The Atrial Fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 285,000 patients

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
GF Romiti ◽  
D Pastori ◽  
JM Rivera-Caravaca ◽  
WY Ding ◽  
YX Gue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Meta Regression

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The ‘Atrial Fibrillation Better Care’ (ABC) pathway has been recently proposed as a holistic approach for the comprehensive management of patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF), standing on three main pillars: ‘A’ Avoid stroke (with Anticoagulants); ‘B’ Better symptom management; ‘C’ Cardiovascular and Comorbidity management. The ABC pathway is now recommended in several clinical guidelines, including the recent European Society of Cardiology (ESC) AF management guidelines. We performed a systematic review of the current evidence for use of the ABC pathway on clinical outcomes. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA Guidelines. Pubmed and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting the prevalence of ABC pathway adherent management in AF patients, and its impact on clinical outcomes (all-cause death, cardiovascular death, stroke, and major bleeding). Metanalysis of odds ratio (OR) was performed with random-effect models; subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to account for heterogeneity; a CHA2DS2-VASc-stratified sensitivity analysis was also performed. Results Among 2862 records retrieved from the literature search, 8 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of ABC adherent management was 21% (95% confidence intervals (CI), 13-34%), with a high grade of heterogeneity; in a multivariable meta-regression model, adherence to each criteria of the ABC pathway explained most part of the heterogeneity (R2 = 98.9%). Patients treated according to the ABC pathway showed a lower risk of all-cause death (OR:0.42, 95%CI 0.31-0.56), cardiovascular death (OR:0.37, 95%CI 0.23-0.58), stroke (OR:0.55, 95%CI 0.37-0.82) and major bleeding (OR:0.69, 95%CI 0.51-0.94), with moderate heterogeneity. Meta-regressions showed that the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure and history of stroke were associated with a reduced effectiveness of the ABC pathway for all-cause and cardiovascular death; each comorbidity was able to explain a significant proportion of heterogeneity at univariate meta-regression. Conversely, longer follow-up time was associated with more effectiveness of the ABC pathway for all outcomes. Adherence to ABC pathway was associated with a progressively greater reduction of the all-cause death risk amongst patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores; no difference in ABC pathway effectiveness was found across CHA2DS2-VASc strata for CV death and stroke occurrence. Conclusions Adherence to the ABC pathway was suboptimal, being adopted in 1 in every 5 patients. Adherence to the ABC pathway was associated with a reduction in the risk of major adverse outcomes. Our data supports extensive application of the ABC pathway for the management of AF. Abstract Figure.

scholarly journals Prevalence, management and impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 4,200,000 patients

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
GF Romiti ◽  
B Corica ◽  
E Pipitone ◽  
M Vitolo ◽  
V Raparelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf AF-COMET Collaborative Group Background Multimorbidity is a major concern in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Among other diseases, the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in these patients is unclear, and its association with adverse outcomes is often overlooked. Moreover, uncertainties on the treatment of patients with both AF and COPD still exist, and may lead to undertreatment. Purpose The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of COPD, and its impact on management and outcomes in patients with AF. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies reporting the prevalence of COPD in AF patients were included and pooled. Data on comorbidities, beta-blockers (BBs) and oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription, and outcomes (all-cause death, cardiovascular death, ischemic stroke, major bleeding) were pooled and compared according to COPD status; the impact of BBs on outcomes in patients with COPD was also investigated. All analyses were performed using random-effect models; subgroup analysis and meta-regressions were also performed to account for heterogeneity. Results Among 46 studies, the pooled prevalence of COPD was 13% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 10-16%), with high heterogeneity between studies; significant differences were found according to geographical locations and definition of COPD. A multivariable meta-regression model which included age, female sex, history of hypertension, diabetes and chronic heart failure (CHF) was able to explain a significant proportion of the heterogeneity (R2 = 69.8%). COPD was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, coronary artery disease, CHF and stroke (Fig. 1, panel A), as well as higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores and age (Fig. 1, panel B), and lower probability of BB prescription (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.77, 95%CI: 0.61-0.98). Patients with COPD showed higher risk of all-cause death (OR: 2.22, 95%CI: 1.93-2.55), cardiovascular death (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.39-2.43) and major bleeding (OR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.17-1.80) (Fig.1, Panel C); no significant differences in outcomes were observed according to BBs use in AF patients with COPD (Fig. 1, panel D). Conclusion COPD is common in AF, being found in 1 every 8 patients, and is associated with an increased burden of comorbidities, differential management and worse outcomes, with more than two-fold higher risk of all-cause death and increased risk of CV death and major bleeding. Therapy with BBs does not increase the risk of adverse outcomes in these patients. Abstract Figure.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Lumbar Degenerative Spine Disease—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 773
Author(s):  
Wei-Ting Wu ◽  
Tsung-Min Lee ◽  
Der-Sheng Han ◽  
Ke-Vin Chang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Degenerative Spine ◽  
Degenerative Spine Disease ◽  
Spine Disease

The association of sarcopenia with poor clinical outcomes has been identified in various medical conditions, although there is a lack of quantitative analysis to validate the influence of sarcopenia on patients with lumbar degenerative spine disease (LDSD) from the available literature. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with LDSD and examine its impact on clinical outcomes. The electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) were systematically searched from inception through December 2020 for clinical studies investigating the association of sarcopenia with clinical outcomes in patients with LDSD. A random-effects model meta-analysis was carried out for data synthesis. This meta-analysis included 14 studies, comprising 1953 participants. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with LDSD was 24.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3%–34.3%). The relative risk of sarcopenia was not significantly increased in patients with LDSD compared with controls (risk ratio, 1.605; 95% CI, 0.321–8.022). The patients with sarcopenia did not experience an increase in low back and leg pain. However, lower quality of life (SMD, −0.627; 95% CI, −0.844–−0.410) were identified postoperatively. Sarcopenia did not lead to an elevated rate of complications after lumbar surgeries. Sarcopenia accounts for approximately one-quarter of the population with LDSD. The clinical manifestations are less influenced by sarcopenia, whereas sarcopenia is associated with poorer quality of life after lumbar surgeries. The current evidence is still insufficient to support sarcopenia as a predictor of postoperative complications.

Abstract 14648: Gender Differences in Procedural Complications Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 244,353 Patients

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin L Campbell ◽  
John Larson ◽  
Talha Farid ◽  
Stacy Westerman ◽  
Michael S Lloyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Procedural Complications

Introduction: Women undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) have higher rates of vascular complications and major bleeding. However, studies have been underpowered to detect differences in rare complications such as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and procedural mortality. Methods: We performed a systematic review of databases (PubMed, World of Science, Embase) to identify studies published since 2010 reporting AFCA complications by gender. Six complications of interest were: 1) vascular/groin complications; 2) pericardial effusion/tamponade; 3) stroke/TIA; 4) permanent phrenic nerve injury; 5) major bleeding & 6) procedural mortality. For meta-analysis, random effects models were used when heterogeneity between studies was ≥ 50% (vascular complications, major bleeding) and fixed effects models for other endpoints. Results: Of 5716 citations, 19 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 244,353 patients undergoing AFCA, of whom 33% were women. Women were older (65.3 ± 11.2 vs. 60.4 ± 13.2 years), more likely hypertensive (60.6 vs. 55.5%) and diabetic (18.3 vs. 16.5%) and had higher CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores (3.0 ± 1.8 vs. 1.4 ± 1.4) (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). The rates of all 6 complications were significantly higher in women (Table). However, despite statistically significant differences, the overall incidences of major complications were very low in both genders: stroke/TIA (women 0.51 vs. men 0.39%) and procedural mortality (women 0.25 vs. men 0.18%). Conclusion: Women experience significantly higher rates of AFCA complications. However, the incidence of major procedural complications is very low in both genders. The higher rate of complications in women may be partially attributable to older age and a higher prevalence of comorbidities at the time of ablation. More detailed studies are needed to better define the mechanisms of increased risk in women and to identify strategies for closing the gender gap.

scholarly journals Cerebral microbleeds and risk of adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Corica ◽  
G.F Romiti ◽  
V Raparelli ◽  
R Cangemi ◽  
S Basili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Cerebral Microbleeds ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Conflicting Evidence ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Long-term anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) imposes a careful balance between the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks. An association between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has already been described; however, conflicting evidence exist on the association with ischemic stroke (IS). Although CMBs are often observed in AF patients, the actual prevalence and the magnitude of the risk of adverse events in patients with CMBs is unclear. Purpose We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CMBs in patients with AF through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Additionally, we evaluated the risk of ICH and IS according to the presence and burden of CMBs. Methods We perform a systematic search on PubMed and EMBASE from inception to 6th March 2021. We included all studies reporting the prevalence of CMBs, the incidence of ICH and/or IS in AF by presence of CMBs. Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (OR), along with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were computed using random-effect models; we also calculated 95% Prediction Intervals (PI) for each outcome investigated. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses according to the number and localization of CMBs. Results We retrieved 562 records from the literature search, and 17 studies were finally included. Pooled prevalence of CMBs in AF population was 28.3% (95% CI: 23.8%-33.4%; 95% PI: 12.2%-52.9%, Figure 1). Individuals with CMBs showed a higher risk of both ICH (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.83–5.06) and IS (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.26–2.49). Moreover, patients with more than 5 CMBs, as well as patients with both lobar and mixed CMBs, showed a higher risk of ICH. Conclusions CMBs were found in 28.3% of AF patients, with 95% PIs indicating a potentially higher prevalence. Moreover, CMBs were associated with an increased risk of both ICH and IS, with the effect potentially modulated by their number and localization. CMBs may represent an important and often overlooked risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients with AF. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Prevalence of CMBs in patients with AF

Insulin therapy and outcome from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timotius Ivan Hariyanto ◽  
Nata Pratama Hardjo Lugito ◽  
Theo Audi Yanto ◽  
Jeremia Immanuel Siregar ◽  
Andree Kurniawan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Insulin Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Insulin Use ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Review Manager

Background: Currently, the relationship between insulin therapy and COVID-19 outcome is not yet established. Our study aims to evaluate the possible association between insulin and the poor composite development of COVID-19. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed and Europe PMC database using specific keywords related to our aims until December 12th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and insulin were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 software. Results: Our pooled analysis showed that insulin use was associated with poor composite development of COVID-19 [OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.70 – 2.48), p < 0.00001, I2 = 83%, random-effect modelling], and its subgroup which comprised of risk of COVID-19 [OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.40 – 2.08), p < 0.00001, I2 = 34%, random-effect modelling], severe COVID-19 [OR 2.30 (95% CI 1.60 – 3.30), p < 0.00001, I2 = 88%, random-effect modelling], and mortality [OR 2.14 (95% CI 1.47 – 3.10), p < 0.0001, I2 = 85%, random-effect modelling]. Meta-regression showed that the association was influenced by age (p = 0.008), but not by diabetes (p = 0.423), and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.086). Conclusion: Physicians should be more aware and take extra precautions with diabetes patients who use insulin therapy.

Abstract 15090: Direct Oral Anticoagulation vs Vitamin K Antagonist in Atrial Fibrillation With Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud El Iskandarani ◽  
Islam Shatla ◽  
Muhammad Khalid ◽  
Bara El Kurdi ◽  
Timir Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonist ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Background: Current guidelines recommend against the use of direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of significant liver disease (LD) due to lack of evidence in safety and efficacy studies. However, recently studies have investigated the role of DOAC in comparison to Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in this category of patients. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach. Hypothesis: DOAC is safe and effective compared to VKA in AF with LD patients. Method: Unrestricted search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases performed from inception until June 1, 2020 for studies comparing DOAC with VKA including more than 100 AF patients with LD. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using Revman 5.3 software. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% Confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model. Result: A total of 5 studies (3 retrospective and 2 post hoc analysis) were included examining 39,064 patients with AF and LD (25,398 DOAC vs 13,669 VKA). DOAC is associated with lower risk of major bleeding compared to VKA with a HR of 0.68 (95% CI 0.47-0.98; I 2 =53%), all-cause mortality (HR 0.74;95% CI 0.59-0.94; I 2 =61%), and intracranial bleeding (HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.40-0.58; I 2 =0). There was no significant difference in ischemic stroke risk (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47-1.14; I 2 =72%) and gastrointestinal bleeding risk (0.96; 95% CI 0.61-1.51; I 2 =41%) between DOAC and VKA. Conclusion: DOAC is non-inferior to VKA regarding ischemic stroke prevention in AF patients with LD. Moreover, DOAC is associated with a lower risk of major bleeding, intracranial bleeding and all-cause mortality. Further randomized trials are needed to validate our findings.

Are Clinical Outcomes Associated With Medication Regimen Complexity? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Alves-Conceição ◽  
Kérilin Stancine Santos Rocha ◽  
Fernanda Vilanova Nascimento Silva ◽  
Rafaella de Oliveira Santos Silva ◽  
Sabrina Cerqueira-Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Medication Regimen Complexity ◽  
Complexity Index ◽  
Regimen Complexity

Background: Current evidence of the influence of the medication regimen complexity (MRC) on the patients’ clinical outcomes are not conclusive. Objective: To systematically and analytically assess the association between MRC measured by the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) and clinical outcomes. Methods: A search was carried out in the databases Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Open Thesis, and Web of Science to identify studies evaluating the association between MRC and clinical outcomes that were published from January 1, 2004, to April 2, 2018. The search terms included outcome assessment, drug therapy, and medication regimen complexity index and their synonyms in different combinations for case-control and cohort studies that used the MRCI to measure MRC and related the MRCI with clinical outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and mean differences (WMDs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that MRC is associated with the following clinical outcomes: hospitalization (HR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.27; I2 = 0%) in cohort studies, hospital readmissions (WMD = 7.72; 95% CI = 1.19 to 14.25; I2 = 84%) in case-control studies, and medication nonadherence (adjusted OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.07; I2 = 0%) in cohort studies. Conclusion and Relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis gathered relevant scientific evidence and quantified the combined estimates to show the association of MRC with clinical outcomes: hospitalization, hospital readmission, and medication adherence.

scholarly journals Restarting oral anticoagulant therapy after major bleeding in atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 261 ◽  
pp. 84-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Proietti ◽  
Giulio Francesco Romiti ◽  
Imma Romanazzi ◽  
Alessio Farcomeni ◽  
Laila Staerk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis

scholarly journals Current evidence for anesthesia management during endovascular stroke therapy: updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Goyal ◽  
Konark Malhotra ◽  
Muhammad F Ishfaq ◽  
Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽  
Christopher Nickele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Anesthetic Management ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Randomized Studies

IntroductionDebate continues about the optimal anesthetic management for patients undergoing endovascular treatment (ET) of acute ischemic stroke due to emergent large vessel occlusion.ObjectiveTo compare, using current evidence, the clinical outcomes and procedural characteristics among patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA) and local or monitored anesthesia (non-GA).MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available studies that involved the use of stent retrievers for ET (stentriever group). Additionally, we included studies that were published in 2015 and later, and compared the clinical outcomes among the studies using stentrievers or no stentrievers (pre-stentriever group). Outcome variables included functional independence (FI; modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2), symptomatic hemorrhage, mortality, procedure duration, and vascular and respiratory complications. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs using random-effects models.ResultsSixteen studies (three randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and 13 non-randomized studies) were identified comprising 5836 patients. Although non-GA was associated with higher odds of 3-month FI (OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.10; P=0.003) and lower odds of 3-month mortality (OR=0.62; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.82; P=0.0006, substantial heterogeneity was noted across included trials. Sensitivity analyses of RCTs showed that non-GA was inversely associated with FI (OR=0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.89; P=0.01; I2=15%), while no association was noted with mortality (OR=1.36; 95% CI 0.79 to 2.34; P=0.27; I2=0%).ConclusionOur updated meta-analysis demonstrates favorable results with non-GA, probably owing to inclusion of non-randomized studies. Recent single-center RCTs indicate that GA is associated with higher odds of FI at 3 months, while other outcomes are similar between the two groups.

scholarly journals Does cardiac arrhythmia surgery improve a patient"s quality of life? a systematic review and meta-analysis

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
CAJ Van Der Heijden ◽  
E Bidar ◽  
R Vos ◽  
J Maessen ◽  
T Athanasiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
One Year ◽  
Arrhythmia Surgery

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Although one-year success of arrhythmia surgery for atrial fibrillation (AF) has long been defined as freedom from supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, patient-reported quality of life (QOL) has become increasingly important. Purpose We aimed to analyze current evidence of QOL following both concomitant and stand-alone arrhythmia surgery for AF. Methods Studies reporting on QOL of patients undergoing arrhythmia surgery for AF, stand-alone or concomitant, who provided essential data for the analysis, were included in this systematic review. A meta-analysis was performed on inter-study heterogeneity of changes in QOL in 9 of 12 included studies who used the Short-Form (SF) 36 tool. The metric standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to compare one year outcomes with baseline scores per variable of the SF-36 QOL questionnaire (total patients n = 545). Finally, meta-regression based on rhythm outcome after one year and add-on arrhythmia surgery as covariate were performed. Results QOL scores improved one year after surgical ablation for AF, evaluated by several questionnaires. In standalone arrhythmia procedures, meta-regression showed a significant improvement between the QOL and the procedural effectiveness after one year (Physical Functioning p = 0.015, Role Physical p = 0.006, General Health p = 0.002, Social Functioning p = 0.043. Forest plot Physical Functioning: SMD = 1.105; heterogeneity: I²=90.6%, p &lt; 0.001). While this association was also suggested in concomitant procedures, only the variable Physical Role demonstrated a significant improvement when comparing QOL of cardiac surgery with and without add-on surgical AF ablation (p = 0.037). Conclusion Arrhythmia surgery for AF improves QOL. Both in standalone and concomitant procedures, the improvement in QOL seems to be related to the procedural effectiveness to maintain sinus rhythm after 12 months. Abstract Figure. SF-36 variable Physical Functioning

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