Onset Atrial Fibrillation In Patients Research Articles

Study protocol: A systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the influence of coagulopathy and immune activation on new onset atrial fibrillation in patients with sepsis.

New onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common arrhythmia affecting critically ill patients with sepsis. NOAF is associated with increased intensive care unit mortality, increased hospital mortality, development of heart failure and increased risk of permanent atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic events such as stroke. The pathophysiology of NOAF has been outlined, however, a knowledge gap exists regarding the association between abnormalities in coagulation and immune biomarkers, and the risk of developing NOAF in patients with sepsis. This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guideline (PRISMA-P) and the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies guideline (MOOSE). We will conduct the literature search in Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Library. We will include studies that report data in adult patients (>18 years) with sepsis that develop NOAF. We will extract data from studies that report at least one coagulation or immune biomarker. Risk of bias will be assessed by using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Risk of Bias 2 tool (RoB2) for non-randomized and randomized trials respectively. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will be utilized in assessing the quality of evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis will explore the scientific literature regarding the association between coagulation and immune activation in critically ill patients with sepsis, who develop NOAF. The findings will add to the existing knowledge base of NOAF in sepsis, highlight areas of uncertainty and identify future areas of interest to guide and improve management strategies for NOAF. Registration details. CRD42022385225 (PROSPERO).

Prediction of new onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention using the C2HEST and mC2HEST scores: A report from the multicenter REALE-ACS registry

BackgroundNew onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is associated with worse clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Identification of ACS patients at risk of NOAF remains challenging. To test the value of the simple C2HEST score for predicting NOAF in patients with ACS. MethodsWe studied patients from the prospective ongoing multicenter REALE-ACS registry of patients with ACS. NOAF was the primary endpoint of the study. The C2HEST score was calculated as coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1 point each), hypertension (1 point), elderly (age ≥ 75 years, 2 points), systolic heart failure (2 points), thyroid disease (1 point). We also tested the mC2HEST score. ResultsWe enrolled 555 patients (mean age 65.6 ± 13.3 years; 22.9% women), of which 45 (8.1%) developed NOAF. Patients with NOAF were older (p < 0.001) and had more prevalent hypertension (p = 0.012), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.001) and hyperthyroidism (p = 0.018). Patients with NOAF were more frequently admitted with STEMI (p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (p = 0.008), Killip class ≥2 (p < 0.001) and had higher mean GRACE score (p < 0.001). Patients with NOAF had a higher C2HEST score compared with those without (4.2 ± 1.7 vs 3.0 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). A C2HEST score > 3 was associated with NOAF occurrence (odds ratio 4.33, 95% confidence interval 2.19–8.59, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed good accuracy of the C2HEST score (AUC 0.71, 95%CI 0.67–0.74) and mC2HEST score (AUC 0.69, 95%CI 065–0.73) in predicting NOAF. ConclusionsThe simple C2HEST score may be a useful tool to identify patients at higher risk of developing NOAF after presentation with ACS.

Genetic Basis of Early Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients without Risk Factors.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and typically occurs in elderly patients with other cardiovascular and extracardiac diseases. However, up to 15% of AF develops without any related risk factors. Recently, the role of genetic factors has been highlighted in this particular form of AF. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in early-onset AF in patients without known disease-related risk factors and to identify any structural cardiac abnormalities in these patients. We conducted exome sequencing and interpretation in 54 risk factor-free early-onset AF patients and further validated our findings in a similar AF patient cohort from the UK Biobank. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 13/54 (24%) patients. The variants were identified in cardiomyopathy-related and not arrhythmia-related genes. The majority of the identified variants were TTN gene truncating variants (TTNtvs) (9/13 (69%) patients). We also observed two TTNtvs founder variants in the analysed population-c.13696C>T p.(Gln4566Ter) and c.82240C>T p.(Arg27414Ter). Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 9/107 (8%) individuals from an independent similar AF patient cohort from the UK Biobank. In correspondence with our Latvian patients, only variants in cardiomyopathy-associated genes were identified. In five (38%) of the thirteen Latvian patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, dilation of one or both ventricles was identified on a follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance scan. We observed a high prevalence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in cardiomyopathy-associated genes in patients with risk factor-free early-onset AF. Moreover, our follow-up imaging data indicate that these types of patients are at risk of developing ventricular dilation. Furthermore, we identified two TTNtvs founder variants in our Latvian study population.

Prediction Model of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Possible risk factors related to new-onset AF (NOAF) in ACS patients have been reported in some studies, and several prediction models have been established. However, the predictive power of these models was modest and lacked independent validation. The aim of this study is to define risk factors of NOAF in patients with ACS during hospitalization and to develop a prediction model and nomogram for individual risk prediction. Retrospective cohort studies were conducted. A total of 1535 eligible ACS patients from one hospital were recruited for model development. External validation was performed using an external cohort of 1635 ACS patients from another hospital. The prediction model was created using multivariable logistic regression and validated in an external cohort. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model were evaluated, and a nomogram was constructed. A subgroup analysis was performed for unstable angina (UA) patients. During hospitalization, the incidence of NOAF was 8.21% and 6.12% in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Age, admission heart rate, left atrial diameter, right atrial diameter, heart failure, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, less statin use, and no percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were independent predictors of NOAF. The AUC was 0.891 (95% CI: 0.863-0.920) and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.796-0.883) for the training and validation cohort, respectively, and the model passed the calibration test (P > 0.05). The clinical utility evaluation shows that the model has a clinical net benefit within a certain range of the threshold probability. A model with strong predictive power was constructed for predicting the risk of NOAF in patients with ACS during hospitalization. It might help with the identification of ACS patients at risk and early intervention of NOAF during hospitalization.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score as a Predictor of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) often complicates acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) with adverse short- and long-term consequences. However, the current risk classification model for estimating NOAF during non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) remains unclear. Some parameters in the CHA2DS2-VASc score are closely related to the development of atrial fibrilation (AF). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among 670 consecutive NSTEMI patients who applied to our cardiovascular center between June 2020 and June 2022 and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results: NOAF developed during hospitalization in 55 patients (12.5%). NOAF patients were older and had higher high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), left atrial volume index, Post PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade &lt;3, CHA2DS2-VASc score, peak troponin I (ng/ml), and SYNTAX score (SS). After univariate logistic regression analysis for the predictors of NOAF development, CHA2DS2-VASc score, post PCI TIMI grade &lt;3, hemoglobin, hsCRP, SS alone were predictors of NOAF, but after multivariate analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc score, post PCI TIMI grade &lt;3, hemoglobin had a determining effect. Conclusions: The CHA2DS2-VASc score can be evaluated as a predictor of NOAF after PCI in NSTEMI. Except for the components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score, post PCI TIMI grade &lt;3 and low hemoglobin levels are independent risk factors for NSTEMI-NOAF.

Abstract 10638: The Effectiveness of Covid 19 Vaccines Against New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Covid 19 Patients

Introduction: Cardiovascular complications are prevalent in COVID-19 individuals and have a poor prognosis. A link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and hospitalized COVID-19 patients was reported. Vaccines were shown to be highly effective against COVID-19 infection, poor outcomes and death. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used US Veterans Health Administration COVID-19 Corporate Data Warehouse data to evaluate vaccine protection against new onset AF in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. We included veterans without baseline AF who were hospitalized with COVID-19 between January 01, 2021, and November 10, 2021, and obtained their socio-demographic characteristics, diagnoses, vaccination information, symptoms, all-cause death, and diagnosis of AF during hospitalization. We define “fully vaccinated” at the time of infection as follows: for the BNT162b2 vaccine, at least 7 days from receipt of the second dose; for mRNA-1273 and Ad26.COV2.S, at least 14 days from receipt of the second dose and first dose, respectively. Partially vaccinated patients and patients hospitalized before testing positive were excluded. Considering competing risk from death, the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model was used to evaluate the effect of vaccination on new onset AF. Statistical analyses were performed using R (the R project for statistical computing, version 4.0.5). Results: We identified a total of 23,595 veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 positive infection without baseline AF. 1,807 (7.7%) patients were diagnosed with new onset AF before discharge from the hospital. Among vaccinated patients, 363 (6.0%) developed new onset AF, while among unvaccinated patients, 1,004 (5.7%) developed new onset AF. After adjusting for age, BMI, race, ethnicity, gender, diabetes, hypertension, COPD, CVD, and kidney disease, smoking status, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, vaccination was associated with 12% reduction in the risk of new onset AF (adjusted HR=0.88,95%CI:0.79-0.93). Conclusion: For hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection, vaccination protects against new-onset AF. Further studies are needed to stratify hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at high risk of developing new onset AF.

Abstract 11000: Deep Learning Prediction of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Using Echocardiography Videos

Introduction: Patients at high risk of undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can be identified from 12-lead ECG and routed to increased monitoring via wearable devices such as a watch or an ECG patch. A similar prediction task may be feasible employing echocardiography, increasing the likelihood of detecting patients at high risk for AF. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that by leveraging a large echocardiography database, a model can be trained to accurately predict future AF onset in patients undergoing routine echocardiography. Methods: We collected data on patients with an echo at Geisinger (769,854 studies from 337,388 patients) and randomly grouped patients into training (80%) or testing (20%) sets. In the training cohort, studies were considered positive if they were obtained from patients with prior or new (&lt;1 year) AF diagnosis. Alternatively, negative studies were those obtained from AF-free patients (&gt;1 year). For testing, we selected one random echo per patient and restricted the positives to patients without prior AF diagnosis or new AF within 7 days of the echo. This was to avoid predicting positive AF at the time of echo. We tested the model on 38,808 valid studies where 5% developed AF within a year. We trained six convolutional neural networks, one per view (apical two, four and five chambers, basal and mid short-axis, and parasternal long-axis), and combined their outputs to train an XGboost model. Results: Among the six views, the apical four chamber yielded the best performance with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 76%, followed by the apical two chamber with 65%, the apical five chamber with 58%, the parasternal long-axis with 57%, the basal short-axis with 56%, and the mid short-axis with 50%. A model combining all six planes yielded a 78% AUROC. Conclusions: CNN models trained on echocardiography videos can predict new-onset AF with moderate performance. We also found that views that captured the left atrium had better performance compared to those that did not.

Aggressive combined pharmacotherapy for heart failure reduces new onset atrial fibrillation

Abstract Backgrounds Heart failure (HF) is a risk factor for new onset atrial fibrillation (AF), and the new onset AF is associated with a worse prognosis in HF patients. It has been reported that renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi), β-blocker and mineral-corticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) prevent the new onset AF in HF patients. However, the effect of combined pharmacotherapy including angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on AF is unknown. We investigated the impact of contemporary regimen of combined pharmacotherapy for HF (RASi/ARNI+β-blocker+MRA+SGLT2i) on new onset AF. Methods and results We retrospectively studied rEF and mrEF patients without AF admitted to our hospital due to decompensated HF between 2015 and 2021 (n=366). Long-term (The mean follow-up was 635±421 days) incidence of new onset AF was investigated with regard to medical therapies. Patients were divided into 2 groups; patients with ≤2 HF drugs (n=181) and patients with ≥3 HF drugs (n=185). Patients with ≤2 HF drugs group were older (77.3 vs 67.0 years old, P&amp;lt;0.001), had a poorer renal function (Cre: 1.66 vs 1.09 mg/dl, P&amp;lt;0.001), and had a higher rate of ischemic heart disease (52 vs 38%, P=0.009), whereas left ventricular systolic function was better (EF: 31.9 vs 27.3%, P&amp;lt;0.001). There were 19 (10.5%) new onsets AF in the ≤2 HF drugs group, whereas only 7 (3.8%) had new onsets AF in the ≥3 HF drugs group (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.85, P=0.01). All-cause death and hospitalization for HF were fewer in the ≥3 HF drugs group. A multivariate analysis revealed that ≥3 HF drugs use was an independent negative predictor of new onset AF (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.93, P=0.03). Even after a propensity score matching of the clinical variables, the incidence of new onset AF was consistently fewer in the ≥3 HF drugs group (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13–0.99, P=0.04). Finally, patients with new onset AF had a higher rate of hospitalization for HF in the studied population (HR 9.68, 95% CI 5.67–16.5, P&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion Aggressive combined pharmacotherapy for HF may be associated with fewer new onset AF in patients with HF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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.

Relation between CRP-Albumin ratio and left atrial volume index for prediction of new onset atrial fibrillation in patients with STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary interventions

New onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in the case of acute myocardial infarction appears to be associated with inflammation. However, its influence alongside other risk factors is currently unknown. In this study, the effect of inflammation in predicting NOAF independent of left atrial volume index (LAVi) was investigated with a new marker, the C-reactive protein/Albumin ratio (CAR). We included 945 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent pPCI. Two groups were defined according to the presence of NOAF and the groups were compared for demographic, clinical and angiographic findings. Predictors of the NOAF were assessed by multivariable regression analysis. Fifty-five (5.8%) patients had NOAF after the procedures. CAR was substantially higher in patients with NOAF (5.9 [4.9] vs 0.46 [1] p&lt;0.01). CAR was shown as an independent marker for NOAF (OR:1.19 95% CI: 1.11-1.27 p&lt;0.01) development in multivariable regression analysis. In receiver operating curve characteristics, the sensitivity and the specificity of the value CAR&gt;4.2 were 64% and 81% (AUC: 0.86) respectively. In subgroup analysis, OR of CAR in LAVi ≥26.7 ml/m² was 19.5 and 22.1 in LAVi&lt;26.7 ml/m² (p for interaction=0.02). A novel inflammatory marker, CAR has the potential to predict the development of NOAF regardless of LAVi in patients with STEMI treated by PPCI.

Late onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.

Aortic valve disease is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), and AF is associated with increased late mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. The evolution of alternative approaches to AF prophylaxis, including less invasive technologies and medical therapies, has altered the balance between risk and potential benefit for prophylactic intervention at the time of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Such interventions impose incremental risk, however, making an understanding of predictors of new onset AF that persists beyond the perioperative episode relevant. We conducted a retrospective single-institution cohort analysis of patients undergoing SAVR with no history of preoperative AF (n = 1014). These patients were cross-referenced against an institutional electrocardiogram (ECG) database to identify those with ECGs 3-12 months after surgery. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of late AF. Among the 401 patients (40%), who had ECGs in our institution 3-12 months after surgery, 16 (4%) had late AF. Patients with late AF were older than patients without late AF (73 vs. 65, p = .025), and underwent procedures that were more urgent/emergent (38% vs. 15%, p = .015), with higher predicted risk of mortality (2.2% vs. 1.3%, p = .012). Predictors associated with the development of late AF were advanced age, higher preoperative creatinine level and urgent/emergent surgery. The incidence of late AF 3-12 months after SAVR, is low. Prophylactic AF interventions at the time of SAVR may not be warranted.

ECG markers of atrial abnormalities are not associated with new onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction New onset AF is a known complication in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, whether new-onset AF is linked to atrial structural abnormalities or has different underlying mechanisms is not fully clarified. Purpose We aimed to assess the association of P wave indices as ECG markers of atrial structural abnormalities with new-onset AF in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention (PCI). Methods Study sample comprised of 2277 consecutive patients with STEMI admitted to a tertiary care hospital for primary PCI from 2007 to 2010. SWEDEHEART registry was used as the source of information regarding clinical characteristics and events during index admission, including new-onset AF. The closest available ECGs prior to STEMI (median 448, interquartile rate 25–75% 112–1390 days before STEMI) were extracted from the regional electronic ECG databases and automatically processed using Glasgow algorithm. Patients with sinus rhythm ECGs were included in the current analysis (n=1481, mean age 68±12 years, 33% females). P-wave duration, PR interval, P-wave frontal axis and P terminal force in lead V1 (PTF-V1) were assessed. PTF-V1 &amp;gt;40 mm*ms was considered abnormal. Results Paroxysmal AF prior to STEMI was known in 77 patients (5.2%). Among patients without pre-existing AF (n=1404), new-onset AF during hospital admission was identified in 102 patients (6.9%). Patients with new-onset AF were older than those without AF history (74±9 vs 67±12 years, p&amp;lt;0.001), but did not differ in regard to other clinical characteristics. In univariate logistic regression analysis P wave duration as continuous variable, P wave duration &amp;gt;120 ms and PR interval were significantly associated with new onset AF (Table 1). However, after adjustment for age both, P wave duration &amp;gt;120 ms (odds ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% CI 0.77–1.89, p=0.418) and PR interval (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, p=0.068), failed to demonstrate the significant association with new onset AF while age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.08, p&amp;lt;0.001) remained an independent risk factor for AF development. Conclusion In patients with acute STEMI new onset AF developed during hospital admission is common and strongly associated with age. P wave indices failed to demonstrate the significant association with new onset AF thus indicating that atrial structural abnormalities are unlikely the underlying cause of AF development in acute STEMI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Scholarship grant from Swedish Institute. Table 1

Prognostic value of atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 admitted patients

Abstract Introduction/Background COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-Cov2. Various prognostic factors have been studied and described. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia associated with increased complications and mortality in acute situations. The onset of AF in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 could associate a worse prognosis during admission and in the short term. Purpose The objective of this study is to evaluate the adverse events in the population admitted for COVID-19 that develops AF as well as its possible prognostic value. Methods Retrospective, cohort study on 391 patients admitted for COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital. Descriptive and comparative analysis between those with new onset AF versus those who had AF previously in terms of: baseline characteristics, In hospital mortality, bleeding and thrombotic phenomena. Follow-up during three months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate analysis of in-hospital and three-months mortality is also performed. Results 391 patients were included. 21 of them developed AF. These patients are older, more hypertensive and with more history of cardiopathy. At admission, they presented higher mortality (52.4% vs 19.7%; p&amp;lt;0.001) and bleeding (19% vs 8.4%; p&amp;lt;0.001), also compared to those with previous AF (not significant). New onset AF is not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, but rather an independent predictor of three-month mortality. In-hospital mortality predictors are: age &amp;gt;70 years, BCRSS scale &amp;gt;2 points, and severe hypotension. Three-month mortality predictors are: high-sensitive T-troponin &amp;lt;50ng/dl, age &amp;gt;70 years, BCRSS scale &amp;gt;2, creatinine &amp;gt;1.5 mg/dl and new-onset AF. Conclusions New onset AF appears in 5,3% of these hospitalized patients, who have greater comorbidity, bleeding and in-hospital mortality as well as three-months mortality. New onset AF is not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality but rather an independent predictor of mortality during the first three months after discharge Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1. ROC curves

Impact of the atrial lead pacing site regarding atrial fibrillation onset in patients with sinus node dysfunction

Symptomatic sinus node disease (SND) most frequently requires the implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker of which the right atrial lead is generally implanted in the right atrial appendage (RAA) or the lateral wall (LW).The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of the right atrial lead pacing site regarding the onset of AF in patients with SND. Results126 patients were included (53% males; 76 yo). 64 (51%) patients were implanted in the RAA and 62 (49%) in the LW. The two groups were not different in terms of CHA2DS2-VASc score and indexed left atrial volume. Forty-eight months after implantation, AF occurred in 17 (26.6%) of the RAA group and 6 (9.7%) in the lateral group. In the multivariate models, RAA site was the only factor associated with AF onset, with an Hazard Ratio of 2.5 (95%CI 1.1; 5.7; P=0.03). ConclusionIn our study, RAA pacing was associated with 2.5 higher risk of AF onset in patients with SND. Further larger randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The role of epicardial fat tissue in atrial fibrillation onset in patients with hypertension

Abstract Aim To study the influence of epicardial fat tissue (EFT) on atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence in hypertensive patients. Materials and methods The study included 195 patients with hypertension aged from 38 to 72 years (mean age was 61.5±1.8 years). All patients were divided into two groups: group I included 95 hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF; 100 patients with hypertension in sinus rhythm were enrolled into group II. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate the thickness of EFT in a parasternal long-axis view. The EFT volume was assessed with computed tomography (CT) scan. The plasma concentration of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was measured to evaluate the myocardial fibrosis process. Results There was no significant difference between the studied groups of patients in body mass index: 34.43±1.2 kg/m2 in group I vs 31.97±1.67 kg/m2 in the group II. Waist circumference was significantly higher in group I in comparison with the group II patients: 118.9±3.3 cm vs 110.2±1.4 cm, respectively (p=0.038). EFT thickness was significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal AF (11.6±0.8 mm) in comparison with the patients in sinus rhythm (8.6±0.4 mm) (p&amp;lt;0.001). In group I patients a significant increase of EFT volume (4.6±0.4) in comparison with II group (3.5±0.25) (p=0.002) was noted. A significant positive correlation was revealed in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF between EFT volume and left atrial (LA) volume (r=0.7, p=0.022). Also, the plasma concentrations of TIMP-1 and MMP-1 were significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal AF and hypertension. There was a strong positive correlation between EFT volume and plasma concentration of TIMP-1 (r=0.72; p=0.01) and between the EFT volume and the LA volume (r=0.7, p=0.022) in group I patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed the significant influence of increased EFT thickness more than 10 mm (prevalence ratio (PR) 4.1; 95% CI 1.1; 15.6) and EFT volume more than 6 ml (PR 3.7; 95% CI 1.0; 14.2) on AF occurrence. Conclusion Increased EFT thickness (more than 10 mm) and EFT volume (more than 6 ml) are predictors of AF onset in hypertensive patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The complex subject of the Department

Rapid Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery Decreases Interatrial Fat Formation Lowering the Risk of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Severe Obesity

Sarmiento-Cobos, Mauricio MD; Rivera, Carlos E. MD; Jose Cogollo, Vicente MD; Botero Fonnegra, Cristina MD; Montorfano, Lisandro MD; Jose Valera, Roberto MD; Wasser, Elliot MD; Lo Menzo, Emanuele MD, FACS; Szomstein, Samuel MD, FACS; Jacobo Rosenthal, Raul MD, FACS Author Information

MR-proANP level predicts new onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective MR-pro ANP is a novel peptide with multiple biological functions, especially within the cardiovascular system. It plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes in the human body and its level may be clinically relevant in new onset atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to determine whether elevated MR-proANP level is a predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods and results The study included 96 patients with their first diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction hospitalized in the Department of Interventional Cardiology within one year. The plasma levels of MR-proANP were determined on admission, and on the first and fifth day of hospitalisation by BRAHMS MRproANP KRYPTOR. New onset AF was diagnosed in 9.4% of patients during hospitalisation; the level of MR proANP was also found to be significantly higher in this group of patients compared to those without arrhythmia (p = 0.017). ROC curve analysis indicates that the concentration of MR-proANP is a good predictor of AF diagnosed during the hospitalisation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AUC = 0.738, p = 0.0011). Conclusions MR-proANP might be a good predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Prognostic indicators of new onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BackgroundThis study aims to estimate prognostic indicators of new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) through 3 to 5 years of follow‐up.HypothesisFor patients with ACS, some prognostic indicators can be used to predict new onset AF.MethodsThe Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China‐ACS (CCC‐ACS) program was launched in 2014 by a collaborative initiative of the American Heart Association and Chinese Society of Cardiology. We enrolled 866 patients with ACS in a telephone follow‐up program. We inquired about each patient's general health and invited each patient to our hospital for further consultation. We also performed ambulatory electrocardiography and other relevant examinations.ResultsA total of 743 ACS patients were included in the study. After 3 to 5 years, 50 (0.67%) patients developed AF. In multivariable Cox models adjusting for AF risk factors in ACS patients, we found that NT‐proBNP [hazard ratio (HR) 2.625, 1.654‐4.166, P < .05], creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) (HR 4.279, 1.887‐9.703, P < .05), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR 0.01, 0.001‐0.352, P < .05) were significantly associated with AF receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine a cutoff level for AF screening. NT‐proBNP using a cutoff of 1705 ng/L resulted in a sensitivity of 58% and a specificity of 89.8%. CK‐MB using a cutoff of 142.5 ng/L resulted in a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 58.3%.ConclusionFor patients with ACS, NT‐proBNP, CK‐MB, and LVEF have a considerable prognostic value for predicting whether AF would be detected during follow‐up.

Лекарственно-индуцированная фибрилляция предсердий, ассоциированная с приемом сердечно-сосудистых лекарственных средств

Admission of certain medications (drugs) can cause the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients having non-evident cardiovascular disease (CVD). Also, it can accelerate the onset of AF in patients with pre-existing CVD. It is important to realize medications as potential cause of AF, especially in elderly people, since aging is associated with comorbidity and use of many medications simultaneously, that can lead to higher incidence of druginduced AF (DI AF). The article provides literature review on medications used to treat CVD, the admission of which can lead to the development of DI AF. Its onset can be associated with the use of cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic and antianginal medications, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, antiplatelet agents and some others with different evidence levels. The frequency, mechanisms of DI AF development and methods for its correction are described.

HDAC (Histone Deacetylase) Inhibitor Valproic Acid Attenuates Atrial Remodeling and Delays the Onset of Atrial Fibrillation in Mice.

A structural, electrical and metabolic atrial remodeling is central in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) contributing to its initiation and perpetuation. In the heart, HDACs (histone deacetylases) control remodeling associated processes like hypertrophy, fibrosis, and energy metabolism. Here, we analyzed, whether the HDAC class I/IIa inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) is able to attenuate atrial remodeling in CREM-IbΔC-X (cAMP responsive element modulator isoform IbΔC-X) transgenic mice, a mouse model of extensive atrial remodeling with age-dependent progression from spontaneous atrial ectopy to paroxysmal and finally long-lasting AF. VPA was administered for 7 or 25 weeks to transgenic and control mice. Atria were analyzed macroscopically and using widefield and electron microscopy. Action potentials were recorded from atrial cardiomyocytes using patch-clamp technique. ECG recordings documented the onset of AF. A proteome analysis with consecutive pathway mapping identified VPA-mediated proteomic changes and related pathways. VPA attenuated many components of atrial remodeling that are present in transgenic mice, animal AF models, and human AF. VPA significantly ( P<0.05) reduced atrial dilatation, cardiomyocyte enlargement, atrial fibrosis, and the disorganization of myocyte's ultrastructure. It significantly reduced the occurrence of atrial thrombi, reversed action potential alterations, and finally delayed the onset of AF by 4 to 8 weeks. Increased histone H4-acetylation in atria from VPA-treated transgenic mice verified effective in vivo HDAC inhibition. Cardiomyocyte-specific genetic inactivation of HDAC2 in transgenic mice attenuated the ultrastructural disorganization of myocytes comparable to VPA. Finally, VPA restrained dysregulation of proteins in transgenic mice that are involved in a multitude of AF relevant pathways like oxidative phosphorylation or RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A) signaling and disease functions like cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis of muscle cells. Our results suggest that VPA, clinically available, well-tolerated, and prescribed to many patients for years, has the therapeutic potential to delay the development of atrial remodeling and the onset of AF in patients at risk.