Abstract WP258: Effectiveness of Detection Asymptomatic Episodes of Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure Patients With Cardioverter Defibrillator

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Dominik ◽  
Wojciech Zorawski ◽  
Ilona Kowalik ◽  
Adam Ciesielski ◽  
Przemyslaw Mitkowski
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Intracardiac Electrogram ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators due to the possibility of continuous recording of intracardiac electrograms can detect episodes of atrial fibrillation. In practice, this allows better identification of patients with asymptomatic AF episodes, thus increasing the proportion of patients who may benefit from pharmacological prophylaxis of thromboembolic events, particularly stroke. Hypothesis: If intracardiac electrogram analysis should be part of each visit carried out in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator, how much of detected episodes of atrial fibrillation is asymptomatic. Methods: The study included 174 consecutive outpatient cases with heart failure, sinus rhythm and implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy with Defibrillator. Control visits with analysis intracardiac electrograms records occurred every three months. Each AF episode stored in the device’s memory lasting at least 30 seconds was considered an episode of atrial fibrillation. A symptomatic episode was considered when arrhythmia led to ICD shock, heart deterioration, collapse or fainting, palpitations, weakness, chest pain or shortness of breath accompanied by a feeling of irregular heartbeat. During mean follow-up of 20 months, 901 visits were carried out. 147 patients had at least one year of follow-up. Results: Atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes in the study occurred in 54 (31.0%) patients. Of the 241 atrial fibrillation episodes recorded in the device’s memory, 71.4% were asymptomatic. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of new episodes of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.384) in the study group with a history of stroke or transient ischemic episodes during follow-up. However, asymptomatic AF episodes were more common in stroke patients (P = 0.0074). In the time of observation in the whole group of patients there were no new strokes and transient ischemic attack. Conclusion: In conclusion, detection of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes based on intracardiac electrocardiogram records is effective method. In the study group, such episodes were up 71.4% of all newly detected AF episodes.

scholarly journals DIAGNOSIS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR OR CARDIAC RESYNCHRONISATION THERAPY.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Dominik ◽  
Mitkowski Przemyslaw ◽  
Wojciech Zorawski ◽  
Ilona Kowalik ◽  
Adam Ciesielski
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Cardiac Resynchronisation ◽  
Resynchronisation Therapy

IntroductionImplantable cardioverter defibrillators register various types of arrhythmias. Thus they can be exploited to better identify patients with atrial fibrillation episodes and increase the proportion of patients who may benefit from implementation of pharmacological prophylaxis of thromboembolic events, most of which it turns out are asymptomatic.Material and methodsAssessment of the frequency, symptoms and predisposing factors for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation episodes in patients with implanted ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) and CRT-D (cardiac resynchronisation therapy with defibrillator) based on the analysis of intracardiac electrocardiograms (IEGM) records. The study included 174 consecutive outpatient cases with heart failure, sinus rhythm and Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy with Defibrillator. Control visits with analysis of IEGM records occurred every three months. During mean follow-up of 20 months, 901 visits were carried out. 147 patients had at least one year of follow-up.ResultsAtrial fibrillation episodes in the study group occurred in 54 (31.0%) of patients and 71.4% were asymptomatic. Predisposing factors were: history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (37.0% vs 13.3%, p ˂ 0.001), atrioventricular conduction abnormalities (42.6% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.002), intraventricular conduction abnormalities (59.3% vs 40.8%, p = 0.02) and more severe mitral regurgitation (7.4% vs 0.8%, p = 0.04). Chronic renal disease was a risk factor for death in the study group. No stroke occurred during the study.ConclusionsEpisodes of paroxysmal AF in patients with systolic heart failure and implanted cardioverter-defibrillator systems are quite common. The majority of the episodes recorded in the study were asymptomatic.

Abstract 12814: Incidence of Stroke or Systemic Embolism in Paroxysmal versus Sustained Atrial Fibrillation: From the Fushimi Af Registry

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kensuke Takabayashi ◽  
Yasuhiro Hamatani ◽  
Mitsuru Ishii ◽  
Hisashi Ogawa ◽  
Masahiro Esato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Lower Incidence ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Chads2 Score ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risks of stroke. Previous studies revealed patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) have a risk of stroke similar to that in patients with sustained (persistent or permanent) AF (SAF). Methods: The Fushimi AF Registry, a community-based prospective survey, was designed to enroll all of the AF patients in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. At present, we have enrolled 3,985 patients from March 2011 to April 2014. One-year follow-up was completed in 3,189 patients as of April 2014. We compared the baseline clinical characteristics and one-year outcome between PAF (n=1,534, 48.1%) and SAF (n=1,655, 51.9%). Results: Patients with PAF were younger (PAF vs. SAF: 72.3±11.7 vs. 74.9±9.9 years; p<0.01), less likely to have a history of stroke (15.0% vs. 22.1%; p<0.01), heart failure (17.3% vs. 34.9%; p<0.01), and had lower CHADS2 score (1.82±1.29 vs. 2.22±1.35; p<0.01). During the one-year follow-up period, there was no significant difference in all-cause death (116 (7.6%) vs. 137 (8.3%); p=0.45) or major bleeding (25 (1.6%) vs. 29 (1.8%); p=0.78) between PAF and SAF. In patients with PAF, incidence of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) was less (29 (1.9%) vs. 52 (3.1%); p=0.02) and so was the hospitalization for heart failure (43 (2.8%) vs. 83 (5.0%); p<0.01). In subgroup of patients with CHADS2 score ≥2, there was no significant difference in the incidence of stroke or SE between PAF and SAF (p=0.58) (figure B). In contrast, PAF was associated with lower incidence of stroke or SE in patients with CHADS2 score 0 or 1 (p=0.02) (figure A). After the adjustment by gender and established risk factors (components of CHADS2 score) in multiple logistic regression models, PAF was independently associated with lower incidence of stroke or SE in CHADS2 score 0 or 1 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.05 to 0.72; p=0.01). Conclusion: PAF was independently associated with lower incidence of stroke or SE in low risk patients with CHADS2 score 0 or 1.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
O.M Aldaas ◽  
F Lupercio ◽  
C.L Malladi ◽  
P.S Mylavarapu ◽  
D Darden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
One Year

Abstract Background Catheter ablation improves clinical outcomes in symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the role of catheter ablation in HF patients with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is less clear. Purpose To determine the efficacy of catheter ablation of AF in patients with HFpEF relative to those with HFrEF. Methods We performed an extensive literature search and systematic review of studies that compared AF recurrence at one year after catheter ablation of AF in patients with HFpEF versus those with HFrEF. Risk ratio (RR) 95% confidence intervals were measured using the Mantel-Haenszel method for dichotomous variables, where a RR&lt;1.0 favors the HFpEF group. Results Four studies with a total of 563 patients were included, of which 312 had HFpEF and 251 had HFrEF. All patients included were undergoing first time catheter ablation of AF. Patients with HFpEF experienced similar recurrence of AF one year after ablation on or off antiarrhythmic drugs compared to those with HFrEF (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.69–1.10, p=0.24), as shown in Figure 1. Recurrence of AF was assessed with electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, and/or event monitoring at scheduled follow-up visits and final follow-up. Conclusion Based on the results of this meta-analysis, catheter ablation of AF in patients with HFpEF appears as efficacious in maintaining sinus rhythm as in those with HFrEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

P6355The behavior of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure hospitalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Fukunaga ◽  
K Hirose ◽  
A Isotani ◽  
T Morinaga ◽  
K Ando
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) is often compared with proverbial question of which came first, the chicken or the egg. Some patients showing AF at the HF admission result in restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) at discharge. It is not well elucidated that the restoration into SR during hospitalization can render the preventive effect for rehospitalization. Purpose To investigate the impact of restoration into SR during hospitalization for readmission rate of the HF patients showing AF. Methods We enrolled consecutive 640 HF patients hospitalized from January 2015 to December 2015. Patients data were retrospectively investigated from medical record. Patients showing atrial fibrillation on admission but unrecognized ever were defined as “incident AF”; patients with AF diagnosed before admission were defined as “prevalent AF”. Primary endpoint was a composite of death from cardiovascular disease or hospitalization for worsening heart failure. Secondary endpoints were death from cardiovascular disease, unplanned hospitalization related to heart failure, and any hospitalization. Results During mean follow up of 19 months, 139 patients (22%) were categorized as incident AF and 145 patients (23%) were categorized as prevalent AF. Among 239 patients showing AF on admission, 44 patients were discharged in SR (39 patients in incident AF and 5 patients in prevalent AF). Among incident AF patients, the primary composite end point occurred in significantly fewer in those who discharged in SR (19% vs. 42% at 1-year; 23% vs. 53% at 2-year follow-up, p=0.005). To compare the risk factors related to readmission due to HF with the cox proportional-hazards model, AF only during hospitalization [Hazard Ratio (HR)=0.37, p<0.01] and prevalent AF (HR=1.67, p=0.04) was significantly associated. There was no significant difference depending on LVEF. Conclusion Newly diagnosed AF with restoration to SR during hospitalization was a good marker to forecast future prognosis.

Prognosis of new-onset of atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome: Portuguese experience

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Santos ◽  
M Santos ◽  
I Almeida ◽  
H Miranda ◽  
C Sa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
The Other ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Group A ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group B ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common diseases in developed countries and in some cases, the first episode of AF can occur during the ACS. A stressful event like an ACS can be a trigger for AF, being important to realize its impact and prognosis in the short and long term. Objective Evaluate the impact and prognosis of new-onset AF in ACS. Methods Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients without new-onset AF, and B – patients that presented new onset of AF. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data during the admission and the follow-up period. Logistic regression was performed to assess if new-onset AF in ACS was a predictor of major adverse cardiac events and mortality. Kaplan-Meier test was performed to establish the survival rates and re-admission for one year of follow up. Results 9687 patients suffered ACS and had follow-up at 1 year, 9264 in group A (95.6%) and 423 in group B (4.4%). Both groups were similar regarding dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, previous coronary artery disease, multivessel disease after the cardiac catheterization. Group A had more smokers (28.2 vs 17.8%, p &lt; 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &gt;50% (69.2 vs 45.1%, p &lt; 0.001). On the other hand, group B was elderly (67 ± 14 vs 75 ± 12, p &lt; 0.001), female (26.9 vs 34.0%, p &lt; 0.001), arterial hypertension (70.5 vs 77.5%, p = 0.005), was more admitted directly to the cat lab (12.5 vs 17.7%, p = 0.002), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (40.2 vs 49.9%, p &lt; 0.001), Killip-Kimball classification &gt; I (12.8 vs 34.8%, p &lt; 0.001) and hybrid revascularization (0.7 vs 2.4%, p = 0.002). Logistic regression revealed that new-onset of AF in ACS patients was a predictor of congestive heart failure (odds ratio (OR) 1.75, p &lt; 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.47-2.09), cardiogenic shock (OR 3.08, p &lt; 0.001, CI 2.37-4.01), sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 2.29, p &lt; 0.001, CI 1.61-3.25) and intrahospital mortality (OR 1.99, p &lt; 0.001, CI 1.51-2.63). Nevertheless, new-onset of AF was not associated with re-infarction (p = 0.361), mechanical complications (p = 0.319), atrioventricular block (p = 0.574), stroke (p = 0.131) and cardiac arrest (p = 0.060) during the hospitalization for ACS. Mortality rates at one year of follow-up showed significant differences, p &lt; 0.001, between the two groups (Figure 1). Similar results were found concerning re-admission for all causes, p = 0.021 (Figure 2), on the other causes, re-admission for cardiovascular causes do not reveal to be significant, p = 0.515. Conclusions New-onset of AF in ACS was a predictor of congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sustained ventricular tachycardia and intrahospital mortality. AF was associated with higher mortality rates and re-admission for all causes at one year follow up.

Abstract 16894: Utilization of H2FPEF to Predict One-Year Mortality in Decompensated Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Saith ◽  
anuragh trikha ◽  
Tamta Chkhikvadze ◽  
Ciril Khorolsky ◽  
June Ha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Receiver Operating Curve ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
One Year

Background: The H2FPEF score is a validated scoring system to determine whether dyspnea may be due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Recent evidence has suggested that H2FPEF scoring system may correlate with outcomes in established HFpEF. Its utilization for estimating mortality in patients who die within one year of discharge is not known. Methods: We collected clinical demographics and echocardiographic parameters from reports to calculate H2FPEF scores for 301 patients admitted with decompensated HFpEF between August 2016 and 2017. Patients were included if an echocardiographic report was available within 3 months, confirming an ejection fraction > 50%. E/E’ and filling pressures were scored as 0 if not recorded in the echocardiographic report. Results: Median age was 81 years (IQR: 71-89), with 62.9% female. One-year follow-up was confirmed for 268 patients, with 56 deaths (20.9%). Receiver operating curve analysis suggest borderline significance of H2FPEF in predicting one-year mortality (area under curve, 0.576, 95% CI: 0.493-0.658, p=0.073). Optimal H2FPEF cutpoint score was 4.5 (73% sensitivity, 50% specificity). On univariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) > 30, hypertension, atrial fibrillation (p<0.001) and pulmonary artery systemic pressure > 35 mmHg (p=0.038) were associated with one-year mortality. On stepwise logistic regression, only BMI > 30 and atrial fibrillation remained associated with mortality in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The utilization of H2FPEF in established HFpEF might confer some ability to predict one-year mortality, driven by obesity (2 points) and atrial fibrillation (3 points). Validation in larger cohorts with longer follow-up is necessary to establish its potential role in discharge planning and transitions of care of decompensated HFpEF.

P1954Prognostic value of the CHADS2 score for adverse cardiovascular events in acute myocardial infarction patients without atrial fibrillation: J-MINUET Substudy

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Motozato ◽  
K Sakamoto ◽  
K Tsujita ◽  
K Nakao ◽  
Y Ozaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Chads2 Score ◽  
Intermediate Point ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background The CHADS2score has mainly been used to predict the likelihood of cerebrovascular accidents in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, increasing attention is being paid to this scoring system for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the value of the CHADS2 score in predicting cardiovascular events in Japanese acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients without atrial fibrillation. Methods To elucidate the prognostic value of CHADS2score in AMI patients, we analysed data of the Japanese registry of acute Myocardial INfarction diagnosed by Universal dEfiniTion (J-MINUET). This was a prospective and multicenter registry consisting of 3,283 AMI patients, who were hospitalized within 48-hours of onset from July 2012 to March 2014. We calculated the CHADS2 scores for 3,044 patients without clinical evidence of atrial fibrillation. The presence of heart failure was substituted by Killip classification>2 on admission. Clinical follow-up data was obtained for 3 years. In addition to the in-hospital mortality,we evaluated cardiovascular events, defined as all cause deathor non-fatal MI during 3-year follow up periods. Results In this study, enrolled patients were classified into low- (point 0–1), intermediate- (point 2–3), and high-score (point 4–6) groups by calculating CHADS2 score. Overall patients with low, intermediate and high score were divided into 1,395, 1,393 and 256 patients, respectively. In-hospital mortality among low, intermediate, and high score groups were 2.8%, 7.4% and 14.8%, respectively (P<0.001). The incidence of cardiovascular eventsamong low, intermediate, and high score groups were 7.8%, 16.3%, 29.3%, respectively (P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference between the groups (Figure). The event rates were significantly higher in both high score and intermediate score group than in low score group (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis identified CHADS2 score (per 1 point) as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in addition to chronic kidney disease and lower body mass index. (hazard ratio, 1.344; 95% CI, 1.239–1.459; P<0.001). Among the factors constituting CHADS2 score, heart failure and age were identified as independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. With respect to the cardiovascular event during 3 years, heart failure, age, and previous stroke were revealed as significant independent predictors. Conclusion This large cohort study indicated that the CHADS2 score is useful for the prediction of in-hospital mortality and the cardiovascular events during 3-year follow up in Japanese AMI patients without atrial fibrillation.

Abstract 2445: Comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Strategies for Paroxysmal patients presenting to the Electrophysiology Laboratory In atrial fibrillation

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Di Biase ◽  
Claude S. Elayi ◽  
Chi Keong Ching ◽  
Richard Hongo ◽  
Steven Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Single Procedure ◽  
Atrial Ablation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year ◽  
Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms

BACKGROUND : Whether different ablation strategies affect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) termination mode and long term cure is unclear. We compared the effect of different ablation strategies on the AF termination and long term success in patients with parox-AF presenting to the electrophysiology laboratory in AF. METHODS : One hundred and three (103) consecutive patients with parox-AF scheduled for AF ablation presenting in the lab in AF were selected for this study. The patients were randomized to PVAI only (35 pts) versus bi-atrial ablation of the complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE defragmentation) including the coronary sinus (34 pts) versus CFAE followed by PVAI (34 pts) Modes of AF termination were: conversion to SR, organization into AT or persistence of AF requiring cardioversion following ablation. RESULTS are summarized below: There was no significant difference between the groups in term of sex, age, AF duration, LA size and EF. Follow up after a single procedure with AAD is summarized below CONCLUSION : Defragmentation alone had the smallest impact on both acute AF termination and one year follow-up cure rate. No difference in terms of acute and chronic success was seen between PVAI alone and PVAI asoociated with defragmentation. This suggests that PV isolation is critical to cure AF in paroxysmal AF and that adjunctive strategies have minimal impact on cure rate and should not be considered in all patients.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Cryoballoon versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients and Predictors of Arrhythmia Recurrence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tauseef Akhtar ◽  
Usama Daimee ◽  
Bhradeev Sivasambu ◽  
Erica Hart ◽  
Eunice Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rf Ablation ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Introduction: There are limited data describing the experience of index radiofrequency (RF) vs. cryoballoon (CB) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) among elderly patients in the United States. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients > 75 years of age undergoing index AF ablation between January 2010 and March 2019 at our center. Major complications and efficacy, defined as freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) lasting ≥30 seconds after one year of follow-up, were assessed in patients with index RF vs. CB ablation. Predictors of ATA recurrence at 1 year follow-up were also evaluated. Results: In our cohort of 194 patients, the mean age was 78 ± 3.1 years, 58.2% were men, and 39.4% had persistent AF. The mean left atrial (LA) diameter was 4.5 ± 0.7, while the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.5 ± 1.2. The majority (n=149, 76.8%) underwent RF ablation. The incidence of complications was similar in the two sub-groups (RF: 1.3% vs. CB: 2.2%, p=0.67). No significant difference in success rate at 1-year follow-up was found between patients receiving RF vs. CB ablation (59.7% vs. 66.7%, p=0.68). In a multivariable model adjusting for the relevant covariates only LA size [HR=1.64, CI: 1.15-2.34, p<0.01] was independently associated with ATA recurrence at 1year follow-up. Conclusion: In our cohort of elderly patients undergoing index CA for AF, RF ablation was the predominant modality with similar safety and efficacy relative to CB ablation. LA size was a significant predictor of ATA recurrence at 1year independent of index ablation modality.

scholarly journals Persistent frequent attenders in primary care: case-control study comparing chronic diseases of five-year and one-year frequent attenders and features of the typical five-year frequent attenders

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Santalahti ◽  
Sinikka H. Luutonen ◽  
Tero J. Vahlberg ◽  
Päivi T. Rautava
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Frequent Attenders ◽  
One Year

Abstract Background Persistent frequent attenders have 10 or more face-to-face visits to a general practitioner (GP) within one year and they continue frequent visits for two years or more. It seems that GPs don´t recognize their persistent frequent attenders. These patients can cause frustration for GPs and furthermore patients don`t seem to get the needed help from GPs. We wanted to find out typical features of persistent frequent attenders and thus help GPs to recognize these patients and even to foresee which patients will most probably become persistent attenders in the future. Methods We used the data of 4,392 frequent attenders (FAs) from the primary healthcare centers of the study city in 2001-2006. The five-year FAs formed the study group. Patient record entries of them were scrutinized and the background variables recorded. The background variables were described in terms of means and standard deviations or frequencies and percentages. Chronic diagnoses in the study group were compared to those of the control group. The control group was randomly selected from the group of the one-year frequent attenders in 2001–2006. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare chronic diagnoses between groups. Results Out of 4,392 FAs in 2001- 2006 19.4% were FAs during two years and 1.1% during five years. In the study group, there were 65% women and 35% men and the gender distribution remained equal throughout the whole follow-up period. Their average age was 51.7 year. The study group had 15.3 self-initiated visits to a GP annually and had significantly more depression (p=0.004), epilepsy (p=0.035), heart failure (p=0.019), asthma (p=0.032), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, p=0.036) and back pain/lumbago (p=0.046) compared to the control group. Patients in the study group were referred to secondary care, on average, 20.1 times per person. Conclusion We found out that a typical persistent frequent attender was a woman at the age of 55 who had depression, low back pain, heart failure, asthma or COPD. When a GP notices this kind of a patient it might be wisdom to have extra effort with the patient and make a follow-up and treatment plan together.

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