A Systematic Approach to Stroke Prevention for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

2011 ◽  
Vol 144 (6) ◽  
pp. 287-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tammy J. Bungard ◽  
Claudia Bucci ◽  
Heather Kertland ◽  
Kori Leblanc ◽  
Jennifer Pickering ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Past Half Century ◽  
Novel Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
The Individual ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Health Canada

Strokes occurring as a result of atrial fibrillation are common and typically result in severe disability or death. Over the past half century, therapeutic options for stroke prophylaxis, based on either antiplatelet (typically acetylsalicylic acid) or warfarin therapy, have remained virtually unchanged. However, as of mid-2011, promising data have emerged and Health Canada has approved a novel oral anticoagulant, dabigatran. This article provides a systematic 4-step process to guide clinicians in assessing, implementing and monitoring stroke prophylaxis for individual patients. First, identify the patient's risk of stroke with user-friendly scoring systems (CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc). Second, determine the patient's risk of major bleeding with a validated scoring system (HAS-BLED) and ongoing clinical evaluation. Third, balance these benefits and the risks of available agents as they pertain to the individual patient. Fourth, select the appropriate antithrombotic therapy, with an understanding of the key features of available agents, as well as the patient's characteristics and preferences. Regular monitoring and patient adherence with therapy are necessary to ensure the long-term appropriateness of therapy, given that most patients with atrial fibrillation will require lifelong stroke prophylaxis and an individual's stroke risk generally increases with age. The pharmacist is in an excellent position to provide this type of assessment and follow-up.

scholarly journals Experience with various occluder types for endovascular hemodynamic isolation of the left atrium appendage in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-54
Author(s):  
D. V. Pevzner ◽  
E. V. Merkulov ◽  
G. K. Arutyunyan ◽  
A. L. Komarov ◽  
O. O. Shakhmatova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrium ◽  
Individual Choice ◽  
Device Implantation ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Anatomic Variants ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Individual

The aim of our study was to evaluate implantation efficacy and safety across various occluder types and to identify factors determining device selection.Methods. This single-site prospective observational study included patients above the age of 40 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and high thromboembolic risk, undergoing endovascular isolation of the left atrium appendage (LAA) with Watchman or Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/Amulet devices. Occluders were implanted to patients without either had contraindications to anticoagulant therapy (ACT) or refused ACT. We evaluated technical aspects of device implantation, short- and long-term outcomes of the intervention over 3 years of follow-up.Results. 90 patients were enrolled in the study (62 into the Watchman arm and 28 into the Amplatzer arm). Interventions were technically successful in 89 cases. In 1 patient (1/90, 1.1%) technical success was not achieved due to device migration (Amplatzer Amulet). The incidence of early (occurring within˂ 24 hours) implantation complications was 0% in the Watchman arm, and 3.6% in the Amplatzer arm (1/28) (р=0.135) (device migration). The cumulative incidence of all in-hospital complications was 11.3% and 14.3%, respectively (р=0.734). No significant differences between arms were found in the incidence of device thrombosis within 90 days post-implantation (3.3% in the Watchman’s arm and 8.3% in the Amplatzer arm, р=0.316). During the observation period, there were no significant differences in comparison groups in the incidence of net clinical efficacy endpoint events (р=0.58). The bleeding rate was 17.7% and 14.3%, respectively, р=0.769. No factors influencing the choice of the device could be identified reliably; however, there was a trend towards Watchman preference for appendage anatomic variants such as broccoli and cactus. Amplatzer was preferred in patients with contraindications to ACT.Conclusion. Implantation of Watchman and Amplatzer Amulet occluders is equally effective and safe in preventing thromboembolism in patients with AF not receiving ACT for various reasons. The individual choice of a device may be influenced by appendage anatomy and indications to occluder implantation.

scholarly journals Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Oats: A Canadian Position Based on a Literature Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien La Vieille ◽  
Olga M. Pulido ◽  
Michael Abbott ◽  
Terence B. Koerner ◽  
Samuel Godefroy
Keyword(s):  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Stabilization Phase ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Health Canada ◽  
Related Paper

This paper provides an overview of the latest scientific data related to the safety of uncontaminated oats (<20 ppm of gluten) in the diet of individuals with celiac disease (CD). It updates the previous Health Canada position posted on the Health Canada website in 2007 and a related paper published in 2009. It considers a number of recent studies published between January 2008 and January 2015. While recognizing that a few people with celiac disease seem to be clinically intolerant to oats, this review concludes that oats uncontaminated by gluten-containing cereals (wheat, rye, and barley) can be safely ingested by most patients with celiac disease and that there is no conclusive evidence that the consumption of uncontaminated or specially produced oats containing no greater than 20 ppm gluten by patients with celiac disease should be limited to a specific daily amount. However, individuals with CD should observe a stabilization phase before introducing uncontaminated oats to the gluten-free diet (GFD). Oats uncontaminated with gluten should only be introduced after all symptoms of celiac disease have resolved and the individual has been on a GFD for a minimum of 6 months. Long-term regular medical follow-up of these patients is recommended but this is no different recommendation to celiac individuals on a GFD without oats.

Risk scoring by CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc as predictors for long-term outcomes after surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Lauritzen ◽  
H.J Vodstrup ◽  
T.D Christensen ◽  
M Onat ◽  
R Christensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Isolation Procedure ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Surgical Ablation ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Risk Scoring

Abstract Background Following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc have utility in predicting long-term outcomes. However, it is currently unknown if the same holds for patients undergoing surgical ablation. Purpose To determine whether CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc predict long-term outcomes after surgical ablation in concomitance with other cardiac surgery. Methods In this prospective, follow-up study, we included patients who underwent biatrial ablation - or pulmonary vein isolation procedure concomitantly with other cardiac surgery between 2004 and 2018. CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were assessed prior to surgery and categorized in groups as 0–1, 2–4 or ≥5. Outcomes were death, AF, and AF-related death. Follow-up was ended in April 2019. Results A total of 587 patients with a mean age of 68.7±0.4 years were included. Both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictors of survival p=0.005 and p&lt;0.001, respectively (Figure). For CHADS2, mean survival times were 5.9±3.7 years for scores 0–1, 5.0±3.0 years for scores 2–4 and 4.3±2.6 years for scores ≥5. For CHA2DS2-VASc mean survival times were 7.3±4.0 years for scores 0–1, 5.6±2.9 years for scores 2–4 and 4.8±2.1 years for scores ≥5. The incidence of death was 20.1% for CHADS2 0–1, 24.8% for CHADS2 2–4, and 35.3% for CHADS2 ≥5, p=0.186. The incidence of AF was 50.2% for CHADS2 0–1, 47.9% for CHADS2 2–4, and 76.5% for CHADS2 ≥5, p=0.073. The incidence of AF related death was 13.0% for CHADS2 0–1, 16.8% for CHADS2 2–4, and 35.3% for CHADS2 ≥5, p=0.031. The incidence of death was 16.8% for CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, 26.2% for CHA2DS2-VASc 2–4, and 45.0% for CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5, p=0.001. The incidence of AF was 49.6% for CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, 52.5% for CHA2DS2-VASc 2–4, and 72.5% for CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5, p=0.035. The incidence of AF related death was 12.2% for CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, 16.0% for CHA2DS2-VASc 2–4, and 42.5% for CHA2DS2-VASc ≥5, p&lt;0.001. Conclusion Both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict long-term outcomes after surgical ablation for AF. However, CHA2DS2-VASc was superior in predicting death, AF, and AF-related death. Survival curves 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

Long-term impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation complicating acute myocardial infarction on heart failure: insights from the NOAFCAMI-SH registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.L Xu ◽  
J Luo ◽  
H.Q Li ◽  
Z.Q Li ◽  
B.X Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Natural Science ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Onset Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Background New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been associated with poor survival, but the clinical implication of NOAF on subsequent heart failure (HF) is still not well studied. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NOAF following AMI and HF hospitalization. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted between February 2014 and March 2018, using data from the New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction in ShangHai registry, where all participants did not have a documented AF history. Patients with AMI who discharged alive and had complete echocardiography and follow-up data were analyzed. The primary outcome was HF hospitalization, which was defined as a minimum of an overnight hospital stay of a participant who presented with symptoms and signs of HF or received intravenous diuretics. Results A total of 2075 patients were included, of whom 228 developed NOAF during the index AMI hospitalization. During up to 5 years of follow-up (median: 2.7 years), 205 patients (9.9%) experienced HF hospitalization and 220 patients (10.6%) died. The incidence rate of HF hospitalization among patients with NOAF was 18.4% per year compared with 2.8% per year for those with sinus rhythm. After adjustment for confounders, NOAF was significantly associated with HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.30–4.28; p&lt;0.001). Consistent result was observed after accounting for the competing risk of all-cause death (subdistribution HR: 3.06, 95% CI: 2.18–4.30; p&lt;0.001) or performing a propensity score adjusted multivariable model (HR: 3.28, 95% CI: 2.39–4.50; p&lt;0.001). Furthermore, the risk of HF hospitalization was significantly higher in patients with persistent NOAF (HR: 5.81; 95% CI: 3.59–9.41) compared with that in those with transient NOAF (HR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.84–3.70; p interaction = 0.008). Conclusion NOAF complicating AMI is strongly associated with an increased long-term risk of heart. Cumulative incidence of outcome Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): 1. National Natural Science Foundation of China, 2. Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai

Long-term results of thoracoscopic ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: is the glass half full or half empty?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Belluschi ◽  
Elisabetta Lapenna ◽  
Davide Carino ◽  
Cinzia Trumello ◽  
Manuela Cireddu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Class I ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract OBJECTIVES Previous series showed the outcomes of thoracoscopic ablation of stand-alone symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) for up to 7 years of follow-up. The goal of this study was to assess the long-term durability of surgical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) beyond 7 years. METHODS Fifty consecutive patients {mean age 55 [standard deviation (SD): 11.2] years, previous catheter ablation in 56%, left ventricular ejection fraction 60% (SD: 4.6), left atrium volume 65 ml (SD: 17)} with stand-alone symptomatic paroxysmal AF underwent PVI through bilateral thoracoscopy ablation between 2005 and 2014. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥2 in 12 patients (24%). RESULTS No hospital deaths occurred. At hospital discharge all patients but 1 (2%) were in sinus rhythm (SR). Follow-up was 100% complete [mean 8.4 years (SD: 2.3), max 15]. The 8-year cumulative incidence function of AF recurrence, with death as a competing risk, on or off class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs)/electrocardioversion/re-transcatheter ablation (TCA) was 20% (SD: 5; 95% confidence interval: 10, 32); and off class I/III AADs/electrocardioversion/re-TCA was 52% (SD: 7; 95% confidence interval: 0.83, 8.02). At 8 years, the predicted prevalence of patients in SR was 87% and 53% were off class I/III AADs/electrocardioversion/re-TCA. The recurrent arrhythmia was AF in all patients except 2, who had atypical atrial flutter (4%). No predictors of AF recurrence were identified. At the last follow-up, 76% of the patients showed European Heart Rhythm Association class I. No strokes or thromboembolic events were documented and 76% of the subjects were off anticoagulation therapy. CONCLUSIONS Despite a considerable AF recurrence rate, our single-centre, long-term outcome of surgical PVI showed encouraging data, with the majority of patients remaining in SR, although many of them were on antiarrhythmic therapy.

Atrial fibrillation associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism

2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (01) ◽  
pp. 185-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Cheng Wang ◽  
Cheng-Li Lin ◽  
Guei-Jane Wang ◽  
Chiz-Tzung Chang ◽  
Fung-Chang Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Deep Vein

SummaryWhether atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. From Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), we identified 11,458 patients newly diagnosed with AF. The comparison group comprised 45,637 patients without AF. Both cohorts were followed up to measure the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Univariable and multivariable competing-risks regression model and Kaplan-Meier analyses with the use of Aelon-Johansen estimator were used to measure the differences of cumulative incidences of DVT and PE, respectively. The overall incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) of DVT and PE between the AF group and non-AF groups were 2.69 vs 1.12 (crude hazard ratio [HR] = 1.92; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.54-2.39), 1.55 vs 0.46 (crude HR = 2.68; 95 % CI = 1.97-3.64), respectively. The baseline demographics indicated that the members of the AF group demonstrated a significantly older age and higher proportions of comorbidities than non-AF group. After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risks of DVT and PE remained significantly elevated in the AF group compared with the non-AF group (adjusted HR = 1.74; 95 %CI = 1.36-2.24, adjusted HR = 2.18; 95 %CI = 1.51-3.15, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier curve with the use of Aelon-Johansen estimator indicated that the cumulative incidences of DVT and PE were both more significantly elevated in the AF group than in the non-AF group after a long-term follow-up period (p<0.01). In conclusion, the presence of AF is associated with increased risk of VTE after a long-term follow-up period.

scholarly journals Long term follow-up of a right side only approach for ablation of atrial fibrillation

1998 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 512
Author(s):  
A. Natale ◽  
E. Pisano ◽  
R. Fanolli ◽  
G. Tomassoni ◽  
A. Wolverton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Long Term Follow Up
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