Higher CHADS2 Research Articles

Safety of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with intracranial hemorrhage

The safety of anticoagulation and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ahistory of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. We investigated the risks and benefits of this approach in AF patients with ahistory of ICH. The ICH group included 45AF patients with ahistory of ICH who underwent RFCA. Five of these patients were excluded because ICH occurred spontaneously after cerebral infarction. The control group included 80individuals who presented for AF ablation and did not have ahistory of ICH. Two controls were matched for each study group patient in terms of sex, age (±2years), type of AF, and procedure date. Patients in the ICH group had higher CHADS2 (1.7± 1.3 vs. 1.1± 1.2, p< 0.05), CHA2DS2-VASc (2.6± 1.7 vs. 1.9± 1.6, p< 0.05), and HAS-BLED scores (2.5± 1.0 vs. 1.1± 1.0, p< 0.001). All participants in both groups underwent successful RFCA. The incidence of ICH during follow-up (1 vs. 0, p= 0.333) was similar between the ICH and control groups. AF-free survival between the two groups was not significant (log-rank p= 0.283) within the first 3months, but was significant (log-rank p= 0.011) within 48months of RFCA. History of ICH was the only independent predictor of AF recurrence according to univariate Cox regression analysis. In AF patients with a history of ICH, AF ablation with astandard anticoagulation strategy is safe and does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide Is a Powerful Predictor of Outcome in Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Since stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) have poor outcomes in general, the prediction of outcomes following discharge is of utmost concern for these patients. We previously reported that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were significantly higher in NVAF patients with larger infarcts, higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and higher CHADS₂ score. In the present study, we evaluated an array of variables, including BNP, in order to determine significant predictors for functional outcome in patients with NVAF after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: A total of 615 consecutive patients with AIS within 48 h of symptom onset, admitted to our hospital between April 2010 and October 2015, were retrospectively searched. Among these patients, we enrolled consecutive patients with NVAF. We evaluated the mRS score 3 months after onset of stroke and investigated associations between mRS score and the following clinical and echocardiographic variables. Categorical variables included male sex, current smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, use of antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and infarct size. Continuous variables included age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, creatinine, D-dimer, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left atrial diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and early mitral inflow velocity/diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e’). We also analyzed the association of prestroke CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, and R₂CHADS₂ scores, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission with mRS score 3 months after the onset of stroke. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to mRS score: an mRS score ≤2 was defined as good outcome, an mRS score ≥3 was defined as poor outcome. To clarify the correlations between categorical or continuous variables and mRS score, uni- and multivariate logistic regression models using the stepwise variable selection method were applied. Results: Among 157 patients with NVAF after AIS, 63.7% were male and the mean age was 75.9 years. In univariate regression analysis, poor outcome (mRS score ≥3) was associated with use of tPA, infarct size, age, SBP, BNP, EF, and NIHSS score. In multivariate regression analysis, BNP levels (odds ratio [OR] 6.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–32.43; p = 0.0235) and NIHSS score (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.84–4.47; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor outcome (mRS score ≥3) after adjusting for use of tPA, infarct size, age, BNP, EF, and NIHSS score. Conclusions: Apart from NIHSS score, BNP was a very useful predictor for long-term outcomes of patients with NVAF after AIS.

Adherence to treatment guidelines: the association between stroke risk stratified comparing CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score levels and warfarin prescription for adult patients with atrial fibrillation

BackgroundIschemic stroke is a risk associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and is estimated to occur five times more often in afflicted patients than in those without AF. Anti-thrombotic therapy is recommended for the prevention of ischemic stroke. Risk stratification tools, such as the CHADS2, and more recently the CHA2DS2-VASc, for predicting stroke in patients with AF have been developed to determine the level of stroke risk and assist clinicians in the selection of antithrombotic therapy. Warfarin, for stroke prevention in AF, is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant in North America. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of using the CHADS2 score levels (low and high) in contrast to the CHA2DS2-VASc when examining the outcome of warfarin prescriptions for adult patients with AF. The CHA2DS2-VASc tool was not widely used in 2010, when the data analyzed were collected. It has only been since 2014 that CHA2DS2-VASc criteria has been recommended to guide anticoagulant treatment in updated AF treatment guidelines.MethodsBivariate and multivariate data analysis strategies were used to analyze 2010 National Ambulatory Care Survey (NAMCS) data. NAMCS is designed to collect data on the use and provision of ambulatory care services nationwide. The study population for this research was US adults with a diagnosis of AF. Warfarin prescription was the dependent variable for this study. The study population was 7,669,844 AF patients.ResultsBivariate analysis revealed that of those AF patients with a high CHADS2 score, 25.1% had received a warfarin prescription and 18.8 for those with a high CHA2DS2-VASc score. Logistic regression analysis yielded that patients with AF had higher odds of having a warfarin prescription if they had a high CHADS2 score, were Caucasian, lived in a zip code where < 20% of the population had a university education, and lived in a zip code where < 10% of the population were living in households with incomes below the federal poverty level. Further, the analysis yielded that patients with AF had lesser odds of having a warfarin prescription if they were ≥ 65 years of age, female, or had health insurance.ConclusionsOverall, warfarin appears to be under-prescribed for patients with AF regardless of the risk stratification system used. Based on the key findings of our study opportunities for interventions are present to improve guideline adherence in alignment with risk stratification for stroke prevention. Interprofessional health care teams can provide improved medical management of stroke prevention for patients with AF. These interprofessional health care teams should be constituted of primary care providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners), nurses (RN, LPN), and pharmacists (PharmD, RPh).

Correlation between cardiac rhythm, left atrial appendage flow velocity, and CHA2DS2‐VASc score: Study based on transesophageal echocardiography and 2‐dimensional speckle tracking

The CHA2 DS2 -VASc score is a classic predictor of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Decreased left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAA-FV) reflects the blood stasis, and left atrial (LA) strain is a manifestation of atrial remodeling. This study aimed to explore the effects of AF rhythm and CHA2 DS2 -VASc score in the development of thrombogenesis and their potential correlation with LAA-FV and LA strain. AF rhythm and high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score correlate independently with decreased LAA-FV, which can be predicted by LA strain. In 98 AF patients, LAA-FV was measured by transesophageal echocardiography and LA strain was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. LAA-FV decreased sharply in the AF rhythm group (26.22 vs 61.87 mm/s; P < 0.001), and CHA2 DS2 -VASc score did not differ between the decreased and normal LAA-FV groups in all patients (P = 0.289). However, in sinus rhythm (SR), LAA-FV was associated with CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (coefficient = -0.317, P = 0.013), and the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score differed between the normal and decreased LAA-FV groups (2 [0-7] vs 3 [0-6], respectively; P = 0.038). Moreover, LA strain was a predictor of LAA-FV in both AF rhythm and SR, whereas a peak positive systolic strain divided by LA volume index <0.744 predicted decreased LAA-FV. AF rhythm caused a sharp decrease in LAA-FV independent of CHA2 DS2 -VASc score. In SR, the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score correlated negatively with LAA-FV. LA strain was a predictor of LAA-FV in both SR and AF rhythm.

Comparison of the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHADS2 Scores in Japanese Patients with Non-valvular Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Not Receiving Anticoagulation Therapy.

Objective It remains unclear whether the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, or R2CHADS2 score is the most useful for the risk stratification of ischemic stroke/systemic thromboembolism (IS/SE) in Japanese patients with paroxysmal non-valvular atrial fibrillation (PNVAF). Methods We investigated the incidence of IS/SE on the basis of the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores in 332 consecutive PNVAF patients (224 men, mean age: 65±13 years) who had not been administered anticoagulation therapy but who were administered antiarrhythmic drug therapy to maintain sinus rhythm between August 1995 and July 2008 before the 2008 Japanese Circulation Society guideline was issued (mean follow-up period: 53±35 months). Results The annual rates of IS/SE without underlying antiarrhythmic drug therapy are shown in the table included in this article. Higher CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores were associated with greater annual rates of IS/SE (p<0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for potentially confounding variables, the CHADS2 scores [odds ratio (OR): 4.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.80-8.00, p<0.001], CHA2DS2-VASc scores (OR: 4.15, 95% CI: 2.57-6.71, p<0.001), and R2CHADS2 scores (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.48-2.53, p<0.001) were significant independent predictors of IS/SE. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve for predicting IS/SE was 0.89 for CHA2DS2-VASc scores, 0.87 for CHADS2 scores, and 0.85 for R2CHADS2 scores (all, p<0.001), with no significant difference among the three scores. Conclusion In Japanese patients with PNVAF, the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores are all useful for the risk stratification of IS/SE cases.

Clinical practices of the management of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and outcome of treatment: A representative prospective survey in tertiary healthcare centers across Turkey.

The goal of this study was to define clinical practice patterns for assessing stroke and bleeding risks and thromboprophylaxis in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and to evaluate treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. A clinical surveillance study was conducted in 10 tertiary healthcare centers across Turkey. Therapeutic approaches and persistence with initial treatment were recorded at baseline, the 6th month, and the 12th month in NVAF patients. Of 210 patients (57.1% male; mean age: 64.86±12.87 years), follow-up data were collected for 146 patients through phone interviews at the 6th month and 140 patients at the 12th month. At baseline, most patients had high CHADS2 score (≥2: 48.3%) and CHA2DS2-VASc (≥2: 78.7%) risk scores but a low HAS-BLED (0-2: 83.1%) score. Approximately two-thirds of the patients surveyed were using oral anticoagulants as an antithrombotic and one-third were using antiplatelet agents. The rate of persistence with initial treatment was approximately 86%. Bleeding was reported by 22.6% and 25.0% of patients at the 6th and 12th month, respectively. The proportion of patients with an INR of 2.0-3.0 was 41.8% at baseline, 65.7% at the 6th month, and 65.9% at the 12th month. The time in therapeutic range was 61.0% during 1 year of follow-up. The median EuroQol 5-dimensional health questionnaire (EQ-5D) score of the patients at baseline and the 12th month was 0.827 and 0.778, respectively (p<0.001). The results indicated that patient quality of life declined over time. In atrial fibrillation, despite a high rate of persistence with initial treatment, the outcomes of stroke prevention and patient quality of life are not at the desired level. National health policies should be developed and implemented to better integrate international guidelines for the management of NVAF into clinical practice.

Usefulness of a healthcare database for epidemiological research in atrial fibrillation

BackgroundBig data are gaining attention as a valuable resource for providing insights into a range of issues and questions in healthcare. We evaluated the capacity of a Japanese healthcare database to conduct epidemiological research in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods and resultsWe examined data collected between April 2008 and September 2013 in a Japanese healthcare database. Prior to the risk factor analysis, we validated the criteria for defining the occurrence of a stroke, systemic embolic event (SEE), and intracranial bleeding event during the study period. The validity was considered appropriate based on the resulting high positive predictive values. The data of 18,998 NVAF patients demonstrated that the incidence rates of stroke, SEE, and any bleeding events were 2.2, 0.08, and 2.4 per 100 patient-years, respectively. In patients who had not been treated with an anticoagulant, incidence of stroke significantly increased in higher CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score, 1.7 and 1.5 fold by 1 point increase, respectively. The use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was also identified as an independent risk factor for stroke. In patients who had been treated with an anticoagulant, the independent risk factors for any bleeding events were hypertension, renal dysfunction, hepatic failure, medical history of stroke, older age (≥65 years), use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and PPIs. ConclusionThe data obtained in this study were comparable with results obtained in prospective cohort studies conducted in Japan.

Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Data regarding catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. We therefore assessed the association of CKD with common safety and clinical outcomes in a nationwide sample of ablation recipients. Using MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Medicare Supplemental Databases, we evaluated 30-day safety and 1-year clinical outcomes in patients who underwent a first AF ablation procedure between 2007 and 2011. We calculated frequency of common 30-day complications and calculated frequencies, incidence rates, and Cox proportional hazards for outcomes at 1-year postablation. Of 21,091 patients included, 1,593 (7.6%) had CKD. Patients with CKD were older (64 years vs. 59 years, P < 0.001) with higher CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores (3.2 vs. 1.8, P < 0.001). At 30 days postablation, patients with CKD had similar rates of stroke/TIA (0.13% vs. 0.13%, P = 0.99), perforation/tamponade (3.2% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.83), and vascular complications (2.4% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.59) as patients without CKD, but were more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure (2.1% vs. 0.4%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, there were no significant differences in hazards of AF hospitalization (adjusted HR: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.87-1.20), cardioversion (adjusted HR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.87-1.12), or repeat AF ablation (adjusted HR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.76-1.06) at 1 year. Among patients selected for AF ablation, those with and without CKD had similar rates of postprocedural complications although they were more likely to be re-admitted for heart failure. CKD was not independently associated with AF hospitalization, cardioversion, and repeat ablation. These findings can inform clinical decision-making in patients with AF and CKD.

Relation of red blood cell distribution width with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score in Chinese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

BackgroundHigher red cell distribution width (RDW) predicts adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, there are limited data regarding the relationship between RDW and thromboembolism risk in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate the association between RDW and CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores used for the evaluation of thromboembolic risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsOur study included 99 patients with AF (68 paroxysmal AF; 31 persistent AF). We calculated CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc risk scores for each patient, and we carefully recorded clinical characteristics as well as laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. According to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, we divided the AF patients into 2 groups (low-intermediate risk and high risk group). Subsequently, we compared the aforementioned parameters between the 2 groups, and we evaluated the relationship between RDW and CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc score. Finally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find independent predictors of high CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores. ResultsPatients with high CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores had older age, higher RDW, and creatinine levels, increased left atrial diameter and lower left ventricular ejection fraction, compared to the low CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc score group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RDW was an independent predictor for high CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc scores(OR: 2.184 and OR: 5.748; all P<0.05). ConclusionRDW is significantly correlated with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score in the patients with AF, while is an independent predictor for high CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score.

Gender Differences in Clinical Outcomes after Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

To explore gender differences in real-world outcomes after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Compared to men, women with AF have greater thromboembolic risk and tend to be more symptomatic. Catheter ablation is generally more effective than antiarrhythmic drug therapy alone. However, there is limited data on the influence of gender on AF ablation outcomes. We analyzed medical claims of 45 million United States patients enrolled in a variety of employee-sponsored and fee-for-service plans. We identified patients who underwent an AF ablation from 2007 to 2011 and evaluated 30-day safety and one-year effectiveness outcomes. Of the 21,091 patients who underwent an AF ablation, 7,460 (29%) were female. Women, compared to men, were older (62±11 vs. 58±11 years), had higher CHADS2 (1.2±1.1 vs. 1.0±1.0), higher CHA2DS2-VASc (2.9±1.5 vs. 1.6±1.4), and higher Charlson comorbidity index scores (1.2±1.3 vs. 1.0±1.2)(p<0.001 for all). Following ablation, women had higher risk of 30-day complications of hemorrhage (2.7 vs. 2.0%,p<0.001) and tamponade (3.8 vs. 2.9%,p<0.001). In multivariable analyses, women were more likely to have a re-hospitalization for AF (adjusted HR 1.12,p=0.009), but less likely to have repeat AF ablation (adjusted HR 0.92,p=0.04) or cardioversion (adjusted HR 0.75,p<0.001). Women have increased hospitalization rates after AF ablation and are more likely to have a procedural complication. Despite the higher rate of hospital admissions for AF after ablation, women were less likely to undergo repeat ablation or cardioversion. These data call for greater examination of barriers and facilitators to sustain rhythm control strategies in women.

Safety of low-dose dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation and mild renal insufficiency

BackgroundDabigatran etexilate (DE), an effective direct oral anticoagulant for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), should be carefully used in patients with renal insufficiency. Data on the safety of DE in Japanese “real world” patients with mildly impaired renal function are limited. We hypothesized that low-dose DE (110mg, twice daily) could be safely used in Japanese AF patients with mildly impaired renal function compared to those with preserved renal function. Methods and resultsOne hundred ninety-six consecutive AF patients taking low-dose DE were retrospectively enrolled in this study, and were divided into two groups: preserved creatinine clearance (CCr ≥50ml/min; n=127) and reduced CCr (30–49ml/min; n=69). Baseline characteristics including CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED scores were evaluated. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was measured as a surrogate marker of the anticoagulant activity of DE, which was evaluated at 661 time points in total and the data were divided into five time windows after the last DE intake. The incidence of bleeding complications was compared between the two groups of reduced and preserved CCr. Reduced CCr group showed higher age (76.9±6.3 years vs. 67.6±6.7 years), higher CHADS2 (2.6±1.4 vs. 1.8±1.2), higher CHA2DS2-VASc (4.3±1.6 vs. 3.2±1.6), and higher HAS-BLED (2.3±1.0 vs. 2.0±1.0) scores in comparison with preserved CCr group (p<0.01, respectively). There was no difference in aPTT over the entire time windows between the two groups. The incidence of total bleeding events was not significantly different between the two groups (reduced vs. preserved CCr=2/69 vs. 2/127). ConclusionLow-dose DE was safe in AF patients with mildly reduced CCr.

Use of the CHADS2 score as a predictor of the risk of mortality in hypertensive patients. The FAPRES study

Foundations and aimThe aim of this study is to analyze the CHADS2 score as a marker of the risk of mortality in hypertensive patients, with and without the presence of atrial fibrillation. MethodsWe included 1003 hypertensive patients ≥65 years. Risk factors, and CHADS2 score were recorded among other factors, as well as clinical follow-up of number and type of deaths. ResultsMean age was 72.8±5.8 years, and 47.5% were men. During follow-up there were 41 deaths, 20 were of cardiovascular origin. Patients with higher CHADS2 had a higher mortality: 1.5% CHADS2=1; 4.7% in CHADS2=2; 9.1% in CHADS2=3, and 7.8% in CHADS2≥4. ConclusionsThe CHADS2 score can be a clinical instrument of easy application to identify hypertensive patients with a high risk of mortality.

Impact of moderate to severe renal impairment on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation

BackgroundThe deleterious effect of renal impairment in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients has recently been reported. We investigated the impact of moderate to severe renal impairment on long-term clinical outcomes in AF patients. MethodsA total of 2126 AF patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to ≥ or <60mL/min estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Clinical outcomes including all-cause death, cardiac death, ischemic stroke (IS), bleeding, and admission for heart failure (HF) were analyzed. ResultsCompared to the ≥60mL/min eGFR group, <60mL/min eGFR patients were older; had a higher proportion of females; were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and history of stroke; and had higher CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED scores. During the follow-up period (median 6.23 years), all-cause death, bleeding, admission for HF, and progression to persistent or permanent AF were significantly increased in the <60mL/min eGFR group compared to the ≥60mL/min eGFR group. After multivariate Cox regression analyses, <60mL/min eGFR increased the risk of all-cause death [hazard ratio (HR): 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–3.28, p=0.04] and bleeding (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04–1.57, p=0.02). IS was only significantly increased in the <60mL/min eGFR group not receiving antithrombotic treatment. ConclusionModerate to severe renal impairment is a poor prognostic factor of long-term clinical outcomes in AF patients.

Uso de la escala CHADS2 como predictor de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes hipertensos. El estudio FAPRES

Foundations and aimThe aim of this study is to analyze the CHADS2 score as a marker of the risk of mortality in hypertensive patients, with and without the presence of atrial fibrillation. MethodsWe included 1,003 hypertensive patients≥65 years. Risk factors, and CHADS2 score were recorded among other factors, as well as clinical follow-up of number and type of deaths. ResultsMean age was 72.8±5.8 years, and 47.5% were men. During follow-up there were 41 deaths, 20 were of cardiovascular origin. Patients with higher CHADS2 had a higher mortality: 1.5% CHADS2=1; 4.7% in CHADS2=2; 9.1% in CHADS2=3, and 7.8% in CHADS2≥4. ConclusionsThe CHADS2 score can be a clinical instrument of easy application to identify hypertensive patients with a high risk of mortality.

Nonadherence to guidelines for prescribing antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.

We have found no papers evaluating nonadherence to guidelines for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), taking into account the two risk scales [C, congestive heart failure; H, hypertension; A, age; D, diabetes mellitus; S, stroke (CHADS2) and C, congestive heart failure; H, hypertension; A, age; D, diabetes mellitus; S, stroke; V, vascular disease; A, age; Sc, sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc)] and the two types of treatment that are recommended (antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy). To determine the extent of lack of adherence when prescribing anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy to patients with AF and associated factors. Cross-sectional, observational study of 144 patients with AF who visited the emergency department of Elda Hospital in 2013-14 (Spain). Main variable: the patient was prescribed a therapy different from that indicated by the guidelines (nonadherence) or not prescribed any therapy. Secondary variables: CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, HAS-BLED, type of AF and symptoms related to AF. Multivariate models were constructed to identify the associated factors by calculating the adjusted odds ratios (OR). Nonadherence occurred in 90 patients [62.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 54.6-70.4%]. Associated factors were higher CHADS2 (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.96-1.75, P = 0.091) and CHA2DS2-VASc (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.47, P = 0.027), and lower HAS-BLED (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91, P = 0.011). Nonadherence to guidelines was found in three out of every five patients. A greater cerebrovascular risk and a lower haemorrhagic risk were associated with this behaviour. Qualitative studies are needed to determine the causes.

A cost-utility analysis for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in combination with warfarin and dabigatran based on the CHADS2 score in Japan

BackgroundWe aimed to clarify the cost-effectiveness of an expensive combination therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) using both catheter ablation and dabigatran compared with warfarin at each CHADS2 score for patients in Japan. MethodsA Markov model was constructed to analyze costs and quality-adjusted life years associated with AF therapeutic options with a time horizon of 10 years. The target population was 60-year-old patients with paroxysmal AF. The indication for anticoagulation was determined according to the Japanese guideline. Anticoagulation-related data were derived from the RE-LY study and the AF recurrence rate was set at 2.7% per month during the first 12 months and at 0.40% per month afterwards. Stroke risk was determined according to AF recurrence, anticoagulation, and CHADS2 score. The risks for stroke recurrence and stroke death were also considered. Costs were calculated from the healthcare payer's perspective, and only direct medical costs were included. ResultsWarfarin was the most preferred option for patients with a CHADS2 score of 0 from a health economics aspect. Ablation under warfarin was preferred for a CHADS2 score of 1–3, while ablation under dabigatran was preferred for a CHADS2 score ≥4. The quality of life score for AF had the largest impact on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in the analysis between the anticoagulation arm and the anticoagulation+ablation arm for a CHADS2 score of 2. Within the range of the Japanese willingness-to-pay threshold (¥5,000,000), the ablation+warfarin arm became the best option with its probability of 81.7% for a CHADS2 score of 2; the dabigatran+ablation arm was the most preferred option with its probability of 56.1% for a CHADS2 score of 4. ConclusionsAblation under dabigatran therapy is an expensive therapeutic option, but it might benefit patients with a low quality of life and a high CHADS2 score.

Quality of anticoagulation control among patients with atrial fibrillation: An experience of a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic rhythm disorder. Patients with AF are at an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Therefore, optimal anticoagulation is essential to reduce the risk of stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the level of anticoagulation control achieved in patients with nonvalvular AF receiving medical care in a tertiary care hospital. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study in ambulatory care clinics at tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. We included 110 nonvalvular AF patients treated with warfarin for at least 3months at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between May 1, 2012, and July 31, 2012. Thereafter, international normalized ratio results were collected for 1year. Anticoagulation control was assessed by calculating time within therapeutic range (TTR) as per the Rosendaal method. ResultsThe mean age was 64.9±16.5years; 60.9% were female. The mean TTR was 59%. Almost one third of the patients (32.7%) had poor anticoagulation control; TTR of <50%. Poor anticoagulation control was significantly associated with higher CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, stroke) score (p=0.043). TTR was not significantly different between men and women. Similarly, TTR was not associated with age or duration of anticoagulation. There was no adequate information to assess the effect of other factors such as diet, compliance, and level of education on anticoagulation. Thirty-one patients (28.2%) had a history of prior stroke. The overall quality of anticoagulation was not significantly different between patients with and without stroke, (TTR was 56.3% and 60.1%, respectively; p=0.46). ConclusionQuality of anticoagulation in patients with AF receiving medical care in a tertiary care hospital was suboptimal, with nearly 40% of the time spent outside the therapeutic range. Methods to improve anticoagulation control among patients with AF should be implemented.

Usefulness of a Combination of Interatrial Block and a High CHADS2 Score to Predict New Onset Atrial Fibrillation.

Interatrial block (IAB) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of a combination of IAB and the CHADS2 score, an AF-related risk score for ischemic stroke, with new onset AF in patients in sinus rhythm. A total of 1,571 patients (803 males, 768 females; mean age: 58 ± 16 years) were included in this study. IAB was defined as a P-wave duration > 120 ms in the 12-lead electrocardiogram, and a high CHADS2 score as ≥ 2 points. During the mean follow-up period of 4.8 ± 0.7 years, new onset AF occurred in 122 patients (16.1 per 1,000 patient-years). The incidence of new onset AF was 4.0 per 1,000 patient-years in patients with no IAB and a low CHADS2 score, and 44.0 per 1,000 patient-years in patients with IAB and a high CHADS2 score. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio for IAB and a high CHADS2 score compared with no IAB and a low CHADS2 score was 12.18 (95% confidence interval: 6.22-23.87, P < 0.001), after adjustment for age, sex, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, smoking, medications, and echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, IAB and a high CHADS2 score independently and synergistically predict new onset AF in patients in sinus rhythm, indicating an approximately 12-fold higher risk in patients with both IAB and a high CHADS2 score. Patients meeting these criteria should have more aggressive early intervention to prevent AF.

Edoxaban vs warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in the US Food and Drug Administration approval population: An analysis from the Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48 (ENGAGE AF–TIMI 48) trial

Edoxaban is a specific anti-Xa inhibitor that, in comparison to warfarin, has been found to be noninferior for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism (SSE) and to reduce bleeding significantly in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the higher-dose edoxaban regimen (60/30 mg) in patients with AF and a creatinine clearance of ≤95 mL/min. We report for the first time the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and safety of the FDA-approved population in the ENGAGE AF--TIMI 48 trial. The patients included had been treated with either warfarin or edoxaban 60/30 mg and had a creatinine clearance of ≤95 mL/min. The primary efficacy was SSE, and the principal safety end point was major bleeding (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis classification). Median follow-up was 2.8 years. Patients in the FDA-approved cohort were older, were more likely female, and had higher CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores, as compared with patients not included in the FDA label. The primary end point occurred in 1.63%/y with edoxaban vs 2.02%/y with warfarin (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.97, P = .023). Edoxaban significantly reduced the rate of hemorrhagic stroke (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.72, P < .001) and cardiovascular death (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.97, P = .015). Ischemic stroke rates were similar between the treatment groups (1.31%/y vs 1.39%/y, P = .97). Major bleeding was significantly lower with edoxaban (3.16%/y vs 3.77%/y; HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98, P = .023). In the FDA-approved cohort of the ENGAGE AF--TIMI 48 trial, treatment with edoxaban 60/30 mg was superior to warfarin in the prevention of SSE and significantly reduced cardiovascular death and bleeding, especially fatal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

CHADS2 scores as a predictor of ischemic stroke after radical prostatectomy.

Patients with prostate cancer have an increased risk of stroke, but their absolute rate of stroke depends on age and comorbid conditions. The Charlson Comorbidity Index Score (CCIS) is a widely accepted measure for risk adjustment in administrative claims data sets. This study assesses the predictive value of CHADS2 scores and CCIS for stroke among patients with prostate cancer. The study was conducted based on data taken from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). We identified a total of 5414 participants with nonatrial fibrillation (AF) prostate cancer diagnoses who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1997 and 2011. CHADS2 scores and CCIS were used to stratify the 5-year ischemic stroke risk. All participants were followed from the date of enrollment until ischemic stroke, death, or the end of the 5-year follow-up period. The 5-year risk of ischemic stroke in the present study was 1.7%. Ischemic stroke has a better correlation with CHADS2 (CHADS2 score = 0 to 1: 0.02%, CHADS2 score = 2 to 3: 13.9%, CHADS2 score ≥ 4: 44.4%; AUC = 0.978) than CCIS (CCIS = 0 to 1: 1.6%, CCIS = 2 to 3: 1.7%, CCIS ≥ 4: 3.8%; AUC = 0.520). Our results show that patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy show significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke in high CHADS2 score patients, and the CHADS2 score could be applied for ischemic stroke prediction. Cardiovascular risks evaluation and management are suggested for prostate cancer patients with higher CHADS2 score.