2016 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation Developed in Collaboration With EACTS

A retrospective analysis of frailty status on atrial fibrillation catheter ablation outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life compared with medical treatment. It is unclear if frailty impacts on the outcome of catheter ablation in patients with symptomatic AF. We sought to evaluate the association between frailty as measured by the validated NHS electronic Frailty Index (eFI) and outcomes post-AF ablation.

METHODS

Two hundred forty eight patients who had undergone AF ablation with a mean age of 72.9 ± 5.16 were included in the study retrospectively. The primary endpoint for success was defined as freedom from atrial arrhythmia lasting >30 s beyond the 3-month blanking periods. Frailty was based on the eFI, and the cohort split into four groups: fit (no frailty), mild, moderate and severe frailty.

RESULTS

Frailty was categorized as fit (118/248; 47.6%), mild (66/248; 26.6%), moderate (54/248; 21.8%), and severe (10/248; 4.0%). Freedom from arrhythmia occurred in 167 of 248 (67.3%) patients after a mean follow-up of 25.8 +/- 17.3 months. Fit patients had significantly greater freedom from arrhythmia (92/118; 78%) compared to mild frailty (40/66; 60.6%, p-value = .020), moderate frailty (31/54; 57.4%, p-value = .006), or severe frailty (4/10; 40.0%, p-value < .001). There was also a significant difference in arrhythmia occurrence between patients with mild frailty and severe frailty (p-value = .044).

CONCLUSION

Frailty is associated with poorer outcomes in patients undergoing AF ablation. The eFI may be used in the prognostic evaluation of AF ablation outcomes. Further studies are essential to confirm the findings of this study.

Atrial Fibrillation, thromboembolic risk, and the potential role of the natriuretic peptides, a focus on BNP and NT-proBNP - A narrative review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most commonly encountered arrythmia in clinical practice. AF itself can be driven by genetic predisposition, ectopic electrical activity, and abnormal atrial tissue substrates. Often there is no single etiological mechanism, but rather a combination of factors that feed back to remodel and worsen tissue substrate, "AF begets AF". The clinical consequences of AF can often include emboli, heart failure, and early mortality. The classical AF cardioembolic (CE) concept requires thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage, with subsequent embolization. The temporal dissociation between AF occurrence and CE events has thrown doubt on AF as the driver of this mechanism. Instead, there has been a resurgence of the "atrial cardiomyopathy" (ACM) concept. An ACM is proposed as a potential mechanism of embolic disease through promotion of prothrombotic mechanisms, with AF instead reflecting atrial disease severity. Regardless, AF has been implicated in 25% to 30% of cryptogenic strokes. Natriuretic peptide(NP)s have been shown to be elevated in AF, with higher levels of both NT-proBNP and BNP being predictive of incidental AF. NPs potentially reflect the atrial environment and could be used to identify an underlying ACM. Therefore, this narrative review examines this evidence and mechanisms that may underpin the role of NPs in identifying atrial dysfunction, with focus on both, BNP and NTproBNP. We explore their potential role in the prediction and screening for both, ACM and AF. Moreover, we compare both NPs directly to ascertain a superior biomarker.

Assessment of High-Power Catheter Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

Background: High-power radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation was considered as a promising alternative strategy to conventional-power ablation in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study sought to compare the efficacy and safety of high-power energy delivery to that of conventional-power setting in AF catheter ablation. Methods: We performed a systematic review of relevant literature in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar database. Sixteen eligible studies totaling 3,307 patients (1,929 for high-power ablation; 1,378 for conventional-power ablation) met inclusion criteria. Results: During a median 12 month follow-up, high-power ablation showed a significantly higher AF/atrial tachycardia-free survival rate in comparison with conventional-power ablation (risk ratio [RR] 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.15, p = 0.008). Notably, a high-power strategy convincingly decreased the procedure time (weighted mean difference [WMD] -46.11 min, 95% CI -59.15 to -33.07, p < 0.001) and RF ablation time (WMD -19.19 min, 95% CI -24.47 to -13.90, p < 0.001), along with reduced fluoroscopy time (WMD -7.82 min, 95% CI -15.13 to -0.68, p = 0.036). In addition, there was no perceptible difference in the potential risk of procedure-related complications between these two approaches (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.37, p = 0.428). Conclusions: High-power RF catheter ablation was associated with an improvement in long-term sinus rhythm maintenance for treatment of AF, without exacerbating the risk of adverse events during the procedure. Impressively, high-power pulmonary vein isolation had the potential to shorten the application duration and minimize fluoroscopic exposure.

Genetic Determinants of Increased Body Mass Index Partially Mediate the Effect of Elevated Birth Weight on the Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Although several observational studies have shown an association between birth weight (BW) and atrial fibrillation (AF), controversy remains. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of elevated BW on the etiology of AF.

Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was designed to infer the causality. The genetic data on the associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with BW and AF were separately obtained from two large-scale genome-wide association studies with up to 321,223 and 1,030,836 individuals, respectively. SNPs were identified at a genome-wide significant level (p <5 × 10⁻⁸). The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was employed to obtain causal estimates as our primary analysis. Sensitivity analyses with various statistical methods were applied to evaluate the robustness of the results, and multivariable MR analysis was conducted to determine whether this association was mediated by the body mass index (BMI).

Results: In total, 144 SNPs were identified as the genetic instrumental variables. MR analysis revealed a causal effect of elevated BW on AF (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.14–1.40, p = 5.70 × 10⁻⁶). All the results in sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary result. The effect of BW on AF was attenuated when adjusted for BMI (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01–1.33, p = 0.04).

Conclusions: This study indicated that elevated BW was significantly associated with increased lifelong risk of AF, which may be partially mediated by BMI.

Efficient methods for acute stress detection using heart rate variability data from Ambient Assisted Living sensors

Background

Using Ambient Assisted Living sensors to detect acute stress could help people mitigate the harmful effects of everyday stressful situations. This would help both the healthy and those affected more by sudden stressors, e.g., people with diabetes or heart conditions. The study aimed to develop a method for providing reliable stress detection based on heart rate variability features extracted from portable devices.

Methods

Features extracted from portable electrocardiogram sensor recordings were used for training various classification algorithms for stress detection purposes. Data were recorded in a clinical trial with 7 participants and two stressors, the Trier Social Stress Test and the Stroop colour word test, both validated by standardised questionnaires. Different heart rate variability feature sets (all, time-domain and non-linear only, frequency-domain only) were tested to investigate how classification performance is affected, in addition to various time window length setups and participant-wise training sessions. The accuracy and F1 score of the trained models were compared and analysed.

Results

The best results were achieved with models using time-domain and non-linear heart rate variability features with 5-min-long overlapping time windows, yielding 96.31% accuracy and 96.26% F1 score. Shorter overlapping windows had slightly lower performance, with 91.62–94.55% accuracy and 91.77–94.55% F1 score ranges. Non-overlapping window configurations were less effective, with both accuracy and F1 score below 88%. For participant-wise learning, average F1 scores of 99.47%, 98.93% and 96.1% were achieved for feature sets using all, time-domain and non-linear, and frequency-domain features, respectively.

Conclusion

The tested stress detector models based on heart rate variability data recorded by a single electrocardiogram sensor performed just as well as those published in the literature working with multiple sensors, or even better. This suggests that once portable devices such as smartwatches provide reliable hear rate variability recordings, efficient stress detection can be achieved without the need for additional physiological measurements.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12938-021-00911-6.

The Role of Exosomes and Their Cargos in the Mechanism, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent arrhythmia, but the mechanism of AF has not been fully elucidated, and existing approaches to diagnosis and treatment face limitations. Recently, exosomes have attracted considerable interest in AF research due to their high stability, specificity and cell-targeting ability. The aim of this review is to summarize recent literature, analyze the advantages and limitations of exosomes, and to provide new ideas for their use in understanding the mechanism and improving the diagnosis and treatment of AF.

Frailty and the Effect of Catheter Ablation in the Elderly Population With Atrial Fibrillation - A Real-World Analysis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether catheter ablation is beneficial for frail elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated the effect of ablation on outcomes in frail elderly patients with AF.Methods and Results:From the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 194,928 newly diagnosed AF patients were treated with ablation or medical therapy (rhythm or rate control) between 2005 and 2015. Among these patients, the study included 1,818 (ablation; n=119) frail and 1,907 (ablation; n=230) non-frail elderly (≥75 years) patients. Propensity score matching was used to correct for differences between groups. During 28 months (median) follow up, the risk of all-cause death, composite outcome (all-cause death, heart failure admission, stroke/systemic embolism, and sudden cardiac arrest), and each outcome did not change after ablation in frail elderly patients. However, in non-frail elderly patients, ablation was associated with a lower risk of all-cause death (3.5 and 6.2 per 100 person-years; hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.79; P=0.004), and composite outcome (6.9 and 11.2 per 100 person-years; HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.38-0.75; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ablation may be associated with a lower risk of death and composite outcome in non-frail elderly, but the beneficial effect of ablation was not significant in frail elderly patients with AF. The effect of frailty on the outcome of ablation should be evaluated in further studies.

A Novel Risk Stratification System for Ischemic Stroke in Japanese Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Recently, identification of independent risk factors for ischemic stroke in Japanese non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients was made by analyzing the 5 major Japanese registries: J-RHYTHM Registry, Fushimi AF Registry, Shinken Database, Keio interhospital Cardiovascular Studies, and the Hokuriku-Plus AF Registry.Methods and Results:The predictive value of the risk scheme in Japanese NVAF patients was assessed. Of 16,918 patients, 12,289 NVAF patients were analyzed (mean follow up, 649±181 days). Hazard ratios (HRs) of each significant, independent risk factor were determined by using adjusted Cox-hazard proportional analysis. Scoring system for ischemic stroke was created by transforming HR logarithmically and was estimated by c-statistic. During the 21,820 person-years follow up, 241 ischemic stroke events occurred. Significant risk factors were: being elderly (aged 75-84 years [E], HR=1.74), extreme elderly (≥85 years [EE], HR=2.41), having hypertension (H, HR=1.60), previous stroke (S, HR=2.75), type of AF (persistent/permanent) (T, HR=1.59), and low body mass index <18.5 kg/m²(L, HR=1.55) after adjusting for oral anticoagulant treatment. The score was assigned as follows: 1 point to H, E, L, and T, and 2 points to EE and S (HELT-E₂S₂score). The C-statistic, using this score, was 0.681 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.647-0.714), which was significantly higher than those using CHADS₂(0.647; 95% CI=0.614-0.681, P=0.027 for comparison) and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (0.641; 95% CI=0.608-0.673, P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The HELT-E₂S₂score may be useful for identifying Japanese NVAF patients at risk of ischemic stroke.

Modulated Calcium Homeostasis and Release Events Under Atrial Fibrillation and Its Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with calcium (Ca²⁺) handling remodeling and increased spontaneous calcium release events (SCaEs). Nevertheless, its exact mechanism remains unclear, resulting in suboptimal primary and secondary preventative strategies.

Methods: We searched the PubMed database for studies that investigated the relationship between SCaEs and AF and/or its risk factors. Meta-analysis was used to examine the Ca²⁺ mechanisms involved in the primary and secondary AF preventative groups.

Results: We included a total of 74 studies, out of the identified 446 publications from inception (1982) until March 31, 2020. Forty-five were primary and 29 were secondary prevention studies for AF. The main Ca²⁺ release events, calcium transient (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.49; I² = 35%; confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.66; p < 0.0001), and spark amplitude (SMD = 0.48; I² = 0%; CI = −0.98–1.93; p = 0.054) were enhanced in the primary diseased group, while calcium transient frequency was increased in the secondary group. Calcium spark frequency was elevated in both the primary diseased and secondary AF groups. One of the key cardiac currents, the L-type calcium current (I_CaL) was significantly downregulated in primary diseased (SMD = −1.07; I² = 88%; CI = −1.94 to −0.20; p < 0.0001) and secondary AF groups (SMD = −1.28; I² = 91%; CI = −2.04 to −0.52; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the sodium–calcium exchanger (I_NCX) and NCX1 protein expression were significantly enhanced in the primary diseased group, while only NCX1 protein expression was shown to increase in the secondary AF studies. The phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor at S2808 (pRyR-S2808) was significantly elevated in both the primary and secondary groups. It was increased in the primary diseased and proarrhythmic subgroups (SMD = 0.95; I² = 64%; CI = 0.12–1.79; p = 0.074) and secondary AF group (SMD = 0.66; I² = 63%; CI = 0.01–1.31; p < 0.0001). Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) expression was elevated in the primary diseased and proarrhythmic drug subgroups but substantially reduced in the secondary paroxysmal AF subgroup.

Conclusions: Our study identified that I_CaL is reduced in both the primary and secondary diseased groups. Furthermore, pRyR-S2808 and NCX1 protein expression are enhanced. The remodeling leads to elevated Ca²⁺ functional activities, such as increased frequencies or amplitude of Ca²⁺ spark and Ca²⁺ transient. The main difference identified between the primary and secondary diseased groups is SERCA expression, which is elevated in the primary diseased group and substantially reduced in the secondary paroxysmal AF subgroup. We believe our study will add new evidence to AF mechanisms and treatment targets.

Results of Register in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Rivaroxaban

Aim      To evaluate outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation who receive rivaroxaban and the patients' compliance with the antithrombotic therapy.Material and methods  The study was performed from October 2017 through December 2019 and included 129 patients. Events between the discharge from the hospital and 12 months of follow-up were recorded. The primary endpoint was development of major, minor or requiring medical attention bleeding according to the TIMI scale. The secondary endpoint was a combination of recurrent myocardial infarction, nonfatal acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, nonfatal systemic embolism, stent thrombosis, and cardiovascular mortality.Results 32 (24.8%) patients early terminated the antiplatelet treatment and 22 (17.1%) patients terminated the rivaroxaban treatment. 26 (20.2 %) patients had hemorrhagic complications. The highest incidence of hemorrhage was observed within the first 2 months after the discharge. None of the bleedings was fatal. Composite endpoint events were observed in 24 (18.6 %) patients, including 14 (10.9 %) who died from cardiovascular causes.Conclusion      The compliance with the antiplatelet therapy was insufficient. The incidence of hemorrhagic complications was relatively high; minor and requiring medical attention hemorrhages mostly contributed to the structure of these complications. The observed incidence of recurrent ischemic events associated with a high mortality presents a more serious problem compared to hemorrhagic complications of the combination antiplatelet therapy and warrants a more aggressive tactics of the antiplatelet treatment in high-risk patients.

Long Term outcomes of percutaneous atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with continuous monitoring

INTRODUCTION

There is limited data using continuous monitoring to assess outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study assessed long-term outcomes of AF ablation in patients with implantable cardiac devices.

METHODS

207 patients (mean age 68.1 ± 9.5, 50.3% men) undergoing ablation for symptomatic AF were followed up for a mean period of 924.5 ± 636.7 days. Techniques included The Pulmonary Vein Ablation Catheter (PVAC) (59.4%), cryoablation (17.4%), point by point (14.0%) and The Novel Irrigated Multipolar Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter (nMARQ) (9.2%).

RESULTS

130 (62.8%) patients had paroxysmal AF (PAF) and 77 (37.2%) persistent AF. First ablation and repeat ablation reduced AF burden significantly (relative risk 0.91, [95% CI 0.89 to 0.94]; P <0.0001 and 0.90, [95% CI, 0.86-0.94]; P <0.0001). Median AF burden in PAF patients reduced from 1.05% (interquartile range [IQR], 0.1%-8.70%) to 0.10% ([IQR], 0%-2.28%) at one year and this was maintained out to four-years. Persistent AF burden reduced from 99.9% ([IQR], 51.53%-100%) to 0.30% ([IQR], 0%-77.25%) at one year increasing to 87.3% ([IQR], 4.25%-100%) after four years. If a second ablation was required, point-by-point ablation achieved greater reduction in AF burden (relative risk, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.91]; P <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ablation reduces AF burden both acutely and in the long-term. If a second ablation was required the point-by-point technique achieved greater reductions in AF burden than "single-shot" technologies. Persistent AF burden increased to near pre ablation levels by year 4 suggesting a different mechanism from PAF patients where this increase did not occur.

Optimal Management of Anticoagulation Therapy in Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke prevention is the cornerstone of management of atrial fibrillation (AF), and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are commonly prescribed. Because routine monitoring of anticoagulant effects of NOACs is not necessary, appropriate dosing following the criteria of each NOACs defined in pivotal randomized trials is important. Real-world data demonstrate that underdosing NOACs is associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke without a lower risk of major bleeding. Furthermore, renal function of AF patients should be assessed using the Cockcroft-Gault formula to prevent overestimation that could result in overdosing of NOACs. The assessment of bleeding risk is important, and the HAS-BLED score should be used to help identify patients at high risk of bleeding (HAS-BLED score ≥3). Moreover, the HAS-BLED score should be reassessed at periodic intervals to address potentially modifiable bleeding risk factors because bleeding risks of AF patients are not static. When managing NOAC-related bleeding episodes, the possibility of occult malignancies (e.g., grastrointestinal [GI] tract cancers for patients experiencing GI bleeding and bladder cancer for patients with hematuria) should be kept in mind. Addressing all of these issues is crucial to achieving better clinical outcomes for anticoagulated AF patients. More efforts are necessary to incorporate clear and easy-to-follow recommendations about optimal management of anticoagulation into the guidelines to improve AF patient care.

Comparative effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in everyday practice

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk of stroke in everyday practice.

METHODS

Data from patients with AF and Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age 75 years, Diabetes mellitus, prior Stroke, TIA, or thromboembolism, Vascular disease, Age 65-74 years, Sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc) score ≥2 (excluding gender) in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation registry were analysed using an improved method of propensity weighting, overlap weights and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

All-cause mortality, non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding over 2 years were compared in 25 551 patients, 7162 (28.0%) not treated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) and 18 389 (72.0%) treated with OAC (FXaI (41.8%), DTI (11.4%) and VKA (46.8%)). OAC treatment compared with no OAC treatment was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.91)) and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (HR 0.71 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.88)) but increased risk of major bleeding (HR 1.46 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.86)). Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) use compared with no OAC treatment was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (HR 0.67 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.77)) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.86)) respectively, with no increase in major bleeding (HR 1.10 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.47)). NOAC use compared with VKA use was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality and major bleeding (rates/100 patient-years 3.6 (95% CI 3.3 to 3.9) vs 4.8 (95% CI 4.5 to 5.2) and 1.0 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.1) vs 1.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.6); HR 0.79 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.89) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.98) respectively), with similar risk of non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (rates/100 patient-years 0.8 (95% CI 0.7 to 0.9) versus 1.0 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.1); HR 0.96 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.25).

CONCLUSION

Important benefits in terms of mortality and major bleeding were observed with NOAC versus VKA with no difference among NOAC subtypes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01090362.

VCAM-1 as a predictor biomarker in cardiovascular disease

The vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a protein that canonically participates in the adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes to the interstitium during inflammation. VCAM-1 expression, together with soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) induced by the shedding of VCAM-1 by metalloproteinases, have been proposed as biomarkers in immunological diseases, cancer, autoimmune myocarditis, and as predictors of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), endothelial injury in patients with coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. This revision aims to discuss the role of sVCAM-1 as a biomarker to predict the occurrence, development, and preservation of cardiovascular disease.

Anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation after intracranial hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is severe and fatal complication of anticoagulant therapy with an incidence 0.3-0.7% per year. For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) anticoagulants are administered for decreasing risk of stroke and systemic embolism. In this case the occurrence of intracranial bleeding is hard task for doctor. From the one side it is necessary to reverse the action of the drug for preventing the growth of hematoma. At the same time the discontinuation of therapy increases the risk of systemic embolism for patients with AF significantly. Clinical guidelines and studies have been reviewed about ICH during anticoagulant therapy. Nowadays there is no quality evidence about reversal of anticoagulant effects after ICH and optimal time of resumption of anticoagulant therapy. Firstly, we do not have large randomized controlled trials on this issue. The majority of clinical guidelines were based on retrospective studies and opinions of experts. Soon several randomized controlled trials will be finished and new data will be presented.

Peculiarity of clinical course of postpericardiotomy syndrome in different methods of surgery and postoperative antithrombotic therapy

Aim    To compare features of the disease course and the effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment of postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) in patients after coronary bypass (CB) surgery who were treated with antiplatelet drugs and in patients after surgical correction of heart valve disease (CHVD) who received the anticoagulant warfarin for prevention of thrombotic complications. Material and methods    This study included 89 patients of whom 53 patients had underwent CB and 36 patients had underwent CHVD. At 15 [13; 15] days after surgery, the severity of inflammatory response, the state of coagulation hemostasis, and hematocrit were studied. At 5 days after the first test, blood count and measurement of C-reactive protein were repeated. Echocardiography was used to determine the presence and volume of pleural effusion. For prevention of thrombotic complications, antiplatelet drugs were administered after CB and warfarin was administered after CHVD. PPS was detected in 35 (66 %) patients after CB and 18 (50 %) patients after CHVD. The ibuprofen treatment (600 mg twice a day) was administered to all patients with PPS. If positive changes in inflammatory markers were absent during the NSAID treatment, ibuprofen was replaced with prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg body weight with subsequent laboratory and instrumental monitoring. Results    Patients after CHVD treated with warfarin had higher values of international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPPT) and lower values of prothrombin index (PTI), fibrinogen (p&lt;0.001 for all), hemoglobin (p=0.0016), and hematocrit (p=0,0032) than patients after CB treated with antiplatelet drugs. 21 (40 %) patients with PPS required changing the anti-inflammatory therapy from ibuprofen to prednisolone. These patients displayed hypocoagulation, which was evident as reduced PTI (p=0.0023) and fibrinogen (p=0.0209), increased INR (p=0.0291) and aPPT (p=0.0416), and a higher incidence of pericardial effusion (p=0.0080). The insufficient effectivity of NSAIDs that required administration of prednisolone was more frequently observed in patients after CHVD (61 % vs. 29 %, р=0.037).Conclusion    Hypocoagulation observed in patients after CHVD due to the anticoagulant treatment with warfarin was associated with more severe course of PPS and lower effectiveness of the NSAID treatment compared to patients after CB. This results in more frequent replacement of NSAIDs with glucocorticoids in the treatment of patients after CHVD.

Association Between Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation and Long-term Risks of Stroke and Death in Noncardiac Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently reported as a complication of noncardiac surgery. It is unknown whether new-onset perioperative AF is associated with an increased risk of stroke and death beyond the perioperative period. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the long-term risks of stroke and mortality associated with new-onset perioperative AF after noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to March 2020 for studies reporting on the association between perioperative AF and the risk of stroke and death occurring beyond 30 days after noncardiac surgery. Reference screening, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed in duplicate. Data were pooled using inverse variance-weighted random-effects models and presented as risk ratios (RRs).

RESULTS

From 7344 citations, we included 31 studies (3,529,493 patients). The weighted mean incidence of perioperative AF was 0.7%. During a mean follow-up of 28.1 ± 9.4 months, perioperative AF was associated with an increased risk of stroke (1.5 vs 0.9 strokes per 100 patient-years; RR: 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-3.9, I2 = 78%). Perioperative AF was also associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (21.0 vs 7.6 deaths per 100 patient-years; RR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5-2.2, I2 = 94%). The pooled adjusted hazard ratios for stroke and all-cause mortality were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6-2.2, I2 = 31%) and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3-1.7, I2 = 20%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who had perioperative AF after noncardiac surgery had a higher long-term risk of stroke and mortality compared with patients who did not. Whether this risk is modifiable with oral anticoagulation therapy should be investigated.

Association Between Atrial High-Rate Episodes and Ischemic/Major Bleeding Events in Patients With a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device - A 10-Year, Single-Center Historical Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

An association between atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) and stroke has been reported, although data for the Asian population are limited. This study aimed to investigate the role of AHRE in ischemic and major bleeding events in patients who underwent a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedure.Methods and Results:This single-center historical cohort study included 710 patients (age: 78±11 years, 374 women) who underwent a CIED-related procedure between October 2009 and September 2019 at Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital (median follow-up period: 4.5 [2.5, 7] years, 3439 person-years). Based on the maximum AHRE burden, patients were divided into: (1) <6 min; (2) ≥6 min to 24-h; and (3) ≥24-h groups. The cumulative incidence of ischemic (ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and transient ischemic attack) and major bleeding (≥3 Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding criteria) events after the procedure were compared. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with these events. The incidence of both events increased with the rising AHRE burden, being significantly higher in the ≥24-h group than in the <6 min group. Multivariate analysis found age ≥85 years to be the only independent factor associated with both events.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer AHRE duration is associated with a high number of major bleeding and ischemic events. Monitoring these bleeding risks is mandatory when clinicians are considering anticoagulation therapy for such patients.

Tachicardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Case report

The tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a rare case of reversible heart failure and left ventricle disfunction. The diagnostic approach and treatment strategy are described in this article. Also the clinical case of heart failure compensation in the patient with left ventricle dilatation and atrial flutter after the reverse to sinus rhythm is after catheter ablation presented.

Therapeutic monitoring of amiodarone and desethylamiodarone after surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation-evaluation of the relationship between clinical effect and the serum concentration

Background

Association between clinical effect and serum concentration of amiodarone (AMI) and its active metabolite desethylamidarone (DEA) in patients after surgical ablation (SA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not yet been studied.

Aims

We wanted to find a correlation between AMI and DEA serum concentration and maintaining sinus rhythm (SR) after SA of AF.

Methods

Sixty eight patients with AF who had undergone surgical ablation between 2014 and 2017 were included in a single-centre, prospective, observational study. Maintaining of SR was evaluated by standard 12-lead ECG and 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring at months 1, 3, 6 and 12 following surgery. Therapeutic monitoring of AMI and DEA concentrations was done to optimize therapy and adverse effects were followed up.

Results

We have noticed a high success rate in maintaining of SR (overall 83%). The median of serum concentration of AMI was 0.81 mg/L (range 0.16–2.35 mg/L) and DEA 0.70 mg/l (range 0.19–2.63 mg/L). No significant differences were found in the serum concentratration of AMI, DEA or DEA/AMI concentratration ratios between patients with SR and persistent supraventricular tachyarrhythmia except on the second outpatient visit. We observed significant correlation between serum concentration of DEA and thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation.

Conclusion

We confirmed the efficacy of AMI and DEA at the measured serum concentrations. However, analysis of these concentrations alone cannot replace assessment of the clinical response for treatment. Establishment of individual AMI (and DEA) concentrations at which the optimal therapeutic response is achieved seems to be advantageous. Therapeutic monitoring of AMI and DEA is helpful in personalised pharmacotherapy after SA of AF.

Cost-Effectiveness of Direct Non-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists for the Management of Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Based on Available "Real-World" Evidence: The Italian National Health System Perspective

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The increasing availability of real-world evidence (RWE) about safety and effectiveness of direct non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) offers the opportunity to better understand the clinical and economic implications of DOACs versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). The objective of this study was to compare the economic implications of DOACs and VKAs using data from real-world evidence in patients with AF.

METHODS

A Markov model simulating the lifetime course of patients diagnosed with non-valvular AF was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DOACs (i.e., rivaroxaban, dabigatran and apixaban) versus VKAs from the Italian National Health System (INHS) perspective. The model was made up of data from the literature and a meta-analysis of RWE on the incidence of stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding (MB), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and all-cause mortality (ACM); direct costs included drug costs, costs for drug monitoring, and management of events from official national lists. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were used to assess the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

Results from the meta-analysis showed that apixaban had a high probability of being the most effective for stroke/SE, MB and ACM. Despite their higher acquisition costs, the cost-effectiveness analysis showed all DOACs involved a saving when compared with VKAs, with per-patient savings ranging between €4647 (rivaroxaban) to €6086 (apixaban). Moreover, all DOACs indicated a gain both in quality-adjusted life-years and life-years. According to PSA, findings related to apixaban were consistent, while for dabigatran and rivaroxaban PSA revealed a higher degree of uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

The beneficial effect of DOACs on containing events showed in RWE had the potential to offset drug-related costs, thus improving the sustainability of treatment for non-valvular AF in daily clinical practice.

Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review

New onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) generally is recognized as a frequent and debilitating complication after cardiac surgery, contributing to a considerable health- care cost. Extensive research has been conducted to study the underlying mechanisms and risk factors of AF in the perioperative period. Many options have been suggested to lower the incidence, and the concurrent cost in health resources. This review attempts to synthesize the large body of existing literature on AF, as well as expand and illustrate the available knowledge on its management strategies. The latter incorporates recent developments in the anesthesthetic approach as well as in the pharmacologic arsenal. In addition, the current review provides a tool for understanding the pathophysiology of AF and for reducing the occurrence after cardiac surgery. By using it, clinicians can manage patients with AF in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery and minimize the relatively high economic cost that accompanies it.

[Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment]

This review focuses on the issue of atrial fibrillation (AF) following coronary bypass surgery in patients with ischemic heart disease. Risk factors of this complication are discussed in detail. The authors addressed the effect of diabetes mellitus on development of postoperative AF. Data on current methods for prevention and treatment of AF are provided.

Clinical classification and the subclinical atrial fibrillation challenge: a position paper of the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society

Symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) or clinical AF is associated with impaired quality of life, higher risk of stroke, heart failure, and increased mortality. Current clinical classification of AF is based on the duration of AF episodes and the recurrence over time. Appropriate management strategy should follow guidelines of Scientific Societies. The last decades have been marked by the advances in mechanism comprehension, better management of symptomatic AF, particularly regarding stroke prevention with the use of direct oral anticoagulants and a wider use of AF catheter or surgical ablations. The advent of new tools for detection of asymptomatic AF including continuous monitoring with implanted electronic devices and the use of implantable cardiac monitors and recently wearable devices or garments have identified what is called "subclinical AF" encompassing atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs). New concepts such as "AF burden" have resulted in new management challenges. Oral anticoagulation has proven to reduce substantially stroke risk in patients with symptomatic clinical AF but carries the risk of bleeding. Management of detected asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias and their relation to clinical AF and stroke risk is currently under evaluation. Based on a review of recent literature, the validity of current clinical classification has been reassessed and appropriate updates are proposed. Current evidence supporting the inclusion of subclinical AF within current clinical classification is discussed as well as the need for controlled trials which may provide responses to current therapeutic challenges particularly regarding the subsets of asymptomatic AF patients that might benefit from oral anticoagulation.

Management of patients with comorbidity during novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. National Consensus Statement 2020

The pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), caused by SARS‑CoV‑2, has become a challenge to healthcare systems in all countries of the world. Patients with comorbidity are the most vulnerable group with the high risk of adverse outcomes. The problem of managing these patients in context of a pandemic requires a comprehensive approach aimed both at the optimal management in self-isolated patients not visiting medical facilities, and management of comorbidities in patients with COVID-19. The presented consensus covers these two aspects of managing patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disease, and also pay attention to the multiple organ complications of COVID-19.

Drug-drug interaction of rivaroxaban and calcium channel blockers in patients aged 80 years and older with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Objectives For revealing the peculiarities of the drug-drug interaction of rivaroxaban (substrate CYP3A4 and P-gp) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (verapamil - inhibitor CYP3A4 and P-gp and amlodipine - substrate CYP3A4) in patients 80 years and older with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NAF) we studied 128 patients. Methods All patients were divided into groups depending on the therapy taken: the 1st - rivaroxaban + amlodipine (n=51), the 2nd - rivaroxaban + verapamil (n=30), the control group - rivaroxaban without CCBs (n=47). A trough steady-state plasma concentration (C min,ss) of rivaroxaban, prothrombin time (PT) in the blood plasma and the event of clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding were assessed for each patient. Results Patient in group 2 had higher C min,ss of rivaroxaban, PT and CRNM than subjects in the control group (Me 73.8 [50.6-108.8] ng/mL vs. 40.5 [25.6-74.3] ng/mL; Me 14.8 [13.4-17.3] s vs. 13.8 [12.6-14.4] s; 34% vs. 13%, respectively, p<0.05 for all). When compared, the PT and complication rate in group 1 with the control group C min,ss of rivaroxaban were practically the same (p>0.05 for all). Conclusions In patients ≥80 years with NAF, the use of rivaroxaban in combination with verapamil may not be safe and can lead to CRNM bleeding.

Drug-drug interaction of rivaroxaban and calcium channel blockers in patients aged 80 years and older with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Objectives For revealing the peculiarities of the drug-drug interaction of rivaroxaban (substrate CYP3A4 and P-gp) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (verapamil - inhibitor CYP3A4 and P-gp and amlodipine - substrate CYP3A4) in patients 80 years and older with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NAF) we studied 128 patients. Methods All patients were divided into groups depending on the therapy taken: the 1st - rivaroxaban + amlodipine (n=51), the 2nd - rivaroxaban + verapamil (n=30), the control group - rivaroxaban without CCBs (n=47). A trough steady-state plasma concentration (C min,ss) of rivaroxaban, prothrombin time (PT) in the blood plasma and the event of clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding were assessed for each patient. Results Patient in group 2 had higher C min,ss of rivaroxaban, PT and CRNM than subjects in the control group (Me 73.8 [50.6-108.8] ng/mL vs. 40.5 [25.6-74.3] ng/mL; Me 14.8 [13.4-17.3] s vs. 13.8 [12.6-14.4] s; 34% vs. 13%, respectively, p<0.05 for all). When compared, the PT and complication rate in group 1 with the control group C min,ss of rivaroxaban were practically the same (p>0.05 for all). Conclusions In patients ≥80 years with NAF, the use of rivaroxaban in combination with verapamil may not be safe and can lead to CRNM bleeding.

[Efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants as part of triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome. Data from an observational study]

Aim To study efficacy and safety of a triple antithrombotic therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation after acute coronary syndrome, for 12 months following discharge from the hospital.Materials and methods This single-site cohort, prospective, observational study performed at the Regional Vascular Center 2 of the N.A. Semashko Nizhniy Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital included 402 patients. It was possible to maintain contacts with 206 patients for 12 months. These patients were divided into two groups, the DOAC treatment (n=105) and the warfarin treatment (n=101) as a part of triple antithrombotic therapy upon discharge. Clinical observation was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the discharge by structured telephone interview. Predetermined efficacy endpoints included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and ischemic stroke. Safety endpoints included bleeding defined as small, medium (clinically significant), and major in accordance with the TIMI classification.Results At 12 months of follow-up, 80 patients (76.19%) continued taking DOAC and 39 patients (38.61%, p&lt;0.001) continued taking warfarin; in this process, only 25 patients (24.75%) monitored their INR on a regular basis. With a regular INR monitoring and TTR &gt;70%, death rate did not differ in the warfarin and the DOAC treatment groups. However, there was a difference in reaching the composite efficacy endpoint (p=0.048): ischemic events occurred statistically significantly more frequently in the warfarin treatment group than in the DOAC treatment group.Conclusions In 12 months after discharge from the hospital, compliance with the DOAC treatment as a part of the antithrombotic therapy was significantly higher than compliance with the warfarin treatment. The triple antithrombotic therapy with DOAC was safer than the warfarin treatment by the number of hemorrhagic complications and more effective in prevention of ischemic events, primarily due to no need for monitoring of lab test values.

Fusion Imaging of X-ray and Transesophageal Echocardiography Improves the Procedure of Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Background

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative treatment strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for thromboembolic events and considered not suitable for oral anticoagulation (OAC). LAAC is mainly performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. The study presented here should analyze whether fusion imaging (FI) of transesophageal echocardiography and X-ray performed during LAAC is feasible and can improve the results of the procedure.

Methods

The data presented here are from a retrospective single center study. Sample size was defined as 50 patients in which LAAC was performed without fusion imaging (control group) and 25 patients were the LAAC procedure was guided by fusion imaging (treatment group). Inclusion criteria were defined as age > 18 years and completion of an LAAC procedure defined as deployment of a WATCHMAN 2.5 LAA occluder. Study endpoints were procedure time, amount of used contrast medium, radiation dose, final position of the WATCHMAN in TEE (deviation from ideal positioning), and clinical endpoints, respectively.

Results

LAA closure was successfully performed in all patients. No case of device embolism was occurring, and none of the patients experienced a periprocedural stroke/TIA nor a systemic embolism, respectively. Mean procedure time was 15 min shorter in the group of patients where fusion imaging was applied (p < 0.001). Additionally, the use of fusion imaging was associated with a significant reduction of contrast medium (20.6 ml less than in control; p < 0.045). Regarding the final position of the WATCHMAN, no relevant differences were found between the groups.

Summary

The use of fusion imaging significantly reduced procedure time and the amount of contrast medium in patients undergoing LAAC.

Risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation in the emergency department

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS

Early and accurate risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the emergency department (ED) could aid the physician in determining a timely treatment strategy appropriate to the severity of disease. We conducted a retrospective review of 243 adult patients who presented to a tertiary ED with AF in 2017. Primary outcome studied was 30-day adverse event (a composite outcome of repeat visit to the ED, cardiovascular complications, and all-cause mortality). Secondary outcome studied was 90-day all-cause mortality. We compared the performance of the RED-AF, AFTER and CHA2DS2-VASc score by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and estimating the areas under curves (AUC), and assessed the potential to further improve the tools with their incorporation of new variables.

RESULTS

Existing scoring tools had poor predictive value for 30-day adverse events, with the RED-AF score performing comparatively better, followed by the AFTER and CHA2DS2-VASc score. All scores performed collectively better to predict 90-day mortality, with the AFTER score performing the best, followed by the RED-AF and CHA2DS2-VASc score. By incorporating heart rate at initial presentation to the ED as a variable into the AFTER Score, we generated a Modified AFTER Score with superior predictive performance above existing scores for 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Existing scores collectively performed poorly to predict 30-day adverse outcomes, but the AFTER and Modified AFTER score showed good predictive value for 90-day mortality. Further studies should be done to validate their use in guiding clinician's disposition of patients with AF in the ED.

The ectopy-triggering ganglionated plexuses in atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Epicardial ganglionated plexuses (GP) have an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The relationship between anatomical, histological and functional effects of GP is not well known. We previously described atrioventricular (AV) dissociating GP (AVD-GP) locations. In this study, we hypothesised that ectopy triggering GP (ET-GP) are upstream triggers of atrial ectopy/AF and have different anatomical distribution to AVD-GP.

OBJECTIVES

We mapped and characterised ET-GP to understand their neural mechanism in AF and anatomical distribution in the left atrium (LA).

METHODS

26 patients with paroxysmal AF were recruited. All were paced in the LA with an ablation catheter. High frequency stimulation (HFS) was synchronised to each paced stimulus for delivery within the local atrial refractory period. HFS responses were tagged onto CARTO™ 3D LA geometry. All geometries were transformed onto one reference LA shell. A probability distribution atlas of ET-GP was created. This identified high/low ET-GP probability regions.

RESULTS

2302 sites were tested with HFS, identifying 579 (25%) ET-GP. 464 ET-GP were characterised, where 74 (16%) triggered ≥30s AF/AT. Median 97 (IQR 55) sites were tested, identifying 19 (20%) ET-GP per patient. >30% of ET-GP were in the roof, mid-anterior wall, around all PV ostia except in the right inferior PV (RIPV) in the posterior wall.

CONCLUSION

ET-GP can be identified by endocardial stimulation and their anatomical distribution, in contrast to AVD-GP, would be more likely to be affected by wide antral circumferential ablation. This may contribute to AF ablation outcomes.

Embolic myocardial infarction. Literature review and own research results

Patients with embolic myocardial infarction (MI) represent a high-risk group and, accordingly, require special attention of clinicians. This article discusses the most common causes of MI, related diagnostic criteria, antithrombotic therapy, and myocardial revascularization in this category of patients. The data of own clinical experience are also given.

Managing new-onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients: a systematic narrative review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to summarise the latest evidence on efficacy and safety of treatments for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in critical illness.

PARTICIPANTS

Critically ill adult patients who developed NOAF during admission.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Primary outcomes were efficacy in achieving rate or rhythm control, as defined in each study. Secondary outcomes included mortality, stroke, bleeding and adverse events.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge on 11 March 2019 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting treatment efficacy for NOAF in critically ill patients. Data were extracted, and quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Of 1406 studies identified, 16 remained after full-text screening including two RCTs. Study quality was generally low due to a lack of randomisation, absence of blinding and small cohorts. Amiodarone was the most commonly studied agent (10 studies), followed by beta-blockers (8), calcium channel blockers (6) and magnesium (3). Rates of successful rhythm control using amiodarone varied from 30.0% to 95.2%, beta-blockers from 31.8% to 92.3%, calcium channel blockers from 30.0% to 87.1% and magnesium from 55.2% to 77.8%. Adverse effects of treatment were rarely reported (five studies).

CONCLUSION

The reported efficacy of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, magnesium and amiodarone for achieving rhythm control was highly varied. As there is currently significant variation in how NOAF is managed in critically ill patients, we recommend future research focuses on comparing the efficacy and safety of amiodarone, beta-blockers and magnesium. Further research is needed to inform the decision surrounding anticoagulant use in this patient group.

The effect of second-generation cryoablation without electrical mapping in persistent AF using continuous monitoring

BACKGROUND

Second-generation cryoballoon ablation is safe and effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to report the real long-term AF burden and freedom from AF post-cryoablation using continuous monitoring, and to assess whether intraoperative confirmation of pulmonary vein isolation using electrical mapping is necessary.

METHODS

A total of 33 patients (mean age 75.7 ± 5.6 years, 16 men) with persistent AF who underwent second-generation cryoablation without electrical mapping were reviewed. All patients had a cardiac implantable device and were followed up for a mean of 755 ± 170 days.

RESULTS

AF burden significantly decreased from 67.51% ± 34.90% to 18.28% ± 26.65% at 1-year follow-up, and this reduction was maintained at final follow-up (18.26% ± 23.70%, p < 0.001). Continuous monitoring revealed a freedom from AF rate of 33% and 24% at 1-year and full follow-up, respectively. Patients who remained in persistent AF at final follow-up had a trend towards higher pre-ablation AF burden (81.6% ± 29.7% vs 57.3% ± 36.4%, p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Second-generation cryoablation without confirming pulmonary vein isolation using electrical mapping is effective leading to significant reductions in AF burden based on continuous beat-to-beat monitoring at 1-year and long-term follow-up.

[Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement in treatment of atrial fibrillation]

Catheter ablation is presently the main method for interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite improvements of the method and accumulation of personnel's experience, incidence of recurrent AF following catheter interventions remains high. This review addresses a possibility of using contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to increase the effectiveness of interventional treatment of arrhythmia.

[Myocardial Infarction in the Group of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation]

Prevalence of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been growing every year. These patients represent a highest risk group and, thus, require special attention of clinicians. The article foсused on mechanisms of the AF and MI interaction, special aspects of prediction depending on the type of AF and MI, and the issue of antithrombotic therapy in this patient category. A group of AF-associated, embologenic MIs was isolated, and diagnostic criteria and therapeutic regimens were provided.

[Efficacy and safety of anticoagulant treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in multimorbid patients]

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of anticoagulant treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in a multimorbidity setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 104 patients diagnosed with nonvalvular AF and followed in the medical facilities of Yekaterinburg. The subjects were interviewed, anthropometric measurements were made, and the risk of thromboembolic complications was evaluated using the CHA2DS2-VASc score. The Charlson multimorbidity index was calculated, and patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 with a low level of multimorbidity (not more than 5 points) and Group 2 with a high level of multimorbidity (6 points or more). The data are presented as a median and interquartile range (25%; 75%).

RESULTS

The study population included 40 males and 64 females. The median age was 71 (62.5; 80) years. The level of multimorbidity was estimated as 5 (3; 6) points. Group 1 included 64 patients, and Group 2 included 40 patients. Thirty-nine percent of the sample patients had a paroxysmal form of AF, 10% had a persistent form, and 51% had permanent AF. The group of patients with a high level of multimorbidity included more patients with permanent AF and fewer patients with paroxysmal AF as compared with a moderate level of multimorbidity (p&lt;0.01). Anticoagulant treatment was indicated for 92 (88.5%) patients. It was administered to 70.7% of patients; 29.3% did not receive it. Among patients receiving anticoagulants, warfarin was administered to 18.5%, and new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were administered to 81.5%. Complications were reported in 15.2% of anticoagulant treatment cases. Bleeding was reported in 21.7% of cases of warfarin administration and 12.5% of cases of NOAC treatment (p=0.32). The median number of risk factors for bleeding per patient was 5 (4; 5.5). The Charlson index and the total number of risk factors are significantly correlated (R=0.37, p&lt;0.05).

CONCLUSION

In real-world clinical practice in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 7 of 10 patients with AF for whom anticoagulant treatment was indicated actually received it; NOACs are prescribed four times more often than warfarin. With a higher level of multimorbidity, the risk of bleeding under the pressure of anticoagulant treatment increases; thus, NOACs should be preferred over warfarin for treatment of multimorbid patients.

[Anticoagulant activity of direct factor Xa inhibitors as a tool to ensure the effectiveness and safety of drugs intake]

The thematic review presents modern solutions using oral anticoagulants with a focus on direct coagulation factor X inhibitors. It contains information about the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of apixaban and rivaroxaban against the background of different drug intake regimens - twice and once per day. There are shown studies of concentration dynamics and the corresponding functional response, measured using the integral method - the thrombin generation test, which is widely used in scientific research to describe hemostatic processes based on an objective quantitative assessment of the thrombin formation - a key coagulation cascade serine protease. The logical relationship between the pharmacodynamics of anticoagulant action and the clinical presentation of the effectiveness and safety of drugs is traced. The review provides links to actual literature and current clinical guidelines.

[Prevention of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing elective surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To compare incidence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing elective surgery on different schemes of perioperative anticoagulant therapy (ACT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 86 patients (56 (65.1%) men and 30 (34.9%) women, mean age was 69 (64; 78) years) with non-valvular AF who underwent elective interventions. Forty (46.5%) patients underwent abdominal surgery, 34 (39.5%) - cardiovascular procedures, 12 (14.0%) patients underwent surgery for malignant diseases. We have analyzed incidence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events and compliance of perioperative ACT modes with current international guidelines.

RESULTS

Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events developed in 14 (16.3%) patients. Thromboembolic complications were noted in 6 (7.0%) patients, hemorrhagic events - in 8 (9.3%) cases. Maximum complication rate was observed in case of bridge-therapy (n=12, 20.0%). Cancellation of ACT was followed by 2 (9.5%) complications, bridge-therapy - by 4 (6.7%) thromboembolic complications. Hemorrhagic events were 2 times more common in case of this therapy (n=8, 13.3%). It was found that ESC guidelines for perioperative ACT were applied in less than half of patients (41, 47.7% patients with AF undergoing elective surgery). Half of complications (8 out of 16) occurred if unapproved modes of ACT were used (including 7 cases of bridge-therapy was not necessary). The causes of these complications were inadequate assessment of perioperative risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events; unreasonable administration of bridge therapy.

CONCLUSION

An unambiguous clinical effect of bridge therapy has not been confirmed in patients with high risk of thromboembolic complications. Cancer patients have higher risk of complications compared with others. These events occur mainly due to non-compliance with clinical guidelines and insufficient prevention of thromboembolic events.

Antiarrhythmic therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: yesterday, today, tomorrow

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder encountered in clinical practice. Each year, the number of patients with AF significantly increases. It is associated with an increase of life expectancy and frequency of cardiovascular pathologies. Treatment of AF remains one of the most difficult tasks of modern cardiology. Currently, only a few antiarrhythmic drugs are available for use in Russia. More and more new attempts are being made to create a universal antiarrhythmic drug with a high level of anti-relapsing efficacy and adverse effects. The accumulated information suggests that the tactics of management of patients with arrhythmias will be intended to improving the new surgical and interventional treatment methods with use of anticoagulants and antiarrhythmic drugs. The multidisciplinary team of specialists on AF treatment should include an expert (cardiologist) in antiarrhythmic drug therapy, an interventional electrophysiologist, and a cardiac surgeon — master the technology of interventional or surgical ablation. Effective interaction of specialists of various levels will improve the results of rhythm control and prevention of complications in patients with AF.

Antithrombotic/Antiplatelet Treatment in Transcatheter Structural Cardiac Interventions-PFO/ASD/LAA Occluder and Interatrial Shunt Devices

Transcatheter interventions enable safe and efficient treatment of various structural heart diseases. However, therapy does not finished with the end of the procedure. Device thrombosis is a possible serious complication. Therefore, careful patient management should include optimal antiplatelet or antithrombotic medication to enhance safe and complete endothelial coverage of the implanted device. In case of thrombus formation careful diagnostic evaluation and prompt treatment is crucial. This paper provides an update to current knowledge and understanding of prevention and management of device related thrombosis.

Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and use of Oral Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

PURPOSE

To assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and use of antithrombotic agents in adult patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We consecutively enrolled all ACS patients (n=1155) who were hospitalized in two Moscowbased percutaneous coronary intervention centers (each center performs over 500 PCIs a year) between October 2017 and February 2018. AF was diagnosed in 204 patients (17.7%). The risk of thromboembolic complications was assessed using the CHA2DS2-VASc Score. The risk of hemorrhagic complications was assessed using the HAS-BLED Score. The data were processed using StatSoft Statistica 10.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics v.23 software.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diagnosed AF was 13.6%, while the prevalence of undiagnosed AF was 4.1%. Of the 179 discharged patients with AF, only 2 had a low risk of ischemic stroke (IS). One hundred and fifty patients (83.8%) eligible for oral anticoagulant therapy received oral anticoagulants. Patients with diagnosed AF were administered oral anticoagulants (OACs) significantly more often than patients with undiagnosed AF [125 (91.9%) vs. 25 (58.1%), р&lt;0.001]. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were administered four times more often than vitamin K antagonists [120 (80.0%) vs. 29 (19.3%), р&lt;0.001]. Rivaroxaban was used in 51.3% of cases. Of the 29 patients treated with warfarin, only 3 (10.3%) achieved the target international normalized ratio (INR) at discharge. Of the 107 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), 77 patients (80%) received an OAC and two antiplatelet agents (with 74% receiving this three-agent therapy for one month), 11 patients (10.3%) received an OAC and an antiplatelet agent, and 18 patients (16.8%) received two antiplatelet agents. The only antiplatelet agent used as part of the three-agent therapy was clopidogrel. The three-agent therapy without PCI was administered in 43.1% of cases.

CONCLUSION

We found that the prevalence of AF in patients with ACS was high. The fact that doctors administered NOACs suggests that they are aware of the need to use these agents to prevent thromboembolic complications in AF patients.

Radiofrequency versus Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Evaluation Using ECG, Holter Monitoring, and Implantable Loop Recorders to Monitor Absolute and Clinical Effectiveness

Introduction

While several studies have compared the radiofrequency current (RFC) and cryoablation for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), no study has monitored the long-term outcomes with the usage of implantable loop recorders (ILRs).

Methods

We enrolled 89 consecutive patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF (N = 44 for RFC and N = 45 for cryoballoon). The primary efficacy end point was the assessment of effectiveness for each group (RFC versus cryoballoon) when examining freedom from arrhythmia by monitoring with ECG, Holter, and implantable loop recoder (ILR). The primary safety end point compared rates of adverse events between both groups. The secondary efficacy end point examined the duration of the postablation blanking period from ILR retrieved data.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 56.6 ± 10.2 years, and the follow-up duration was 12 months. There were no differences in baseline patient characteristics between groups. At 12 months, the absolute effectiveness (measured by ILR) was 65.9% in the RFC group and 51.1% in the cryoballoon group (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.79-4.35; p = 0.157), and the clinical effectiveness (measured by ECG and Holter) was 81.8% in the RFC group and 55.6% in the cryoballoon group (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.37-9.46; p = 0.008). There was no difference in safety between both groups. Asymptomatic episodes were significantly more present in the RFC group as measured by ILRs (p < 0.010). In cryoballoon group, arrhythmia episodes were recorded equally irrespective of the follow-up method (i.e., ECG and Holter versus ILR (p > 0.010)). The blanking period does not seem to be as important in cryoballoon as compared to RFC.

Conclusion

RFC and cryoballoon ablation had similar absolute effectiveness at 12 months. ECG and Holter were effective when assessing the efficacy of the cryoballoon ablation; however, in the RFC group, ILR was necessary to accurately assess long-term efficacy.