Prognosis and management of new-onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients

Safety of human serum albumin infusion in heart failure patients with hypoproteinemia: a propensity score-matched analysis

OBJECTIVES

Heart failure, especially in the elderly, is a growing global issue. This research explores the safety of human albumin infusion in treating heart failure patients with hypoalbuminemia, despite limited clinical data on its use with diuretic therapy.

METHODS

Data were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database, which included a cohort of 6094 patients diagnosed with heart failure. Propensity score matching, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS) curves were used to examine how albumin administration correlates with different clinical results. The evaluated results comprised in-hospital mortality, cumulative fluid output over 24 hours, Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU LOS), and overall hospitalization duration (hospital LOS).

RESULTS

Infusing albumin was found to be markedly linked with higher in-hospital mortality among heart failure patients whose serum albumin levels were ≤ 2.9 g/dL (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the patients with levels > 2.9 g/dL (p = 0.62). Following propensity score matching in the ≤ 2.9 g/dL serum albumin group, albumin infusion was linked to prolonged hospital and ICU stays (p = 0.002, p < 0.001), but showed no significant association with total 24 hour fluid output and 90-day survival (p = 0.173, p = 0.656).

CONCLUSION

The use of albumin has been linked to increased risk-adjusted mortality during hospitalization, as well as prolonged stays in both hospital and ICU settings for patients with heart failure and low levels of serum albumin. Physicians should exercise caution when considering the administration of albumin in these cases.

The management of new-onset atrial fibrillation in critical illness: an update on current therapeutic options

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia among critically ill patients, correlating with heightened morbidity and mortality rates. Current evidence for managing NOAF in this patient population is limited.

RECENT FINDINGS

Numerous meta-analyses have been conducted to assess the efficacy of atrial fibrillation treatments in acute settings, including rate or rhythm control strategies, anticoagulation, and intensive care interventions. The employment of β-blockers for rate control appears to confer greater benefits in critically ill patients. However, the advantage of anticoagulation remains ambiguous because of bleeding risks, which is partly attributed to the scarcity of evidence in the complex context of critical illness. Approximately one-third of patients with transient atrial fibrillation face recurrence within a year. Therefore, vigilant posthospitalization follow-up and monitoring should be considered for high-risk patients to detect atrial fibrillation recurrence. Long-term anticoagulation strategies should be tailored to individual patient profiles, weighing the risks of thromboembolism.

SUMMARY

Factors predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence include age, the burden of atrial fibrillation, and atrial size. There are significant knowledge gaps concerning NOAF in critically ill patients, highlighting the need for further research, particularly randomized clinical trials.

Research priorities for the study of atrial fibrillation during acute and critical illness: recommendations from the Symposium on Atrial Fibrillation in Acute and Critical Care

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia encountered in acute and critical illness and is associated with poor short and long-term outcomes. Given the consequences of developing AF, research into prevention, prediction and treatment of this arrhythmia in the critically ill are of great potential benefit, however, study of AF in critically ill patients faces unique challenges, leading to a sparse evidence base to guide management in this population. Major obstacles to the study of AF in acute and critical illness include absence of a common definition, challenges in designing studies that capture complex etiology and assess causality, lack of a clear outcome set, difficulites in recruitment in acute environments with respect to timing, consent, and workflow, and failure to embed studies into clinical care platforms and capitalize on emerging technologies. Collaborative effort by researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders should be undertaken to address these challenges, both through interdisciplinary cooperation for the optimization of research efficiency and advocacy to advance the understanding of this common and complex arrhythmia, resulting in improved patient care and outcomes. The Symposium on Atrial Fibrillation in Acute and Critical Care was convened to address some of these challenges and propose potential solutions.

A Predictive Nomogram of In-Hospital Mortality After 48 h for Atrial Fibrillation Patients in the Coronary Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer a higher risk of death, and it is necessary to develop prediction tools for mortality risk in critically ill patients with AF. This study aimed to develop a novel predictive nomogram of in-hospital mortality after 48 h in the coronary care unit (CCU) for patients with AF.

METHODS

We collected information on CCU patients with AF from the "Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III" database and developed a nomogram model for predicting the all-cause mortality risk after 48 h in the hospital. Key variables were selected by univariate logistic and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. The independent predictors with p < 0.05 were screened out by multivariate logistic regression. A predictive nomogram was constructed using these independent predictors, and the model calibration and discrimination were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study finally enrolled 1248 CCU patients with AF, and the in-hospital mortality was 17% (209/1248). The predictive nomogram was constructed by 13 selected independent predictors, including age, smoking status, acute kidney injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ventricular arrhythmia, shock, urea, red cell distribution width, leucocytosis, continuous renal replacement therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, anticoagulation, and heart rate. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.803 (95% confidence interval 0.771-0.835). The nomogram was verified to have good accuracy and calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed a novel nomogram containing age, acute kidney injury, and heart rate that can be a good predictor of potential in-hospital mortality after 48 h in CCU patients with AF.

Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Patients: Incidence and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF), either chronic or new onset, is common in critically ill patients. Its epidemiology and relationship with clinical outcomes are poorly known.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the burden of AF in patients admitted to the ICU and its impact on patients' outcomes.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluating all patients with AF admitted to a non-cardiac intensive care unit over the course of 54 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in the short (hospital discharge) and long term (two-year follow-up). The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI was computed for the whole population as well as for propensity score-matched patients, with or without AF.

RESULTS

A total of 1357 patients were screened (59.1% male), with a mean age of 75 ± 15.2 years, length of intensive care unit stay of 4.7 ± 5.1 days, and hospital mortality of 26%. A diagnosis of AF was found in 215 patients (15.8%), 142 of whom had chronic AF. The hospital all-cause mortality was similar in patients with chronic or new-onset AF (31% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.779). Patients with AF had higher in-hospital, one-year, and two-year crude mortality (30.2% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.024; 47.9% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.001; 52.6% vs. 38.4%, p < 0.001). However, after propensity score matching (N = 213), this difference was no longer significant for in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.77-1.79), one-year mortality (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.94-2.03), or two-year mortality (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.89-1.90).

CONCLUSIONS

In ICU patients, the prevalence of AF, either chronic or new-onset, was 15.8%, and these patients had higher crude mortality. However, after adjustment for age and severity on admission, no significant differences were found in the short- and long-term mortality.

The association between urine ketone and new-onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common manifestation in critically ill patients. There is a paucity of evidence indicating a relationship between urinary ketones and NOAF.

METHODS

Critically ill patients with urinary ketone measurements from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database were included. The primary outcome was NOAF Propensity score matching was performed following by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 24,688 patients with available data of urine ketone were included in this study. The urine ketone of 4014 patients was tested positive. The average age of the included participants was 63.8 years old, and 54.5% of them were male. Result of the fully-adjusted binary logistic regression model showed that patients with positive urinary ketone was associated with a significantly lower risk of NOAF (Odds ratio, 0.79, 95% CI 0.7-0.9), compared with those with negative urinary ketone. In the subgroup analysis according to diabetic status, compared with nondiabetics, patients with diabetes had lower risk of NOAF (p-values for interaction < 0.05). Results of other subgroup analyses according to gender, age, infection, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure were consistent with the primary analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive urinary ketone body may be associated with reduced risk of NOAF in critically ill patients during intensive care unit hospitalization. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

New-onset atrial fibrillation among COVID-19 patients: A narrative review

Over the last three years, research has focused on examining cardiac issues arising from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, including the emergence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF). Still, no clinical study was conducted on the persistence of this arrhythmia after COVID-19 recovery. Our objective was to compose a narrative review that investigates COVID-19-associated NOAF, emphasizing the evolving pathophysiological mechanisms akin to those suggested for sustaining AF. Given the distinct strategies involved in the persistence of atrial AF and the crucial burden of persistent AF, we aim to underscore the importance of extended follow-up for COVID-19-associated NOAF. A comprehensive search was conducted for articles published between December 2019 and February 11, 2023, focusing on similarities in the pathophysiology of NOAF after COVID-19 and those persisting AF. Also, the latest data on incidence, morbidity-mortality, and management of NOAF in COVID-19 were investigated. Considerable overlaps between the mechanisms of emerging NOAF after COVID-19 infection and persistent AF were observed, mostly involving reactive oxygen pathways. With potential atrial remodeling associated with NOAF in COVID-19 patients, this group of patients might benefit from long-term follow-up and different management. Future cohort studies could help determine long-term outcomes of NOAF after COVID-19.

Magnesium prophylaxis of new-onset atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in intensive care units (ICU) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Magnesium prophylaxis has been shown to reduce incidence of AF in cardiac surgery patients, however, evidence outside this population is limited. The objective of this study is to summarize studies examining magnesium versus placebo in the prevention of NOAF outside the setting of cardiac surgery.

SOURCE

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) from inception until January 3rd, 2023. We included all interventional research studies that compared magnesium to placebo and excluded case reports and post cardiac surgery patients. We conducted meta-analysis using the inverse variance method with random effects modelling.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Of the 1493 studies imported for screening, 87 full texts were assessed for eligibility and six citations, representing five randomized controlled trials (n = 4713), were included in the review, with four studies (n = 4654) included in the pooled analysis. Administration of magnesium did not significantly reduce the incidence of NOAF compared to placebo (OR 0.72, [95% CI 0.48 to 1.09]).

CONCLUSION

Use of magnesium did not reduce the incidence of NOAF, however these studies represent diverse groups and are hindered by significant bias. Further studies are necessary to determine if there is benefit to magnesium prophylaxis for NOAF in non-cardiac surgery patients.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) in the ICU: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes: The International AFIB-ICU Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the ICU and to describe current practice in the management of AF.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective, inception cohort study.

SETTING

Forty-four ICUs in 12 countries in four geographical regions.

SUBJECTS

Adult, acutely admitted ICU patients without a history of persistent/permanent AF or recent cardiac surgery were enrolled; inception periods were from October 2020 to June 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We included 1,423 ICU patients and analyzed 1,415 (99.4%), among whom 221 patients had 539 episodes of AF. Most (59%) episodes were diagnosed with continuous electrocardiogram monitoring. The incidence of AF was 15.6% (95% CI, 13.8-17.6), of which newly developed AF was 13.3% (11.5-15.1). A history of arterial hypertension, paroxysmal AF, sepsis, or high disease severity at ICU admission was associated with AF. Used interventions to manage AF were fluid bolus 19% (95% CI 16-23), magnesium 16% (13-20), potassium 15% (12-19), amiodarone 51% (47-55), beta-1 selective blockers 34% (30-38), calcium channel blockers 4% (2-6), digoxin 16% (12-19), and direct current cardioversion in 4% (2-6). Patients with AF had more ischemic, thromboembolic (13.6% vs 7.9%), and severe bleeding events (5.9% vs 2.1%), and higher mortality (41.2% vs 25.2%) than those without AF. The adjusted cause-specific hazard ratio for 90-day mortality by AF was 1.38 (95% CI, 0.95-1.99).

CONCLUSIONS

In ICU patients, AF occurred in one of six and was associated with different conditions. AF was associated with worse outcomes while not statistically significantly associated with 90-day mortality in the adjusted analyses. We observed variations in the diagnostic and management strategies for AF.

The Year 2022 in Cardiovascular Diseases-Clinics and Practice

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Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critically lll Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study - New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and COVID-19

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) can contribute to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. Thus, our study aims to investigate the incidence and clinical outcomes associated with the new-onset Afib in critically ill patients with COVID-19. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study includes critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) from March, 2020 to July, 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups (new-onset Afib vs control). The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality. Other outcomes were secondary, such as mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, 30-day mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and complications during stay. After propensity score matching (3:1 ratio), 400 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients who developed new-onset Afib had higher odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 2.76; 95% CI: 1.49-5.11, P = .001). However, there was no significant differences in the 30-day mortality. The MV duration, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS were longer in patients who developed new-onset Afib (beta coefficient 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28-0.77; P < .0001,beta coefficient 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12-0.46; P < .001, and beta coefficient 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.52; P < .0001; respectively). Moreover, the control group had significantly lower odds of major bleeding, liver injury, and respiratory failure that required MV. New-onset Afib is a common complication among critically ill patients with COVID-19 that might be associated with poor clinical outcomes; further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Increased long-term mortality following new-onset atrial fibrillation in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients who develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) during an intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 2000 to 2022. We included studies of adults based in general ICUs that evaluated long-term outcomes (at least 30 days after hospital discharge) of NOAF. We excluded studies involving patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF). We performed risk of bias assessment of the included studies based on a modified Newcastle Ottawa score (NOS). We extracted summary data for long-term outcomes. Where the outcome was reported in three or more studies we pooled effect sizes.

RESULTS

We screened 2206 studies and included 15 studies reporting data from 561,797 patients. Pooled analysis of 4 studies using a random effects model revealed an association between NOAF acquired in an ICU and 90-day mortality (including ICU and hospital mortality) (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12-2.08). We also found an association between NOAF and 1-year mortality from 7 studies (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.65-1.96), which remained when analysing 1-year mortality in hospital survivors (RR 1.72 (95% CI 1.49-1.98).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who develop NOAF in an ICU, both 90-day and 1-year mortality are increased in comparison to those who do not develop NOAF. Current evidence suggests an increased risk of thromboembolic events after hospital discharge in patients who develop NOAF in an ICU.

Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events in COVID-19

Background

New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) during COVID-19 infection is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, with new-onset AF being associated with worse clinical outcomes than recurrent AF. However, it is not known whether a prior history of AF is an independent cardiovascular risk factor predicting worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The present investigation sought to determine whether AF should be considered a risk factor for worse outcomes in COVID-19 illness.

Methods

From March 2020-September 2021 patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a prior AF diagnosis (n = 3623) were propensity matched to non-AF SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (n = 3610). Multivariable Cox hazard regression was used to determine subsequent MACE (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, HF and stroke) risk among patients with and without AF.

Results

COVID-19 patients with a prior history of AF were more likely to be hospitalized, require ICU care, supplemental oxygen, and ventilator support compared COVID-19 patients without a history of AF. There was a 1.40 times higher rate of MACE in the COVID-19 patients with prior AF compared to patients without prior AF (p < 0.0001). The increased rate of MACE in patients with a prior AF was primarily secondary to increases in heart failure hospitalization and death. This finding was confirmed even after controlling for acute AF during COVID-19 illness (HR 1.22, p = 0.0009).

Conclusion

AF history was shown to be an independent risk factor for MACE during a COVID-19 illness. Both recurrent and principally new-onset AF were associated with an increased risk of poor clinical outcomes during COVID-19 illness.

Association between Anemia and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in older patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although many comorbidities are associated with NOAF, the effect of anemia on the onset of atrial fibrillation is still unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that anemia is associated with an increased risk of developing NOAF in critically ill patients in intensive care. We performed a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients who underwent routine hemoglobin and electrocardiography monitoring in the ICU. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined the hemoglobin (Hb) value that triggered NOAF formation. Bivariate correlation was used to determine the relationship between anemia and NOAF. The incidence of NOAF was 9.9% in the total population, and 12.8% in the patient group with anemia. Analysis of 1931 patients revealed a negative association between anemia and the development of NOAF in the ICU. The stimulatory Hb cut-off value for the formation of NOAF was determined as 9.64 g/dL. Anemia is associated with the development of NOAF in critically ill patients in intensive care.