scholarly journals Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Prevention after Electrical Cardioversion in High-Risk Patients – Benefits of Non-Antiarrhythmic Drugs

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
Baiba Kokina ◽  
Oskars Kalejs ◽  
Aija Maca ◽  
Aldis Strelnieks ◽  
Kristine Jubele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Recurrence Rate ◽  
Adjunctive Therapy ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Drugs ◽  
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Recurrence Prevention ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: Recurrence prevention after Atrial Fibrillation (AF) termination by Eelectrical Cardioversion (ECV) remains challenging. Increasing attention is paid to pathophysiological effects of non-Antiarrhythmic Drugs (non-AADs), nevertheless, with heterogeneous results. Objective: We evaluated the potential benefits of different non-AADs as adjunctive therapy to Antiarrhythmic Drugs (AADs) for AF recurrence prevention after sinus rhythm restoration by ECV in high-risk patients. Methods: The study was conducted among high-risk AF patients after successful ECV. Prescription of class IC or class III AAD was required. Data were acquired in a face-to-face baseline interview and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-month follow-up interviews. Results: 113 patients were included. Total AF recurrence rate reached 48.7%. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) intake, compared with non-use, demonstrated AF recurrence rate reduction by 8.5% (46.3 vs. 54.8%), with odds ratio (OR) reduced by 28.9% (OR 0.711, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.310-1.631, p = 0.420). Among mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) users, AF recurrence rate was reduced by 25.1% (29.6 vs. 54.7%) and OR by 65.1% (OR 0.349, 95%CI 0.138-0.884, p = 0.023). Present statin therapy reduced AF recurrence rate by 4.2% (46.8 vs. 51.0%) and OR by 15.5% (OR 0.845, 95%CI 0.402-1.774, p = 0.656). Diuretic use showed reduction of AF recurrence rate by 10.2% (41.7 vs. 51.9%) and OR by 33.9% (OR 0.661, 95%CI 0.297-1.469, p = 0.308). Conclusion: Non-AADs demonstrated practical benefits as adjunctive therapy to AADs for AF recurrence prevention after ECV in high-risk patients, with statistically significant results established for concomitant MRA intake.

Right Atrial Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (08) ◽  
pp. 895-907
Author(s):  
Nina D. Anfinogenova ◽  
Oksana Y. Vasiltseva ◽  
Alexander V. Vrublevsky ◽  
Irina N. Vorozhtsova ◽  
Sergey V. Popov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
The Right

AbstractPrompt diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) remains challenging, which often results in a delayed or inappropriate treatment of this life-threatening condition. Mobile thrombus in the right cardiac chambers is a neglected cause of PE. It poses an immediate risk to life and is associated with an unfavorable outcome and high mortality. Thrombus residing in the right atrial appendage (RAA) is an underestimated cause of PE, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation. This article reviews achievements and challenges of detection and management of the right atrial thrombus with emphasis on RAA thrombus. The capabilities of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography and advantages of three-dimensional and two-dimensional echocardiography are reviewed. Strengths of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), computed tomography, and cardiac ventriculography are summarized. We suggest that a targeted search for RAA thrombus is necessary in high-risk patients with PE and atrial fibrillation using transesophageal echocardiography and/or CMR when available independently on the duration of the disease. High-risk patients may also benefit from transthoracic echocardiography with right parasternal approach. The examination of high-risk patients should involve compression ultrasonography of lower extremity veins along with the above-mentioned technologies. Algorithms for RAA thrombus risk assessment and protocols aimed at identification of patients with RAA thrombosis, who will potentially benefit from treatment, are warranted. The development of treatment protocols specific for the diverse populations of patients with right cardiac thrombosis is important.

Long-term outcomes of Japan-specific dosage of rivaroxaban in high-risk patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: analysis from the XAPASS

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Ikeda ◽  
S Ogawa ◽  
T Kitazono ◽  
J Nakagawara ◽  
K Minematsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Reduced Dose ◽  
Risk Patients

Abstract Background XAPASS is a real-world, prospective, single-arm, observational study conducted as a post-marketing surveillance mandated by the health authority in Japan. Nowadays, direct oral anticoagulant therapy using factor Xa or thrombin inhibitor has been the standard of care for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) to prevent ischemic stroke. However, the clinical impact of reduced dosage (approved dose of 15 or 10 mg once daily in Japan is relatively reduced compared to global dosage) factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban in high-risk patients remains unclear. Purpose The present sub-analysis of XAPASS was carried out to assess long-term safety and effectiveness of reduced-dose rivaroxaban in high-risk NVAF patients for bleeding and thromboembolism. Methods All patients with NVAF who were newly started on rivaroxaban were eligible for surveillance. The principal safety outcome was a composite of major and non-major bleeding events, and the primary effectiveness outcome was a composite of ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, non-central nervous system systemic embolism (non-CNS SE), and myocardial infarction (MI). In this present sub-analysis, high-risk patients were defined as those who had two of the following three risk factors: elderly (≥75 years old), low body weight (≤50 kg), and renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min). Results In total, 11,308 patients were enrolled between April 2012 and June 2014 from 1,419 hospitals, and overall data were analysed from 10,664 patients from whom data were collected. Among them, 3,694 patients matched the criteria for the high-risk patients defined in this sub-analysis, and 6,970 patients did not match the criteria (non-high-risk patients). The mean treatment duration was 791±673 days in the high-risk patients and 944±709 days in the non-high-risk patients. Mean patient age was 80.9±5.5 years and 69.0±9.0 years at baseline, respectively. Mean CHADS2 score was 2.8 and 1.8, and CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.4 and 2.9, respectively. The rates of CHADS2 component comorbidities were lower in the non-high-risk patients except for diabetes mellitus. The incidence rates of any bleeding, major bleeding, and the primary effectiveness outcomes were 4.8, 1.6, and 2.1%/patient-year in the high-risk patients. The incidence rates of these clinical events in the non-high-risk patients were 3.3, 0.9, and 1.0%/patient-year, respectively. Conclusions Incidence rates of long-term bleeding and thromboembolism were higher in the high-risk patients than in the non-high-risk patients. However, the rates of these outcomes using the Japan-specific reduced dose were not so high. Furthermore, the balance between safety and effectiveness outcomes was within an acceptable range. The present study provides useful information for physicians to stratify high-risk patients using the reduced dose in daily clinical practice. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer Yakuhin Ltd.

Abstract 14782: Sex Comparisons in Anticoagulation Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation in a Large Rural Healthcare System

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Macaela N Rudeck ◽  
Catherine P Benziger
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Atrial Flutter ◽  
Electronic Medical Record System ◽  
Record System ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Occlusion Device ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Medical Record System ◽  
Risk Patients

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter lead to increased risk of thromboembolism (TE). The CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score is used to determine the risk of TE. Objective: We aim to evaluate the anticoagulation use across CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores calculated using a validated automatic calculator. Methods: An AF registry was created for patients with AF or atrial flutter who had seen a primary care or cardiology provider within the past 2 years (5/28/2018-5/28/2020). An automatic CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc calculator was integrated into the electronic medical record system at Essentia Health on 10/1/2019. High-risk of TE was defined as a score of ≥3 for females and a score of ≥2 for males. AF registry included demographics, anticoagulation prescription, CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and ATRIA bleed score, contraindications, and presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device. Results: A total of 10992 patients with AF or atrial flutter were included in the registry (74.8 ±11.8 years, 41.7% female). A total of 6703 (61.0%) had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score calculated (mean score 3.9 ± 1.5). Mean ATRIA bleed score was 3.0 ± 2.0. Within these patients, 90.7% of males and 93.0% of females were at high-risk of TE. Of these high-risk patients, anticoagulation use was 82.7% for females and 83.5% for males and increased with increasing score (p<0.01 for males, p<0.01 for females) (Figure 1). Overall, 36.9% were prescribed NOAC, 47.0% warfarin, and 0.8% heparin. There was no sex difference in the prescription of NOAC (37.7% male vs. 35.9% female, p=0.1). Fewer than 1% had WATCHMAN LAA device (0.3% male vs. 0.4% female, p=0.5). Conclusion: Four out of 5 patients at increased risk of TE are prescribed an anticoagulant. Interventions to improve anticoagulation use in high-risk patients are needed. Figure 1. Anticoagulation prescription use in atrial fibrillation patients by CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and sex between 5/28/2018-5/28/2020 at Essentia Health (N=6703).

scholarly journals Stepped-wedge randomised trial to evaluate population health intervention designed to increase appropriate anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 835-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley V Wang ◽  
James R Rogers ◽  
Yinzhu Jin ◽  
David DeiCicchi ◽  
Sara Dejene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Stepped Wedge ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Population Health Intervention ◽  
Risk Patients

BackgroundClinical guidelines recommend anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk of stroke; however, studies report 40% of this population is not anticoagulated.ObjectiveTo evaluate a population health intervention to increase anticoagulation use in high-risk patients with AF.MethodsWe used machine learning algorithms to identify patients with AF from electronic health records at high risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc risk score ≥2), and no anticoagulant prescriptions within 12 months. A clinical pharmacist in the anticoagulation service reviewed charts for algorithm-identified patients to assess appropriateness of initiating an anticoagulant. The pharmacist then contacted primary care providers of potentially undertreated patients and offered assistance with anticoagulation management. We used a stepped-wedge design, evaluating the proportion of potentially undertreated patients with AF started on anticoagulant therapy within 28 days for clinics randomised to intervention versus usual care.ResultsOf 1727 algorithm-identified high-risk patients with AF in clinics at the time of randomisation to intervention, 432 (25%) lacked evidence of anticoagulant prescriptions in the prior year. After pharmacist review, only 17% (75 of 432) of algorithm-identified patients were considered potentially undertreated at the time their clinic was randomised to intervention. Over a third (155 of 432) were excluded because they had a single prior AF episode (transient or provoked by serious illness); 36 (8%) had documented refusal of anticoagulation, the remainder had other reasons for exclusion. The intervention did not increase new anticoagulant prescriptions (intervention: 4.1% vs usual care: 4.0%, p=0.86).ConclusionsAlgorithms to identify underuse of anticoagulation among patients with AF in healthcare databases may not capture clinical subtleties or patient preferences and may overestimate the extent of undertreatment. Changing clinician behaviour remains challenging.

scholarly journals Detection of Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation in High-Risk Patients Using an Insertable Cardiac Monitor

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (13) ◽  
pp. 1557-1564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tine J. Philippsen ◽  
Lene S. Christensen ◽  
Michael G. Hansen ◽  
Jordi S. Dahl ◽  
Axel Brandes
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Cardiac Monitor ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Insertable Cardiac Monitor

scholarly journals Targeted Ablation at Stable Atrial Fibrillation Sources Improves Success Over Conventional Ablation in High-Risk Patients: A Substudy of the CONFIRM Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1218-1226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Baykaner ◽  
Paul Clopton ◽  
Gautam G. Lalani ◽  
Amir A. Schricker ◽  
David E. Krummen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
High Risk ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Risk Patients
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