Impact of Low-Dose Hydrocortisone on the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Septic Shock: A Propensity Score-Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Cohort Study

Magnesium prophylaxis of new-onset atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in intensive care units (ICU) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Magnesium prophylaxis has been shown to reduce incidence of AF in cardiac surgery patients, however, evidence outside this population is limited. The objective of this study is to summarize studies examining magnesium versus placebo in the prevention of NOAF outside the setting of cardiac surgery.

SOURCE

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) from inception until January 3rd, 2023. We included all interventional research studies that compared magnesium to placebo and excluded case reports and post cardiac surgery patients. We conducted meta-analysis using the inverse variance method with random effects modelling.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Of the 1493 studies imported for screening, 87 full texts were assessed for eligibility and six citations, representing five randomized controlled trials (n = 4713), were included in the review, with four studies (n = 4654) included in the pooled analysis. Administration of magnesium did not significantly reduce the incidence of NOAF compared to placebo (OR 0.72, [95% CI 0.48 to 1.09]).

CONCLUSION

Use of magnesium did not reduce the incidence of NOAF, however these studies represent diverse groups and are hindered by significant bias. Further studies are necessary to determine if there is benefit to magnesium prophylaxis for NOAF in non-cardiac surgery patients.

The role of beta-blocker drugs in critically ill patients: a SIAARTI expert consensus statement

BACKGROUND

The role of β-blockers in the critically ill has been studied, and data on the protective effects of these drugs on critically ill patients have been repeatedly reported in the literature over the last two decades. However, consensus and guidelines by scientific societies on the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients are still lacking. The purpose of this document is to support the clinical decision-making process regarding the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients. The recipients of this document are physicians, nurses, healthcare personnel, and other professionals involved in the patient's care process.

METHODS

The Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) selected a panel of experts and asked them to define key aspects underlying the use of β-blockers in critically ill adult patients. The methodology followed by the experts during this process was in line with principles of modified Delphi and RAND-UCLA methods. The experts developed statements and supportive rationales in the form of informative text. The overall list of statements was subjected to blind votes for consensus.

RESULTS

The literature search suggests that adrenergic stress and increased heart rate in critically ill patients are associated with organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Heart rate control thus seems to be critical in the management of the critically ill patient, requiring careful clinical evaluation aimed at both the differential diagnosis to treat secondary tachycardia and the treatment of rhythm disturbance. In addition, the use of β-blockers for the treatment of persistent tachycardia may be considered in patients with septic shock once hypovolemia has been ruled out. Intravenous application should be the preferred route of administration.

CONCLUSION

β-blockers protective effects in critically ill patients have been repeatedly reported in the literature. Their use in the acute treatment of increased heart rate requires understanding of the pathophysiology and careful differential diagnosis, as all causes of tachycardia should be ruled out and addressed first.

Atrial Fibrillation and Sepsis in Elderly Patients and Their Associaton with In-Hospital Mortality

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects about 2% to 4% of the world population, and in patients hospitalized in intensive care units, this incidence can reach up to 23% in those with septic shock. The impact of AF in patients with sepsis is reflected in worse clinical outcomes, and the identification of the triggering factors can be a target for future prevention and treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES

To verify the relationship between the development of AF and mortality in patients over 80 years of age included in the sepsis protocol and to identify the risk factors that contribute to the development of AF in this population.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study, with a review of electronic medical records and inclusion of 895 patients aged 80 years or older, included in the sepsis protocol of a high-complexity private hospital in São Paulo, SP, from January 2018 to December 2020. All tests were performed with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The incidence of AF in the sample was 13%. After multivariate analysis, using multiple logistic regression, it was possible to demonstrate an association of mortality, in the studied population, with the SOFA score (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [1.09 - 1.35]), higher values of C-reactive protein (OR 1.04 [1.01 - 1.06]), need for vasoactive drugs (OR 2.4 [1.38 - 4.18]), use of mechanical ventilation (OR 3.49 [1.82 - 6.71]), and mainly AF (OR 3.7 [2.16 - 6.31]).

CONCLUSION

In very elderly patients (80 years of age and older) with sepsis, the development of AF was shown to be an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality.

Care Bundles plus Detailed Nursing on Mortality and Nursing Satisfaction of Patients with Septic Shock in ICU

Objective

To evaluate the effect of care bundles combined with detailed nursing on the mortality and nursing satisfaction of patients with septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Ninety patients with septic shock in the ICU admitted to our hospital from April 2019 to April 2020 were recruited and assigned to an experimental group and a control group via the random table method, with 45 cases in each group. The control group adopted conventional nursing, and the experimental group received care bundles combined with detailed nursing. The nursing effect, satisfaction, and mortality of the two groups were compared. The “Glasgow Coma Scale” (GCS) was used to evaluate the coma of the patients, the “Coma Recovery Scale” (CRS-R) was used to assess the state of consciousness of the patients, and the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression” (HAD) scale was used to evaluate the patient's emotional status before and after the intervention.

Results

The experimental group showed a significantly higher nursing efficiency and better nursing satisfaction than the control group (P < 0.05). Lower mortality was found in the experimental group in contrast to the control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group had higher GCS scores and CRS-R scores and lower HAD scores than the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Care bundles plus detailed nursing for patients with septic shock in the ICU improve the nursing effect and nursing satisfaction, reduce the mortality rate, and mitigate the clinical symptoms of patients, which shows great potential in clinical application and promotion.

Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias encountered in clinical practice. AF is a major risk factor for stroke, which is associated with high mortality and great disability and causes a significant burden on society. With the development of catheter ablation, AF has become a treatable disease, but its therapeutic outcome has been limited so far. In persistent and long-standing AF, the expanded AF substrate is difficult to treat only by ablation, and a better understanding of the mechanism of AF substrate formation will lead to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for AF. Inflammation is known to play an important role in the substrate formation of AF. Inflammation causes and accelerates the electrical and structural remodeling of the atria via pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory molecules, and enhances the AF substrate, leading to the maintenance of AF and further inflammation, which forms a vicious spiral, so-called “AF begets AF”. Breaking this vicious cycle is expected to be a key therapeutic intervention in AF. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between AF and inflammation, the inflammatory molecules included in the AF-related inflammatory process, and finally the potential of those molecules as a therapeutic target.

Prevalence of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Associated Outcomes in Patients with Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common complication in patients with sepsis, although its prevalence and impact on outcomes are still unclear. We aim to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of NOAF in patients with sepsis, and its impact on in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched on 26 December 2021. Studies reporting on the prevalence of NOAF and/or its impact on in-hospital mortality or ICU mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock were included. The pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, as well as the risk ratios (RR), 95%CI and 95% prediction intervals (PI) for outcomes. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to account for heterogeneity. Results: Among 4988 records retrieved from the literature search, 22 articles were included. Across 207,847 patients with sepsis, NOAF was found in 13.5% (95%CI: 8.9–20.1%), with high heterogeneity between studies; significant subgroup differences were observed, according to the geographical location, study design and sample size of the included studies. A multivariable meta-regression model showed that sample size and geographical location account for most of the heterogeneity. NOAF patients showed an increased risk of both in-hospital mortality (RR: 1.69, 95%CI: 1.47–1.96, 95%PI: 1.15–2.50) and ICU mortality (RR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.86–2.43, 95%PI: 1.71–2.63), with moderate to no heterogeneity between the included studies. Conclusions: NOAF is a common complication during sepsis, being present in one out of seven individuals. Patients with NOAF are at a higher risk of adverse events during sepsis, and may need specific therapeutical interventions.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and outcomes for new-onset atrial fibrillation in ICU patients: the CAFE scoping review and database analyses

BACKGROUND

New-onset atrial fibrillation occurs in around 10% of adults treated in an intensive care unit. New-onset atrial fibrillation may lead to cardiovascular instability and thromboembolism, and has been independently associated with increased length of hospital stay and mortality. The long-term consequences are unclear. Current practice guidance is based on patients outside the intensive care unit; however, new-onset atrial fibrillation that develops while in an intensive care unit differs in its causes and the risks and clinical effectiveness of treatments. The lack of evidence on new-onset atrial fibrillation treatment or long-term outcomes in intensive care units means that practice varies. Identifying optimal treatment strategies and defining long-term outcomes are critical to improving care.

OBJECTIVES

In patients treated in an intensive care unit, the objectives were to (1) evaluate existing evidence for the clinical effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological new-onset atrial fibrillation treatments, (2) compare the use and clinical effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological new-onset atrial fibrillation treatments, and (3) determine outcomes associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

We undertook a scoping review that included studies of interventions for treatment or prevention of new-onset atrial fibrillation involving adults in general intensive care units. To investigate the long-term outcomes associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation, we carried out a retrospective cohort study using English national intensive care audit data linked to national hospital episode and outcome data. To analyse the clinical effectiveness of different new-onset atrial fibrillation treatments, we undertook a retrospective cohort study of two large intensive care unit databases in the USA and the UK.

RESULTS

Existing evidence was generally of low quality, with limited data suggesting that beta-blockers might be more effective than amiodarone for converting new-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm and for reducing mortality. Using linked audit data, we showed that patients developing new-onset atrial fibrillation have more comorbidities than those who do not. After controlling for these differences, patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation had substantially higher mortality in hospital and during the first 90 days after discharge (adjusted odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 2.16 to 2.48; adjusted hazard ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.26 to 1.70, respectively), and higher rates of subsequent hospitalisation with atrial fibrillation, stroke and heart failure (adjusted cause-specific hazard ratio 5.86, 95% confidence interval 5.33 to 6.44; adjusted cause-specific hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.93; and adjusted cause-specific hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.44, respectively), than patients who did not have new-onset atrial fibrillation. From intensive care unit data, we found that new-onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 952 out of 8367 (11.4%) UK and 1065 out of 18,559 (5.7%) US intensive care unit patients in our study. The median time to onset of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients who received treatment was 40 hours, with a median duration of 14.4 hours. The clinical characteristics of patients developing new-onset atrial fibrillation were similar in both databases. New-onset atrial fibrillation was associated with significant average reductions in systolic blood pressure of 5 mmHg, despite significant increases in vasoactive medication (vasoactive-inotropic score increase of 2.3; p < 0.001). After adjustment, intravenous beta-blockers were not more effective than amiodarone in achieving rate control (adjusted hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.44) or rhythm control (adjusted hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 1.11). Digoxin therapy was associated with a lower probability of achieving rate control (adjusted hazard ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.86) and calcium channel blocker therapy was associated with a lower probability of achieving rhythm control (adjusted hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.79) than amiodarone. Findings were consistent across both the combined and the individual database analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing evidence for new-onset atrial fibrillation management in intensive care unit patients is limited. New-onset atrial fibrillation in these patients is common and is associated with significant short- and long-term complications. Beta-blockers and amiodarone appear to be similarly effective in achieving cardiovascular control, but digoxin and calcium channel blockers appear to be inferior.

FUTURE WORK

Our findings suggest that a randomised controlled trial of amiodarone and beta-blockers for management of new-onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients should be undertaken. Studies should also be undertaken to provide evidence for or against anticoagulation for patients who develop new-onset atrial fibrillation in intensive care units. Finally, given that readmission with heart failure and thromboembolism increases following an episode of new-onset atrial fibrillation while in an intensive care unit, a prospective cohort study to demonstrate the incidence of atrial fibrillation and/or left ventricular dysfunction at hospital discharge and at 3 months following the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation should be undertaken.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN13252515.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 71. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Electroimmunology and cardiac arrhythmia

Conduction disorders and arrhythmias remain difficult to treat and are increasingly prevalent owing to the increasing age and body mass of the general population, because both are risk factors for arrhythmia. Many of the underlying conditions that give rise to arrhythmia - including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia, which frequently occur in patients with acute myocardial ischaemia or heart failure - can have an inflammatory component. In the past, inflammation was viewed mostly as an epiphenomenon associated with arrhythmia; however, the recently discovered inflammatory and non-canonical functions of cardiac immune cells indicate that leukocytes can be arrhythmogenic either by altering tissue composition or by interacting with cardiomyocytes; for example, by changing their phenotype or perhaps even by directly interfering with conduction. In this Review, we discuss the electrophysiological properties of leukocytes and how these cells relate to conduction in the heart. Given the thematic parallels, we also summarize the interactions between immune cells and neural systems that influence information transfer, extrapolating findings from the field of neuroscience to the heart and defining common themes. We aim to bridge the knowledge gap between electrophysiology and immunology, to promote conceptual connections between these two fields and to explore promising opportunities for future research.

Treatment strategies for new onset atrial fibrillation in patients treated on an intensive care unit: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients treated on an intensive care unit (ICU) is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We undertook a systematic scoping review to summarise comparative evidence to inform NOAF management for patients admitted to ICU.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, OpenGrey, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, ISRCTN, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials register, additional WHO ICTRP trial databases, and NIHR Clinical Trials Gateway in March 2019. We included studies evaluating treatment or prevention strategies for NOAF or acute anticoagulation in general medical, surgical or mixed adult ICUs. We extracted study details, population characteristics, intervention and comparator(s), methods addressing confounding, results, and recommendations for future research onto study-specific forms.

RESULTS

Of 3,651 citations, 42 articles were eligible: 25 primary studies, 12 review articles and 5 surveys/opinion papers. Definitions of NOAF varied between NOAF lasting 30 s to NOAF lasting > 24 h. Only one comparative study investigated effects of anticoagulation. Evidence from small RCTs suggests calcium channel blockers (CCBs) result in slower rhythm control than beta blockers (1 study), and more cardiovascular instability than amiodarone (1 study). Evidence from 4 non-randomised studies suggests beta blocker and amiodarone therapy may be equivalent in respect to rhythm control. Beta blockers may be associated with improved survival compared to amiodarone, CCBs, and digoxin, though supporting evidence is subject to confounding. Currently, the limited evidence does not support therapeutic anticoagulation during ICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS

From the limited evidence available beta blockers or amiodarone may be superior to CCBs as first line therapy in undifferentiated patients in ICU. The little evidence available does not support therapeutic anticoagulation for NOAF whilst patients are critically ill. Consensus definitions for NOAF, rate and rhythm control are needed.

New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Sepsis: A Narrative Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequently identified arrhythmia during the course of sepsis. The aim of this narrative review is to assess the characteristics of patients with new-onset AF related to sepsis and the risk of stroke and death, to understand if there is a need for anticoagulation. We searched for studies on AF and sepsis on PubMed, the Cochrane database, and Web of Science, and 17 studies were included. The mean incidence of new-onset AF in patients with sepsis was 20.6% (14.7% in retrospective studies and 31.6% in prospective). Risk factors for new-onset AF included advanced age, white race, male sex, obesity, history of cardiopulmonary disease, heart or respiratory failure, and higher disease severity score. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with than in those without new-onset AF in 10 studies. In four studies the overall intensive care unit and hospital mortality rates were comparable between patients with and without new-onset AF, while three other studies did not provide mortality data. One study reported on the in-hospital incidence of stroke, which was 2.6 versus 0.69% in patients with or without new-onset AF, respectively. Seven of the studies provided follow-up data after discharge. In three studies, new-onset AF was associated with excess mortality at 28 days, 1 year, and 5 years after discharge of 34, 21, and 3% patients, respectively. In two studies, the mortality rate was comparable in patients with and without new-onset AF. Postdischarge stroke was reported in five studies, whereof two studies had no events after 30 and 90 days, one study showed a nonsignificant increase in stroke, and two studies demonstrated a significant increase in risk of stroke after new-onset AF. The absolute risk increase was 0.6 to 1.6%. Large prospective studies are needed to better understand the need for anticoagulation after new-onset AF in sepsis.

Atrial fibrillation in COVID-19: A review of possible mechanisms

A relationship between COVID-19 infection and an increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation has been observed. However, the underlying pathophysiology as a precipitant to AF has not been reviewed. This paper will consider the possible pathological and immunological AF mechanisms as a result, of COVID-19 infection. We discuss the role myocardial microvascular pericytes expressing the ACE-2 receptor and their potential for an organ-specific cardiac involvement with COVID-19. Dysfunctional microvascular support by pericytes or endothelial cells may increase the propensity for AF via increased myocardial inflammation, fibrosis, increased tissue edema, and interstitial hydrostatic pressure. All of these factors can lead to electrical perturbances at the tissue and cellular level. We also consider the contribution of Angiotensin, pulmonary hypertension, and regulatory T cells as additional contributors to AF during COVID-19 infection. Finally, reference is given to two common drugs, corticosteroids and metformin, in COVID-19 and how they might influence AF incidence.

Does Switching Norepinephrine to Phenylephrine in Septic Shock Complicated by Atrial Fibrillation With Rapid Ventricular Response Improve Time to Rate Control?

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently develops during critical illness. In septic shock complicated by rapid AF, the use of phenylephrine may be advantageous secondary to its β-1 sparing properties. However, evidence supporting this strategy is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical effect on rate control of transitioning norepinephrine to phenylephrine in septic shock patients who develop AF with a rapid ventricular response (RVR).

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of septic shock patients admitted to the medical or surgical intensive care unit (ICU) who developed AF with RVR (heart rate >110 beats per minute [bpm]). Patients who were switched to phenylephrine were compared to those who remained on norepinephrine. The primary end point was sustained achievement of rate control. A time-varying Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the primary end point.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients were included in the study, of which 28 were switched to phenylephrine. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The unadjusted hazard ratio for achieving rate control was significant at 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.34; P < .01) for the phenylephrine group. The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.75 (95% CI: 0.86-3.53; P = .12). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality or ICU length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests a potential clinical effect on achieving rate control when switching to phenylephrine cannot be excluded. It remains unclear if there is a benefit on mortality or length of stay outcomes in critically ill patients.

Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Septic Shock: A One-Year Observational Pilot Study

Objective

The negative effect of sepsis on the myocardium affects its electric functionality. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with septic shock, and the mortality rate of patients with AF versus patients that maintained sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods

This is a one-year observational prospective pilot study. It was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care of Pisa University. Patients with septic shock were enrolled in this study. They were divided in two groups based on the occurrence of AF while in the ICU. Data were collected at admission and after 72 hours, and the data consisted of anamnesis, vital parameters, blood results and severity score.

Results

Out of 27 patients, 9 developed AF during the first 72 hours. At admission and at 72 hours, SOFA was statistically higher in the patients with AF (p=0.012 and p=0.002, respectively). In the AF group, the overall mortality was 66.7%, whereas, it was 11.1% (p=0.006) in the patients with SR. Age, rhythm and noradrenaline dosage were univariate predictors of total mortality.

Conclusion

In patients with septic shock, AF has a high incidence, and it correlated with a worse outcome. Patients with higher SOFA score are at a greater risk of developing arrhythmia.

Atrial Fibrillation in the ICU

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in the ICU. Preexisting AF is highly prevalent among older patients with chronic conditions who are at risk for critical illness, whereas new-onset AF can be triggered by accelerated atrial remodeling and arrhythmogenic triggers encountered during critical illness. The acute loss of atrial systole and onset of rapid ventricular rates that characterize new-onset AF often lead to decreased cardiac output and hemodynamic compromise. Thus, new-onset AF is both a marker of disease severity as well as a likely contributor to poor outcomes, similar to other manifestations of organ dysfunction during critical illness. Evaluating immediate hemodynamic effects of new-onset AF during critical illness is an important component of rapid clinical assessment aimed at identifying patients in need of urgent direct current cardioversion, treatment of reversible inciting factors, and identification of patients who may benefit from pharmacologic rate or rhythm control. In addition to acute hemodynamic effects, new-onset AF during critical illness is associated with both short- and long-term increases in the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death, with AF recurrence rates of approximately 50% within 1 year following hospital discharge. In the absence of a strong evidence base, there is substantial practice variation in the choice of strategies for management of new-onset AF during critical illness. We describe acute and long-term evaluation and management strategies based on current evidence and propose future avenues of investigation to fill large knowledge gaps in the management of patients with AF during critical illness.