Abstract 14881: Shortened Telomere Length is Associated with Paroxysmal but Not Persistent/Permanent Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiovascular Patients Referred for Angiography

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
John F Carlquist ◽  
Stacey Knight ◽  
Richard M Cawthon ◽  
Benjamin D Horne ◽  
Jeffrey S Rollo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Cardiovascular Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Prognostic Utility ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean

BACKGROUND: Telomeres are hexanucleotide repeats at chromosome ends that prevent chromosome degradation. Short telomere length (TL) correlates with biological ageing and is associated with risk for age-associated diseases. Atrial fibrillation (AF) can occur as paroxysmal (Px), persistent (Ps) or permanent (Pm). Progression from Px to Ps/Pm AF is accompanied by increased risk for AF-associated adverse events. We t found that short TL is associated with a history of AF; for the present study we examined TL in relationship to the types of AF. METHODS: Peripheral blood DNA was obtained from sequential consenting patients (pts) (n=3576) at angiography. TL was measured in triplicate by monochrome (SYBR Green I) multiplex quantitative PCR (Bio-Rad CFX384 Detection System) and normalized to a quantitatively-measured, single-copy gene (albumin). AF history was extracted from Intermountain Healthcare’s electronic records and AF type determined by chart review for 246 of 325 (75.7%) AF patients. Non-parametric tests were used. RESULTS: For the 246 subtyped AF pts, 66.3% were male, 94.3% Caucasian, mean age was 70 yrs. The leading AF type was Px (43.5%), followed by Pm (32.9%), and Ps (23.6%). Mean TL for non-AF pts was 0.954 ±0.325 and the mean TL for AF pts was 0.912±0.30. The mean Px TL (Table) was significantly shorter than for Ps or Pm AF. Ps and Pm TL did not differ. Adjusting for age, gender, prior CVA, PCI, statin use, disease severity; TL (per unit of decrease) was associated with Px AF compared to Ps/Pm AF (OR=6.64; CI 2.17, 20.32; p=0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: The association of shorter TL with Px AF but not Ps/Pm AF suggests that decreased TLs is associated with an etiologic AF subtype. No association between shortened TL and Ps/Pm AF may further suggest that TL measurement for pts with Px AF may have prognostic utility with respect to AF progression. Further study into the physiological basis of these observations is warranted.

Elevation of pulse pressure in middle age is associated with the risk of dementia: data from a population-based cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Kim ◽  
H Jung ◽  
P.S Yang ◽  
H.T Yu ◽  
T.H Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pulse Pressure ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Diagnosis Of Dementia ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Aims Pulse pressure (PP) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between the PP and dementia is not well identified. This study aimed to determine the effect of PP on the risk of dementia development in different age subgroups using a longitudinal, population-based, and stroke-free cohort from the general population. Methods The association of PP with the development of incident dementia was assessed from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2013, in 433,154 participants without a history of dementia or stroke from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening cohort. The diagnosis of dementia was defined using the 10th revision of the International Classification of Disease codes. Results The mean age of the cohort was 55.7±9.2 years, 45.7% were women. Hypertension was 23.6%. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the entire cohort were 125.9±16.6 and 78.4±10.7 mmHg, respectively. Mean PP was 47.5±10.9 mmHg. In the middle-age group (40 to 50 year-old), increasing of 10 mmHg of PP was associated with incident dementia after adjusting mean blood pressure and clinical variables with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.23, p<0.001). The association was still significant even after censoring for stroke (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08–1.22, p<0.001). In the older population, elevation of PP was not associated with dementia development (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.95–1.01, p=0.247) Conclusion PP was associated with increased risk of dementia only in middle-aged population beyond that of mean arterial pressure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on outcomes after left atrial appendage closure: lessons from the prospective LAARGE registry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinwan Kany ◽  
Johannes Brachmann ◽  
Thorsten Lewalter ◽  
Ibrahim Akin ◽  
Horst Sievert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

Abstract Background Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death. Methods Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF) against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC (LAARGE). Results A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), while HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was comparable. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77). In the three-month echo follow-up, LA thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak > 5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p = 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Non-invasive mid-term ECG monitoring for the detection of atrial fibrillation in an outpatient population

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Cai ◽  
K.K Yeo ◽  
P Wong ◽  
C.K Ching
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Monitoring Device ◽  
Ecg Monitoring ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with significant morbidity due to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Outpatient electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is an integral part of the diagnosis of AF. Conventional 24 hour Holter monitoring can be cumbersome and often fails to diagnose patients with paroxysmal AF. Spyder ECG is a non-invasive ECG monitoring device that allows wireless transmission of ECG information for analysis. It is small and comfortable, allowing for easy application for the screening and detection of AF over a mid-term duration. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the incidence of AF in patients with no prior AF and CHADsVASC score of at least 1 with the use of the Spyder ECG mid-term ECG monitoring device. Methods Patients aged 21 to 85 years old with no prior history of AF and CHADsVASC score of at least 1 were recruited from outpatient clinics of 3 large tertiary hospitals in Singapore from December 2016 to April 2019. Patients wore the Spyder ECG device for up to 2 weeks, during which continuous ECG information was uploaded onto a central cloud database and analysed. Results There were 363 patients recruited. The mean age was 61±10.0 years and 65.1% were male. There were 80.3% Chinese, 11.6% Malay, 7.5% Indian and 20.6% of other races. 68.3% of the patients were non-smokers and 74.0% of them were non-alcohol drinkers. The mean BMI of 25.5±4.7 kg/m2. The patient population had significant co-morbidities. 76.3% of the patients had hypertension, 69.4% of them had hyperlipidemia and 40.5% of them had diabetes mellitus. 10.0% of them had congestive cardiac failure and 56.7% had ischaemic heart disease. 11.3% of patients had a previous stroke and 20.4% had a prior myocardial infarction. 7.8% of the patients had asthma, 5.8% of them had thyroid disease and 9.9% of them had chronic kidney disease. They were monitored for a mean of 5.4±2.9 days each. There were 15 (4.1%) patients in whom AF was detected. The patients with AF wore the device for a mean of 5.7±2.0 SD days. The mean burden of AF was 9.0% of monitored time. 46.7% of the patients with AF had detection of AF on the first day, 26.7% on the second day, 13.3% on the third day and 13.3% on the seventh day. The mean duration of the first episode of AF was 251±325 minutes. 7 out of 15 (46.7%) of patients had first episodes of AF lasting less than 10 minutes. Conclusion Continuous mid-term ECG monitoring was able to detect AF in 15 (4.1%) of a population of 363 patients with no prior AF and CHADsVASC score of at least one, monitored for a mean of 5.4 days. Most episodes (53.3%) of AF were detected after the first day of ECG monitoring. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore

scholarly journals Sacubitril/valsartan reduces atrial fibrillation and supraventricular arrhythmias in patients with HFrEF and remote monitoring: preliminary data from the SAVE THE RHYTHM

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Guerra ◽  
L Pimpini ◽  
M Flori ◽  
D Contadini ◽  
G Stronati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Premature Ventricular Contractions ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Neprilysin Inhibitor ◽  
History Of ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Sacubitril/valsartan, the first combined angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, has demonstrated a significant benefit compared to angiotensin inhibitor in decreasing ventricular arrhythmias and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). At present, there is no study which evaluates the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on the supraventricular arrhythmic burden in HFrEF patients with an ICD or cardiac resynchronisation therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) and remote monitoring. Purpose To evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on the supraventricular arrhythmic burden in HFrEF patients with an ICD or CRTD and remote monitoring. Methods The SAVETHERHYTHM ((SAacubitril Valsartan rEal-world registry evaluating THE arRHYTHMia burden in HFrEF patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a multicentre, observational, prospective registry enrolling all patients with HFrEF, ICD or CRT-D actively followed through remote monitoring and starting treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. All patients are followed-up for at least one year after sacubitril/valsartan start. The primary endpoint is the mean number of sustained atrial tachycardia or atrial fibrillation (AT/AF) episodes per month. Secondary endpoints include the total burden of AT/AF (defined as the percentage of time in AT/AF per day), the mean number of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) per hour and the percentage of biventricular pacing per day (in patients with CRT-D). All primary and secondary endpoints are collected through remote monitoring. Results At the time of the first ad interim analysis, 60 patients (85.2% male, age 69±10 years) were consecutively enrolled. After treatment with sacubitril/valsartan, patients with at least one episode of AT/AF per month decreased from 32.8% to 21.3% (p=0.015). A significant decrease in number of AT/AF episodes (from 4.3 to 1.2 per year), in AT/AF burden (from 12% to 9%) and in number of PVC (from 83 to 74 per hour) were seen in patients with a previous diagnosis of paroxysmal or persistent AF (n=15; all p<0.05). Patients with permanent AF (n=7) experienced no benefits from sacubitril/valsartan therapy in terms of arrhythmic burden reduction. Patients with no previous history of AF (n=38) showed a decrease in number of AT/AF episodes (from 2.0 to 0.8 per year) and in number of PVC (from 77 to 49 per hour, all p<0.05). No new diagnosis of clinical AF was made after starting treatment with sacubitrl/valsartan, and patients with subclinical AT/AF episodes decreased from 8% to 3%. Conclusions Preliminary data suggest that therapy with sacubitril/valsartan could decrease arrhythmic burden in patients with non-permanent AF and reduce subclinical AT/AF episodes in patients with no history of AF. No positive effect has been noted in patients with permanent AF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Abstract 14: The Influence of Provider Specialty on Anticoagulation Prescription Fills and Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With History of Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley T O’Neal ◽  
J’Neka Claxton ◽  
Richard MacLehose ◽  
Lin Chen ◽  
Lindsay G Bengtson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Reduced Risk ◽  
History Of Cancer

Background: Early cardiology involvement within 90 days of atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis is associated with greater likelihood of oral anticoagulant use and a reduced risk of stroke. Due to variation in cardiovascular care for patients with cancer, it is possible that a similar association does not exist for AF patients with cancer. Methods: We examined the association of early cardiology involvement with oral anticoagulation use among non-valvular AF patients with history of cancer (past or active), using data from 388,045 patients (mean age=68±15 years; 59% male) from the MarketScan database (2009-2014). ICD-9 codes in any position were used to identify cancer diagnosis prior to AF diagnosis. Provider specialty and filled anticoagulant prescriptions 3 months prior to and 6 months after AF diagnosis were obtained. Poisson regression models were used to compute the probability of an oral anticoagulant prescription fill and Cox regression was used to estimate the risk of stroke and major bleeding. Results: A total of 64,016 (17%) AF patients had a prior history of cancer. Cardiology involvement was less likely to occur among patients with history of cancer than those without (relative risk=0.92, 95% confidence interval (0.91, 0.93)). Similar differences were observed for cancers of the colon (0.90 (0.88, 0.92)), lung (0.76 (0.74, 0.78)), pancreas (0.74 (0.69, 0.80)), and hematologic system (0.88 (0.87, 0.90)), while no differences were observed for breast or prostate cancers. Patients with cancer were less likely to fill prescriptions for anticoagulants (0.89 (0.88, 0.90)) than those without cancer, and similar results were observed for cancers of the colon, lung, prostate, pancreas, and hematologic system. However, patients with cancer were more likely to fill prescriptions for anticoagulants (1.48 (1.45, 1.52)) if seen by a cardiology provider, regardless of cancer type. A reduced risk of stroke (hazard ratio=0.89 (0.81, 0.99)) was observed among all cancer patients who were seen by a cardiology provider than among those who were not, without an increased risk of bleeding (1.04 (0.95, 1.13)). Conclusion: AF patients with cancer were less likely to see a cardiologist, and less likely to fill an anticoagulant prescription than AF patients without cancer. However, cardiology involvement was associated with increased anticoagulant prescription fills and reduced risk of stroke, suggesting a beneficial role for cardiology providers to improve outcomes in AF patients with history of cancer.

684 Cardiac troponins and adverse outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EORP atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marrco Vitolo ◽  
Vincenzo Livio Malavasi ◽  
Marco Proietti ◽  
Igor Diemberger ◽  
Laurent Fauchier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cardiac Troponins

Abstract Aims Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear. To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine clinical practice and to evaluate the association of elevated levels of cTn with adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients. Methods and results Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into three groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), and (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism/any acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints. 10 445 (94.1%) AF patients were included in this analysis [median age 71 years, interquartile range (IQR): 63–77; males 59.7%]. cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). Overall, cTn was elevated in 904 (8.7%) and in-range in 1930 (18.5%) patients. Patients in whom cTn was tested tended to be younger (P < 0.001) and more frequently presenting with first detected AF and atypical AF-related symptoms (i.e. chest pain, dyspnoea, or syncope) (P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. After a median follow-up of 730 days (IQR: 692–749), 957 (9.7%) composite endpoints occurred while all-cause death was 9.5%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative risk for both outcomes in patients with elevated cTn levels (Figure) (Log Rank tests, P < 0.001). On adjusted Cox regression analysis, elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–2.16] and all-cause death (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21–1.74). Elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher occurrence of MACE, all-cause death, any ACS, CV death and hospital readmission even after the exclusion of patients with history of CAD, diagnosis of ACS at discharge, those who underwent coronary revascularization during the admission and/or who were treated with oral anticoagulants plus antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions Elevated cTn levels were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events, even after exclusion of CAD patients. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

Comparison Of Drugs in Patients Using New Generation Anticoagulants

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (14) ◽  
pp. 56-67
Author(s):  
Arslan Say ◽  
Abdülkadir ÇAKMAK ◽  
Gökhan KESKİN ◽  
Erdinç PELİT ◽  
Yılmaz ÖZBAY
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Anticoagulant Drugs ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
N 93 ◽  
New Generation

Aim: New generation anticoagulants rapidly find a wider area of use in the clinic due to the use problems of other oral anticoagulants. Anticoagulants such as Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Apixaban with safer treatment intervals have been accepted in clinical practice guidelines and have taken their place as preferred drugs. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively examine the effects of three new-generation anticoagulant drugs on a group of patients. Material and Methods: In this retrospectively planned study, patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (n = 522) were divided into three groups according to the drugs used for treatment (Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Apixaban). Routine blood values of the patients in each group were retrospectively scanned according to age, gender, time of drug initiation and presence of chronic disease. Results: According to the results obtained, it was found that the mean HCT, BUN, AST, ALT, MPV, Iron, and Ferritin were higher in patients using Apixaban than those using Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban drugs, but the age, average values of Hgb1 Hgb2, Hgb1, PLT, CrCl, Gfr and INR of the patients using Apixaban lower than those using Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban. The highest rate (22.5%) was found in the group of patients taking apixaban (n=93) when people taking the drugs were examined in terms of mortality. Conclusion: It has been observed that Rivaroxaban can be used more safely in patients with a history of acute cancer and thrombosis, patients with recurrent venous thromboembolism, and patients with high frailty, three drugs should be preferred instead of oral anticoagulants.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Atrial Fibrillation in a Multi-Ethnic Society: The Impact of Racial Differences in Bahrain

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. OJCS.S8032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taysir Garadah ◽  
Saleh Gabani ◽  
Mohamed Al Alawi ◽  
Ahmed Abu-Taleb
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Clinical Events ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Background The prevalence and epidemiological data of atrial fibrillation (AF) among multi-ethnic populations is less well studied worldwide. Aim Evaluation of the prevalence and predisposing factors of AF in patients who were admitted to acute medical emergencies (ER) in Bahrain over the period of one year. Methods Two hundred and fifty three patients with onset of AF were studied. The mean difference of biochemical data and clinical characteristics between Middle Eastern (ME) and sub continental (SC) patients was evaluated. The odds ratio of different predisposing factors for the development of clinical events in AF patients was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Out of 7,450 patients that were admitted to ER over one year, 253 had AF based on twelve leads Electrocardiogram (ECG), with prevalence of 3.4%. In the whole study, the mean age was 59.45 ± 18.27 years, with 164 (65%) male. There were 150 ME patients (59%), and 107 (41%) SC, 55 (22%) were Indian (IND) and 48 (19%) were South Asian (SA). In the whole study clinical presentation was of 48% for palpitation, pulmonary edema was of 14%, angina pectoris on rest of 12%, 10% had embolic phenomena, 6% had dizziness, and 7% were asymptomatic. The odds ratio of different variables for occurrence of clinical events in the study was positive of 2.2 for history of hypertension, 1.8 for sickle cell disease, 1.2 for high body mass index (BMI) >30, 1.1 for mitral valve disease. The ME patients, compared with SC, were older, had significantly higher body mass index, higher history of rheumatic valve disease, sickle cell disease with high level of uric acid and lower hemoglobin. The history of hypertension, DM and smoking was higher among the SC patients. The rate of thyroid disease was equal in both groups. Conclusion The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 3.4% with male predominance of 65%. Patients of sub continental origin were younger with a significantly high history of hypertension and ischemic heart disease. The patients of Middle Eastern origin had significantly high rate of rheumatic heart disease, and sickle cell disease. The history of hypertension was the most important independent clinical predictor of adverse events in patients presented with AF.

scholarly journals Call for Emergency Room Guidelines to Identify Hyperthyroid Patients Prior to Contrast Imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A922-A923
Author(s):  
Sandhya Bassin ◽  
Louis F Amorosa
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Contrast Imaging ◽  
Iodinated Contrast ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hyperthyroid Patients

Abstract Background: Thyrotoxicosis can be mistaken for conditions such as atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolism (PE) given the nonspecific symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, and dyspnea. Patients often undergo further imaging on presentation to the emergency room (ER), many of which use iodine for contrast. This can put patients at increased risk for iodine induced hyperthyroidism and delay definitive treatment in patients with Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Clinical Case: A 53-year-old male with history of hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation, and prior PE presented with palpitations to the ER. He developed worsening dyspnea on exertion and palpitations over the last three days. He was unable to afford his medications, including methimazole, for the last nine months. In the ER he was in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Due to concern for PE, he underwent a CTA with contrast, which was negative. His physical exam was notable for a diffusely enlarged goiter. His labs showed low TSH <0.01 (norm 0.35-5.50mIU/L) and high free T4 >7.77 (norm 0.9-1.8ng/dL). TSH stimulating antibodies were elevated at 1.9 (norm <1.3 TSI index), consistent with Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Endocrinology was then consulted for severe thyrotoxicosis, initially treating the patient with PTU and propranolol. The patient was transitioned to methimazole and continued propranolol on discharge. Since he was given contrast, plan was for repeat thyroid uptake scan and iodine ablation in 3 months. However, patient was not compliant with medications, resulting in readmission for thyrotoxicosis 3 months later. Conclusion: This case highlights the impact of increased use of contrast in imaging in hyperthyroid patients. Hyperthyroid patients are at an increased risk for emboli. However, iodine can cause contrast-induced hyperthyroidism and delay definitive treatment of Graves’ disease. As almost half of thyrotoxic patients receive iodinated contrast prior to an endocrine consultation, endocrinologists should work with emergency physicians to develop a set of guidelines to identify at risk populations for hyperthyroidism (1). We advocate for urgent thyroid testing in patients with new onset atrial fibrillation, a history of Graves’ disease, specific symptoms of Graves’, or those taking thyrotoxic-inducing medications. This will assist in determining if patients should receive a prophylactic dose of anti-thyroid medication prior to iodinated contrast imaging. These guidelines can help prevent contrast induced hyperthyroidism and disruptions in treatment of Graves’ while still imaging patients for other diagnoses on the differential. Reference: (1) Giacomini A, et al. Urgent thyroid-stimulating hormone testing in emergency medicine: A useful tool? J Emerg Med. 2015;49(4):481-487.

scholarly journals Does Parkinson's Disease Increase the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation? Insights From Electrocardiogram and Risk Scores From a Case-Control Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Alves ◽  
Ana Mafalda Abrantes ◽  
Gonçalo Portugal ◽  
M. Manuela Cruz ◽  
Sofia Reimão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Wave Duration ◽  
P Wave Duration ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Control Study

Background: Previous studies suggested that Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients could have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, data supporting this association is not robust. We aimed to compare the potential risk of atrial fibrillation associated with PD in an age and gender matched case-control study, comparing the p-wave indexes from electrocardiograms and clinical risk scores among groups.Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was performed. All subjects included in the analysis were clinically evaluated and subjected to a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Two blinded independent raters measured the p-wave duration. Subjects were classified as having normal P-wave duration (<120 ms), partial IAB (P-wave duration ≥ 120 ms, positive in inferior leads), and advanced IAB (p-wave duration ≥ 120 ms with biphasic morphology in inferior leads). Atrial fibrillation risk scores (CHARGE-AF, HATCH, and HAVOC) were calculated.Results: From 194 potential participants, three were excluded from the control group due to a previous diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Comparing the PD patients (n = 97) with controls (n = 95), there were no statistically significant differences regarding the mean p-wave duration (121 ms vs. 122 ms, p = 0.64) and proportion of advanced interatrial block (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 0.37–5.80, p = 0.58). All patients had a low or medium risk of developing atrial fibrillation based on the clinical scores. There were no differences between the PD patients and controls regarding the mean values of CHARGE-AF, HATCH, and HAVOC.Conclusions: Our results do not support the hypothesis that PD patients have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation based on the p-wave predictors and atrial fibrillation clinical scores.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document