Combination Of Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Electrophysiological properties of the atrial myocardium and cardiac conduction system in patients with atrial fibrillation and different comorbidity

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm disorder that has a complex and not yet fully understood etiology and pathogenesis. Catheter ablation is the most effective method for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation patients. The effectiveness of catheter ablation differs in patients with various concomitant pathologies of the cardiovascular system. AIM: To study electrophysiological properties of atrial myocardium and cardiac conduction system during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with different cardiovascular comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraprocedural data obtained during primary catheter ablations in 151 selected patients with atrial fibrillation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the presence or absence of cardiovascular comorbid pathology: group 1 — patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation, group 2 — patients with a combination of atrial fibrillation and isolated essential arterial hypertension, group 3 — patients with a combination of atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease. RESULTS: The ventricular rate in the patients with atrial fibrillation was significantly higher than the heart rate in the patients with sinus rhythm (102.6 ± 20.8 beats/min and 64.9 ± 11.9 beats/min, respectively; p 0.001). The rhythm frequency differed significantly in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 in sinus rhythm (61.2 ± 10.9 beats/min, 60.1 ± 8.8 beats/min and 57.2 ± 10.3 beats/min, respectively; р 0.001), and in atrial fibrillation (107 ± 15.8 beats/min, 89.9 ± 14.3 beats/min and 102 ± 12.5 beats/min, respectively; р 0.001). In the patients of all groups both in sinus rhythm and in atrial fibrillation, the heart rate increased after pulmonary vein isolation compared with the rate before ablation (p 0.001). In all groups, after isolation of the pulmonary veins, a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of atrial fibrillatory activity was noted compared to the baseline: by 72 imp/min (р 0.001) in group 1, by 49 imp/min (р 0.001) in group 2, and by 49 imp/min (р = 0.003) in patients of group 3. The frequency of fibrillatory activity after pulmonary vein isolation was comparable in the study groups (р = 0.45), both before and after surgery. In the patients without coronary artery disease, there was a significant decrease in the amplitude of atrial electrograms after ablation compared to preoperative values (р = 0.042 in group 1; p 0.001 in group 2). The effective refractory period of the atrial myocardium did not differ between the groups (235 ± 30.3 ms, 220.6 ± 25.6 ms and 231.2 ± 39.4 ms, respectively; р = 0.359). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with atrial fibrillation, the presence of concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system affects the electrophysiological properties of the myocardium and conduction system of the heart and their changes after pulmonary vein isolation. Additional research is needed to develop a personalized approach to the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system.

Intraoperative atrial rhythm changes during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in patients with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease

Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm disorder with an extensive etiology and not fully understood pathogenesis. Catheter ablation is an effective way to control the rhythm of atrial fibrillation. The results of catheter ablation differ in patients with various comorbidities of the cardiovascular system. Intraoperative changes in the atrial rhythm can be a criterion for the long-term effectiveness of the operation or determine the need for additional effects.Aim: To assess intraoperative changes in atrial rhythm during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system.Methodology and research methods. The results of catheter ablation of 451 patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation were analyzed retrospectively for the period from 2016 to 2017. After clinical and anamnestic data analysis, 151 patients with primary isolation of the pulmonary veins were selected. Depending on the concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 – with idiopathic atrial fibrillation, group 2 – atrial fibrillation in combination with isolated essential arterial hypertension and group 3 – atrial fibrillation in combination with ischemic heart disease.Results. In patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation, relief of atrial fibrillation with sinus rhythm preservation until the end of surgery was more often observed than in patients with ischemic heart disease (22% vs. 10,6%, р = 0,021). In patients with ischemic heart disease, typical atrial flutter was much more common and there was a need to perform radiofrequency ablation of the cavothricuspid isthmus in addition to isolation of the pulmonary veins (47,9% vs. 18,8% 1 Group 1, р = 0,005, and 24,7% in Group 2, р = 0,01).Conclusions. The concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system in patients affects the dynamics of the atrial rhythm during catheter treatment of atrial fibrillation and may take into account the definition of intraoperative tactics.

Analysis of the structure of comorbidities and pharmacotherapy in patients with a combination of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease

Analysis of the structure of comorbidities and pharmacotherapy in patients with a combination of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease

Pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease

Aim. To study the possible relationship between polymorphic variants of ABCB1 (rs2032582, rs1045642, rs1128503), CYP3A5 (rs776746), CYP3A4 (rs35599367) and CYP2J2 (rs890293) genes with residual equilibrium concentrations (Cmin,ss) of rivaroxaban in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD).Material and methods. A total of 123 patients 52 to 97 years old (median age, 82 years) with AF in combination with stage 3 and 4 CKD were included in the study. Each patient underwent a pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic study.Results. Cmin,ss and dose-adjusted concentration (Cmin,ss/D) of rivaroxaban were significantly higher in patients with the TT genotype than with the CT genotype of the polymorphic variant rs1045642 of the ABCB1 gene (Сmin,ss 60,5 [36,7;173] ng/ml and 54,8 [23,1;97,3] ng/ml, respectively, р=0,016; Сmin,ss/D 4,06[2,3;8,1] ng/ml/mg and 2,2 [1,1;4,9] ng/ml/mg, р=0,006). In patients with the T allele (CT and TT genotypes), compared with CC genotype carriers, Cmin,ss and Cmin,ss/D were significantly higher (Cmin,ss 60,5 [36,7;173] ng/ml and 45,8 [20,9;82,3] ng/ml, respectively, p=0,029; Cmin,ss/D 4,06 [2,3;8,1] ng/ml/ mg and 2,6 [1,2;4,8] ng/ml/mg, respectively, p=0,014). Also, Cmin,ss and Cmin,ss/D was significantly higher in patients with the TT genotype according to the polymorphic variant rs2032582 of the ABCB1 gene than in patients with the GG genotype (p=0,02 and р=0,016 respectively). Cmin,ss and Cmin,ss/D in T allele (GT and TT genotypes) carriers were significantly higher than in T allele homozygotes (Cmin,ss 57,1 [27,7;106,0] ng/ml versus 37,6 [18,6;61,7] ng/ml respectively, p=0,024; Cmin,ss/D 3,6 [1,7;7,4] ng/ml/mg versus 2,3 [1,1;4,09] ng/ml/mg respectively, p=0,032). Differences in Сmin,ss and Сmin,ss/D of rivaroxaban were detected when comparing TC, CC and TT genotypes of polymorphism rs1128503 of the ABCB1 gene. When comparing Сmin,ss and Сmin,ss/D of rivaroxaban among carriers of AG and GG genotypes of the rs776746 polymorphism of the CYP3A56986A>G gene, no significance was detected (p>0,05). Also, no difference in Cmin,ss and Cmin,ss/D was found when comparing carriers of the CC and CT genotypes of the rs35599367 polymorphism of the CYP3A4 gene, and carriers of the CC and AC genotypes of the rs890293 polymorphism of the CYP2J2 gene (p>0,05).Conclusion. The carriage of T allele by polymorphic variants rs1045642 and rs2032582 of the ABCB1 gene affects Cmin,ss and Cmin,ss/D of rivaroxaban.

Sinus node dysfunction and stroke risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe role of cardiac arrhythmia in ischaemic stroke is widely studied, but the size of the stroke risk in patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) with and without atrial fibrillation...

Enhanced Levels of Adiposity, Stretch and Fibrosis Markers in Patients with Coexistent Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation.

The coexistence of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) worsens the prognosis of patients. We aimed to study the inflammation, metabolism, adiposity, and fibrosis markers on epicardial and subcutaneous fat and blood, and their relationship with HF and AF. Samples from 185 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were collected. Levels of multi-markers on fat biopsies and plasma were analyzed. Patients were grouped by HF or AF presence. Plasma adiposity markers were increased in AF patients, while increased stretch markers correlated with HF. Patients with both AF and HF had higher ANP and GDF-15 levels. After excluding AF patients, plasma FABP4 was identified as the main HF predictor. Fat biopsies from AF patients showed an enhanced inflammatory profile. Higher levels of adiposity markers are associated with AF or HF, and higher stretch and fibrosis markers with combined AF and HF, suggesting a role of adiposity-fibrosis pathway in HF and AF coexistence.

Dynamics of Prescribing Antithrombotic Therapy to Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Hospitalized for Myocardial Infarction in 2016–2021

INTRODUCTION: At present, the issue of optimal antithrombotic therapy (ATT) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been finally resolved, it requires an individual approach and is of interest for study.
 AIM: To study the dynamics of prescribing ATT to patients with AF of non-valvular etiology hospitalized in cardiology hospital in 20162021 for MI.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 599 patients with MI and AF: in 20162017 104 patients, in 20182019 256 patients, in 20202021 239 patients. The median and interquartile range of age of patients hospitalized in 20162017 were 70 (61.0; 78.0) years, in 20182019 71 (65.0; 79.3) years, in 20202021 72 (65.0; 80.0) years, p = 0.09.
 RESULTS: In 20162017, 76.9% of patients with MI and AF were prescribed double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) from the first day of hospitalization; 16.3% of patients were prescribed therapy with oral anticoagulants (OACs), here, in 6.7% as part of triple ATT, in 8.7% as part of double ATT (OACs + antiplatelet agent), in 1.0% as monotherapy with OACs; in 3.8% monotherapy with an antiplatelet agent was prescribed; in 2.9% of cases ATT was not prescribed. In 20182019, DAPT was used in 37.9% of cases; therapy with OACs in 54.7% of cases: in 44.9% cases as part of triple ATT, in 9.8% as part of double therapy; in 7.4% of cases monotherapy with antiplatelet agent was prescribed. In 20202021, DAPT was prescribed in 15.9% of cases; therapy with OACs in 74.5%, of them in 59.8% triple АТТ, in 14.2% double АТТ; monotherapy with an antiplatelet agent - in 7.5%; in 1.7% АТТ was not prescribed.
 CONCLUSION: In the study, the frequency of prescription of triple ATT to patients with AF and MI in 20202021 increased 1.3 times as compared to 20182019, and 8.9 times as compared to 20162017 and made 59.8% (p 0.001 for all periods). The frequency of OAC also increased 1.3 times as compared to 20182019 and 4.6 times as compared to 20162017 and made 74.5% (p 0.001 for all periods). This dynamics of increase in the frequency of prescription of oral anticoagulants to patients with a combination of AF and MI should be considered a positive result of introduction of the Clinical recommendations in the treatment of cardiologic patients.

Left Atrium Volume Reduction Procedure Concomitant With Cox-Maze Ablation in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Rhythm Outcomes

The management of an enlarged left atrium (LA) in mitral valve (MV) disease with atrial fibrillation (AF) is still being debated. It has been postulated that a reduction in LA size may improve patient outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to assess rhythm and clinical outcomes of combined surgical AF treatment with or without LA volume reduction (LAVR) in patients undergoing MV surgery. A systematic review was performed and all available literature to May 2022 was included. The primary endpoint was analysis of early and late mortality and rhythm outcomes. Secondary outcomes included early and late cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and permanent pacemaker implantation. The search strategy yielded 2,808 potentially relevant articles, and 19 papers were eventually included. The pooled estimated rate of 30-day mortality was 3.76% (95% CI 2.52-5.56). The incidence rate of late mortality and late cardiac-related mortality was 1.75%/year (95% CI 0.63-4.84) and 1.04%/year (95% CI 0.31-3.53), respectively. At subgroup analysis when comparing the surgical procedure with and without AF ablation, the ablation subgroup showed a significantly lower rate of postoperative CVA (p<0.0001) and higher restoration to sinus rhythm at discharge (p=0.0124), with only a trend of lower AF recurrence at 1 year (p=0.0608). At univariable meta-regression, reintervention was significantly associated with higher late mortality (p=0.0033). In enlarged LA undergoing MV surgery, LAVR combined with AF ablation showed a trend of improved rhythm outcomes when compared with AF ablation without LAVR. Each LAVR technique has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be managed accordingly.

Changes in Antithrombotic Therapy Prescription in Patients with a Combination of Atrial Fibrillation and Myocardial Infarction in a Specialised Inpatient Department from 2016-2019 and Associations with Prognosis.

Background and Objectives: The problem of treating patients with atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction is relevant. The issue of optimal antithrombotic therapy in these patients has not been definitively resolved. This work analyzes the influence of clinical factors and treatment on the long-term prognosis of patients. Materials and Methods: The research included 360 patients with atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction during 2016-2019. Results: The factors associated with fatal outcomes were age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.07; p < 0.001); stroke (HR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.27-3.00; p = 0.0002); glomerular filtration rate (HR: 0.988; 95% CI: 0.978-0.998; p = 0.03); left ventricular ejection fraction (HR: 0.975; 95% CI: 0.957-0.999; p = 0.007); and aspirin (HR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31-0.73; p < 0.001). The factors associated with the combined endpoint were chronic kidney disease (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01-2.10; p = 0.04); HAS-BLED (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06-1.43; p = 0.007); percutaneous coronary intervention (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.96; p = 0.03); and aspirin (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.44-0.97; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Double and triple antithrombotic therapy were not associated with outcomes. Aspirin improved the prognosis for survival and the combined endpoint.

Safety and efficacy of ablation for atrial fibrillation in combination with left atrial appendage occlusion in octogenarians.

Catheter ablation (CA) combined with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a feasible approach for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Its role in octogenarians with AF is unclear. In AF patients over 80 years, CA combined with LAAO is a feasible way in restoring sinus rhythm and preventing stroke. This is a single-center retrospective study. Patients who underwent CA and LAAO in a single procedure between March 2018 and December 2020 were included. Efficacy endpoints included procedural success rate, AF recurrence rate, and thromboembolic events. Safety endpoints included pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade, device-related thrombus (DRT), all-cause death, and major bleeding. Five hundred and five patients (mean age 69.5 ± 7.7 years; 230 [45.5%] female) were included, with 46 (9.1%) patients aged ≥80 years old (octogenarian group). Prevalence of paroxysmal AF (25 [54.3%] vs. 207 [45.1%], p < 0.001) and CHA2DS2VASc score (4.1 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.4, p < 0.0001) were higher in octogenarian patients. There were six cases (1.2%) of pericardial effusion (all in nonoctogenarian patients). At 3 months postprocedure, 437 patients underwent TEE/CT. Thirty-two (80%) octogenarian patients and 308 (77.6%) nonoctogenarian patients had no peri-device leak. After a mean follow-up of 26.9 ± 9.1 months, AF was documented in 10 (21.7%) patients in octogenarian group and in 103 (22.4%) patients in nonoctogenarian group (p = 0.99). The annual thromboembolic risk was 2.1% and 0.8% in the octogenarian group and nonoctogenarian group, respectively. Death occurred in 16 nonoctogenarian patients. One major bleeding was recorded in the octogenarian group. The combination of CA and LAAO in a single procedure is a feasible treatment option in octogenarians with comparable efficacy and safety profile.

Thoracoscopic Radiofrequency Fragmentation of the Left Atrium as a Bridge to Decision Before Heart Transplant.

Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure can provoke and aggravate each other. Often the boundaries between those diseases are ambiguous, and successful diagnosis is initially elusive. However, the last stage of congestive heart failure can lead the patient to heart transplant. We suggested that restoration and stabilization of sinus rhythm could be used as a differential diagnostic criterion to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy from atrial fibrillation. We investigated the possibility that thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the left atrium could be a valid a bridge to decision before heart transplant in patients with the combination of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The pilot study included 3 men who consecutively received thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the left atrium from November 2021 to May 2022. All 3 patients had a combination of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction and left ventricle dilatation (echocardiography, Simpson method: 31%, 33%, and 30%, respectively) despite receiving as highly as possible drug therapy and normalization of heart rate. The patients were 42, 38, and 55 years old, with rates of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide of 3047, 2548, and 2542 pg/mL, respectively. The follow-up examination was performed every month. The total durations of the follow-up were 12, 9, and 7 months, respectively. By month 3 after the surgery, the left ventricular ejection fraction began to increase. By month 6 of follow-up, the left ventricular ejection fraction reached its maximum value and stabilized. All patients reported cessation of congestive heart failure symptoms. Thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the left atrium can be considered a bridge to decision before heart transplant in patients with a combination of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Features of development, the possibility of prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the strongest independent risk factors for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Their combination is increasingly common, creating a high risk of complications and poor outcome in patients. A search and analysis of 8907 literature sources from the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MedLine, The CochraneLibrary databases was carried out for the keywords "diabetes mellitus", "atrial fibrillation", "glycemic control", "hypoglycemic therapy". The review presents current ideas about the mechanisms underlying the development of AF in DM, as well as the effect of certain classes of hypoglycemic and other drugs on the risk of AF, some features of the treatment of AF in combination with DM.

Role of AGTR1 gene polymorphism in progression and development of complications of atrial fibrillation in combination with hypertension disease

Aim. To study the role of the rs5186 polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene in the progression and development of complications of atrial fibrillation in combination with hypertension.Methods. A prospective cohort study included 86 patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF and stage II hypertension, grade I–II hypertension, with Echocardiography signs of LVH, without significant comorbidity, without coronary artery disease. All patients were followed up for 12 months to assess the development of complications such as AF recurrence, cardioembolism, hospitalization and chronic heart failure (CHF). The mean age of the studied patients was 53.3 ± 7.1 years.Results. During the observation period, out of 86 patients, 16 people developed a recurrence of AF. Cases of cardioembolism were recorded in 17 people. Of the 86 observed patients, 43 were rehospitalized. When evaluating the association of the rs5186 polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene with the risk of readmission within a year, it was found that the CT genotype of the rs5186 polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene (RR = 2.28; p = 0.004) and the CC genotype (RR = 0.44; p = 0.005) significantly increase the risk of hospitalization. CHF was registered in 26 (30.2 %) patients out of 86 observed. Thus, the study of the role of the rs5186 polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene in the progression and development of complications of atrial fibrillation in combination with hypertension, according to the present study, does not make it possible to determine a significant predictor of AF progression, however, a predictor of the risk of hospitalization ACTR1/CT was identified (2.28 [1.30; 4.05], p &lt; 0.004; 2.45 [1.33; 4.61], p &lt; 0.004; 2.61 [1.44; 4.81], p &lt; 0.002) in all models of the logical regression is statistically significant.

Relationship between atrial fibrillation and a liver fibrogenesis marker in patients with acute heart failure

BackgroundHemodynamic disturbance in heart failure (HF) induces extra-cardiac organ injury. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with HF. The relationship between AF and organ injury in HF remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between AF and the liver fibrosis marker, type IV collagen 7S (P4NP 7S) in patients with HF. Methods and resultsFrom a pooled dataset of 3 observational cohorts of hospitalized HF, 720 patients in whom P4NP 7S was measured before discharge were included. Median P4NP 7S were 5.1, 5.3, and 6.2 ng/mL in the sinus rhythm (SR) (n = 368), paroxysmal AF (n = 67), and persistent AF (n = 285) groups, respectively (P < 0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, the significant association with P4NP 7S was found for persistent AF (P < 0.001). The cumulative 1-year incidence of the primary composite endpoint of cardiac death and HF hospitalization were 27.6, 24.1, and 34.5% in the SR, paroxysmal AF, and persistent AF groups, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.07) and 25.3 and 34.5% in the low (below median) and high P4NP 7S groups, respectively (Log-rank P = 0.005). The adjusted risks of persistent AF versus SR and high P4NP 7S versus low P4NP 7S for the primary endpoint were 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.02–1.89) and 1.52 (1.14–2.03), respectively. When patients were divided based on a combination of AF and P4NP 7S, concomitant persistent AF and high P4NP 7S portended a dismal prognosis. ConclusionAF is associated with an increase in the liver fibrosis marker. Co-presence of persistent AF and P4NP 7S may portend adverse clinical outcomes.

Analysis of drug prescriptions of patients with atrial fibrillation in combination with chronic kidney disease for compliance with STOPP/START criteria

The percentage of elderly and senile patients is growing every year. Among this cohort of patients, atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common rhythm disorders. At the same time, AF repeatedly increases the risk of thromboembolic complications. The course of AF in elderly patients is often complicated by chronic kidney disease (CKD). When managing patients of this group, we often encounter polypragmasia, which affects the patient’s quality of life, increases the risk of falls, and potentially reduces life expectancy. In order to optimize pharmacotherapy, STOPP/ START criteria were developed.The purpose of the study was the analysis of drug prescriptions in patients over 65 years of age with AF and CKD for compliance with the STOPP/ START criteria.Material and methods. 339 case histories of the cardiology department and 180 case histories of patients of the therapeutic department of the Veterans of Wars multidisciplinary hospital were analyzed. In each department, patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with AF in combination with CKD C3a and patients with AF in combination with CKD C3b and C4.Results. In the therapeutic department, 96.1% of the first group and 100.0% of the second group of patients were not prescribed drugs that are recommended for elderly patients (START criteria). 64.7% of patients from the first group and 53.8% of patients from the second group have potentially not recommended, but prescribed drugs (STOPP criteria) in the appointment lists In the cardiology department, the percentage of patients who did not have the recommended drugs (START criteria) in drug therapy was 92% in group 3, 97% in group 4. The percentage of patients who were prescribed potentially non-recommended drugs (STOP criteria) in group 3 45%, in group 4 48%.Conclusion. Most elderly and senile patients with AF in combination with CKD have both START and STOPP criteria, which dictates a thorough analysis of the prescribed drug therapy.

Risk of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with degenerative mitral stenosis with or without atrial fibrillation: A cohort study

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and the combination of AF and mitral stenosis (MS) is associated with a higher risk. In developed nations, degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS) constitutes a sizeable proportion of patients with MS. Current international guidelines do not offer recommendations regarding anticoagulation in these patients. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with DMS with or without prevalent AF.MethodsA cohort study of DMS patients from 1997 to 2018, using data from the Danish health registries. The cohort was stratified based on AF prevalence and prior ischemic stroke. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism after 1 year of follow-up from time of DMS diagnosis.ResultsThe study included 1162 patients with DMS, of which 421 had prevalent AF. The incidence rate of stroke or systemic embolism after 1 year of follow-up was highest in the DMS without AF group (7.58 vs. 6.63 per 100 person-years). In both groups, DMS without AF and DMS with AF, the incidence rate was highest in patients with prior thromboembolic events (29.61 vs. 5.15 and 19.53 vs. 5.15, respectively).ConclusionsThe incidence rate of stroke or systemic embolism was highest in DMS patients without AF. Current Danish guidelines recommend DMS patients should be treated with anticoagulation only with concurrent AF, yet our results call for additional research to establish if DMS patients without AF could benefit from stroke prevention therapy.

Analysis of the structure of drug prescriptions in patients with arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation in conditions of comorbidity and their compliance with the STOPP/START criteria

Background. Arterial hypertension (AH) is often associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic kidney disease (CKD). Progression of renal dysfunction is a powerful predictor of the onset of AF in patients with high blood pressure. Irrational prescription of drugs is a risk factor for adverse drug reactions, which is especially important for elderly patients and leads to an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes.Objective. To analyze the concordance of pharmacotherapy with the STOPP/START criteria in comorbid elderly patients with AH and combined DM2, CKD and AF treated in a multidisciplinary hospitals.Design and methods. Included data from medical records of 1600 patients aged ≥ 65 years with AH and/or AF admitted to multidisciplinary hospitals in Moscow from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. Patients were divided into two groups — (1) AH in combination with AF (n = 822, women — 73%, median age 87 [79; 90]) and (2) control group (n = 778, women — 79,9%, median age 78 [71; 85]) Evaluation of the appointment of drugs was made according to the “STOPP/START” criteria.Results. The number of patients who were not prescribed the recommended drugs was statistically significant (p &lt; 0,001) and higher in the AH + AF group (785 people, 95,5%) compared to the control group (623 people, 80,1%). The number of patients who were prescribed potentially non-recommended drugs was similarly statistically significant (p &lt; 0,001) higher in the AH + AF group (439, 53,4%) compared to the control group (328, 42,2%). The most common START criteria were: 1. Statins with a documented history of coronary, cerebral or peripheral vascular disease (in the AH + AF group — 672, 81,8% of the number of patients in the group; in the control group — 464, 59,6%; p &lt; 0,001) 2. Clopidogrel in patients with ischemic stroke or a history of peripheral vascular disease (c respectively, 324, 39,4% and 237, 30,5%; p &lt; 0,001) 3. Warfarin/direct oral anticoagulants in AF (in the group AG + FP — 294, 35,8%). The most common STOPP criteria were: 1. Drugs that can increase constipation in chronic constipation, if there is a more suitable alternative (in the AH + AF group — 160, 19,5% of the number of patients in the group; in the control group — 47,6%; p &lt; 0,001). 2. Drugs with anticholinergic activity in chronic constipation (respectively, 111, 13,5% and 74, 9,5%; p = 0,013). 3. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with hyperkalemia (respectively, 26, 3,2 % and 94, 12,1%; p &lt; 0,001). Similar results were obtained in the analysis of subgroups of AH + AF with concomitant DM2, CKD and without them.Conclusions. The results obtained dictate the need to optimize pharmacotherapy in elderly and very old patients with AH and comorbidities in a hospital setting. In practice, START criteria are more common than STOPP, that is, in reality, the necessary drugs are often not prescribed where they are indicated and drugs with an unfavorable safety profile are prescribed relatively rarely in elderly and senile patients.

Molecular mechanisms of the development of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: prognostic role of biomarkers of fibrosis and inflammation

The objective was to determine the concentrations of biomarkers of fibrosis and inflammation in the blood, parameters characterizing heart remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods and materials. The study included 231 examined patients aged 35 to 65 years: patients with DM (n=99), of which 49 patients with AF, and the comparison group consisted of patients with AF without T2DM (n=54) and healthy examined patients (n=78).Results. It was found that the concentration of profibrogenic biomarkers circulating in the blood of patients with AF and T2DM is higher than in patients with AF without T2DM: galectin-3 (13.4 (9.1–16.9) and 6.8 (4.6–12.8) ng/ml, p&lt;0.001), TGF-beta1 (3032.5 (2468.5–4283.5) and 2339.7 (1813.3–3368.8) pg/ml, p=0.01), GDF-15 (2359.3 (1234.3–3465.1) and 1256.7 (889.9–2083.7) pg/ml, p&gt;&lt;0.001), PINP (3625.4 (2462.1–4463.7) and 2451.3 (1842.0–2941.0) pg/ml, p&gt;&lt;0.001) and PIIINP (92.8 (68.6–122.4) and 67.6 (47.9–93.3) ng/ml, p&gt;&lt;0.001). Concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines CRP (3.5 (2.2–4.4) and 2.7 (1.4–7.1) mg/l, p=0.01) and CT-1 (1032.1 (667.6–1495.3) and 549.1 (411.9–960.1) pg/ml, p&gt;&lt;0.001) in patients with AF and T2DM is higher than in patients with T2DM without AF. The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 in patients with AF and T2DM are comparable to the concentrations of these biomarkers of inflammation in patients with T2DM without AF. According to the results of echocardiography, it was revealed that the thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue in patients with AF and T2DM is greater than in patients with AF without T2DM and greater than in patients with T2DM without AF (7.1±0.4, 4.5±0.3 and 5.1±0.3, respectively, p&gt;&lt;0.001). A strong positive correlation between GDF-15 and HbA1c was established according to the correlation analysis (r=0.617, p&gt;&lt;0.0001) and regression analysis (β=0.586, p&gt;&lt;0.0001). According to binomial logistic regression, it was found that T2DM in the examined cohort increased the risk of AF by 2.2 times (OR=2.2, 95 %CI 1.41–3.31, p=0.00004). Conclusion. The obtained new data on the increase in the concentration of profibrogenic factors in patients with AF in combination with T2DM indicate an important role of the formation of myocardial fibrosis in the development of this arrhythmia in these patients. Keywords: biomarkers, fibrosis, inflammation, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus&gt;˂0.001), TGF-beta1 (3032.5 (2468.5–4283.5) and 2339.7 (1813.3–3368.8) pg/ml, p=0.01), GDF-15 (2359.3 (1234.3–3465.1) and 1256.7 (889.9–2083.7) pg/ml, p˂0.001), PINP (3625.4 (2462.1–4463.7) and 2451.3 (1842.0–2941.0) pg/ml, p˂0.001) and PIIINP (92.8 (68.6–122.4) and 67.6 (47.9–93.3) ng/ml, p˂0.001). Concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines CRP (3.5 (2.2–4.4) and 2.7 (1.4–7.1) mg/l, p=0.01) and CT-1 (1032.1 (667.6–1495.3) and 549.1 (411.9–960.1) pg/ml, p˂0.001) in patients with AF and T2DM is higher than in patients with T2DM without AF. The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 in patients with AF and T2DM are comparable to the concentrations of these biomarkers of inflammation in patients with T2DM without AF. According to the results of echocardiography, it was revealed that the thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue in patients with AF and T2DM is greater than in patients with AF without T2DM and greater than in patients with T2DM without AF (7.1±0.4, 4.5±0.3 and 5.1±0.3, respectively, p˂0.001). A strong positive correlation between GDF-15 and HbA1c was established according to the correlation analysis (r=0.617, p˂0.0001) and regression analysis (β=0.586, p˂0.0001). According to binomial logistic regression, it was found that T2DM in the examined cohort increased the risk of AF by 2.2 times (OR=2.2, 95 %CI 1.41–3.31, p=0.00004).Conclusion. The obtained new data on the increase in the concentration of profibrogenic factors in patients with AF in combination with T2DM indicate an important role of the formation of myocardial fibrosis in the development of this arrhythmia in these patients.

Oral anticoagulation in end-stage CKD and atrial fibrillation

Leading cardiovascular diseases (arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus) are often accompanied by such complications as atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). As kidney function worsens, the risk of AF increases. The incidence of AF and CKD ranges from 5:1. At the same time, the risk of developing of end-stage CKD (ESCKD) increases in patients with AF. The combination of AF and ESCKD, on the one hand, increases the risk of thromboembolic complications, and on the other hand, it can cause hemorrhagic complications, which makes it difficult to decide whether to start oral anticoagulant therapy.

BIOMARKERS OF FIBROSIS AND INFLAMMATION IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN MOLECULAR MECHANISMS IN HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY?

To determine the concentration of blood fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) components.The study included 646 patients aged 35-65 years: patients with AF and MS (n = 142), those with AF and without MS (n = 113), those with MS and without AF (n = 175) and the control group consisted of healthy subjects without cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (n = 107). All participants underwent anthropometric and laboratory investigations. Profibrogenic (aldosterone, galectin-3, TGF-beta1, CTGF) and proinflammatory (CT-1, IL-6) factors were determined in serum and plasma by ELISA.The highest concentrations of fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers were found in patients with AF in combination with MS. In MS patients without AF, the concentration of aldosterone, galectin-3, TGF-beta1, CTGF, CT-1, and IL-6 was also higher than in healthy subjects. In patients with AF and hypertension (HTN), but without abdominal obesity (AO), higher values of aldosterone (108,1 ± 70,3 pg/ml and 89,3 ± 32,2 pg/ml, p = 0,003) and TGF¬beta1 (3680,1 ± 1863,3 pg/ml and 1968,1 ± 1611,5 pg/ml, p = 0,015) in serum than in AF patients without HTN and without AO. In the group of patients with AF and AO, but without HTN, higher concentrations of IL-6 (2,9 ± 0,7 pg/ml and 1,9 ± 0,6 pg/ml, p = 0,001) and CTGF (162,9 ± 92,2 pg/ml and 116,3 ± 63,4 pg/ml, p = 0,0001). Correlation analysis made it possible to establish a stronger relationship between aldosterone and TGF¬beta1 with systolic blood pressure (r = 0,493, p < 0,0001 and r = 0,530, p < 0,0001), and CT¬1, CTGF and IL¬6 in a greater degree correlated with waist circumference (r = 0,563, p < 0,0001; r = 0,626, p < 0,0001; r = 0,480, p < 0,0001).It can be assumed that hypertension through the aldosterone system and TGF-beta1, as well as abdominal obesity through the cytokine system CT-1 and IL-6 activate various mechanisms and pathways for myocardial emodelling. Integral molecules galectin-3 and CTGF mediate their interactions, in particular in patients with a combination of several MS components and contribute to a higher AF risk.