Glycemic Status and Thromboembolic Risk in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Danish Cohort Study

Current Evidence on Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: Modifiable Risk Factors and the Effects of Risk Factor Intervention

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most encountered arrhythmias in clinical practice. It is also estimated that the absolute AF burden may increase by greater than 60% by 2050. It is inevitable that AF will become one of the largest epidemics in the world and may pose a major health problem for countries. Although AF rarely causes mortality in the acute period, it causes a significant increase in mortality and morbidity, including a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke, a twofold increase in dementia, and a twofold increase in myocardial infarction in the chronic period. Despite all the advances in the treatment of AF, it is better understood day by day that preventing AF may play a key role in reducing AF and its related complications. Modification of the main modifiable factors such as quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol, changing eating habits, and exercise seems to be the first step in preventing AF. The strict adherence to the treatment process of secondary causes predisposing to AF such as DM, hypertension, obesity, and sleep apnea is another step in the prevention of AF. Both an individual approach and global public health campaigns can be highly beneficial to reduce the risk of AF. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between modifiable risk factors and AF, and the impact of possible interventions on these factors in preventing or reducing the AF burden in the light of recently published guidelines and studies.

Glycemic Control and Plasma Levels of Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Thrombotic Biomarkers in Diabetic Patients Presenting with Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Type I and type II diabetes are closely associated with a pro-inflammatory state and to a pro-thrombotic state. The role of glycemic control in pulmonary embolism (PE) is poorly understood and requires additional investigation. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between glycemic control and thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers in a PE patient cohort compared to normal samples. Demographic and clinical information for 86 diabetic patients and 106 non-diabetic patients presenting with acute PE was collected via retrospective chart review. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and pro-thrombotic (d-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1], tissue plasminogen activator [tPA], thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor [TAFI], von-Willebrand factor [vWF], endogenous glycosaminoglycans [GAGs]) biomarkers were drawn within 24 hours of diagnosis of acute PE. Data was also obtained for a population of healthy adult controls. All the pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic biomarkers were elevated in diabetic PE patients in comparison to healthy controls. None of the biomarkers were elevated in diabetic PE patients when compared to non-diabetic PE patients. There was no difference in the levels of the pro-inflammatory biomarkers according to glycemic control. The plasma level of TAFI was elevated in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. Diabetic patients were more likely to have a more severe PE. These studies demonstrate that thrombo-inflammatory biomarkers are elevated in diabetic PE patients with associated comorbidities in comparison to normal individuals. However, there is no difference between the PE cohort alone in comparison to PE with diabetes. The role of TAFI within the continuum of diabetic vascular disease warrants additional investigation.

Impact of diabetes on the management and outcomes in atrial fibrillation: an analysis from the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation(AF) and diabetes mellitus is rising to epidemic proportions. We aimed to assess the impact of diabetes on the management and outcomes of patients with AF.

METHODS

The EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry is a prospective, observational registry from 250 centres across 27 European countries. Outcomes of interest were as follows: i)rhythm control interventions; ii)quality of life; iii)healthcare resource utilisation; and iv)major adverse events.

RESULTS

Of 11,028 patients with AF, the median age was 71 (63-77) years and 2537 (23.0%) had diabetes. Median follow-up was 24 months. Diabetes was related to increased use of anticoagulation but less rhythm control interventions. Using multivariable analysis, at 2-year follow-up, patients with diabetes were associated with greater levels of anxiety (p = 0.038) compared to those without diabetes. Overall, diabetes was associated with worse health during follow-up, as indicated by Health Utility Score and Visual Analogue Scale. Healthcare resource utilisation was greater with diabetes in terms of length of hospital stay (8.1 (±8.2) vs. 6.1 (±6.7) days); cardiology and internal medicine/general practitioner visits; and emergency room admissions. Diabetes was an independent risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; HR 1.26 [95% CI, 1.04-1.52]), all-cause mortality (HR 1.28 [95% CI, 1.08-1.52]), and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.41 [95% CI, 1.09-1.83]).

CONCLUSION

In this contemporary AF cohort, diabetes was present in 1 in 4 patients and it served as an independent risk factor for reduced quality of life, greater healthcare resource utilisation and excess MACE, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. There was increased use of anticoagulation therapy in diabetes but with less rhythm control interventions.

The complex interplay between diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

: A growing body of evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and contributes to suboptimal arrhythmia control and poor prognosis in patients with AF. The high prevalence of AF among patients with DM is primarily attributed to common risk factors, shared pathophysiological mechanisms, and associated atrial remodeling and autonomic dysfunction.

AREAS COVERED

: This comprehensive review covers the current data on the role of DM in the development and prognosis of AF. In addition, we review the impact of anti-DM medications on AF prevention and the role of anticoagulation in patients with coexisting DM and AF.

EXPERT OPINION

: DM is independently associated with new-onset AF, and the coexistence of these two conditions contributes to poor outcomes, from reduced quality of life to increased risks of thromboembolic events, heart failure, and mortality. Despite this strong link, the current evidence is insufficient to recommend routine screening for AF in patients with DM. Although some observations exist on preventing AF with anti-DM medications, randomized controlled trials are warranted to explore the proposed benefits of novel anti-DM medicines in reducing the risk of incident AF.

Relation of Hemoglobin A1C Levels to Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Mortality in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Atrial Fibrillation

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of complications in atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to assess the incidence and risks of ischemic stroke and mortality according to baseline HbA1c levels in patients with DM and AF. We conducted a cohort study using Clalit Health Services electronic medical records. The study population included all Clalit Health Services members aged ≥25 years, with the first diagnosis of AF between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who had a diagnosis of DM. The risk of stroke and all-cause death were compared according to HbA1c levels at the time of AF diagnosis: <7.0%, between 7% and 9%, and ≥9%. A total of 44,451 patients with DM and AF were identified. The median age was 75 years (interquartile 65 to 83), and 52.5% were women. During a mean follow-up of 38 months, higher levels of HbA1c were associated with an increased risk of stroke with a dose-dependent response when compared with patients with HbA1c <7% (Adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] =1.30 [95% confidence interval 1.10 to 2.05] for levels between 7% and 9% and 1.60 (95% confidence interval 1.25 to 2.03) for HbA1c >9%, even after adjusting for CHA₂DS₂-Vasc risk factors and use of oral anticoagulants. The risk for overall mortality was significantly higher in the HBA1C >9% group (aHR = 1.17 [1.07 to 1.28]). In conclusion, in this cohort of patients with AF and DM, HbA1c levels were associated with the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner even after accounting for other recognized risk factors for stroke.

Diabetes-Related Complications and Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Different Oral Anticoagulants : A Nationwide Analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence about the association between types of oral anticoagulants and hazards of diabetes complications is limited in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the hazards of diabetes complications and mortality between patients with AF and DM receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and those receiving warfarin.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Nationwide data obtained from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.

PATIENTS

Patients with AF and DM receiving NOACs or warfarin between 2012 and 2017 in Taiwan were enrolled. Treatment groups were determined by patients' first initiation of oral anticoagulants.

MEASUREMENTS

Hazards of diabetes complications (macrovascular complications, microvascular complications, and glycemic emergency) and mortality in the NOAC and warfarin users were investigated with a target trial design. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Propensity score methods with stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting were applied to balance potential confounders between treatment groups.

RESULTS

In total, 19 909 NOAC users and 10 300 warfarin users were included. Patients receiving NOACs had significantly lower hazards of developing macrovascular complications (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.91]; P < 0.001), microvascular complications (HR, 0.79 [CI, 0.73 to 0.85]; P < 0.001), glycemic emergency (HR, 0.91 [CI, 0.83 to 0.99]; P = 0.043), and mortality (HR, 0.78 [CI, 0.75 to 0.82]; P < 0.001) than those receiving warfarin. Analyses with propensity score matching showed similar results. Several sensitivity analyses further supported the robustness of our findings.

LIMITATION

The claims-based data did not allow for detailed data on patients' lifestyles and laboratory examinations to be obtained.

CONCLUSION

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants were associated with lower hazards of diabetes complications and mortality than warfarin in patients with AF and DM.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital.

Effectiveness and safety of apixaban vs. rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apixaban vs. rivaroxaban among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the United Kingdom's Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to the Hospital Episode Statistics repository, and the Office for National Statistics database, we identified a cohort of patients with NVAF and T2DM newly treated with apixaban or rivaroxaban between 2013 and 2020. Propensity scores with standardised mortality ratio weighting were used to control for confounding. We used weighted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate separately the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and major adverse limb events associated with use of apixaban compared with rivaroxaban. We also evaluated whether the risk was modified by age, sex, duration of diabetes, microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes, nephropathy, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, and by dose (standard vs low dose).

RESULTS

The cohort included 11,561 apixaban and 8,265 rivaroxaban users. Apixaban was associated with a similar risk of stroke (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.23), and a 32% reduced risk of major bleeding (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.59-0.78), compared with rivaroxaban. The risk of major adverse limb events was similar between apixaban and rivaroxaban (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.54-1.04). Overall, the risk of ischemic stroke and major bleeding was consistent in stratified analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with NVAF and T2DM, apixaban was associated with a similar risk of stroke, and a lower risk of major bleeding compared with rivaroxaban.

Glycemic control and atrial fibrillation: an intricate relationship, yet under investigation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) constitute two major closely inter-related chronic cardiovascular disorders whose concurrent prevalence rates are steadily increasing. Although, the pathogenic mechanisms behind the AF and DM comorbidity are still vague, it is now clear that DM precipitates AF occurrence. DM also affects the clinical course of established AF; it is associated with significant increase in the incidence of stroke, AF recurrence, and cardiovascular mortality. The impact of DM on AF management and prognosis has been adequately investigated. However, evidence on the relative impact of glycemic control using glycated hemoglobin levels is scarce. This review assesses up-to-date literature on the association between DM and AF. It also highlights the usefulness of glycated hemoglobin measurement for the prediction of AF and AF-related adverse events. Additionally, this review evaluates current anti-hyperglycemic treatment in the context of AF, and discusses AF-related decision-making in comorbid DM. Finally, it quotes significant remaining questions and sets some future strategies with the potential to effectively deal with this prevalent comorbidity.

Association of Diabetes Duration and Glycemic Control With Stroke Rate in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

There are limited data on the association of diabetes duration and glycemic control with stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). Our objective was to study the association of diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with the rate of stroke in people with diabetes and newly diagnosed AF.

Methods and Results

This was a population‐based cohort study using linked administrative data sets. We studied 37 209 individuals aged ≥66 years diagnosed with AF in Ontario between April 2009 and March 2019, who had diabetes diagnosed 1 to 16 years beforehand. The primary outcome was hospitalization for stroke at 1 year. Cause‐specific hazard regression was used to model the association of diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with the rate of stroke. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed increasing hazard ratios (HR) for stroke with longer diabetes duration that plateaued after 10 years and increasing HRs for stroke with HbA1c levels >7%. Relative to patients with <5 years diabetes duration, stroke rates were significantly higher for patients with ≥10 years duration (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.16–1.82; P=0.001), while diabetes duration 5 to <10 years was not significantly different. Relative to glycated hemoglobin 6% to <7%, values ≥8% were associated with higher stroke rates (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.84; P=0.004), while other HbA1c categories were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Longer diabetes duration and higher glycated hemoglobin were associated with significantly higher stroke rates in patients with AF and diabetes. Models for stroke risk prediction and preventive care in AF may be improved by considering patients’ diabetes characteristics.

Effect of SLGT2 Inhibitors on Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been associated with various cardiovascular benefits. There is limited data examining the effect of these medications on atrial fibrillation (AF) associated clinical outcomes. We compared ischemic stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardioversion, and all-cause mortality outcomes in AF patients on SGLT2 inhibitors to propensity matched controls.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study with a global medical research network database. AF patients were identified via ICD codes that must have been present for at least one month. Patients on SGLT2 inhibitors were identified as those on dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, or canagliflozin for at least one month. AF patients on SGLT2 inhibitors were propensity matched to those not on SGLT2 inhibitors based on age, race, ethnicity, cardiovascular comorbidities, valvular disease, pulmonary disease, urinary diseases, cardiovascular procedures, cardiovascular medications, and anticoagulants. We examined incidence of ischemic stroke, at least one ACS episode, cardioversion, and all-cause mortality.

Results

In 26,269 AF patients, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with lower risk of cardioversion (HR 0.921, 95% CI 0.841 - 0.999, p = 0.0245) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.676, 95% CI 0.635 - 0.721, p < 0.0001). However, there was an association with increased risk for ischemic stroke (HR 1.081, 95% CI 1.012 - 1.154, p 0.0201). There was no clear association with ACS events.

Conclusions

In patients with AF, use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a lower risk of cardioversion and all-cause mortality and higher probability of survival based on Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Medical therapies for prevention of cardiovascular and renal events in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus

Atrial fibrillation (AF), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are three global epidemics with significant effects on morbidity and mortality. Diabetes is a risk factor for AF, and a risk factor for thromboembolism, comorbidity, and mortality when AF is present. The pathophysiology of diabetes-related AF and interrelationships with cardiovascular events and renal events is not fully understood but is in part related to structural, electrical, electromechanical, and autonomic remodelling. The current practice guidelines offer limited recommendations on the management of patients with AF (or risk of AF) and diabetes with its own heterogeneity for the prevention of cardiovascular and renal events. This document discusses possible clinical approaches for these patients. In the last decade, there have been major improvements for the prevention of stroke in AF patients with direct oral anticoagulants, which are preferable to vitamin K antagonists for stroke prevention in DM. Because of the increased risk rate for several cardiovascular adverse events in diabetic patients, a similar relative risk reduction generally translates into greater absolute risk reduction in the diabetic population. Recent trials with non-insulin diabetes drugs using glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors showed a significant reduction for the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 DM. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors also showed a large reduction in hospitalization for heart failure and renal events, which need to be more completely evaluated in patients with AF. Mechanisms, risks, and optimal management of AF patients with DM who have or are under risk of developing heart failure or CKD are also discussed in this document. The benefits of medical therapies for these patients still need to be put into perspective, and gaps in evidence on some of these issues are likely to be addressed in future years.

Outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation with and without diabetes: A propensity score matching of the COOL-AF registry

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) compared between those with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective multicenter nationwide registry for patients with NVAF from 27 hospitals in Thailand. Patients were followed-up every 6 months until 3 years. The outcome measurements were ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA), major bleeding, and heart failure (HF). All reported events were confirmed by the adjudication committee. DM was diagnosed by history or laboratory data.

RESULTS

We studied 3402 patients. DM was diagnosed in 923 patients (27.1%). The average follow-up duration was 25.74 ± 10.57 months (7912 persons-year). The rate of IS/TIA, major bleeding, and HF was 1.42, 2.11, and 3.03 per 100 person-years. Patients with DM had a significantly increased risk of IS/TIA, major bleeding, and HF. After adjusting for age, gender, comorbid conditions, and the use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) using propensity score matching, DM remained a significant predictor of ischemic stroke/TIA, major bleeding and HF with Hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of 1.67 (1.02, 2.73), 1.65 (1.13, 2.40), and 1.87 (1.34, 2.59), respectively. The net clinical benefit of OAC was more pronounced in DM patients (0.88 events per 100 person-years) than in those without DM (-0.73 events per 100 person-years).

CONCLUSIONS

DM increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes in NVAF patients. The benefit of OAC outweighs the risk in DM patients.

Increased hemoglobin A1c level associates with low left atrial appendage flow velocity in patients of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

High hemoglobin A1c (HbAlc) level is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk and thromboembolic events [1]. The study sought to explored the association between HbAlc and left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAV) among non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 249 consecutive non-valvular AF patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were divided into two subgroups according to the median of LAAV level (<45 cm/s, ≥45 cm/s). Blood samples and other baseline clinical data of all patients were collected and analyzed. The low LAAV group included 126 patients and the high LAAV group included 123 patients. Patients in the low LAAV group were older and had a higher percentage of persistent AF, chronic heart failure, and higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < 0.05). HbAlc level in the low LAAV group was significantly higher than the high LAAV group [6.1 (5.7-6.5)% vs 5.9 (5.6-6.2)%, P = 0.010]. The low LAAV group had larger left atrial diameter (LAD), left atrial area (LAA), higher left atrial pressure (LAP), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P < 0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the HbAlc level was negatively correlated with LAAV (r = -0.211, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that female gender (OR = 2.233, 95% CI 1.110-4.492, P = 0.024), persistent AF (OR = 6.610, 95% CI 3.109-14.052, P < 0.001), and HbAlc (OR = 1.903, 95% CI 1.092-3.317, P = 0.023) were independent factors that associated with low LAAV in AF patients.

CONCLUSION

Increased HbAlc level is associated with decreased LAAV and may reflect a low contractile function of the left atrial appendage.

Association of proteinuria and incident atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus: a population-based senior cohort study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). The excess risk in relation to the presence of proteinuria has not been well elucidated. Our aim was to determine the association between the incidence of AF and proteinuria in diabetic population. A total of 240,499 individuals aged ≥ 60 years from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort from 2004 to 2014 were included. 4.2% of individuals with DM and 3.7% of controls were diagnosed with AF during a median follow-up period of 7.2 years. Amongst controls (participants without proteinuria and DM), DM only, proteinuria only, and DM with proteinuria groups, the crude incidences of AF were 0.58, 0.70, 0.96, 1.24 per 100 person-years respectively. Compared with controls, the weighted risk of AF was increased by 11% (hazard ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.20, P = .001), 48% (hazard ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.30-1.69, P < .001), and 66% (hazard ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval = 1.26-2.18, P < .001) in the DM only, proteinuria only, and DM with proteinuria groups, respectively (P for trend < .001). Degree of proteinuria in diabetic patients was associated with a significantly higher rate of incident AF in dose dependent manner. Thus, assessing proteinuria by a simple urine dipstick test could provide a useful adjunct to risk assessment for AF in elderly population with DM.

A simple and easily implemented risk model to predict 1-year ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation

Background:

Accurate prediction of ischemic stroke is required for deciding anticoagulation use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Even though only 6% to 8% of AF patients die from stroke, about 90% are indicated for anticoagulants according to the current AF management guidelines. Therefore, we aimed to develop an accurate and easy-to-use new risk model for 1-year thromboembolic events (TEs) in Chinese AF patients.

Methods:

From the prospective China Atrial Fibrillation Registry cohort study, we identified 6601 AF patients who were not treated with anticoagulation or ablation at baseline. We selected the most important variables by the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and developed a simplified risk model for predicting 1-year TEs. The novel risk score was internally validated using bootstrapping with 1000 replicates and compared with the CHA₂DS₂-VA score (excluding female sex from the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score).

Results:

Up to the follow-up of 1 year, 163 TEs (ischemic stroke or systemic embolism) occurred. Using the XGBoost algorithm, we selected the three most important variables (congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction, age, and prior stroke, abbreviated as CAS model) to predict 1-year TE risk. We trained a multivariate Cox regression model and assigned point scores proportional to model coefficients. The CAS scheme classified 30.8% (2033/6601) of the patients as low risk for TE (CAS score = 0), with a corresponding 1-year TE risk of 0.81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41%–1.19%). In our cohort, the C-statistic of CAS model was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65–0.73), higher than that of CHA₂DS₂-VA score (0.66, 95% CI: 0.62–0.70, Z = 2.01, P = 0.045). The overall net reclassification improvement from CHA₂DS₂-VA categories (low = 0/high ≥1) to CAS categories (low = 0/high ≥1) was 12.2% (95% CI: 8.7%–15.7%).

Conclusion:

In Chinese AF patients, a novel and simple CAS risk model better predicted 1-year TEs than the widely-used CHA₂DS₂-VA risk score and identified a large proportion of patients with low risk of TEs, which could potentially improve anticoagulation decision-making.

Trial Registration:

www.chictr.org.cn (Unique identifier No. ChiCTR-OCH-13003729).

Pharmacotherapy for diabetes and stroke risk: Results from ROCKET AF

Background

Insulin use may be a better predictor of stroke risk and morbidity and mortality than diabetes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives

Determine if the increased risk of stroke observed in patients with AF and diabetes is restricted to those treated with insulin.

Methods

We analyzed the association between diabetes and treatment and the occurrence of stroke/systemic embolism, myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause death, vascular death, composite outcomes, and bleeding risk in the ROCKET AF trial.

Results

In a cohort of 14,264 patients, there were 40.3% (n = 5746) with diabetes, 5.9% (n = 842) on insulin, 18.9% (n = 2697) on oral medications, and 11.9% (n = 1703) diet-controlled. Compared to those without diabetes, patients with non–insulin-treated diabetes had increased risks of stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.68), MI (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.17–2.30), all-cause death (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.46), vascular death (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11–1.60), and composite outcomes (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.18–1.157). Patients with insulin-treated diabetes had a significantly higher risk of MI (HR 2.31, 95% CI 1.33–4.01) and composite outcomes (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.19–2.08) compared to those without diabetes. There were no significant differences between insulin-treated and non–insulin-treated diabetes for any outcome.

Conclusion

Among patients with AF and diabetes, there were no significant differences in outcomes in insulin-treated diabetes compared to non–insulin-treated diabetes.

National diabetes registries: do they make a difference?

AIMS

The global epidemic of diabetes mellitus continues to expand, including its large impact on national health care. Measuring diabetes outcomes and their causes of variation highlights areas for improvement in care and efficiency gains; large registries carry this potential. By means of a systematic review, we aimed to give an overview of national registries worldwide by quantifying their data and assessing their influence on diabetes care.

METHODS

The literature on MEDLINE up to March 31, 2020, was searched, using keywords diabetes mellitus, national, registry, registration, and/or database. National disease-specific registries from corresponding articles were included. Database characteristics and clinical variables were obtained. All registries were compared to the ICHOM standard set of outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 12 national clinical diabetes registries, comprising a total of 7,181,356 diabetic patients worldwide. Nearly all registries recorded weight, HbA1c, lipid profile, and insulin treatment; the recording of other variables varied to a great extent. Overall, registries corresponded fairly well with the ICHOM set. Most registries proved to monitor and improve the quality of diabetes care using guidelines as a benchmark. The effects on national healthcare policy were more variable and often less clear.

CONCLUSIONS

National diabetes registries confer clear insights into diagnostics, complications, and treatment. The extent to which registries influenced national healthcare policy was less clear. A globally implemented standard outcome set has the potential to improve concordance between national registries, enhance the comparison and exchange of diabetes outcomes, and allocate resources and interventions where most needed.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants and warfarin in older adults with atrial fibrillation and diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate comparative effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus warfarin in Medicare beneficiaries with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using 2014-2016 5% national Medicare data was undertaken. NVAF patients with DM aged ≥65 years having at least one prescription for NOACs or warfarin between July 2014 and December 2015 were included in the study. Propensity score matching was used to balance demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of patients in two treatment groups. Cardiovascular outcomes including stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and myocardial infarction (MI) were evaluated to measure effectiveness. Assessment of safety outcomes included intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), major gastrointestinal bleeding (MGB), bleeding from other sites (OB) and all-cause mortality. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for the outcomes in the matched cohort.

RESULTS

The matched sample consisted of 4582 patients (2291 pairs). Compared to warfarin, NOACs had a significantly lower risk of stroke/SE (hazard ratio (HR): 0.373, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.247-0.564, p < .001) and all-cause mortality (HR: 0.783, CI: 0.656-0.873, p = .007). NOACs were found to significantly reduce the risk of ICH (HR: 0.500, CI: 0.300-0.834, p = .008) and OB (HR: 0.608, CI: 0.424-0.870, p = .007), but no difference was observed in the risk of MGB (HR: 0.862, CI: 0.640-1.160, p = .326) between NOACs and warfarin. The composite outcome demonstrated superior overall effectiveness and safety of NOAC therapy compared to warfarin therapy (HR: 0.685, CI: 0.587-0.801, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Oral anticoagulation therapy with NOACs was found to be more effective than warfarin therapy among older adults with NVAF and comorbid DM.

Prognostic significance of diabetes mellitus in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

There are limited data on the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who were recently hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AF from December 2015 through June 2018. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox-regression adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and for the secondary outcomes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and the composite outcome of CV death or hospitalization. Competing-risk regression analyses were performed to calculate the cumulative risk of stroke, major bleeding, AF- or HF-hospitalizations adjusted for the competing risk of all-cause death. Spline curve models were fitted to investigate associations of HbA1c values and mortality among patients with AF and DM.

Results

In total 1109 AF patients were included, of whom 373 (33.6%) had DM. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, 414 (37.3%) patients died. The presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.40 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.11–1.75), CV mortality (aHR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.07–1.81), sudden cardiac death (aHR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.19–2.52), stroke (aHR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.45) and the composite outcome of hospitalization or CV death (aHR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.53). In AF patients with comorbid DM, the spline curves showed a positive linear association between HbA1c levels and outcomes, with values 7.6–8.2% being independent predictors of increased all-cause mortality, and values < 6.2% predicting significantly decreased all-cause and CV mortality.

Conclusions

The presence of DM on top of AF was associated with substantially increased risk for all-cause or CV mortality, sudden cardiac death and excess morbidity. HbA1c levels lower than 6.2% were independently related to better survival rates suggesting that optimal DM control could be associated with better clinical outcomes in AF patients with DM.

Heterogeneity of diabetes as a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation: an analysis of the ARISTOTLE trial

AIMS

Whether diabetes without insulin therapy is an independent cardiovascular (CV) risk factor in atrial fibrillation (AF) has recently been questioned. We investigated the prognostic relevance of diabetes with or without insulin treatment in patients in the ARISTOTLE trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with AF and increased stroke risk randomized to apixaban vs. warfarin were classified according to diabetes status: no diabetes; diabetes on no diabetes medications; diabetes on non-insulin antidiabetic drugs only; or insulin-treated. The associations between such patient subgroups and stroke/systemic embolism (SE), myocardial infarction (MI), and CV death were examined by Cox proportional hazard regression, both unadjusted and adjusted for other prognostic variables. Patients with diabetes were younger and had a higher body mass index. Median CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.0 in patients with diabetes and 3.0 in patients without diabetes. We found no significant difference in stroke/SE incidence across patient subgroups. Compared with no diabetes, only insulin-treated diabetes was significantly associated with higher risk. When adjusted for clinical variables, compared with no diabetes, the hazard ratios (HRs) for MI (95% confidence intervals) were for diabetes on no medication: 1.15 (0.62-2.14); for diabetes on non-insulin antidiabetic drugs: 1.32 (0.90-1.94); for insulin-treated diabetes: 2.34 (1.43-3.82); interaction P = 0.008. HRs for CV death were for diabetes on no medication: 1.19 (0.86-166); for diabetes on non-insulin antidiabetic drugs: 1.12 (0.88-1.42); for insulin-treated diabetes 1.85 (1.36-2.53), interaction P = 0.001.

CONCLUSION

In anticoagulated patients with AF, a higher risk of MI and CV death is largely confined to diabetes treated with insulin.

Poor glycaemic control contributes to a shift towards prothrombotic and antifibrinolytic state in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OJECTIVES

Thrombotic and antifibrinolytic influence of Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) on haemostasis have been well demonstrated. There has been no research assessing the influence of poor glycemic control on thrombus formation under flow conditions in vitro or in pregnant type 1 diabetic women to date.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This study compared singleton pregnant T1DM women (n = 21) and control pregnant subjects without any metabolic disease (n = 15). The T1DM group was divided into two subgroups of sufficient (SGC-DM; HbA1c ≤6,5%,n = 15) and poor glycaemic control (PGC-DM; HbA1c >6,5%,n = 6). Evaluation of the whole blood thrombogenicity we assessed using T-TAS® at a shear rate of 240 s-1 (Total-Thrombus Analysis System, Zacros, Japan).

RESULTS

Blood clot formation initiation time (T10) was significantly shortened in PGC-DM subgroup when compared to SGC-DM subgroup (p = 0,03). The area under the curve (AUC30) of blood clot time formation and the MPV (mean platelet volume) values were substantially higher in the PGC-DM subgroup in comparison to the SGC-DM group (p = 0,03). Negative correlations were noted between HbA1c and T10 values (p = 0,02) and between T10 and MPV values in the T1DM group (p = 0,04).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor glycaemic control in T1DM subjects triggers a shift towards a prothrombotic and antifibrinolytic state. This phenomenon can be detected using the novel system for quantitative assessment of the platelet thrombus formation process under flow conditions in vitro. The alteration of T-TAS values in PGC-DM subgroup proves that a poor glycemic control-related shift of the equilibrium toward thrombogenesis occurs in this group of patients. Our findings need a further elucidation in research on more massive data sets to be confirmed.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Stroke and Survival in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Although diabetes mellitus (DM) has been established as a risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and is a known risk factor for stroke, it is unclear whether the presence or duration of DM is the primary adverse influence on the clinical course of AF. We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with incident AF to examine the impact of DM on ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality. The diagnosis of DM was established by ICD-9 codes and review of medical records. To account for the significant differences in baseline characteristics of patients with and without diabetes, we matched 909 AF patients with DM with 909 AF patients without DM using propensity score matching based on 26 baseline variables. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with ischemic stroke and mortality. The mean age of the propensity matched cohort was 74 ± 11.5 years and 55.4% were male. Over a median follow-up period of 5.4 years (maximum 23.9 years), cumulative survival was significantly lower for patients with DM than those without DM; Log-rank p <0.001. In the propensity-matched comparison, the risk of mortality was significantly higher in the DM group compared with the non-DM group (hazard ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.69; p <0.001). Likewise, patients with DM had a higher risk of stroke (hazard ratio 1.32; 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.69; p = 0.03). Duration of DM was not associated with increased risk for stroke or mortality. In conclusion, the co-morbidity of DM represents an independent predictor of reduced survival and further highlights the excess risk of thromboembolism in patients with AF.

Beyond Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation: 10 Steps to Better Control

The prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation includes risk factor modification beyond ablation, with lifestyle modifications including treatment of obesity through diet and moderate exercise being at the top of the list. Losing 10% of body weight if obese, a plant-based diet, exercise, maintaining systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg, treatment of sleep disorders and obstructive sleep apnea, stress management, and treatment of depression and anxiety should all be included in treatment. Maximizing evidence-based treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes is also paramount.

Clinical Outcome of Edoxaban vs. Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes Mellitus: Results from a Multicenter, Propensity-Matched, Real-World Cohort Study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease which is independently associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Few real-world data are available about the clinical performance of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) among patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes. The aim of our propensity score-matched cohort study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of Edoxaban versus well-controlled vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) therapy among this population. In this study, we considered patients with AF and diabetes on Edoxaban or VKAs therapy included in the multicenter Atrial Fibrillation Research Database (NCT03760874). The occurrence of major bleedings (MB) and thromboembolic events (a composite of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism) was respectively considered primary safety and effectiveness outcome. We identified 557 AF patients with diabetes who received Edoxaban (n: 230) or VKAs (n: 327) treatment. After propensity score matching analysis, 135 Edoxaban and 135 VKA recipients with similar clinical characteristics were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 27 ± 3 months. The incidence rate of thromboembolic events (TE) was 3.0 per 100 person-years (1.11 in Edoxaban vs. 1.9 in the VKA group, hazard ratio (HR): 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14 to 2.52; p = 0.48). The incidence rate of major bleedings (MB) was 3.7 per 100 person-years (1.2 in Edoxaban vs. 2.7 in the VKA group, HR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.10 to 1.40; p = 0.14). The incidence rate of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.35 per 100 person-years in Edoxaban vs. 0.74 in the VKA group (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.05 to 5.54; p = 0.56). A positive net clinical benefit (NCB) of Edoxaban over VKAs was found (+1.39). Insulin therapy (HR: 1.76, p = 0.004) and glycated hemoglobin (HR: 1.17, p = 0.002) were found to be independent predictors of TE; moreover, the concomitant use of antiplatelet drugs (HR: 2.41, p = 0.001) was an independent predictor of MB. Conclusions: Our data support the hypothesis of the safety and efficacy of Edoxaban for use in patients with AF and diabetes, justified by a favorable NCB over VKAs.

Year in Review in Cardiac Electrophysiology

In the past year, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms, diagnosis, and new therapies. We have seen advances in basic cardiac electrophysiology with data suggesting that secretoneurin may be a biomarker for patients at risk of ventricular arrhythmias, and we have learned of the potential role of an NPR-C (natriuretic peptide receptor-C) in atrial fibrosis and the role of an atrial specific 2-pore potassium channel TASK-1 as a therapeutic target for atrial fibrillation. We have seen studies demonstrating the role of sensory neurons in sleep apnea-related atrial fibrillation and the association between bariatric surgery and atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes. Artificial intelligence applied to electrocardiography has yielded estimates of age, sex, and overall health. We have seen new tools for collection of patient-centered outcomes following catheter ablation. There have been significant advances in the ability to identify ventricular tachycardia termination sites through high-density mapping of deceleration zones. We have learned that right ventricular dysfunction may be a predictor of survival benefit after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We have seen further insights into the role of His bundle pacing on improving outcomes. As our understanding of cardiac laminopathies advances, we may have new tools to predict arrhythmic event rates in gene carriers. Finally, we have seen numerous advances in the treatment of arrhythmias in patients with congenital heart disease.

Identification of atrial fibrillation in secondary care diabetes and vascular clinics: a pilot study

Aim: To determine the feasibility and utility of the AliveCor® handheld ECG device in screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients attending secondary care clinics. Materials & methods: Patients were recruited from diabetes and vascular outpatient clinics, and the AliveCor device used to store a 30-second ECG recording. Clinical risk stratification systems (CHAD2S2-VASc and HAS-BLED) assessed individual suitability for oral anticoagulation. Results: Atrial fibrillation was detected in 2 of 149 patients (1.3%), with CHA2DS2-VASc-derived annual stroke risk of 4%. Given low bleeding susceptibility (HAS-BLED), oral anticoagulation was strongly indicated. Conclusion: AliveCor technology offers a simple approach to retrieve large volumes of ECG data. A follow-up study with a larger cohort would reinforce the clinical utility of screening this high-risk population.

Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To address gaps in the data comparing non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and warfarin among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with NVAF and diabetes newly initiating apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or warfarin from January 1, 2013, through September 30, 2015, with Medicare data from the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and 4 other US commercial claims databases. One-to-one propensity score matching was completed between NOACs and warfarin and between NOACs in each database, and the results were pooled. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the risk of stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding (MB).

RESULTS

A total of 154,324 patients were included in the 6 matched cohorts, with a mean follow-up time of 6 to 8 months. Compared with warfarin, apixaban (hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57-0.77) and rivaroxaban (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.89) were associated with a lower risk of stroke/SE; dabigatran (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67-1.07) was associated with a similar risk of stroke/SE. Apixaban (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.56-0.65) and dabigatran (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88) were associated with a lower risk of MB; rivaroxaban (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94-1.10) was associated with a similar risk of MB compared with warfarin. Compared with dabigatran and rivaroxaban, apixaban was associated with a lower risk of MB. Compared with rivaroxaban, dabigatran was associated with a lower risk of MB.

CONCLUSION

This study-the largest observational study to date of patients with NVAF and diabetes taking anticoagulants-found that NOACs were associated with variable rates of stroke/SE and MB compared with warfarin.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03087487.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are associated with both diabetes mellitus and its related comorbidities, including hypertension, obesity, and heart failure (HF). SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce weight, have salutary effects on left ventricular remodeling, and reduce hospitalization for HF and cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We therefore investigated whether SGLT2 inhibitors could also reduce the risk of AF/AFL.

Methods:

DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58) studied the efficacy and safety of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin versus placebo in 17 160 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either multiple risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n=10 186) or known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n=6974). We explored the effect of dapagliflozin on the first and total number of AF/AFL events in patients with (n=1116) and without prevalent AF/AFL using Cox and negative binomial models, respectively. AF/AFL events were identified by search of the safety database using MedDRA preferred terms (“atrial fibrillation,” “atrial flutter”).

Results:

Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of AF/AFL events by 19% (264 versus 325 events; 7.8 versus 9.6 events per 1000 patient-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68–0.95]; P =0.009). The reduction in AF/AFL events was consistent regardless of presence or absence of a history of AF/AFL at baseline (previous AF/AFL: HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.58–1.09]; no AF/AFL: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67–0.98]; P for interaction 0.89). Similarly, presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.66–1.04]) versus multiple risk factors (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.62–0.99]; P for interaction 0.72) or a history of HF (HF: HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.55–1.11]; No HF: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68–0.97]; P for interaction 0.88) did not modify the reduction in AF/AFL events observed with dapagliflozin. Moreover, there was no effect modification by sex, history of ischemic stroke, glycated hemoglobin A 1c , body mass index, blood pressure, or estimated glomerular filtration rate (all P for interaction >0.20). Dapagliflozin also reduced the total number (first and recurrent) of AF/AFL events (337 versus 432; incidence rate ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.64–0.92]; P =0.005).

Conclusions:

Dapagliflozin decreased the incidence of reported episodes of AF/AFL adverse events in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This effect was consistent regardless of the patient’s previous history of AF, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or HF.

Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01730534.

Glycemic status and risks of thromboembolism and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Studies specifically examining the association between glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and ischemic stroke/systemic thromboembolism (IS/SE) risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are limited. Here, we investigated the association between HbA1c levels and the risk of IS/SE, as well as major bleeding, among AF patients with or without oral anticoagulants (OACs). We also compared the effectiveness and safety of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in different HbA1c categories.

Methods

We utilized medical data from a multi-center healthcare provider in Taiwan, which included 34,036 AF patients with serum HbA1c data available within 3 months after AF being diagnosed. Patients were divided into seven study groups according to their HbA1c levels: < 5.4%, 5.4%–5.6%, 5.7%–5.9%, 6.0%–6.4%, 6.5%–6.9%, 7.0%–7.9%, and ≥ 8.0%. The risks of IS/SE and major bleeding were compared among the groups after adjusting for baseline stroke and bleeding risk factors.

Results

Compared with the patients with HbA1c level < 5.4%, IS/SE risk significantly increased at HbA1c levels higher than 6.5% [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.43 for HbA1c level 6.5%–6.9%; 1.32, (95% CI 1.11–1.57) for HbA1c level 7.0%–7.9%; and 1.48 (95% CI 1.25–1.76) for HbA1c level ≥ 8.0%]. These results were generally consistent in AF patients without OACs (n = 24,931). However, among 9105 patients receiving OACs, IS/SE risk was not higher for patients having higher HbA1c levels. The risk of major bleeding was comparable across all HbA1c categories. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were associated with lower risks of IS/SE (adjusted HR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.49–0.75) and major bleeding (adjusted HR: 0.30, 95% CI 0.21–0.42) without interactions across different HbA1c categories (all P interactions > 0.05).

Conclusion

For AF patients, IS/SE risk significantly increased once HbA1c levels exceeded 6.5%, and OACs may attenuate these associations. Compared with warfarin, DOACs were more effective and safer across broad HbA1c categories. Therefore, in addition to prescribing DOACs when indicated, more aggressive glycemic control to achieve an HbA1c level < 6.5% may be considered for eligible AF patients and should be tested in further prospective studies.

Association between Hemoglobin A1c and Stroke Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Purpose

The association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and stroke risk along with its subtypes is rarely reported. We aimed to investigate the association between HbA1c and the risk of incident stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes based on real world data from three healthcare systems.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 27,113 African Americans and 40,431 whites with type 2 diabetes. Demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, and medication information were abstracted from the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network common data model. Incident stroke events including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were defined.

Results

During a mean follow-up period of 3.79±1.68 years, 7,735 patients developed stroke (6,862 ischemic and 873 hemorrhagic). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios across levels of HbA1c at baseline (<6.0%, 6.0% to 6.9% [reference group], 7.0% to 7.9%, 8.0% to 8.9%, 9.0% to 9.9%, and ≥10%) were 1.07, 1.00, 1.13, 1.23, 1.27, and 1.37 (P_trend <0.001) for total stroke, 1.02, 1.00, 1.13, 1.20, 1.24, and 1.35 (P_trend <0.001) for ischemic stroke, and 1.40, 1.00, 1.14, 1.47, 1.47, and 1.51 (P_trend=0.002) for hemorrhagic stroke. When we used an updated mean value of HbA1c, the U-shaped association of HbA1c with stroke risk did not change. This U-shaped association was consistent among patients of different subgroups. The U-shaped association was more pronounced among patients taking antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antihypertensive medications compared with those without these medications.

Conclusions

These data suggest that diabetes management may have to be individualized according to the guideline recommendations rather than intensively attempting to lower HbA1c.

Type 2 Diabetes, Atrial Fibrillation, and Direct Oral Anticoagulation

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an independent risk factor of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and T2D patients with AF-associated stroke seem to have worse clinical outcome and higher risk of unfavorable clinical course compared to individuals without this metabolic disorder. Long-term anticoagulation is indicated in majority of T2D patients with AF to prevent adverse AF-associated embolic events. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), direct oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, and direct oral factor Xa inhibitors, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, have emerged as a preferred choice for long-term prevention of stroke in AF patients offering potent and predictable anticoagulation and a favorable pharmacology with low risk of interactions. This article reviews the current data regarding the use of DOACs in individuals with T2D and AF.

One-year clinical outcomes of anticoagulation therapy among Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation: The Hyogo AF Network (HAF-NET) Registry

BACKGROUND

Although anticoagulation therapy could reduce the risk of strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), large-scale investigations in the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and AF catheter ablation (CA) era are lacking.

METHODS

This study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, observational study and a total of 2113 patients from 22 institutions were enrolled in the Hyogo area.

RESULTS

The mean age and CHADS2 score were 70.1 ± 10.8 years old and 1.5 ± 1.1, respectively. The follow-up period was 355 ± 43 days. CA was performed in 614 (29%) and DOACs were prescribed in 1118 (53%) patients. Ischemic strokes/systemic embolisms (SEs) and major bleeding occurred in 13 (0.6%) and 17 (0.8%) patients, respectively. New onset dementia, hospitalizations for cardiac events, and all-cause death occurred in eight (0.4%), 60 (2.8%), and 29 (1.4%) patients, respectively. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that persistent AF and the body weight (BW) were associated with ischemic strokes/SEs and major bleeding, respectively (persistent AF: hazard ratio, 9.57; 95%CI, 1.2-74.0; P = .03; BW: hazard ratio, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.90-0.99; P = .02). AFCA history was associated with the cardiac events (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95%CI, 0.20-0.99; P = .04). Age was associated with new onset dementia (hazard ratio, 1.1; 95%CI, 1.0-1.2; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In the DOAC and CA era, the incidence of ischemic strokes/SEs, major bleeding and cardiac events could be dramatically reduced in patients with AF. However, some unsolved issues of AF management still remain especially in elderly patients with persistent AF and a low BW.