The changing circumstance of atrial fibrillation - progress towards precision medicine

Analyzing the association of critical illness and cardioversion success in patients with atrial fibrillation at the emergency department

In critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), standard treatment algorithms might not be applicable. Emergency departments (ED) play a crucial role in implementing individualized treatment approaches. The aim of this study was to assess the association of lactate and cardioversion success rates in AF patients presenting to an ED. This was a retrospective single-center study analyzing 3535 AF episodes between 2012 and 2022. The main outcome was cardioversion (CV) to sinus rhythm (SR) depending on serum lactate levels (mmol/L). Lactate levels were divided into quintiles (lac < 1.1, 1.1-1.3, 1.4-1.7, 1.8-2.3 and > 2.3 mmol/L). Overall CV success declined with rising lactate levels (SR: lac < 1.1 79% (n = 547), 1.1-1.3 76% (n = 579), 1.4-1.7 73% (n = 562), 1.8-2.3 66% (n = 447), > 2.3 mmol/L 61% (n = 393); p < 0.001). Electrical CV (eCV) was conducted in 1021 (SR 95%), medical CV (mCV) in 706 (SR: 72%), facilitated CV in 523 (SR: 88%) and spontaneous conversion was observed in 591 (46% of all patients without treatment) cases. ECV was effective independent of lactate levels (SR: lac < 1.1 96% (n = 225), 1.1-1.3 93% (n = 253), 1.4-1.7 97% (n = 228), 1.8-2.3 92% (n = 154), > 2.3 mmol/L 95% (n = 106); p = 0.716). However, for mCV, conversion success decreased with increasing lactate levels (SR: lac < 1.1 84% (n = 95), 1.1-1.3 80% (n = 109), 1.4-1.7 75% (n = 115), 1.8-2.3 67% (n = 93), > 2.3 mmol/L 59% (n = 97); p < 0.001). Overall cardioversion success was less likely with rising lactate levels; especially medical cardioversion success rates decreased. Therefore, AF in critically ill may benefit from either electrical cardioversion, treatment of the underlying condition, or primary rate control.

Sex differences in early-onset atrial fibrillation in Norwegian primary care: a retrospective national database analysis

BACKGROUND

Individual variation in the need for healthcare constitutes knowledge gaps for young atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and primary care burden of early-onset AF in Norway, emphasising sex differences, in a nationwide healthcare database.

METHODS

We used data from the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursement database to identify all Norwegian residents ≥18 years of age registered with a primary care physician (PCP) in 2019, with onset of AF at ≤50 years of age (early-onset AF) in the period 2006-2019. From the accumulated number of early-onset AF cases among current residents, we calculated the prevalence in 2019. The group-level primary care burden was calculated as the total number of annual AF consultations divided by the annual number of AF patients (2014-2018), and individual burden as the mean number of consultations per AF patient per year within the study period. We analysed the distribution of AF consultations between PCP and primary care emergency room (ER) services in total and by sex.

RESULTS

We identified 10 925 Norwegian residents with early-onset AF in 2019 (26.3% women, mean age 48.4 years). The prevalence of early-onset AF was 0.34% (women: 0.19%, men: 0.50%). The early-onset AF population had on average one annual primary care consultation for AF. The individual burden of annual AF consultations varied widely; <1: 66% of women and 54% of men, (1-5]: 25% of women and 36% of men, (5-10]: 6% of women and 8% of men, ≥10: 2% of women and 2% of men. A higher proportion of men (71%) than women (38%) attended both PCP and ER services due to AF.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed a low prevalence of early-onset AF, with substantial sex differences and individual variation in primary healthcare needs. Our results signal a need for a higher resolution with regard to age groups in future research on burden and sex differences in early-onset AF.

Updates in the management of atrial fibrillation: Emerging therapies and treatment

OBJECTIVE

The most common and clinically important cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF), which has a large negative impact on public health due to higher fatalities, morbidity, and healthcare expenditure rates. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and outcomes of various treatment approaches and interventions for AF.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHOD

The most pertinent published research (original papers and reviews) in the scientific literature were searched for and critically assessed using the online, internationally indexed databases PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Reviews. These studies are summarised in this review. Keywords like "Atrial Fibrillation", "emerging therapies", "treatment", "catheter ablation", and "atrial appendage" were used to search the papers. The papers were researched and examined to be relevant to the topic.

CONCLUSION

A lot of work has gone into enhancing AF management to deal with this expanding public health concern. Significant developments and advances in the treatment of AF during the past few years have aided clinicians in giving AF patients better care. The most recent treatments for AF include medication, catheter ablation, cryo-balloon ablation, and left atrial appendage closure.

A Retrospective Study of Perioperative Nursing Care of Patients After Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

PURPOSE

To describe the retrospective audit examining nursing care of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treated by percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (PLAAC).

DESIGN

PLAAC is a new technique for patients with atrial fibrillation unsuited for long-term oral anticoagulation treatment. The nursing care for patients treated by PLAAC has not yet been standardized.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 259 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who underwent PLAAC in our department between August 2014 and June 2018. The data included preoperative evaluations, discussions, and preparations, including psychological care and atrial thrombosis screening; postoperative observations, including electrocardiograph monitoring; prevention and care of complications; administration of postoperative anticoagulation therapy; and postoperative education, including detailed discharge guidance and regular follow-up.

FINDINGS

All patients were discharged after 5-10 days of hospitalization. In the perioperative period, 4 cases (1.5%) developed serious complications, including 3 cases (1.2%) of delayed cardiac tamponade, cured by pericardial drainage, and 1 case of a suspected air embolism, which spontaneously recovered. During a mean follow-up period of 25.9 ± 7.9 months, all patients had good adherence to medical instructions and there were no cases of occluder displacement or shedding, thromboembolism, or severe bleeding complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The best therapeutic effect of PLAAC is strongly associated with the preoperative and postoperative training of nursing staff and the development of standard nursing procedures, including the establishment of observation and nursing manuals for complications. This study provides nursing practice information to aid in the standardization of nursing procedures for this new type of interventional therapy.

Excess short-term mortality in noncritical patients with atrial fibrillation presenting to the emergency department

Background

Mortality data of non-critically ill patients presenting with symptomatic atrial fibrillation to an emergency department are scarce. We aimed to analyze the short-term mortality of these patients compared with that of the general Austrian population.

Design/methods

This study analyzed a consecutive series of non-critically ill adults presenting to the emergency department at the Medical University of Vienna between 2012 and 2016 with complaints related to atrial fibrillation. The study outcome was mortality during the observation period. Age-specific and sex-specific mortality rates per 100 person-years were calculated and compared with the mortality rates of the Austrian population during the same period.

Results

In total, 1754 patients with atrial fibrillation (43.1% female) were included in the study. During a median follow-up of 25 months, 248 of these patients died. Observed mortality rates were 7.8 per 100 person-years for females (95% confidence interval, CI 6.6–9.5) and 5.9 per 100 person-years for males (95% CI 5.0–7.1). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted mortality rates were 2.8 (95% CI 2.3–3.3) and 2.7 (95% CI 2.2–3.2) per 100 person-years, respectively. Mortality rates for the Austrian population were 1.1 per 100 person-years for both females and males. Corresponding standardized mortality ratios were 2.5 for females (95% CI 2.1–3.0) and 2.4 for males (95% CI 2.0–2.9).

Conclusion

The short-term mortality of patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation presenting to the emergency department was substantially higher compared with the general Austrian population.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-021-01895-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The increased risk of atrial fibrillation in inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia contributing to stroke and sudden cardiac death. Numbers of studies indicated that patients with inflammatory arthritis have an increased risk of AF. The present study aims to assess the risk of AF in inflammatory arthritis patients.Methods: We systematically searched cohort studies regarding the risk of AF in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, or spondyloarthritis through PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials Registry, and China National Knowledge from inception to August 1, 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed effect model, estimating both crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression based on geographic characteristics, comorbidities, and medication use were conducted to explore the source of heterogeneity.Results: Literature search identified 388 potentially relevant studies, and five studies containing seven cohorts of rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis were included in the meta-analysis. The AF risk of inflammatory arthritis patients was significantly increased compared with health controls (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.36 to 1.49, Z = 14.17, P < .001), and the pooled HR of studies adjusted factor, like demographic characteristics, medications use, and comorbidities, was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.29 to 1.46; Z = 9.82, P < .001).Conclusion: Patients with inflammatory arthritis have increased risk of AF, probably due to the underlying chronic inflammation. Although various confounders have been adjusted like medications use and comorbidities, the risk of AF is still significantly increased in inflammatory arthritis patients.Abbreviations: AF: Atrial fibrillation; AS: Ankylosing spondylitis; CI: Confidence interval; HR: Hazard ratio; NOS: Newcastle-Ottawa scale; NSAIDs: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs; PsA: Psoriatic arthritis; RA: Rheumatoid arthritis; SpA: Spondyloarthritis; TNFi: Tumor necrosis factors inhibitor; uSpA: Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis.

Precise Drug Sequential Therapy Can Improve the Cardioversion Rate of Atrial Fibrillation with Valvular Disease after Radiofrequency Ablation

OBJECTIVE

Based on pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), investigate the effects of precision drugs continuous therapy on AF cardioversion rate after radiofrequency catheter ablation.

METHODS

We included 1334 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with bipolar radiofrequency ablation due to mitral valve disease with AF during June 2011 to July 2017. The data of clinical and related laboratory examinations at discharge and follow-up were recorded. All patients were treated with or without angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin II-receptor blocker (ARB) drugs according to their conditions and doctor's willingness. The heart rhythm was evaluated after treatment and follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS

All 1162 cases were followed up, including 825 cases in mitral stenosis (MS) group, 337 cases in mitral regurgitation (MR) group. In MS group, left atrial diameter(LAD) and left ventricular diameter(LVD) of the patients taking ACEI and ARB were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and they can increase AF cardioversion rate from 79.1% of the control group to 83.7% and 82.8%, respectively (P = 0.03 and 0.04). In MR group, the patients with ACEI compared with control group, there were no significant differences in LAD, LVD, right atrial diameter (RAD), right ventricular diameter (RVD), left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS) (P > 0.05); but ARB group, LAD, LVD decreased significantly (P < 0.05). And ACEI can increase AF cardioversion rate from 76.1% in the control group to 77.2% (P = 0.62), ARB to 81.6% (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

It does improve AF cardioversion rate after radiofrequency catheter ablation that the precise anti-structural remodeling drugs continuous therapy was adopted based on the pathogenesis of AF.

Addressing challenges of quantitative methodologies and event interpretation in the study of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest arrhythmia, yet the mechanisms of its onset and persistence are incompletely known. Although techniques for quantitative assessment have been investigated, there have been few attempts to integrate this information to advance disease treatment protocols. In this review, key quantitative methods for AF analysis are described, and suggestions are provided for the coordination of the available information, and to develop foci and directions for future research efforts. Quantitative biologists may have an interest in this topic in order to develop machine learning and tools for arrhythmia characterization, but they may perhaps have a minimal background in the clinical methodology and in the types of observed events and mechanistic hypotheses that have thus far been developed. We attempt to address these issues via exploration of the published literature. Although no new data is presented in this review, examples are shown of current lines of investigation, and in particular, how electrogram analysis and whole-chamber quantitative modeling of the left atrium may be useful to characterize fibrillatory patterns of activity, so as to propose avenues for more efficacious acquisition and interpretation of AF data.

Within trial cost-utility analysis of disease management program for patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation: results from the SAFETY trial

Background: The potential impact of disease management to optimize quality of care, health outcomes, and total healthcare costs across a range of cardiac disease states is unknown. Methods: A trial-based cost-utility analysis was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial of 335 patients with chronic, non-valvular AF (without heart failure; the SAFETY Trial) discharged to home from three tertiary referral hospitals in Australia. A home-based disease management intervention (the SAFETY intervention) that involved community-based AF care including home visits was compared to routine primary healthcare and hospital outpatient follow-up (standard management). Bootstrapped incremental cost-utility ratios were computed based on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and total healthcare costs. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were constructed to explore the probability of the SAFETY intervention being cost-effective. Sub-group analyses were performed based on age and sex to determine differential cost-effectiveness. Results: During median follow-up of 1.75 years, the SAFETY intervention was associated with a non-statistically significant increase in QALYs (0.02 per person) and lower total healthcare costs (-$4,375 per person). Although each of these findings were not statistically significant, the SAFETY intervention was found to be dominant (more effective and cost saving) in 58.8% of the bootstrapped iterations and cost-effective (more effective and gains in QALYs achieved at or below $50,000 per QALY gained) in 61.5% of the iterations. Males and those aged less than 78 years achieved greater gains in QALYs and savings in healthcare costs. The estimated value of perfect information in Australia (the monetized value of removing uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness results) was A$51 million, thus demonstrating the high potential gain from further research. Conclusions: Compared with standard management, the SAFETY intervention is potentially a dominant strategy for those with chronic, non-valvular AF. However, there would be substantial value in reducing the uncertainty in these estimates from further research.

Connexins and Atrial Fibrillation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

To summarize the potential interactions between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), atrial fibrillation (AF), and connexins.

RECENT FINDINGS

OSA is highly prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease, and is associated with increased risk for end-organ substantial morbidities linked to autonomic nervous system imbalance, increased oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately leading to reduced life expectancy. Epidemiological studies indicate that OSA is associated with increased incidence and progression of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, as well as arrhythmias, particularly AF. Conversely, AF is very common among subjects referred for suspected OSA, and the prevalence of AF increases with OSA severity. The interrelationships between AF and OSA along with the well-known epidemiological links between these two conditions and obesity may reflect shared pathophysiological pathways, which may depend on the intercellular diffusion of signaling molecules into either the extracellular space or require cell-to-cell contact. Connexin signaling is accomplished via direct exchanges of cytosolic molecules between adjacent cells at gap membrane junctions for cell-to-cell coupling. The role of connexins in AF is now quite well established, but the impact of OSA on cardiac connexins has only recently begun to be investigated. Understanding the biology and regulatory mechanisms of connexins in OSA at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels will undoubtedly require major efforts to decipher the breadth and complexity of connexin functions in OSA-induced AF.

SUMMARY

The risk of end-organ morbidities has initiated the search for circulating mechanistic biomarker signatures and the implementation of biomarker-based algorithms for precision-based diagnosis and risk assessment. Here we summarize recent findings in OSA as they relate to AF risk, and also review potential mechanisms linking OSA, AF and connexins.

Antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation: Imminent impulses are emerging

Rhythm and rate strategies are considered equivalent for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, both strategies are intended for improving symptoms and quality of life. Despite the clinical availability of several antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) the alternatives for the patient with comorbidities are significantly fewer because of the concern regarding many adverse effects, including proarrhythmias. The impetuous development of AF ablation gave rise to a false impression that AAD are a second line therapy. All these statements reflect, in fact, the weakness of the classical paradigm and classification regarding AAD and the gap between the current knowledge of AF mechanism and determinants and the "classical" AAD non-discriminatory action. A new paradigm in development of effective and safe AAD is based on modern knowledge of vulnerable parameters involved in the genesis and perpetuation of AF. New AAD will target specific triggers of AF and ion currents which are expressed preferentially in fibrillatory atrium. Such targets will include repolarizing currents and channels, as ultrarapid potassium current, two pore potassium current, the acetylcholine-gated potassium current, small-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels, but, also, molecular targets involved in intracellular calcium kinetics, as Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, ryanodine receptors and non-coding miRNA. New mechanistic discoveries link AF to inflammation and modern anti-cytokine drugs. There is still a long way to win between basic research and clinical practice, but, without any doubt, antiarrhythmic drug therapy will remain and develop as a cornerstone therapy for AF not in conflict, but complementary and alternative to interventional therapy.

Expert opinion paper on atrial fibrillation detection after ischemic stroke

This expert opinion paper on atrial fibrillation detection after ischemic stroke includes a statement of the "Heart and Brain" consortium of the German Cardiac Society and the German Stroke Society. This paper was endorsed by the Stroke Unit-Commission of the German Stroke Society and the German Atrial Fibrillation NETwork. In patients with ischemic stroke, detection of atrial fibrillation should usually lead to a change in secondary stroke prevention, since oral anticoagulation is superior to antiplatelet drugs. The detection of previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation can be improved in patients with ischemic stroke to optimize stroke prevention. This paper summarizes the present knowledge on atrial fibrillation detection after ischemic stroke. We propose an interdisciplinary standard for a "structured analysis of ECG monitoring" on the stroke unit as well as a staged diagnostic scheme for the detection of atrial fibrillation. Since the optimal duration and mode of ECG monitoring has not yet been finally established, this paper is intended to give advice to physicians who are involved in stroke care. In line with the nature of an expert opinion paper, labeling of classes of recommendations is not provided, since many statements are based on the expert opinion, reported case series and clinical experience. Therefore, this paper is not intended as a guideline.

Practical management of ibrutinib in the real life: Focus on atrial fibrillation and bleeding

The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib (IB) has attained an important role in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia, significantly improving clinical outcomes. However, IB therapy has been associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and bleeding. We report on the expert opinion that a group of Italian haematologists, cardiologists, and pharmacologists jointly released to improve the practical management of patients at risk for AF and bleeding during treatment with IB. A proper pretreatment assessment to identify patients who are at a higher risk, careful choice of concomitant drugs, regular monitoring, and multispecialist approach were characterized as the main principles of clinical management of these patients. For patients developing AF, anticoagulant and antiarrhythmic therapy must be guided by considerations about efficacy, safety, and risk of pharmacokinetic interactions with IB. For patients experiencing bleeding or requiring procedures that increase the risk of bleeding, considerations about platelet turnover, IB-related platelet dysfunctions, and bleeding worsening by concomitant anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents provide clues to manage bleeding. Overall, AF and bleeding are manageable clinical events in patients receiving IB, not requiring drug interruption in most cases. Preexisting AF should not represent an absolute contraindication to IB therapy. For each patient candidate for IB, strategies of risk assessment and mitigation may allow to exploit the life-saving effects of in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and mantle cell lymphoma.

Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: An Intimate Association of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Outcomes

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia found in clinical practice. AF rarely exists as a single entity but rather as part of a diverse clinical spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, related to structural and electrical remodeling within the left atrium, leading to AF onset, perpetuation, and progression. Due to the high overall prevalence within the AF population arterial hypertension plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AF and its complications. Fibroblast proliferation, apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, gap junction remodeling, accumulation of collagen both in atrial and ventricular myocardium all accompany ageing-related structural remodeling with impact on electrical activity. The presence of hypertension also stimulates oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic activation, which further drives the remodeling process in AF. Importantly, both hypertension and AF independently increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, e.g., stroke and myocardial infarction. Given that both AF and hypertension often present with limited on patient wellbeing, treatment may be delayed resulting in development of complications as the first clinical manifestation of the disease. Antithrombotic prevention in AF combined with strict blood pressure control is of primary importance, since stroke risk and bleeding risk are both greater with underlying hypertension.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Arrhythmia in Heart Failure Patients

Heart failure (HF) treatment remains complex and challenging, with current recommendations aiming at consideration and treatment of comorbidities in patients with HF. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and arrhythmia come into play, as both are associated with quality of life deterioration, and morbidity and mortality increase in patients with HF. Interactions of these diseases are versatile and may appear intransparent in daily practice. Nevertheless, because of their importance for patients' condition and prognosis, SDB and arrhythmia individually, but also through interaction on one another, necessitate attention, following the fact that treatment is requested and desired considering latest research findings and outcomes.

Atrial high-rate episodes and stroke prevention

While the benefit of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is well established, it is not known whether oral anticoagulation is indicated in patients with atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) recorded on a cardiac implantable electronic device, sometimes also called subclinical AF, and lasting for at least 6 min in the absence of clinically diagnosed AF. Clinical evidence has shown that short episodes of rapid atrial tachycarrhythmias are often detected in patients presenting with stroke and transient ischaemic attack. Patients with AHRE have a higher likelihood of suffering from subsequent strokes, but their stroke rate seems lower than in patients with diagnosed AF, and not all AHRE episodes correspond to AF. The prognostic and pathological significance of AHRE is not yet fully understood. Clinical trials of OAC therapy are being conducted to determine whether therapeutic intervention would be beneficial to patients experiencing AHRE in terms of reducing the risk of stroke.

Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common conditions in the adult population and independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There is evidence, although not definitive, that OSA independently contributes to AF incidence and recurrence. Full polysomnography is expensive and may not be readily available to diagnose all patients with OSA and AF. Several patients with OSA do not present the classical signs and symptoms of OSA, impairing the accuracy of screening questionnaires for OSA. In this context, home sleep test is a promising alternative to screen and diagnose OSA in AF patients. However, the cost-effectiveness of such approach need to be studied.