1
|
Lenhoff H, Järnbert-Petersson H, Darpo B, Tornvall P, Frick M. Mortality and ventricular arrhythmias in patients on d,l-sotalol for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation: A nationwide cohort study. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:1473-1480. [PMID: 37598987 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of d,l-sotalol for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has raised safety concerns. Previous randomized studies are few and not designed for mortality outcome. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the incidences of mortality and ventricular arrhythmias in AF patients treated with d,l-sotalol for rhythm control vs matched control patients treated with cardioselective beta-blockers. METHODS This population-based cohort study included AF patients from the Swedish National Patient Registry (2006-2017) who underwent rhythm control after a second cardioversion. Incidence rates (IRs) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for mortality and a composite endpoint of cardiac arrest/death and ventricular arrhythmias were calculated for the overall cohort and a 1:1 propensity score matched cohort of d,l-sotalol vs beta-blocker treatment. RESULTS Among patient treated with d,l-sotalol (n = 4987) and beta-blocker (n = 27,078) (mean follow-up 458 days), all-cause mortality was lower in patients treated with d,l-sotalol: IR 1.21; 95% confidence interval 0.95-1.52 vs 2.42 (2.26-2.60) deaths per 100 patient-years; aHR 0.66 (0.52-0.83). The difference in mortality persisted in the propensity score matched comparison (n = 4953 in each group): aHR 0.63 (0.48-0.86). No differences were observed in the composite outcome: IR in propensity cohorts 2.13 (1.78-2.52) vs 2.07 (1.73-2.53) events per 100 years; aHR 1.01 (0.78-1.29). CONCLUSION There was no excess mortality with d,l-sotalol compared with cardioselective beta-blockers in patients undergoing rhythm control treatment for AF after a second cardioversion. Our results indicate that the risk associated with d,l-sotalol treatment for AF can be mitigated by careful patient selection and strict adherence to follow-up protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lenhoff
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hans Järnbert-Petersson
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Per Tornvall
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Frick
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lenhoff H, Darpö B, Page A, Couderc JP, Tornvall P, Frick M. Diurnal QT analysis in patients with sotalol after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2021; 26:e12834. [PMID: 33629473 PMCID: PMC8293609 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients on QT prolonging drugs is indicated to be increased early after cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR). Sotalol, used to prevent AF relapse, prolongs cardiac repolarization and corrected QT interval (QTc). A pronounced QTc prolongation is an established marker of pro‐arrhythmias. Our objective was to use novel technique to quantify and evaluate the diurnal variation of the QTc interval after elective CV to SR in patients on sotalol or metoprolol. Methods Fifty patients underwent twelve‐lead Holter recording for 24 hr after elective CV for persistent AF. All patients had the highest tolerable stable dose of sotalol (n = 27) or metoprolol (n = 23). Measurements of QT and RR intervals were performed on all valid beats. Results A clear diurnal variation of both HR and QTc was seen in both groups, more pronounced in patients on sotalol, where a high percentage of heartbeats with QTc >500 ms was observed, especially at night. Six patients (22%) on sotalol but none on metoprolol had >20% of all heart beats within the 24‐hour recording with QTc >500 ms. Conclusion Twenty‐four‐hour Holter recordings with QT‐measurement immediately after CV demonstrated that one in five patients on sotalol had >20% of all heart beats with prolonged QTc >500 ms, especially during night‐time. The QTc diurnal variation was retained in patients on β‐blockade or a potent class III anti‐arrhythmic drug with β‐blocking properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lenhoff
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Börje Darpö
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd, Sweden
| | - Alex Page
- Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jean Philippe Couderc
- Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Per Tornvall
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Frick
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sammul S, Jensen-Urstad M, Johansson J, Lenhoff H, Viigimaa M. Psychosocial Factors and Personality Traits and the Prevalence of Arterial Hypertension Among 35- and 55-Year-Old Men and Women in Sweden and Estonia: a SWESTONIA Longitudinal Study. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2019; 26:475-482. [PMID: 31741337 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-019-00348-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychosocial factors influence the risk of developing hypertension. Personality traits have a modulating effect against the harmful influences of psychosocial factors. AIM Through a longitudinal clinical study consisting of men and women aged 35 and 55 at the baseline in Estonia and Sweden, to assess the influence of psychosocial factors and personality traits resulting in arterial hypertension. METHODS Data analysis based on the cross-sectional study with 2 assessments over 13 years of a sample comprising 158 individuals from Estonia and 213 individuals from Sweden. The Pearlin Mastery Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Depression Model and Gothenburg Quality of Life Instrument were used. RESULTS Throughout the follow-up period, a higher depressive mood and lower self-assessed quality of life score prevailed among the 35-year-old and 55-year-old Estonians compared with the Swedish study participants (p < 0.001). Among the 55-year-old Estonian study participants with diagnosed hypertension, but not among the Swedish, negative stressful life events had a significantly stronger effect (p < 0.001) on the risk of developing hypertension. In addition, lower mastery (p < 0.05) dominated among study participants diagnosed with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS The combined effects of psychosocial factors and personality traits are important variables in predicting the risk of developing arterial hypertension. The study results are relevant to clinical practice and provide suggestions for employing successful preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sirje Sammul
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia. .,Tartu Health Care College, Nooruse 5, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mats Jensen-Urstad
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Johansson
- Artery Therapeutics, Inc., Suite A, 10 Dubertstein Drive, San Ramon, CA, 94583, USA
| | - Hanna Lenhoff
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Viigimaa
- Centre of Cardiology, North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia.,Centre for Cardiovascular Medicine, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lenhoff H, Darpö B, Ferber G, Rosenqvist M, Frick M. Reduction over time of QTc prolongation in patients with sotalol after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2015; 13:661-8. [PMID: 26654918 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sotalol is recommended to prevent relapse of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion (CV). Sotalol prolongs the action potential by blocking the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current, which results in corrected QT (QTc) prolongation on the electrocardiogram. Pronounced QTc prolongation may lead to proarrhythmias and sudden death. OBJECTIVE We investigated the dynamics of the QTc interval during the week after CV in patients treated with sotalol compared with patients treated with a β-blocker. METHODS Patients who underwent elective CV for persistent atrial fibrillation and maintained sinus rhythm for 1 week were included prospectively. All patients were on the highest tolerable stable dose of metoprolol or sotalol. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were recorded 1 hour and 1 week after CV. RESULTS A total of 104 patients on sotalol and 104 on metoprolol were included; clinical characteristics between groups were comparable. One hour after CV, the QTc interval was significantly longer in sotalol-treated patients than in metoprolol-treated patients (465 ± 25 ms vs 423 ± 30 ms; P ≤ .0001). After 1 week, the QTc interval was reduced by -20.3 ± 24 ms in sotalol-treated patients (P ≤ .001); no such effect was seen in metoprolol-treated patients (-2.5 ± 18 ms; P = 0.28). The heart rate was stable during the week in both groups. In multivariate analysis of sotalol-treated patients, factors contributing to pronounced reduction in the QTc interval were longer QTc interval after CV and renal function. CONCLUSION The QTc interval is significantly reduced during the week after CV to sinus rhythm in sotalol-treated patients. This provides insight into the increased risk of proarrhythmias in the immediate time period after CV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lenhoff
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Börje Darpö
- Statistik Georg Ferber GmbH, Riehen, Switzerland
| | - Georg Ferber
- Statistik Georg Ferber GmbH, Riehen, Switzerland
| | - Mårten Rosenqvist
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Frick
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Division of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute, South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lenhoff H, Darpö B, Rosenqvist M, Frick M. Reduction of corrected QT interval during the first week after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm during sotalol treatment. J Electrocardiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2014.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
6
|
Jensen-Urstad M, Viigimaa M, Sammul S, Lenhoff H, Johansson J. Impact of smoking: all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a cohort of 55-year-old Swedes and Estonians. Scand J Public Health 2014; 42:780-5. [PMID: 25351770 DOI: 10.1177/1403494814550177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM In the 1990s, several studies noted a large gap in life expectancy between Western and Eastern European countries. It was speculated that this could be explained by environmental pollution, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle and psychosocial stress. A weakness in addressing the issue has been the lack of prospective studies with mortality as end point. METHODS We used the national population registries (between 1996 and 1998) to screen a cohort of 269 55-year-old subjects in Sweden and Estonia. We assessed conventional risk factors, lifestyle and socio-economic factors. A 13-year follow-up regarding all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was done. RESULTS Smoking and, to a lesser extent, plasma levels of interleukin-6 were significant predictors for CVD and non-CVD mortality in men, but none of the other conventional risk factors reached statistical significance. During the follow-up period, 22 of the 52 male smokers died compared to 8 of the 85 male non-smokers (p<0.01). Ten of the smokers died of CVD compared to three of the non-smokers (p<0.002). In total, only two women died. CONCLUSIONS These data emphasize that smoking prevention is extremely important in preventing premature death. Although smoking prevalence is diminishing, it is still the most important risk factor to treat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Jensen-Urstad
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Viigimaa
- Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tallinn University of Technology, Centre of Cardiology, North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sirje Sammul
- Department of Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hanna Lenhoff
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Johansson
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|