Abstract 14474: Racial Disparities in Arrhythmias Among Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis in the United States From 2016-2020

Abstract

Background: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is frequently associated with conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias. In this study, we aim to evaluate racial disparities in the frequency of arrhythmias, and associated co-morbidities, among patients with CS. Methods: Caucasian and African American (AA) patients with a diagnosis of CS were identified and compared from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database whilst adjusting for confounders via logistic regression models. Results: A total of 8825 patients with cardiac sarcoidosis comprising 44.1% Caucasian and 45.8% AA patients were included. Both cohorts had a male preponderance (Caucasian males: 64.3% vs. AA males 55.2%, p<0.01). AA patients had a longer mean length of stay (7.74 vs. 6.64 days, p<0.01), a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score (3.36 vs. 2.63, p<0.01), a greater prevalence of cirrhosis (3.2% vs. 2.1%, p<0.01), diabetes (44.7% vs. 31.2%, p<0.01), alcohol abuse (4.0% vs. 2.2%, p<0.01), smoking (37.4% vs. 26.8%, p<0.01), obesity (31.1% vs. 27.9%, p<0.01) and chronic kidney disease (40% vs. 28.1%, p<0.01). Caucasian patients had a greater history of hypertension (17.1% vs. 14.5%, p<0.01) and prior percutaneous coronary intervention (6.2% vs. 3.1%, p<0.01). Moreover, AA patients had a lower incidence of various cardiac arrhythmias (vs. Caucasians) such as atrial fibrillation (31.3% vs. 36.2% vs, p<0.01), ventricular tachycardia (29.8% vs. 37.9% p<0.01), ventricular fibrillation (5.3% vs. 7.2%, p<0.01) and complete atrioventricular block (AVB) (6.4% vs. 14.6%, p<0.01). However, a higher incidence of complications such as cardiogenic shock, acute kidney injury and death were reported among AA patients (Table 1). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmias among Caucasian patients but higher complications and mortality among AA patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. Keywords: Cardiac sarcoidosis, arrhythmias, racial disparities.