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Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Dec 2022Fetal heart-rate irregularities occur in 1-2% of pregnancies and are usually caused by premature atrial contractions (PAC). Although PAC are considered benign, they may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Fetal heart-rate irregularities occur in 1-2% of pregnancies and are usually caused by premature atrial contractions (PAC). Although PAC are considered benign, they may be associated with cardiac defects and tachyarrhythmia. We aimed to determine the incidence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) and complications in fetuses with PAC.
METHODS
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement for reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1990 to June 2021 to identify studies on fetuses with PAC. The primary outcome was CHD; secondary outcomes were complications using the endpoints supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVT), cardiac failure and intrauterine fetal demise. Meta-analysis of proportions was performed, subdivided into high-risk and low-risk populations based on reason for referral. Pooled incidences with 95% CIs were calculated.
RESULTS
Of 2443 unique articles identified, 19 cohort studies including 2260 fetuses were included. The pooled incidence of CHD in fetuses with PAC was 2.8% (95% CI, 1.5-4.1%), when 0.6% is the incidence expected in the general population. The pooled incidence of CHD was 7.2% (95% CI, 3.5-10.9%) in the high-risk population and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.0-2.0%) in the low-risk population. SVT occurred in 1.4% (95% CI, 0.6-3.4%) of fetuses diagnosed with PAC. Cardiac failure was described in 16 fetuses (1.4% (95% CI, 0.5-3.5%)), of which eight were CHD-related. Intrauterine fetal demise occurred in four fetuses (0.9% (95% CI, 0.5-1.7%)) and was related to CHD in two cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the risk of CHD in fetuses with PAC is 4-5 times higher than that in the general population. CHD was present more frequently in the high-risk population. Consequently, an advanced ultrasound examination to diagnose PAC correctly and exclude CHD is recommended. Complications of PAC are rare but can result in fetal demise, thus weekly fetal heart-rate monitoring remains advisable to enable early detection of SVT and to prevent cardiac failure. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Fetal Diseases; Premature Birth; Fetal Death; Atrial Premature Complexes; Fetus; Tachycardia; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Heart Failure
PubMed: 35763619
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26017 -
Value in Health : the Journal of the... Apr 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an increasing incidence and prevalence because of progressively aging populations. Costs related to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an increasing incidence and prevalence because of progressively aging populations. Costs related to AF are both direct and indirect. This systematic review aims to identify the main cost drivers of the illness, assess the potential economic impact resulting from changes in care strategies, and propose interventions where they are most needed.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to identify analytical observational studies defining the cost of illness in cases of AF. The search strategy was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 recommendations.
RESULTS
Of the 944 articles retrieved, 24 met the inclusion criteria. These studies were conducted in several countries. All studies calculated the direct medical costs, whereas 8 of 24 studies assessed indirect costs. The median annual direct medical cost per patient, considering all studies, was €9409 (13 333 US dollars in purchasing power parities), with a very large variability due to the heterogeneity of different analyses. Hospitalization costs are generally the main cost drivers. Comorbidities and complications, such as stroke, considerably increase the average annual direct medical cost of AF.
CONCLUSIONS
In most of the analyzed studies, inpatient care cost represents the main component of the mean direct medical cost per patient. Stroke and heart failure are responsible for a large share of the total costs; therefore, implementing guidelines to manage comorbidities in AF is a necessary step to improve health and mitigate healthcare costs.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Health Care Costs; Hospitalization; Stroke; Cost of Illness
PubMed: 38296049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.12.015 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2021Background Leadless pacemaker is a novel technology, and evidence supporting its use is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Leadless pacemaker is a novel technology, and evidence supporting its use is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers implanted in the right ventricle. Methods and Results We searched PubMed and Embase for studies published before June 6, 2020. The primary safety outcome was major complications, whereas the primary efficacy end point was acceptable pacing capture threshold (≤2 V). Pooled estimates were calculated using the Freedman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Of 1281 records screened, we identified 36 observational studies of Nanostim and Micra leadless pacemakers, with most (69.4%) reporting outcomes for the Micra. For Micra, the pooled incidence of complications at 90 days (n=1608) was 0.46% (95% CI, 0.08%-1.05%) and at 1 year (n=3194) was 1.77% (95% CI, 0.76%-3.07%). In 5 studies with up to 1-year follow-up, Micra was associated with 51% lower odds of complications compared with transvenous pacemakers (3.30% versus 7.43%; odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34-0.70). At 1 year, 98.96% (95% CI, 97.26%-99.94%) of 1376 patients implanted with Micra had good pacing capture thresholds. For Nanostim, the reported complication incidence ranged from 6.06% to 23.54% at 90 days and 5.33% to 6.67% at 1 year, with 90% to 100% having good pacing capture thresholds at 1 year (pooled result not estimated because of the low number of studies). Conclusions Most studies report outcomes for the Micra, which is associated with a low risk of complications and good electrical performance up to 1-year after implantation. Further data from randomized controlled trials are needed to support the widespread adoption of these devices in clinical practice.
Topics: Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Equipment Design; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Pacemaker, Artificial; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34169736
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.120.019212 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2016The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost associated with Wenxin keli in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases based on meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost associated with Wenxin keli in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases based on meta-analysis.
METHODS
The terms "Wenxin keli" and "Wenxin" were used as the search terms in the PubMed, ProQuest, Springer, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Scientific Journals Database), and Wan fang electronic databases (from January 2000 to October 2015). Relevant print journals and conference papers were also searched. Studies on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Wenxin keli used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases were screened, and its indications were classified. Meta-analysis of these studies was conducted using the RevMan 5.2 software.
RESULTS
A total of 49 RCTs (n=4,610) were included, 29 of which focused on arrhythmia, seven on angina, seven on heart failure, two on viral myocarditis, and four on menopausal syndrome. Analysis of the therapeutic indications of Wenxin keli showed that it was comparatively more curative and effective than other available treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
CONCLUSION
Wenxin keli showed better clinical efficacy in the treatment of arrhythmia, angina, and heart failure; however, more high-quality evidence is needed to support its use in the clinical setting.
Topics: Angina Pectoris; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Cardiovascular Diseases; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Menopause; Myocarditis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 27881911
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S112333 -
European Heart Journal. Quality of Care... Aug 2023Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is now a mainstream procedure although long-term outcomes are uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is now a mainstream procedure although long-term outcomes are uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of procedural outcomes at 5 years and beyond.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We searched PubMed and Embase and after the screening, identified 73 studies (67 159 patients) reporting freedom from atrial arrhythmia, all-cause death, stroke, and major bleeding at ≥5 years after AF ablation. The pooled mean age was 59.7y, 71.5% male, 62.2% paroxysmal AF, and radiofrequency was used in 78.1% of studies. Pooled incidence of freedom from atrial arrhythmia at 5 years was 50.6% (95%CI 45.5-55.7%) after a single ablation and 69.7% [95%CI (confidence interval) 63.8-75.3%) after multiple procedures. The incidence was higher among patients with paroxysmal compared with non-paroxysmal AF after single (59.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.002) and multiple (80.8% vs. 60.6%, p < 0.001) ablations but was comparable between radiofrequency and cryoablation. Pooled incidences of other outcomes were 6.0% (95%CI 3.2-9.7%) for death, 2.4% (95%CI 1.4-3.7%) for stroke, and 1.2% (95%CI 0.8-2.0%) for major bleeding at 5 years. Beyond 5 years, freedom from arrhythmia recurrence remained largely stable (52.3% and 64.7% after single and multiple procedures at 10 years), while the risk of stroke and bleeding increased over time.
CONCLUSION
Nearly 70% of patients having multiple ablations remained free from atrial arrhythmia at 5 years, with the incidence slightly decreasing beyond this period. Risk of death, stroke, and major bleeding at 5 years were low but increased over time, emphasizing the importance of long-term thromboembolism prevention and bleeding risk management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Atrial Fibrillation; Treatment Outcome; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Hemorrhage; Stroke; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37336617
DOI: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcad037 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2015People with the cardiac arrhythmia supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) frequently present to clinicians in the prehospital and emergency medicine settings. Restoring... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
People with the cardiac arrhythmia supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) frequently present to clinicians in the prehospital and emergency medicine settings. Restoring sinus rhythm by terminating the SVT involves increasing the refractoriness of atrioventricular nodal tissue within the myocardium by means of vagal manoeuvres, pharmacological agents, or electrical cardioversion. A commonly used first-line technique to restore the normal sinus rhythm (reversion) is the Valsalva Manoeuvre (VM). This is a non-invasive means of increasing myocardial refractoriness by increasing intrathoracic pressure for a brief period, thus stimulating baroreceptor activity in the aortic arch and carotid bodies, resulting in increased parasympathetic (vagus nerve) tone.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the evidence of effectiveness of the VM in terminating SVT.
SEARCH METHODS
We updated the electronic searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 7); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to August week 3, 2014); EMBASE Classic and EMBASE Ovid (1947 to 27 August 2014); Web of Science (1970 to 27 August 2014); and BIOSIS Previews (1969 to 22 August 2014). We also checked trials registries, the Index to Theses, and the bibliographies of all relevant publications identified by these strategies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of VM in terminating SVT.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted the data using a standardised form. We assessed each trial for internal validity, resolving any differences by discussion. We then extracted and entered data into Review Manager 5.
MAIN RESULTS
In this update, we did not identify any new RCT studies for inclusion. We identified two RCT studies as ongoing that we are likely to include in future updates. Accordingly, our results are unchanged and include three RCTs with a total of 316 participants. All three studies compared the effectiveness of VM in reverting SVT with that of other vagal manoeuvres in a cross-over design. Two studies induced SVT within a controlled laboratory environment. Participants had ceased all medications prior to engaging in these studies. The third study reported on people presenting to a hospital emergency department with an episode of SVT. These participants were not controlled for medications or other factors prior to intervention.The two laboratory studies demonstrated reversion rates of 45.9% and 54.3%, whilst the clinical study demonstrated reversion success of 19.4%. This discrepancy may be due to methodological differences between studies, the effect of induced SVT versus spontaneous episodic SVT, and participant factors such as medications and comorbidities. We were unable to assess any of these factors, or adverse effects, further, since they were either not described in enough detail or not reported at all.Statistical pooling was not possible due to heterogeneity between the included studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We did not find sufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of VM for termination of SVT. Further research is needed, and this research should include a standardised approach to performance technique and methodology.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tachycardia, Supraventricular; Treatment Outcome; Valsalva Maneuver
PubMed: 25922864
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009502.pub3 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine... Dec 2015Atrial fibrillation is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. Its prevalence increases with age and preferentially affects male patients. Over 75 years of age,... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. Its prevalence increases with age and preferentially affects male patients. Over 75 years of age, however, female patients being more prevalent, the absolute number of patients affected is similar between sexes. Despite this, few data are available in the literature concerning sex-related differences in atrial fibrillation patients. The present systematic review therefore considers comorbidities, referring symptoms, quality of life, pharmacological approaches and trans-catheter ablation in female rather than in male atrial fibrillation patients in search of parameters that may have an impact on the treatment outcome. In brief, female atrial fibrillation patients more commonly present comorbidities, leading to a higher prevalence of persistent atrial fibrillation; moreover, they refer to hospital care later and with a longer disease history. Atrial fibrillation symptoms relate to low quality of life in female patients; in fact, atrial fibrillation paroxysm usually presents higher heart rate, leading to preferentially adopt a rate rather than a rhythm-control strategy. Female atrial fibrillation patients present an increased risk of stroke, worsened by the lower oral anticoagulant prescription rate related to the concomitant higher haemorrhagic risk profile. Trans-catheter ablation is under-used in female patients and, on the contrary, they are more commonly affected by anti-arrhythmic drug side effects.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Comorbidity; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Quality of Life; Sex Distribution; Sex Factors; Thromboembolism
PubMed: 25806470
DOI: 10.2459/JCM.0000000000000239 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Mar 2023To describe the role of left atrial (LA) epicardial conduction and targets of ablation in biatrial tachycardias (BiATs).
AIMS
To describe the role of left atrial (LA) epicardial conduction and targets of ablation in biatrial tachycardias (BiATs).
METHODS AND RESULTS
Consecutive patients with BiAT diagnosed by high-density mapping and appropriate entrainment were enrolled. A systematic review of case reports or series was then performed. Biatrial tachycardia was identified in 20 patients aged 63.5 ± 11.1 years. Among them, eight had LA epicardial conduction, including four via the ligament of Marshall, two via myocardial fibres between the great cardiac vein (GCV) and LA, one via septopulmonary bundle, and one via myocardial fibres between the posterior wall and coronary sinus. Ablation was targeted at the anatomical isthmus in 14, including 5 undergoing vein of Marshall ethanol infusion and 2 undergoing ablation in the GCV. Another six underwent ablation at interatrial connections, including one with septopulmonary bundle at the fossa ovalis and five at the atrial insertions of Bachmann's bundle. After a mean follow-up of 8.7 ± 3.8 months, five patients had recurrence of atrial fibrillation/flutter. Systematic review enrolled 87 patients in previous and the present reports, showing a higher risk of impairment in atrial physiology in those targeting interatrial connections (30.4 vs. 5.0%, P < 0.001) but no significant difference in short- and long-term effectiveness.
CONCLUSION
Left atrial epicardial conduction is common in BiATs and affects the ablation strategy. Atrial physiology is a major concern in selecting the target of intervention.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Conduction System; Treatment Outcome; Tachycardia; Heart Atria; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 36563053
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac231 -
Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy Jun 2017Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with pronounced morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence, expected to further increase... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with pronounced morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence, expected to further increase for the forthcoming years, and associated frequent hospitalizations turn AF into a major health problem. Structural and electrical atrial remodelling underlie the substrate for AF, but the exact mechanisms driving this remodelling remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNA), short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, may be involved in the pathophysiology of AF. MiRNAs have been implicated in AF-induced ion channel remodelling and fibrosis. MiRNAs could therefore provide insight into AF pathophysiology or become novel targets for therapy with miRNA mimics or anti-miRNAs. Moreover, circulating miRNAs have been suggested as a new class of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of AF. However, the origin and function of miRNAs in tissue and plasma frequently remain unknown and studies investigating the role of miRNAs in AF vary in design and focus and even present contradicting results. Here, we provide a systematic review of the available clinical and functional studies investigating the tissue and plasma miRNAs in AF and will thereafter discuss the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets in AF.
Topics: Animals; Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Gene Expression; Humans; MicroRNAs
PubMed: 28752208
DOI: 10.1007/s10557-017-6736-z -
International Journal of Cardiology Oct 2023Patients with a transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and a systemic right ventricle are at risk of heart failure (HF) development, arrhythmia and early mortality.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Patients with a transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and a systemic right ventricle are at risk of heart failure (HF) development, arrhythmia and early mortality. Prognostic evaluations in clinical studies are hampered by small sample sizes and single-centred approaches. We aimed to investigate yearly rate of outcome and factors affecting it.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus) was conducted from inception to June 2022. Studies reporting the association of a systemic right ventricle with mortality with a minimal follow-up of 2 years during adulthood were selected. Incidence of HF hospitalization and/or arrhythmia were captured as additional endpoints. For each outcome, a summary effect estimate was calculated.
RESULTS
From a total of 3891 identified records, 56 studies met the selection criteria. These studies described the follow-up (on average 7.27 years) of 5358 systemic right ventricle patients. The mortality incidence was 1.3 (1-1.7) per 100 patients/year. The incidence of HF hospitalization was 2.6 (1.9-3.7) per 100 patients/year. Predictors of poor outcome were a lower left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (standardized mean differences (SMD) of -0.43 (-0.77 to -0.09) and - 0.85 (-1.35 to -0.35), respectively), higher plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP (SMD of 1.24 (0.49-1.99)), and NYHA class ≥2 (risk ratio of 2.17 (1.40-3.35)).
CONCLUSIONS
TGA patients with a systemic right ventricle have increased incidence of mortality and HF hospitalization. A lower LVEF and RVEF, higher levels of NT-proBNP and NYHA class ≥2 are associated with poor outcome.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Transposition of Great Vessels; Heart Ventricles; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Right; Heart Failure; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Arteries
PubMed: 37433408
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131159