Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Prolonged cardiac monitoring is frequently used to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) in high-risk populations, with the goal of preventing thromboembolic events. We sought to determine the impact of prolonged cardiac monitoring on the incidence of stroke and systemic embolism (SSE) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials evaluating prolonged monitoring versus usual care (PROSPERO #CRD42021277611). Studies were identified through CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase. We included studies with ≥100 participants and ≥30 days follow-up. The primary outcome was a composite of SSE/TIA, as reported in the original trials. Secondary outcomes included AF detection, oral anticoagulation (OAC) initiation, and major bleeding. Sensitivity analysis examining the impact of monitoring device, and indication for monitoring were performed. Meta-analyses were performed with R using a random-effects model. RESULTS: From 1411 records, we included 9 RCTs (n = 10,205). Mean age was 70 years, 40% were female, and mean CHADS2 score was 4.0. Studies used implantable cardiac monitors (n = 4), external cardiac monitors (n = 3), or handheld ECG devices (n = 2). Study populations included post-stroke (n = 5), high risk for AF or stroke (n = 2), and post-cardiac surgery (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 16 months (range 3-65). Extended monitoring did not significantly reduce the primary outcome (Figure, random effects risk ratio [RR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-1.06, I2 = 0%) or its individual components. Extended monitoring increased AF detection (RR 4.56, 95% CI 3.01-6.92, I2 = 65%) and OAC usage (RR 2.25, 95% CI 2.01-2.53, I2 = 0%), but did not impact major bleeding (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.84-1.82, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Prolonged monitoring was associated with increased AF detection and OAC use, without significantly reducing the occurrence of thromboembolic events.
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