bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between thromboembolic and bleeding risk with adverse outcomes in contemporary European atrial fibrillation patients: final analysis from the ESC-EHRA EORP AF general long-term registry
Authors: Boriani G , Proietti M , Laroche C , Fauchier L , Marin F , Nabauer M , Potpara T , Dan GA , Kalarus Z , Tavazzi L , Maggioni AP , Lip GYH 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
The ESC-EHRA EORP AF General Long-Term Registry provides a contemporary snapshot of European atrial fibrillation (AF) patients’ characteristics and management. Aims: We present data about the final 2-years follow-up observation of AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP AF General Long-Term Registry.

Methods
A contemporary evaluation of residual risk of adverse outcomes in a cohort of largely anticoagulated AF patients according to the baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risk, defined according to CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. We determined cardiovascular (CV) events, CV death and all-cause death as outcomes.

Results
Among the original 11069 patients enrolled, 8409 (76.0%) patients had available follow-up status at the end of the 2-years follow-up. Patients age, female sex and most comorbidities were progressively more prevalent across the spectrum of thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Data on adverse outcomes were available for 10087 (91.1%), over the 2-year observation period. Outcome rates were progressively higher across CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores (all p &lt; 0.0001). A fully adjusted Cox multivariable regression analysis, adjusted for clinical covariates selected by a univariate procedure and not included in the scores, showed that increasing baseline CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with an higher risk for CV events (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-1.30), CV death (HR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.25-1.38) and all-cause death (HR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.25-1.36). Similarly, increasing baseline HAS-BLED score was associated with an increased risk for all 3 outcomes (HR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.13-1.28; HR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.14-1.34; HR: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.14-1.31, respectively). An association with a progressively higher risk was found for all outcomes across the spectrum of thromboembolic and bleeding risk [Figure]. Both CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores showed a modest to good predictive ability for cardiovascular (CV) events, CV death and all-cause death, in terms of c-index and 95% CI[0.66 (0.64-0.68) and 0.62 (0.61-0.64), 0.70 (0.68-0.72) and 0.65 (0.63-0.67), 0.69 (0.68-0.71) and 0.64 (0.63-0.66) for CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED for each outcome respectively.

Conclusions
In this large contemporary European-wide cohort of AF patients, both baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were associated to an increased risk of major clinical outcomes. Both scores are reflective of high risk clinical states, and are predictive of major adverse outcomes even in a large cohort of largely anticoagulated patients with a lower residual risk of adverse outcomes. Abstract Figure.
Atrial fibrillation in the young: clinical characteristics, predictors of new onset and outcomes
Authors: Segev A , Maor E , Goldenfeld M , Grossman E , Beinart R , Klempfner R , Sabbag A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) onset in the young (≤45 years) is uncommon and not well studied.

Purpose
Identifying the determinants of AF in this population in order to help direct timely diagnosis, appropriate follow up and management.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated all patients aged ≤45, admitted to the internal and cardiology wards between January 2009 and December 2019 at a large tertiary center. Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data were collected and compared among patients with and without AF at baseline. A subgroup of patients with no AF at baseline and a subsequent hospital visit were followed for development of new onset AF (NOAF).

Results
A total of 16,432 patients (55.5% male, 33 ±8.3 years old) were analyzed. At baseline, patients with AF (n = 366) tended to be older, more often male, and had a higher proportion of comorbidities and ECG conduction disorders, compared with the patients without AF (n = 16,066). Male sex, increased age, obesity, heart failure (HF) and the presence of left or right bundle branch block (LBBB and RBBB, respectively) were all strongly and independently associated with young-onset AF. A total of 10,691 patients were followed for a median of 41.5 (16.6-78.6) months, during which 85 patients developed NOAF (equivalent to 0.5%/year). Increased age, hypertension, HF, RBBB and LBBB were independent predictors of NOAF. CHARGE-AF score outperformed CHA2DS2-VASc score in NOAF prediction [AUC of ROC 0.75 (0.7-0.8) vs. 0.56 (0.48-0.65)].

Conclusions
The annual risk of NOAF among young adults admitted to the hospital is noteworthy. NOAF may be predicted by clinical risk factors and the CHARGE-AF score. Characteristic No AF (N = 16066) AF (N = 366) Total (N = 16432) P value Age- yr. 33.06 ± 8.3 36.8 ± 7.3 33.1 ±8.3 &lt;0.0001 Male gender 8914 (55.5) 240 (65.6) 9154 (55.7) &lt;0.0001 BMI- kg/m2 25.5 ± 5.75 27.48 ± 6.36 25.2 ± 5.8 &lt;0.0001 HTN 2679 (16.7) 73 (19.9) 2752 (16.7) 0.098 CHF 124 (0.8) 13 (3.6) 137 (0.8) &lt;0.0001 PR interval &gt; 200ms 117 (1.3) 15 (9.1) 132 (1.5) &lt;0.0001 QRS interval &gt; 120ms 220 (2.4) 25 (8.4) 245 (2.6) &lt;0.001 LBBB 29 (0.2) 6 (1.6) 35 (0.2) &lt;0.0001 LVEF &lt; 40 323 (10.1) 35 (16.9) 358 (10.5) 0.002 CHA2DS2-VASc 0.75 ±0.75 0.73 ±0.84 0.74 ±0.76 0.647 CHARGE AF 6.3 ±1.1 6.8 ±0.9 6.32 ±1.06 &lt;0.001
Prevalence of silent atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients - preliminary results from a European three-country handheld ECG-screening study
Authors: Lund I , Engdahl J , Rosenqvist M , Puererfellner H , Sieghartsleitner S , Hendrikx T , Lillqvist J , Pervez Sheikh A , Bech Jensen J , Dixen U 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Helsefonden Lilly and Herbert Hansens Foundation

Introduction
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) should in most cases be offered prophylactic anticoagulation treatment to prevent a stroke. However, the arrhythmia can appear without symptoms, so-called silent AF. Even without symptoms AF constitutes a risk for stroke.

Purpose
To screen high-risk patients with diabetes type 2 (DMII) or heart failure (CHF) for silent AF.

Methods
We included patients &gt; 64 years with either DMII or CHF from out-patient clinics and local health centers. Exclusion criteria were known AF, anticoagulation treatment, recent stroke, or an implanted pacemaker or ICD. Patients were recruited from a total of eleven study centers in three countries. All underwent 14-days of intermittent ECG screening with a handheld ECG recording four times each day; the recordings were digitally stored. AF was diagnosed in cases of irregular heart rhythm and absence of P waves on at least one recording (thirty seconds) or on at least two recordings for a minimum of ten seconds.

Results
In total, 813 patients were included, 541 of these with DMII. The mean age was 73,4 years ± 5,8 SD, 40,7% of the patients were female.
In the DMII group thirteen patients (2.4%) were diagnosed with silent AF and offered anticoagulation. In the CHF group six (2.2%) patients had diagnosed silent AF on the handheld ECG. The prevalence of AF increased with increasing age, see Table 1. Thus, in the youngest group AF was diagnosed in 1.3% of the patients compared to 3.9 % in the age group 75 years or older.

Conclusions
Screening for silent AF in high-risk patients with DMII or CHF seems worthwhile, especially in patients 75 years or older. Abstract Figure. ECG with atrial fibrillation
Gender-related differences in patient selection for and outcomes after pace and ablate for refractory atrial fibrillation: insights from a large multicenter cohort
Authors: Baumgartner T , Kaelin-Friedrich M , Makowski K , Noti F , Schaer B , Haeberlin A , Badertscher P , Baldinger S , Seiler J , Osswald S , Kuehne M , Roten L , Tanner H , Sticherling C , Reichlin T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
A pace & ablate strategy may be performed in cases of severe refractory atrial arrhythmias.

Purpose
We aimed to assess gender related differences in patient selection and clinical outcomes after pace & ablate.

Methods
In a retrospective multicenter study, patients undergoing AV-junction-ablation between 2011 and 2019 were studied. Gender-related differences in terms of baseline characteristics, device-related complications, heart failure (HF) hospitalisations and death were assessed.

Results
Overall, 513 patients underwent AV-junction-ablation (median age 75 years, 50% males). At baseline, male patients were younger (72 vs. 78 years, p &lt; 0.001), more frequently had non-paroxysmal AF (82% vs. 72%, p = 0.006), a lower LVEF (35% vs. 55%, p &lt; 0.001) and more often received biventricular stimulation (75% vs. 25%, p &lt; 0.001). Interventional complications were rare in both gender (1.2% vs 1.6%, p = 0.72). Following AV-junction-ablation, improvement of EHRA-class by ≥1 and of LVEF by ≥5% occurred in 44% and 19% of patients respectively, without gender differences (p = 0.66 and p = 0.38). Patients were followed for a median of 42 months in survivors (IQR 22-62). Lead-related complications (11 patients, 2.1%), infections (1 patient, 0.2%) and upgrade to ICD or CRT (18 patients, 3.5%) were rare. In Kaplan Meier analysis, HF hospitalisations during 4 years of follow-up were more common in men (22% vs 11%, p = 0.02), as were death (28% vs 21%, p = 0.02) and the combination of death or HF hospitalisation (37% vs. 26%, p = 0.008, Figure). Gender remained an independent predictor of the combined endpoint of death or HF hospitalisation after adjustment for age, LVEF and type of stimulation.

Conclusion
A Pace & Ablate strategy is safe and results in improvement of EHRA class and LVEF in a substantial number of patients. We found significant gender differences in patient selection for pace & ablate. Female patients had a more favorable clinical course after AV-junction-ablation, which was independent of age, EF and type of stimulation. Abstract Figure. Comb. endpoint of death or heart failure
AV-node isolation in atrial fibrillation vs AV-node ablation by pace and ablate strategy
Authors: Essmann L , El Hamriti M , Braun M , Khalaph M , Baridwan N , Bante H , Eitz T , Bergau L , Sohns C , Sommer P , Imnadze G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
AV-node ablation (AVNA) is a common therapy option for rate control strategy of permanent atrial fibrillation. However, this therapy has numerous side-effects as bundle branch blocks and absence of escape rhythm. We have invented a new technique that isolates the AV node instead of ablation.

Methods
Our study includes 60 patients with 40 being treated with AVNA and 20 being treated with AV-node isolation (AVNI). In AVNI patient´s AV-node region was mapped using 3D navigation system. Ablation was performed around the previously mapped HIS-cloud regions isolating the atrium from the AV-node. In all cases in AVNI group ablation was performed with irrigated tip ablation catheter. Procedure time, ablation points, fluoroscopy time and total DAP, escape rhythm and delta QRS among other data were measured and compared in these two methods. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS software 27.0.

Results
No complications appeared in this study. In the AVNI group more ablation points were used (p &lt; 0.01) but there was no significant difference in total procedure time (p = 0.730). With AVNI highly significantly less fluoroscopy time (1.4 vs. 4.7 minutes) and total DAP (40.75 vs. 382.85 µGym²) was achieved (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the median change in QRS width was 0 ms in the AVNI group vs. 26 ms in the AVNA group (p &lt; 0.01). Immediately postoperative the escape rhythm of the AVNI group was significantly higher than in the AVNA group (MRang = 37.38 vs. MRang = 27.06, p = 0.023).

Conclusion
AV-node isolation using 3D navigation mapping system is a safe and effective alternative to classic AVNA procedure with less radiation exposure and potential preservation of escape rhythm, which is a major benefit in case of a pacemaker failure.
Figure 1. 3D Navigation pictures after successful AVNI with NavX-System (left panel) and CARTO 3-System (right panel). His cloud with yellow points. The Tricuspid annulus could be defined with different color (green on the left panel) or with the tag points (white points on the right panel). Modified left lateral to posterior view. Abstract Figure.
Efficacy and safety of 50-60 Watt high-power short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Pak HN , Yang SY , Kim M , Yu HT , Kim TH , Uhm JS , Joung BY , Lee MH , Park JW 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Although high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) energy is commonly utilized in atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (CA), its efficacy, safety, and autonomic neural effects have not yet been evaluated in a large patient number. We compared HPSD-AFCA and conventional power (ConvP)-AFCA after propensity score matching.

Methods
Among 3,221 consecutive AF ablation patients, we included 1,720 patients (74.4% male, 59 ± 10 years old, 56.5% paroxysmal type) who underwent AFCA after propensity score matching: 430 in 50∼60W HPSD group vs. 1,290 in the ConvP group. We evaluated the procedural factors, complication risk, rhythm outcome, and 3-month heart rate variability (HRV) between the two groups and subgroups.

Results
Procedure times were significantly shorter in the HPSD group (p &lt; 0.001), but the complication rate (p = 0.088) and the 3rd-month HRV did not differ between the two groups. At the 12-month follow-up, rhythm outcomes did not differ between the two groups (Overall, Log-rank p = 0.212; anti-arrhythmic drug off Log rank p = 0.246). These efficacy and safety outcomes were consistently similar regardless of the AF type or ablation lesion set. In the Cox regression analysis, the left atrium volume index measured by computed tomography (HR 1.009 [1.003-1.015]), p = 0.005) and extra-pulmonary vein triggers (HR 1.587 [1.033-2.440], p = 0.035) were independently associated with 1-year clinical recurrence, while the HPSD strategy was not (HR 1.188 [0.903-1.564], p = 0.218).

Conclusions
HPSD-AFCA significantly shortened the procedure time with similar rhythm outcomes, complication risks, and autonomic neural effects as ConvP-AFCA, regardless of the AF type or ablation lesion set. Abstract Figure.
Is there a change in P wave parameters following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency ablation (RF) vs. cryoballoon ablation (CRYO) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF)?
Authors: Antoun I , Bharat S , Mavilakandy A , Pooranachandran V , Ng GA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective and established therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) . PVI can be performed using point by point ablation with radiofrequency (RF) or with single shot techniques such as cryoballoon (CRYO). As P waves represent atrial depolarization, we aimed to study whether P wave metrics may change after PVI and if there are differences between RF and CRYO approaches.

Methods
We studied 88 matched patients who had PVI for PAF between January 2017 and December 2018 (RF = 44, CRYO = 44). Each patient was in sinus rhythm (SR) prior to ablation. Patients on amiodarone and those who had additional linear ablation were excluded. Patients had continuous ECG monitoring using Labsystem Pro (Boston Scientific Inc). Sampled at 1kHz during the procedure. One-minute recordings before and after PVI were exported and analysed using custom-written software using MatLab (v2018, bandpass 1-50Hz) to annotate P wave onset, peak and end. P wave duration was heart rate corrected (PWDc) by using the Hodges formula and P wave amplitude (PWA).

Results
P wave metrics were comparable before PVI between both cohorts. Successful PVI was achieved in all patients.
There was a trend towards an increase in PWDc in some ECG leads with either RF or CRYO but no significant difference in P wave metrics as a result of PVI ablation or between both ablation modalities.

Conclusion
In this study, there was no significant change seen in PVI with RF or CRYO and no difference between the 2 ablation modalities. P wave metrics comparison, RF vs CRYO PWDc (ms) PRE, RF (n = 44) POST, RF (n = 44) P PRE, CRYO (n = 44) POST CRYO (n = 44) P P (RF vs CRYO) I 134.7 ± 32 133.5 ± 35 0.813 131.9 ± 36 132.7 ± 39 0.9 0.81 II 140.9 ± 34 144.1 ± 37 0.56 139.4 ± 42 134.4 ± 40 0.51 0.41 III 131.5 ± 31 143.3 ± 37 0.04 132.8 ± 41 130.6 ± 36 0.68 0.074 AVF 137 ± 32 144.7 ± 36 0.15 137.5 ± 42 127.4 ± 37 0.11 0.141 V1 143.9 ± 33 151.8 ± 37 0.17 133.6 ± 37 143.8 ± 38 0.09 0.745 PWA (mV) PRE, RF (n = 44) POST, RF (n = 44) P PRE, CRYO (n = 44) POST CRYO (n = 44) P P (RF vs CRYO) I 0.125 ± 0.08 0.09 ± 0.06 0.002 0.13 ± 0.08 0.14 ± 0.09 0.59 0.076 II 0.238 ± 0.1 0.238 ± 0.1 0.98 0.232 ± 0.1 0.278 ± 0.2 0.1 0.212 III 0.149 ± 0.1 0.153 ± 0.1 0.83 0.189 ± 0.1 0.187 ± 0.1 0.97 0.86 AVF 0.195 ± 0.1 0.196 ± 0.1 0.92 0.197 ± 0.1 0.247 ± 0.1 0.066 0.132 V1 0.122 ± 0.1 0.151± 0.1 0.05 0.138 ± 0.1 0.193 ± 0.2 0.002 0.543 PWDc and PWA comparison following RF vs CRYO.
Early mortality and complications associated with catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: analysis of the entire procedure in Korea from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Yang PS , Byun JH , Sung JH , Joung B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
There is limited data regarding the early mortality and adverse outcomes from catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Korea. The aim of this study was to examine the early mortality and frequency of adverse outcomes associated with AF catheter ablation from 2006 to 2016 in Korea.

Methods
From 2006 to 2016 in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 11,893 individuals underwent catheter ablation for AF. We investigated the frequency of complications and early mortality associated with AF ablation and comorbidities that led to adverse outcomes after AF ablation.

Results
Out of all 11,893 procedures, early mortality occurred in 38 cases (0.32%). Annual trends in AF procedural complications occurring during index admission for AF ablation decreased from 9.25% in 2006 to 6.49% in 2016 (P for trend = 0.004). The early mortality rate after AF ablation had remained unchanged between 2006 and 2016. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, and medication, procedural complications (adjusted odds ratio[aOR]: 16.1; P &lt; 0.001), age (aOR: 1.25; P = 0.024), history of hemorrhagic stroke (aOR: 4.74; P = 0.019), and less experience with AF ablation of the hospital (aOR: 2.85; P = 0.024) were associated with early mortality. Among procedural complications, atrioesophageal fistula (aOR: 199.8; P &lt; 0.001), access site complications (aOR: 6.08; P = 0.005), complete heart block (aOR: 11.3; P = 0.029), pneumothorax (aOR: 62.0; P &lt; 0.001), and procedure related pneumonia (aOR: 39.0; P &lt; 0.001) were associated with early mortality.

Conclusions
Procedural complications, history of hemorrhagic stroke, and less experience with AF ablation of the hospital were predictors of early mortality. Out of all complications, atrioesophageal fistual, procedure related pneumonia, and in-hospital stroke were related to early mortality. Adequate management of complications may contribute to reducing the number of early mortalty rates following AF ablation. Abstract Figure. Trend of early mortality after ablation
Safety and efficacy of cryoballoon-ablation for atrial fibrillation performed at local hospitals: results of the german register on cryoballoon-ablation in local hospitals (REGIONAL)
Authors: Michaelsen J , Parade U , Bauerle H , Winter K-D , Rauschenbach U , Mischke K , Schaefer C , Gutleben K-J , Rana OR , Willich T , Schloesser M , Roetzer A , Breithardt O-A , Middendorf S , Waldecker B 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
REGIONAL

Background
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoballoon ablation (CBA) has become an established procedure for the treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The safety and efficacy of PVI at community hospitals with low to moderate case numbers is unknown.

Aim
To determine safety and efficacy of PVI using CBA performed at community hospitals with limited annual case numbers.

Methods
1004 PVI performed consecutively between 01/2019 and 09/2020 at 20 community hospitals (each &lt;100 PVI using CBA/year) for symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n = 563) or persistentAF (n= 441) were included in this registry. CBA was performed considering local standards. Procedural data, efficacy and complications were determined.

Results
Mean number of PVI using CBA/year was 59 ± 26. Mean procedure time was 90.1 ± 31.6 min and mean fluoroscopy time was 19.2 ± 11.4 min. Isolation of all pulmonary veins could be achieved in 97.9% of patients, early termination of CBA due to phrenic nerve palsy was the most frequent reason for incomplete isolation. There was no in-hospital death. 2 patients (0.2%) suffered a clinical stroke. Pericardial effusion occurred in 6 patients (0.6%), 2 of them (0.2%) required pericardial drainage. Vascular complications occurred in 24 patients (2.4%), in 2 of these patients (0.2%) vascular surgery was required. In 48 patients (4.8 %) phrenic nerve palsy was noticed which persisted up to hospital discharge in 6 patients (0.6%).

Conclusions
PVI for paroxysmal or persistent AF using CBA can be performed at community hospitals with high efficacy and low complication rates despite low to moderate annual procedure numbers.