause remodeling alongside cancer progression, which in turn, promotes cancer development. The interaction between collagens and tumor cells is complex with biochemical and mechanical signals intervention through activating diverse signal pathways. As the mechanism gradually clears, it becomes a new target to find opportunities to diagnose and treat cancer. In this review, we investigated the process of collagen remodeling in cancer progression and discussed the interaction between collagens and cancer cells. Several typical effects associated with collagens were highlighted in the review, such as fibrillation in precancerous lesions, enhancing ECM stiffness, promoting angiogenesis, and guiding invasion. Then, the values of cancer diagnosis and prognosis were focused on. It is worth noting that several generated fragments in serum were reported to be able to be biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, which is beneficial for clinic detection. At a glance, a variety of reported biomarkers were summarized. Many collagen-associated targets and drugs have been reported for cancer treatment in recent years. The new targets and related drugs were discussed in the review. The mass data were collected and classified by mechanism. Overall, the interaction of collagens and tumor cells is complicated, in which the mechanisms are not completely clear. A lot of collagen-associated biomarkers are excavated for cancer diagnosis. However, new therapeutic targets and related drugs are almost in clinical trials, with merely a few in clinical applications. So, more efforts are needed in collagens-associated studies and drug development for cancer research and treatment.

Common Pathophysiology in Cancer, Atrial Fibrillation, Atherosclerosis, and Thrombosis: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the 2 leading causes of death worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests common mechanisms between cancer and cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis. With advances in cancer therapies, screening, and diagnostics, cancer-specific survival and outcomes have improved. This increase in survival has led to the coincidence of cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis, as patients with cancer live longer. Additionally, cancer and cardiovascular disease share several risk factors and underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, including inflammation, cancer-related factors including treatment effects, and alterations in platelet function. Patients with cancer are at increased risk for bleeding and thrombosis compared with the general population. Although optimal antithrombotic therapy, including agent choice and duration, has been extensively studied in the general population, this area remains understudied in patients with cancer despite their altered thrombotic and bleeding risk. Future investigation, including incorporation of cancer-specific characteristics to traditional thrombotic and bleeding risk scores, clinical trials in the cancer population, and the development of novel antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory strategies on the basis of shared pathophysiologic mechanisms, is warranted to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Atrial Fibrillation after Lung Cancer Surgery: Prediction, Prevention and Anticoagulation Management

Simple Summary

Atrial fibrillation that occurs after surgery raises further questions with respect to spontaneous atrial fibrillation, being an event unquestionably related to the surgical act itself and always quite self-limiting. The purpose of this review is to present the knowledge gained so far, including the most recent findings, regarding this peculiar form of arrhythmia. Its prognostic impact and the possibility of predicting and preventing it were the subject of our analysis, as well as the similarities and differences with spontaneous atrial fibrillation in relation to anticoagulation. Where possible, the search for evidence has focused on studies involving lung cancer patients undergoing thoracic surgery, highlighting any differences with cardiac surgery.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of the early postoperative period of various types of surgery, including that for lung cancer. Although induced by the homeostatic alterations related to surgery, there is evidence that it is not a mere stand-alone transitory event, but it represents a relevant complication of surgery, bearing considerable prognostic consequences. Different methods have therefore been explored to predict the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and prevent it. In particular, the age among clinical factors, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), as a marker, have proven to be good predictors, and the use of beta-blockers or amiodarone in primary prevention seems to reduce its incidence significantly. There is growing evidence that POAF significantly increases the risk of stroke and global mortality in the long term; therefore, it should be managed in the same way as spontaneous atrial fibrillation. In this review, we will present the strongest evidence found so far and the most recent findings regarding the management of POAF, with a special focus on patients undergoing thoracic surgery for lung cancer.

Metoprolol for prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a potentially lethal and morbid complication after open heart surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate metoprolol compared with other treatments for prophylaxis against POAF.

METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial registries for randomised controlled trials that evaluated metoprolol for preventing the occurrence of POAF after surgery against other treatments or placebo. Random-effects model was used for estimating the risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Nine trials involving 1570 patients showed metoprolol reduced POAF compared with placebo (416 patients; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.66; I²=21%; risk difference (RD) -0.19, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.10). However, metoprolol increased the risk of POAF compared with carvedilol (159 patients; RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.12; I²=4%; RD 0.13, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.20). There was no difference when compared with sotalol or amiodarone. The occurrence of cardiovascular conditions after drugs administration or death between the groups was not different. The overall quality of evidence was moderate to high. Subgroup analysis and funnel plot were not performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Metoprolol is effective in preventing POAF compared with placebo and showed no difference with class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Death and thromboembolism are associated with open heart surgery, but not significant in relation to the use of metoprolol.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019131585.

Identification of anticancer drugs associated with atrial fibrillation: analysis of the WHO pharmacovigilance database

AIMS

The explosion of novel anticancer therapies has meant emergence of cardiotoxicity signals including atrial fibrillation (AF). Reliable data concerning the liability of anticancer drugs in inducing AF are scarce. Using the World Health Organization individual case safety report database, VigiBase®, we aimed to determine the association between anticancer drugs and AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A disproportionality analysis evaluating the multivariable-adjusted reporting odds ratios for AF with their 99.97% confidence intervals was performed for 176 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- or European Medicines Agency (EMA)-labelled anticancer drugs in VigiBase®, followed by a descriptive analysis of AF cases for the anticancer drugs identified in VigiBase®. ClinicalTrial registration number: NCT03530215. A total of 11 757 AF cases associated with at least one anticancer drug were identified in VigiBase® of which 95.8% were deemed serious. Nineteen anticancer drugs were significantly associated with AF of which 14 (74%) are used in haematologic malignancies and 9 (45%) represented new AF associations not previously confirmed in literature including immunomodulating agents (lenalidomide, pomalidomide), several kinase inhibitors (nilotinib, ponatinib, midostaurin), antimetabolites (azacytidine, clofarabine), docetaxel (taxane), and obinutuzumab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody.

CONCLUSION

Although cancer malignancy itself may generate AF, we identified 19 anticancer drugs significantly associated with a significant increase in AF over-reporting. This pharmacovigilance study provides evidence that anticancer drugs themselves could represent independent risk factors for AF development. Dedicated prospective clinical trials are now required to confirm these 19 associations. This list of suspected anticancer drugs should be known by physicians when confronted to AF in cancer patients, particularly in case of haematologic malignancies.

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Associated With Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Noncardiac Surgery

Background:

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent occurrence after noncardiac surgery. It remains unclear whether POAF is associated with an increased risk of major adverse events. We aimed to elucidate the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death associated with POAF following noncardiac surgery by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies and observational studies.

Methods:

We searched electronic databases from inception up to August 1, 2019 for all studies that reported stroke or myocardial infarction in adult patients who developed POAF following noncardiac surgery. We used random-effects models to summarize the studies.

Results:

The final analyses included 28 studies enrolling 2 612 816 patients. At 1-month (10 studies), POAF was associated with an ≈3-fold increase in the risk of stroke (weighted mean 2.1% versus 0.7%; odds ratio [OR], 2.82 [95% CI, 2.15–3.70]; P <0.001). POAF was associated with ≈4-fold increase in the long-term risk of stroke with (weighted mean, 2.0% versus 0.6%; OR, 4.12 [95% CI, 3.32–5.11]; P ≤0.001) in 8 studies with ≥12-month follow-up. There was a significant overall increase in the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction associated with POAF (weighted mean, 2.5% versus 0.9%; OR, 3.44 [95% CI, 2.38–4.98]; P <0.001) and (weighted mean, 12.6% versus 2.7%; OR, 4.02 [95% CI, 3.08–5.24]; P <0.001), respectively. Furthermore, POAF was associated with a 3-fold increase in all-cause mortality at 30 days (weighted mean, 15.0% versus 5.4%; OR, 3.36 [95% CI, 2.13–5.31]; P <0.001).

Conclusions:

POAF was associated with markedly higher risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality following noncardiac surgery. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of optimal cardiovascular pharmacotherapies to prevent POAF and to decrease the risk of major adverse events in these high-risk patients.

Incidence, Management, Prevention and Outcome of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Thoracic Surgical Oncology

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common supraventricular arrhythmia, a recognized risk factor for ischemic stroke, as a potential driver for heart failure (HF). Cancer patients have an increased risk for AF, even not including any cancer-specific treatment, as surgery or chemotherapy. The mechanism is multifactorial, with inflammation and changes in autonomic tone as critical actors. Commonly, AF is a recurrent complication of the post-operative period in cancer surgery (especially thoracic). Recent papers confirmed a significant incidence of post-operative (non-cardiac surgery) AF (PAF), partially mitigated by the use of prophylactic (rate o rhythm control) treatments. A relevant difference, in terms of mean hospitalization time, emerges between patients developing PAF and those who do not, while long term impact remains a matter of debate, due to several potential confounding factors. Besides clinical predictors, structural (i.e., echocardiographic) and bio-humoral findings may help in risk prediction tasks. In this respect, pre-operative natriuretic peptides (NPs) concentrations are nowadays recognized as significant independent predictors of perioperative cardiovascular complications (including PAF), while elevated post-operative levels may further enhance risk stratification. The aim of the present paper is to trace the state of the art in terms of incidence, management, prevention, and outcome of PAF in the field of thoracic surgical oncology.

Proceedings From the Global Cardio-Oncology Summit: The Top 10 Priorities to Actualize for CardioOncology

The discipline of cardio-oncology has expanded at a remarkable pace. Recent developments and challenges to clinicians who practice cardio-oncology were presented at the Global Cardio-Oncology Summit on October 3 to 4, 2019, in São Paulo, Brazil. Here, we present the top 10 priorities for our field that were discussed at the meeting, and also detail a potential path forward to address these challenges. Defining robust predictors of cardiotoxicity, clarifying the role of cardioprotection, managing and preventing thromboembolism, improving hematopoietic stem cell transplant outcomes, personalizing cardiac interventions, building the cardio-oncology community, detecting and treating cardiovascular events associated with immunotherapy, understanding tyrosine kinase inhibitor cardiotoxicity, and enhancing survivorship care are all priorities for the field. The path forward requires a commitment to research, education, and excellence in clinical care to improve our patients' lives.

The Therapeutic Potential of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme and Angiotensin Receptor Inhibitors in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Rational Strategies and Recent Progress

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in the world. There is a document that angiotensin (AT) which is found to be involved in the progression of CRC. Furthermore, Angiotensin receptor inhibitors (ARIs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-Is) demonstrate activity in CRC by their inhibition of both Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and therefore present a potentially novel therapeutic strategy in colorectal cancer, which have summarized in the current review. Preclinical studies have illustrated the direct effect of major active mediator angiotensin II (ATII) on the promotion of angiogenesis through VEGF and other proliferative mediators. Suppression of the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) via ACE-Is has shown a reduction in the development of solid tumor and metastasis, particularly CRC incidence, polyp formation, and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a family of small nucleotides without coding that plays an important role after transcribing hundreds to thousands of non-coding and coding gene. Against this background, the application of anti-hypertensive medications such as losartan might have a therapeutic impact, although further preclinical and clinical studies might provide novel insight into the potentially beneficial effect of ACE-Is in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients.

Perioperative beta-blockers for preventing surgery-related mortality and morbidity in adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded conflicting results regarding the ability of beta-blockers to influence perioperative cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Thus routine prescription of these drugs in an unselected population remains a controversial issue. A previous version of this review assessing the effectiveness of perioperative beta-blockers in cardiac and non-cardiac surgery was last published in 2018. The previous review has now been split into two reviews according to type of surgery. This is an update, and assesses the evidence in non-cardiac surgery only.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of perioperatively administered beta-blockers for the prevention of surgery-related mortality and morbidity in adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Biosis Previews and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science on 28 June 2019. We searched clinical trials registers and grey literature, and conducted backward- and forward-citation searching of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs and quasi-randomized studies comparing beta-blockers with a control (placebo or standard care) administered during the perioperative period to adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery. If studies included surgery with different types of anaesthesia, we included them if 70% participants, or at least 100 participants, received general anaesthesia. We excluded studies in which all participants in the standard care control group were given a pharmacological agent that was not given to participants in the intervention group, studies in which all participants in the control group were given a beta-blocker, and studies in which beta-blockers were given with an additional agent (e.g. magnesium). We excluded studies that did not measure or report review outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias. We assessed the certainty of evidence with GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 83 RCTs with 14,967 participants; we found no quasi-randomized studies. All participants were undergoing non-cardiac surgery, and types of surgery ranged from low to high risk. Types of beta-blockers were: propranolol, metoprolol, esmolol, landiolol, nadolol, atenolol, labetalol, oxprenolol, and pindolol. In nine studies, beta-blockers were titrated according to heart rate or blood pressure. Duration of administration varied between studies, as did the time at which drugs were administered; in most studies, it was intraoperatively, but in 18 studies it was before surgery, in six postoperatively, one multi-arm study included groups of different timings, and one study did not report timing of drug administration. Overall, we found that more than half of the studies did not sufficiently report methods used for randomization. All studies in which the control was standard care were at high risk of performance bias because of the open-label study design. Only two studies were prospectively registered with clinical trials registers, which limited the assessment of reporting bias. In six studies, participants in the control group were given beta-blockers as rescue therapy during the study period.The evidence for all-cause mortality at 30 days was uncertain; based on the risk of death in the control group of 25 per 1000, the effect with beta-blockers was between two fewer and 13 more per 1000 (risk ratio (RR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.54; 16 studies, 11,446 participants; low-certainty evidence). Beta-blockers may reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction by 13 fewer incidences per 1000 (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.87; 12 studies, 10,520 participants; low-certainty evidence). We found no evidence of a difference in cerebrovascular events (RR 1.65, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.81; 6 studies, 9460 participants; low-certainty evidence), or in ventricular arrhythmias (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.47; 5 studies, 476 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Beta-blockers may reduce atrial fibrillation or flutter by 26 fewer incidences per 1000 (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.79; 9 studies, 9080 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, beta-blockers may increase bradycardia by 55 more incidences per 1000 (RR 2.49, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.56; 49 studies, 12,239 participants; low-certainty evidence), and hypotension by 44 more per 1000 (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.51; 49 studies, 12,304 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).We downgraded the certainty of the evidence owing to study limitations; some studies had high risks of bias, and the effects were sometimes altered when we excluded studies with a standard care control group (including only placebo-controlled trials showed an increase in early mortality and cerebrovascular events with beta-blockers). We also downgraded for inconsistency; one large, well-conducted, international study found a reduction in myocardial infarction, and an increase in cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality, when beta-blockers were used, but other studies showed no evidence of a difference. We could not explain the reason for the inconsistency in the evidence for ventricular arrhythmias, and we also downgraded this outcome for imprecision because we found few studies with few participants.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for early all-cause mortality with perioperative beta-blockers was uncertain. We found no evidence of a difference in cerebrovascular events or ventricular arrhythmias, and the certainty of the evidence for these outcomes was low and very low. We found low-certainty evidence that beta-blockers may reduce atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarctions. However, beta-blockers may increase bradycardia (low-certainty evidence) and probably increase hypotension (moderate-certainty evidence). Further evidence from large placebo-controlled trials is likely to increase the certainty of these findings, and we recommend the assessment of impact on quality of life. We found 18 studies awaiting classification; inclusion of these studies in future updates may also increase the certainty of the evidence.

Atrial Fibrillation in Active Cancer Patients: Expert Position Paper and Recommendations

Improvements in survival among cancer patients have revealed the clinical impact of cardiotoxicity on both cardiovascular and hematological and oncological outcomes, especially when it leads to the interruption of highly effective antitumor therapies. Atrial fibrillation is a common complication in patients with active cancer and its treatment poses a major challenge. These patients have an increased thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk but standard stroke prediction scores have not been validated in this population. The aim of this expert consensus-based document is to provide a multidisciplinary and practical approach to the prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with active cancer. This is a position paper of the Spanish Cardio-Oncology working group and the Spanish Thrombosis working group, drafted in collaboration with experts from the Spanish Society of Cardiology, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology, and the Spanish Society of Hematology.

A brain natriuretic peptide-based prediction model for atrial fibrillation after thoracic surgery: Development and internal validation

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after anatomic thoracic surgery. Elevated preoperative brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is strongly associated with risk of POAF. We describe the development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model for POAF that includes BNP and other clinical factors.

METHODS

Clinical and preoperative BNP data were collected for 635 patients in sinus rhythm before anatomic lung (n = 540) or esophageal (n = 95) resection. The primary outcome was new onset of POAF (>5 minutes) during hospitalization. A prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis and internally validated using a bootstrap-resampling approach.

RESULTS

POAF occurred in 20% of patients (124 out of 635). BNP level was higher among patients with than without POAF (median, 45 vs 23 pg/mL; P < .0001). The final prediction model included 5 factors: age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.08; P = .001), body mass index (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09; P = .016), BNP level (75th vs 25th percentile, 57.5 vs 12.5 pg/mL; OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.26-3.43; P = .0003), history of atrial fibrillation (OR, 5.91; 95% CI, 2.47-14.11; P < .0001), and extent of surgery (compared with segmentectomy [reference]: pneumonectomy OR, 6.70; 95% CI, 1.91-24.70; esophagectomy OR, 4.93; 95% CI, 1.94-14.06; lobectomy OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 4.90-8.34; overall P = .0002). The model had good calibration and discrimination (C statistic, 0.736). After internal validation, optimism-corrected measures showed similarly good calibration and discrimination (C statistic, 0.720; 95% CI, 0.664-0.765).

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel prediction model-based interactive calculator can be used to identify patients at high risk of POAF and could be incorporated into practice prevention guidelines.

A review and analysis of strategies for prediction, prevention and management of post-operative atrial fibrillation after non-cardiac thoracic surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia after non-cardiac thoracic surgery and is associated with a significant increase in perioperative morbidity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. Practical guidance is needed to assist clinicians in managing this critical issue and direct further research. Here we aim to provide a synoptic review and analysis of the literature to distil practical recommendations for prediction, prevention and management of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) suitable for clinical application and further evaluation. To predict POAF, risk factors including age, gender, elevated pre-operative heart rate and extent of surgical resection have been reproducibly identified and integrated into scoring systems. To prevent POAF, prophylactic therapy with beta-blockers, amiodarone, or magnesium have demonstrated to be effective, but need further trials in high-risk populations. To manage unstable POAF that precipitates hypotension and hypoperfusion, although rare, requires immediate electrocardioversion to restore cardiac output and adequate oxygen delivery. For hemodynamically stable patients, rate control and prevention of adverse events are the objectives. We propose an individualized approach aimed at rate control using initial incremental low dose beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker (CCB) therapy with close monitoring of a patient's response, and continuation of the drug that they respond to, along with simultaneous identification and reduction of triggers of AF, in order for spontaneous return to sinus rhythm. For patients who persistently fail to respond to rate control therapy, rhythm control may be considered using an agent selected based on the patient's comorbidities and the medications' side effect profile. While controversial and requiring further study, anticoagulation therapy is recommended in patients with risk factors for thromboembolic events after 48 hours of persistent AF. We recommend continuous prospective monitoring of incidence and severity of POAF to track the impact of protocols to predict, prevent and manage POAF.

Metoprolol in the treatment of cardiovascular disease: a critical reappraisal

BACKGROUND

Extensive clinical experience on metoprolol has been gained in different cardiovascular conditions.

REVIEW

This paper discusses the use of metoprolol, with a focus on the extended-release formulation, in clinical practice in the light of existing evidence and current recommendations. This is a narrative review based on existing evidence and clinical experience of the author. Evidence on the use of metoprolol in heart failure, ischemic artery disease, arterial hypertension, and atrial fibrillation is well-established.

CONCLUSIONS

Metoprolol still appears to be a suitable pharmacological option in different cardiovascular conditions. Research on this molecule is still active and new, promising settings of use are being explored and may provide relevant results in the years to come.

Preventing Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Noncardiac Surgery: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although postoperative atrial fibrillation is common after noncardiac surgery, there is a paucity of data regarding prophylaxis. We sought to determine whether pharmacologic prophylaxis reduces the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

We performed an electronic search of Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials database, and SCOPUS from inception to September 7, 2016 and included prospective randomized studies in which patients in sinus rhythm underwent noncardiac surgery and examined the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation as well as secondary safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies including 11,608 patients were included. Types of surgery included vascular surgery (3465 patients), thoracic surgery (2757 patients), general surgery (2292 patients), orthopedic surgery (1756 patients), and other surgery (1338 patients). Beta-blockers (relative risk [RR] 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.87), amiodarone (RR 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.67), and statins (RR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.68) reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation compared with placebo or active controls. Calcium channel blockers (RR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.30 to 1.01), digoxin (RR 1.62; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.76), and magnesium (RR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.23 to 2.33) had no statistically significant effect on postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence. The incidence of adverse events was comparable across agents, except for increased mortality (RR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.37) and bradycardia (RR 2.74; 95% CI, 2.19 to 3.43) in patients receiving beta-blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacologic prophylaxis with amiodarone, beta-blockers, or statins reduces the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after noncardiac surgery. Amiodarone and statins have a relatively low overall risk of short-term adverse events.

Predictors of de novo atrial fibrillation in a non-cardiac intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To assess the predictors of de novo atrial fibrillation in patients in a non-cardiac intensive care unit.

METHODS

A total of 418 hospitalized patients were analyzed between January and September 2016 in a non-cardiac intensive care unit. Clinical characteristics, interventions, and biochemical markers were recorded during hospitalization. In-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay in the intensive care unit were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 310 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 61.0 ± 18.3 years, 49.4% were male, and 23.5% presented de novo atrial fibrillation. The multivariate model identified previous stroke (OR = 10.09; p = 0.016) and elevated levels of pro-B type natriuretic peptide (proBNP, OR = 1.28 for each 1,000pg/mL increment; p = 0.004) as independent predictors of de novo atrial fibrillation. Analysis of the proBNP receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of de novo atrial fibrillation revealed an area under the curve of 0.816 (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 65.2% and a specificity of 82% for proBNP > 5,666pg/mL. There were no differences in mortality (p = 0.370), but the lengths of hospital stay (p = 0.002) and stay in the intensive care unit (p = 0.031) were higher in patients with de novo atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of previous stroke and elevated proBNP during hospitalization were independent predictors of de novo atrial fibrillation in the polyvalent intensive care unit. The proBNP is a useful and easy- and quick-access tool in the stratification of atrial fibrillation risk.

Landiolol for managing post-operative atrial fibrillation

Beta-blockers are a potential option to manage peri-operative atrial fibrillation. Landiolol is a new ultra-short beta-blocker with a half-life of only 4 minutes and very high beta-1 selectivity which has been used for treatment and prevention of atrial fibrillation in pulmonary surgery and gastro-intestinal surgery. Due to its limited negative inotropic effect and high beta-1 selectivity landiolol allows for control of heart rate with minimal impact on blood pressure. Landiolol is well tolerated by the respiratory system. Additional benefits are related to the regulation of the inflammatory response and blunting of the adrenergic pathway. There is a limited number of trials with total of 61 patients undergoing lung resection or oesophagectomy who developed post-operative atrial fibrillation and were treated with landiolol. The experience with landiolol for prevention is more documented than landiolol application for treatment of post-operative atrial fibrillation. There are 9 comparative studies with a total of 450 patients administered landiolol for prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation. The use of low dosage (5-10mcg/kg/min) is usually sufficient to rapidly control heart rate which is associated with earlier and higher rate of conversion to sinus rhythm as compared to the controls. The excellent tolerance of landiolol at lower dosage (3-5mcg/kg/min) allows to initiate prophylactic use during surgery and postoperatively. Landiolol prophylaxis is associated with reduced incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation without triggering adverse events related to a beta-blockade.

Elevated admission N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level predicts the development of atrial fibrillation in general surgical intensive care unit patients

BACKGROUND

New onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in critically ill surgical patients is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is released by cardiomyocytes in response to stress and may predict AF development after surgery. We hypothesized that elevated NT-proBNP level at surgical intensive care unit (ICU) admission predicts AF development in a general surgical and trauma population.

METHODS

From July to October 2015, NT-proBNP concentrations were measured at ICU admission. Abnormal NT-proBNP concentrations were defined by age-adjusted cut-offs. We examined the relationship between the development of AF and demographics, clinical variables, and NT-proBNP level using univariate analysis and a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty-seven subjects were included in the cohort, none of whom were in AF at ICU admission. The median age was 63 years (52-73 years), and 40.3% were women. The risk of developing AF was higher for abnormal versus normal NT-proBNP (22% vs. 4%; p < 0.0001). Using optimal derived cutoffs (regardless of age), the risk of developing AF was 2% for NT-proBNP less than 600 ng/L, 15% for NT-proBNP of 600 ng/L to 1,999 ng/L, and 27% for NT-proBNP of 2,000 ng/L or greater. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified three independent predictors for new-onset AF: age, older than 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-9.3), history of AF (OR, 25.3; 95% CI, 9.6-67.0), and NT-proBNP of 600 or greater (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.3-14.2). When none or only one predictor was present, AF incidence was less than 1%. When all three predictors were present, AF incidence was 66%. For subjects 70 years or older but no history of AF, AF incidence was 12.8% when NT-proBNP was 600 or greater compared with 0% when NT-proBNP was less than 600. For subjects younger than 70 years with a history of AF, AF incidence was 44.4% when NT-proBNP was 600 or higher compared to 0% when NT-proBNP was less than 600.

CONCLUSION

Elevated NT-proBNP at ICU admission in general surgical and trauma patients is predictive of AF development in the first 3 ICU days. Addition of NT-proBNP measurement to known risk factors can improve predictive power and identify patients who might potentially benefit from evidence-based prophylactic treatment for AF.

Is the Risk of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Predictable in Patients Undergoing Surgery Due to Primary Lung Cancer?

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia which is commonly seen following lung resection. There is currently no algorithm which can predict which patients will develop postoperative AF (PAF). The present study aims to identify the risk factors for the development of PAF and high-risk patients with PAF along with multiple risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 887 patients, who underwent lung resection due to primary lung malignancy at our clinic between January 2000 and December 2016, were retrospectively analysed. Group 1 (n=44) consisted of the patients who developed PAF and Group 2 (n=843) consisted of the patients without PAF. Age and sex of the patients, comorbidities, previous diagnosis of malignancy, and surgery-related variables were evaluated using statistical methods for their effects on the development of AF. A score was assigned to each identified risk factor and scores of the patients were calculated. The risk of developing PAF was evaluated based on this scoring system.

RESULTS

We found that ≥60 years of age and the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were significant risk factors for the development of PAF (p<0.05). The risk of developing PAF was not associated with male sex, previous history of malignancy, presence of comorbidities, and the type of surgery applied. There was an increased risk of AF with increasing scores in the risk calculation system.

CONCLUSION

Advanced age and the presence of COPD were found to be associated with an increased risk of developing PAF. In addition we found a significant increase in the risk of developing PAF in the presence of multiple factors, although they did not reach statistical significance alone.

Cancer, atrial fibrillation, and stroke

Cancer patients appear to be at increased risk for atrial fibrillation. Although surgery and chemotherapy exacerbate this risk, this association is observed even in the absence of any cancer-specific treatment. The underlying mechanism of this is likely multifactorial, but systemic inflammation and autonomic dysregulation are hypothesized to play critical roles. Cancer and atrial fibrillation are both independent risk factors for ischemic stroke; however, it is not clear whether this translates to an increased risk of stroke in patients with both comorbidities. As such, commonly used risk stratification tools including the CHADS2 score currently do not take cancer into account as a variable and it is possible that stroke risk is underestimated in this population. There is a paucity of data regarding anticoagulant choice in cancer patients with atrial fibrillation. Vitamin K antagonists are often preferred over direct oral anticoagulants; however, this may be changing in the near future as new trials specific to this patient population emerge.

Prophylaxis Against Atrial Fibrillation After General Thoracic Surgery: Trial Sequential Analysis and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter (POAF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality after general thoracic surgery, but the need for and the best agent for prophylaxis remains obscure.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials that compared regimens for POAF prophylaxis after general thoracic surgery. Random-effects meta-analyses with trial sequential analyses were performed to compare the effects of medical prophylaxis vs placebo/usual care. The risk of POAF among patients receiving various prophylactic regimens was subjected to Bayesian network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two trials (2,891 patients and 11 regimens) were included. Overall, medical prophylaxis reduced the incidence of POAF (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.22-0.49) but not short-term mortality (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.41-1.73). There was no significant difference in patient withdrawal due to adverse events (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.67-4.16). Trial sequential analysis showed that as of 2012, sufficient evidence had accrued in support of the effectiveness of medical prophylaxis in reducing POAF after general thoracic surgery. In network meta-analysis, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, amiodarone, magnesium, and calcium channel blockers significantly reduced the risk of POAF compared with placebo/usual care. β-Blockers had the highest probability of being the most effective agents (OR, 0.12; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.05-0.27; probability of being best, 77.7%; number needed to treat, 5.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature supports the effectiveness and tolerability of medical prophylaxis and the superiority of β-blockers in preventing POAF after general thoracic surgery. β-Blockers are recommended, taking into consideration the status of the bronchopulmonary system.