Impact of physical activity on all-cause mortality in European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EORP AF General Long-Term Registry

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) may have a beneficial contribution for outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Purpose We aimed to evaluate the impact of self-reported PA in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients on the risk of all-cause mortality. Methods We analyzed patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Self-reported PA was categorized, on the basis of reported time spent exercising, as follows: i) No PA; ii) Occasional PA; iii) Regular PA; iv) Intense PA. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Results Over 11096, a total of 8699 (78.4%) patients (mean age (SD) 69.1 (11.5); 40.7% female) had available data about PA and follow-up observation and were included in the analysis. Of these, 3703 (42.6%) reported no PA, 2829 (32.5%) occasional PA, 1824 (21.0%) regular PA, with only 343 (3.9%) reporting intense PA. With the 4 increasing PA categories, mean age, proportion of female patients, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were progressively lower (all p<0.001). Use of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) declined across the classes of PA (53.1% vs. 52.2% vs. 44.5% vs. 33.9%, p<0.001), while use of non-VKA OACs (NOACs) conversely increased. During a mean (SD) 680.6 (171.5) days of follow-up, there were a total of 848 (9.7%) all-cause death events. Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was a progressively lower cumulative risk for all-cause death according to PA categories [Figure]. A multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc score, use of OAC at baseline and type of AF, found a lower risk of all-cause death associated with increasing levels of PA (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–0.81 for occasional PA, HR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.35–0.58 for regular PA, HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.23–0.76 for intense PA, when compared to no PA). In a sensitivity analysis, a regular-intense PA was inversely associated with occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) death, after multivariable adjustments for comorbidities (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37–0.77). Conclusions In a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients, self-reported PA was found to be inversely associated with all-cause death and CV death. Kaplan-Meier Curves Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, several companies have supported the programme with unrestricted grants

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Relationship between frailty and all-cause mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EURObservational research programme AF general long-term registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2834 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M Proietti ◽

M Vitolo ◽

S Harrison ◽

G.A Dan ◽

A.P Maggioni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Frailty Index ◽

Primary Study ◽

Funding Source ◽

Private Company ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

Increased Risk ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Introduction Frailty is a major health determinant for cardiovascular disease. Thus far, data on frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are limited. Aims To evaluate frailty in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients, the relationship with oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription and with risk of all-cause death. Methods We analyzed patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. A 38-items frailty index (FI) was derived from baseline characteristics according to the accumulation of deficits model proposed by Rockwood and Mitnitsky. All-cause mortality was the primary study outcome. Results Out of the 11096 AF enrolled patients, data for evaluating frailty were available for 6557 (59.1%) patients who have been included in this analysis (mean [SD] age 68.9 [11.5], 37.7% females). Baseline median [IQR] CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED were 3 [2–4] and 1 [1–2], respectively. At baseline, median [IQR] FI was 0.16 (0.12–0.23), with 1276 (19.5%) patients considered “not-frail” (FI<0.10), 4033 (61.5%) considered “pre-frail” (FI 0.10–0.25) and 1248 (19.0%) considered “frail” (FI≥0.25). Age, female prevalence, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED progressively increased across the FI classes (all p<0.001). Use of OAC progressively increased among FI classes; after adjustments FI was not associated with OAC prescription (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.19 for each 0.10 FI increase). Conversely, FI was directly associated with vitamin K antagonist (VKA) use (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18–1.34 for each 0.10 FI increase) and inversely associated with non-VKA OACs (NOACs) use (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.77–0.88). FI was significantly correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc (Rho= 0.516, p<0.001). Over a median [IQR] follow-up of 731 [704–749] days, there were 569 (8.7%) all-cause death events. Kaplan-Meier curves [Figure] showed an increasing cumulative risk for all-cause death according to FI categories. A Cox multivariable analysis, adjusted for age, sex, type of AF and use of OAC, found that increasing FI as a continuous variable was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.40–1.73 for each 0.10 FI increase). An association with all-cause death risk was found across the FI categories (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.23–2.38 and HR: 2.88, 95% CI: 2.02–4.12, respectively for pre-frail and frail patients compared to non-frail ones). FI was also predictive of all-cause death (c-index: 0.660, 95% CI: 0.637–0.682; p<0.001). Conclusions In a European contemporary cohort of AF patients the burden of frailty is significant, with almost 1 out of 5 patients found to be “frail”. Frailty influenced significantly the choice of OAC therapy and was associated with (and predictive of) all-cause death at follow-up. Kaplan-Meier Curves Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP programme, several companies have supported it with unrestricted grants.

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Temporal changes in quality of life amongst European atrial fibrillation patients: relationship to all-cause mortality. A report from the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0682 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M Vitolo ◽

M Proietti ◽

S Harrison ◽

L Fauchier ◽

F Marin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Temporal Changes ◽

Funding Source ◽

Private Company ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly impacts on patients' quality of life (QoL). An impaired QoL has been associated with worse outcomes even in AF patients, but contemporary data in a large-scale pan-European population are limited. Purpose We aimed to assess temporal changes in AF patients' QoL across 2 years follow-up observation, and the relationship of QoL changes with all-cause death. Methods We analyzed patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was used to assess QoL. A Health Utility Score (HUS), indicating the overall health state (1 equals perfect health), was derived. Differences throughout the follow-up (Baseline, 1-Y FU, 2-Y FU) observation were assessed. The study outcome was all-cause mortality. Results Out of a total of 11906 patients, 8097 (73.0%) were available for this analysis. Mean (SD) age was 69.1 (11.5) years; 60.8% males; median CHA2DS2-VASc and HASBLED scores were 3 (IQR 2–4) and 1 (1–2), respectively. The mean (SD) HUS at baseline was 0.815 (0.200) and 0.834 (0.196), 0.829 (0.195) at 1-year follow-up and 2-year follow-up, respectively (p<0.0001 for changes over time). Patients with a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (CHA2DS2-VASc 6–9) reported a significant reduction in the quality of life, compared to the other CHA2DS2-VASc strata, with a mean (SD) HUS decreasing from 0.754 (0.214) at baseline to 0.727 (0.238) at 2-year follow-up (F=6.538, p<0.0001) (Figure). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age [−0.001 (95% CI [−0.002, −0.121]) and coronary artery disease (CAD) [−0.016 (95% CI [−0.029, −0.004] were independently inversely associated with increasing QoL. Positive changes in HUS over time were inversely associated with an increase in the risk of all-cause death, even after adjusting for chronic kidney disease, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oral anticoagulants and type of AF (OR:0.24, 95% CI: 0.13–0.45 for increasing HUS difference, as a continuous variable). Conclusions In a contemporary European-wide cohort of AF patients, significant temporal changes in QoL were found. Patients at higher stroke risk according to CHA2DS2-VASc score showed a significant reduction in the QoL. Age and CAD were independently associated with changes in QoL. A greater reduction in HUS (i.e. worsening QoL) over time was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death. Temporal changes in HUS Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP, several companies have supported the programme with unrestricted grants

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P1885Cha2ds-2vasc score lacks of ability to predict mortality in patients attending the emergency department with atrial fibrillation in the presence of troponin i

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0633 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M I Gonzalez Del Hoyo ◽

G Cediel ◽

A Carrasquer ◽

G Bonet ◽

K Vasquez-Nunez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Troponin I ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background CHA2DS2-VASc score has been used as a surrogate marker for predicting outcomes beyond thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Likewise, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a predictor of mortality in AF. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of cTnI and CHA2DS2-VASc score with long-term prognosis in patients admitted to the emergency department with AF. Methods A retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2012 and December 2013, enrolling patients admitted to the emergency department with AF and having documented cTnI measurements. CHA2DS2-VASc score was estimated. Primary endpoint was 5-year all-cause mortality, readmission for heart failure (HF), readmission for myocardial infarction (MI) and the composite end point of major adverse cardiac events defined as death, readmission for HF or readmission for MI (MACE). Results A total of 578 patients with AF were studied, of whom 252 patients had elevated levels of cTnI (43.6%) and 334 patients had CHA2DS2-VASc score >3 (57.8%). Patients with elevated cTnI tended to be oldercompared with those who did not have cTnI elevation and were more frequently comorbid and of higher ischemic risk, including hypertension, prior MI, prior HF, chronic renal failure and peripheral artery disease. The overall median CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in those with cTnI elevation compared to those patients elevated cTnI levels (4.2 vs 3.3 points, p<0.001). Main diagnoses at hospital discharge were tachyarrhythmia 30.3%, followed by heart failure 17.7%, respiratory infections 9.5% and acute coronary syndrome 7.3%. At 5-year follow-up, all-cause death was significantly higher for patients with cTnI elevation compared with those who did not have cTnI elevation (56.4% vs. 27%; logrank test p<0.001). Specifically, for readmissions for HF and readmissions for MI there were no differences in between patients with or without cTnI elevation. In addition, MACE was reached in 165 patients (65.5%) with cTnI elevation, compare to 126 patients (38.7%) without cTnI elevation (p<0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, cTnI elevation was an independent predictor of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–2.26, p=0.001) and of MACE (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.15–1.88; P=0.002), but it did not reach statistical significance for readmissions for MI and readmissions for HF. CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor on univariate Cox regression analysis for each endpoint, but it did not reach significance on multivariable Cox regression analysis for any endpoint. Conclusions cTnI is independently associated with long-term all-cause mortality in patients attending the emergency department with AF. cTnI compared to CHA2DS2-VASc score is thus a biomarker with predictive capacity for mortality in late follow-up, conferring utility in the risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation.

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Malnutrition Affects Cholesterol Paradox in Coronary Artery Disease: a 41,229 Chinese Cohort Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-266119/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bo Wang ◽

Jin Liu ◽

Shiqun Chen ◽

Ming Ying ◽

Guanzhong Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cox Regression ◽

Cox Model ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Chinese Cohort ◽

Artery Disease

Abstract Background: Several studies found that baseline low LDL-C concentration was associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which was called “cholesterol paradox”. Low LDL-C concentration may reflect underlying malnutrition, which was strongly associated with increased mortality. We objected to investigate the cholesterol paradox in patients with CAD and the effects of malnutrition.Method: A total of 41,229 CAD patients admitted to Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital in China were included in this study from January 2007 to December 2018, and divided into two groups (LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L, n=4,863; LDL-C ≥ 1.8 mmol/L, n = 36,366). We used Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses to assess the association between LDL-C levels and long-term all-cause mortality and the effect of malnutrition. Result: In this real-world cohort (mean age 62.94 years; 74.94% male), there were 5257 incidents of all-cause death during a median follow-up of 5.20 years [Inter-quartile range (IQR): 3.05-7.78 years]. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that low LDL-C levels were associated with worse prognosis. After adjusting for baseline confounders (e.g., age, sex and comorbidities, etc.), multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that low LDL-C level (<1.8mmol/L) was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.96-1.24). After adjustment of nutritional status, risk of all-cause mortality of patients with low LDL-C level decreased (adjusted HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.98). In the final multivariate Cox model, low LDL-C level was related to better prognosis (adjusted HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99).Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the cholesterol paradox persisted in CAD patients, but disappeared after accounting for the effects of malnutrition.

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Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients Presenting with Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-49325-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michael Behnes ◽

Jonas Rusnak ◽

Gabriel Taton ◽

Tobias Schupp ◽

Linda Reiser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias ◽

Lv Dysfunction ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Heterogenous data about the prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias exist. Therefore, this study evaluates this impact of AF in patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. 1,993 consecutive patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias (i.e. ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT, VF)) on admission at one institution were included (from 2002 until 2016). All medical data of index and follow-up hospitalizations were collected during the complete follow-up period for each patient. Statistics comprised univariable Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses in the unmatched consecutive cohort and after propensity-score matching for harmonization. The primary prognostic endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality at 2.5 years. AF was present in 31% of patients presenting with index ventricular tachyarrhythmias on admission (70% paroxysmal, 9% persistent, 21% permanent). VT was more common (67% versus 59%; p = 0.001) than VF (33% versus 41%; p = 0.001) in AF compared to non-AF patients. Long-term all-cause mortality at 2.5 years occurred more often in AF compared to non-AF patients (mortality rates 40% versus 24%, log rank p = 0.001; HR = 1.825; 95% CI 1.548–2.153; p = 0.001), which may be attributed to higher rates of all-cause mortality at 30 days, in-hospital mortality and mortality after discharge (p < 0.05) (secondary endpoints). Mortality differences were observed irrespective of index ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT or VF), LV dysfunction or presence of an ICD. In conclusion, this study identifies AF as an independent predictor of death in patients presenting consecutively with ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

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Impact of body mass index on outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: the ESC EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation General Long-Term registry (AFGen LT)

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.3022 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

G Boriani ◽

M Proietti ◽

C Laroche ◽

L Fauchier ◽

F Marin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Large Cohort ◽

Funding Source ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Underweight Patients ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction The impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been largely debated. Aims To describe the relationship between BMI categories and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of European AF patients. Methods We included all AF patients with available baseline BMI and creatinine clearance and 1-year follow-up data enrolled in the EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Outcomes considered were: i) a composite of any thromboembolic event (TE)/acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death; ii) CV death; iii) all-cause death. Results A total of 7,759 patients were included in this analysis. Of these, 55 (0.7%) were underweight, 2,074 (26.7%) were normal weight, 3,170 (40.9%) were overweight, 1,703 (21.9%) were obese and 757 (9.8%) were severe obese. Mean age was progressively lower across the categories (p<0.0001), with proportion of patients aged≥75 years also progressively lower (52.7% in underweight to 19.4% in severe obese patients; p<0.001). Both underweight (41.8%) and severe obese (25.0%) patients were more likely symptomatic (p<0.001). Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in underweight patients (p=0.0325). Use of any oral anticoagulant therapy was progressively higher across the BMI categories (p<0.001). At 1-year follow-up the rate of all outcomes considered were highest for underweight patients and lowest in severe obese [Figure 1]. On univariate Cox regression analysis, being underweight was consistently associated to a higher risk for all outcomes, while increasing of weight categories was associated with progressively lower risk for adverse outcomes. After full adjustment with clinical and pharmacological characteristics, no effect of higher BMI classes was found for any outcome, but an independent association with an increased risk of CV death and all-cause death was seen for underweight patients (Table 1). Conclusions In a large cohort of European AF patients a progressively lower rate of outcomes was found across increasing BMI classes. After full adjustments, no significant association was found between the higher BMI classes and outcomes. Underweight was associated with an increased risk for CV death and all-cause death. Figure 1. Outcomes at 1-year Follow-up Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP programme, several companies have supported it with unrestricted grants

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Long-term prognostic benefit of beta-blockers use after discharge in patients with Tako-Tsubo syndrome

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1817 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

K Jamhour-Chelh ◽

S Raposeiras-Roubin ◽

I Nunez-Gil ◽

E Abu-Assi ◽

D Aritza Conty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Beta Blockers ◽

Funding Source ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Private Company ◽

Cox Analysis ◽

The Impact ◽

Long Term Mortality

Abstract Background Tako-tsubo Syndrome (TS) seems to be associated with a catecholamine-mediated mechanism. However, the impact of beta-blockers (BB) in-hospital and after discharge still remain uncertain. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine whether BB use after discharge in patients with TS, was associated with lower long-term mortality and recurrence. Methods Using a national multicentre large-scale inpatient database (RETAKO Registry), we analysed patients with a definitive TS diagnosis. Results A total of 970 patients were analysed (568 with BB therapy and 402 no-BB therapy). After discharge and over a median of follow-up of 1.1 years, treatment with BB have no shown prognostic effectiveness in terms of mortality and TS recurrence in unadjusted and adjusted Cox analysis (HR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.27; and 0.95; 95% CI: 0.57–1.13, respectively). Conclusions This data suggests that use of beta-blockers after hospital discharge has not shown long-term prognostic benefit in patients with Tako-tsubo Syndrome. Prognostic impact of BB in TS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Retako webpage was funded by a non-conditioned Astrazeneca scholarship.

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Increasing age as a major determinant of major adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: the EURObservational research programme in atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.3224 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

G Boriani ◽

M Proietti ◽

C Laroche ◽

O Piot ◽

D.A Lane ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Major Determinant ◽

Funding Source ◽

Ageing Population ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

The Impact ◽

Major Adverse Events

Abstract Introduction Increasing age is a well-known determinant for incident atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as for adverse outcomes. With a progressively ageing population in Europe (and elsewhere), contemporary data are needed to investigate the impact of age in relation to major adverse events in AF patients. Purpose To evaluate the impact of increasing age on major adverse outcomes in a contemporary European AF cohort. Methods Patients enrolled in the EORP-AF Long Term General Registry were categorized by age: <65, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years. Any thromboembolic event (TE)/acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, CV death, all-cause mortality were considered as outcomes. Results Among the 9762 patients included in this analysis, 2946 (30.2%) were <65 years, 3288 (33.7%) were 65–74 years, 2954 (30.3%) were 75–84 years and 574 (5.9%) were ≥85 years. With increasing age categories, there was a progressively higher prevalence of most risk factors and comorbidities. Accordingly, both mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were progressively higher across the age categories (both p<0.0001). At discharge, use of any oral anticoagulant (OAC) drug was lower in patients ≥85 years compared to those aged 65–74 or 75–84 years (83.6% vs. 89.4% and 88.8%, respectively) but significantly higher than in those <65 years (80.2%) [p<0.001]. Rate of all major adverse events progressively increased across the age categories, being higher in those aged ≥85 (all p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed an increasing cumulative risk across the age groups for all the outcomes (p<0.0001) (Figure 1). A fully adjusted Cox regression analysis demonstrated a progressively increasing association between age categories and the risk of all major adverse outcomes (Table 1). Conclusions In a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients, increasing age was a major determinant of major adverse outcomes. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Curves for All-Cause Death Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Since the start of EORP programme, several companies supported its activities with unrestricted grants.

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Digoxin vs. beta-blocker therapy in atrial fibrillation: analysis from the ESC-EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation General Long-Term (AFGen LT) Registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

W.Y Ding ◽

M Proietti ◽

G Boriani ◽

F Marin ◽

C Blomstrom-Lundqvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Beta Blocker ◽

Blocker Therapy ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Beta Blocker Therapy ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Related Hospitalisation

Abstract Background There is a long-standing and unresolved controversy over the effects of digoxin on mortality. Furthermore, there is scarce evidence comparing the use of digoxin to beta-blocker in the general population with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of digoxin over beta-blocker therapy among patients with AF. Methods Patients from the EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry with AF who were treated with either digoxin or beta-blocker were included. All patients were over 18 years old and had documented evidence of AF within 12 months prior to enrolment. The outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, non-CV mortality and number of patients with unplanned hospitalisation (total and AF-related). These were recorded until the last known follow-up available. Results Of 6377 patients, 549 (8.6%) and 5828 (91.4%) were treated with digoxin and beta-blockers, respectively. Patients in the digoxin group were older (73 vs. 71 years, p<0.001) with reduced renal function (eGFR 65.4 vs. 68.7 mL/min/1.73m2, p=0.002), and had (in general) greater burden of comorbidities in terms of chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, hypertension and peripheral artery disease. Nonetheless, the use of anticoagulation therapy was comparable between both groups (p=0.112). Over 24 months follow-up, there were 550 (8.6%) all-cause mortality and 1304 (23.6%) patients with unplanned emergency hospitalisation. Digoxin use was associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.90 [95% CI, 1.48–2.44]), both from CV and non-CV causes (CV: HR 2.21 [95% CI, 1.49–3.26]); non-CV: HR 1.70 [95% CI, 1.04–2.79]). There was no statistical difference in terms of unplanned emergency hospitalisation (HR 0.99 [95% CI, 0.80–1.21]) and AF-related hospitalisation (HR 0.78 [95% CI, 0.58–1.06]) between both groups. Using multivariable cox regression analysis, digoxin compared to beta-blocker therapy was independently linked to increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.52 [95% CI, 1.11–2.09]) and CV mortality (HR 1.82 [95% CI, 1.11–2.97]), but was not related to non-CV mortality (HR 1.31 [95% CI, 0.71–2.41]), emergency hospitalisation (HR 0.91 [95% CI, 0.71–1.16]) or AF-related hospitalisation (HR 0.88 [95% CI, 0.62–1.24]), after adjustment for known risk factors. Conclusion We demonstrated that the use of digoxin was independently associated with excess all-cause mortality, driven by CV death, but was non-inferior to beta-blocker in terms of preventing unplanned emergency or AF-related hospitalisation, after accounting for important risk factors. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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