bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between natriuretic peptides and left atrial structural and functional properties in atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation
Authors: Olsen F.J , Darkner S , Gotze J.P , Chen X , Henningsen K , Pehrson S , Gislason G , Svendsen J.H , Biering-Sorensen T 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) are acutely released from the atrial myocytes upon increased mechanical distension of the atria. The relationship between imaging measures of left atrial (LA) structure and function and natriuretic peptides following catheter ablation (CA) have not been clearly delineated.

Purpose
To characterize the relationship between LA structure and function and natriuretic peptides.

Methods
We performed an echocardiographic substudy of a randomized trial of AF patients scheduled for CA. Echocardiographic measurements included: LA volume at end-systole (LAVi), at end-diastole (LAEDVi), emptying fraction (LAEF), LA reservoir strain (LAs), and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Patients were stratified by tertiles of mid-regional proANP (MR-proANP) concentrations in circulation (&lt;92 pmol/l, 92–146 pmol/l, &gt;146 pmol/l), and NT-proBNP (&lt;10pmol/l, 10–38 pmol/l, &gt;38 pmol/l). Linear regressions were performed to compare baseline echocardiographic measures to natriuretic peptide concentrations at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of follow-up. MR-proANP and NT-proBNP were logarithm transformed in these analyses. Multivariable adjustments were made for: age, gender, AF subtype, AF burden, rhythm during echocardiogram, rhythm at study visit for blood sampling, time known with AF, beta-blocker use, and CHA-2DS2-VASc score.

Results
We included 101 patients with AF. The mean age was 58 years, 82% were men, 46% had persistent AF. Increasing tertiles of MR-proANP at baseline were associated with abnormal LA size and function (3rd vs 1st tertile: LAVi: 42mL/m2 vs 32mL/m2; LAEDVi: 31mL/m2 vs 20mL/m2; LAEF: 38% vs 26%; LAs: 27% vs 19%; GLS: −18% vs −14%) whereas both LA and left ventricular measures were associated with increasing NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline. After multivariable adjustments, only LA volumes and LAEF remained significantly associated with MR-proANP, whereas only LA volumes and GLS remained significantly associated with NT-proBNP. At follow-up, impaired LA function associated with persistently elevated concentrations, which was not the case for LAVi (figure).

Conclusion
MR-proANP reflects LA dysfunction better than NT-proBNP. Measures of LA function rather than LAVi associates with persistently elevated natriuretic peptide concentrationsw, which may indicate that functional measures are more closely associated with evidence of LA myocardial stretch than LAVi.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Danish Heart Foundation
Association of biomarkers of inflammation with hospitalization for heart failure and death in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Benz A.P , Aeschbacher S , Krisai P , Blum S , Meyre P , Blum M.R , Rodondi N , Di Valentino M , Kobza R , De Perna M.L , Bonati L.H , Beer J.H , Kuehne M , Osswald S , Conen D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Hospitalization for heart failure and death are among the most common adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

Purpose
We hypothesised that inflammation, quantified by plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), is independently associated with hospitalization for heart failure and death in a large, contemporary cohort of AF patients.

Methods
Patients with established AF and 65 years of age or older were enrolled in two large, prospective, multicentre cohort studies in Switzerland. Plasma levels of high-sensitivity (hs) CRP and IL-6 were measured from frozen EDTA plasma samples obtained at baseline. Using these two biomarkers, we calculated an inflammation score ranging from 0 to 4 (1 point for each biomarker between the 50th and 75th percentile, 2 points for each biomarker above the 75th percentile). We constructed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to quantify the associations of hs-CRP, IL-6 and the inflammation score with time to first hospitalization for heart failure and time to all-cause mortality, respectively.

Results
A total of 3,784 patients with AF (median age 72 years, 28% women, 24% with a prior history of heart failure and 84% anticoagulation use at baseline) were followed for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4.0 (2.9–5.1) years. The median (IQR) plasma levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 at baseline were 1.64 (0.81–3.69) mg/L and 3.42 (2.14–5.60) pg/mL, respectively. The incidence rates of hospitalization for heart failure and death were 3.04 and 2.80 per 100 person-years, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, both biomarkers were significantly associated with the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (per increase in 1 standard deviation [SD], adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.34 for log-transformed hs-CRP, and aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.35–1.62 for log-transformed IL-6) and death (per increase in 1 SD, aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27–1.54 for log-transformed hs-CRP, and aHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.53–1.81 for log-transformed IL-6). Incidence rates of hospitalization for heart failure increased from 1.34 to 7.31 per 100 person-years across categories of the inflammation score (Figure 1). A strong relationship persisted after multivariable adjustment. Similar findings were observed for all-cause mortality.

Conclusions
Inflammation is a strong predictor of hospitalization for heart failure and death in patients with AF. Targeting inflammation may be a promising treatment strategy to improve outcomes in these patients at high risk for adverse outcomes.
Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation
Gender differences in patterns of relationship between body mass index and AF incidence
Authors: Senoo K , Nakata M , Teramukai S , Yamamoto T , Nishimura H , Matoba S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Obesity is reportedly associated with the new incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, gender differences in patterns of relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of AF are unknown.

Methods
We analyzed 21,382 middle-aged Japanese subjects (10923 men, 10459 women) without AF from a cohort of employees undergoing annual health examinations, with a follow-up period of 4.8±3.7 years. We examined the relationship between BMI at baseline to AF incidence in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. This relationship was also studied using linear and quadratic models.

Results
AF had developed in 137 subjects (119 men; mean age, 54.4±8.2 years; incidence, 2.19 and 0.38 per 1000 person-years in men and women, respectively). In multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models, increasing age (hazard ratio [HR], 2.72 per year; 95% CI, 2.22 to 3.33; P&lt;0.001), male gender (HR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.86 to 5.76; P&lt;0.001) and BMI (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.15; P=0.007) were associated with the new incidence of AF in all cohorts. The shape of the BMI-incident AF relationship showed a linear association in women and a J-shaped association in men. (Figure) In particular, a U-shaped relationship was observed in young men aged 40–49, with increased risk among those with higher BMI and with very low BMI. In analyses adjusted for comorbidities and risk factors for CV disease, the U-shaped AF incidence versus BMI curves were not attenuated, suggesting that other genetic or congenital factors may mediate this relationship.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that the shape of the BMI-incident AF relation differs by sex and in particular a U-shaped relationship was observed in young men.
Patterns of relation among BMI and AF

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Incidence of atrial fibrillation in an opportunistic screening campaign in a general practitioner setting: a prospective population study
Authors: Denas G , Battaggia A , Fusello M , Novelletto B.F , Cancian M , Pengo V 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) largely depends on the method used, thus the reported true rate of incident AF is controversial. The detection of symptomatic AF is straight forward in most cases, while it is unclear which strategies provide the best results for the detection of silent AF. Traditional methods like pulse palpation have a low accuracy and pulse guided ECG confirmation is not deemed cost-effective.

Purpose
The aim of the study was to detect the incidence symptomatic AF, using ECG, and opportunistic screening of silent AF, using an AF-detection capable automatic sphygmomanometer, in patients ≥65 years old in the general practitioner (GP) setting.

Methods
This was a population-based prospective cohort study of unselected general population referred for routine visits in 93 randomly selected GPs. Patients of both sexes of ≥65 years without previous diagnosis of AF were considered for the study. Each patient if symptomatic was directly referred to perform an ECG, otherwise if asymptomatic, underwent blood pressure monitoring with an AF-detection capable automatic sphygmomanometer followed by an ECG in case the device signaled AF.

Results
The final population comprised of 14987 individuals of ≥65 years old. The follow up extended to 16838 patient-years. The overall incidence of AF was 2.25% patient-years (95% CI 2.03–2.48). AF incidence was significantly higher in male (male/female ratio 1.29), overweight (BMI: 28.2 kg/m2 vs 27.0 kg/m2), older (79.1 vs 75.4 years old) individuals, with 44.9% belonging to the ≥80-year-old group. Other risk factors for incident AF were higher systolic BP measurements, history of stroke/TIA, congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease. On multivariate analysis, age (annual increment), mitral valve disease, previous stroke and the number of annual visits (&gt;10), were independent predictors of incidental AF.
About 25% of cases were silent AF (0.56% patient-years, 95% CI 0.46–0.69) and were identified using the AF-detection capable automatic sphygmomanometer. Independent predictors of silent AF were age (per year increment), overweight (BMI &gt;28 kg/m2) and the number of visits (&gt;10) in the GPs' office.

Conclusions
We found a higher than previously reported incidence of AF possibly due to capturing silent AF. This simple protocol, using an AF-capable automatic sphygmomanometer, might be feasible and easily implemented on the routine GP care where high rates of coverage can be achieved.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Veneto Region Italy
Temporal relationship between atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke in a large cohort with continuous rhythm monitoring
Authors: Singer D , Ziegler P.D , Koehler J , Sarkar S , Passman R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of ischaemic stroke, but the temporal relationship is uncertain.

Purpose
To assess the temporal relationship between AF episodes and ischaemic stroke in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) utilizing a case-crossover analysis.

Methods
We linked a very large U.S. aggregated de-identified electronic health record database (2007–2017), containing claims for ischaemic stroke hospitalizations, to a manufacturer's CIED database with continuous AF monitoring. All stroke patients with ≥120 days of pre-stroke rhythm data were included. For each stroke patient, we compared the presence of a day with ≥5.5 hours of AF (the TRENDS study threshold) in the case period (days 1–30 pre-stroke) to that in the control period (days 91–120 pre-stroke). Matched analyses for dichotomous outcomes generated odds ratios with confidence intervals and p values.

Results
We identified 891 ischaemic stroke patients (71.3±10.5 years, 65% male, 27% pacemakers, 60% defibrillators, 13% insertable cardiac monitors) with continuous monitoring data in the 120 days pre-stroke. The vast majority had either no AF in both the case and control periods (n=682, 77%) or AF in both periods (n=143, 16%), i.e., non-informative records. However, among the 66 patients with informative, discordant arrhythmic states, 52 had AF in the case period versus 14 in the control period, for an odds ratio of 3.71 (95% C.I. 2.06–6.70, p&lt;0.001). Analysed by 5-day periods, stroke risk was markedly increased within 30 days of the AF episode (figure). For days 1–5 following an AF episode, the odds ratio was 9.7 (95% C.I. 5.9–16.1). Risk diminished towards non-AF risk after 30 days.

Conclusion
Our analysis of this largest cohort with continuous rhythm monitoring prior to ischaemic stroke demonstrates that stroke risk is highest within a few days of an episode of AF and diminishes rapidly thereafter. Our findings support a strategy of time-limited anticoagulation for patients with infrequent episodes of AF and available continuous rhythm monitoring.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
National trends of use of oral anticoagulants and severities of stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chao T.F , Liao J.N , Lip G.Y.H , Chen S.A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Underuse of oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common issue in the daily practice. The introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist OACs (NOACs) has changed the landscape of stroke prevention in AF. The goal of the present study was to investigate the trends of use of OACs and severities of stroke among AF patients using a nationwide AF database.

Methods
The present study used the Taiwan Nationwide Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). From year 2002 to 2015, a total of 66,331 AF patients aged &gt;20 years who experienced ischemic stroke were identified from 447,259 AF patients. The temporal trends of use of OACs (either warfarin or NOACs) and the severities of stroke were analyzed. The estimated National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (eNIHSS) calculated by 7-item NHIRD based stroke severity index, which has been validated before, was used to represent the stroke severities.

Results
The percentages of AF patients who were already anticoagulated when stroke occurred significantly increased from 20.3% in year 2002 to 40.5% in year 2015 (Figure A). The increment was more obvious in the era of NOACs (after year 2012 in Taiwan). In year 2015, NOACs accounts for around 69.6% of prescriptions of OACs. The mean eNIHSS gradually decreased from 17.3 (year 2002) to 14.3 (year 2015) (Figure B).

Conclusions
In the era of NOACs, the prescription rates of OACs significantly increased among AF patients who experienced ischemic stroke, temporally associated with a decrease in the stroke severity.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Time saving, simple and reproducible method to quantify left ventricular function in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bunting K.V , Gill S , Sitch A , Mehta S , O'Connor K , Hodson J , Lip G.Y.H , Stanbury M , Kirchhof P , Griffith M , Townend J.N , Steeds R.P , Kotecha D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Echocardiography is essential for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but current methods are time consuming and lack any evidence of reproducibility.

Purpose
To compare conventional averaging of consecutive beats with an index beat approach, where systolic and diastolic measurements are taken once after two prior beats with a similar RR interval (not more than 60 ms difference).

Methods
Transthoracic echocardiography was performed using a standardized and blinded protocol in patients enrolled into the RAte control Therapy Evaluation in permanent AF randomised controlled trial (RATE-AF; NCT02391337). AF was confirmed in all patients with a preceding 12-lead ECG. A minimum of 30-beat loops were recorded. Left ventricular function was determined using the recommended averaging of 5 and 10 beats and using the index beat method, with observers blinded to clinical details. Complete loops were used to calculate the within-beat coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for Simpson's biplane left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and filling pressure (E/e').

Results
160 patients (median age 75 years (IQR 69–82); 46% female) were included, with median heart rate 100 beats/min (IQR 86–112). For LVEF, the index beat had the lowest CV of 32% compared to 51% for 5 consecutive beats and 53% for 10 consecutive beats (p&lt;0.001). The index beat also had the lowest CV for GLS (26% versus 43% and 42%; p&lt;0.001) and E/e' (25% versus 41% and 41%; p&lt;0.001; see Figure for ICC comparison). Intra-operator reproducibility, assessed by the same operator from two different recordings in 50 patients, was superior for the index beat with GLS bias −0.5 and narrow limits of agreement (−3.6 to 2.6), compared to −1.0 for 10 consecutive beats (−4.0 to 2.0). For inter-operator variability, assessed in 18 random patients, the index beat also showed the smallest bias with narrow confidence intervals (CI). Using a single index beat did not impact on the validity of LVEF, GLS or E/e' measurement when correlated with natriuretic peptides. Index beat analysis substantially shortened analysis time; 35 seconds (95% CI 35 to 39 seconds) for measuring E/e' with the index beat versus 98 seconds (95% CI 92 to 104 seconds) for 10 consecutive beats (see Figure).

Conclusion
Index beat determination of left ventricular function improves reproducibility, saves time and does not compromise validity compared to conventional quantification in patients with heart failure and AF. After independent validation, the index beat method should be adopted into routine clinical practice.
Comparison for measurement of E/e'

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health Research UK
Can atrioventricular node ablation be safely performed in patients with permanent His bundle pacing? Data from a multicentric registry
Authors: Chaumont C , Auquier N , Mirolo A , Popescu E , Milhem A , Al Arnaout A , Savoure A , Godin B , Eltchaninoff H , Anselme F 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Ventricular rate control is essential in the management of atrial fibrillation. Atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) and ventricular pacing can be an effective option when pharmacological rate control is insufficient. However, right ventricular pacing (RVP) induces ventricular desynchronization in patients with normal QRS and increases the risk of heart failure on long term. His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological alternative to RVP. Observational studies have demonstrated the feasibility of HBP but there is still very limited data about the feasibility of AVNA after HBP.

Purpose
To evaluate feasibility and safety of HBP followed by AVNA in patients with non-controlled atrial arrhythmia.

Methods
We included in three hospitals between september 2017 and december 2019 all patients who underwent AVNA for non-controlled atrial arrhythmia after permanent His bundle pacing. No back-up right ventricular lead was implanted. AVNA procedures were performed with 8 mm-tip ablation catheter. Acute HBP threshold increase during AVNA was defined as a threshold elevation &gt;1V. His bundle capture (HBC) thresholds were recorded at 3 months follow-up.

Results
AVNA after HBP lead implantation was performed in 45 patients. HBP and AVNA were performed simultaneously during the same procedure in 10. AVNA was successful in 32 of 45 patients (71%). Modulation of the AV node conduction was obtained in 7 patients (16%). The mean procedure duration was 42±24min, and mean fluoroscopy duration was 6.4±8min. A mean number of 7.7±9.9 RF applications (347±483 sec) were delivered to obtain complete / incomplete AV block. Acute HBC threshold increase occurred in 8 patients (18%) with return to baseline value at day 1 in 5 patients. There was no lead dislodgment during the AVNA procedures. Mean HBC threshold at implant was 1.26±0.69V@0.5ms and slightly increased at 3 months follow-up (1.34±0.86V@0.5ms). AV node re-conduction was observed in 5 patients (16% of the successful procedures) with a second successful ablation procedure in 4 patients. No ventricular lead revision was required during the follow-up period. The baseline native QRS duration was 102±21 ms and the paced QRS duration was 107±18 ms.

Conclusion
AVNA combined with HBP for non-controlled atrial arrhythmia is feasible and does not compromise HBC but seems technically difficult with significant AV nodal re-conduction rate. The presence of a back-up right ventricular lead could have changed our results and therefore would require further evaluation.
Unipolar HBP after AV node ablation

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Real-time local impedance monitoring to assess tissue lesion during pulmonary vein isolation: a new tool for AF ablation
Authors: Di Cori A , Segreti L , Zucchelli G , Viani S , Tarasco F , Barletta V , Giannotti Santoro M , Parollo M , De Lucia R , Paperini L , Cellamaro T , Branchitta G , Carluccio M , Soldati E , Bongiorni M.G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Contact force catheter ablation is the gold standard for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Local tissue impedance (LI) evaluation has been recently studied to evaluate lesion formation during radiofrequency ablation.

Purpose
Aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of an irrigated catether with LI alghorithm compared to contact force (CF)-sensing catheters in the treatment of symptomatic AF.

Methods
A prospective, single-center, nonrandomized study was conducted, to compare outcomes between CF-AF ablation (Group 1) and LI-AF ablation (Group 2). For Group 1 ablation was performed using the Carto 3© System with the SmartTouch SF catheter and, as ablation target, an ablation index value of 500 anterior and 400 posterior. For Group 2, ablation was performed using the Rhythmia™ System with novel ablation catheter with a dedicated algorithm (DirectSense) used to measure LI at the distal electrode of this catheter. An absolute impedance drop greater than 20Ω was used at each targeted. According to the Close Protocol, ablation included a point by point pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with an Inter-lesion space ≤5 mm in both Groups. Procedural endpoint was PVI, with confirmed bidirectional block.

Results
A total of 116 patients were enrolled, 59 patients in Group 1 (CF) and 57 in Group 2 (LI), 65 (63%) with a paroxismal AF and 36 (37%) with a persistent AF. Baseline patients features were not different between groups (P=ns). LI-Group showed a comparable procedural time (180±89 vs 180±56, P=0.59) but with a longer fluoroscopy time (20±12 vs 13±9 min, P=0.002). Wide antral isolation was more often observed in CF-Group (95% vs 80%, P=0.022), while LI-Group 2 required frequently additional right or left carina ablation (28% vs 14%, P=0.013). The mean LI was 106±14Ω prior to ablation and 92.5±11Ω after ablation (mean LI drop of 13.5±8Ω) during a median RF time of 26 [19–34] sec for each ablation spot. No steam pops or complications during the procedures were reported. The acute procedural success was 100%, with all PVs successfully isolated in all study patients. Regarding safety, only minor vascular complications were observed (5%), without differences between groups (p=0.97). During follow up, 9-month freedom from atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia recurrence was 86% in Group 1 and 75% in Group 2 (P=0.2).

Conclusions
An LI-guided PV ablation strategy seems to be safe and effective, with acute and mid-term outcomes comparable to the current contact force strategy. LI monitoring could be a promising complementary parameter to evaluate not only wall contact but also lesion formation during power delivery.
Procedural Outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None