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Kukendrarajah K, Ahmad M, Carrington M, Ioannou A, Taylor J, Razvi Y, Papageorgiou N, Mead GE, Nevis IF, D'Ascenzo F, Wilton SB, Lambiase PD, Morillo CA, Kwong JS, Providencia R. External electrical and pharmacological cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardias: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 6:CD013255. [PMID: 38828867 PMCID: PMC11145740 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013255.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent sustained arrhythmia. Cardioversion is a rhythm control strategy to restore normal/sinus rhythm, and can be achieved through drugs (pharmacological) or a synchronised electric shock (electrical cardioversion). OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter and atrial tachycardias. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) and three trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and ISRCTN) on 14 February 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) at the individual patient level. Patient populations were aged ≥ 18 years with AF of any type and duration, atrial flutter or other sustained related atrial arrhythmias, not occurring as a result of reversible causes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodology to collect data and performed a network meta-analysis using the standard frequentist graph-theoretical approach using the netmeta package in R. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence which we presented in our summary of findings with a judgement on certainty. We calculated differences using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as well as ranking treatments using a P value. We assessed clinical and statistical heterogeneity and split the networks for the primary outcome and acute procedural success, due to concerns about violating the transitivity assumption. MAIN RESULTS We included 112 RCTs (139 records), from which we pooled data from 15,968 patients. The average age ranged from 47 to 72 years and the proportion of male patients ranged from 38% to 92%. Seventy-nine trials were considered to be at high risk of bias for at least one domain, 32 had no high risk of bias domains, but had at least one domain classified as uncertain risk, and one study was considered at low risk for all domains. For paroxysmal AF (35 trials), when compared to placebo, anteroapical (AA)/anteroposterior (AP) biphasic truncated exponential waveform (BTE) cardioversion (RR: 2.42; 95% CI 1.65 to 3.56), quinidine (RR: 2.23; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.34), ibutilide (RR: 2.00; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.12), propafenone (RR: 1.98; 95% CI 1.67 to 2.34), amiodarone (RR: 1.69; 95% CI 1.42 to 2.02), sotalol (RR: 1.58; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.31) and procainamide (RR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.97) likely result in a large increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm until hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: moderate). The effect size was larger for AA/AP incremental and was progressively smaller for the subsequent interventions. Despite low certainty of evidence, antazoline may result in a large increase (RR: 28.60; 95% CI 1.77 to 461.30) in this outcome. Similarly, low-certainty evidence suggests a large increase in this outcome for flecainide (RR: 2.17; 95% CI 1.68 to 2.79), vernakalant (RR: 2.13; 95% CI 1.52 to 2.99), and magnesium (RR: 1.73; 95% CI 0.79 to 3.79). For persistent AF (26 trials), one network was created for electrical cardioversion and showed that, when compared to AP BTE incremental energy with patches, AP BTE maximum energy with patches (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.55) likely results in a large increase, and active compression AP BTE incremental energy with patches (RR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.131) likely results in an increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: high). Use of AP BTE incremental with paddles (RR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.09; certainty of evidence: low) may lead to a slight increase, and AP MDS Incremental paddles (RR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.05; certainty of evidence: low) may lead to a slight decrease in efficacy. On the other hand, AP MDS incremental energy using patches (RR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.87), AA RBW incremental energy with patches (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88), AP RBW incremental energy with patches (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.86), AA MDS incremental energy with patches (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.86) and AA MDS incremental energy with paddles (RR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.83) probably result in a decrease in this outcome when compared to AP BTE incremental energy with patches (certainty of evidence: moderate). The network for pharmacological cardioversion showed that bepridil (RR: 2.29, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.17) and quindine (RR: 1.53, (95% CI 1.01 to 2.32) probably result in a large increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up when compared to amiodarone (certainty of evidence: moderate). Dofetilide (RR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.44), sotalol (RR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.18), propafenone (RR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.25) and pilsicainide (RR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.02 to 7.01) may result in a reduction in this outcome when compared to amiodarone, but the certainty of evidence is low. For atrial flutter (14 trials), a network could be created only for antiarrhythmic drugs. Using placebo as the common comparator, ibutilide (RR: 21.45, 95% CI 4.41 to 104.37), propafenone (RR: 7.15, 95% CI 1.27 to 40.10), dofetilide (RR: 6.43, 95% CI 1.38 to 29.91), and sotalol (RR: 6.39, 95% CI 1.03 to 39.78) probably result in a large increase in the maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: moderate), and procainamide (RR: 4.29, 95% CI 0.63 to 29.03), flecainide (RR 3.57, 95% CI 0.24 to 52.30) and vernakalant (RR: 1.18, 95% CI 0.05 to 27.37) may result in a large increase in maintenance of sinus rhythm at hospital discharge or end of study follow-up (certainty of evidence: low). All tested electrical cardioversion strategies for atrial flutter had very high efficacy (97.9% to 100%). The rate of mortality (14 deaths) and stroke or systemic embolism (3 events) at 30 days was extremely low. Data on quality of life were scarce and of uncertain clinical significance. No information was available regarding heart failure readmissions. Data on duration of hospitalisation was scarce, of low quality, and could not be pooled. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Despite the low quality of evidence, this systematic review provides important information on electrical and pharmacological strategies to help patients and physicians deal with AF and atrial flutter. In the assessment of the patient comorbidity profile, antiarrhythmic drug onset of action and side effect profile versus the need for a physician with experience in sedation, or anaesthetics support for electrical cardioversion are key aspects when choosing the cardioversion method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahmood Ahmad
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Adam Ioannou
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julie Taylor
- Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yousuf Razvi
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Gillian E Mead
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Immaculate F Nevis
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, ICON plc, Blue Bell, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Fabrizio D'Ascenzo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stephen B Wilton
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Pier D Lambiase
- Centre for Cardiology in the Young, The Heart Hospital, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Carlos A Morillo
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
| | - Joey Sw Kwong
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rui Providencia
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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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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Kłosiewicz T, Cholerzyńska H, Zasada WA, Shadi A, Olszewski J, Konieczka P, Podlewski R, Puślecki M. Impact of Various Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Strategies on Length of Stay in the Emergency Department and Early Complications-3 Years of a Single-Center Experience. J Clin Med 2023; 13:190. [PMID: 38202197 PMCID: PMC10779744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia presenting in emergency departments (EDs), vastly increasing mainly due to society's lifestyles leading to numerous comorbidities. Its management depends on many factors and is still not unified. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare different AF management strategies in the ED and to evaluate their influence on the length of stay (LOS) in the ED and their safety. We analyzed medical records over 3 years of data collection, including age, primary AF diagnosis, an attempt to restore sinus rhythm, complications, and length of stay. Patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment method received: only pharmacological cardioversion (MED), only electrical cardioversion (EC), and patients who received medications followed by electrical cardioversion (COMB). We included 599 individuals in the analysis with a median age of 71. The restoration of sinus rhythm and LOS were as follows: MED: 64.95%, 173 min; COMB: 87.91%, 295 min; SH: 92.40%, 180 min. The difference between the MED and EC strategies, as well as MED and COMB, was statistically significant (p < 0.001 in both). The total number of complications was 16, with a rate of 32.67%. The majority of them followed a drug administration, and the most common complication was bradycardia. Electrical cardioversion is a safe and effective treatment strategy in stable patients with AF in the ED. It is associated with a shortened LOS. Medication administration preceded the majority of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kłosiewicz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Hanna Cholerzyńska
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Wiktoria Antonina Zasada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Amira Shadi
- College of Emergency Physicians in Poland, 5 Truflowa Street, 62-070 Dopiewiec, Poland; (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Jakub Olszewski
- College of Emergency Physicians in Poland, 5 Truflowa Street, 62-070 Dopiewiec, Poland; (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Patryk Konieczka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Roland Podlewski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Mateusz Puślecki
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 7 Rokietnicka Street, 60-608 Poznań, Poland; (H.C.); (W.A.Z.); (P.K.); (R.P.); (M.P.)
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Long B, Brady WJ, Gottlieb M. Emergency medicine updates: Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 74:57-64. [PMID: 37776840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.09.012] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) may lead to stroke, heart failure, and death. When AF occurs in the context of a rapid ventricular rate/response (RVR), this can lead to complications, including hypoperfusion and cardiac ischemia. Emergency physicians play a key role in the diagnosis and management of this dysrhythmia. OBJECTIVE This paper evaluates key evidence-based updates concerning AF with RVR for the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION Differentiating primary and secondary AF with RVR and evaluating hemodynamic stability are vital components of ED assessment and management. Troponin can assist in determining the risk of adverse outcomes, but universal troponin testing is not required in patients at low risk of acute coronary syndrome or coronary artery disease - especially patients with recurrent episodes of paroxysmal AF that are similar to their prior events. Emergent cardioversion is indicated in hemodynamically unstable patients. Rate or rhythm control should be pursued in hemodynamically stable patients. Elective cardioversion is a safe option for select patients and may reduce AF symptoms and risk of AF recurrence. Rate control using beta blockers or calcium channel blockers should be pursued in those with AF with RVR who do not undergo cardioversion. Anticoagulation is an important component of management, and several tools (e.g., CHA2DS2-VASc) are available to assist with this decision. Direct oral anticoagulants are the first-line medication class for anticoagulation. Disposition can be challenging, and several risk assessment tools (e.g., RED-AF, AFFORD, and the AFTER (complex, modified, and pragmatic) scores) are available to assist with disposition decisions. CONCLUSION An understanding of the recent updates in the literature concerning AF with RVR can assist emergency clinicians in the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- SAUSHEC, Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
| | - William J Brady
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Olanisa OO, Jain P, Khan QS, Vemulapalli AC, Elias AA, Yerramsetti MD, Nath TS. Which Is Better? Rate Versus Rhythm Control in Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e49869. [PMID: 38169694 PMCID: PMC10758588 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49869] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The optimal approach to managing AF, specifically rate control versus rhythm control, remains a topic of debate in clinical practice. This systematic review aims to compare the rate control and rhythm control strategies based on their clinical outcomes, quality of life, and adverse events associated with them. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Scopus, and Embase (Excerpta Medica dataBASE) databases. A total of 1657 research papers were identified through the search strategy, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 28 studies were selected for the analysis. The studies encompassed a range of methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for study selection, data extraction, and analysis. The outcomes of interest included all: cause mortality, stroke, bleeding events, cardiovascular hospitalizations, quality of life, and adverse effects of treatment. Data were synthesized and presented in tables, charts, and forest plots for meta-analysis where appropriate. The results indicate that both rate control and rhythm control strategies have their own merits and limitations, with the outcomes varying based on patient characteristics and comorbidities. While rhythm control strategies may lead to better symptom control and improved quality of life, rate control strategies may be associated with lower risks of adverse events and complications. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding rate and rhythm control strategies in AF management, offering insights for clinical decision-making and highlighting the need for individualized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olawale O Olanisa
- Internal Medicine, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, USA
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Payal Jain
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Qasim S Khan
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | | | - Abanob A Elias
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Monica D Yerramsetti
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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6
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Vinson DR, Rauchwerger AS, Karadi CA, Shan J, Warton EM, Zhang JY, Ballard DW, Mark DG, Hofmann ER, Cotton DM, Durant EJ, Lin JS, Sax DR, Poth LS, Gamboa SH, Ghiya MS, Kene MV, Ganapathy A, Whiteley PM, Bouvet SC, Babakhanian L, Kwok EW, Solomon MD, Go AS, Reed ME. Clinical decision support to Optimize Care of patients with Atrial Fibrillation or flutter in the Emergency department: protocol of a stepped-wedge cluster randomized pragmatic trial (O'CAFÉ trial). Trials 2023; 24:246. [PMID: 37004068 PMCID: PMC10064588 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07230-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter in the emergency department (ED) includes rate reduction, cardioversion, and stroke prevention. Different approaches to these components of care may lead to variation in frequency of hospitalization and stroke prevention actions, with significant implications for patient experience, cost of care, and risk of complications. Standardization using evidence-based recommendations could reduce variation in management, preventable hospitalizations, and stroke risk. METHODS We describe the rationale for our ED-based AF treatment recommendations. We also describe the development of an electronic clinical decision support system (CDSS) to deliver these recommendations to emergency physicians at the point of care. We implemented the CDSS at three pilot sites to assess feasibility and solicit user feedback. We will evaluate the impact of the CDSS on hospitalization and stroke prevention actions using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized pragmatic clinical trial across 13 community EDs in Northern California. DISCUSSION We hypothesize that the CDSS intervention will reduce hospitalization of adults with isolated AF or atrial flutter presenting to the ED and increase anticoagulation prescription in eligible patients at the time of ED discharge and within 30 days. If our hypotheses are confirmed, the treatment protocol and CDSS could be recommended to other EDs to improve management of adults with AF or atrial flutter. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05009225 . Registered on 17 August 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Vinson
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA.
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, Roseville, CA, USA.
| | - Adina S Rauchwerger
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Chandu A Karadi
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Judy Shan
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E Margaret Warton
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Zhang
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Dustin W Ballard
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Dustin G Mark
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Erik R Hofmann
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dale M Cotton
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Edward J Durant
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Modesto Medical Center, Modesto, CA, USA
| | - James S Lin
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Dana R Sax
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Luke S Poth
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Stephen H Gamboa
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meena S Ghiya
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mamata V Kene
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center, San Leandro, CA, USA
| | - Anuradha Ganapathy
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Patrick M Whiteley
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Sean C Bouvet
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew D Solomon
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Alan S Go
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mary E Reed
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
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Prasai P, Shrestha DB, Saad E, Trongtorsak A, Adhikari A, Gaire S, Oli PR, Shtembari J, Adhikari P, Sedhai YR, Akbar MS, Elgendy IY, Shantha G. Electric Cardioversion vs. Pharmacological with or without Electric Cardioversion for Stable New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031165. [PMID: 36769812 PMCID: PMC9918032 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no clear consensus on the preference for pharmacological cardioversion (PC) in comparison to electric cardioversion (EC) for hemodynamically stable new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess PC (whether being followed by EC or not) vs. EC in achieving cardioversion for hemodynamically stable NOAF patients. PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched to include relevant studies until 7 March 2022. The primary outcome was the successful restoration of sinus rhythm, and secondary outcomes included emergency department (ED) revisits with atrial fibrillation (AF), hospital readmission rate, length of hospital stay, and cardioversion-associated adverse events. RESULTS A total of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one observational study were included. There was no difference in the rates of successful restoration to sinus rhythm (88.66% vs. 85.25%; OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.35-3.71; n = 868). There was no statistical difference across the two groups for ED revisits with AF, readmission rates, length of hospital stay, and cardioversion-associated adverse effects, with the exception of hypotension, whose incidence was lower in the EC group (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.27: n = 727). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that there is no difference in successful restoration of sinus rhythm with either modality among patients with hemodynamically stable NOAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paritosh Prasai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Health St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (D.B.S.)
| | - Dhan Bahadur Shrestha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
- Correspondence: (P.P.); (D.B.S.)
| | - Eltaib Saad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Health St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
| | - Angkawipa Trongtorsak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Health St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
| | - Aarya Adhikari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chitwan Medical College, Chitwan 44200, Nepal
| | - Suman Gaire
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Prakash Raj Oli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Province Hospital, Birendranagar 21700, Nepal
| | - Jurgen Shtembari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Pabitra Adhikari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Health St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
| | - Yub Raj Sedhai
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
| | - Muhammad Sikander Akbar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Ascension Health St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
| | - Islam Y. Elgendy
- Division of Cardiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Ghanshyam Shantha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Electrophysiology, Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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8
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Nguyen ST, Belley-Côté EP, Ibrahim O, Um KJ, Lengyel A, Adli T, Qiu Y, Wong M, Sibilio S, Benz AP, Wolf A, Whitlock NJ, Gabriel Acosta J, Healey JS, Baranchuk A, McIntyre WF. Techniques improving electrical cardioversion success for patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Europace 2022; 25:318-330. [PMID: 36503970 PMCID: PMC9935008 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac199] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Electrical cardioversion is commonly used to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but procedural technique and clinical success vary. We sought to identify techniques associated with electrical cardioversion success for AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and the grey literature from inception to October 2022. We abstracted data on initial and cumulative cardioversion success. We pooled data using random-effects models. From 15 207 citations, we identified 45 randomized trials and 16 observational studies. In randomized trials, biphasic when compared with monophasic waveforms resulted in higher rates of initial [16 trials, risk ratio (RR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.29-2.28] and cumulative success (18 trials, RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16). Fixed, high-energy (≥200 J) shocks when compared with escalating energy resulted in a higher rate of initial success (four trials, RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.33-1.98). Manual pressure when compared with no pressure resulted in higher rates of initial (two trials, RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.21-3.95) and cumulative success (two trials, RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.34). Cardioversion success did not differ significantly for other interventions, including: antero-apical/lateral vs. antero-posterior positioned pads (initial: 11 trials, RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.97-1.39; cumulative: 14 trials, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96-1.06); rectilinear/pulsed biphasic vs. biphasic truncated exponential waveform (initial: four trials, RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.91-1.34; cumulative: four trials, RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89-1.08) and cathodal vs. anodal configuration (cumulative: two trials, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92-1.07). CONCLUSIONS Biphasic waveforms, high-energy shocks, and manual pressure increase the success of electrical cardioversion for AF. Other interventions, especially pad positioning, require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie T Nguyen
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Emilie P Belley-Côté
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada,Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Omar Ibrahim
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Kevin J Um
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Alexandra Lengyel
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Taranah Adli
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada,University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Michael Wong
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Serena Sibilio
- Istituto Clinico Sant’Ambrogio, Università di Milano, Milano 20157, Italy
| | - Alexander P Benz
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Alex Wolf
- University of Limerick School of Medicine, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Nicola J Whitlock
- Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 5E3, Canada
| | - Juan Gabriel Acosta
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6, Canada,Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Adrian Baranchuk
- Queen’s University School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3L4, Canada
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9
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Lane DJ, Scheuermeyer FX, Nemnom MJ, Taljaard M, Stiell I. Effect of specialist consultation on emergency department revisits among patients with uncomplicated recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter. CAN J EMERG MED 2022; 24:760-769. [PMID: 36136242 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-022-00370-5] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between specialist consultation and risk of 30-day ED revisit in emergency department (ED) patients with recent-onset uncomplicated atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL). METHODS As a secondary analysis of a previously published trial, clinical experts identified predictors of consultation including age and sex, ED sinus conversion, thromboembolic risk, heart rate, rate control medication use, coronary artery disease and anti-platelet use, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These were included in a propensity-matched hierarchical Bayesian model accounting for hospital site as a random effect, with 30-day ED revisit as the primary outcome. We also measured ED length of stay for consulted and non-consulted patients. RESULTS We analyzed data from 11 sites for 829 ED patients with AF/AFL, of whom 364 (44%) had specialist consultation. A total of 128 patients (15.4%) had an ED revisit, 78 (16.8%) from the no consult group and 50 (13.7%) from the consult group. Consultation rates ranged from 8.8 to 71% between sites. Median length of stay was 591 min (interquartile range [IQR] 359-1024) for consulted patients and 300 min (IQR 212-409) for patients without consultation. After propensity-matching, consulted patients had a 0.6% (IQR - 4 to 3%) lower risk of 30-day revisits than non-consulted patients (probability of lower risk 55%). CONCLUSIONS In ED patients with uncomplicated AF/AFL, there was substantial between-site variation in specialist consultations; such consultation was unlikely to influence revisits within 30 days while ED length of stay was nearly double. ED specialist consultations may not be necessary for uncomplicated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Lane
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Frank X Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Center for Health Evaluation Outcomes, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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10
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Stiell IG, de Wit K, Scheuermeyer FX, Vadeboncoeur A, Angaran P, Eagles D, Graham ID, Atzema CL, Archambault PM, Tebbenham T, McRae AD, Cheung WJ, Parkash R, Deyell MW, Baril G, Mann R, Sahsi R, Upadhye S, Brown E, Brinkhurst J, Chabot C, Skanes A. 2021 CAEP Acute Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Best Practices Checklist. CAN J EMERG MED 2021; 23:604-610. [PMID: 34383280 PMCID: PMC8423652 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, The Ottawa Hospital, F657, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9, Canada.
| | - Kerstin de Wit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Frank X Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alain Vadeboncoeur
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Paul Angaran
- Division of Cardiology, Terrence Donnelly Heart Centre, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Debra Eagles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ian D Graham
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Clare L Atzema
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick M Archambault
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Troy Tebbenham
- Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Warren J Cheung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ratika Parkash
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Marc W Deyell
- Heart Rhythm Services, Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Rick Mann
- Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga Hospital, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Rupinder Sahsi
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- St. Mary's General Hospital, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Suneel Upadhye
- Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Erica Brown
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Allan Skanes
- Division of Cardiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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11
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Stiell IG, Eagles D, Nemnom MJ, Brown E, Taljaard M, Archambault PM, Birnie D, Borgundvaag B, Clark G, Davis P, Godin D, Hohl C, Mathieu B, McRae AD, Mercier E, Morris J, Parkash R, Perry JJ, Rowe BH, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Scheuermeyer F, Sivilotti MLA, Vadeboncoeur A. Adverse Events Associated With Electrical Cardioversion in Patients With Acute Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter. Can J Cardiol 2021; 37:1775-1782. [PMID: 34474123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to evaluate safety of electrical cardioversion (ECV) for patients with acute atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) in the emergency department (ED). METHODS This was an analysis of data from 4 multicentre AF/AFL studies conducted from 2008 to 2019 at 23 large EDs. We included adult patients who received attempts at ECV and who had presented acutely after symptom onset. Staff manually reviewed study and clinical records to abstract data. RESULTS We evaluated 1736 ECV cases with a mean age of 60.1 years and 67.1% male. The overall success of ECV was 90.2% (95% confidence interval 88.7%-91.6%), with 4.9% of patients admitted. ED physicians performed the ECV in 95.2% and provided sedation in 96.5%; 13.9% (12.3%-15.7%) of cases experienced important adverse events that required treatment, and 0.4% were classified as life threatening. Another 5.6% had adverse events that did not require treatment. Logistic regression found that the RAFF-3 study cohort (odds ratio [OR] 2.0), age ≥ 85 years (OR 2.1), coronary artery disease (OR 1.5), midazolam (OR 1.9), and fentanyl (OR 1.5) were associated with important adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This large evaluation of the safety of ECV for acute AF/AFL in the ED found that while serious adverse events were rare, there were a concerning number of events following sedation that required intervention. Physicians should be aware that older age, coronary artery disease, and fentanyl are associated with higher risks of important adverse events. This study provides more information for shared decision making discussions with patients when choosing between drug-shock and shock-only cardioversion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Debra Eagles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erica Brown
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Patrick M Archambault
- Département de Médecine Familiale et de Médicine d'Urgence, Centre de Recherche du Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Département d'Anesthésiologie et de Soins Intensifs, Centre de Recherche du Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - David Birnie
- Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Philip Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Corinne Hohl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bernard Mathieu
- Département de Médecine de Famille et de Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Département de Médecine Familiale et de Médecine d'Urgence, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Judy Morris
- Département de Médecine de Famille et de Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ratika Parkash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey J Perry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Frank Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alain Vadeboncoeur
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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12
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RAFF-3 Trial: A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial to Improve Care of Acute Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter in the Emergency Department. Can J Cardiol 2021; 37:1569-1577. [PMID: 34217808 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to improve care of patients with acute atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFL) in the emergency department (ED) by implementing the CAEP AAFF Best Practice Checklist. METHODS We conducted a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial at 11 large community and academic hospital EDs, in five Canadian provinces and enrolled consecutive AF/AFL patients. The study intervention was the introduction of the CAEP Checklist using a knowledge translation-implementation approach that included behavior change techniques and organization/system level strategies. The primary outcome was length of stay in ED and secondary outcomes were discharge home, use of rhythm control, adverse events, and 30-day status. Analysis used mixed effects regression adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Patient visits in the control (N=314) and intervention (N=404) periods were similar with mean age 62.9, 54% male, 71% onset <12 hours, and 86% atrial fibrillation, 14% atrial flutter. We observed a reduction in length of stay of 20.9% (95% CI 5.5 to 33.8%, P=0.01), an increase in use of rhythm control (adjusted odds ratio (OR 4.5, 1.8-11.6; P=0.002), and decrease in use of rate control medications (OR 0.5, 0.2 to 0.9; P=0.02). There was no change in adverse events and no strokes or deaths by 30 days. CONCLUSIONS The RAFF-3 Trial led to optimized care of AF/AFL patients with decreased ED lengths of stay, increased ED rhythm control by drug or electricity, and no increase in adverse events. Early cardioversion allows AF/AFL patients to quickly resume normal activities. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT03627143.
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13
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Wong BM, Perry JJ, Cheng W, Zheng B, Guo K, Taljaard M, Skanes AC, Stiell IG. Thromboembolic events following cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation and flutter: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CAN J EMERG MED 2021; 23:500-511. [PMID: 33715143 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have presented concerning data on the safety of cardioversion for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of oral anticoagulation use on thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of low-risk acute atrial fibrillation and flutter patients of < 48 h in duration. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from inception through February 6, 2020 for studies reporting thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. Main outcome was thromboembolic events within 30 days post-cardioversion. Primary analysis compared thromboembolic events based on oral anticoagulation use versus no oral anticoagulation use. Secondary analysis was based on baseline thromboembolic risk. We performed meta-analyses where 2 or more studies were available, by applying the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. RESULTS Of 717 titles screened, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Primary analysis of seven studies with low risk of bias demonstrated insufficient evidence regarding the risk of thromboembolic events associated with oral anticoagulation use (RR = 0.82 where RR < 1 suggests decreased risk with oral anticoagulation use; 95% CI 0.27 to 2.47; I2 = 0%). Secondary analysis of 13 studies revealed increased risk of thromboembolic events with high baseline thromboembolic risk (RR = 2.25 where RR > 1 indicates increased risk with higher CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores; 95% CI 1.25 to 4.04; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION Primary analysis revealed insufficient evidence regarding the effect of oral anticoagulation use on thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of low-risk acute atrial fibrillation and flutter, though the event rate is low in contemporary practice. Our findings can better inform patient-centered decision-making when considering 4-week oral anticoagulation use for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton M Wong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey J Perry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Cheng
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Guo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Allan C Skanes
- Division of Cardiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, The Ottawa Hospital, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4E9, Canada.
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14
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Stiell IG, Targonsky E, Scheuermeyer F. Just the facts: atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients who are candidates for rhythm control. CAN J EMERG MED 2021; 23:441-444. [PMID: 33825177 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Elisha Targonsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Frank Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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15
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Al-Busaidi IS, Clare GC, Joyce LR, Pearson S, Lainchbury J, Than M, Troughton RW. Presentation, Treatment and Long-Term Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Acute Atrial Fibrillation Pathway: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study. Heart Lung Circ 2021; 31:216-223. [PMID: 34210615 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.05.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) is associated with high rates of emergency department (ED) visits and acute hospitalisation. A recently established multidisciplinary acute AF treatment pathway seeks to avoid hospital admissions by early discharge of haemodynamically stable, low risk patients from the ED with next-working-day return to a ward-based AF clinic for further assessment. We conducted a preliminary analysis of the clinical outcomes of this pathway. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of all patients assessed at the AF clinic at Christchurch Hospital over a 12-month period. Data related to presentation, patient characteristics, treatment, and 12-month outcomes were analysed. RESULTS A total of 143 patients (median age 65, interquartile range: 57-74 years, 59% male, 87% European) were assessed. Of these, 87 (60.8%) presented with their first episode of AF/AFL. Spontaneous cardioversion occurred in 41% at ED discharge, and this increased to 73% at AF clinic review. Electrical cardioversion was subsequently performed in 16 patients (11.2%), and 16 (11.2%) ultimately required hospital admission (eight to facilitate electrical cardioversion). At a median of 1 day, 83.9% were discharged from the AF clinic in sinus rhythm. During 12-month follow-up, there were 25 AF-related hospitalisations (20 patients, 14%) and one patient underwent electrical cardioversion; additionally, one patient had had a stroke and eight had bleeding complications giving a combined outcome rate of 6.3%. CONCLUSION Utilising a rate-control strategy with ED discharge and early return to a dedicated AF clinic can safely prevent the majority of hospitalisations, avert unnecessary procedures, and facilitate longitudinal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Geoffrey C Clare
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Laura R Joyce
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Emergency Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Scott Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John Lainchbury
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Martin Than
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard W Troughton
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
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16
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The Canadian Cardiovascular Society 2018 guideline update for atrial fibrillation - A different perspective. CAN J EMERG MED 2020; 21:572-575. [PMID: 31551100 DOI: 10.1017/cem.2019.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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17
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Multi-scale Entropy Evaluates the Proarrhythmic Condition of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients Predicting Early Failure of Electrical Cardioversion. ENTROPY 2020; 22:e22070748. [PMID: 33286519 PMCID: PMC7517291 DOI: 10.3390/e22070748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is nowadays the most common cardiac arrhythmia, being associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. When AF lasts for more than seven days, it is classified as persistent AF and external interventions are required for its termination. A well-established alternative for that purpose is electrical cardioversion (ECV). While ECV is able to initially restore sinus rhythm (SR) in more than 90% of patients, rates of AF recurrence as high as 20-30% have been found after only a few weeks of follow-up. Hence, new methods for evaluating the proarrhythmic condition of a patient before the intervention can serve as efficient predictors about the high risk of early failure of ECV, thus facilitating optimal management of AF patients. Among the wide variety of predictors that have been proposed to date, those based on estimating organization of the fibrillatory (f-) waves from the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) have reported very promising results. However, the existing methods are based on traditional entropy measures, which only assess a single time scale and often are unable to fully characterize the dynamics generated by highly complex systems, such as the heart during AF. The present work then explores whether a multi-scale entropy (MSE) analysis of the f-waves may provide early prediction of AF recurrence after ECV. In addition to the common MSE, two improved versions have also been analyzed, composite MSE (CMSE) and refined MSE (RMSE). When analyzing 70 patients under ECV, of which 31 maintained SR and 39 relapsed to AF after a four week follow-up, the three methods provided similar performance. However, RMSE reported a slightly better discriminant ability of 86%, thus improving the other multi-scale-based outcomes by 3-9% and other previously proposed predictors of ECV by 15-30%. This outcome suggests that investigation of dynamics at large time scales yields novel insights about the underlying complex processes generating f-waves, which could provide individual proarrhythmic condition estimation, thus improving preoperative predictions of ECV early failure.
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Kim HS, Courtney DM, McCarthy DM, Cella D. Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Emergency Care Research: A Primer for Researchers, Peer Reviewers, and Readers. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:403-418. [PMID: 31945245 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are of increasing importance in clinical research because they capture patients' experience with well-being, illness, and their interactions with health care. Because PROs tend to focus on specific symptoms (e.g., pain, anxiety) or general assessments of patient functioning and quality of life that offer unique advantages compared to traditional clinical outcomes (e.g., mortality, emergency department revisits), emergency care researchers may benefit from incorporation of PRO measures into their research design as a primary or secondary outcome. Patients may also benefit from the ability of PROs to inform clinical practice and facilitate patient decision making, as PROs are obtained directly from the lived experience of other patients with similar conditions or health status. This review article introduces and defines key terminology relating to PROs, discusses reasons for utilizing PROs in clinical research, outlines basic psychometric and practical assessments that can be used to select a specific PRO measure, and highlights examples of commonly utilized PRO measures in emergency care research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard S. Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL
- Center for Health Services & Outcomes Research Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL
| | - D. Mark Courtney
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Dallas TX
| | - Danielle M. McCarthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL
- Center for Health Services & Outcomes Research Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL
| | - David Cella
- Department of Medical Social Sciences Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL
- Center for Patient‐Centered Outcomes Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL
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