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Almroth H, Karlsson LO, Carlhäll CJ, Charitakis E. Haemodynamic changes after atrial fibrillation initiation in patients eligible for catheter ablation: a randomized controlled study. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL OPEN 2023; 3:oead112. [PMID: 38025650 PMCID: PMC10655843 DOI: 10.1093/ehjopen/oead112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) haemodynamics is less well studied due to challenges explained by the nature of AF. Until now, no randomized data are available. This study evaluates haemodynamic variables after AF induction in a randomized setting. Methods and results Forty-two patients with AF who had been referred for ablation to the University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, and had no arrhythmias during the 4-day screening period were randomized to AF induction vs. control (2:1). Atrial fibrillation was induced by burst pacing after baseline intracardiac pressure measurements. Pressure changes in the right and left atrium (RA and LA), right ventricle (RV), and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were evaluated 30 min after AF induction compared with the control group. A total of 11 women and 31 men (median age 60) with similar baseline characteristics were included (intervention n = 27, control group n = 15). After 30 min in AF, the RV end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP) and RV systolic pressure (RVSP) significantly reduced compared with baseline and between randomization groups (RVEDP: P = 0.016; RVSP: P = 0.001). Atrial fibrillation induction increased DBP in the intervention group compared with the control group (P = 0.02), unlike reactions in SBP (P = 0.178). Right atrium and LA mean pressure (RAm and LAm) responses did not differ significantly between the groups (RAm: P = 0.307; LAm: P = 0.784). Conclusion Induced AF increased DBP and decreased RVEDP and RVSP. Our results allow us to understand some paroxysmal AF haemodynamics, which provides a haemodynamic rationale to support rhythm regulatory strategies to improve symptoms and outcomes. Trial registration number clinicaltrialsgov No NCT01553045. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01553045?term=NCT01553045&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Almroth
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lars O Karlsson
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Carlhäll
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Garnisonsvägen 10, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
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Charitakis E, OKarlsson L, Carlhäll CJ, Liuba I, Jönsson AH, Walfridsson H, Alehagen U. Endocrine and Mechanical Cardiacfunction Four Months after Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrialfibrillation. J Atr Fibrillation 2021; 14:20200454. [PMID: 34950357 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.20200454] [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: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)is an important treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). During RFA, a significant amount of energy is delivered into the left atrium (LA), resulting in considerable LA-injury. The impact of this damage on mechanical and endocrine LA-function, however, is often disregarded.We therefore aimed to evaluate the endocrine- and mechanical function of the heart 4-months after RFA of AF. Methods In total 189 patients eligible for RFA of AF were studied. The levels of the N-terminal pro-B-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the mid-regional fragment of the N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP)were measured. The maximum LAvolume (LAVmax),the LAejection fraction (LAEF) and the LA peak longitudinal strain (PALS), were measured usingtransthoracic echocardiography. The measurements were performed before and 4-months after the intervention. Results 87 patients had a recurrence during a mean follow-up of 143±36 days.NT-proBNPand MR-proANPdecreased significantly at follow-up. This reduction was greater in patients who did not suffer any recurrence after RFA.The LAVmax decreased significantly, whereasthe PALS only improved in patients who did not suffer from any recurrence. On the other hand, LAEF did not change significantly after RFA of AF. Conclusions Despite extensiveablation during RFA of AF, the endocrine function of the heart improved 4-months after the index procedure. Patients with no arrhythmia recurrence showed a more pronounced improvement in their endocrinal function. Mechanically, the LAVmax was reduced, and the LA strain improved significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lars OKarlsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Carlhäll
- Department of Clinical physiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and CMIV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ioan Liuba
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anders Hassel Jönsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Urban Alehagen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Stridsman M, Strömberg A, Hendriks J, Walfridsson U. Patients' Experiences of Living with Atrial Fibrillation: A Mixed Methods Study. Cardiol Res Pract 2019; 2019:6590358. [PMID: 31885904 PMCID: PMC6915031 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6590358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Awareness of epidemiological and clinical consequences of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased, as have disease-related costs. Less attention has been paid to patient-related issues, such as understanding how symptoms, different therapies, and lifestyle adjustments affect daily life. We aimed to describe patients' experiences of living with AF. METHODS The study design used a parallel convergent mixed methods approach. Patients with AF were included in the SMURF study and referred for catheter ablation. Patients completed questionnaires on symptoms, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, and perceived control and were interviewed. The datasets were analysed separately using inductive content analysis and descriptive statistics. Data were merged to obtain a final interpretation. RESULTS Nineteen patients were interviewed and 18 completed questionnaires. Twelve of the patients were male, mean age 60 years (45-75 years). Inductive qualitative analysis revealed three categories: (i) symptoms and concerns limiting life, (ii) dimensions of worries, and (iii) strategies for management. The most common symptoms were tiredness, weakness/fatigue, and breathlessness during activities, and the most pronounced negative impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were physically related, shown in the ASTA questionnaire. The most negative SF-36 scores were found in role limitations due to physical health problems and vitality. HADS revealed five patients with some degree of anxiety and four with some degree of depression. Patients had lower scores on perceived control than perceived helplessness in CAS. Patients' perceived control was higher than their families', and families experienced more helplessness. CONCLUSIONS The mixed methods design deepens our understanding of challenges faced by patients. Patients experienced a limited ability to perform activities of daily living due to AF which created different kinds of worries that encouraged the use of various strategies to manage their lives. Healthcare providers need to be aware that relationships between patients and their relatives can change, and therefore they need to be supported and integrated into the care system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Strömberg
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jeroen Hendriks
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ulla Walfridsson
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Charitakis E, Karlsson LO, Papageorgiou JM, Walfridsson U, Carlhäll CJ. Echocardiographic and Biochemical Factors Predicting Arrhythmia Recurrence After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation-An Observational Study. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1215. [PMID: 31632285 PMCID: PMC6783634 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: RFA is a well-established treatment for symptomatic patients with AF. However, the success rate of a single procedure is low. We aimed to investigate the association between the risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after a single radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure and cardiac neurohormonal function, left atrial (LA) mechanical function as well as proteins related to inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Methods and Results: We studied 189 patients undergoing RFA between January 2012 and April 2014, with a follow-up period of 12 months. A logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between pre-ablation LA emptying fraction (LAEF), MR-proANP, Caspase-8 (CASP8), Neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and the risk for recurrence of AF after a single RFA procedure. 119 (63.0%) patients had a recurrence during a mean follow-up of 402 ± 73 days. An increased risk of recurrence was associated with: Elevated MR-proANP (fourth quartile vs. first quartile: HR, 2.80 (95% CI, 1.14–6.90]; P = 0.025); Low LAEF (fourth quartile vs. first quartile: hazard ratio [HR], 2.41 [95% CI, 1.01–5.79]; P = 0.045); Elevated CASP8 (fourth quartile vs. first quartile: HR 12.198 95% CI 2.216–67.129; P = 0.004); Elevated NT-3 (fourth quartile vs. first quartile: HR 7.485 95% CI 1.353–41.402; P = 0.021). In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the combination of MR-proANP, CASP8, and NT3 produced an area under the curve of 0.819; CI 95% (0.710–0.928). Conclusions: Patients with better LA mechanical function and lower levels of atrial neurohormones as well as of proteins related to fibrosis and apoptosis, have a better outcome after an RFA procedure. Unique identifier: No. NCT01553045 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01553045?term=NCT01553045&rank=1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lars O Karlsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Joanna-Maria Papageorgiou
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Carlhäll
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and CMIV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Physiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Walfridsson U, Steen Hansen P, Charitakis E, Almroth H, Jönsson A, Karlsson LO, Liuba I, Samo Ayou R, Poci D, Holmqvist F, Kongstad O, Walfridsson H. Gender and age differences in symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation referred for catheter ablation. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2019; 42:1431-1439. [PMID: 31495941 DOI: 10.1111/pace.13795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary indication for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is to reduce symptoms and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There are data showing differences between the genders and between younger and older patients. To evaluate this, we studied a large Scandinavian cohort of patients referred for catheter ablation of AF. METHODS Consecutive patients filled out the ASTA questionnaire, assessing symptoms, HRQoL, and perception of arrhythmia, prior to ablation. Patients were recruited from four Swedish and one Danish tertiary center. RESULTS A total of 2493 patients (72% men) filled out the ASTA questionnaire. Women experienced eight of the nine ASTA scale symptoms more often than men. Patients <65 years reported four symptoms more often, only tiredness was more frequent in those ≥65 years (P = .007). Women and patients <65 years experienced more often palpitations and regarding close to fainting and this was more common among women, no age differences were seen. Women and men scored differently in 10 of the 13 HRQoL items. Only negative impact on sexual life was more common in men (P < .001). Older patients reported more negative influence in four of the HRQoL items and the younger in one; ability to concentrate. CONCLUSIONS Women experienced a more pronounced symptom burden and were more negatively affected in all HRQoL concerns, except for the negative impact on sexual life, where men reported more influence of AF. Differences between age groups were less pronounced. Disease-specific patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) add important information where gender differences should be considered in the care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Henrik Almroth
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anders Jönsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lars O Karlsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ioan Liuba
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Romeo Samo Ayou
- Department of Cardiology, Skaraborgs Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Dritan Poci
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Örebro, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Ole Kongstad
- Dept of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Barmano N, Charitakis E, Kronstrand R, Walfridsson U, Karlsson JE, Walfridsson H, Nystrom FH. The association between alcohol consumption, cardiac biomarkers, left atrial size and re-ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation referred for catheter ablation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215121. [PMID: 30970005 PMCID: PMC6457637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information on alcohol consumption in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is often limited by the reliance on self-reports. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term alcohol consumption, measured as ethyl glucuronide in hair (hEtG), in patients undergoing RFA due to AF, and to examine potential associations with cardiac biomarkers, left atrial size and re-ablation within one year after the initial RFA. Methods The amount of hEtG was measured in patients referred for RFA, and a cut-off of 7 pg/mg was used. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the mid-regional fragment of pro atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) were examined and maximum left atrium volume index (LAVI) was measured. The number of re-ablations was examined up to one year after the initial RFA. Analyses were stratified by gender, and adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, presence of heart failure and heart rhythm for analyses regarding NT-proBNP, MR-proANP and LAVI and heart rhythm being replaced by type of AF for analyses regarding re-ablation. Results In total, 192 patients were included in the study. Median (25th– 75th percentile) NT-proBNP in men with hEtG ≥ 7 vs. < 7 pg/mg was 250 (96–695) vs. 130 (49–346) pg/ml (p = 0.010), and in women it was 230 (125–480) vs. 230 (125–910) pg/ml (p = 0.810). Median MR-proANP in men with hEtG ≥ 7 vs. < 7 pg/mg was 142 (100–224) vs. 117 (83–179) pmol/l (p = 0.120) and in women it was 139 (112–206) vs. 153 (93–249) pmol/l (p = 0.965). The median of maximum LAVI was 30.1 (26.7–33.9) vs. 25.8 (21.4–32.0) ml/m2 (p = 0.017) in men, and 25.0 (18.9–29.6) vs. 25.7 (21.7–34.6) ml/m2 (p = 0.438) in women, with hEtG ≥ 7 vs. < 7 pg/ml, respectively. Adjusted analyses showed similar results, except for MR-proANP turning out significant in men with hEtG ≥ 7 vs. < 7 pg/mg (p = 0.047). The odds ratio of having a re-ablation was 3.5 (95% CI 1.3–9.6, p = 0.017) in men with hEtG ≥ 7 vs. < 7 pg/mg, while there was no significant difference in women. Conclusions In male patients with AF and hEtG ≥ 7 pg/mg, NT-proBNP and MR-proANP were higher, LA volumes larger, and there was a higher rate of re-ablations, as compared to men with hEtG < 7 pg/mg. This implies that men with an alcohol consumption corresponding to an hEtG-value ≥ 7, have a higher risk for LA remodelling that could potentially lead to a deterioration of the AF situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neshro Barmano
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Kronstrand
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Walfridsson
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jan-Erik Karlsson
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fredrik H. Nystrom
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Primary Health Care Centre Centrum, Norrköping, Sweden
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Barmano N, Charitakis E, Karlsson JE, Nystrom FH, Walfridsson H, Walfridsson U. Predictors of improvement in arrhythmia-specific symptoms and health-related quality of life after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Clin Cardiol 2018; 42:247-255. [PMID: 30548275 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary goal of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is to improve symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, most studies have focused on predictors of AF recurrence rather than on predictors of improvement in symptoms and HRQoL. HYPOTHESIS We sought to explore predictors of improvement in arrhythmia-specific symptoms and HRQoL after RFA of AF, and to evaluate the effects on symptoms, HRQoL, anxiety, and depression. METHODS We studied 192 patients undergoing their first RFA of AF. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), arrhythmia-specific questionnaire in tachycardia and arrhythmia (ASTA), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaires were filled out at baseline, at 4 months, and at a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS All questionnaire scale scores improved significantly over time. In the ASTA symptom scale score, female gender and > 10 AF episodes the month before RFA were significant positive predictors of improvement, while diabetes and AF recurrence within 12 months after RFA were significant negative predictors (R2 = 0.18; P < 0.001). In the ASTA HRQoL scale score, the presence of heart failure and > 10 AF episodes the month before RFA were significant positive predictors of improvement, while diabetes, maximum left atrial volume and AF recurrence were significant negative predictors (R2 = 0.20; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Left atrial volume, gender, diabetes, heart failure, the frequency of AF attacks prior to RFA, and recurrence of AF after RFA were significant factors affecting improvement in symptoms and HRQoL after RFA of AF. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neshro Barmano
- Department of Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jan-Erik Karlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fredrik H Nystrom
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Primary Health Care Centre Centrum, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Walfridsson
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Charitakis E, Barmano N, Walfridsson U, Walfridsson H. Factors Predicting Arrhythmia-Related Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Referred for Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Observational Study (the SMURF Study). JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2017; 3:494-502. [PMID: 29759606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to correlate the arrhythmia-related symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are eligible for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a number of objective indicators. BACKGROUND Although the clinical consequences of AF have been studied extensively, the variation in the symptoms of patients with AF and HRQoL remains under-researched. METHODS We studied 192 patients eligible for RFA of AF referred to the University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, between January 2012 and April 2014. The ASTA (Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia) symptom scale was used to assess arrhythmia-related symptoms in the patients. The ASTA HRQoL scale and the short-form 36 (SF-36) physical and mental components summaries (PCS and MCS) were used to express disease-specific and overall HRQoL of the patients, respectively. RESULTS Anxiety, low-grade inflammation, and left atrial dilatation significantly predicted arrhythmia-related symptoms (R2 = 0.313; p < 0.001). Depression was the most important predictor of arrhythmia-specific HRQoL (standardized beta: 0 .406), and the produced model explained a significant proportion of the variation in arrhythmia-specific HRQoL (R2 = 0.513; p < 0.001). The most important predictor of PCS was obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) (standardized beta: -0.301), whereas the most important predictor of MCS was anxiety (standardized beta: -0.437). CONCLUSIONS Anxiety, depression, and low-grade inflammation were the factors that predicted both arrhythmia-related symptoms and HRQoL in patients with AF. Obesity was the most significant predictor of patient general physical status. These factors need to be addressed in patients with AF to improve management of their disease. Intensive risk factor modification can be of great importance. (Reasons for Variations in Health Related Quality of Life and Symptom Burden in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation [SMURF]; NCT01553045).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Neshro Barmano
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Charitakis E, Walfridsson H, Nylander E, Alehagen U. Neurohormonal Activation After Atrial Fibrillation Initiation in Patients Eligible for Catheter Ablation: A Randomized Controlled Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5:e003957. [PMID: 27956398 PMCID: PMC5210434 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.003957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarker activation in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been widely studied, but the immediate effect of AF initiation remains unclear. We studied the effect of AF initiation on 2 cardiac biomarkers: the N-terminal fragment of the proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), the midregional fragment of the N-terminal of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), and 2 extracardiac biomarkers-the copeptin and the midregional portion of proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM). METHODS AND RESULTS This was a randomized controlled study, including 45 patients with AF who had been referred for radiofrequency ablation to the University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, between February 2012 and April 2014. Freedom from AF during the 4 days prior to radiofrequency ablation was confirmed by transtelephonic ECGs. Biomarkers were collected from the femoral vein (fv), coronary sinus (CS), and left atrium (LA) prior to AF initiation (baseline) and 30 minutes later. The MR-proANP and NT-proBNP concentrations increased in the intervention group compared with the control group 30 minutes after the initiation of AF (MR-proANP: Pfv<0.001, PCS<0.001, PLA<0.001; NT-proBNP: PLA<0.001). Copeptin levels in patients without ischemic heart disease were decreased after the initiation of AF (Pfv=0.003, PCS=0.015, PLA=0.011). CONCLUSIONS AF is a strong stimulus that results in immediate activation of different biomarkers. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01553045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eva Nylander
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Urban Alehagen
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Charitakis E, Walfridsson H, Alehagen U. Short-Term Influence of Radiofrequency Ablation on NT-proBNP, MR-proANP, Copeptin, and MR-proADM in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Data From the Observational SMURF Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2016; 5:JAHA.116.003557. [PMID: 27633393 PMCID: PMC5079020 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.003557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background There is limited knowledge on the short‐term influence of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) on 2 cardiac biomarkers; the N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and the midregional fragment of the N‐terminal of pro‐ANP (MR‐proANP) and 2 extracardiac biomarkers; the c‐terminal provasopressin (copeptin) and the midregional portion of proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM). There are also limited data concerning cardiac production of the latter two. Methods and Results We studied 192 consecutive patients eligible for RFA of AF referred to the University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden. NT‐proBNP, MR‐proANP, copeptin, and MR‐proADM levels were measured in peripheral blood, the coronary sinus (CS), and the left atrium before ablation, and in peripheral blood immediately and the day after RFA. The level of NT‐proBNP decreased the day after RFA in participants in AF at the time of RFA, compared to the participants in sinus rhythm who showed a slight increase (P<0.001). Furthermore, regardless of the actual rhythm, the level of MR‐proANP showed an increase immediately after RFA (P<0.001), followed by a decrease the day after ablation (P<0.001). Copeptin level showed a 6‐fold increase immediately after RFA compared to baseline (P<0.001), whereas MR‐proADM level increased the day after RFA (P<0.001). Levels of copeptin and MR‐proADM were not higher in the CS compared to peripheral blood. Conclusions RFA of AF is a strong stimulus with a significant and direct impact on different neurohormonal systems. We found no sign of a cardiac release of MR‐proADM or copeptin. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT01553045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Charitakis
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Walfridsson
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Urban Alehagen
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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