scholarly journals LO07: Procainamide for the acute management of atrial fibrillation and flutter in the emergency department: a systematic review

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S9-S9
Author(s):  
F. Tran ◽  
D. Junqueira ◽  
M. Tan ◽  
B. Rowe

Introduction: Management of acute atrial fibrillation or flutter (AFF) in the emergency department (ED) can be performed with chemical or electrical cardioversion. Procainamide is the most common chemical agent used in Canada; however, there is substantial practice variation. The objective of this systematic review was to provide comparative evidence on return to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) and adverse events to better support clinical decisions. Methods: Systematic search of five electronic databases and grey literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled cohort studies including adults (≥17 years) with recent-onset of AFF comparing intravenous procainamide with other cardioversion strategies (e.g., electrical cardioversion, placebo or other antiarrhythmic drugs) were eligible. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019142080). Results: From 4060 potentially relevant citations, 7 studies were considered eligible and three RCTs and two cohort studies included in the analysis. Procainamide was less effective in promoting return to NSR at 1st attempt compared to other chemical (RR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.90) and electrical (RR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.64) options. Electrical cardioversion was more effective in restoring NSR compared to procainamide when used as 2nd attempt in one RCT (RR 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.92). Pre-specified serious adverse events were assessed and reported by two studies showing that hypotension was more common in patients receiving procainamide in comparison with electrical cardioversion (RR 20.57; 95% CI: 1.59 to 265.63). Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was infrequently reported with only two studies reporting that no patients withdrew from the study following treatment with procainamide. The remaining studies provided incomplete data reporting on adverse events. Conclusion: Shared decision-making for patients with acute AFF in the ED requires knowledge of the effectiveness and safety of comparative interventions. Overall, procainamide is less effective than other chemical options and electrical cardioversion strategies to restore NSR. Evidence shows that hypotension is a concern when procainamide is administered; however, the overall adverse events information provided from the studies is suboptimal.

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Fiona Tran ◽  
Daniela Junqueira ◽  
Jillian Meyer ◽  
Kevin Zhou ◽  
Maria Tan ◽  
...  

Introduction: Chemical or electrical cardioversion are utilized for acute atrial fibrillation or flutter (AFF) management in the emergency department (ED). Procainamide is a common chemical agent used in Canada; however, there are substantial practice variations. Method: Systematic search of five databases and grey literature completed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled cohort studies including adults with acute AFF comparing procainamide with other cardioversion strategies were eligible. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019142080). Results: From 3847 potential citations, 6 studies were included (four RCTs and two cohort studies). Procainamide was less effective in achieving conversion to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) at 1st attempt compared to other chemical (RR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.90) and electrical (RR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.92) options. Procainamide in a drug-shock approach was as effective as electrical cardioversion alone in restoring NSR (RR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08). The occurrence of hypotension was higher in patients receiving procainamide compared to electrical cardioversion (RR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.14 to 3.06). Deaths and strokes were not well-reported. Conclusion: Procainamide is less effective than other chemical options and electrical cardioversion strategies to restore NSR. The efficacy of procainamide in a drug-shock approach is similar to electrical alone at restoring NSR. The evidence shows that hypotension is a common procainamide adverse effect suggesting that electrical cardioversion as a first approach is preferable.


CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S76-S76
Author(s):  
J. Gilbertson ◽  
R. Moghrabi ◽  
S.W. Kirkland ◽  
K. Tate ◽  
W. Sevcik ◽  
...  

Introduction: Introduction: Transitions in care (TiC) interventions have been proposed to improve the management and outcomes of patients in emergency departments (ED). The objective of this review was to examine the effectiveness of ED-based TiC interventions to improve outcomes for adult patients presenting to an ED with acute atrial fibrillation or flutter (AFF). Methods: Methods: A comprehensive search of eight electronic databases and various grey literature sources was conducted. Comparative studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions to improve TiC for patients presenting to the ED with acute AFF were eligible. Two independent reviewers completed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction. When applicable, relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model and heterogeneity was reported among studies using I-square (I2) statistics. Results: Results: From 744 citations, seven studies were included, consisting of three randomized controlled trials (RCT), three before-after (B/A) studies, and one cohort study. Study quality ranged from unclear to low for the RCTs according to the risk of bias tool, moderate in the BA trials according to the BA quality assessment tool, and high quality of the cohort study according to the Newcastle Ottawa scale. The majority of interventions were set within-ED (n=5), including three clinical pathways/management guidelines and two within-ED observation units. Post-ED interventions (n=2) included patient education and general practitioner referral. Four studies reported a decreased overall hospital length of stay (LoS) for AFF patients undergoing TiC interventions compared to control, ranging from 26.4 to 53 hours; however, incomplete and non-standardized outcome reporting precluded meta-analysis. An increase in conversion to normal sinus rhythm among TiC intervention patients was noted, which may be related to increased utilization of electrical cardioversion among the RCTs (RR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.30; I2=%), B/A studies (RR=2.69, 95% CI: 2.17, 3.33), and cohort study (RR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.56). Conclusion: Conclusions: Within-ED TiC interventions may reduce hospital LoS and increase use of electrical cardioversion. However, no clear recommendations to implement such interventions in EDs can be generated from this systematic review and more efforts are required to improve TiC for patients with AFF.


CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S100-S100
Author(s):  
G. Reay ◽  
J. Norris ◽  
L. Nowell ◽  
J. Abraham ◽  
A. Hayden ◽  
...  

Introduction: Safe and efficient handovers between emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners and emergency nurses are vital as poor transitions may lead to loss of information and place patients at risk for adverse events. We conducted a mixed methods systematic review to a) examine factors that disrupt or improve handovers from EMS practitioners to emergency department nurses, and b) investigate the effectiveness of interventional strategies that lead to improvements in communication and fewer adverse events. Methods: We searched electronic databases (DARE, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP; Communication Abstracts); grey literature (grey literature databases, organization websites, querying experts in emergency medicine); and reference lists of the included studies. Citation tracking was conducted for the included studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-texts for inclusion and methodological quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for quantitative studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critic Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Narrative and thematic synthesis were conducted to integrate and explore relationships within the data. Results: Twenty-two studies were included in this review from the 6150 records initially retrieved. Our analysis suggests that qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research approaches have been utilized to explore handovers. Studies (n=11) have predominantly explored existing patterns of handovers focusing on barriers and facilitators. Interventions (e.g. multimedia transmission of pre-hospital information, tailored e-learning program) were investigated in five studies. Results suggest that lack of formal handover training, workflow interruptions, workload, and strained working relationships between EMS and nursing are perceived threats to optimal handovers. Conclusion: The findings from this review can inform the development of handover interventions and contribute to a more rigorous approach to researching handovers between EMS practitioners and emergency nurses. Furthermore, there is a need for studies in which specific interventions to optimize handovers are examined.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Doyle ◽  
Mark Reeves

Objective. Acute atrial fibrillation often spontaneously resolves. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes and satisfaction of an evidence-based ED protocol employing a “wait and see” approach.Methods. A prospective observational cohort study of adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department with stable acute atrial fibrillation was performed. Patients were excluded if they were considered to be unstable, need hospitalization, or poor candidates for ED procedural sedation. Routine care was provided on the index visit, and suitable candidates were discharged and asked to return to the ED the following day for possible electrical cardioversion. Outcome measures included spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm, success of cardioversion, length of stay, adverse event and return visits for AF within 30 days, and patient satisfaction.Results. Thirty five patient encounters were analysed over a 21-month period. Twenty two of the 35 patients (63%) had spontaneous resolution of atrial fibrillation upon presentation for potential cardioversion. All of the remaining patients underwent successful cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm without significant adverse events recorded. No patients required hospitalization. Three patients (9%) returned to the ED within 30 days for recurrence of atrial fibrillation. All patients were reported to be “very satisfied” with this approach.Conclusion. A “wait and see” approach to the ED electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation showed that almost two-thirds of patients had spontaneous resolution without requiring cardioversion or observation in the ED or hospital. All patients were successfully reverted to normal sinus rhythm and had a high degree of satisfaction.


CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S64-S65
Author(s):  
F.X. Scheuermeyer ◽  
G. Andolfatto ◽  
J. Christenson ◽  
S. Couperthwaite ◽  
C. Villa-Roel ◽  
...  

Introduction: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) of <48 hours duration often present to Emergency Departments (ED). Electrical or chemical cardioversion can be employed to restore normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Current guidelines make no recommendations between these two methods and the management decisions are left to the discretion of the treating physician. The objective of this study was to compare these two approaches in terms of ED length of stay (LOS), success (conversion to NSR) and health related outcomes. Methods: At six western Canadian EDs, eligible adult patients were assigned to one of two groups following concealed allocation and using a centralized computer-generated randomization method: electrical cardioversion (EC) first (followed by chemical cardioversion [CC] if the primary method failed) or CC first (followed by EC if the primary method failed). Baseline evaluation/interview and 3/30 day telephone contact were completed and documented using the REDCap data-platform. Adverse events were externally adjudicated in a blinded-fashion. An intention to treat analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 84 patients participated in the study (EC: 43; CC: 41); the median age was 60 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 50, 66), and 38% were female. The baseline patient characteristics in both groups were similar. The median LOS between randomization and conversion to NSR (intervention LOS) was 1.0 hrs (IQR: 0.8, 2.7) in EC vs. 3.1 hrs (IQR: 2.0, 3.9) in CC (p<0.001); more patients in EC were discharged from the ED within 4 hours than in the CC group (65% vs. 32%; p=0.002). The majority of EC patients (84%) converted to NSR after the first attempt while half of the patients did so in the CC group (49%). No differences were observed in terms of adverse events (26% vs. 24%; mostly minimal), hospitalizations (0%), and patients’ health outcomes (physician/ED visits, admissions, stroke) and status (SF-8) at 3 and 30 days, in groups EC and CC groups, respectively. Conclusion: Electrical cardioversion was associated with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the LOS when compared to cardioversion using chemical management. Similarities in the proportions of success, adverse events and health outcomes between the groups would support the use of electrical shock as the first approach for cardioversion in clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M M Patel ◽  
K Changal ◽  
N Patel ◽  
A Elzanaty

Abstract Introduction Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia that affects approximately 2% of the overall population. Guidelines suggest the use of anti-arrhythmic agents as initial therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, however using cryoablation as a first line therapy might have increased efficacy. The safety and efficacy of cryoablation as initial therapy has not yet been established. Purpose We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the use of cryoballoon catheter ablation compared to anti-arrhythmic therapy as an initial intervention to prevent recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with atrial fibrillation. We also wanted to determine if using this initial ablative approach did not present increased adverse events. Methods A comprehensive search of multiple databases was performed to find randomized control trials that directly compared cryoablation therapy versus anti-arrhythmic therapy as initial treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. A total of three RCTs met the inclusion criteria (724 patients) and were used in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome of our meta-analysis was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias. The secondary outcome evaluated serious adverse events of each therapy. Results The results showed a statistically significant reduction of recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmic events in patients receiving cryoablation compared to anti-arrhythmic therapy [Risk Ratio (RR): 0.60, 95% CI (0.49, 0.72), P&lt;0.ehab724.03521, I2=0%]. There was no significant difference in serious adverse events between patients receiving cryoablation compared to patients receiving anti-arrhythmic therapy. [Risk Ratio (RR): 1.19, 95% CI (0.71, 2.00), P=0.52, I2=0%]. Conclusion Our meta-analysis showed that cryoablation therapy as an initial therapy is more efficacious than anti-arrhythmic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation without an increased risk of serious adverse events. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Taha Hanif Shiwani ◽  
Hunain Shiwani

Abstract Purpose A systematic review to determine the effectiveness of intra-arterial anaesthetics on post- operative pain and opioid analgesia requirements in arterial embolisation procedures. Materials and methods A systematic review of the literature was performed (Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library) from inception to 10th August 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that utilised intra-arterial anaesthesia during an embolisation procedure for the purposes of pain control were included. Eligibility was assessed by two investigators independently. Results Eight hundred fifty-nine candidate articles were identified, and 9 studies met the inclusion criteria (6 RCTs and 3 retrospective cohort studies). Four studies were of hepatic chemoembolisation and 5 were of uterine artery embolisation. Five hundred twenty-nine patients were treated in total. All studies used lidocaine as the anaesthetic with doses ranging from 20 to 200 mg, and the anaesthetic was delivered varyingly before, during or after embolisation. Pain intensity was converted to a numeric scale from 0 to 10, and opioid doses were converted to milligram morphine equivalent doses. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to analyse the results of RCTs, and the results of cohort studies were summarised with a narrative synthesis. The meta-analyses suggested that pain scores were reduced by a mean of 1.02 (95% CI − 2.34 to 0.30; p = 0.13) and opioid doses were reduced by a mean of 7.35 mg (95% CI, − 14.77, 0.06; p = 0.05) in the intervention group however neither finding was statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Intra-arterial anaesthetic may slightly reduce pain intensity and post-operative opioid consumption following embolisation, however the results are not statistically significant. There is very limited data available on the effect of anaesthetic on length of hospital admission. Whilst no serious adverse events were reported, there are some concerns regarding the effect of lidocaine on the technical success of embolisation procedures that preclude our recommendation for routine use in embolisation procedures. High quality randomised controlled trials are required to elucidate the dose-response effect of lidocaine on opioid consumption and pain following embolisation, particularly in the first few hours post-operatively, as well as effects on duration of hospital stay.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e040272
Author(s):  
Catherine Laferté ◽  
Andréa Dépelteau ◽  
Catherine Hudon

ObjectiveTo review all studies having examined the association between patients with physical injuries and frequent emergency department (ED) attendance or return visits.DesignSystematic review.Data sourceMedline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO databases were searched up to and including July 2019.Eligibility criteriaEnglish and French language publications reporting on frequent use of ED services (frequent attendance and return visits), evaluating injured patients and using regression analysis.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers screened the search results, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Results were collated and summarised using a narrative synthesis. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the repercussions of removing a study that did not meet the quality criteria.ResultsOf the 2184 studies yielded by this search, 1957 remained after the removal of duplicates. Seventy-eight studies underwent full-text screening leaving nine that met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study: five retrospective cohort studies; two prospective cohort studies; one cross-sectional study; and one case-control study. Different types of injuries were represented, including fractures, trauma and physical injuries related to falls, domestic violence or accidents. Sample sizes ranged from 200 to 1 259 809. Six studies included a geriatric population while three addressed a younger population. Of the four studies evaluating the relationship between injuries and frequent ED use, three reported an association. Additionally, of the five studies in which the dependent variable was return ED visits, three articles identified a positive association with injuries.ConclusionsPhysical injuries appear to be associated with frequent use of ED services (frequent ED attendance as well as return ED visits). Further research into factors including relevant youth-related covariates such as substance abuse and different types of traumas should be undertaken to bridge the gap in understanding this association.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Juul ◽  
Faiza Siddiqui ◽  
Marija Barbateskovic ◽  
Caroline Kamp Jørgensen ◽  
Michael Pascal Hengartner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Major depressive disorder is one of the most common, burdensome, and costly psychiatric disorders worldwide. Antidepressants are frequently used to treat major depressive disorder. It has been shown repeatedly that antidepressants seem to reduce depressive symptoms with a statistically significant effect, but the clinical importance of the effect sizes seems questionable. Both beneficial and harmful effects of antidepressants have not previously been sufficiently assessed. The main objective of this review will be to evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of antidepressants versus placebo, ‘active placebo’, or no intervention for adults with major depressive disorder. Methods/design A systematic review with meta-analysis will be reported as recommended by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), bias will be assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool-version 2 (ROB2), our eight-step procedure will be used to assess if the thresholds for clinical significance are crossed, Trial Sequential Analysis will be conducted to control for random errors, and the certainty of the evidence will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. To identify relevant trials, we will search both for published and unpublished trials in major medical databases from their inception to the present. Clinical study reports will be obtained from regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical companies. Two review authors will independently screen the results of the literature searches, extract data, and perform risk of bias assessment. We will include any published or unpublished randomised clinical trial comparing one or more antidepressants with placebo, ‘active placebo’, or no intervention for adults with major depressive disorder. The following active agents will be included: agomelatine, amineptine, amitriptyline, bupropion, butriptyline, cianopramine, citalopram, clomipramine, dapoxetine, demexiptiline, desipramine, desvenlafaxine, dibenzepin, dosulepin, dothiepin, doxepin, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, iprindole, levomilnacipran, lofepramine, maprotiline, melitracen, metapramine, milnacipran, mirtazapine, nefazodone, nortriptyline, noxiptiline, opipramol, paroxetine, protriptyline, quinupramine, reboxetine, sertraline, trazodone, tianeptine, trimipramine, venlafaxine, vilazodone, and vortioxetine. Primary outcomes will be depressive symptoms, serious adverse events, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes will be suicide or suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, and non-serious adverse events. Discussion As antidepressants are commonly used to treat major depressive disorder in adults, a systematic review evaluating their beneficial and harmful effects is urgently needed. This review will inform best practice in treatment and clinical research of this highly prevalent and burdensome disorder. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020220279


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