CHA2DS2-VASc score as a predictor of clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with and without chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

High CHA2DS2-VASc score (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age > 75 years, Diabetes mellitus, prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism, Vascular disease, Age 65-74 and Sex category) was associated with adverse clinical outcomes in different settings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between CHA2DS2-VASc score and R2CHA2DS2-VASc score (which includes renal impairment) with in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay in patients hospitalized in an internal medicine ward.

METHODS

We enrolled 983 consecutive patients admitted during 3 years in an internal medicine ward. R2CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated by adding 2 points to CHA2DS2-VASc for the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined according to K-DOQI. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay > 10 days.

RESULTS

Patients with CKD stages 3-5 presented with increased CHA2DS2-VASc vs stages 1-2 (p < 0.001). The composite outcome occurred in 47.3% of inpatients. Multivariable linear logistic regression analyses adjusted for presence of infectious diseases and cancer, with the occurrence of composite outcome showed an adjusted OR of 1.349 (95% CI 1.248-1.462) and 1.254 (95% CI 1.179-1.336) for CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores, respectively. No differences were found in the association between CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores with the composite outcome (AUC 0.631 vs 0.630), and furthermore, adding the presence/absence of infectious diseases during hospitalization and positive cancer history to the models increased the AUC (0.667 and 0.663).

CONCLUSIONS

Incrementally higher CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with increased length of hospital stay and mortality in patients hospitalized in an internal medicine ward, regardless of the presence of CKD.

Predictive value of lipoprotein(a) for left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Current guidelines are debated when it comes to starting anticoagulant therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and low CHA2DS2-VASc scores (1-2 in women and 0-1 in men). However, these individuals still have a high likelihood of developing left atrial thrombus/spontaneous echo contrast (LAT/SEC) and experiencing subsequent thromboembolism. Recent research has demonstrated that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may increase the risk of thrombosis, but the relationship between Lp(a) and LAT/SEC in NVAF patients is not clearly established. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the predictive ability of Lp(a) for LAT/SEC among NVAF patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores.

METHODS

NVAF patients with available transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data were evaluated. Based on the TEE results, the subjects were classified into non-LAT/SEC and LAT/SEC groups. The risk factors for LAT/SEC were examined using binary logistic regression analyses and were validated by using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Subsequently, novel predictive models for LAT/SEC were developed by integrating the CHA2DS2-VASc score with the identified factors, and the accuracy of these models was tested using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 481 NVAF patients were enrolled. The LAT/SEC group displayed higher Lp(a) concentrations. It was found that enlarged left atrial diameter (LAD), high concentrations of Lp(a), and a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) were independent predictors of LAT/SEC. Lp(a) and LAD still had predictive values for LAT/SEC after adjusting for PSM. In both the highest quartile groups of Lp(a) (>266 mg/L) and LAD (>39.5 mm), the occurrence of LAT/SEC was higher than that in the corresponding lowest quartile. By incorporating Lp(a) and the LAD, the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for LAT/SEC was significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Elevated Lp(a) and enlarged LAD were independent risk factors for LAT/SEC among NVAF patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores. The prediction accuracy of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for LAT/SEC was significantly improved by the addition of Lp(a) and LAD. When evaluating the stroke risk in patients with NVAF, Lp(a) and LAD should be taken into account together with the CHA2DS2-VASc score.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Patients on Hemodialysis: The Prognostic Value of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular events are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Identifying risk factors can help in the effort to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve life expectancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the CHA2DS2-VASc score-the risk index of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF)-to predict strokes, major cardiovascular events, and mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Materials and Methods: The CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores (the bleeding risk from the use of anticoagulation in AF) were calculated in 237 HD patients, 99 women with a median age of 76 (15) years, at the time they commenced HD. The scores' ability to predict long term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality was estimated, both in those with and without AF. Among the exclusion criteria were the change of dialysis method or loss of follow-up, HD due to acute renal failure, and incompliance with medical instructions, thus the sample is not representative of a broader population. Results: The CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in AF (n = 69) compared to non-AF (n = 168) patients, 5 (2.5) vs. 4 (2), p < 0.0001, respectively. An increased CHA2DS2-VASc score was correlated with cardiovascular events, namely, heart failure (p = 0.007, p = 0.024), stroke (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001), and risk of all-cause mortality (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001) in AF and non-AF groups, respectively. The C statistics indicated that the referred score showed modest discrimination in AF and non-AF patients on HD for heart failure, stroke, and all-cause mortality, however for cardiovascular mortality this was found only in the AF group. Conclusions: An increased CHA2DS2-VASc score at the time of HD initiation can predict strokes, heart failure, and all-cause mortality in HD patients independent of the presence of AF. The risk of cardiovascular mortality could only be predicted in patients with AF.

The Role of HATCH Score in the Prediction of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

The presence of both atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) increases the risk of an ischemic cerebrovascular event (CVE) by roughly fivefold. The HATCH score is a score used to predict new-onset AF. Although there are some differences, it contains risk factors similar to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the HATCH score and ischemic CVE. This retrospective study obtained data from 1719 HF patients between 2015 and 2022. About 673 patients with AF were included in the study. In the univariate and multivariate Cox regressions, we found that CHA2DS2-VASc and HATCH scores were independent predictors of ischemic CVE (p = 0.001 and < p = 0.001, respectively). The ROC analysis, AUC for the CHA2DS2-VASc score was 0.884 (95% CI 0.828-0.940, Collapse

Key Words

• CHA2DS2-VASc score
• HATCH score
• atrial fibrillation
• heart failure
• ischemic stroke

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Atrial Fibrillation/complications
• Stroke/etiology
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors
• Heart Failure/complications

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Sidar Şiyar Aydın Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Erzurum Education and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
Emrah Aksakal Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Erzurum Education and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey

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Evaluation of the Relationship between Cognitive Impairment and Atria Score Systems in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main arrhythmia associated with thromboembolic complications and cognitive impairment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive impairment and different scoring systems developed for AF to improve the medical follow-up of cognitive impairment.

Methods

Between January 2019 and December 2020, 124 patients between the age of 30 and 80 years, diagnosed with AF for at least 5 years and complaining about memory impairment during cardiological follow-up, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on their cognitive status as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination group 1 consisted of 52 patients with cognitive impairment and group 2 comprised 72 patients without cognitive impairment.

Results

The ATRIA bleeding score had a positive moderate correlation (r = 0.454, P < 0.001), the ATRIA stroke score had a strong correlation (r = 0.738, P < 0.001), and the SAMe-TT2R2 score had a strong correlation (r = 0.688, P < 0.001) with cognitive impairment. However, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc scores were not statistically correlated with cognitive impairment. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of the ATRIA bleeding score was 0.761 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.678-0.844 and P < 0.001; also, for the ATRIA stroke score, AUC was 0.930 with a 95% CI of 0.886-0.974 and P < 0.001. In addition, for the SAMe-TT2R2 score, AUC was 0.895 with a 95% CI of 0.838-0.952 and P < 0.001. In the pairwise comparison of AUC on ROC curves, the ATRIA stroke score and the SAMe-TT2R2 score were statistically similar (P = 0.324). ATRIA bleeding, ATRIA stroke, and SAMe-TT2R2 scores were greater than CHADS2 stroke score (P: 0.0004, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively), but CHA2DS2-VASc and CHADS2 stroke scores were statistically similar (P: 0.402).

Conclusion

Both ATRIA stroke and SAMe-TT2R2 scoring systems can provide a better correlation than CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with AF to evaluate their cognitive status. These two scores can be more useful to monitor the patients with AF for medical follow-up of cognitive status.

[Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation : Evidence and current techniques]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia with increasing clinical and healthcare economic relevance. A timely treatment prevents or slows the remodelling process of the atrial and ventricular myocardium initiated by AF, emphasizing its relevance especially in heart failure patients. Catheter ablation for the treatment of AF is safe and effective. The three ablation techniques currently used are comparable in terms of success rates but differ in terms of risk profile and the type of lesion formation.

Long duration of atrial high-rate episode is more favorable in predicting ischemic stroke than high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the roles of duration and burden of atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) on ischemic stroke in patients with pacemaker implantation.

METHODS

Patients with pacemaker implantation for bradycardia from 2013 to 2017 were consecutively enrolled. Data such as gender, age, combined diseases, type of AF, left atrial size, left ventricular size, left ventricular ejection fraction, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, and anticoagulants were collected. The burden and duration of AHRE based on different interval partition were also recorded in detail to evaluate the impacts on ischemic stroke. Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 220 patients with AHRE were enrolled. The average follow-up time was 48.42 ± 17.20 months. Univariate regression analysis showed that diabetes (p = .024), high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (≥ 2) (p = .021), long mean AHRE burden (p = .011), long maximal AHRE burden (p = .015), long AHRE duration lasting≥48 h (p = .001) or 24 h (p = .001) or 12 h (p = .005) were prone to ischemic stroke. Further multivariate regression analysis showed that long duration of AHRE (≥48 h) (HR 10.77; 95% CI 3.22-55.12; p = .030) were significantly correlated with stroke in patients with paroxysmal AF. There was no significant correlation between the type of AF and stroke (p = .927).

CONCLUSION

The longer duration of AHRE (≥48 h) was more favorable in predicting ischemic stroke than high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (≥2).

Analysis of Variables Associated with Positive Micro-Embolic Signals Detected by Transcranial Doppler in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Their Predictive Value for Embolic Risk

Objective

This study examined the factors associated with positive micro-embolic signals (MES) on transcranial Doppler monitoring in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as the predictive value of MES for the risk of embolism in AF.

Methods

Sixty-six patients who had micro emboli with AF were included in the positive group, and 75 patients who did not have micro emboli with AF served as the control group. The clinical data, congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 (doubled), diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (doubled), vascular disease, age 65-74, female (CHA2DS2-VASc) score, D-dimer (D-d) level, echocardiography results, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between positive micro emboli with CHA2DS2-VASc score, D-d, left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAD), and silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) occurrence.

Results

The CHA2DS2-VASc score, D-d level, and LAD were significantly higher in the positive group than in the control group (P < 0.05) and were accompanied by a higher detection rate of SCI by brain MRI (P < 0.01). Elevated D-d levels, increased LAD, and the detection rate of SCI were all highly positively correlated with positive micro emboli. Also, CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 showed a significant positive correlation with positive micro emboli, and the higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with a stronger correlation. The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that positive micro-embolic was independently associated with SCI and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 4.

Conclusion

Positive micro emboli in patients with persistent AF are consistent with an increased risk of embolism, and are independently associated with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and SCI, which can be used as an indicator of individual embolic risk in patients with AF.

Incorporating uric acid into the CHA2DS2-VASc score improves the prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and is associated with worse outcomes. While uric acid has been proposed as a potential biomarker for predicting atrial fibrillation, its association with NOAF in patients with AMI and its incremental discriminative ability when added to the CHA2DS2-VASc score are not well established.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1000 consecutive patients with AMI without a history of atrial fibrillation between January 2018 and December 2020. Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring was performed during the patients' hospital stay to detect NOAF. We assessed the predictive ability of the different scoring models using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, we employed the area under the curve (AUC), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification improvement (NRI) analyses to assess the incremental discriminative ability of uric acid when added to the CHA2DS2-VASc score.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (9.3%) developed NOAF during hospitalisation. In multivariate regression analyses, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for NOAF was 1.439 per one standard deviation increase in uric acid level (95% confidence intervals (CI):1.182-1.753, p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC for uric acid was 0.667 (95% CI:0.601-0.719), while the AUC for the CHA2DS2-VASc score was 0.678 (95% CI:0.623-0.734). After integrating the uric acid variable into the CHA2DS2-VASc score, the combined score yielded an improved AUC of 0.737 (95% CI:0.709-0.764, p = 0.009). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in both IDI and NRI, indicating an incremental improvement in discriminative ability (IDI = 0.041, p < 0.001; NRI = 0.627, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that uric acid level is an independent risk factor for the development of NOAF after AMI. Furthermore, the incorporation of uric acid into the CHA2DS2-VASc score significantly improves the discriminative ability of the score in identifying patients at high risk for NOAF.

Changes in CHA2DS2-VASc score and risk of ischemic stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation

AIMS

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is fundamental to stroke risk assessment in atrial fibrillation. However, stroke-related risk factors can be modified later in life. This study aimed to assess the association of changes in CHA2DS2-VASc score over time (Delta CHA2DS2-VASc score) with the risk of ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an observational analysis of 1127 atrial fibrillation patients previously enrolled in the MISOAC-AF trial. After a median 2.6-year follow-up period, baseline and follow-up CHA2DS2-VASc scores were used to extract the Delta CHA2DS2-VASc score. The stroke predicting accuracies of the baseline, follow-up, and Delta CHA2DS2-VASc scores were assessed through regression analyses.

RESULTS

The mean baseline, follow-up, and Delta CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 4.2, 4.8, and 0.6 respectively. Ischemic stroke occurred in 54 (4.4%) patients, of which 83.3% had a Delta CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥1, contrary to 40.1% of the stroke-free group. The stroke risk per 1-point increase of the CHA2DS2-VASc score was not significantly associated with the baseline score (aHR=1.14; 95%CI: 0.93-1.41; p=0.201), whereas a significant association was observed with the follow-up (aHR=2.58; 95% CI: 2.07-3.21; p<0.001) and Delta (aHR=4.56; 95%CI: 3.50-5.94; p<0.001) scores. C-index assessment indicated that follow-up and Delta CHA2DS2-VASc scores were more potent predictors of ischemic stroke compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION

In atrial fibrillation patients, changes in CHA2DS2-VASc score over time were associated with the incidence of stroke. The improved predictability of follow-up and Delta CHA2DS2-VASc scores indicates that stroke risk is not a static parameter.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This is an observational, post-hoc analysis of the MISOAC-AF randomized controlled trial, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02941978; registered: October 21, 2016).

Refining prediction of stroke in sinus node dysfunction patients without atrial fibrillation using a P-combined score: a multi-centre study

AIMS

Isolated sinus node dysfunction (ISND) is a sinus node dysfunction without atrial fibrillation. A high risk of ischaemic stroke (IS) has been reported in ISND populations. However, current guidelines do not recommend anticoagulation in ISND management. P-wave indicates ISND-related atrial remodelling. P-wave indices and the CHA2DS2-VASc score may contribute to risk stratification for ISND-related IS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this multi-centre longitudinal cohort, ISND patients were divided into development (n = 1185) and external validation (n = 988) cohorts. Ischaemic stroke prediction capacity of the P-combined score was assessed with regard to discrimination, calibration, and clinical effectiveness. The cut-off value of the score was confirmed by using a restricted cubic spline curve. One hundred and twenty-four (10.46%) ISND patients developed IS [1.63%/year; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-1.78%/year] after a median 3.02-year follow-up in the development cohort. The P-wave terminal force in electrocardiogram-lead V1 (PTFV1) was the only significantly abnormal P-wave index (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.72-3.80). Therefore, we incorporated the PTFV1 with the CHA2DS2-VASc score to generate a P-combined score. For a 5-year IS risk, the P-combined score improved Harrell's C-statistic (95% CI) from 0.678 (0.618-0.738) to 0.716 (0.657-0.774) and 0.747 (0.677-0.816) to 0.808 (0.747-0.868) in the development and validation cohorts, respectively, along with calibration and decision curve analyses. The cut-off value of the score was 3 in the development cohort and well-discriminated in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

Chinese ISND patients have a higher IS risk than the general population. Compared with the CHA2DS2-VASc score, the PTFV1-combined CHA2DS2-VASc score shows a better risk-stratification capacity for ISND-related IS.

Predictive value of CHA2 DS2 -VASc score for in-hospital prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the predictive value of CHA2 DS2 -VASc score for in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary artery intervention.

METHODS

A total of 746 STEMI patients were divided into four groups according to CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (1, 2-3, 4-5, >5). The predictive ability of the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score for in-hospital MACE was made. Subgroup analysis was made between gender differences.

RESULTS

In a multivariate logistic regression analysis model including creatinine, total cholesterol, and left ventricular ejection fraction, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was an independent predictor of MACE as a continuous variable (adjusted odds ratio: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-1.62, p < .001). As a category variable, using the lowest CHA2 DS2 -VASc score of 1 as a reference, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score 2-3, 4-5, >5 groups for predicting MACE was 4.62 (95% CI: 1.94-11.00, p = .001), 7.74 (95% CI: 3.18-18.89, p < .001), and 11.71 (95% CI: 4.14-33.15, p < .001). The CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was also an independent risk factor for MACE in the male group, either as a continuous variable or category variable. However, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was not a predictor of MACE in the female group. The area under the curve value of the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score for predicting MACE was 0.661 in total patients (74.1% sensitivity and 50.4% specificity [p < .001]), 0.714 in the male group (69.4% sensitivity and 63.1% specificity [p < .001]), but there was no statistical significance in the female group.

CONCLUSIONS

CHA2 DS2 -VASc score could be considered as a potential predictor of in-hospital MACE with STEMI, especially in males.

Left atrial enlargement and high uric acid level are risk factors for left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast in atrial fibrillation patients with low to moderate embolic risk assessed by CHA2DS2-VASC score

Aims

To investigate the correlation and predictive value of left atrial diameter and blood uric acid levels with the occurrence of left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast in atrial fibrillation patients with low to moderate CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.

Methods and results

A total of 849 inpatients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who had low to moderate CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores and complete transesophageal echocardiography were included in this study. Among them, 66 patients had left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast. When different models were used to correct other known risk factors, acid levels and abnormal left atrial diameter were identified as additional risk factors for left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast. The incidence of left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast was higher in patients with abnormal serum uric acid levels than in the control group (12.4% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.05), and this difference persisted after correcting the baseline data with propensity score matching (10.6% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.05). Abnormal left atrial diameter was another risk factor suggested by regression analysis, with an increased incidence of left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast in the abnormal left atrial diameter group compared to the control group, both before (18.0% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.05) and after (15.5% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.05) propensity score matching. The best predictive value was obtained by adding both abnormal serum uric acid levels and abnormal left atrial diameter.

Conclusion

Left atrial enlargement and high uric acid levels increase the risk of left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast in atrial fibrillation patients with low to moderate CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.

Predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary angiography

Background

Radial artery occlusion is the most common complication of transradial catheterization. RAO is characterized by thrombus formation due to catheterization and endothelial damage. CHA2DS2-VASc scores are the current scoring systems used to determine the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of CHA2DS2-VASc score with radial artery occlusion.

Methods

This prospectively designed study was included 500 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery transradial catheterization for diagnostic or interventional procedures. The diagnosis of radial artery occlusion was made by palpation examination and Doppler ultrasound at the twenty-fourth hour after the procedure. Independent predictors of radial artery occlusion were determined by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Radial artery occlusion was observed at a rate of 9%. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in the group of the patients who developed radial artery occlusion (p < 0.001). Arterial spasm (OR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.18-6.45, p: 0.01), catheterization time (OR: 1.03, 95% CI 1.005-1.057, p: 0.01) and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 3 (OR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.17-1.78, p: 0.00) as significant independent predictors of radial artery occlusion. A high CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with the continuity of the occlusion after the treatment (OR:1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.85, p: 0.03).

Conclusions

An easily applicable CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥3 has a predictive value for radial artery occlusion.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide improves the predictive value of CHA2 DS2 -VASc risk score for long-term cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

It is important to identify patients with co-morbid acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk and adopt proper management strategies to improve their prognosis.

HYPOTHESIS

The addition of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) could improve predictive value for long-term cardiovascular events beyond the CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score in patients with co-morbid ACS and AF.

METHODS

A total of 1223 patients with baseline NT-proBNP between January 2016 and December 2019 were included in the study. The primary endpoint was all-cause death at 12 months. The secondary outcomes included 12-month cardiac death and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

RESULTS

A higher serum of NT-proBNP levels was strongly associated with increased risks of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.07), cardiac death (adjusted HR: 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03-1.07), and MACCE (adjusted HR: 1.04, 95% CI, 1.02-1.06). The prognostic accuracy of the CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score was improved when combined with NT-proBNP to yield a 9%, 11%, and 7% increment for the discrimination of long-term risk for all-cause mortality (area under curve [AUC]: from 0.64 to 0.73), cardiac death (AUC: from 0.65 to 0.76), and MACCE (AUC: from 0.62 to 0.69), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ACS and AF, NT-proBNP is a potential biomarker to enhance risk discrimination for all-cause death, cardiac death, and MACCE in combination with the CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score.

The prognostic value of CHA2 DS2 -VASc and modified-CHADS2 scores for cardiovascular events in diabetics and non-diabetics haemodialysis patients

AIM

CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and modified-CHADS₂ score can easily estimate the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation. Study's purpose was to evaluate these in haemodialysis patients, and assess the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

The scores calculated in 237 haemodialysis patients, 121 diabetics (58 females) and 116 non-diabetics (41 females). Results correlated to cardiovascular events (acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, mortality).

RESULTS

CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score correlated with the occurrence of stroke and heart failure (p < .01, p < .01), (p < .01, p < .01), respectively in diabetics and non-diabetics. CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score could predict the risk of all-cause mortality in both groups, p = .03, p < .01, respectively, however, the risk of cardiovascular death could be predicted in non-diabetics, p < .01. Modified-CHADS₂ score associated with heart failure (p = .04), cardiovascular (p < .01) and all-cause mortality (p < .01) only on non-diabetics. C statistics indicated that the first score showed modest discrimination in patients with and without DM, for stroke and all-cause mortality. The second score performed modestly only on patients without DM for all-cause mortality. Both scores showed poor calibration. Stroke was a common cause of cardiovascular death (OR = 3.52, 95% CI = 1.92-6.47, p < .01) and associated with central venous catheter (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.12-4.27, p = .02) and pre-existing atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.06-3.58, p = .03).

CONCLUSION

CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score correlated with stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality in haemodialysis patients with and without DM. The risk of cardiovascular death could be predicted only in non-diabetics patients. Modified-CHADS₂ score correlated with heart failure, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality only on non-diabetics. Both had modest discrimination and poor calibration.

Predicting a decrease in left atrial appendage flow velocity using left atrial diameter and CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Left atrial (LA) appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) is a classic but invasive predictor of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to explore the usefulness of LA diameter (LAD) combined with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, which is easily available and non-invasive, as a novel score for predicting a decrease in LAAFV in non-valvular AF (NVAF).

METHODS

In total, 716 consecutive NVAF patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography were divided into the decreased LAAFV (< 0.4 m/s) and preserved LAAFV (≥ 0.4 m/s) groups.

RESULTS

The decreased LAAFV group had a larger LAD and a higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score than the preserved LAAFV group (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression indicated that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration, persistent AF, LAD, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score were remained inversely associated with LAAFV. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression revealed that BNP concentration (odds ratio [OR] 1.003, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.005, P = 0.003), persistent AF (OR 0.159, 95% CI 0.102-0.247, P < 0.001), and LAD (OR 1.098, 95% CI 1.049-1.149, P < 0.001) were independent factors for a decrease in LAAFV. A novel score, LAD combined with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, was more accurate for predicting a decrease in LAAFV among NVAF patients (area under the curve was 0.733).

CONCLUSION

Enlarged LAD was independent risk factor for a decrease in LAAFV among NVAF patients. LAD combined with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score enhanced the predictive ability for a decrease in LAAFV among NVAF patients.

Outcomes of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation in atrial fibrillation patients based on underlying stroke risk

AIMS

To determine outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) based on the underlying stroke risk (defined by the CHA2DS2-VASc score).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample for calendar years 2016-20. Left atrial appendage occlusion implantations were identified on the basis of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification code of 02L73DK. The study sample was stratified on the basis of the CHA2DS2-VASc score into three groups (scores of 3, 4, and ≥5). The outcomes assessed in our study included complications and resource utilization. A total of 73 795 LAAO device implantations were studied. Approximately 63% of LAAO device implantations occurred in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 4 and ≥5. The crude prevalence of pericardial effusion requiring intervention was higher with increased CHA2DS2-VASc score (1.4% in patients with a score of ≥5 vs. 1.1% in patients with a score of 4 vs. 0.8% in patients with a score of 3, P < 0.01). In the multivariable model adjusted for potential confounders, CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 4 and ≥5 were found to be independently associated with overall complications [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.35, and aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.73-2.04, respectively] and prolonged length of stay (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11-1.25, and aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.44-1.66, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with an increased risk of peri-procedural complications and resource utilization after LAAO. These findings highlight the importance of patient selection for the LAAO procedure and need validation in future studies.

Prognostic value of interleukin-34 and interleukin-38 in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation

Background

Interleukin (IL)-34 and IL-38 are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, their involvement in atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF-associated adverse events remains uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate their association with various AF prognostic factors in a cohort study and assessed their predictive value for the prognosis of patients with AF.

Methods

Patients with new-onset non-valvular AF were consecutively enrolled between 2013 and 2015 at the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the Southwest Hospital of the Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) in Chongqing, China. The endpoints included stroke and all-cause mortality. The baseline levels of plasma IL-34, IL-38, NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and GDF-15 were measured and their correlation with AF-related adverse events were analyzed in a Cox proportional-hazards regression model. The C-statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to evaluate the performance of the AF prognostic models. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical net benefit of the original and modified models.

Results

A total of 299 patients with new-onset AF were enrolled. During the median follow-up time of 28 (IQR: 27, 29) months, the higher levels of IL-34 were associated with a lower risk of stroke, and the higher levels of IL-38 were associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (all adjusted P < 0.05). In addition, elevated hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with a higher risk of stroke and all-cause mortality (all adjusted P < 0.05). Furthermore, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score combined with IL-38 and NT-proBNP significantly improved the C-statistic, IDI, and NRI (all P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference (all P > 0.05) in the discrimination power between the preference models and the ABC (age, biomarkers, and clinical history) score for the two prognostic outcomes.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that IL-34 and IL-38 were independently associated with stroke and all-cause mortality in patients with AF. Moreover, adding IL-38 and NT-proBNP to the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score significantly improved its predictive ability of AF-related all-cause death. Finally, the preference model performed equally well as the ABC score in predicting AF prognosis.

The Predictive Value of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score for In-Stent Restenosis Among Patients with Drug-Eluting Stents Implantation

Objective

The CHA2DS2-VASc score, a system which has been initially recommended for the assessment of thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), arouses attention in the field of adverse coronary events. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of preprocedural CHA2DS2-VASc score on ISR in patients after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Methods

To further investigate the relationship between CHA2DS2-VASc scores and ISR after DES, a retrospective study of DES was carried on. Additionally, the preoperative variables for the ISR and control groups were contrasted. Predictive factors were chosen using the optimal subset regression. We validate the model using internal validation. The prediction model was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

We used a 3:7 ratio to create an experimental group and a validation group, and then ran a stepwise regression with the data from each of the two groups. The results showed that CHA2DS2-VASc score was an independent risk factor for ISR in both the experimental (p = 0.0139) and validation groups (p = 0.0014), and both had significant predictive value for ISR. The area of the ROC curve was greater than 0.5 in both groups (AUC = 0.78, 0.719, respectively) indicating that the model fit was good in both groups.

Conclusion

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a reliable predictor of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after DES implantation.

Finding low CHA2DS2-VASc scores unreliable? Why not give morphological and hemodynamic methods a try?

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer from a high risk of thrombosis. Currently, the CHA2DS2-VASc score is the most widely used tool for risk stratification in patients with AF, but it has disappointing accuracy and limited predictive value, especially in those with low scores. Thrombi in patients with AF mostly grow in their left atrial appendages (LAA), which is directly related to the abnormal morphology of the LAA or the left atrium and the unusual hemodynamic state around LAA, which may sensitively evaluate the risk of thrombosis complications in patients with AF and bring bases to clinical plans of medication and operation. Therefore, we investigated the research progress of hemodynamic and morphological studies about the predictive value of thrombosis risk in patients with AF, intending to discuss the prediction potential of morphological and hemodynamic indexes when compared with the presently used CHA2DS2-VASc system and how to build a more precise thromboembolic event prediction model for patients with AF.

Contemporary management of atrial fibrillation and the predicted vs. absolute risk of ischaemic stroke despite treatment: a report from ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry

BACKGROUND

Risk stratification in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is important to facilitate guideline-directed therapies. The Calculator of Absolute Stroke Risk (CARS) scheme enables an individualized estimation of 1-year absolute risk of stroke in AF. We aimed to investigate the predicted and absolute risks of ischaemic stroke, and evaluate whether CARS (and CHA2DS2-VASc score) may be useful for identifying high risk patients with AF despite contemporary treatment.

METHODS

We utilized the EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry which prospectively enrolled patients with AF from 250 centres across 27 participating European countries. Patients with sufficient data to determine CARS and CHA2DS2-VASc score, and reported outcomes of ischaemic stroke were included in this analysis. The primary outcome of ischaemic stroke was recorded over a 2-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 9444 patients were included (mean age 69.1 [±11.4] years; 3776 [40.0%] females). There was a high uptake (87.9%) of anticoagulation therapy, predominantly with vitamin K antagonist (50.0%). Over a mean follow-up period of 24 months, there were a total of 101 (1.1%) ischaemic stroke events. In the entire cohort, the median CARS and absolute annual risks of ischaemic stroke were 2.60 (IQR 1.60-4.00) and 0.53% (95%CI 0.43-0.64%), respectively. There was no statistical difference between the predictive performance of CARS and CHA2DS2-VASc score (0.621 [95%CI 0.563-0.678] vs. 0.626 [95%CI 0.573-0.680], P = 0.725).

CONCLUSION

Contemporary management of AF was associated with a low risk of ischaemic stroke. CARS and CHA2DS2-VASc score may be useful to identify high risk patients despite treatment who may benefit from more aggressive treatment and follow-up.

Inflammatory cytokines differ between patients with high versus low CHA2DS2-VASc scores in sinus rhythm-a possible mechanism for adverse cardiovascular events

Background

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was shown to predict systemic thromboembolism and mortality in certain groups of patients in sinus rhythm (SR). Previous data showed that patients in SR with high CHA₂DS₂-VASc score have higher plasma levels of inflammatory markers such as sP-selectin and C-reactive protein. We further investigated this group.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from consecutive patients in SR. Plasma was extracted and stored at -80 °C. Concentrations of a panel of soluble markers IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and VEGF were measured by Magnetic Luminex Performance Assay. The PLF4 cytokine blood level was measured by ELISA.

Results

66 patients were enrolled (age 53 ± 18 years, 60% women). Patients with high CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (n = 23) had significantly higher median IQR concentrations of TNF-α [10.34 (8.55,14.92) vs. 7.69 (6.06, 9.85) pg/ml, p = 0.009] and a trend towards higher levels of IL-1β [0.59 (0.4,0.8) vs. 0.44 (0.31, 0.62) pg/ml, p = 0.07] and IL-8 [5.92 (4.5,9.4) vs. 5.04 (3.63, 6.04) pg/ml, p = 0.07], compared to the group with low scores (n = 43). Median IQR concentrations of VEGF, IL-6, IL-10 and PF4 did not significantly differ between the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score groups.

Conclusion

Patients in SR with high versus low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores have high plasma concentrations of systemic inflammation cytokines. The already proven high levels of sP-selectin, that promotes release of inflammatory cytokines from leukocytes, is in line with these results. This pro-inflammatory state in patients with high CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores, may explain the higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events associated with elevated CHA₂DS₂-VASc score even without atrial fibrillation.

The CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc Score Predicts New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Hemodynamic Complications in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Arrhythmic and hemodynamic complications related to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a major clinical challenge. Several scores have been developed to predict mortality in STEMI. However, those scores almost exclusively include factors related to the acute phase of STEMI, and no score has been evaluated to date for its ability to specifically predict arrhythmic and hemodynamic complications. We, thus, aimed to assess the ability of chronic risk factors burden, as expressed by the CHA2DS2-VASc score, to predict STEMI-related arrhythmic and hemodynamic complications. Data were collected from 839 consecutive STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI). CHA2DS2-VASc and GRACE scores were calculated for all patients, and their ability to predict STEMI-related arrhythmic (i.e., new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation) and hemodynamic (i.e., cardiogenic shock, asystole) complications was assessed in univariate and multiple regression analysis. Arrhythmic and hemodynamic complications occurred in 14.8% and 10.2% of patients, respectively. Although the GRACE score outweighed the CHA2DS2-VASc score in the ability to predict STEMI-related hemodynamic complications (p < 0.0001), both scores had a similar predictive value for STEMI-related new-onset AF (p = 0.20), and both remained independent predictors of new-onset AF and of hemodynamic complications in the multiple regression analyses. A CHA2DS2-VASc score > 2 points independently predicted new-onset AF (p < 0.01) and hemodynamic complications (p = 0.04). Alongside the GRACE score, the CHA2DS2-VASc score independently predicted new-onset AF and hemodynamic complications in STEMI patients treated by pPCI. These data suggest that a combination of acute and chronic risk factors could provide additional benefit in identifying patients at risk of STEMI-related complications, who could benefit from closer follow-up and more intensive prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.

Association of CHA2DS2-VASc score with successful recanalization in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy

Introduction

The CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease and sex) score is a simple risk stratification algorithm to estimate stroke/thromboembolic risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Higher pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score is known to be associated with greater stroke severity and poorer outcomes. AF patients generally have higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores than non-AF patients. The Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score is the most widely used grading system to assess the result of recanalizing therapies in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 are conventionally accepted as successful recanalization.

Aim

We investigated whether pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with mTICI recanalization score in AIS patients with and without AF undergoing percutaneous thrombectomy.

Material and methods

One hundred fifty-nine patients with the diagnosis of AIS who were admitted within 6 h from symptom onset were included in the study (mean age: 65.7 ±12.9). All subjects underwent endovascular treatment. CHA2DS2-VASc scores of the participants were calculated. Subjects were grouped according to mTICI scores achieved after endovascular treatment. mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 were accepted as successful recanalization.

Results

Successful reperfusion was observed in 130 (81.8%) of all patients who underwent endovascular treatment (mTICI flow ≥ 2c) and first-pass reperfusion was observed in 107 (67.3%) patients. When the patients with successful (mTICI flow ≥ 2c) and unsuccessful (mTICI flow ≤ 2b) reperfusion were divided into groups, no significant difference was observed between the patients in terms of comorbidities such as AF, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident history. Patients with unsuccessful reperfusion were older than patients with successful reperfusion (71.4 ±11.2 vs. 64.5 ±13.01, p = 0.006), with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (4.1 ±1.5 vs. 3.04 ±1.6, p = 0.002). In addition, the duration of the procedure was longer in the unsuccessful reperfusion group (92.4 ±27.2 min vs. 65.0 ±25.1 min, p < 0.001). CHA2DS2-VASc score significantly correlated with successful recanalization (correlation coefficient; 0.243, p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.09-1.87, p = 0.006) and procedure time (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of successful reperfusion. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off value for the CHA2DS2-VASc score that best predicts successful reperfusion. The optimal threshold was 3.5, with a sensitivity of 58.6% and specificity of 59.2% (area under the curve (AUC): 0.669, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

For the first time in the literature, we investigated and demonstrated that pre-stroke CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with success of recanalization as assessed with mTICI 2c and mTICI 3 in a cohort of AIS patients regardless of AF presence who underwent endovascular treatment. Our findings deserve to be tested with large scale long term studies.

Should oral anticoagulants still be prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation with a single stroke risk factor but at high bleeding risk? A nationwide cohort study

AIMS

To investigate the co-distributions of stroke and bleeding risks in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the clinical benefits of oral anticoagulants (OACs) among AF patients with a single stroke risk factor but at high bleeding risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2016, a total of 404 949 AF patients were retrospectively identified from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Stroke risk was assessed using the CHA2DS2-VASc score and was categorized into low risk (score = 0 for males and 1 for females), intermediate risk (i.e. a single non-sex stroke risk factor; score = 1 for males and 2 for females), and high risk (score ≥2 for males and ≥3 for females). A high risk of bleeding was defined as a HAS-BLED score ≥3. Around 57.5% of AF patients were at high risk for both stroke and bleeding, and most patients (97.6%) with a low stroke risk were also at low risk for bleeding. Around 18.3% of patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 (males) or 2 (females) were at high bleeding risk, and the use of OACs in such patients was associated with a lower risk of composite adverse events of ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, or mortality (4.19/100 person-years vs. 5.22/100 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio = 0.781, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

For AF patients with an intermediate risk of stroke (i.e. a single non-sex stroke risk factor) but at high bleeding risk, the use of OACs was still significantly associated with a better overall clinical outcome.

The CHA2DS2-VASc risk score predicts successful endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

Acute ischemic stroke is a common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Percutaneous endovascular intervention is an important treatment method in ischemic stroke. Endovascular procedure success is associated with the clinical outcome of the patients. The CHA2DS2-VASC score is an important score used to determine the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between procedure success and CHA2DS2-VASC score in patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 102 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular intervention with acute ischemic stroke were included in the study. The admission CHA2DS2-VASc scores of the patients were recorded. After the procedure, the relationship between the TICI score and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was evaluated.

RESULTS

CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in the group that resulted in unsuccessful endovascular intervention (2.78 ± 1.44, 5.02 ± 1.77 p < .001). Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed the cutoff value of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3 as a predictor of unsuccessful intervention with 76,6% sensitivity and 83,3% specificity, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 84,6% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.827,95% CI: 0.739-0.895, p < .001). In the multivariate analysis; atrial fibrillation ([β] = 4.201; [CI]: 1.251-14.103, p = .020), CHA2DS2-VASc score ([β] = 0.053; [CI]: 0.004-0.750, p = .030) were found independent predictors for unsuccessful intervention treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we showed that the CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with the success of endovascular intervention in patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent percutaneous endovascular treatment.

Validation of the CHA2DS2-VA Score (Excluding Female Sex) in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Sex (i.e., female sex) confers one point for the CHA2DS2-VASc score. For this reason, females with atrial fibrillation (AF) always have a CHA2DS2-VASc score of at least 1. To compare the CHA2DS2-VA (excluding female sex) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in Korean AF patients using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed the risk of ischemic stroke in nonvalvular AF patients between 2013 and 2017. The predictive values of the CHA2DS2-VA and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for ischemic stroke were evaluated using the C-statistic and net reclassification improvement (NRI). The primary outcome was the occurrence of ischemic stroke. A total of 185,637 patients with AF (49.7% women) were included in this study. The mean ages were 66.5 years for females and 64.9 years for males. The incidence of ischemic stroke in male patients was similar to females (3.63%/year vs. 3.72%/year, p = 0.273, respectively). In addition, no sex difference was apparent for stroke risk in AF patients stratified by risk factor component and age group. In the C-statistic analysis, the predictive ability of the CHA2DS2-VA score for ischemic stroke was similar to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Additionally, CHA2DS2-VA performed better for predicting ischemic stroke in AF patients with risk scores of ≥2 (AUC 0.701 vs. 0.689, z = 4.596, p < 0.001) or those aged ≥75 years (AUC 0.715 vs. 0.701, z = 4.957, p < 0.001). In Korean AF patients, female sex is not a specific risk factor that contributes to the development of ischemic stroke. The CHA2DS2-VA score, which excludes female sex, may be a more suitable risk score for guiding anticoagulation decisions in Korean AF patients.

CHA2DS2-VASc score stratifies mortality risk in heart failure patients aged 75 years and older with and without atrial fibrillation

Background

During the last decade, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes in several cardiovascular (CV) and non-cardiovascular diseases beyond atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score stratifies mortality risk in elderly patients with AF and without AF is not well established.

Methods

All consecutive patients aged ≥ 75 yrs hospitalized due to heart failure (HF), between January 2020 and November 2020, were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent physical examination, blood tests, electrocardiography and conventional transthoracic echocardiography. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, while secondary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality + rehospitalizations for all causes over mid-term follow-up.

Results

The study included 261 HF patients (86.3 ± 6.4 years, 60.5% females). 85 AF and 176 non-AF patients were separately analyzed. Compared to non-AF patients, those with AF had significantly higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (5.6 ± 1.4 vs 5.1 ± 1.4, p = 0.007) and lower ejection fraction (47.4 ± 16.5 vs 56.7 ± 15.1%, p < 0.001). Mean follow-up was 1.7 ± 0.5 yrs. During follow-up, 96 patients died (58.3% due to CV causes) and 79 were rehospitalized (58.2% due to CV causes). CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was independently associated with all-cause mortality in whole study population (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.36–1.92) and in both AF (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09–1.82) and non-AF patients (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.40–2.40). CHA₂DS₂-VASc score also predicted the secondary endpoint in the same study groups. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 5 was the best cut-off value for predicting both outcomes.

Conclusion

At mid-term follow-up, a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 5 predicts increased risk of all-cause mortality and re-hospitalizations for all causes in elderly HF patients, regardless of AF.

Utility of CHA2DS2-VASc Score to Predict Mid-Term Clinical Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

The CHA2DS2-VASc score has been widely used to predict stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, it was reported that the CHA2DS2-VASc score helps predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) or all-cause mortality in patients with or without AF. However, few reports have examined the association between this score and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHODS

We analyzed 557 consecutive patients who initiated HD at our facilities between February 2005 and October 2017. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated at the time of initiation of HD. Patients were then categorized into three groups according to their CHA2DS2-VASc scores: 0-1 (low), 2-3 (intermediate), and 4-9 (high). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess independent risk factors for 3-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During the 3-year follow-up period, 153 (27.5%) patients died (cardiovascular death: n = 88). According to multivariate analysis, serum albumin (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.85, p = 0.003), creatinine (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99, p = 0.049), and CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.20-1.46, p < 0.001) were associated with 3-year all-cause mortality. Compared with patients in the low CHA2DS2-VASc score group, those in the intermediate- and high-score groups had a higher risk for all-cause and CVD mortality (all-cause mortality: HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.23-2.55, p = 0.002 and HR 2.94, 95% CI 1.90-4.53, p < 0.001, respectively; CVD mortality: HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.27-2.59, p = 0.001 and HR 2.85, 95% CI 1.88-4.31, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The CHA2DS2-VASc score is a valuable predictor of 3-year all-cause and CVD mortality in incident HD patients.

CHA2 DS2 -VASc and PESI scores are associated with right ventricular dysfunction on computed tomography pulmonary angiography in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Accurate risk stratification is the most important step in the management of patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) is a clinical tool for PTE risk stratification. CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score, a risk assessment tool in patients with atrial fibrillation, is recently considered for acute PTE. The presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in imaging is more efficient in acute PTE risk evaluation.

HYPOTHESIS

This study aims to evaluate the association between CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and PESI score and each of them with RV dysfunction on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA).

METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients with a definite diagnosis of PTE were entered. The CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and PESI scores were calculated for all of them. RV dysfunction including an increase in RV to left ventricular diameter ratio, interventricular septal bowing, and reflux of contrast medium into the inferior vena cava was examined by CTPA.

RESULTS

PESI and CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc scores were significantly associated with RV dysfunction. In addition, different classes of PESI scores were correlated with RV dysfunction. Moreover, this study showed that the CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score and PESI score had a positive correlation. The area under the curve value for the CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score was 0.625 with 61.54% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity for predicting RV dysfunction while for PESI score was 0.635 with 66.7% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that not only CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and PESI scores are positively correlated, but they are both associated with RV dysfunction diagnosed by CTPA. CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc and PESI scores are able to predict RV dysfunction.

Presence of Microvascular Dysfunction and CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Patients with ST-Segment Myocardial Infarction after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relation between CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and microvascular dysfunction (MVD) assessed by the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) immediately after primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Subjects and Methods

The study included 115 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent successful PPCI. Angiographic results of reperfusion were inspected to evaluate the association of high CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and IMR. Also, we assessed echocardiographic changes with respect to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score.

Results

Subjects were stratified into 2 groups based on IMR </≥ 40 U; 72 patients (62.6) with IMR <40 U and 43 patients (37.4) with IMR ≥40 U. Patients with IMR ≥40 U had higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (p < 0.001). CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was significantly correlated with increased left atrial volume index, diastolic dysfunction, wall motion score index, and inversely correlated left ventricular ejection. Moreover, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was strongly correlated with IMR (p < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, low systolic blood pressure, stent diameter, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score were associated with MVD. Besides, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥4 was the optimal value in predicting MVD (IMR ≥40) in STEMI patients.

Conclusions

The data of the current study point out that increased CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, lower systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, and stent diameter are associated with increased incidence of MVD (increased IMR) after PPCI of STEMI. We suggest that the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score may be a simple, inexpensive useful risk score for the prediction of MVD risk after PPCI for STEMI patients.

CHA2DS2-VASc, a Simple Clinical Score Expanding Its Boundaries to Predict Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Objective

Promising results of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score have been reported for the prediction of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data of its predictive strength in the context of primary PCI are not available. Therefore, in this study, we have assessed predictive value of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score for CI-AKI after primary PCI.

Methods

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and June 2021 at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan. Inclusion criteria of the study was consecutive adult patients who had undergone primary PCI. Baseline CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was calculated, and either a 25% or 0.5 mg/dL increase in post-procedure serum creatinine level as compared to baseline level was categorized as CI-AKI.

Results

A total of 691 patients were included, of which 82.1% (567) were male. CI-AKI after primary PCI was observed in 63 (9.1%) patients, out of which 66.7% (42) of patients had CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of ≥2. The area under the curve (AUC) for the score was 0.725 [0.662 to 0.788] with a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% [63.1% to 70.2%] and 66.7% [53.7% to 78.1%], respectively, at a cut-off value of ≥2. In multivariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% and CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥2 were found to be independent predictors with adjusted odds ratios of 2.19 [1.06–4.5] and 2.13 [1.13–4.01], respectively.

Conclusion

CHA₂DS₂-VASc score has a good predictive value for the prediction of CI-AKI after primary PCI. Criteria of CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥2 can be used for the risk stratification of CI-AKI after primary PCI.

Assessment of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score for the Prediction of Death in Elderly Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist and lead to a much higher risk of mortality in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score could predict the risk of death in elderly patients with CAD and AF.

Methods: Hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of CAD and AF were recruited consecutively. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (≤2, =3, =4, =5, and ≥6). At least a 1-year follow-up was carried out for the assessment of all-cause death.

Results: A total of 1,579 eligible patients were recruited, with 582 all-cause deaths (6.86 per 100 patient-years) occurring during a follow-up of at least 1 year. With the increase in the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, the 1-year and 5-year survival rate decreased (96.4% vs. 95.7% vs. 94.0% vs. 86.5% vs. 85.7%, respectively, P < 0.001; 78.4% vs. 68.9% vs. 64.6% vs. 55.5% vs. 50.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). Compared with the patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score <5, for patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥5, the adjusted hazard ratio for death was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.45–2.18, P < 0.001). The predictive values of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥5 for in-hospital (C-index = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.62–0.69, P < 0.001), 1-year (C-index = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.63–0.67, P < 0.001) and 5-year (C-index = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.59–0.61, P < 0.001) death were in comparable.

Conclusion: In elderly patients with concomitant CAD and AF, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score can be used to predict death with moderate accuracy.

The Thromboembolic Predictability of CHA2DS2-VASc Scores Using Different Echocardiographic Criteria for Congestive Heart Failure in Korean Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

The association between congestive heart failure (CHF) of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores and thromboembolic (TE) events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a topic of debate due to conflicting results. As the importance of diastolic impairment in the occurrence of TE events is increasingly recognized, it is crucial to evaluate the predictive power of CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores with C criterion integrating diastolic parameters. We analyzed 4200 Korean nonvalvular AF patients (71 years of age, 59% men) to compare multiple echocardiographic definitions of CHF. Various guideline-suggested echocardiographic parameters for systolic or diastolic impairment, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%, the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/E’) ≥ 11, left atrial volume index > 34 mL/m², and many others were tested for C criteria. Multivariate-adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was an independent predictor for composite thromboembolic events only when CHF was defined as E/E’ ≥ 11 (hazard ratio, 1.26; p = 0.044) but not with other criteria including the original definition (hazard ratio, 1.10; p = 0.359). Our findings suggest that C criterion defined as diastolic impairment, such as E/E’ ≥ 11, may improve the predictive value of CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.

Arrhythmia Detection is Improved by 14-Day Continuous Electrocardiography Patch Monitoring and CHA2DS2-VASc Score

BACKGROUND

Arrhythmias are not always easy to capture because they are often paroxysmal or asymptomatic.

METHODS

Using the CHA2DS2-VASc score for arrhythmia risk assessment, a 14-day electrocardiography monitor patch was used to evaluate patients with no documented history of arrhythmia.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (mean age 59.8 ± 12.0 years, 46.2% female) received 14-day electrocardiography telemonitoring, and 14 patients (15%) were diagnosed with arrhythmias during a follow-up of 1004.4 person-days (mean recorded days 10.8 ± 4.1). The patients who were detected to have arrhythmias were older and had a higher prevalence of heart failure and chronic kidney disease. The result showed that arrhythmias were more likely to develop during a 14-day monitoring period in the patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 3 or ≥ 4. Atrioventricular block was more likely to be detected in the patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 3 or ≥ 4 during 7-day or 14-day monitoring periods. Ventricular tachycardia was also more likely to be detected in the patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 4 or ≥ 5 during a 14-day monitoring period. When evaluating the risk of arrhythmia, a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 3 or ≥ 4 was associated with a higher risk of any arrhythmias during a 14-day monitoring period, while a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 4 was associated with a higher risk of any arrhythmias during a 7-day monitoring period.

CONCLUSIONS

The results may suggest that a 14-day monitoring period is more favorable to detect arrhythmias. Atrioventricular block and ventricular tachycardia were more likely to develop in the patients with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score.

The Association Between High CHA2DS2-VASc Scores and Short and Long-Term Mortality for Coronary Care Unit Patients

Background

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score has been associated with the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the association between the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and all-cause mortality in coronary care unit (CCU) patients.

Methods

The study was based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database. CCU patients were divided into two groups according to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score: 0-3 (low risk)，4-9 (intermediate and high risk). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and the secondary endpoints included in-hospital, 1-year, and 5-year mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) and sensitivity analyzes for the confounders were also performed. The restricted cubic splines flexibility model was used to demonstrate the relation between red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), platelet, white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, phosphorus, glucose, potassium, sodium and 30-day mortality in the 0-3 score versus the 4-9 score groups after PSM.

Results

Among 4491 eligible patients, 988 patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores and 988 patients with intermediate and high CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores had similar propensity scores and were included in the analyzes. In the survival analysis, the patients with intermediate and high CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores were associated with higher 30-day mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.20, P = .014], 1-year mortality [HR: 1.13; 95%CI, 1.06–1.19, P < .001], and 5-year mortality [HR: 1.13; 95%CI, 1.07–1.18, P < .001]. The interaction for 30-day mortality among subgroups was not significant between the 0-3 score versus the 4-9 score groups. The restricted cubic splines for 30-day mortality demonstrated an L-shaped trajectory for platelets and hemoglobin, a J-shaped trajectory for WBC, glucose and potassium, and a U-shaped trajectory for sodium, respectively (all nonlinear P <.001).

Conclusions

A high CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was an independent risk for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality for CCU patients.

Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Post-cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation in Typical Atrial Flutter Without History of Atrial Fibrillation

Aims: The aim was to describe the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL) without history of AF and to identify risk factors for new-onset AF after the procedure.

Methods: A total of 191 patients with typical AFL undergoing successful CTI ablation were enrolled. Patients who had history of AF, structural heart disease, cardiac surgery, or ablation or who received antiarrhythmic drug after procedure were excluded. Clinical and electrophysiological data were collected.

Results: There were 47 patients (24.6%) developing new AF during a follow-up of 3.3 ± 1.9 years after CTI ablation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that the cut-off values of left atrial diameter (LAD) and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score were 42 mm and 2, with area under the curve of 0.781 and 0.550, respectively. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) [hazard ratio (HR) 3.734, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.470–9.484, P = 0.006], advanced interatrial block (aIAB) (HR 2.034, 95% CI 1.017–4.067, P = 0.045), LAD > 42 mm (HR 2.710, 95% CI 1.478–4.969, P = 0.001), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score > 2 (HR 2.123, 95% CI 1.118–4.034, P = 0.021) were independent risk factors of new-onset AF.

Conclusion: A combination of OSA, aIAB, LAD > 42 mm, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc > 2 was a strongly high risk for new-onset AF after ablation for typical AFL, and it had significance in postablation management in clinical practice.

Pulmonary Vein Isolation Outcome Degree Is a New Score for Efficacy of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

This study introduces the pulmonary vein isolation outcome degree (PVIOD) as a new semiquantitative measure for the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation and reports the determination of predictors associated with PVIOD. The median follow-up periods of 117 patients after the first and last ablation were, respectively, 82 (IQR 15) and 72 (IQR 30) months. PVIOD 1 included 32.5% of patients, those with successful single pulmonary vein isolation (PVI); PVIOD 2 included 29.1% of subjects, those with success after multiple procedures; PVIOD 3 comprised 14.5% of patients, those with clinical success; and PVIOD 4 included 23.9% of cases, those with procedural and clinical failure. In the multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis, PVIOD 1-4 were independently associated with longstanding persistent AF with paroxysmal AF as the referent category (odds ratio (OR), 3.5; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.1-10.7 (p = 0.031)), left atrial (LA) diameter (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3 (p = 0.001)) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.86-1.0 (p = 0.038)). LA size > 41 mm, LVEF ≤ 50% and longstanding persistent AF are strong predictors of AF recurrence. PVIOD 1-4 offer the most exact long-term prognosis of PVI. The purpose of the present article is to expand the quantitative measure of procedural success in the medical and biological fields.

Differential Risk of Dementia Between Patients With Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation: A National Cohort Study

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to an increased risk of stroke and dementia. Atrial flutter (AFL) is also linked to an increased risk of stroke but at a different level of risk as compared to AF. Little is known about the difference in the risk of dementia between AF and AFL. This study aims to investigate whether the risk of dementia is different between AF and AFL.

Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed AF and AFL during 2001–2013 were retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with incomplete demographic data, aged <20 years, history of valvular surgery, rheumatic heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and history of dementia were excluded. The incidence of new-onset dementia was set as the primary outcome and analyzed in patients with AF and AFL after propensity score matching (PSM).

Results: A total of 232,425 and 7,569 patients with AF and AFL, respectively, were eligible for analysis. After 4:1 PSM, we included 30,276 and 7,569 patients with AF and AFL, respectively, for analysis. Additionally, patients with AF (n = 29,187) and AFL (n = 451) who received oral anticoagulants were enrolled for comparison. The risk of dementia was higher in patients with AF compared with patients with AFL (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.52, 95% CI 1.39–1.66; p < 0.0001) before PSM and remained higher in patients with AF (SHR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25; p = 0.0064) after PSM. The risk of dementia was higher in patients with AF without previous history of stroke after PSM but the risk did not differ between patients with AF and AFL with previous history of stroke. Among patients who received oral anticoagulants, the cumulative incidences of dementia were significantly higher in patients with AF than in patients with AFL before and after PSM (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study found that, among patients without history of stroke, the risk of dementia was higher in patients with AF than in patients with AFL, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score might be useful for risk stratification of dementia between patients with AF and AFL.

Prognostic value of GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc score among patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

AIMS

The GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc risk score are developed for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndrome and AF, respectively. We aimed to assess the predictive performance of the GRACE score and CHA2DS2-VASc score among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AF admitted to our hospital for PCI between January 2016 and December 2018 were included and followed up for at least 1 year. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) including all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction, or ischaemic stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 1452 patients were identified. Cox regression demonstrated that the GRACE (HR 1.014, 95% CI 1.008-1.020, p < 0.001) but not the CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with the risk of MACEs. Both GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictive of all-cause mortality with HR of 1.028 (95% CI 1.020-1.037, p < 0.001) and 1.334 (95% CI 1.107-1.632, p = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed both scores had similar discrimination capacity for all-cause mortality (C-statistic: 0.708 for GRACE vs. 0.661 for CHA2DS2-VASc, p = 0.299). High GRACE score was also significantly associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke (HR 1.018, 95% CI 1.005-1.031, p = 0.006) and major bleeding (HR 1.012, 95% CI 1.001-1.024, p = 0.039), whereas high CHA2DS2-VASc score was not.

CONCLUSIONS

High GRACE score but not CHA2DS2-VASc score were both associated with an increased risk of MACEs after PCI in patients with AF. The GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores have similar predictive performance for predicting all-cause mortality.Key messages:In patients with AF undergoing PCI, increasing GRACE but not CHA2DS2-VASc scores was independently associated high risk of MACEs.The GRACE score could also help identify patients at higher risk of stroke and major bleeding.Both GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores showed good ability in the prediction of all-cause mortality.

CHA2DS2-VASc score stratifies mortality risk in patients with and without atrial fibrillation

Objectives

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is the preferred risk model for anticoagulation decision-making in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Recent studies have found this score to have prognostic value in other cardiovascular diseases. We assessed the relationships between CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and long-term mortality in adults referred for stress testing,

Methods

165 184 consecutive patients from January 1991 to December 2014 from a prospective registry were studied, with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score calculated for all patients, and AF and anticoagulation status were recorded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results

In this cohort, 12 450 (7.5%) patients had AF and mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 2.2±1.2. There were 22 152 (18.4%) deaths during mean follow-up of 6.1±4.8 years. In multivariable analysis, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, presence of AF and anticoagulation use, along with end-stage renal failure and smoking were all independently associated with mortality with HRs (95% CIs) of 1.23 (1.21 to 1.25), 1.18 (1.10 to 1.27) and 1.50 (1.40 to 1.60), respectively. Higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was incrementally associated with worse survival both in patients with and without AF (log-rank p<0.001). Anticoagulation use was associated with reduced survival in non-AF patients with alternative anticoagulation indications at all CHA₂DS₂-VASc score categories, and AF patients with lower CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 0–2, but was protective in AF patients with higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 4–9.

Conclusion

Incrementally higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, a simple clinical tool, is associated with mortality in patients regardless of presence of AF and anticoagulation status. Anticoagulation use was associated with worse survival in non-AF patients and AF patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores, but was protective in AF patients with high CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.

Post-angiography Retention of the Contrast Agent in the Left Atrial Appendage Is Associated With Risk of Cardioembolic Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents an important risk factor for cardioembolic stroke, and most atrial thrombi originate from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Although the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is widely used to estimate the risk of cardioembolic stroke in AF patients, yet greatly affected by many factors. This study was undertaken to determine the association between contrast agent retention in LAA after LAA angiography and risks of cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF. Methods: This is a retrospective study. The demographic and clinical data of AF patients undergone left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with or without catheter radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified into either stroke or non-stroke group by the history with cardioembolic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Results: Sixty-two consecutive patients undergone LAAO were finally included, in whom 31 AF patients had a history of cardioembolic stroke or TIA (one TIA), and significantly higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (4.2 ± 1.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.3; P = 0.006) as well as incidence of contrast agent retention in LAA (n = 20 vs. n = 7; P = 0.001) compared to the patients in non-stroke group. In addition, the relative proportion of distinctive morphological types of LAA was significantly different between groups (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0-3.0, P = 0.046) and LAA contrast agent retention (OR = 5.1, 95% CI: 1.1-23.9, P = 0.002) were associated with increased risks of cardioembolic stroke. The patients with Windsock type LAA (OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.1-57.2, P = 0.044) and Cauliflower LAA (OR = 20.2, 95% CI: 3.2-125.5, P = 0.001) were more prone to cardioembolic stroke compared to those with Chicken Wing type LAA. Conclusion: Left atrial appendage contrast agent retention after LAA angiography is associated with the risks of cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF, and cardioembolic stroke is more seen in AF patients with Windsock or Cauliflower type LAA.

Comparative analysis of four established risk scores for predicting contrast induced acute kidney injury after primary percutaneous coronary interventions

Objectives

 This study aimed to compare Mehran Risk Score (MRS) with three well -known scoring systems namely CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, Canada Acute Coronary Syndrome Risk Score (C-ACS), and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk index (TRI) to predict the contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

CI-AKI is a common complication after primary PCI associated with an adverse prognosis.

Methods

In this study consecutive patients of primary PCI were included. Patients with chronic kidney diseases, exposure to the contrast medium within the past 7 days, and Killip class IV at presentation were excluded. MRS along with three risk scores namely CHA₂DS₂-VASc, C-ACS, and TRI were calculated for all patients and CI-AKI was defined as either 0.5 mg/dL or 25% relative increase in post-procedure serum creatinine. The area under the curve (AUC) curve was reported.

Results

Post primary PCI CI-AKI was observed in 63 (9.1%) patients out of 691 patients. The AUC was 0.745 [0.679-0.810] for MRS, 0.725 [0.662-0.788] for CHA₂DS₂-VASc, 0.671 [0.593-0.749] for C-ACS, and 0.734 [0.674-0.795] for TRI. Sensitivity and specificity were 61.9% [48.8-73.8%] and 76.0% [72.4-79.3%] for MRS ≥ 6.5, 66.7% [53.7-78.0%] and 66.7% [62.9-70.4%] for CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥ 2, 52.4% [39.4-65.1%] and 79.9% [76.6-83.0%] for C-ACS ≥ 1, and 87.3% [76.5-94.4%] and 49.2% [45.2-53.2%] for TRI ≥ 16 respectively.

Conclusions

The MRS has shown higher discriminating power than CHA₂DS₂-VASc, C-ACS, and TRI. However, the TRI can be of good value in clinical practice due to its simplicity and high sensitivity in detecting patients at higher risk of CI-AKI after primary PCI.

Combining CHA2DS2-VASc score into RCRI for prediction perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a retrospective pilot study

Background

Treatment decisions in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery are based on clinical assessment. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is pragmatic and widely used but has only moderate discrimination. We aimed to test the efficacy of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and the combination of CHA₂DS₂-VASc and RCRI to predict perioperative risks for non-cardiac surgery.

Methods

This pre-specified analysis was performed in a retrospective cohort undergoing intra-abdominal surgery in our center from July 1st, 2007 to June 30th, 2008. The possible association between the baseline characteristics (as defined by CHA₂DS₂-VASc and RCRI) and the primary outcome of composite perioperative cardiac complications (myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, and/or death) and secondary outcomes of individual endpoints were explored using multivariate Logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (C-statistic) was used for RCRI, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, and the combined models, and the net reclassification improvement (NRI) was calculated to assess the additional discriminative ability.

Results

Of the 1079 patients (age 57.5 ± 17.0 years), 460 (42.6%) were women. A total of 83 patients (7.7%) reached the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included 52 cardiac ischemic events, 40 myocardial infarction, 20 atrial fibrillation, 18 heart failure, four strokes, and 30 deaths. The endpoint events increased with the RCRI and CHA₂DS₂-VASc grade elevated (P < 0.05 for trend). The RCRI showed a moderate predictive ability with a C-statistics of 0.668 (95%CI 0.610–0.725) for the composite cardiac outcome. The C-statistics for the CHA₂DS₂-VASc was 0.765 (95% CI 0.709–0.820), indicating better performance than the RCRI (p = 0.011). Adding the CHA₂DS₂-VASc to the RCRI further increased the C-statistic to 0.774(95%CI 0.719–0.829), improved sensitivity, negative predictive value, and enhanced reclassification in reference to RCRI. Similar performance of the combined scores was demonstrated in the analysis of individual secondary endpoints. The best cut-off of a total of 4 scores was suggested for the combined CHA₂DS₂-VASc and RCRI in the prediction of the perioperative cardiac outcomes.

Conclusions

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score significantly enhanced risk assessment for the composite perioperative cardiovascular outcome in comparison to traditional RCRI risk stratification. Incorporation of CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores into clinical-decision making to improve perioperative management in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery warrants consideration.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01496-2.

Association of CHA2DS2-VASc score with thrombus burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing SVG-PCI

BACKGROUND

The rate of saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion within the first year of bypass graft surgery is 15%. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is used to predict the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We aimed to evaluate the predictive role of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score in the estimation of intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent SVG-PCI.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 221 patients who were admitted with AMI and underwent PCI of SVGs at the Department of Cardiology in the Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Education and Research Hospital between 2012 and 2018. The study population was divided into two groups according to their Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade: low thrombus burden (LTB; TIMI 0-3) and high thrombus burden (HTB; TIMI 4 and 5).

RESULTS

The study included 221 patients with a mean age of 63.3 ± 6.7 years. The patients with HTB had significantly higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (p < 0.001) compared with LTB patients. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that both CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (OR: 1.573, 95% CI: 1.153-2.147, p = 0.004) as a continuous variable and a binary cut-off level of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score > 3 (OR: 3.876, 95% CI: 1.705-8.808, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with HTB. The ability of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score to predict HTB burden was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristics analysis curve analysis. The optimum cut-off value of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score for predicting HTB was 3 (with a sensitivity of 67.9% and a specificity of 69.3%) according to the Youden index.

CONCLUSION

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score can be used as an easy practical tool to predict HTB in AMI patients undergoing SVG-PCI.

Relationship among atrial fibrillation, the CHA2DS2-VASc score and ischaemic stroke in patients with coronary artery disease: a propensity score matching study in Hebei, China

Background

Recent evidence has shown that the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) is complex and involves other factors in addition to arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among AF, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and ischaemic stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Hebei, China.

Methods

A total of 2,335 patients with CAD from September 2016 to May 2019 at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were included (mean age 62.73 ± 10.35 years, range 26–92 years; 41.58% female). This was a cross-sectional study, and participants were divided into non-stroke (n = 1997) and ischaemic stroke groups (n = 338). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to match ischaemic stroke patients with non-stroke patients in a 1:4 ratio. The relationship among AF, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and ischaemic stroke was evaluated using univariable generalized linear models for different sex, age, body mass index (BMI), CAD and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score subgroups. Univariable and multivariable generalized linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between AF and ischaemic stroke in the different models.

Results

Compared with that in the non-stroke group, the prevalence of AF (8.81% vs. 14.20%, P = 0.002) in the ischaemic stroke group was higher. The proportion of patients with ischaemic stroke was significantly different between the AF group and the non-AF group (28.74% vs. 19.04%, P = 0.003). An increasing CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was associated with a gradual increase in the prevalence of AF (P for trend < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the trend towards increased stroke risk in the AF group was consistent across the various subgroups. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that AF was not associated with ischaemic stroke compared with the absence of AF (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.94–2.56, P = 0.087).

Conclusion

In our cross-sectional study, after adjustment for confounding factors, there was no association between AF and ischaemic stroke. The increased risk of ischaemic stroke associated with AF was attenuated by atherosclerotic factors. Our study supports the current view that enhanced control of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with AF is essential.

Predictive value of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for coronary artery lesions and in-hospital prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores for coronary artery lesions and in-hospital prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

A total of 524 patients who were diagnosed with STEMI from January 2016 to August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation between CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores with the patients’ clinical data, number of coronary lesions, Gensini scores, the target vessel and hospitalization time and in-hospital adverse events (AEs) was analyzed.

Results

The number of coronary lesions in STEMI patients was mainly single and double lesions. The CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores were not meaningful for predicting the number of coronary lesions. However, for left main coronary artery lesion, CHADS₂ score was significantly increased when the number increased (P < 0.05), but CHA₂DS₂-VASc score showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The incidence of target lesions in STMEI patients was mainly left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA). The two scores were not meaningful for predicting target lesions (P > 0.05). For the severity of coronary lesions, there was positive correlation between CHADS₂ score with Gensini score (P < 0.05), but no exact correlation between CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and Gensini score (P > 0.05). The stratifications of CHADS₂ score and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score were significantly associated with hospitalization time and adverse events during hospitalization (P < 0.05). The high score group had longer hospitalization time and more AEs during hospitalization than the low score group and the middle group statistically (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

CHADS₂ score had a certain value to predict the severity of coronary lesion and the presence of left main coronary artery in STEMI. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score had no predictive ability to do it. There was no significant value in predicting the number of coronary lesions and the location of the target lesions in STEMI patients. However, both scores had the predictive ability for patient hospitalization and AEs during hospitalization.