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Predictors of successful cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm with orally inhaled flecainide. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) are well established risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) but whether they are also predictors of successful pharmacological cardioversion of AF is unknown. Data from the open-label INSTANT study of flecainide acetate oral inhalation solution (FlecIH) for acute cardioversion of recent-onset symptomatic AF were examined to determine if these anthropometric measures are predictors of successful cardioversion of AF to sinus rhythm (SR) with FlecIH.
Methods
Logistic regression was performed on a broad array of patient and disease characteristics to identify predictors of cardioversion success at 90 minutes post-dose, and potential interactions were examined by boundary restriction analysis. Data are presented for patients receiving 120 mg FlecIH.
Results
Data from 81 patients (32.1% female) with a mean age of 59.8 years (range: 26.0, 84.0) were included in the analysis. This cohort had a mean weight of 87 kg (range: 57, 150), a mean height of 180 cm (range: 156, 199), and a mean BMI of 26.8 kg/m2 (range: 17.2, 37.9). A logistic regression model identified height, weight, and BMI as significant predictors of cardioversion success (p<0.01) and a boundary restriction analysis revealed a negative correlation between BMI and conversion rate across the entire dataset (see Figure 1). Clinically significant conversion rates were observed for patients with BMI values that were considered normal (BMI <25 kg/m2 = 53%; 95% CI: 36, 70), overweight (BMI ≥25 and <30 kg/m2 = 47%; 95% CI: 29, 64), and obese (BMI ≥30 and <35 kg/m2 = 43%; 95% CI: 17, 69); however, none of the severely obese patients (BMI ≥35 mg/m2) had their AF successfully converted to sinus rhythm (see Figure 2).
Conclusions
Successful cardioversion of recent onset AF with 120 mg FlecIH was observed in normal, overweight, and obese patients with BMI values <35 kg/m2; however, conversion rate decreases with increasing BMI. Further evaluation of FlecIH dosing in severely obese patients is warranted.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): InCarda Therapeutics
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Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6670566. [PMID: 35997262 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent. OBJECTIVES We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients. METHODS A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined. RESULTS Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty. CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.
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Replicated gene expression changes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Union Horizon 2020 CATCH ME; Cardiovascular Research Netherlands RACE V
Background
Little is known about changes in the atrial transcriptome associated with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).
Purpose
To identify major molecular mechanisms in AF, we determined consistent differential expression (DE) between atrial tissue samples from well-characterized patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF and patients without a history of AF (no AF) in two independent patient cohorts.
Methods
Poly-A tailed RNA from left and right atrial appendage tissue samples from independent discovery and replication cohorts CATCH ME (n=192) and RACE V (n=122) was sequenced and analyzed according to patient AF history. Analyses were performed stratified by atrial side, adjusting for age, sex, heart failure and a combination of clinical characteristics determined by principal component analysis. Transcripts were considered DE in CATCH ME if their fold change reached transcriptome-wide significance (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). DE transcripts in each rhythm comparison were replicated in RACE V if we observed a concordant direction of effect and a within-set FDR < 0.05 in the same comparison.
Results
Persistent AF compared to no AF was associated with 184 left atrial DE transcripts in CATCH ME of which 85 (46%) were replicated in RACE V, and with 208 right atrial DE transcripts in CATCH ME of which 86 (41%) were replicated in RACE V. Overall, 26 transcripts were discovered and replicated in both atria. Discovered but non-replicated transcripts often did exhibit concordant direction of effect (left: 78%, right: 83%). Replicated transcripts consisted of protein coding genes, antisense and non-coding RNAs. Protein coding genes showed involvement in pathways linking persistent AF to cardiomyocyte structure, conduction properties, fibrosis, inflammation, molecule trafficking, and endothelial dysfunction. Interestingly, paroxysmal AF was not consistently associated with DE transcripts in any comparison. Principal component analysis of the expression of the 26 transcripts strongly associated with persistent AF did however reveal a distinct paroxysmal AF expression profile in-between no AF and persistent AF patients in the first principal component scores (Figure 1).
Conclusion
RNA sequencing of human atrial tissue samples identified many transcripts associated with persistent AF in left and/or right atria, discovered and replicated using two independent cohorts. These consistent findings of AF-induced changes provide a starting point for targeted proteomic analysis and single-nucleus sequencing to further unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying AF progression to persistent AF, and biomarker development to quantify AF progression and enable precision medicine in individual patients.
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Increased plasma levels of NT-proBNP, Troponin T and GDF-15 are driven by persistent AF and associated comorbidities: Data from the AF-RISK study. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2022; 39:100987. [PMID: 35281756 PMCID: PMC8914333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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The TeleCheck-AF project on remote app-based management of atrial fibrillation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Patient experiences. Europace 2021. [PMCID: PMC8194565 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements OnBehalf Aims Methods Results Conclusions
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Atrial function discriminates paroxysmal AF patients with HFpEF from those without HFpEF: subanalysis from AF-RISK study. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Grant support from the Dutch Heart Foundation [NHS2010B233]
Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are two cardiovascular conditions that often coexist. Overlapping symptoms, biomarker profile, and echocardiographic changes hinder the diagnosis of underlying HFpEF in patients with AF and suggest that both conditions might reflect similar remodelling processes in the heart.
Purpose. To assess cardiac remodelling in AF patients with versus without concomitant HFpEF by transthoracic echocardiography, focusing on atrial dimension and strain.
Methods. We selected 120 patients included in AF-RISK, a prospective, observational, multicentre study aiming to identify a risk profile to guide atrial fibrillation therapy study. Patients had paroxysmal AF diagnosed within three years before inclusion, had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% and were in sinus rhythm at the moment of performing echocardiography and blood sampling. Patients were matched by nearest neighbour by age and sex with a 1:1 ratio and were classified into two groups: 1) AF with HFpEF (n = 60) and 2) AF without HFpEF (n = 60). The diagnosis of HFpEF was based on the 2016 ESC heart failure guidelines, including symptoms and signs of heart failure, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) ≥125pg/ml, and one of the following echocardiographic measures: left atrium volume index (LAVI) >34ml/m2, left ventricular mass index ≥115g/m2 for men and ≥95g/m2 for women, average E/e’ ≥13cm/s and average e’ <9cm/s. Measurements of reservoir, conduit and contraction strain of both atria were performed in apical four-chamber by echocardiography (GE, EchoPac BT12). Associations of clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were tested for collinearity by multivariable logistic regression analyses. LAVI, LV mass index and NT-proBNP were excluded from multivariable analysis since these markers were part of the HFpEF diagnostic criteria.
Results. Patients with paroxysmal AF and concomitant HFpEF had more often hypertension (72% vs. 45%, P = 0.005), had more impaired strain phases of both the left and right atria (figure 1), had comparable LVEF and global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P = 0.168 and P = 0.212, respectively). In a model adjusted for the number of comorbidities and sex, LA contraction decrease was associated with presence of HFpEF (odds ratio per 1% LA contraction-percent was 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.99, P = 0.042). LA contraction was not explained by LAVI in patients with concomitant HFpEF (Spearman’s rho= -0.07, P = 0.08). Conclusion. Our results show that atrial function may differentiate paroxysmal AF patients with HFpEF from those without HFpEF. In patients with paroxysmal AF, more impaired strain phases of the left and right atria were associated with concomitant HFpEF, whereas ventricular function, reflected by LVEF and GLS, did not differ. Abstract Figure. Strain distribution of both atria
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Remote app-based management of atrial fibrillation during the COVID-19: The centre characteristics and experiences of the European TeleCheck-AF project. Europace 2021. [PMCID: PMC8194584 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf TeleCheck-AF Investigators Aims Herein we describe the characteristics, inclusion rates and experiences from participating centres in the European TeleCheck-AF project. TeleCheck-AF is a multicentre international project initiated to maintain care delivery for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) during COVID-19 through teleconsultations supported by an on-demand photoplethysmography-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring app (FibriCheck®). Methods Two surveys exploring centre characteristics (n = 25) and centre experiences (n = 23) were completed. Results Most centres were academic (64%) and specialized public cardiology/district hospitals (36%). Majority of centres had AF outpatient clinics (64%) and only 36% had AF ablation clinics. The time required to start patient inclusion and total number of included patients in the project was comparable for centres experienced (56%) or inexperienced in mHealth use. Within 28 weeks, 1930 AF patients were recruited, mainly for remote AF control (31% of patients) and AF ablation follow-up (42%). Average inclusion rate was highest during the lockdown restrictions and reached a steady state at a lower level after easing the restrictions (188 vs 52 weekly recruited patients). Majority (>80%) of the centres reported no problems during the implementation of the TeleCheck-AF approach. Centres agreed that the on-boarding process of their center in the TeleCheck-AF project was simple and access to the patients measurements via stand-alone cloud infrastructure was trouble-free and possible from the first day on. They also agreed that remote heart rate and rhythm assessment by the FibriCheck® app around teleconsulatation supported their medical decision making; that their patients responded positively to use FibriCheck® for seven days; and that they felt comfortable to interpret PPG recordings. Conclusions Despite different health care settings and mHealth experiences, the TeleCheck-AF approach could be set up within an extremely short time and easily used in different European centres during COVID-19.
Abstract Figure. ![]()
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Reappraisal of Atrial fibrillation: interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodelling and Vascular destabilisation in the progression of AF (RACE V) Tissue Bank Project: study design. Neth Heart J 2021; 29:280-287. [PMID: 33506376 PMCID: PMC8062651 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-021-01538-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex multifactorial process. Over the past few decades, much has been learned about the pathophysiological processes that can lead to AF from a variety of specific disease models in animals. However, our ability to recognise these disease processes in AF patients is still limited, which has contributed to the limited progress in improving rhythm control in AF. Aims/objectives We believe that a better understanding and detection of the individual pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF is a prerequisite for developing patient-tailored therapies. The RACE V Tissue Bank Project will contribute to the unravelling of the main molecular mechanisms of AF by studying histology and genome-wide RNA expression profiles and combining this information with detailed phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods As more and more evidence suggests that AF may occur not only during the first days but also during the months and years after surgery, we will systematically study the incidence of AF during the first years after cardiac surgery in patients with or without a history of AF. Both the overall AF burden as well as the pattern of AF episodes will be studied. Lastly, we will study the association between the major molecular mechanisms and the clinical presentation of the patients, including the incidence and pattern of AF during the follow-up period. Conclusion The RACE V Tissue Bank Project combines deep phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including rhythm follow-up, analysis of molecular mechanisms, histological analysis and genome-wide RNA sequencing. This approach will provide detailed insights into the main pathological alterations associated with AF in atrial tissue and thereby contribute to the development of individualised, mechanistically informed patient-tailored treatment for AF.
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Efficacy and safety of dronedarone vs placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter across a spectrum of renal function: post hoc analyses of the EURIDIS-ADONIS trials. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background/Introduction
The use of antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex because impaired renal clearance can cause increased drug levels, and risk of intolerance or adverse events. Since CKD commonly co-occurs with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL), it is important to establish efficacy and safety for such drugs when used in AF/AFL patients with CKD.
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dronedarone in patients with AF or AFL across different levels of renal function.
Methods
This post hoc analysis evaluated pooled data from two multicentre, double-blind, randomised (2:1) trials of rhythm control with dronedarone 400 mg twice daily vs placebo. Primary endpoint was time to first recurrence of AF or AFL. Renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) was assessed with the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Patients were grouped by eGFR strata. Log-rank testing and Cox regression were used to compare time to events between treatment groups.
Results
Most (85%) patients had mild or mild-to-moderate decrease in eGFR (Table 1). Median time to first AF recurrence was significantly longer in the dronedarone vs placebo group for all eGFR subgroups except the 30–44 mL/min group (Figure 1), where the trend was consistent; however, the small population size may have precluded meaningful analyses in this subgroup. Serious adverse events, deaths, and treatment discontinuations did not differ notably between each group irrespective of eGFR strata.
Conclusions
This analysis confirms the efficacy and safety of dronedarone in patients with AF across a wide spectrum of renal function.
Figure 1
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Sanofi
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5769Changes in thromboembolic risk profile and antithrombotic therapy use over a decade: a comparison of Euro Heart Survey on AF and EURObservational research programme AF pilot registry. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx493.5769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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P3628Age and extent of coronary artery disease are associated with complexity of induced atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Approximately 10% of ischemic strokes are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) first diagnosed at the time of stroke. Detecting asymptomatic AF would provide an opportunity to prevent these strokes by instituting appropriate anticoagulation. The AF-SCREEN international collaboration was formed in September 2015 to promote discussion and research about AF screening as a strategy to reduce stroke and death and to provide advocacy for implementation of country-specific AF screening programs. During 2016, 60 expert members of AF-SCREEN, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, health economists, and patient advocates, were invited to prepare sections of a draft document. In August 2016, 51 members met in Rome to discuss the draft document and consider the key points arising from it using a Delphi process. These key points emphasize that screen-detected AF found at a single timepoint or by intermittent ECG recordings over 2 weeks is not a benign condition and, with additional stroke factors, carries sufficient risk of stroke to justify consideration of anticoagulation. With regard to the methods of mass screening, handheld ECG devices have the advantage of providing a verifiable ECG trace that guidelines require for AF diagnosis and would therefore be preferred as screening tools. Certain patient groups, such as those with recent embolic stroke of uncertain source (ESUS), require more intensive monitoring for AF. Settings for screening include various venues in both the community and the clinic, but they must be linked to a pathway for appropriate diagnosis and management for screening to be effective. It is recognized that health resources vary widely between countries and health systems, so the setting for AF screening should be both country- and health system-specific. Based on current knowledge, this white paper provides a strong case for AF screening now while recognizing that large randomized outcomes studies would be helpful to strengthen the evidence base.
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The Changing Landscape for Stroke Prevention in AF. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 69:777-785. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Pathophysiology of Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation - Prognostic and Treatment Implications. Curr Pharm Des 2014; 21:551-72. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612820666140825150057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Re: CT imaging of complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Clin Radiol 2014; 69:e367-8. [PMID: 24880756 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Personalized management of atrial fibrillation: Proceedings from the fourth Atrial Fibrillation competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association consensus conference. Europace 2013; 15:1540-56. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eut232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Cost-effectiveness of a specialized atrial fibrillation clinic vs. usual care in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 2013; 15:1128-35. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eut055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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The impact of atrial fibrillation on quality of life of the elderly: the calm before the storm? Europace 2012; 14:1379-80. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eus184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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442 Quadripolar LV Lead Provides Phrenic Nerve Stimulation Avoidance. Can J Cardiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2012.07.414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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When predicting atrial fibrillation, think 'scene of calamity'! Europace 2012; 14:1223-4. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eus183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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The presence of an atrial electromechanical delay in idiopathic atrial fibrillation as determined by tissue Doppler imaging. Int J Cardiol 2012; 156:121-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Reversal of ventricular premature beat induced cardiomyopathy by radiofrequency catheter ablation. Neth Heart J 2010; 18:493-8. [PMID: 20978594 PMCID: PMC2954302 DOI: 10.1007/bf03091821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Frequent monomorphic ventricular premature beats (VPBs) may lead to left ventricular dysfunction. We describe two patients with frequent monomorphic VPBs and dilated cardiomyopathy in whom left ventricular function normalised after elimination of the VPBs by radiofrequency catheter ablation. The recent literature on this topic is summarised and potential candidates for catheter ablation are discussed. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:493-8.).
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Hereditary muscular dystrophies and the heart. Neuromuscul Disord 2010; 20:479-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2010.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Lactate: panicking doctor or panicking patient? CASE REPORTS 2010; 2010:2319. [DOI: 10.1136/bcr.10.2009.2319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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The symptomatology of post-stroke depression: comparison of stroke and myocardial infarction patients. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2009; 24:1134-42. [PMID: 19418490 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a frequent problem in stroke patients but, all too often, the problem goes unrecognized. How depression-like symptoms in post-stroke depression (PSD) should be interpreted is still subject to debate. If PSD has a distinct symptom profile of depression accompanying other chronic vascular somatic conditions then this could imply that PSD is a specific disease entity. OBJECTIVE To study whether depressed stroke patients exhibit other signs and symptoms than patients suffering from depression after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS Depressive signs and symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The results of 190 stroke patients were compared with the results of 198 MI patients every 3 months during the first year after the event. RESULTS Depressed stroke patients exhibited more loss of interest, psychomotor retardation, and gastro-intestinal complaints as compared to depressed MI patients. However, in multivariate analyses including both depressed and non-depressed stroke and MI patients, no specific symptom profile was found to differentiate between the two depressive syndromes by looking at the modifying effect of stroke vs MI on the occurrence of specific symptoms in depression. CONCLUSION Although in their clinical presentation, depressed stroke patients exhibit a symptom profile different from depressed MI patients, this is not due to differences in the depressive syndrome in these two patient groups but it reflects differences between stroke and MI patients in general.
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OP4-4 Prevalence, quantification and cut-off level of parvovirus B19 DNA in endomyocardial biopsies of cardiac patients and non-cardiac control subjects. J Clin Virol 2009. [PMCID: PMC7128625 DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(09)70059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Early and comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation: Proceedings from the 2nd AFNET/EHRA consensus conference on atrial fibrillation entitled 'research perspectives in atrial fibrillation'. Europace 2009; 11:860-85. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eup124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Comparison of idraparinux with vitamin K antagonists for prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2008; 371:315-21. [PMID: 18294998 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(08)60168-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin K antagonists, the current standard treatment for prophylaxis against stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, require regular monitoring and dose adjustment; an unmonitored, fixed-dose anticoagulant regimen would be preferable. The aim of this randomised, open-label non-inferiority trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of idraparinux with vitamin K antagonists. METHODS Patients with atrial fibrillation at risk for thromboembolism were randomly assigned to receive either subcutaneous idraparinux (2.5 mg weekly) or adjusted-dose vitamin K antagonists (target of an international normalised ratio of 2-3). Assessment of outcome was done blinded to treatment. The primary efficacy outcome was the cumulative incidence of all stroke and systemic embolism. The principal safety outcome was clinically relevant bleeding. Analyses were done by intention to treat; the non-inferiority hazard ratio was set at 1.5. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00070655. FINDINGS The trial was stopped after randomisation of 4576 patients (2283 to receive idraparinux, 2293 to receive vitamin K antagonists) and a mean follow-up period of 10.7 (SD 5.4) months because of excess clinically relevant bleeding with idraparinux (346 cases vs 226 cases; 19.7 vs 11.3 per 100 patient-years; p<0.0001). There were 21 instances of intracranial bleeding with idraparinux and nine with vitamin K antagonists (1.1 vs 0.4 per 100 patient-years; p=0.014); elderly patients and those with renal impairment were at greater risk of such complications. There were 18 cases of thromboembolism with idraparinux and 27 cases with vitamin K antagonists (0.9 vs 1.3 per 100 patient-years; hazard ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.39-1.30; p=0.007), satisfying the non-inferiority criterion. There were 62 deaths with idraparinux and 61 with vitamin K anatagonists (3.2 vs 2.9 per 100 patient-years; p=0.49). INTERPRETATION In patients with atrial fibrillation at risk for thromboembolism, long-term treatment with idraparinux was no worse than vitamin K antagonists in terms of efficacy, but caused significantly more bleeding.
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Abstract
AIMS Glycemic control and ophthalmological care are known to significantly diminish the risk of visual impairment and blindness by diabetic retinopathy (DRP). The (cost-)effectiveness of both strategies was studied to highlight their benefits for patients and care providers. METHODS A computer analysis was developed, following the progression of DRP and the effectiveness of metabolic control and ophthalmological care continuously and individually in cohorts of type I and type II DM patients with divergent degrees of compliance. Costs relate to present medical charges in the Netherlands. RESULTS Intensive glycemic control shortens the duration of blindness in a type I DM patient by 0.76 years, intensive ophthalmological care by 0.53 years. One year sight gain may cost 1126 euros by providing ophthalmological care and 50479 euros by glycemic control. The duration of blindness drops in a type II DM patient by 0.48 and 0.13 years, respectively, whereas the effectiveness decreases as the age of onset of DM rises. CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of diabetic patients benefits from both intensive glycemic control and intensive ophthalmological care, but these cost-effective interventions which are not only complementary, but also substitute each other, require lasting, full compliance by all parties concerned.
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International consensus on nomenclature and classification of atrial fibrillation; a collaborative project of the Working Group on Arrhythmias and the Working Group on Cardiac Pacing of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Europace 2003; 5:119-22. [PMID: 12633634 DOI: 10.1053/eupc.2002.0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHF-Q) in patients with atrial fibrillation. DESIGN A prospective study of the patients who underwent DC electrical cardioversion. SETTING Clinics of cardiology and thoracic surgery of the University Hospital in Groningen, the Netherlands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The disease-specific MLHF-Q and generic measures of quality of life were administered. The sensitivity to change over time was tested with effect sizes (ES). Internal consistency of MLHF-Q scales was estimated with Cronbach's alpha. To evaluate the construct validity multitrait-multimethod analysis was applied. The 'known group validity' was evaluated by the comparison of mean scores and effect sizes between two groups of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (NYHA I versus II-III). Stability of MLHF-Q scales was estimated in a subgroup of patients who remained stable. Perfect congruence analysis and factor analysis were applied to confirm the a priori determined structure. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha was > or = 0.80 of the MLHF-Q scales. Perfect congruence analysis (PCA) showed that the results resemble quite well the a priori assumed factor structure. Multitrait-multimethod analysis showed convergent validity coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.73 (physical impairment dimension) and 0.39 to 0.69 (emotional dimension). The magnitude of change can be interpreted as medium (ES = 0.50). The results of a 'test-retest' analysis in a stable group can be valued as satisfactory for the MLHF-Q scales (Pearson's r > 0.60). The physical dimension and the overall score of the MLHF-Q discriminated significantly between the NYHA I and II-III groups (p < 0.001) with large effect sizes (ES > 1.0).
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[Detailed analysis of the social costs of diabetes mellitus]. NEDERLANDS TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE 2000; 144:1556-7. [PMID: 10949640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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Continuous computer simulation analysis of the cost-effectiveness of screening and treating diabetic retinopathy. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 1999; 15:198-206. [PMID: 10407606 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462399152899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This paper analyzes the cost-effectiveness of screening and treating diabetic retinopathy (DR) by simulating the disease progress continuously with existing data. A new computer simulation based on Monte Carlo techniques and logistic transformation follows cohorts from diabetes onset until death in five care scenarios. For younger-onset patients, ophthalmic care reduces the prevalence of blindness by 52% or greater while savings in disability facilities and production losses surpass direct costs. For older-onset patients, less favorable results appear. Financial benefits surpass costs for juvenile-onset patients. For other patients, the net costs of ophthalmic care seem lower than in other health care programs.
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Atrial fibrillation: current knowledge and recommendations for management. Working Group on Arrhythmias of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J 1998; 19:1294-320. [PMID: 9792255 DOI: 10.1053/euhj.1998.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Treatment effect of syndrome X patients with doxazosine as assessed by positron emission tomography. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)80667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Impairment of myocardial blood flow reserve, in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure, depents on severity of left ventricular dysfunction and not severity of coronary stenosis. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)80440-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Long term maintenance of sinus rhythm by combined valve and arrhythmia surgery in patients with mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)81306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Large differences in drug treatment of chronic heart failure between the European countries. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)81143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Heart rate variability and dispersion of refractoriness increase during recovery from electrical remodeling in the goat. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)81742-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Angiotensin-II type 1 receptor polymorphism is associated with an increased vasoreactivity to angiotensin II in human arteries. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)80763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Functional effects of ACE-inhibitors on angiotensin I conversion in human vasculature. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)81682-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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[Future need of eye care for patients with diabetes mellitus, costs and effectiveness]. NEDERLANDS TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE 1995; 139:1336-41. [PMID: 7617052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine how much vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy can be prevented in the Netherlands until 2020, and what resources will be needed to do so. DESIGN Computer simulation study. METHODS The population forecasts of the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics constituted the starting points. The literature provided data on the disease progression and the effectiveness of screening and treatment. A new continuous computer simulation assessed one scenario without eye care and four scenarios with different screening frequencies. Effects were measured in sight gain, costs were based on official charges, benefits included savings on disability facilities and reductions in production losses. RESULTS The number of diabetic patients was estimated to increase form 287,000 in 1993 to 406,000 in 2020. Compared with a setting without ophthalmic care, full compliance with official screening guidelines would reduce the prevalence of blindness in 2020 by 45% among type I patients, and by 20% among type II patients. Financial benefits would exceed costs for type I, but not for type II diabetes. While the intensity of eye care would rise, the number of eye examinations would increase approximately in the same proportion, but the number of laser treatments would increase at a much slower rate. 30% more ophthalmologists were estimated to be required in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The sharp increase in the number of diabetic patients plus the proven effectiveness of photocoagulation will inevitably cause a major rise in the need for ophthalmic care.
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[Is fundus photography useful in screening for diabetic retinopathy in patients with type II diabetes mellitus?]. NEDERLANDS TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GENEESKUNDE 1993; 137:1713-7. [PMID: 8371813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the value of a screening programme with fundus photography for diabetic retinopathy in diabetes mellitus type II patients. DESIGN Prospective. SETTING General practices in the region Zwolle, The Netherlands. METHOD 650 Patients from 50 general practices were photographed after dilating both eyes. Of these 215 were examined by an ophthalmologist. Data of patients who did not join the study were analysed in 13 general practices. Any symptom of retinopathy and/or photographs of poor quality implied referral to an ophthalmologist. RESULTS Of a total of 1300 photographs 208 (16%) could hardly or not at all be assessed. The agreement in the group of 215 patients between photography and ophthalmoscopy was statistically significant at classification level (Cohen's kappa 0.41). The advice given to patients after photography did not differ from that after ophthalmoscopy (kappa: 0.50); photography did not miss any high-risk characteristics, it yielded more warnings, and underestimated the level of retinopathy in 8 out of 215 cases. With current ophthalmologic rates in the Netherlands fundus photography was not financially advantageous as 71 (33%) out of 215 patients needed to be referred to an ophthalmologist. However, in the other 144 (67%) patients photography sufficed. This may offer a solution where ophthalmic care is in short supply. Of 168/420 patients who did not apply for photography 116 (69%) were either under ophthalmic supervision already or too disabled to be screened. CONCLUSION The use of a fundus camera is equivalent to funduscopy by an ophthalmologist in screening for retinopathy of type II diabetic patients. There are no financial benefits, but it reduces the work load of ophthalmologists.
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Sustained atrial flutter around the tricuspid valve in the pig; differentiation of procainamide (class IA) from flecainide (class IC). Eur J Pharmacol 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(90)92097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Comparison of the effects of regional ischemia, hypoxia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis on intracellular and extracellular potentials and metabolism in the isolated porcine heart. Circ Res 1980; 46:634-46. [PMID: 7363413 DOI: 10.1161/01.res.46.5.634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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