A nurse's impact on patients living with atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Helen Eftekhari
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Care Outcomes ◽  
President Elect ◽  
Tremendous Impact

As we mark Global Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week from 16-22 November 2021, BANCC president elect Helen Eftekhari reflects on the current evidence and the tremendous impact that cardiovascular nurses can have on care outcomes

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 Cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: current evidence, practical considerations, and controversies in a complex clinical scenario

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Boriani ◽  
Niccolò Bonini ◽  
Alessandro Albini ◽  
Andrea Venturelli ◽  
Jacopo Francesco Imberti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Clinical Scenario ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Onset Atrial Fibrillation

scholarly journals Comparative adherence between DOAC and VKA in patients with atrial fibrillation: a 23-year retrospective observational study in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Salmasi ◽  
A Safari ◽  
M.A De Vera ◽  
L Lynd ◽  
M Koehoorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Drug Class ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Medication Discontinuation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rolling Windows ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background A recent systematic review highlighted significant gaps in the evidence on atrial fibrillation (AF) patients' adherence to oral anticoagulants (OAC). Current evidence suffers from short follow-up times, focuses on the first OAC and does not take switching into account. There is also lack of observational data on adherence to warfarin due to its varying dose that complicates the calculations. As such there is lack of evidence on comparative adherence between VKAs and DOACs and whether the convenience of DOACs translates into better adherence in AF patients. Purpose Our objective was to measure AF patients' long-term OAC adherence and compare the impact of taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKA) on adherence, while accounting for switching. Methods Using linked, population-based administrative data containing physician billings, hospitalization and prescription records of 4.8 million British Columbians (1996–2019), incident adult cases of AF were identified. The primary measure of adherence was proportion of days covered (PDC). Consecutive rolling 90-day windows were created for each patient starting from their first OAC prescription fill date until the end of their follow-up. The PDC for each 90-day rolling window was calculated and averaged to yield mean adherence over the follow-up period for each patient. Permanent medication discontinuation resulted in a PDC of 0 for all subsequent rolling windows after their supply ran out. As such, both poor execution and non-persistence were measured simultaneously. The association between drug class and adherence was assessed using generalized mixed effect linear regression models with drug class treated as time-varying covariate to account for switching. Results The study cohort was 30,264 AF patients [mean age 72.2 years (SD11.0), 44.6% female, mean CHA2DS2-VASc 2.94 (SD1.4)] with mean follow-up of 7.7 (SD 4.8) years. The mean PDC was 0.71 (SD 0.27) with 51% of the cohort having mean PDC values below the conventional threshold of adherence (PDC<0.8). Adherence dropped over time with the greatest decline in the first two years after therapy initiation. After controlling for all other confounders and accounting for switching, taking VKA compared to DOAC was, on average, associated with a 1-day decrease in number of days of medication-taking per year. Conclusion AF patients' OAC adherence was below the conventional threshold of 0.8, and dropped over time, particularly in the first two years. Drug class had no clinically meaningful impact on medication adherence. Our study highlights the need for effective adherence interventions particularly early in OAC therapy. Our findings also emphasizes that prescribers should not assume inherently better adherence for DOACs and should instead choose OAC in conversation with the patient and in accordance with their values and preferences. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant

Abstract 18881: New Oral Anticoagulants for Periprocedural Management of Anticoagulation in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: a Meta-analysis

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Shokor Parwani ◽  
Daniel Blaschke ◽  
Alexander Wutzler ◽  
Martin Huemer ◽  
Phillip Attanasio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Minor Bleeding ◽  
Warfarin Group

Introduction: Thromboembolic events are the most feared complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). The traditional periprocedural anticoagulation approach is discontinuation of vitamin K antagonist and bridging with heparin. Newly procedures are done under therapeutic INR 2-3. Recent studies used periprocedural new direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Hypothesis: We evaluated the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of NOACs for periprocedural anticoagulation during RFCA of AF. Methods: Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Central were searched. Retrospective and prospective studies published as peer-reviewed full-size articles were included if they reported embolic events and major and minor bleeding. Results: Fifteen studies were identified (14 observational studies, 1 small randomized trial). A total of 7050 patients were included (NOACs group: 2887 ). A total of 37 thromboembolic complications occurred (0,5%) with 17 events in the NOAC group (0,6%) and 20 in the warfarin group (0,5%) (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 1.99). Major bleeding were numerically higher in the warfarin group compared to the NOACs group. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio 0.69, CI 0.43 to 1.10). Subgroup analysis did not reveal any differences in event rates. Conclusions: Our review suggests that dabigatran etexilate and rivaroxaban are as effective and safe as warfarin for periprocedural anticoagulation in patients undergoing RFCA of AF. However, it has to be acknowledged that the current evidence is mainly based on observational studies.

scholarly journals Clinical Applications of Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masako Baba ◽  
Kentaro Yoshida ◽  
Masaki Ieda
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Natriuretic Peptides ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Clinical Prognosis ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Artery Disease

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have become important diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in heart failure (HF). Diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation (AF) can also be guided by NP levels. When interpreting NP levels, however, the caveat is that age, sex, body mass index, renal dysfunction, and race affect the clearance of NPs, resulting in different cut-off values in clinical practice. In AF, NP levels have been associated with incident AF in the general population, recurrences after catheter ablation, prediction of clinical prognosis, and the risk of stroke. In this article, we first review and summarize the current evidence and the roles of B-type NP and atrial NP in HF and coronary artery disease and then focus on the increasing utility of NPs in the diagnosis and management of and the research into AF.

scholarly journals Reticulated Platelets in Medicine: Current Evidence and Further Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3737
Author(s):  
Noé Corpataux ◽  
Kilian Franke ◽  
Alexander Kille ◽  
Christian Marc Valina ◽  
Franz-Josef Neumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
P2y12 Inhibitors ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Reticulated Platelets ◽  
Cardiovascular Patients ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
The Impact

Reticulated platelets (RPs) are young thrombocytes, newly released from the bone marrow. The identification and quantification of these cells remained difficult for decades due to a lack of standardized preanalytical and analytical methods. With the introduction of automated hematology analyzers in clinical routine, the determination of RPs, either as a total count or as a fraction, became more reliable, faster and more affordable. Currently, RPs are the focus of research in multiple clinical settings. In cardiovascular medicine, recent studies have focused on the relationship between RPs, coronary artery disease (CAD) and clinical outcomes, as well as the impact of RPs on the effects of antiplatelet therapy. Cohort studies showed increased levels of RPs in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or cardioembolic stroke. In patients with ACS, increased levels of RPs were also associated with an increased incidence of major ischemic cardiovascular events during follow-up. Further studies showed an association of levels of RPs with the antiplatelet response to less-potent P2Y12 inhibitors. In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation, levels of RPs differed significantly depending on the achieved rhythm (sinus rhythm vs. recurrent atrial fibrillation). Levels of RPs appear to also be predictive for bleeding events in patients with various hematological diagnoses. Although no causal relationship has so far been proven, RP values have been associated with a large number of pathologies and clinical scenarios. This review summarizes the current evidence with regard to RPs and their potential diagnostic and prognostic value for noncardiovascular patients and for cardiovascular patients in particular. It describes further perspectives on how the testing of these cells might improve the treatment of cardiovascular patients.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Where Are We Now?

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 884-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan G. D’Angelo ◽  
Thaddeus McGiness ◽  
Laura H. Waite
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ◽  
Triple Therapy ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Coronary Intervention ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Percutaneous Coronary

Objective: To synthesize the literature and provide guidance to practitioners regarding double therapy (DT) and triple therapy (TT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data Sources: PubMed and MEDLINE (January 2000 to February 2018) were searched using the following terms: atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention, anticoagulation, dual-antiplatelet therapy, clopidogrel, aspirin, ticagrelor, prasugrel, and triple therapy. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The results included randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials and meta-analyses. Each study was reported based on study design, population, intervention, comparator, and key cardiovascular (CV) and bleeding outcomes. Data Synthesis: A total of 15 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies evaluating DT and TT utilized clopidogrel and warfarin as components of the regimen, although there are emerging data with newer agents. Evidence purporting DT regimens to be equally effective in preventing CV events and improved safety profiles compared with TT regimens included populations with relatively low risk for recurrent CV events, and many of these studies were observational in nature. Overall, current evidence as well as American and European guidelines support the use of TT in patients with AF who require PCI for the least possible amount of time, depending on patient-specific factors involving bleeding and thrombosis. Conclusions: In the majority of patients with AF who require PCI, TT should be used for the shortest period of time possible. DT regimens may be used in patients requiring PCI who have low risk for thrombosis and/or high bleeding risk.

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