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Current Problems in Cardiology Aug 2023Numerous studies have demonstrated that a type I Brugada electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern, history of syncope, prior sudden cardiac arrest, and previously documented... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Numerous studies have demonstrated that a type I Brugada electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern, history of syncope, prior sudden cardiac arrest, and previously documented ventricular tachyarrhythmias are still insufficient to stratify the risk of sudden cardiac death in Brugada syndrome (BrS). Several auxiliary risk stratification parameters are pursued to yield a better prognostic model. Our aim was to assess the association between several ECG markers (wide QRS, fragmented QRS, S-wave in lead I, aVR sign, early repolarization pattern in inferolateral leads, and repolarization dispersion pattern) with the risk of developing poor outcomes in BrS. A systematic literature search from several databases was conducted from database inception until August 17th, 2022. Studies were eligible if it investigated the relationship between the ECG markers with the likelihood of acquiring major arrhythmic events (MAE). This meta-analysis comprised 27 studies with a total of 6552 participants. Our study revealed that wide QRS, fragmented QRS, S-wave in lead I, aVR sign, early repolarization pattern in inferolateral leads, and repolarization dispersion ECG pattern were associated with the incremental risk of syncope, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock, and sudden cardiac death in the future, with the risk ratios ranging from 1.41 to 2.00. Moreover, diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis indicated that the repolarization dispersion ECG pattern had the highest overall area under curve (AUC) value amid other ECG markers regarding our outcomes of interest. A multivariable risk assessment approach based on the prior mentioned ECG markers potentially improves the current risk stratification models in BrS patients.
Topics: Humans; Brugada Syndrome; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Risk Assessment; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Electrocardiography; Syncope
PubMed: 36997139
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101727 -
Resuscitation May 2023Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest exerts a large disease burden, which may be mitigated by bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest exerts a large disease burden, which may be mitigated by bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation. We aimed to estimate the global prevalence and distribution of bystander training among laypersons, which are poorly understood, and to identify their determinants.
METHODS
We searched electronic databases for cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of bystander training from representative population samples. Pooled prevalence was calculated using random-effects models. Key outcome was cardiopulmonary resuscitation training (training within two-years and those who were ever trained). We explored determinants of interest using subgroup analysis and meta-regression.
RESULTS
29 studies were included, representing 53,397 laypersons. Among national studies, the prevalence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training within two-years and among those who were ever trained, and automated external defibrillator training was 10.02% (95% CI 6.60 -14.05), 42.04% (95% CI 30.98-53.28) and 21.08% (95% CI 10.16-34.66) respectively. Subgroup analyses by continent revealed pooled prevalence estimates of 31.58% (95%CI 18.70-46.09), 58.78% (95%CI 42.41-74.21), 18.93 (95%CI 0.00-62.94), 64.97% (95%CI 64.00-65.93), and 50.56% (95%CI 47.57-53.54) in Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, and Oceania respectively, with significant subgroup differences (p < 0.01). A country's income and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training (ever trained) (p = 0.033) were positively correlated. Similarly, this prevalence was higher among the highly educated (p<0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS
Large regional variation exists in data availability and bystander training prevalence. Socioeconomic status correlated with prevalence of bystander training, and regional disparities were apparent between continents. Bystander training should be promoted, particularly in Asia, Middle East, and low-income regions. Data availability should be encouraged from under-represented regions.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Defibrillators; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
PubMed: 36934835
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.109771 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Dec 2023Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the success of antero-lateral vs. antero-posterior electrode position for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the success of antero-lateral vs. antero-posterior electrode position for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, due to small sample size and conflicting results of these RCTs, the optimal electrode positioning for successful cardioversion remains uncertain.
METHODS
A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted. Outcomes of interest included overall success of cardioversion with restoration of sinus rhythm, 1 shock success, 2 shock success, mean shock energy required for successful cardioversion, mean number of shocks required for successful cardioversion, success of cardioversion at high energy (> 150 J) and success of cardioversion at low energy (< 150 J). Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 14 RCTs comprising 2445 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference between two cardioversion approaches in the overall success of cardioversion (RR 1.02; 95% CI [0.97-1.06]; p = 0.43), first shock success (RR 1.14; 95% CI [0.99-1.32]), second shock success (RR 1.08; 95% CI [0.94-1.23]), mean shock energy required (mean difference 6.49; 95% CI [-17.33-30.31], success at high energy > 150 J (RR 1.02; 95% CI [0.92-1.14] and success at low energy < 150 J (RR 1.09; 95% CI [0.97-1.22]).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis of RCTs shows no significant difference in the success of cardioversion between antero-lateral vs. antero-posterior electrode position for cardioversion of AF. Large well-conducted and adequately powered randomized clinical trials are needed to definitively address this question.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Electric Countershock; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Electrodes; Odds Ratio; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36929367
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01523-x -
Open Heart Mar 2023Several studies have demonstrated that combining left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class is insufficient for predicting risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Role of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide as a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with HFrEF receiving primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Several studies have demonstrated that combining left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class is insufficient for predicting risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock in primary prevention candidates. Hence, our aim was to assess the relationship between N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) along with appropriate ICD shock and all-cause mortality in order to improve the stratification process of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) being considered for primary preventive ICD therapy.
METHODS
A systematic literature search from several databases was conducted up until 9 June 2022. Studies were eligible if they investigated the relationship of NT-pro BNP with all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis comprised nine studies with a total of 5117 participants. Our study revealed that high levels of NT-pro BNP were associated with all-cause mortality (HR=2.12 (95% CI=1.53 to 2.93); p<0.001, I=78.1%, p<0.001 for heterogeneity) and appropriate ICD shock (HR=1.71 (95% CI=1.18 to 2.49); p<0.001, I=43.4%, p=0.102 for heterogeneity). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock increased by approximately 3% and 5%, respectively per 100 pg/mL increment pursuant to concentration-response model (P <0.001). The curves became steeper after NT-pro BNP reached its inflection point (3000 pg/mL).
CONCLUSION
A positive concentration-dependent association between elevated NT-pro BNP levels along with the risk of all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock was found in patients with HFrEF with ICD.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022339285.
Topics: Humans; Stroke Volume; Defibrillators, Implantable; Heart Failure; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Risk Factors; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 36927867
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002225 -
International Journal of Cardiology May 2023A systematic evaluation focused on efficacy and safety for electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) among different Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in atrial fibrillation electrical cardioversion: An update systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
A systematic evaluation focused on efficacy and safety for electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) among different Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) has not been previously performed. In this setting, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating DOACs vs vitamin K antagonists (VKA) as common comparator.
METHODS
We searched Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Web Of Science and Scopus databases for all English-only articles concerning studies that have estimated the effect of DOACs and VKA on stroke, transient ischemic attack or systemic embolism (SSE) and major bleeding (MB) events in AF patients undergoing electrical cardioversion. We selected 22 articles comprising 66 cohorts and 24,322 procedures (12,612 with VKA).
RESULTS
During follow-up (studies' median 42 days), 135 SSE (52 DOACs and 83 VKA) and 165 MB (60 DOACs and 105 VKA) were recorded. The overall pooled effects, DOACs vs VKA, was estimated by an univariate Odds Ratio of 0.92 (0.63-1.33; p = 0.645) for SSE and 0.58 (0.41-0.82; p = 0.002) for MB; at bivariate evaluation, adjusting for study type, were respectively 0.94 (0.55-1.63; p = 0.834) and 0.63 (0.43-0.92, p = 0.016). Each single DOAC showed similar and non statistically different results in outcome occurrence compared to VKA as well as when Apixaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban and Rivaroxaban were indirectly compared to each other.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients undergoing electrical cardioversion, compared to VKA, DOACs have similar thromboembolic protection with lower major bleeding incidence. Single molecule does not show difference in event rate compared to each other. Our findings, provide useful information about safety and efficacy profile of DOACs and VKA.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Electric Countershock; Anticoagulants; Hemorrhage; Stroke; Embolism; Fibrinolytic Agents; Vitamin K; Administration, Oral
PubMed: 36907451
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.03.023 -
Cardiology in Review Mar 2023This study reviews the published data comparing the efficacy and safety of apical and septal right ventricle defibrillator lead positioning at 1-year follow-up. Systemic...
This study reviews the published data comparing the efficacy and safety of apical and septal right ventricle defibrillator lead positioning at 1-year follow-up. Systemic research on Medline (PubMed), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Embase was performed using the keywords "septal defibrillation," "apical defibrillation," "site defibrillation," and "defibrillation lead placement," including implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. Comparisons between apical and septal position were performed regarding R-wave amplitude, pacing threshold at a pulse width of 0.5 ms, pacing and shock lead impedance, suboptimal lead performance, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, readmissions due to heart failure and mortality rates. A total of 5 studies comprising 1438 patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 64.5 years, 76.9% were male, with a median LVEF of 27.8%, ischemic etiology in 51.1%, and a mean follow-up period of 26.5 months. The apical lead placement was performed in 743 patients and septal lead placement in 690 patients. Comparing the 2 placement sites, no significant differences were found regarding R-wave amplitude, lead impedance, suboptimal lead performance, LVEF, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and mortality rate at 1-year follow-up. Pacing threshold values favored septal defibrillator lead placement (P = 0.003), as well as shock impedance (P = 0.009) and readmissions due to heart failure (P = 0.02). Among patients receiving a defibrillator lead, only pacing threshold, shock lead impedance, and readmission due to heart failure showed results favoring septal lead placement. Therefore, generally, the right ventricle lead placement does not appear to be of major importance.
PubMed: 36883833
DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000527 -
Heart Failure Reviews Jul 2023Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in dilated cardiomyopathy is a field of constant debate, and the currently proposed criteria have been widely questioned due... (Review)
Review
Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in dilated cardiomyopathy is a field of constant debate, and the currently proposed criteria have been widely questioned due to their low positive and negative predictive value. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the literature utilizing the PubMed and Cochrane library platforms, in order to gain insight about dilated cardiomyopathy and its arrhythmic risk stratification utilizing noninvasive risk markers derived mainly from 24 h electrocardiographic monitoring. The obtained articles were reviewed in order to register the various electrocardiographic noninvasive risk factors used, their prevalence, and their prognostic significance in dilated cardiomyopathy. Premature ventricular complexes, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, late potentials on Signal averaged electrocardiography, T wave alternans, heart rate variability and deceleration capacity of the heart rate, all have both some positive and negative predictive value to identify patients in higher likelihood for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Corrected QT, QT dispersion, and turbulence slope-turbulence onset of heart rate have yet to establish a predictive correlation in the literature. Although ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring is frequently used in clinical practice in DCM patients, no single risk marker can be used for the selection of patients at high-risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmic events and sudden cardiac death who could benefit from the implantation of a defibrillator. More studies are needed in order to establish a risk score or a combination of risk factors with the purpose of selecting high-risk patients for ICD implantation in the context of primary prevention.
Topics: Humans; Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Electrocardiography; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Risk Factors; Prognosis
PubMed: 36872393
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-023-10300-x -
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical... 2023The potential benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in individuals with inherited arrhythmia syndromes is well known. However, it is not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The potential benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in individuals with inherited arrhythmia syndromes is well known. However, it is not deprived of morbidity, in the form of inappropriate therapies and other ICD-related complications.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review is to estimate the rate of appropriate and inappropriate therapy, as well as other ICD-related complications, in individuals with inherited arrhythmia syndromes.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed, regarding appropriate and inappropriate therapy, and other ICD-related complications, in individuals with inherited arrhythmia syndromes (Brugada Syndrome, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia, Early Repolarization Syndrome, Long QT Syndrome and Short QT syndrome). Studies were identified by searching published papers in PubMed and Embase up to August 23rd, 2022.
RESULTS
From data gathered of 36 studies, with a total of 2750 individuals, during a mean follow-up time of 69 months, appropriate therapies occurred in 21% of the individuals and inappropriate therapies in 20% of the individuals. Concerning the other ICD-related complications, 456 complications were observed, amongst 2084 individuals (22%), with the most frequent being lead malfunction (46%), followed by infectious complications (13%).
CONCLUSIONS
ICD-related complications are not uncommon, especially when one considers the exposure time of young individuals. The incidence of inappropriate therapies was 20%, although lower rates were reported in recent publications. S-ICD is an effective alternative to transvenous ICD for sudden death prevention. The decision to implant an ICD should be individualized, taking into account the risk profile of each patient, as well as the possibility of complications.
Topics: Humans; Defibrillators, Implantable; Electrocardiography; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Long QT Syndrome; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36863123
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.02.012 -
Resuscitation Apr 2023To evaluate the existing knowledge on the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) algorithms inpredicting defibrillation success during in- and out-of-hospital cardiac... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the existing knowledge on the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) algorithms inpredicting defibrillation success during in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus were searched from inception to August 30, 2022. Studies were included that utilized ML algorithms for prediction of successful defibrillation, observed as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital or discharge, or neurological status at discharge.Studies were excluded if involving a trauma, an unknown underlying rhythm, an implanted cardiac defibrillator or if focused on the prediction or onset of cardiac arrest. Risk of bias was assessed using the PROBAST tool.
RESULTS
There were 2399 studies identified, of which 107 full text articles were reviewed and 15 observational studies (n = 5680) were included for final analysis. 29 ECG waveform features were fed into 15 different ML combinations. The best performing ML model had an accuracy of 98.6 (98.5 - 98.7)%, with 4 second ECG intervals. An algorithm incorporating end-tidal CO2 reported an accuracy of 83.3% (no CI reported). Meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity in study design, ROSC definitions, and characteristics.
CONCLUSION
Machine learning algorithms, specifically Neural Networks, have been shown to have potential to predict defibrillation success for cardiac arrest with high sensitivity and specificity.Due to heterogeneity, inconsistent reporting, and high risk of bias, it is difficult to conclude which, if any, algorithm is optimal. Further clinical studies with standardized reporting of patient characteristics, outcomes, and appropriate algorithm validation are still required to elucidate this. PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020148912.
Topics: Humans; Heart Arrest; Algorithms; Heart; Patient Discharge; Machine Learning; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Electric Countershock; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
PubMed: 36842672
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.109755 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2023Digitalis has been widely utilized for heart failure therapy and several studies have demonstrated an association of digitalis and adverse outcome events in patients... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Digitalis has been widely utilized for heart failure therapy and several studies have demonstrated an association of digitalis and adverse outcome events in patients receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds). Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the effect of digitalis on ICD or CRT-D recipients.
METHODS
We systematically retrieved relevant studies using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase database. A random effect model was used to pool the effect estimates (hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) when the studies were of high heterogeneity, otherwise a fixed effect model was used.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles containing 44,761 ICD or CRT-D recipients were included. Digitalis was associated with an increased rate of appropriate shocks (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.46-1.86, < 0.001) and a shortened time to first appropriate shock (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.17-2.65, = 0.007) in ICD or CRT-D recipients. Furthermore, the all-cause mortality increased in ICD recipients with digitalis therapy (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.34-2.16, < 0.01), but the all-cause mortality was unchanged in CRT-D recipients (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.92-2.60, = 0.10) or patients who received ICD or CRT-D therapy (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.80-1.48, = 0.20). The sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.
CONCLUSION
ICD recipients with digitalis therapy may tend to have higher mortality rates, but digitalis may not be associated with the mortality rate of CRT-D recipients. Further studies are required to confirm the effects of digitalis on ICD or CRT-D recipients.
PubMed: 36836221
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041686