Predictors of survival in patients submitted to typical atrial flutter ablation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation (CTA) is the first line procedure in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL) for adequate rhythm and symptoms control with low complication rates and excellent results. Given its apparent simplicity, rarely do we take clinical factors in account before referral. Aim To identify predictors of survival after typical AFL ablation. Methods Single-center retrospective study of pts with typical AFL submitted to ablation between 2015 and 2019. Pts clinical characteristics were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox regression (for multivariate analysis), Chi-square and Mann-Whitney (for univariate analysis) to identify predictors of survival. Results A total of 476 pts (66±12 years, 80% males) underwent CTA. Regarding global clinical characteristics, median body mass index (BMI) 27.3 (IQ 24.5–30.4), median CHA2DS2-VASc score 2 (IQ 1–3), 27.3% with diabetes, 53.9% with dyslipidemia, 69.5% with hypertension, 12% with current tobacco abuse, thyroid disfunction in 10.9%, ischaemic cardiomyopathy in 13.7%, heart failure in 27.8% (3.6% of pts with reduced ejection fraction), chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 or more in 17.7%, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in 11.9% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 9.5% of pts. Before CTA ablation, 444 pts were under anticoagulation, which was stopped in 293 pts after the procedure. The follow up period was 2.8 years. In this population, COPD (p=0.005), CKD (p<0.001), heart failure (p=0.0027) and BMI less than 25 (p=0.02) were associated with reduced survival on univariate analysis; patients with BMI between 25 and 30 had better prognosis. On multivariate analysis, CKD was the only independent predictor of reduced survival (HR 0.366; CI95%: 0.132–0.737, p=0.005). There was no difference between genders (p=NS). A CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥4 predicted higher mortality (HR: 3.0) in all three groups, although the anti-coagulation suspension had no impact on survival (p=NS). Conclusion In this subset of patients, the presence of COPD, heart failure, BMI less than 25 and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4 predicted reduced survival, being CKD stage 3 or more an independent predictor. The suspension of anti-coagulation didn't impact on survival. These results can help us to better select pts to the procedure and decide on whether to stop anti-coagulation, although larger studies are still needed. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. BMI impact on survivalCKD impact on survival