Trends and sex differences in atrial fibrillation among patients hospitalized due to asthma: Insights from a nationwide population-based discharge database in Spain, 2016–2021

Abstract

AimsTo analyze changes in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients hospitalized due to asthma; to compare hospital outcomes in asthma patients with and without AF, assessing sex differences; to identify variables associated with the presence of AF; and to analyze the factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) among asthma patients with AF. MethodsWe used data from the Registry of Specialized Care Activity-Basic Minimum Data Set to select all patients aged ≥40 years with an asthma diagnosis in Spain, from 2016 to 2021. We stratified the study population according to the presence of AF and sex. ResultsWe identified 65,233 hospitalizations that met the inclusion criteria (14.85 % with AF). The prevalence of AF significantly increased over time, with the male sex being a protective factor for its presentation. IHM were significantly higher in patients with AF. Older age, being a woman, congestive heart failure, renal disease, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and hyperthyroidism were associated with the presence of AF. Advanced age and the presence of cancer and COVID-19 were factors associated with a higher IHM, as well as admission to an intensive care unit and the use of invasive mechanical ventilation. There were no association of sex with the IHM. ConclusionsAF is highly prevalent among subjects hospitalized due to asthma, with this prevalence having increased significantly in Spain over time. The presence of AF in patients with asthma was associated significantly with a higher LOHS and IHM. Sex was not associated with IHM in these patients.