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Journal of the American College of... Jun 2021The prevalence of left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) on guideline-directed anticoagulation is not well known,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) on guideline-directed anticoagulation is not well known, yet this may inform transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) use before cardioversion or catheter ablation.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to quantify LA thrombus prevalence among patients with AF/AFL on guideline-directed anticoagulation and to identify high-risk subgroups.
METHODS
EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL were systematically searched from inception to July 2020 for studies reporting on LA thrombus prevalence among patients with AF/AFL undergoing TEE following at least 3 weeks of continuous therapeutic oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models.
RESULTS
Thirty-five studies describing 14,653 patients were identified. The mean-weighted LA thrombus prevalence was 2.73% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95% to 3.80%). LA thrombus prevalence was similar for VKA- and DOAC-treated patients (2.80%; 95% CI: 1.86% to 4.21% vs. 3.12%; 95% CI: 1.92% to 5.03%; p = 0.674). Patients with nonparoxysmal AF/AFL had a 4-fold higher LA thrombus prevalence compared with paroxysmal patients (4.81%; 95% CI: 3.35% to 6.86% vs. 1.03%; 95% CI: 0.52% to 2.03%; p < 0.001). LA thrombus prevalence was higher among patients undergoing cardioversion versus ablation (5.55%; 95% CI: 3.15% to 9.58% vs. 1.65%; 95% CI: 1.07% to 2.53%; p < 0.001). Patients with CHADS-VASc scores ≥3 had a higher LA thrombus prevalence compared with patients with scores ≤2 (6.31%; 95% CI: 3.72% to 10.49% vs. 1.06%; 95% CI: 0.45% to 2.49%; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
LA thrombus prevalence is high in subgroups of anticoagulated patients with AF/AFL, who may benefit from routine pre-procedural TEE use before cardioversion or catheter ablation.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Atrial Appendage; Atrial Fibrillation; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Global Health; Heart Diseases; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Thrombosis
PubMed: 34112315
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.04.036 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2021Catheter ablation has become a well-established indication for long-term rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs)....
Catheter Ablation vs. Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs as First-Line Treatment in Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Catheter ablation has become a well-established indication for long-term rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients refractory to anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs). Efficacy and safety of AF catheter ablation (AFCA) before AADs failure are, instead, questioned. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing first-line AFCA with AADs in symptomatic patients with paroxysmal AF. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of binary outcome events comparing AFCA with AADs in rhythm control-naïve patients. The primary outcomes, also stratified by the type of ablation energy (radiofrequency or cryoenergy), were (1) recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias and (2) recurrence of symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmias. The secondary outcomes included adverse events. Six RCTs were included in the analysis. AFCA was associated with lower recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias [relative risk (RR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.72], consistent across the two types of ablation energy (radiofrequency, RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.89; cryoenergy, RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.50-0.72; -value for subgroup differences: 0.55). Similarly, AFCA was related to less symptomatic arrhythmic recurrences (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.79). Overall, adverse events did not differ. A trend toward increased periprocedural cardiac tamponade or phrenic nerve palsy was observed in the AFCA group, while more atrial flutter episodes with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction and syncopal events were reported in the AAD group. First-line rhythm control therapy with AFCA, independent from the adopted energy source (radiofrequency or cryoenergy), reduces long-term arrhythmic recurrences in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF compared with AADs.
PubMed: 34095254
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.664647 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology May 2021Cardiac arrhythmias are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiac arrhythmias are associated with poorer outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have shown inconsistent conclusions regarding the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the risk of developing arrhythmias. This study aims to investigate the association of SGLT2i treatment with arrhythmia outcomes in clinical trials of patients with HF, DM, or CKD.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception up to 27 August 2020. Randomized controlled trials that randomized patients with DM, CKD, or HF to SGLT2i or placebo were included. The outcomes of interest include atrial fibrillation (AF), embolic stroke, atrial flutter (AFL), AF/AFL, ventricular tachycardia (VT), and cardiac arrest. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Out of 4,532 citations, 22 trials with altogether 52,115 patients were included (mean age 63.2 years; 33,747 [64.8%] of participants were men). SGLT2i were associated with a lower risk of AF (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.96), embolic stroke (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12-0.85), AF/AFL (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95), and VT (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53-0.99), while the risk reductions in AFL (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.58-1.17) and cardiac arrest (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.61-1.14) did not reach statistical significance. The associations appeared to be consistent across different baseline conditions (DM vs CKD vs HF; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD] vs no ASCVD) and the SGLT2i used.
CONCLUSIONS
SGLT2i reduced the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Our study provides further evidence for recommending the use of SGLT2i in patients with DM, CKD, and HF. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanism by which SGLT2i protect against arrhythmias.
Topics: Aged; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33962654
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-021-01293-8 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021Hyperglycemia is associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL). Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective Effects of Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors on Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.
BACKGROUND
Hyperglycemia is associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL). Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been reported to prevent AF/AFL in some studies, but not others. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate whether SGLT2i use is associated with lower risks of AF/AFL.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library databases were searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials comparing SGLT2i and placebo.
RESULTS
A total of 33 trials involving 66,685 patients were included. The serious adverse events (SAEs) of AF/AFL occurrence were significantly lower in the SGLT2i group than the placebo group (0.96% vs. 1.19%; RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.71-0.96; P = 0.01; I 25.5%). Similarly, the SAEs of AF occurrence was significantly lower in the SGLT2i group (0.82% vs. 1.06%; RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.69-0.95; P = 0.01; I 10.2%). The subgroup analysis showed that the reduction in AF/AFL was significant only for dapagliflozin (1.02% vs. 1.49%; RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.59-0.89; P = 0.002; I2 0%), but not for canagliflozin (1.00% vs 1.08%; RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.62-1.12; P = 0.23; I 0%), empagliflozin (0.88% vs 0.70%; RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.76-1.90; P = 0.43; I 0%), ertugliflozin (1.01% vs 0.96%; RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.66-1.75; P = 0.76; I 0%), and sotagliflozin (0.16% vs 0.10%; RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.13-8.86; P = 0.93; I 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
SGLT2i use is associated with a 19.33% lower SAEs of AF/AFL compared with the placebo. Dapagliflozin users had the lowest SAEs of AF/AFL incidence. Further studies are needed to determine whether canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, and sotagliflozin similarly exert protective effects against AF/AFL development.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33815278
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.619586 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Jun 2021Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) often complicates cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality and risk of thromboembolism. However, the optimal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) often complicates cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality and risk of thromboembolism. However, the optimal oral anticoagulation (OAC) strategy is uncertain. We performed a systematic review to examine the OAC practice patterns and efficacy in these circumstances.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 2000 to 2019 using the search terms cardiac surgical procedures, cardiac surgery, postoperative complications, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and terms for anticoagulants. Collected data included anticoagulation patterns (time of initiation, type, and duration) and outcomes (stroke, bleeding, and mortality).
RESULTS
From 763 records, 4 prospective and 13 retrospective studies were included totaling 44,908 patients with 8929 (19.9%) who developed POAF. Anticoagulation rates ranged from 4% to 43% (mean 21% overall). Sixteen studies used warfarin, 3 nonvitamin K OAC (NOAC), and 2 both. Four studies reported the use of bridging unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin. Concomitant antiplatelet therapy was reported in half the studies, ranging from 80% to 99%. OAC use was associated with lower risk of thromboembolic events in two retrospective studies (including a national Danish cohort with 2108 patients with POAF). Patients discharged on warfarin experienced reduced mortality in a large, single center, retrospective analysis, but no association was observed in the Danish cohort.
CONCLUSION
There is wide practice variation in the uptake, timing of initiation, duration, and choice of OAC for POAF following cardiac surgery. The evidence is largely retrospective and insufficient to assess the efficacy of different OAC strategies. Further studies are warranted to guide clinical practice.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 33772887
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.15396 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Aug 2021Single oral dose anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) are used to cardiovert recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the optimal agent is uncertain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Single-dose oral anti-arrhythmic drugs for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AIMS
Single oral dose anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) are used to cardiovert recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the optimal agent is uncertain.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials testing single oral dose AADs vs. any comparator to cardiovert AF <7 days duration. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL to April 2020. The primary outcome was successful cardioversion at timepoint nearest 8 h after administration.
RESULTS
From 12 712 citations, 22 trials (2320 patients) were included. Thirteen trials included patients with some degree of heart failure; 19 included patients with some degree of ischaemic heart disease vs. placebo or rate-control (32% success) at 8 h, flecainide [73%, network odds ratio (OR) 7.6, 95% credible interval (CrI) 4.4-14.0], propafenone (70%, OR 4.6, CrI 2.9-7.3), and pilsicainide (59%, OR 10.0, CrI 1.8-69.0), but not amiodarone (28%, OR 1.0, CrI 0.4-2.8) were superior. Flecainide (OR 7.5, CrI 2.6-24.0) and propafenone (OR 4.5, CrI 1.6-13.0) were superior to amiodarone; propafenone vs. flecainide did not statistically differ (OR 0.6, CrI 0.3-1.1). At longest follow-up, amiodarone was superior to placebo (OR 11.0, CrI 3.2-41.0), flecainide vs. amiodarone (OR 0.79, CrI 0.19-3.1), and propafenone vs. amiodarone (OR 0.36, CrI 0.092-1.4) were not statistically different, and flecainide was superior to propafenone (OR 2.2, CrI 1.1-4.8). Atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, and hypotension were rare with PO AADs.
CONCLUSION
Single oral dose Class 1C AADs are effective and safe for cardioversion of recent-onset AF. Flecainide may be superior to propafenone. Amiodarone is a slower acting alternative.
Topics: Amiodarone; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Electric Countershock; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Propafenone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 33723602
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab014 -
CJEM Jul 2021Recent studies have presented concerning data on the safety of cardioversion for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have presented concerning data on the safety of cardioversion for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of oral anticoagulation use on thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of low-risk acute atrial fibrillation and flutter patients of < 48 h in duration.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from inception through February 6, 2020 for studies reporting thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation and flutter. Main outcome was thromboembolic events within 30 days post-cardioversion. Primary analysis compared thromboembolic events based on oral anticoagulation use versus no oral anticoagulation use. Secondary analysis was based on baseline thromboembolic risk. We performed meta-analyses where 2 or more studies were available, by applying the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.
RESULTS
Of 717 titles screened, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Primary analysis of seven studies with low risk of bias demonstrated insufficient evidence regarding the risk of thromboembolic events associated with oral anticoagulation use (RR = 0.82 where RR < 1 suggests decreased risk with oral anticoagulation use; 95% CI 0.27 to 2.47; I = 0%). Secondary analysis of 13 studies revealed increased risk of thromboembolic events with high baseline thromboembolic risk (RR = 2.25 where RR > 1 indicates increased risk with higher CHADS or CHADS-VASc scores; 95% CI 1.25 to 4.04; I = 0%).
CONCLUSION
Primary analysis revealed insufficient evidence regarding the effect of oral anticoagulation use on thromboembolic events post-cardioversion of low-risk acute atrial fibrillation and flutter, though the event rate is low in contemporary practice. Our findings can better inform patient-centered decision-making when considering 4-week oral anticoagulation use for acute atrial fibrillation and flutter patients.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Electric Countershock; Humans; Prognosis; Thromboembolism
PubMed: 33715143
DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00103-0 -
Neuro-Chirurgie Sep 2021Cerebral vasospasm is a common complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nimodipine is the most frequently used drug for cerebral vasospasm management and is the only... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cerebral vasospasm is a common complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nimodipine is the most frequently used drug for cerebral vasospasm management and is the only approved medication that has been demonstrated to reduce ischemic complications, infarct size and improve neurological outcome after aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The main purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the main cerebral and extracerebral side effects of continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine in management of delayed cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A protocol with the inclusion and exclusion criteria for matched cases and the method of analysis were established and agreed by all authors. We defined the scope of this review to include articles (prospective and retrospective) reporting the side effects of continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine in human subjects. PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review.
RESULTS
A total of 8 articles reporting 136 patients were included in the review and analyzed. The side effects associated with continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine were arterial hypotention, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, atrial fibrillation or flutter, infections, acute kidney injury, hepatic and gastro-intestinal side effects.
CONCLUSION
The most frequent side effects reported in the articles included in this systematic review associated with the continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine were arterial hypotension and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Intracerebral hemorrhage, the elevation of ICP, heart rhythm disorders, infectious complications, and thrombosis of the catheter might be also associated with CIAN. Future prospective studies are warranted to establish the risks and incidence of procedure-related side effects.
Topics: Humans; Infusions, Intra-Arterial; Nimodipine; Retrospective Studies; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Vasospasm, Intracranial
PubMed: 33652066
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2021.02.005 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Jan 2022Mitral annular flutter (MAF) is a common arrhythmia after atrial fibrillation ablation. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation utilizing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Mitral annular flutter (MAF) is a common arrhythmia after atrial fibrillation ablation. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation utilizing either a left atrial anterior wall (LAAW) line or a lateral mitral isthmus (LMI) line.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review for all studies that compared LAAW versus LMI lines. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) 95% confidence intervals were measured for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively.
RESULTS
Four studies with a total of 594 patients were included, one of which was a randomized control trial. In the LMI ablation group, 40% of patients required CS ablation. There were no significant differences in bidirectional block (RR 1.26; 95% CI, 0.94-1.69) or ablation time (MD -1.5; 95% CI, -6.11-3.11), but LAAW ablation was associated with longer ablation line length (MD 11.42; 95% CI, 10.69-12.14) and longer LAA activation delay (MD 67.68; 95% CI, 33.47-101.89.14) when compared to LMI. There was no significant difference in pericardial effusions (RR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.39-20.75) between groups and more patients were maintained sinus rhythm (RR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03-1.37, p = 0.02) who underwent LAAW compared to LMI.
CONCLUSION
Ablation of mitral annular flutter with a LAAW line compared to a LMI line showed no difference in rates of acute bidirectional block, ablation time, or pericardial effusion. However, LAAW ablation required a longer ablation line length, resulted in greater LAA activation delayed and was associated with more sinus rhythm maintenance, with the added advantage of avoiding ablation in the CS.
Topics: Atrial Appendage; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Catheter Ablation; Heart Atria; Humans; Mitral Valve; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33538952
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-021-00943-x -
European Journal of Clinical... Feb 2021The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Arrhythmias are prevalent...
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Arrhythmias are prevalent and reportedly, the second most common complication. Several mechanistic pathways are proposed to explain the pro-arrhythmic effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A number of treatment approaches have been trialled, each with its inherent unique challenges. This rapid systematic review aimed to examine the current incidence and available treatment of arrhythmias in COVID-19, as well as barriers to implementation.
METHODS
Our search of scientific databases identified relevant published studies from 1 January 2000 until 1 June 2020. We also searched Google Scholar for grey literature. We identified 1729 publications of which 1704 were excluded.
RESULTS
The incidence and nature of arrhythmias in the setting of COVID-19 were poorly documented across studies. The cumulative incidence of arrhythmia across studies of hospitalised patients was 6.9%. Drug-induced long QT syndrome secondary to antimalarial and antimicrobial therapy was a significant contributor to arrhythmia formation, with an incidence of 14.15%. Torsades de pointes (TdP) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) were reported. Treatment strategies aim to minimise this through risk stratification and regular monitoring of corrected QT interval (QTc).
CONCLUSION
Patients with SARS-CoV-2 are at an increased risk of arrhythmias. Drug therapy is pro-arrhythmogenic and may result in TdP and SCD in these patients. Risk assessment and regular QTc monitoring are imperative for safety during the treatment course. Further studies are needed to guide future decision-making.
Topics: Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimalarials; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Azithromycin; Bradycardia; COVID-19; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Electric Countershock; Hospitalization; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Incidence; Long QT Syndrome; SARS-CoV-2; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Torsades de Pointes; Ventricular Fibrillation; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33043453
DOI: 10.1111/eci.13428