Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

IMPACT OF PULMONARY DENERVATION ON QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER COMPLEX MITRAL VALVE SURGERY

Relevance. In recent years, concepts for assessing the quality of life have been developed. According to the WHO definition, quality of life is a person's perception of his position in life, culture and value system, it is associated with his goals, expectations, standards and concerns. Approximately three people out of every thousand have pulmonary hypertension for various reasons. This can lead to decreased exercise tolerance, quality of life, increased hospital admissions, and early death. An objective assessment of the quality of life of such patients will help achieve better clinical outcomes for patients and develop new treatments. Purpose of the study is to assessment of changes in the quality of life of patients with mitral valve disease associated with atrial fibrillation and high pulmonary hypertension (systolic blood pressure over 40 mmHg) during the first 24 months after radiofrequency denervation of the pulmonary arteries according to the SF-36 and MLHFQ questionnaires. Materials and Methods. The general population of patients (n = 202) with mitral heart disease, concomitant atrial fibrillation and high pulmonary hypertension was divided into several groups according to the complexity of surgical treatment: patients of the 1st group (n = 62) underwent only surgical correction of the mitral valve pathology (repair or replacement); patients of the 2nd group (n = 89) – surgical correction of the mitral valve pathology, as well as the Maze IV procedure using the AtriCure© bipolar ablator; patients of the 3rd group (n = 51) received complex surgical treatment by correcting mitral valvular pathology, performing the Maze IV procedure, as well as using radiofrequency denervation of the pulmonary arteries. The quality of life was assessed over several periods: initially, 6 months later, 1 and 2 years after surgical treatment. The scores were also converted to physical health component scores and mental health component scores. Results. The initial data of patients from different subgroups according to the criteria of the SF-36 questionnaire were comparable with each other. The indicators of the physical component and the psychological component of SF-36 characterize the 3rd group of patients with a lower level of quality of life in terms of the physical component, although no significant intergroup differences were found. Quality of life indicators after 6 months show positive changes in patients of all study groups without significant intergroup differences. Based on the results of 12 months, the greatest dynamics of the parameters of the questionnaire in terms of physical and mental components was observed in the 3rd group of patients. After 24 months, there is a significant advantage in changes in the indicators of patients of the 3rd group for all categories of the questionnaire. The target level after 6 months in the 3rd group was 100%, in the 2nd and 1st – 85.3% and 40.7%, respectively, maintaining differences up to 24 months. Conclusions. The use of a circular radiofrequency pulmonary artery denervation procedure is associated with a significant improvement in health status in assessing the quality of life of patients who have not undergone correction of pulmonary hypertension.

Atrial Appendage Aneurysms: Natural History and Outcomes.

Left (LAAA) and right atrial appendage aneurysms (RAAA) are rare entities, and their natural history, management, and long-term outcomes are not well studied. This retrospective review includes all patients from 2000 to 2021 with atrial appendage aneurysms at our institution identified using an electronic search tool. LAAA and RAAA were confirmed using multimodality imaging and intraoperative findings. We identified 13 (87%) patients with LAAA and 2 (13%) with RAAA. At diagnosis, 11 (73%) were female, mean age was 51.4 ± 18.8 years, and ejection fraction 56.5 ± 13.1%. Three (20%) patients had congenital heart disease including 2 (13%) with atrioventricular septal defects and 1 (7%) with congenitally corrected transposition. LAAA/RAAA was diagnosed due to new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in 6 (40%) patients and embolic stroke in 2 (13%). Ten patients had preexisting AF diagnosed 2.9 ± 1.4 years earlier at a mean age of 50.2 ± 15.5 years. Thrombus within the aneurysm was identified in 2 (15%) LAAA patients. All patients were on anticoagulation and follow-up of the cohort from diagnosis was 7.1 ± 6.2 years. Eleven (73%) patients were surgically managed with 7 (64%) lesions excised, 1 (9%) stapled, and 3 (27%) ligated. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 (18%) patients with 1 (7%) developing tricuspid regurgitation and another with pericardial effusion and tamponade. Atrial appendage aneurysm is a rare disease and nearly half of patients present with AF. Surgical treatment with concomitant AF ablation is a reasonable and safe management option.

Duration of Heightened Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke After Hospitalization for Acute Systolic Heart Failure.

Background The duration and magnitude of increased stroke risk after a hospitalization for acute systolic heart failure (HF) remains uncertain. Methods and Results The authors performed a retrospective cohort study using claims (2008-2018) from a nationally representative 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥66 years. Cox regression models were fitted separately for the groups with and without acute systolic HF to examine its association with the incidence of ischemic stroke after adjustment for demographics, stroke risk factors, and Charlson comorbidities. Corresponding survival probabilities were used to compute the hazard ratio (HR) in each 30-day interval after discharge. The authors stratified patients by the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) before or during the hospitalization for acute systolic HF. Among 2 077 501 eligible beneficiaries, 94 641 were hospitalized with acute systolic HF. After adjusting for demographics, stroke risk factors, and Charlson comorbidities, the risk of ischemic stroke was highest in the first 30 days after discharge from an acute systolic HF hospitalization for patients with AF (HR, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.1-2.7]) and without AF (HR, 4.6 [95% CI, 4.0-5.3]). The risk of stroke remained elevated for 60 days in patients with AF (HR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2-1.6]) and was not significantly elevated afterward. The risk of stroke remained significantly elevated through 330 days in patients without AF (HR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.7-2.7]) and was no longer significantly elevated afterward. Conclusions A hospitalization for acute systolic HF is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke up to 330 days in patients without concomitant AF.

Direct oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation in early postoperative valve repair or bioprosthetic replacement

ObjectiveDespite increased use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), limited evidence guides their use in the early postoperative period after bioprosthetic valve implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our objective was to describe the efficacy and safety of DOACs and warfarin in the first 3 months after surgical bioprosthetic valve replacement or repair in patients with atrial fibrillation. MethodsThis was a retrospective, registry-informed cohort study of surgical patients who underwent bioprosthetic valve replacement or repair, had concomitant atrial fibrillation and received oral anticoagulation at discharge. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of death, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and systemic embolism; the primary safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding. Key secondary outcomes were comparative analyses of primary outcomes, temporal anticoagulation prescribing patterns, and 30-day readmission rates. ResultsA total of 1743 patients were included. Of the 570 patients in the DOAC group, 17 (2%) met the composite efficacy outcome and 55 (10%) met the composite safety outcome. Of the 1173 patients receiving warfarin, 41 (3%) and 114 (10%) met the composite efficacy and safety outcomes, respectively. Comparative secondary analysis was not statistically significant for either the efficacy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-1.55, P = .59) or safety (adjusted odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.34, P = .76) outcomes. The 30-day readmission rates were similar between both groups. ConclusionsOur results suggest DOACs may be safe and effective alternatives to warfarin in the early postoperative period after valve repair or surgical bioprosthetic replacement. Confirmation awaits adequately powered prospective studies.

Clinical impact of high platelet reactivity in patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant percutaneous coronary intervention on dual or triple antithrombotic therapy

High platelet reactivity (HPR) on clopidogrel is an established thrombotic risk factor after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The introduction of more potent antiplatelet drugs has partially surpassed this issue. However, in the setting of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) and PCI clopidogrel is still the most adopted P2Y12 inhibitor. In the present study all consecutive patients with history of AF discharged from our cardiology ward with dual (DAT) or triple (TAT) antithrombotic therapy after a PCI from April 2018 to March 2021 were enrolled in an observational registry. For all subjects, blood serum samples were collected and tested for platelet reactivity by arachidonic acid and ADP (VerifyNow system) and genotyping of the CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function polymorphism. We recorded at 3 and 12-months follow-up: (1) major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), (2) major hemorrhagic or clinically relevant non-major bleeding and (3) all-cause mortality. A total of 147 patients were included (91, 62% on TAT). In 93.4% of patients, clopidogrel was chosen as P2Y12 inhibitor. P2Y12 dependent HPR resulted an independent predictor of MACCE both at 3 and 12 months (HR 2.93, 95% C.I. 1.03 to 7.56, p = 0.027 and HR 1.67, 95% C.I. 1.20 to 2.34, p = 0.003, respectively). At 3-months follow-up the presence of CYP2C19*2 polymorphism was independently associated with MACCE (HR 5.21, 95% C.I. 1.03 to 26.28, p = 0.045). In conclusion, in a real-world unselected population on TAT or DAT, the entity of platelet inhibition on P2Y12 inhibitor is a potent predictor of thrombotic risk, suggesting the clinical utility of this laboratory evaluation for a tailored antithrombotic therapy in this high-risk clinical scenario.Graphical abstractThe present analysis was performed in patients with AF undergoing PCI on dual or triple antithrombotic therapy. At 1 year follow-up MACCE incidence was consistent, and it was not different in different antithrombotic pattern groups. P2Y12 dependent HPR was a potent independent predictor of MACCE both at 3- and 12-months follow-up. In the first 3 months after stenting the carriage of CYP2C19*2 allele was similarly associated with MACCE. Abbreviation: DAT, dual antithrombotic therapy; HPR, high platelet reactivity; MACCE, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events; PRU, P2Y12 reactive unit; TAT, triple antithrombotic therapy. Created with BioRender.com.

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) frequently develop atrial fibrillation (AF). There are no randomized trials examining the effects of AF ablation on HFpEF outcomes. ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of AF ablation vs usual medical therapy on markers of HFpEF severity, including exercise hemodynamics, natriuretic peptide levels, and patient symptoms. MethodsPatients with concomitant AF and HFpEF underwent exercise right heart catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. HFpEF was confirmed with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 15 mm Hg at rest or ≥25 mm Hg on exercise. Patients were randomized to AF ablation vs medical therapy, with investigations repeated at 6 months. The primary outcome was change in peak exercise PCWP on follow-up. ResultsA total of 31 patients (mean age: 66.1 years; 51.6% females, 80.6% persistent AF) were randomized to AF ablation (n = 16) vs medical therapy (n = 15). Baseline characteristics were comparable across both groups. At 6 months, ablation reduced the primary outcome of peak PCWP from baseline (30.4 ± 4.2 to 25.4 ± 4.5 mm Hg; P < 0.01). Improvements were also seen in peak relative VO2 (20.2 ± 5.9 to 23.1 ± 7.2 mL/kg/min; P < 0.01), N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide levels (794 ± 698 to 141 ± 60 ng/L; P = 0.04), and MLHF (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure) score (51 ± −21.9 to 16.6 ± 17.5; P < 0.01). No differences were detected in the medical arm. Following ablation, 50% no longer met exercise right heart catheterization–based criteria for HFpEF vs 7% in the medical arm (P = 0.02). ConclusionsAF ablation improves invasive exercise hemodynamic parameters, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with concomitant AF and HFpEF.

Incidence of acute cerebrovascular events in patients with rheumatic or calcific mitral stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients with mitral stenosis (MS) may be predisposed to acute cerebrovascular events (ACE) and peripheral thromboembolic events (TEE). Concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF), mitral annular calcification (MAC) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are independent risk factors. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of ACEs in MS patients and the implications of AF, MAC and RHD on thromboembolic risks. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021291316). Six databases were searched from inception to 19th December 2021. The clinical outcomes were composite ACE, ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and peripheral TEE. We included 16 and 9 papers, respectively, in our qualitative and quantitative analyses. The MS cohort with AF had the highest incidence of composite ACE (31.55%; 95% CI 3.60-85.03; I2=99%), followed by the MAC (14.85%; 95% CI 7.21-28.11; I2=98%), overall MS (8.30%; 95% CI 3.45-18.63; I2=96%) and rheumatic MS population (4.92%; 95% CI 3.53-6.83; I2=38%). Stroke/TIA were reported in 29.62% of the concomitant AF subgroup (95% CI 2.91-85.51; I2=99%) and in 7.11% of the overall MS patients (95% CI 1.91-23.16; I2=97%). However, the heterogeneity of the pooled incidence of clinical outcomes in all groups, except the rheumatic MS group, was substantial and significant. The logit-transformed proportion of composite ACE increased by 0.0141 (95% CI 0.0111-0.0171; p<0.01) per year of follow-up. In the MS population, MAC and concomitant AF are risk factors for the development of ACE. The scarcity of data in our systematic review reflects the need for further studies to explore thromboembolic risks in all MS subtypes.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants as the First Choice of Anticoagulation for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease to Prevent Adverse Vascular Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The best method of anticoagulation for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is still a topic of interest for physicians. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with those of vitamin-K-antagonist (VKA) anticoagulants in patients with peripheral artery disease. Five databases (Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL) were searched systematically for studies comparing the effects of the two types of anticoagulants in patients with PAD, with an emphasis on lower-limb outcomes, cardiovascular events, and mortality. In PAD patients with concomitant non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), the use of DOACs significantly reduced the risk of major adverse limb events (HR = 0.58, 95% CI, 0.39-0.86, p < 0.01), stroke/systemic embolism (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.61-0.95; p < 0.01), and all-cause mortality (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.66-0.92; p < 0.01) compared with warfarin, but showed similar risks of MI (HR = 0.81, 95% CI, 0.59-1.11, p = 0.2) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.58-1.02, p = 0.07). Rivaroxaban at higher doses significantly increased the risk of major bleeding (HR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.07-1.25, p < 0.01). We found no significant difference in terms of revascularization (OR = 1.49, 95% CI, 0.79-2.79, p = 0.14) in PAD patients in whom a poor distal runoff was the reason for the anticoagulation. DOACs have lower rates of major limb events, stroke, and mortality than VKAs in PAD patients with atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban at higher doses increased the risk of major bleeding compared with other DOAC drugs. More high-quality studies are needed to determine the most appropriate anticoagulation regimen for patients with lower-limb atherosclerosis.

Laboratory changes and prognostic indicators of the adverse course of chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, excess weight and concomitant atrial fibrillation

Aim. To investigate the peculiarities of clinical and laboratory changes and to identify prognostic indicators of the adverse course of chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (CHFprEF), excess weight and concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and methods. The open, prospective, cohort study in parallel groups included 248 patients with CHFprEF, overweight and abdominal obesity, average age 65.0 ± 11.0 years; 146 (58.9 %) women and 102 (41.1 %) men. The first group included 181 patients with CHFprEF and excess weight without concomitant AF, and the second group – 67 CHFprEF patients with excess weight and AF. The complex clinical examination was performed according to the standards, including complaints, medical and family history, clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations. Results. It has been established that patients with CHFprEF and overweight or abdominal obesity concomitant AF have a predisposition to anemia, which was manifested by significant lower indicators of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in parallel with lower values of lymphocytes, more pronounced signs of systemic inflammation, dysfunction of the kidneys and liver with manifestations of cholestasis, which indicated deeper functional and structural disorders of organs and systems. ROC-analysis of the patients with CHFprEF, excess weight and concomitant AF demonstrated increase in the clinical endpoints rate for patients with BMI ˃32 kg/m2, the waist circumference / hips circumference ratio ˃1.1 U, leucocytes level ˃6 × 109 l, serum creatinine ˃96 mcmol/l, urea ˃7.3 mmol/l, glomerular filtration rate ≤65 ml/min/1.73 m2, LDL / HDL cholesterol ratio ˃2.05 U. The 5-years death predictors were found in patients with CHFprEF, excess weight and concomitant AF: functional class of CHF ˃ІІ, HDL cholesterol ≤0.9 mmol/l, LDL cholesterol ≤0.66 mmol/l and triglycerides ≤1.45 mmol/l; additionally, there were defined the predictors of recurrent admission to hospital with the CHFprEF decompensation: leucocytes level ˃6 × 109 l, LDL cholesterol ˃2.49 mmol/l, the LDL / HDL cholesterol ratio ˃2.05 U and the atherogenic ratio ˃2.91 U. Conclusions. In patients with CHFprEF and excess weight, concomitant AF was associated with more severe laboratory changes, which reflected deeper functional and structural disorders of organs and systems. Laboratory predictors of the adverse course of CHFprEF in this category of patients have been established.

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.

Surgical treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation concomitant to coronary artery bypass grafting: pulmonary vein isolation or maze V?

Highlights. Maze V significantly reduces the recurrence of AF compared to bipolar RFA for PVI in the short and mid-term period.Aim. To assess the effectiveness and safety of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in comparison with Maze V for treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) concomitant to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods. Medical records of 139 patients with coronary artery disease and concomitant paroxysmal AF were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 patients (n = 71) underwent CABG + bipolar radiofrequency ablation for PVI, and Group 2 patients (n = 68) underwent Maze V + CABG. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis with a 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching was done. 30 patients were selected from each group. The exclusion criteria were as follows: emergent CABG, concomitant valvular heart disease, non-paroxysmal AF, decompensation of chronic diseases, and cancer. On-pump CABG was performed at normothermia with warm blood hyperkalemia cardioplegia. RFA for PVI and Maze V were performed before CABG under parallel perfusion without aortic cross-clamping. The primary and secondary endpoints included recurrent AF/atrial flutter, sinus rhythm at discharge and in the long-term period, permanent pacemaker implantation, major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.Results. After the PSM analysis, the CABG+Maze V group and CABG+RFA for PVI differed significantly in the duration of surgery (330 [310; 375] vs. 255 [225; 270] min, p = 0.0001), cardiopulmonary bypass time (131 [113; 144] min vs. 89 [74; 98] min, p = 0.0001), duration of AF treatment (53 [44; 59] min vs. 10 [9; 12] min, p = 0.0001). The structure and rate of complications in both groups were comparable. There were no in-patient deaths. Recurrent AF/atrial flutter significantly reduced in the CABG+Maze V group compared to the CABG+RFA for PVI group (13.3% vs. 33.3%, respectively; p = 0.044). Sinus rhythm was restored in all cases. The rate of transient sinus node dysfunction (no more than 5 days) was 6.7% in the Group 1 and 16.6% in the Group 2. The difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.128). The 12-months cumulative freedom from AF/atrial flutter without antiarrhythmic drug therapy was significantly higher in the CABG+Maze V group compared to the CABG+RFA for PVI group (97% vs. 83.5%, respectively; p = 0.020). The freedom from MACE in both groups was 96.7%.Conclusion. Maze V for treating concomitant paroxysmal AF prolonged the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and the surgery itself, but did not affect the postoperative period, indicating its safety and effectiveness. Maze V procedure concomitant to CABG significantly reduced the recurrence of AF compared to RFA for PVI both in the short- and mid-term period. Thus, it is reasonable to perform Maze V+CABG in patients with paroxysmal AF and a high risk of disease progression.

Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Coronary Syndrome Survivors Reduces Major Cardiovascular Events and Mortality.

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients is increasing. Data on outcomes of anticoagulation in ACS patients with AF are lacking. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of stroke, myocardial infarction, bleeding complications, and all-cause mortality in this population. PL-ACS and AMI-PL registries gather an all-comer population of ACS patients in Poland, exceeding half a million records. We have selected ACS survivors with concomitant AF on admission, divided them into subgroups with regard to the administered anticoagulation, and followed up with them for a 12-month period ( n = 13,973). Subsequently, groups were propensity score matched for age, sex, ejection fraction, diabetes, heart failure, renal impairment, and type of ACS. The study population was divided with regard to the administration of anticoagulation. Anticoagulation was prescribed in 2,466 patients (17.6%). The (D)OAC+ patients were younger; however, comorbidities were more prevalent in this group. The 12-month follow-up showed that the (D)OAC+ patients had significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke, with no significant increase in bleeding events. After matching, the study groups consisted of 2,194 patients each and showed no differences in baseline characteristics. The outcomes of the 12-month observation were similar to the findings before matching. This all-comer national registry analysis shows that the use of guideline-recommended therapy and anticoagulation in ACS survivors with AF is associated with a lower rate of all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke.

Clinically relevant increases in the international normalized ratio and model of end-stage liver disease score by therapeutic doses of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cirrhosis

BackgroundPatients with cirrhosis are increasingly using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in therapeutic doses for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis or for concomitant atrial fibrillation. DOACs may affect routine diagnostic tests of coagulation including the international normalized ratio (INR). The INR is a part of the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, a validated score that predicts the mortality risk in patients with cirrhosis and is used to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. DOAC–induced increases in the INR may thus lead to artificial inflation of the MELD score. ObjectiveWe studied the effect of DOACs on INR prolongation in patients with cirrhosis. MethodsWe spiked plasma from 20 healthy individuals and 20 patients at the start of liver transplantation with DOACs in concentrations representing peak therapeutic levels. In addition, we studied INR increases in healthy controls and patients with mild cirrhosis who received the DOAC edoxaban for 1 week for study purposes. ResultsIn controls and patients, the INR increased by an ex vivo addition of a DOAC, and the INR increase in patients was proportional to the baseline INR values. The increase in INR translated to a median increase of between 3 and 10 MELD points, depending on the DOAC used. In controls and patients alike, the INR increased on the ingestion of edoxaban, which translated to an increase in 5 MELD points. ConclusionsTaken together, DOACs result in an INR increase that translates to clinically meaningful increases in MELD points in patients with cirrhosis, and precautions to avoid artificial inflation of the MELD score in these patients are warranted.

Фибрилляция предсердий у детей: особенности клинического течения, структура сопутствующих нарушений ритма сердца

Objective. To study the features of the clinical duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the structure of concomitant cardiac arrhythmias in children. Patients and methods. The pilot retrospective controlled non-randomized two-center study included 39 children aged 3 to 17 years (tmain group) who were on inpatient treatment at the Research Clinical Institute of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery academician Yu.E.Veltischev in the period from 2010 to 2020. The comparison group consisted of 156 patients aged 29 to 77 years suffering from paroxysmal and persistent forms of AF, who underwent interventional treatment from 2013 to 2021 at the V.M. Buyanov City Clinical Hospital of Moscow City Health Department and the National Medical Research Endocrinology Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia. Statistical processing was performed using STATISTICA application package. Quantitative features are represented by minimum and maximum values, as well as median (Me) and interquartile range (Q1 – 25 percent quartile, Q3 – 75 percent, respectively). The criteria of Fisher, Mann–Whitney, Pearson, and Spearman were calculated. The differences were considered reliable at p &lt; 0.05. Results. The paroxysmal form of disease was diagnosed in 24 children (61.5%) cases, in 121 adults (77.6%). Clinical manifestations of AF in children were significantly more often recorded in its paroxysmal form – in 23 (95.8%) cases versus 8 (53.3%). In the comparison group, regardless of the form of AF, all patients had severe symptoms; the severity of clinical manifestations was founded in 93 (59.6%) cases, according to the classification of the European Heart Rhythm Association, corresponding to class III and above. In the structure of concomitant cardiac arrhythmias in patients of the main group, typical atrial flutter was in 13 (33.3%) cases, and atrial extrasystole -in 9 (23.1%). Bradyarrhythmias and conduction disorders (sinus node weakness syndrome, and atrioventricular blockade of I–II degrees) were founded in 10 (25.6%) children and only in 6 (3.8%) patients from the comparison group. Antiarrhythmic therapy in the main group was received by 30 (76.9%) children; in 28 (71.8%) cases – monotherapy with antiarrhythmic drugs of IC, II and III classes; all patients in the comparison group received IC and Class III preparations. Interventional treatment was performed in 6 (15.4%) patients from the main group and all from the comparison group. Conclusion. During diagnosing AF in children we should know the possibility of a frequent asymptomatic duration of disease, as well as complaints which are not typical for tachysystolic cardiac arrhythmias, isolated or in combination with typical. Clinical manifestations were significantly more often founded in paroxysmal AF in children. In the structure of concomitant AF cardiac arrhythmias in children, as well as in adult patients, atrial flutter prevails, and atrial extrasystole in children was recorded significantly more often, as well as sinus node weakness syndrome and atrioventricular blockade of I–II degree. The results of the study confirm both the need for a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of AF in all age groups, and the creation of Guidelines for children and interventional treatment of this variant of arrhythmia. Key words: antiarrhythmic therapy, children, clinical duration, concomitant cardiac arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation

Functional Insufficiency of Mitral and Tricuspid Valves Associated With Atrial Fibrillation: Impact of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence on Surgical Outcomes.

To identify the factors associated with adverse outcomes following surgery for functional insufficiency of the mitral valve (MV) or tricuspid valve (TV) associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). We evaluated 100 patients (age, 66.5±10.0 years; 47 males) who consecutively underwent surgery for functional insufficiency of the MV or TV associated with AF between January 2000 and December 2020 at our center. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of all-cause death, valve reoperation, congestive heart failure (CHF) requiring rehospitalization, and stroke. During follow-up (532 patients-years [PYs]), adverse events included death in 16 (3.0%/yr), MV reoperation in 1 (0.2%/yr), CHF in 14 (2.6%/yr), and stroke in 5 (0.9%/yr) patients, demonstrating a 5-year rate of freedom from the primary endpoint of 69.5%. The rate of postoperative AF was high even in those who underwent AF ablation (n=92), with cumulative rates of 48.1% at 1 year and 60.2% at 5 years. In multivariable analyses, the primary outcome was significantly associated with age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.10; p=0.005), chronic kidney disease (aHR, 7.76; 95% CI, 2.28-26.38; p=0.001), left atrial appendage exclusion (aHR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-1.78; p=0.010), and postoperative AF as a time-varying covariate (aHR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.50-7.40; p=0.003). Among patients undergoing surgery for functional atrioventricular insufficiency associated with AF, a significant proportion showed recurrence of AF over time after concomitant AF ablation, which was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Anticoagulation for Stroke Prevention of Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation and End-Stage Renal Disease: Insights of Cardiologists and Nephrologists From India.

Introduction Patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding. Diligent anticoagulant therapy that prevents major bleeding is essential for stroke prevention. There is a dearth of evidence and guidance on anticoagulation in this patient subset. Methods A validated questionnaire was sent to 500 physicians across India. Anonymized responses from 353 consenting physicians (275 cardiologists and 78 nephrologists) were analyzed. Results Most physicians opined that the risk of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-4 to ESRD was 1-5%, and that >10% of patients with ESRD had concomitant AF. Most physicians perceived that the risk of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and mortality was 30-40%, <15%, and >40% respectively in patients with concomitant AF and ESRD. The first critical goal for the management of these patients was 'reduction of thrombotic risk', followed by 'prevention of bleeding' and finally 'prevention of ESRD progression' (72.0%, 68.0%, and 67.1% participants, respectively). Most participating physicians (93.8%) preferred non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over warfarin for stroke prevention, and most of the participating physicians (94.9%) preferred an adjusted dose rather than the standard dose of the NOAC. Most of the responses were similar between cardiologists and nephrologists. Conclusion According to the survey response, patients with concomitant AF and ESRD have an increased risk of thrombosis, bleeding, and mortality. NOACs with dose adjustment are the preferred modality for stroke prevention among cardiologists and nephrologists in India, with the primary goal of preventing thrombotic events.

Association of physical activity with the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and mortality in patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease

BackgroundAlthough regular physical activity benefits cardiovascular health, there is a concern that intense exercise is linked to the promotion of atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary plaque rupture. However, the impact of physical activity on the outcomes of patients with concomitant AF and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association with clinical outcomes according to the level of physical activity in patients with concomitant AF and CAD. MethodsWe assessed 551 patients with AF and CAD (mean age, 67.1 ± 9.8 years) who completed a self-reported questionnaire for physical activity from 2015 to 2020 in a single tertiary-care hospital. Physical activity levels were converted into metabolic equivalent of task (MET) per week and categorized to correspond with multiple public health recommendations. We examined the association between physical activity, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).ResultsThe risks of all-cause mortality (P for linear trend = 0.017) and MACCE (P for linear trend = 0.05) appeared inverse trend with a greater level of physical activity. Compared with inactive patients, patients who met the recommended target range of physical activity (500–1,000 MET-min/week: unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36–0.99) and highly active patients who exceeded the minimum recommended level (≥ 1,000 MET-min/week: unadjusted HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25–0.88) had a lower risk of all-cause mortality in the unadjusted model; however, these associations did not remain significant after adjusting for the model. There was no evidence of increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACCE at levels of physical activity above the recommended target range, even with vigorous-intensity physical activity exceeding the recommended target range.ConclusionsThere appears to be an inverse trend between physical activity levels and all-cause mortality and MACCE in patients with concomitant AF and CAD. No excess risk of mortality or MACCE was found at exercise levels above the recommended target range. Further large-scale studies are warranted to create an improved evidence base concerning the effects of physical activity in patients with AF and CAD.

Outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy: Impact of atrial fibrillation

ObjectivesEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is associated with good clinical outcomes in ischaemic stroke, but the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and mortality remains common following ischaemic stroke. The effect of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) on clinical outcomes following acute ischaemic stroke in patients receiving EVT remains unclear. The aim is to investigate associations between AF and intracerebral haemorrhage and all-cause mortality at 90 days in patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing EVT. Materials and MethodsA retrospective cohort was conducted using TriNetX, a global health research network. The network was searched for people aged ≥18 years with ischaemic stroke, EVT and AF recorded in electronic medical records between 01/09/2018 and 01/09/2021. These patients were compared to controls with ischaemic stroke, EVT and no AF. Propensity score matching for age, sex, race, comorbidities, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and prior use of anticoagulation was used to balance the cohorts with and without AF. ResultsIn total 3,106 patients were identified with history of ischaemic stroke treated by EVT. After propensity-score matching, 832 patients (mean age 68 ± 13; 47% female) with ischaemic stroke, EVT and AF, were compared to 832 patients (mean age 67 ± 12; 47% female) with ischaemic stroke, EVT and no history of AF. In the cohort with AF, 11.5% (n = 96) experienced ICH within 90 days following EVT, compared with 12.3% (n = 103) in patients without AF (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-1.24; p = 0.59). In the patients with AF, mortality within 90 days following EVT was 18.7% (n = 156), compared with 22.5% in patients without AF (n = 187) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-1.01; p = 0.06). ConclusionIn patients with ischaemic stroke undergoing EVT, AF was not significantly associated with intracerebral haemorrhage or all‐cause mortality at 90‐day follow‐up.

Can warfarin be replaced by non-vitamin K anticoagulants in prosthetic valves?

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite the improved safety and efficacy profile of non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACAs), the current guidelines still limit their use to stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment. Areas covered In this report, the authors discussed the published data related to NOACs use in prosthetic valves highlighting the proposed mechanisms of NOACs failure and other controversial data regarding their efficacy and safety in prosthetic valves. Expert opinion Although NOACs have proven to be even safer and more effective alternatives to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in several indications for anticoagulation, the data regarding their safety and efficacy in prosthetic heart valves is still debatable. The controversial data regarding NOACs use in prosthetic valves renders it difficult to define specific guideline-recommendation for safe and efficient use in this population. The available evidence suggesting that NOACs are as safe and as efficient as VKA regarding thromboembolic prophylaxis and risk of bleeding was primarily based on patients who had undergone bioprosthetic valve and concomitant atrial fibrillation. Further research is warranted to establish if NOACs can be a safer and more efficient alternative to VKAs in patients with prosthetic valves either metallic or bioprosthetic.

Response to correspondence regarding 5-year follow up of the Amaze Randomized Controlled trial of ablation treatment for arrhythmia as an adjunct to cardiac surgery.

We thank Dr Garcia-Villarreal [1] for his comment on our article in which he questions the rate of return to stable sinus rhythm in the Amaze trial [2]. We should like to point out that the Amaze trial [3] was not an evaluation of the complete Cox-maze procedure, but an evaluation of concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery as it is done in the real world. Amongst our findings, we discovered that a large variety of lesion sets were being used and that many surgeons did not complete the full biatrial lesion set in their practice. We also found that there appears to be an ablation ‘dose–response’ in achieving return to sinus rhythm, with the greatest step-up achieved when the left atrial lesion set includes the mitral isthmus lesion. We therefore agree with Dr Garcia-Villarreal that concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery should ideally be as complete as possible, and there may be an argument for concentrating such surgery in the hands of interested and experienced surgeons. Despite this, over 5 years later, we have anecdotal evidence that less complete choices of lesion sets continue to be made. We agree that the experience of surgeons devoted to atrial fibrillation should help in maximizing return to sinus rhythm and may also aid in achieving better atrial function after surgery, which is at least as important for clinical patient outcomes as electrical sinus rhythm restoration (study registration ISRCTN82731440) [4].