Quality indicators of the atrial fibrillation management from the European (EORP) and Asia-Pacific (APHRS) registries
Authors: Shantsila A , Tse H F , Teo W S , Siu C W , Chao T F , Park H W , Shimizu W 
Published: October 2022

Background

The 2020 ESC guideline for atrial fibrillation (AF) recommends universal quality indicators to identify areas for improvement in clinical practice. It also recommends using clinical registries to monitor clinical practice and identify areas for improvement. We have analysed two large comprehensive prospective clinical registries of patients with AF, the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) and the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), to compare the achievement of the ESC quality indicators in two major world populations.

Methods

The EORP and APHRS registries used the same electronic case report forms to collect data. T-test and Chi-squared test were used to compare registries. Logistic regression was used to identify pharmacological rate control therapy predictors in permanent AF. The model was adjusted for age, oral anticoagulation (OAC), EHRA and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, heart rate on the latest ECG and the region of recruitment (Europe or Asia) (STATA Corp, version 13).

Results

All 11096 EORP patients (59.3% males, age 69±11 years) and 5460 APHRS patients (66.3% males, age 68±12 years) had CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores documented at enrolment. The EORP register included a higher proportion of patients with CHA2DS2VASc ≥2 (81% vs 70%, p&lt;0.001). These patients had similar OAC use (87%) in both registries, but NOAC use was higher in the APHRS (67% vs 34%, p&lt;0.001), while dual antithrombotic use was more common in the EORP (14% vs 8%, p&lt;0.001). The Table lists paraments that may impact OAC prescription.

In patients with permanent AF, heart rate (82±20 vs 78±20, p&lt;0.001) and antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapy (9% vs 5%) was higher in the EORP registry. On logistic regression, independent predictors of rate control with antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapy were higher EHRA 3 score (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–2.5, p&lt;0.001); faster heart rate (aOR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p&lt;0.001); younger age (aOR 0.97; 95% CI 0.96–0.98, p&lt;0.001) and being recruited to the APHRS (aOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.40–0.79, p=0.001).

APHRS vs EORP patients with non-permanent AF were less symptomatic (EHRA score I in 56% vs 38%) with less frequent use of antiarrhythmics (25% vs 37%), rhythm-management interventions (32% vs 46%), but higher use of catheter ablation (p&lt;0.001 for all).

Conclusion

There are significant regional variations in achievement of the ESC quality indicator for AF. The variations may be due to differences in healthcare systems, but they may also reflect the population characteristics.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported theprogramme: Abbott Vascular Int. (2011-2014), Amgen Cardiovascular(2009-2018), AstraZeneca (2014-2017), Bayer AG (2009-2018),Boehringer Ingelheim (2009-2019), Boston Scientific (2009-2012), TheBristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance (2011-2016), The Alliance DaiichiSankyo Europe GmbH and Eli Lilly and Company (2011-2017), Edwards(2016-2019), Gedeon Richter Plc. (2014-2017), Menarini Int. Op. (2009-2012), MSD-Merck & Co. (2011-2014), Novartis Pharma AG (2014-2017), ResMed (2014-2016), Sanofi (2009-2011), and SERVIER (2009-2018).The Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), conducting the registryin Germany, received support from The Bristol Myers Squibb/PfizerAlliance (2014-2018) and the German Centre for CardiovascularResearch (DZHK).