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Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Apr 2023Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common tachyarrhythmia affecting 33 million people worldwide. Hybrid AF ablation utilises a surgical (epicardial) ablation followed by an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common tachyarrhythmia affecting 33 million people worldwide. Hybrid AF ablation utilises a surgical (epicardial) ablation followed by an endocardial catheter-based ablation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the literature reporting mid-term freedom from AF following hybrid ablation.
METHODS
An electronic search of databases was performed to identify all relevant studies providing mid-term (2 year) outcomes following hybrid ablation for AF. The primary study outcome was to assess the mid-term freedom from AF following hybrid ablation, utilising the metaprop function on Stata® (Version 17.0, StataCorp, Texas, USA). Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the impact of various operative characteristics on mid-term freedom from AF. The secondary outcomes assessed mortality and procedural complication rate.
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 16 studies qualifying for inclusion in this meta-analysis, with 1242 patients in total. The majority of papers were retrospective cohort studies (15) and one study was a randomized control trial (RCT). The mean follow up was 31.5 ± 8.4 months. Following hybrid ablation, the overall mid-term freedom from AF was 74.6% and 65.4% for patients off antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD). Actuarial freedom from AF was 78.2%, 74.2% and 73.6% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively. No significant differences in mid-term freedom from AF based epicardial lesion set (box vs pulmonary vein isolation) or Left atrial appendage/Ganglionated Plexus/Ligament of Marshall ablation or staged vs concomitant procedures. There were 12 deaths overall following the hybrid procedure with a pooled complication rate of 5.53%.
CONCLUSION
Hybrid AF ablation offers promising mid-term freedom from AF reported at a mean follow-up of 31.5 months. The overall complication rate remains low. Further analysis of high-quality studies with randomized data and long-term follow up will help verify these results.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Treatment Outcome; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Heart; Catheter Ablation; Recurrence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37076929
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-023-02189-2 -
European Review For Medical and... Aug 2021There are concerns in maintaining adequate levels of physical activity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This could be related to the type of exercise...
OBJECTIVE
There are concerns in maintaining adequate levels of physical activity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This could be related to the type of exercise delivered, different among studies, as the words used to describe it as treatment. We have analysed the state-of-art of the role of the exercise in AF by a mathematical analysis. This analysis documented the connections between topics and updated the available evidence through a systematic review of the current literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was conducted using specific terms for studies published between 2000 and 2019. For the descriptive analysis of the current literature, we used the LExical Network analysed by the Graph THeory (LENGTH) method, while to perform our review we followed the PRISMA statement. Downs and Black Quality Index was also used to assess the quality of studies. The LENGTH approach indicated nonspecific terms as "exercise", "physical" and "activity" as more representative than "rehabilitation" to describe the intervention.
RESULTS
The systematic review identified nine studies on 882 patients of moderate (n=4) to good (n=5) quality. Training consisted of a combination of supervised ambulatory and home-based outpatient programs, focused on aerobic elements (endurance and resistance training, walking, treadmill and bicycle ergometer). Significant improvements in 6-minute walking test distance and peak oxygen uptake and in quality of life were obtained, with high adherence to training and no serious/significant adverse events. Only one trial was based on cardiac rehabilitation principles.
CONCLUSIONS
Adequate exercise training can get a favourable cardiovascular outcome in patients with AF.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Oxygen; Patient Compliance; Quality of Life; Walk Test
PubMed: 34486691
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202108_26530 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been explored in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been explored in recent cohort studies, however, the results have been controversial and inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to explore this potential association.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify all relevant cohort studies investigating the association between NAFLD/MAFLD and AF published from database inception to October 30, 2022. Random-effects models were utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for summary purposes. Additionally, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULTS
A total of 13 cohort studies with 14 272 735 participants were included. Among these, 12 cohort studies with 14 213 289 participants (median follow-up of 7.8 years) showed a significant association between NAFLD and an increased risk of incident AF (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12-1.23, < 0.00001). Our subgroup analyses mostly yielded similar results, and the results of sensitivity analyses remained unchanged. However, meta-analysis of data from 2 cohort studies with 59 896 participants (median follow-up of 2.15 years) showed that MAFLD was not linked to incident AF (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.63-2.92, = 0.44).
CONCLUSION
Current evidence shows that NAFLD may be linked to a slightly higher risk of developing AF, particularly among Asian populations and those diagnosed with NAFLD using FLI criteria. Nevertheless, there is not enough evidence to support the proposed association between MAFLD and an increased risk of AF. To better understand this relationship, future studies should consider factors such as specific population, the severity of NAFLD/MAFLD, diagnostic methods of NAFLD and AF, and cardiometabolic risk factors.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022371503.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37476492
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1160532 -
Clinical Cardiology Jun 2023There are limited comparative data on safety and efficacy within commonly used Vaughan-Williams (VW) class III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for maintenance of sinus... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There are limited comparative data on safety and efficacy within commonly used Vaughan-Williams (VW) class III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for maintenance of sinus rhythm in adults with atrial fibrillation (AF).
HYPOTHESIS
We hypothesized that dronedarone and sotalol, two commonly prescribed VW class III AADs with class II properties, have different safety and efficacy effects in patients with nonpermanent AF.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted searching MEDLINE®, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to June 15, 2021 (NCT05279833). Clinical trials and observational studies that evaluated safety and efficacy of dronedarone or sotalol in adults with AF were included. Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to quantify comparative safety and efficacy. Where feasible, we performed sensitivity analyses by including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
RESULTS
Of 3581 records identified through database searches, 37 unique studies (23 RCTs, 13 observational studies, and 1 nonrandomized trial) were included in the NMA. Dronedarone was associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of all-cause death versus sotalol (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.38 [95% credible interval, CrI: 0.19, 0.74]). The association was numerically similar in the sensitivity analysis (HR = 0.46 [95% CrI: 0.21, 1.02]). AF recurrence and cardiovascular death results were not significantly different between dronedarone and sotalol in all-studies and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
The NMA findings indicate that, across all clinical trials and observational studies included, dronedarone compared with sotalol was associated with a lower risk of all-cause death, but with no difference in AF recurrence.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Amiodarone; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Dronedarone; Network Meta-Analysis; Sotalol
PubMed: 37025083
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24011 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Feb 2023While atrial fibrillation (AF) is suggested to induce a prothrombotic state, increasing thrombotic risk, it is also hypothesized that coagulation underlies AF onset.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
While atrial fibrillation (AF) is suggested to induce a prothrombotic state, increasing thrombotic risk, it is also hypothesized that coagulation underlies AF onset. However, conclusive evidence is lacking. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize and combine the evidence on the associations between coagulation factors with AF in both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We systematically searched for longitudinal cohort and cross-sectional studies investigating AF and thrombosis. For longitudinal studies, pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. For cross-sectional studies, we determined pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs. A total of 17 longitudinal and 44 cross-sectional studies were included. In longitudinal studies, we found significant associations between fibrinogen (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.12), and D-dimer (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19) and AF incidence. In cross-sectional studies, we found significantly increased levels of fibrinogen (SMD 0.47, 95% CI 0.20-0,74), von Willebrand factor (SMD 0.96, 95% CI 0.28-1.66), P-selectin (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.08-0.54), ß-thromboglobulin (SMD 0.82, 95% CI 0.61-1.04), Platelet Factor 4 (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.12-0.7), PAI-1 (1.73, 95% CI 0.26-3.19), and D-dimer (SMD 1.74, 95% CI 0.36-3.11) in AF patients, as opposed to controls.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that higher levels of coagulation factors are associated with prevalent and incident AF. These associations are most pronounced with prevalent AF in cross-sectional studies. Limited evidence from longitudinal studies suggests a prothrombotic state underlying AF development.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biomarkers; Blood Coagulation Factors; Fibrinogen; Thrombosis
PubMed: 35942591
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac130 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Oct 2021This study analyzes and compares the efficacy of using catheter ablation (CA) and traditional drug treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF). Through a systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study analyzes and compares the efficacy of using catheter ablation (CA) and traditional drug treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF). Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, it seeks to provide a theoretical basis for using clinical CA for patients with AF.
METHODS
We searched through articles detailing randomly controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the surgical effect of CA on the treatment of AF. These articles were published before January 31, 2000 in various English databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline, Ovid, Springer, and Web of Sciences. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention 5.0.2 was adopted for the bias risk assessment, and Review Manager 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis of the articles.
RESULTS
A total of 2,098 patients drawn from 13 articles were included in the study. For patients in the experimental group (Exp. group), the meta-analysis showed an increase in the effects of clinical treatment [mean deviation (MD) =3.91; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.15-4.85; Z=12.36; P<0.00001], an improvement in daily life function (MD =1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-1.87; Z=6.82; P<0.00001), a decrease in body weakness (MD =-2.84; 95% CI, -3.24 to -2.45; Z=14.16; P <0.00001), and an increase in quality of life score (MD =14.15; 95% CI, 7.24-21.05; Z=4.01; P<0.0001). The Exp. group also experienced a reduction in postoperative pain level (MD =-2.5; 95% CI, -3.11 to -1.89; Z=8.04; P<0.00001), reoccurrence of symptomatic AF (OR =0.27; 95% CI, 0.11-0.67; Z=2.82; P=0.005), rehospitalization (MD =0.15; 95% CI, 0.07-0.31; Z=5.11; P<0.00001), other arrhythmia (MD =0.33; 95% CI, 0.18-0.6; Z=3.62; P=0.0003), and pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) (MD =0.32; 95% CI, 0.14-0.72; Z=2.74; P=0.006). However, in contrast to patients in the control group (Ctrl group), the 'bleeding' mentioned above showed no statistical difference.
DISCUSSION
CA has a good postoperative clinical effect on AF patients, reducing incidences of pain, adverse reactions, and rehospitalization. For this reason, CA is a suitable treatment for AF patients who do not effectively respond to drug therapy.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34763501
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2313 -
Annals of Internal Medicine Nov 2014Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of stroke. Silent cerebral infarctions (SCIs) are known to occur in the presence and absence of AF, but the association... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of stroke. Silent cerebral infarctions (SCIs) are known to occur in the presence and absence of AF, but the association between these disorders has not been well-defined.
PURPOSE
To estimate the association between AF and SCIs and the prevalence of SCIs in stroke-free patients with AF.
DATA SOURCES
Searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE from inception to 8 May 2014 without language restrictions and manual screening of article references.
STUDY SELECTION
Observational studies involving adults with AF and no clinical history of stroke or prosthetic valves who reported SCIs.
DATA EXTRACTION
Study characteristics and study quality were assessed in duplicate.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Eleven studies including 5317 patients with mean ages from 50.0 to 83.6 years reported on the association between AF and SCIs. Autopsy studies were heterogeneous and low-quality; therefore, they were excluded from the meta-analysis of the risk estimates. When computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were combined, AF was associated with SCIs in patients with no history of symptomatic stroke (odds ratio, 2.62 [95% CI, 1.81 to 3.80]; I(2) = 32.12%; P for heterogeneity = 0.118). This association was independent of AF type (paroxysmal vs. persistent). The results were not altered significantly when the analysis was restricted to studies that met at least 70% of the maximum possible quality score (odds ratio, 3.06 [CI, 2.24 to 4.19]). Seventeen studies reported the prevalence of SCIs. The overall prevalence of SCI lesions on MRI and CT among patients with AF was 40% and 22%, respectively.
LIMITATION
Most studies were cross-sectional, and autopsy studies were heterogeneous and not sufficiently sensitive to detect small lesions.
CONCLUSION
Atrial fibrillation is associated with more than a 2-fold increase in the odds for SCI.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
Deane Institute for Integrative Research in Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Autopsy; Cerebral Infarction; Humans; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Prevalence
PubMed: 25364886
DOI: 10.7326/M14-0538 -
Warfarin adherence and anticoagulation control in atrial fibrillation patients: a systematic review.European Review For Medical and... Dec 2021This paper aims to review the literature systematically on warfarin adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation and to assess the anticoagulation control focused on...
OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to review the literature systematically on warfarin adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation and to assess the anticoagulation control focused on patient clinical outcomes. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac disease defined by abnormal heart rhythm, which significantly impacts a patient's health status, quality of life, and heart output, and thus a greater risk of stroke and hospitalization. Most AF patients should be managed with long-term anticoagulation, either with vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin or new oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Anticoagulants have been a core in treating AF and weighing the consequences of thrombosis with the risk of bleeding. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of warfarin adherence on AF patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was conducted on electronic databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO, Cochrane library, Google, and Google Scholar from January 2011 to April 2021 to determine studies that reported warfarin adherence on patients with atrial fibrillation.
RESULTS
Out of 1429 titles and abstracts were retrieved, 12 studies fulfilled and met the inclusion criteria. From the included studies, two were carried out in Brazil and one from the following nations: Libya, Jordan, Iran, KSA, Canada, Malaysia, Bahrain, UAE, Singapore, and the USA. The study designs identified were cross-section, retrospective, and prospective studies. Warfarin adherence was influenced by multiple causes, including pharmaceutical services, the number of medications, and warfarin knowledge regarding anticoagulation control. Warfarin adherence illustrates its positive association with TTR and INR as a measure of anticoagulation control.
CONCLUSIONS
While the available evidence is limited, this systematic review demonstrated a positive finding of the association between warfarin adherence and anticoagulation control in patients with AF.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Blood Coagulation; Humans; Medication Adherence; Treatment Outcome; Warfarin
PubMed: 34982455
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27642 -
Clinical Medicine & Research Dec 2022To assess the effectiveness of multidisciplinary integrated care in the clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation patients. Medline, EMBASE, and the CENTRAL trials... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To assess the effectiveness of multidisciplinary integrated care in the clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation patients. Medline, EMBASE, and the CENTRAL trials registry of the Cochrane Collaboration were searched for articles on multidisciplinary integrated care in atrial fibrillation patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis included six and five articles, respectively, that compared the outcomes between the integrated care group and control group. Multidisciplinary integrated care was concomitant with a decrease in all-cause mortality (OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.36-0.74, =0.0003) and cardiovascular hospitalization (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.49-0.89, =0.007). Multidisciplinary integrated care had no significant impact on major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (OR 0.76, 95%CI 0.37-1.53, =0.44), cardiovascular deaths (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.21-1.17, =0.11), atrial fibrillation (AF)-related hospitalization (OR 0.76, 95%CI 0.53-1.09, =0.14), major bleeding (OR 1.02, 95%CI 0.59-1.75, =0.94), minor bleeding (OR 1.12, 95%CI 0.55-2.26, =0.76), and cerebrovascular events (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.45-1.18, =0.19). In comparison to usual care, a multidisciplinary integrated care approach (i.e., nurse-led care along with usual specialist care) in AF patients is associated with reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Hemorrhage; Heart; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated
PubMed: 36581397
DOI: 10.3121/cmr.2022.1702 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2018Cardiac surgery patients always present with atrial fibrillation (AF) after admission to the intensive care unit, leading to high mortality and lengthy hospitalization.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Cardiac surgery patients always present with atrial fibrillation (AF) after admission to the intensive care unit, leading to high mortality and lengthy hospitalization. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a popular medication used for sedation in the intensive care unit; however, whether it can reduce AF needs to be analyzed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three primary databases, Medline, Embase (Ovid SP) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), were searched. All English language and randomized control designed clinical publications comparing DEX to control medicines for sedation after elective cardiac surgery were included. Two independent colleagues conducted the data extraction and quality assessments. The subgroup analysis was performed according to the medicine used, age, AF history, and whether previous beta-blocker premedication and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were applied. The overall incidence of AF was analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 1,295 patients in nine studies met the selection criteria among 2,587 studies screened from the database. After quantitative synthesis, our results revealed that the DEX group was not associated with a decreased incidence of AF compared with the placebo (risk ratio [RR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.37, 1.55, =0.44) and morphine groups (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.56, 1.31, =0.48). Subgroup analysis also indicated that the DEX vs propofol comparison exhibited no difference: 1) for patients of age >60 years (=0.69) or ≤60 years (=0.69); 2) under CPB surgery (=0.45) or without CPB surgery (=0.88); 3) with beta-blocker premedication (=0.32) or without beta-blocker premedication (=0.90); and 4) with AF history (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.85, 1.36, =0.57) or without AF history (=0.30).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis revealed that DEX could not reduce the incidence of AF compared to control medicines following cardiac surgery. DEX may have an increased influence on AF occurrence if patients had a history of AF. However, cautious interpretation should be made due to high clinical heterogeneity.
Topics: Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Dexmedetomidine; Humans
PubMed: 29559768
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S153834