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Hennings E, Blum S, Aeschbacher S, Coslovsky M, Knecht S, Paladini RE, Krisai P, Kastner P, Ziegler A, Mueller C, Zuern CS, Bonati L, Conen D, Kuehne M, Osswald S. Bone morphogenetic protein 10 as predictor for adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.515] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) face an increased risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is a novel atrial-specific biomarker, but data about its prognostic value in AF patients are lacking.
Purpose
We aimed to assess the predictive value of BMP10 for death and MACE in AF patients in comparison to N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).
Methods
Baseline concentrations of BMP10 and NT-proBNP were measured in stable patients with AF enrolled in Swiss-AF, a prospective multicenter observational cohort study. Primary outcomes were all-cause death and MACE (composite of heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death, stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction). Measures of discriminative power were used to compare multivariable Cox proportional hazard models using the different biomarkers.
Results
A total of 2219 AF patients were included with a median follow-up of 4.3 years (IQR 3.9, 5.1). Mean age was 73±9 years and 27% were women. Incidence rate per 100 patient-years of all-cause death and MACE increased across BMP10 quartiles (Figure 1). In the multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard model, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of BMP10 was 1.60 (1.37; 1.87) to predict all-cause death, and 1.54 (1.35; 1.76) to predict MACE. For all-cause death, the C-index (95% CI) was 0.783 (0.763; 0.809) for BMP10, 0.784 (0.765; 0.810) for NT-proBNP, and 0.789 (0.771; 0.815) for both biomarkers combined. For MACE, the C-index (95% CI) was 0.732 (0.715; 0.754) for BMP10, 0.747 (0.731; 0.768) for NT-proBNP, and 0.750 (0.734; 0.771) for both biomarkers combined. When grouping patients according to clinical used NT-proBNP categories (<300, 300–900, >900 ng/l), higher incidence rates and adjusted HRs were observed for the primary outcomes in patients with high BMP10 in the categories of low NT-proBNP (all-cause death aHR 2.28 [1.15; 4.52], MACE aHR 1.88 [1.07; 3.28]) and high NT-proBNP (all-cause death aHR 1.61 [1.14; 2.26], MACE aHR 1.38 [1.07; 1.80]) (Figure 2).
Conclusion
The novel atrial-specific biomarker BMP10 strongly predicts all-cause death and MACE in patients with AF. BMP10 provides additional prognostic information in low- and high-risk patients according to NT-proBNP stratification.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Heart Foundation
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Tilen R, Panis D, Aeschbacher S, Sabine T, Meyer zu Schwabedissen HE, Berger C. Development of the Swiss Database for dosing medicinal products in pediatrics. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:1221-1231. [PMID: 34739591 PMCID: PMC8897330 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In daily paediatrics, drugs are commonly used off-label, as they are not approved for children. Approval is lacking because the required clinical studies were limited to adults in the past. Without clinical studies, evidence-based recommendations for drug use in children are limited. Information on off-label drug dosing in children can be found in different handbooks, databases and scientific publications but the dosing recommendations can differ considerably. To improve safety and efficacy of drugs prescribed to children and to assist the prescribers, stakeholders in Swiss paediatrics started a pilot project, supported by the Federal Office of Public Health, with the aim to create a database, providing healthcare professionals with so called "harmonised" dosage recommendations based on the latest available scientific evidence and best clinical practice. A standardised process for dosage harmonisation between paediatric experts was defined, guided and documented in an electronic tool, developed for this purpose. As proof of principle, a total of 102 dosage recommendations for 30 different drugs have been nationally harmonised in the pilot phase considering the current scientific literature and the approval of the most experienced national experts in the field.Conclusion: This approach paved the way for unified national dosage recommendations for children. Reaching the project's milestones fulfilled the prerequisites for funding and starting regular operation of SwissPedDose in 2018. Since then, the database was extended with recommendations for 100 additional drugs. What is Known: • Prescribing off-label is a common practice among paediatricians, as many drugs are still not authorised for use in children. • Some countries developed national drug formularies providing off-label dosage recommendations. What is New: • Comparison of published dosage recommendations in known drug handbooks and online databases show substantial differences and heterogeneity, revealing the need for harmonisation. • The design of a tool for standardised harmonisation of dosage recommendations, based on information collected on currently applied dosages, latest scientific evidence and the approval of experts.
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Frank T, Aeschbacher S, Zurbrügg C, Bruckner A. Partitioning of arthropod species diversity in temperate meadows, wildflower areas and pastures. Basic Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tilen R, Panis D, Aeschbacher S, Sabine T, zu Schwabedissen HEM, Berger C. Correction to: Development of the Swiss database for dosing medicinal products in pediatrics. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:1233. [PMID: 34870750 PMCID: PMC9172705 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04328-0] [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: 10/19/2022]
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Luciani M, Mueller D, Vanetta C, Diteepeng T, Von Eckardstein A, Aeschbacher S, Rodondi N, Moschovitis G, Reichlin T, Bonati L, Luescher T, Kuehne M, Osswald S, Conen D, Beer J. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is associated with cardiovascular mortality and vascular brain lesions in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0475] [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
Introduction
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a well characterized pro-atherogenic metabolite derived from the microbial processing of phosphatidylcholine and carnitine (usually present in red meat) and subsequent hepatic oxydation, which promotes endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and thrombosis initiation. Its role concerning cerebral and cardiovascular adverse events has been assessed in various patient subpopulations but not for long term in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Methods
Baseline TMAO plasma levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in plasmas of 2,379 subjects from our multicentric study. Among them, 1,722 participants at time of recruitment underwent brain MRI. Participants were stratified into TMAO tertiles and Cox PH models, linear mixed effect models or logistic mixed effect models were employed adjusting for several risk factors (age, sex, BMI, active and past smoke habit, cystatin c levels, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease and history of TIA/stroke). Subjects were prospectively followed with a median observation time of 4 years.
Results
Subjects in the highest tertile of TMAO were older (75.4 vs. 70.6 years in low tertile p<0.001) and had significantly more often comorbidities, (26.9% of subjects were diabetic vs. 9.1% in low tertile p<0.001), with higher BMI (28.1 vs 27.0, p<0.001) and worse renal function as assessed by serum cystatin C (1.46 vs 1.07, mg/dl; p<0.001). Heart failure was present in 37.9% participants in the upper compared to 15.8% in the lower tertile. (p<0.001). As shown in Figure 1, Kaplan Meier estimates showed increased cardiovascular mortality with increasing TMAO tertiles (p<0.0001). After adjustment for the abovementioned factors the upper tertile (T3) had an increased hazard ratio (HR) compared to the lowest one (HR 2.36 95% CI 1.56–3.58 p<0.01). Similar trends for global and ischemic stroke occurrences were not found although TMAO levels positively weakly correlated with NIHSS severity (Spearman's coefficient 0.31 p=0.02). Concerning brain MRI findings, TMAO tertiles identified individuals with different prevalence of small non-cortical infarcts (30.5%, 18.1% and 17.4% in high, middle and low tertiles respectively; p<0.001) and when present, larger white matter lesions volumes (5061 mm3, 4158 mm3 and 2970 mm3; p<0.001). After adjustment, the association with small non-cortical infarcts with TMAO levels remained significant in the highest tertile (T3) (OR 1.48 95% CI 1.07–2.05; p=0.02) and a trend towards larger white matter lesions volumes was observed (estimate 1307 95% CI −90–2705; p=0.07).
Conclusions
TMAO represents a robust prognostic independent biomarker identifying multimorbid, high risk patients for cardiovascular mortality and brain damage.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Theodor und Ida Herzog-Egli Foundation Figure 1. CV mortality according to TMAOFigure 2. Brain lesions assessment
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Bano A, Rodondi N, Beer J, Moschovitis G, Kobza R, Aeschbacher S, Baretella O, Muka T, Stettler C, Franco O, Conte G, Sticherling C, Zuern C, Conen D, Reichlin T. Diabetes is associated with atrial fibrillation phenotype, cardiac and neurological comorbidities: insights from the Swiss-AF study. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0442] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it remains unclear whether individual AF phenotype and related comorbidities differ between AF patients with and without diabetes.
Purpose
To investigate the association of diabetes with AF phenotype, cardiac and neurological comorbidities in patients with documented AF.
Methods
Participants of the multicenter Swiss-AF study with available data on diabetes and AF phenotype were eligible. The primary outcomes were parameters of AF phenotype, including AF type (paroxysmal vs non-paroxysmal), AF symptoms (yes vs no), and quality of life (assessed by EQ-5D score). The secondary outcomes were cardiac (ie, history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure) and neurological comorbidities (ie, history of stroke, cognitive impairment). The cross-sectional association of diabetes with these outcomes was assessed using logistic and linear regression. Results were adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Results
We included 2411 AF patients (27.4% women; median age, 73.6 years). Diabetes was not associated with non-paroxysmal AF (odds ratio [OR]=1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.81 to 1.27). Patients with diabetes less often perceived AF symptoms (OR=0.73; CI=0.59 to 0.91), but had worse quality of life (predicted mean difference in EQ-5D score: β=−4.54; CI=−6.40 to −2.68) than those without diabetes. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have cardiac comorbidities [history of hypertension (OR=3.04; CI=2.19 to 4.22), myocardial infarction (OR=1.55; CI=1.18 to 2.03), heart failure (OR=1.99; CI=1.57 to 2.51)] and neurological comorbidities [history of stroke (OR=1.39; CI=1.03 to 1.87), cognitive impairment (OR=1.75; CI=1.39 to 2.21)].
Conclusions
In the Swiss-AF cohort population, patients with diabetes less often perceived AF symptoms, but had worse quality of life, more cardiac and neurological comorbidities than those without diabetes. These findings have significant clinical implications. The reduced perception of AF symptoms in patients with diabetes might result in a delayed AF diagnosis and consequently more adverse events, especially cardioembolic stroke. This raises the question whether patients with diabetes should be systematically screened for silent AF. Moreover, patients with concomitant AF and diabetes have increased likelihood of comorbidities and therefore deserve more attentive care.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Haemmerle P, Aeschbacher S, Springer A, Eken C, Coslovsky M, Dutilh G, Moschovitis G, Rodondi N, Chocano P, Conen D, Osswald S, Kuehne M, Zuern CS. Cardiac autonomic function and cognitive performance in patients with atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.161] [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: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation
OnBehalf
Swiss-AF Investigators
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with loss of cognition and dementia. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been linked to cognitive decline. We aimed to investigate if reduced cardiac autonomic function (CAF) is associated with cognitive impairment in AF patients.
Methods
Patients with paroxysmal, persistent and permanent AF were enrolled from a multicenter cohort study if they presented in AF ("AF group") or in sinus rhythm ("SR group") on a baseline 5-minute ECG recording. Parameters quantifying CAF (heart rate variability triangular index (HRVI), mean heart rate (MHR), the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN)) were calculated. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess global cognitive function.
Results
1,685 AF patients with a mean age of 73 ± 8 years, 29% females, were included. The MoCA score was 24.5 ± 3.2 in the AF group (n = 710 patients) and 25.4 ± 3.2 in the SR group (n = 975 patients). After adjusting for multiple confounders, lower HRVI was associated with lower MoCA scores, both in the SR group (β=0.049; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.016 to 0.081; p = 0.003) and in the AF group (β=0.068; 95% CI: 0.020 to 0.116; p = 0.006). In the AF group, higher MHR was associated with a poorer performance in the MoCA (β=-0.008; 95% CI: -0.014 to -0.002; p = 0.014 ). Other parameters of CAF were not associated with cognition.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that impaired CAF is associated with worse cognitive performance in patients with AF. Elderly AF patients with impaired HRVI might undergo cognitive testing in order to screen for cognitive impairment.
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Auberson C, Badertscher P, Madaffari A, Malushi M, Bourquin L, Spies F, Aeschbacher S, Fahrni G, Kaiser C, Jeger R, Osswald S, Sticherling C, Kuehne M, Knecht S. Non-invasive predictors for infranodal conduction delay in patients with left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Europace 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab116.038] [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: None.
Introduction
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is the most common conduction disorder after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with an increased risk of atrioventricular (AV) block. The aim of the current study was to identify non-invasive predictors for infranodal conduction delay in patients with LBBB.
Methods
We analyzed consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with pre-existing or new-onset LBBB between August 2014 and August 2020. His ventricular (HV) interval measurement was performed on day 1 after TAVR. Baseline, procedural, as well as surface and intracardiac electrocardiographic parameters were included. Infranodal conduction delay was defined as HV interval >55 ms.
Results
Of 825 patients screened after TAVR, 151 patients (82 ± 6 years, 39% male) with LBBB were included. Among these, infranodal conduction delay was observed in 25%. ΔPR (difference in PR interval after and before TAVR), PR and QRS duration after TAVR were significantly longer in the group with HV prolongation. In a multivariate analysis in patients with sinus rhythm (n = 131), ΔPR (OR per 10 ms increase: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.19-2.01; p = 0.002) was the only independent factor associated with infranodal conduction delay. The AUC of the ROC curve was 0.724 (95% CI) for ΔPR. A change in PR interval by 20 ms yielded a sensitivity of 26% and specificity of 83% with a positive predictive value of 45% and a negative predictive value of 84% to predict HV prolongation.
Conclusions
Simple analysis of surface ECG and a calculated ΔPR <20ms can be used as predictor for the absence of infranodal conduction delay in post-TAVR patients with LBBB. Abstract Figure HV
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Krisai P, Hämmerle P, Blum S, Meyre P, Aeschbacher S, Melchiorre-Mayer P, Baretella O, Rodondi N, Conen D, Osswald S, Kühne M, Zuern CS. Prognostic significance of present atrial fibrillation on a single office electrocardiogram in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Intern Med 2021; 289:395-403. [PMID: 32914467 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) present on the ECG and cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients is limited. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prognostic significance of AF on a single surface ECG for cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients. METHODS A total of 3642 AF patients were prospectively enrolled. Main exclusion criteria were rhythms other than sinus rhythm (SR) or AF. The primary end-point was a composite of all-cause death and hospitalizations for congestive heart failure (CHF). Secondary end-points were all-cause death, CHF hospitalizations, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, any stroke and stroke subtypes. Associations were assessed with multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Mean age was 71 years, 28% were female, and mean follow-up was 3.4 years. Patients with SR on the ECG at study enrolment (56%) were younger (69 vs. 74 years, P < 0.0001), had more often paroxysmal AF (73 vs. 18%, P < 0.0001) and fewer comorbidities. The incidence of the primary end-point was 1.8 and 3.1 per 100 person-years in patients with SR and AF, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio was 1.4 (95% confidence intervals 1.1; 1.7; P = 0.001) for patients with AF on the ECG compared to patients with SR. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.4 (1.1; 1.8; P = 0.006) for all-cause death, 1.5 (1.2; 1.9; P = 0.001) for CHF and 1.6 (1.1; 2.2; P = 0.006) for cardiovascular death. None of the other associations were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The presence of AF in a single office ECG had significant prognostic implications with regard to mortality and CHF hospitalizations in patients with AF. These patients present a high-risk group and might benefit from intensified treatment.
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Benz A, Aeschbacher S, Krisai P, Blum S, Meyre P, Blum M, Rodondi N, Di Valentino M, Kobza R, De Perna M, Bonati L, Beer J, Kuehne M, Osswald S, Conen D. Association of biomarkers of inflammation with hospitalization for heart failure and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0497] [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
Hospitalization for heart failure and death are among the most common adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.
Purpose
We hypothesised that inflammation, quantified by plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), is independently associated with hospitalization for heart failure and death in a large, contemporary cohort of AF patients.
Methods
Patients with established AF and 65 years of age or older were enrolled in two large, prospective, multicentre cohort studies in Switzerland. Plasma levels of high-sensitivity (hs) CRP and IL-6 were measured from frozen EDTA plasma samples obtained at baseline. Using these two biomarkers, we calculated an inflammation score ranging from 0 to 4 (1 point for each biomarker between the 50th and 75th percentile, 2 points for each biomarker above the 75th percentile). We constructed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to quantify the associations of hs-CRP, IL-6 and the inflammation score with time to first hospitalization for heart failure and time to all-cause mortality, respectively.
Results
A total of 3,784 patients with AF (median age 72 years, 28% women, 24% with a prior history of heart failure and 84% anticoagulation use at baseline) were followed for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4.0 (2.9–5.1) years. The median (IQR) plasma levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 at baseline were 1.64 (0.81–3.69) mg/L and 3.42 (2.14–5.60) pg/mL, respectively. The incidence rates of hospitalization for heart failure and death were 3.04 and 2.80 per 100 person-years, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, both biomarkers were significantly associated with the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (per increase in 1 standard deviation [SD], adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.34 for log-transformed hs-CRP, and aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.35–1.62 for log-transformed IL-6) and death (per increase in 1 SD, aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27–1.54 for log-transformed hs-CRP, and aHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.53–1.81 for log-transformed IL-6). Incidence rates of hospitalization for heart failure increased from 1.34 to 7.31 per 100 person-years across categories of the inflammation score (Figure 1). A strong relationship persisted after multivariable adjustment. Similar findings were observed for all-cause mortality.
Conclusions
Inflammation is a strong predictor of hospitalization for heart failure and death in patients with AF. Targeting inflammation may be a promising treatment strategy to improve outcomes in these patients at high risk for adverse outcomes.
Figure 1
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation
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Meyre P, Aeschbacher S, Blum S, Coslovsky M, Beer J, Moschovitis G, Rodondi N, Baretella O, Kobza R, Sticherling C, Bonati L, Schwenkglenks M, Kuehne M, Osswald S, Conen D. The Admit-AF risk score: a clinical risk score for predicting hospital admissions in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0352] [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
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a high risk of hospital admissions, but there is no validated prediction tool to identify those at highest risk.
Purpose
To develop and externally validate a risk score for all-cause hospital admissions in patients with AF.
Methods
We used a prospective cohort of 2387 patients with established AF as derivation cohort. Independent risk factors were selected from a broad range of variables using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method fit to a Cox regression model. The developed risk score was externally validated in a separate prospective, multicenter cohort of 1300 AF patients.
Results
In the derivation cohort, 891 patients (37.3%) were admitted to the hospital over a median follow-up 2.0 years. In the validation cohort, hospital admissions occurred in 719 patients (55.3%) during a median follow-up 1.9 years. The most important predictors for admission were age (75–79 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.00–1.77; 80–84 years: aHR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.12–2.03; ≥85 years: aHR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.35–2.61), prior pulmonary vein isolation (aHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60–0.90), hypertension (aHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.99–1.36), diabetes (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17–1.62), coronary heart disease (aHR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02–1.37), prior stroke/TIA (aHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.10–1.50), heart failure (aHR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04–1.41), peripheral artery disease (aHR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.06–1.63), cancer (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13–1.57), renal failure (aHR, 1.18, 95% CI, 1.01–1.38), and previous falls (aHR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16–1.78). A risk score with these variables was well calibrated, and achieved a C-index of 0.64 in the derivation and 0.59 in the validation cohort.
Conclusions
Multiple risk factors were associated with hospital admissions in AF patients. This prediction tool selects high-risk patients who may benefit from preventive interventions.
The Admit-AF risk score
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Swiss National Science Foundation (Grant numbers 33CS30_1148474 and 33CS30_177520), the Foundation for Cardiovascular Research Basel and the University of Basel
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Aeschbacher S, Meyre P, Sinnecker T, Ammann P, Auricchio AS, Kobza R, Shah D, Sticherling C, Ehret G, Kuhne M, Osswald S, Conen D, Bonati LH, Kuhle J, Wurfel J. P1894Serum light-chain neurofilament is associated with brain atrophy in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0641] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and aims
There is emerging evidence that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with cognitive dysfunction, increased risk for dementia and reduced brain volume independent of stroke, but the underlying mechanisms of these associations remain unclear. Here, we investigated the association of serum light-chain neurofilament (sNfL), a neuroaxonal injury biomarker, with brain atrophy in AF patients.
Methods
Explorative analysis from the Swiss-AF cohort study, a multicenter prospective observationalstudy which recruited patients aged ≥45 years with documented AF (NCT02105844). In baseline blood samples, sNfL concentrations were measured in duplicates using a single-molecule array assay. Brain MRI was obtained at baseline and at two years using a standardized protocol including a 3D T1-weighted MPRAGE sequence, on which Structural Image Evaluation using Normalization of Atrophy (SIENA) with optimized parameters for brain extraction was applied to calculate the two-year percentage whole brain volume change (PBVC).
Results
We included 245 Swiss-AF patients (median age 73, 73% male). Two-year PBVC was significantly associated with baseline sNfL in linear regression, with a 0.09% whole brain volume decrease per 10 pg/ml sNfL increase (95% CI [0.05–0.13], p<0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for age, history of stroke and other vascular risk factors.
Neurofilament and brain atrophy
Conclusion
Increasing baseline sNfL was predictive of higher two-year brain atrophy rates independent of stroke history in AF patients. This association might reflect a chronic neurodegenerative process in AF.
Acknowledgement/Funding
Swiss National Science Foundation
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Aeschbacher S, Blum S, Meyer-Zurn C, Vischer AS, Meyre P, Rodondi N, Beer JH, Moschovitis G, Moutzouri E, Sticherling CM, Wurfel J, Bonati LH, Osswald S, Conen D, Kuhne M. 483Blood pressure and white matter lesions in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0133] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). As a potential risk factor for cerebral white matter lesions (WML), HTN might explain the increased risk of cognitive dysfunction in AF patients.
Methods
In a multicenter cohort study of patients with documented AF in Switzerland, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) was measured up to three times in a supine position and the mean was calculated. HTN was defined as controlled, when SBP was <140 and DBP <90 mmHg with treatment, and uncontrolled when SBP was ≥140 or DBP ≥90 mmHg with treatment. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Volumes of WML were assessed and graded using the Fazekas scale. A Fazekas score of ≥2 was defined as moderate or severe WML. Multivariable adjusted regression models were used to assess the association between BP and WML.
Results
Overall, 1738 patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional analysis (mean age 73 years, 73% males). Mean BP was 135/79 mmHg, 69% had a history of HTN. Any WMLs were found in 99% of the patients and 54% had at least moderate WMLs. The prevalence of Fazekas ≥2 was 47%, 50% and 61% among AF patients with SBP <120, 120–140 and ≥140mmHg (p<0.001), respectively. Volumes of WMLs significantly increased across the same SBP categories (2943, 3512 and 4988 mm3, p<0.001). Among patients with normotension, controlled and uncontrolled HTN, moderate or severe WMLs were present in 173 (42.5%), 345 (55%) and 307 (61%), respectively. SBP was associated with Fazekas ≥2 and WML volume after multivariable adjustment (Table). Compared to normotension, both controlled and uncontrolled HTN were significantly associated with higher WML volume (Table).
Association between blood pressure and white matter lesions Blood pressure Fazekas ≥2 OR (95% CI) Volume WML β-coefficient (95% CI) <120 mmHg Ref Ref 120–140 mmHg 1.17 (0.88; 1.55) 0.14 (−0.01; 0.30) ≥140 mmHg 1.49 (1.11; 2.00) 0.28 (0.12; 0.43) Continuous, per SD 1.20 (1.09; 1.36), p<0.001 0.12 (0.06; 0.18), p<0.001 Normotension Ref Ref Treated hypertension 1.26 (0.94; 1.68), p=0.12 0.22 (0.07; 0.38), p=0.005 Treated, uncontrolled hypertension 1.52 (1.13; 2.05), p=0.005 0.38 (0.21; 0.54), p<0.001 Regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease, AF type, and antihypertensive treatment. One standard Deviation (SD) of SBP = 18 mmHg. Volume of WML was log-transformed.
Conclusion
Moderate or severe cerebral WMLs are highly prevalent in AF patients and strongly associated with SBP. Our data suggests that optimal treatment of HTN might play an essential role in preventing WMLs.
Acknowledgement/Funding
Swiss National Science Foundation
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Krisai P, Blum S, Aeschbacher S, Beer JH, Moschovitis G, Witassek F, Kobza R, Rodondi N, Mahmood A, Meyer-Zuern C, Kuehne M, Osswald S, Conen D. P1876Atrial fibrillation related symptoms and cardiovascular outcomes. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0625] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Comprehensive information on the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF)-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) on adverse outcomes is sparse.
Purpose
We aimed to investigate whether AF-related symptoms and/or QoL are associated with cardiovascular outcomes in a large cohort of AF patients.
Methods
A total of 3902 participants with documented AF from two nationwide prospective cohort studies in Switzerland were included. Information on AF-related symptoms was assessed yearly by standardized questionnaires, QoL was quantified using a visual analog scale (0–100, with higher scores indicating better QoL). The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke and systemic embolism. The secondary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure and myocardial infarction. We assessed associations using multivariable, time-updated Cox proportional-hazards models including age, sex, study cohort, history of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, prior myocardial infarction, vascular disease and prior catheter ablation for AF as covariates.
Results
Mean age was 72 years, and 72% were male. The median QoL score was 75 points, and 2572 (66%) participants had AF-related symptoms. Symptomatic individuals were younger (71 vs 75 years) and had more often paroxysmal AF (29 vs 23%) (p for both <0.001). The most frequent symptoms were palpitations (42%), dyspnea (25%) and fatigue (18%). In multivariable, time-updated models, the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.24 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.72; 2.11, p=0.43) for the primary endpoint and HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.65; 1.06, p=0.14) for the secondary endpoint in symptomatic vs non-symptomatic individuals. There was a significant, inverse association for a 5-point increase in the QoL score with both the primary (HR 0.94 (95% CI 0.88; 0.99), p=0.04) and secondary (HR 0.91 (95% CI 0.88; 0.93), p<0.0001) endpoints.
Conclusions
AF-related symptoms are not associated with adverse cardiovascular events in AF patients. In contrast, QoL is inversely associated with to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
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Meyre P, Gugganig R, Aeschbacher S, Leong DP, Blum S, Coslovsky M, Beer JH, Moschovitis G, Mueller D, Rodondi N, Stempfel S, Mueller C, Kuehne M, Conen D, Osswald S. P3782Frailty to predict unplanned hospitalizations, stroke, bleeding and death in atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0631] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
We investigated the prevalence of frailty, and the relationships between frailty and the risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods
Patients with known AF were enrolled in a nation-wide observational cohort study in Switzerland. Information on medical history, medication, lifestyle factors and clinical measurements were obtained. The primary outcome was unplanned hospitalizations, secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, bleeding and stroke. The frailty index (FI) was measured using a cumulative deficit approach according to previously published criteria. Participants were divided into three groups (non-frail, pre-frail and frail) according to their FI at study entry. The association between frailty and clinical outcomes was assessed using multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models.
Results
We included 2369 patients with a mean age of 73±8 years (27.3% female). The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was 10.6% and 60.7%, respectively. Frailty was associated with unplanned hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.78–4.63; p<0.001), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 16.72; 95% CI 7.75–36.05; p<0.001), bleeding (adjusted HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.61–3.77; p<0.001), and stroke (adjusted HR 3.29; 95% CI 1.29–8.39; p=0.01) (Figure). Similarly, pre-frailty was significantly associated with unplanned hospitalization (adjusted HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.49–2.22; p<0.001), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 5.07; 95% CI 2.43–10.59; p<0.001) and bleeding (adjusted HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.11–2.13; p=0.01), but not with stroke.
Cumulative incidence of adverse events
Conclusion
In our cohort, more than two thirds of AF patients were either pre-frail or frail. These patients have a high risk of unplanned hospitalizations and other adverse outcomes, indicating that frailty is a powerful tool to predict adverse clinical outcomes in AF patients.
Acknowledgement/Funding
Swiss National Science Foundation; Foundation for Cardiovascular Research Basel; University of Basel
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Meyre P, Froehlich L, Aeschbacher S, Blum S, Djokic D, Kuehne M, Osswald S, Kaufmann B, Conen D. P1258Left atrial dimension and risk of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0216] [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
The prognostic value of left atrial (LA) dimensions measured by transthoracic echocardiogram among patients with versus without atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the association of LA echocardiographic parameters with the risk of cardiovascular events in AF patients compared to non-AF patients.
Methods
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to July 2018. Records were retained if they studied the association between LA echocardiographic parameters and cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients, and in populations with no or less than 10% of AF patients. Left atrial dimensions had to be measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and parameters of interest were the following: LA diameter (LAD), LA diameter indexed to body surface (LADI), LA volume (LAV) and LA volume indexed to body surface (LAVI). Data were independently abstracted by 2 reviewers and pooled using inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis. The primary outcome was incident stroke and thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes were heart failure, all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).
Results
Twenty-three studies of AF patients (14'939 patients) and 69 studies of non-AF patients (52'654 patients) were included. Summary of the meta-analyses for the associations of LA parameters with cardiovascular outcomes is presented in the Figure. Increasing LAD was significantly associated with the risk of stroke and thromboembolic events in non-AF patients (P=0.03), but not among AF patients (P=0.27), and the association did not differ between population (P for difference=0.05) (Figure, A). Greater LADI was associated with risk of stroke and thromboembolic events in AF patients (P<0.001) and in non-AF patients (P=0.04), but the association did not differ between populations (P for difference=0.49). For MACE, increasing LADI was significantly associated with the outcome in AF patients (P<0.001) and in non-AF patients (P<0.001), but the association was stronger in non-AF populations (P for difference<0.001). Increasing LAVI was associated with high risk of MACE in AF patients (P=0.03) and in non-AF populations (P<0.001). Again, the correlation was stronger among non-AF patients (P for difference<0.001). Other associations did not differ between populations, and meta-analysis of LAV was not conducted by the limited number of studies.
Summary of meta-analysis
Conclusions
Left atrial echocardiographic parameters are powerful predictors of adverse cardiovascular events, mainly among individuals without AF.
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Aeschbacher S, Kuhle J, Benkert P, Rodondi N, Mueller A, Ammann P, Auricchio A, Shah D, Sticherling C, Ehret G, Roten L, Kuhne M, Osswald S, Conen D, Bonati L. P2908Serum light-chain neurofilament, a brain lesion marker, correlates with CHA2DS2-VASc score among patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy565.p2908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Kuhne M, Goldi T, Knecht S, Aeschbacher S, Spies F, Schaer B, Kaufmann B, Reichlin T, Osswald S, Sticherling C. P6084Prevalence and management of atrial thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing transesophageal echocardiography before pulmonary vein isolation. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy566.p6084] [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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Aeschbacher S, Mongiat M, Bernasconi R, Blum S, Meyre P, Krisai P, Ceylan S, Risch M, Risch L, Conen D. P5133Relationship between aldosterone-to-renin ratio and blood pressure in young adults from the general population. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy566.p5133] [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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Brenner R, Aeschbacher S, Blum S, Meyre P, Ammann P, Erne P, Moschovitis G, Di Valentino M, Shah D, Schlaepfer J, Kuehne M, Sticherling C, Osswald S, Conen D. P980Physical activity and outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy564.p980] [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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Aeschbacher S, Conen D, Rodondi N, Beer J, Auricchio A, Hayoz D, Shah D, Novak J, Di Valentino M, Moutzouri E, Monsch AU, Stippich C, Wurfel J, Kuhne M, Osswald S. P978Relationship between structural brain damage and cognitive function in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy564.p978] [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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Meyre P, Blum S, Berger S, Aeschbacher S, Schoepfer H, Briel M, Niessner A, Osswald S, Conen D. P975Incidence and risk factors for all-cause hospitalizations in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy564.p975] [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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Blum S, Aeschbacher S, Meyre P, Ammann P, Erne P, Moschovitis G, Di Valentino M, Shah D, Schlaepfer J, Kuehne M, Sticherling C, Osswald S, Conen D. P4611Risk for adverse outcome events according to paroxysmal vs. non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx504.p4611] [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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Aeschbacher S, Santschi E, Gerber V, Stalder H, Zanoni R. Development of a real-time RT-PCR for detection of equine influenza virus. SCHWEIZ ARCH TIERH 2015; 157:191-201. [DOI: 10.17236/sat00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Aeschbacher S, Schoen T, Clair C, Schillinger P, Schönenberger S, Risch M, Risch L, Conen D. Association of smoking and nicotine dependence with pre-diabetes in young and healthy adults. Swiss Med Wkly 2014; 144:w14019. [DOI: 10.4414/smw.2014.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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