Predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with long-lasting atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND:

Limited data are available on the predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in patients with chronic AF.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate potential clinical, echocardiographic and electrophysiological predictors of AF recurrence after internal cardioversion for long-lasting AF.

METHODS:

A total of 99 consecutive patients (63 men and 36 women, mean age 63.33±9.27 years) with long-standing AF (52.42±72.02 months) underwent internal cardioversion with a catheter that consisted of two defibrillating coils. Shocks were delivered according to a step-up protocol. Clinical follow-up and electrocardiographic recordings were performed on a monthly basis for a 12-month period or whenever patients experienced symptoms suggestive of recurrent AF.

RESULTS:

Ninety-three patients (93.94%) underwent a successful uncomplicated cardioversion, with a mean atrial defibrillation threshold of 10.69±6.76 J. Immediate reinitiation of AF was observed in 15 patients (15.78%) of whom a repeated cardioversion restored sinus rhythm in 13 cases. Early recurrence of AF (within one week) was observed in 12 of 93 patients (12.90%). At the end of the 12-month follow-up period, during which seven patients were lost, 42 of the 86 remaining patients (48.84%) were still in sinus rhythm. Multivariate regression analysis showed that left atrial diameter (OR 1.126, 95% CI 1.015 to 1.249; P=0.025) and mitral A wave velocity (OR 0.972, 95% CI 0.945 to 0.999; P=0.044) were significant and independent predictors of AF recurrence, whereas age, left ventricular ejection fraction and AF cycle length were not predictive of arrhythmia recurrence.

CONCLUSION:

The present study showed that the left atrial diameter and mitral A wave velocity are the only variables associated with AF recurrence after successful cardioversion.     

Pre-procedural predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation.

AIMS: The success rate of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) ranges from 60 to 90%, depending on the series. The objective of the study was to identify predictors of AF recurrence after a standardized CPVA procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: A series of 148 consecutive patients undergoing CPVA for symptomatic paroxysmal (60.8%), persistent (23.6%), or permanent (15.5%) AF refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs were included in the study. CPVA with the creation of supplementary block lines along the posterior wall and mitral isthmus was performed and a minimum of 6 months follow-up completed in all patients. Structural heart disease was present in 19.6% and hypertension in 33.8% of patients. After 13.1 +/- 8.4 months follow-up, 73.6% of patients were free of AF recurrences after a mean of 1.18 +/- 0.45 procedures/patient (one procedure in 85.2%, two procedures in 14.8%, and three procedures in 2.7%). Univariable analysis showed that the risk of AF recurrence increases with age (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.06, P = 0.031), with the presence of previous hypertension (HR 2.7; 95% CI 1.43-5.07, P = 0.002), and if AF is permanent (HR 2.23; 95% CI 1.08-4.59, P = 0.042). In addition, larger anteroposterior left atrial diameter (LAD) (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05-1.18, P = 0.001) and larger left ventricular end-systolic diameter (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.00-1.15, P = 0.029) prior to the procedure were associated with AF recurrence after CPVA. Cox regression analysis showed that hypertension (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.5-5.4; P = 0.002) and LAD (OR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.05-1.19, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of AF recurrence. The mean predicted proportion of patients with AF recurrence after CPVA of the multivariable model showed a linear relationship with the increase in LAD prior to the procedure. The presence of hypertension further increased the mean predicted proportion of patients with AF recurrence at each LAD. CONCLUSION: Hypertension and LAD are independent pre-procedural predictors of AF recurrence after CPVA to treat AF. These data may help in patient selection for AF ablation.     

Supraventricular ectopy and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion.

AIMS: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is usually preceded by a premature atrial complex (PAC). We hypothesized that patients with a high frequency of atrial ectopic activity after restoration of sinus rhythm following direct current cardioversion would be more likely to experience recurrence of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four patients with documented persistent AF were studied. A 24 h Holter recording was performed from the day of external direct current cardioversion. Patients were reviewed at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. After 6 months, 59% of patients had experienced a recurrence of AF. Neither the frequency of PACs nor the frequency or duration of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) episodes predicted AF recurrence (P=0.60, 0.30, and 0.42, respectively). There was a trend towards maximum rate of SVT predicting recurrence of AF (P=0.08). CONCLUSION: Frequency of supraventricular ectopy or the number and length of SVT runs in the 24 h after restoration of sinus rhythm are not strong predictors of recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion. A larger study would be required to detect a small predictive effect.     

The predictive value of C-reactive protein on recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion with or without treatment with atorvastatin

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels prior to cardioversion (CV) predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients randomized to treatment with either atorvastatin or placebo 30 and 180 days after CV.

Methods

This was a prespecified substudy of 128 patients with persistent AF randomized to treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg/day or placebo, initiated 14 days before CV, and continued 30 days after CV. HsCRP levels were measured at randomization, at the time of CV, and 2 days and 30 days after CV.

Results

In univariate analysis of those who were in sinus rhythm 2 h after CV, hsCRP did not significantly (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.25) predict recurrence of AF at 30 days. However, after adjusting for treatment with atorvastatin, hsCRP predicted the recurrence of AF (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.27). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, cholesterol, and treatment with atorvastatin as covariates, the association was still significant (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.29). Six months after CV, hsCRP at randomization predicted recurrence of AF in both univariate analysis (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06–1.60) and in multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06–1.67).

Conclusion

HsCRP was associated with AF recurrence one and six months after successful CV of persistent AF. However, the association at one month was significant only after adjusting for atorvastatin treatment.     

Factors predicting success rate and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after first electrical cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) after elective cardioversion is high. HYPOTHESIS: The study aimed to identify clinical predictors for successful electrical cardioversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm after a first electrical cardioversion in patients with persistent AF without concomitant antiarrhythmic drugs of class I and III. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients (n = 166) with persistent AF for > 1 month, scheduled for elective cardioversion, were prospectively included in the study. A clinical investigation, echocardiographic assay, and Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) before and ECG 4 weeks after cardioversion, were performed in all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68 years (range 45-83) and duration of AF was 5 (1-48) months. Sinus rhythm was established in 124 (75%) patients. In multivariate analysis, only duration of AF < 6 months (p < 0.04, odds ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 4.7) and patients weight (p < 0.03, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.8 for weight < 80 kg) were identified as independent predictors of successful cardioversion. At 4 weeks after cardioversion, only 46 (37%) of 124 patients maintained sinus rhythm. Independent factors for maintenance of sinus rhythm, in multivariate analysis, were AF <3 months (p < 0.04, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.6), treatment with beta blockers (p < 0.00001, OR 7.0, 95% CI 3.0 to 16.3) or verapamil/diltiazem (p < 0.04, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 12.1), and right atrial dimension < 37 mm (p < 0.02, OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 25.4). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with persistent AF, the patient's weight and the duration of AF are independent predictors for a successful cardioversion. Short duration of AF, treatment with beta blockers or verapamil/diltiazem, and right atrial area/dimension are independent predictors for maintenance of sinus rhythm.     

High sensitivity C-reactive protein: a novel predictor for recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful cardioversion.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to test the hypothesis that C-reactive protein (CRP) can predict the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (CV). BACKGROUND: In patients with AF, CRP levels are predictive of immediate failure of CV. METHODS: We prospectively measured high-sensitivity CRP in 67 patients with AF or atrial flutter who underwent successful electrical CV. RESULTS: At one-month follow-up, 22 patients (33%) had recurrence of their arrhythmia. Arrhythmia recurrence was associated with significantly higher pre-CV CRP levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14 to 2.98; p = 0.013) even after adjusting for age (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.93; p = 0.006), for gender (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.09; p = 0.011), or duration of arrhythmia (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.13 to 3.07; p = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, CRP was the only independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.05 to 4.55; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that high levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of recurrence of AF within one month. These data support the hypothesis that anti-inflammatory interventions may help in maintenance of normal sinus rhythm after CV. These data also may have implications for the identification of patients who are most likely to experience substantial benefit from CV therapy for AF.     

Clinical practicality and predictive value of transoesophageal echocardiography in early cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE)-guided cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) in daily clinical practice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transthoracic echocardiography and TOE were performed in 346 consecutive patients with AF lasting longer than 48 h or of unknown duration. If no intracavitary thrombus was found, CV was performed within 24 h of the TOE examination. Anticoagulation with subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin was always started before CV. Warfarin was continued for at least 1 month after CV. The predictive value of several echocardiographic parameters including peak left atrial appendage emptying velocity (PLAAEV), left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, and spontaneous echo contrast for the initial and long-term success of CV were evaluated. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed no thrombus or other contraindications to CV in 274/346 (79%) patients. Early CV restored normal sinus rhythm or pacemaker rhythm in 90% (246/274) of the patients. One patient (0.3%) had a stroke within 30 days after CV. Peak left atrial appendage emptying velocity was significantly lower in patients with contraindications to early CV (P<0.001). However, neither PLAAEV nor any other echocardiographic parameter predicted the initial success of CV and the maintenance of sinus rhythm during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early TOE-guided CV with short-term anticoagulation is a safe and clinically effective alternative in treatment of AF lasting longer than 48 h or of unknown duration. The initial and long-term success of CV cannot be reliably predicted by echocardiographic parameters.     

Predictive risk factors for recurrent atrial fibrillation after modified endoscopic ablation: A 2‐year follow‐up

Background

Our previous study reported a modified endoscopic procedure for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) that requires only 3 ports in the left chest wall.

Hypothesis

Certain preoperative variables might be predictive risk factors for AF recurrence among patients who underwent this procedure.

Methods

From October 2010 to April 2014, 114 patients with either paroxysmal AF (PAF) or nonparoxysmal AF (non‐PAF) underwent the procedure and completed postoperative cardiac‐rhythm measurement via electrocardiography and Holter monitoring. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the possible AF‐related risk factors were conducted.

Results

During 2‐year follow‐up, 99 of 114 patients (86.8%) were free from atrial tachyarrhythmia. Results from univariate analyses showed that AF duration, left atrial diameter (LAD), left atrial minimum volume, left atrial empty fraction, left atrial expansion index, and left atrial active empty fraction (LAAEF) were significantly associated with postoperative AF recurrence. Results from multivariate analyses showed that AF duration (odds ratio [OR]: 1.194, 95% CI: 1.063‐1.340, P = 0.003), LAD (OR: 1.101, 95% CI: 1.005‐1.205, P = 0.039), and LAAEF (OR: 0.490, 95% CI: 0.277‐0.865, P = 0.014) were independent risk factors. There was no difference in AF recurrence between patients with PAF and non‐PAF (P = 0.250).

Conclusions

Our 2‐year follow‐up study suggested that low LAAEF, long AF duration, and large LAD might be potential predictive risk factors for AF recurrence. Patients with PAF and non‐PAF had a similar AF recurrence rate after modified endoscopic ablation.     

Natriuretic peptides in patients with atrial fibrillation and advanced chronic heart failure: determinants and prognostic value of (NT-)ANP and (NT-pro)BNP.

AIMS: To study the determinants of natriuretic peptides in advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) and to evaluate the prognostic value of natriuretic peptides in AF compared with sinus rhythm patients with advanced CHF. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group comprised 354 advanced CHF patients [all New York Heart Association (NYHA) III/IV], including 76 AF patients. AF patients were older (70+/-7 vs. 67+/-8; P=0.01), and non-ischaemic CHF was more common (42 vs. 19%; P=0.002) than in sinus rhythm patients, but left-ventricular ejection fraction was comparable (0.23+/-0.08 vs. 0.24+/-0.07; P=ns). At baseline, (NT-)ANP and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in AF patients, compared with those in sinus rhythm. By multivariate regression analysis, AF was identified as independent determinant of (NT-)ANP, but not of (NT-pro)BNP levels. After a mean follow-up of 3.2+/-0.9 (range 0.4-5.4) years, cardiovascular mortality was comparable (55 vs. 47%; P=ns). In both groups, AF and sinus rhythm, NT-proBNP [AF: adjusted HR 5.8 (1.3-25.4), P=0.02; sinus rhythm: adjusted HR 3.1 (1.7-5.7), P<0.001] was an independent risk indicator of cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION: In advanced CHF patients, AF affects (NT-)ANP levels, but not (NT-pro)BNP levels. NT-proBNP is an independent determinant of prognosis in advanced CHF, irrespective of the rhythm, AF, or sinus rhythm.     

Time to Cardioversion of Recurrent Atrial Arrhythmias After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation and Long‐Term Clinical Outcome

Introduction: It is unclear whether early restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) facilitates reverse atrial remodeling and promotes long‐term maintenance of sinus rhythm. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the time to restoration of sinus rhythm after a recurrence of an atrial arrhythmia and long‐term maintenance of sinus rhythm after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. Methods and Results: Radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed in 384 consecutive patients (age 60 ± 9 years) for paroxysmal (215 patients) or persistent AF (169 patients). Transthoracic cardioversion was performed in all 93 patients (24%) who presented with a persistent atrial arrhythmia: AF (n = 74) or atrial flutter (n = 19) at a mean of 51 ± 53 days from the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia and 88 ± 72 days from the ablation procedure. At a mean of 16 ± 10 months after the ablation procedure, 25 of 93 patients (27%) who underwent cardioversion were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic therapy. Among the 46 patients who underwent cardioversion at ≤30 days after the recurrence, 23 (50%) were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic therapy. On multivariate analysis of clinical variables, time to cardioversion within 30 days after the onset of atrial arrhythmia was the only independent predictor of maintenance of sinus rhythm in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug therapy after a single ablation procedure (OR 22.5; 95% CI 4.87–103.88, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Freedom from AF/flutter is achieved in approximately 50% of patients who undergo cardioversion within 30 days of a persistent atrial arrhythmia after catheter ablation of AF.     

前瞻队列研究节段性肺静脉电隔离与胺碘酮及胺碘酮联合氯沙坦治疗孤立性阵发性心房颤动

目的比较节段性肺静脉电隔离和胺碘酮及胺碘酮联合氯沙坦对孤立性阵发性心房颤动（房颤）患者维持窦性心律（窦律）的疗效。方法选择154例孤立性阵发性房颤患者分为节段性肺静脉电隔离治疗组（Ⅰ组,n=51）、胺碘酮组（Ⅱ组,n=52）、胺碘酮＋氯沙坦组（Ⅲ组,n=51）。治疗随访时间为1年,研究的一级终点为12导联心电图和24小时Hoher证实的持续30秒以上的症状性房性快速性心律失常复发。结果在12个月的随访期间,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别有11例（21．6％）、24例（46．2％）、12例（23．5％）到达了一级终点（P〈0．05）。Kaplan—Meier生存分析显示,Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组对窦律维持率均高于Ⅱ组（P=0．009和0．018,log—rank检验）;Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组对窦律的维持率差异无统计学意义（P：0．814）。同Ⅱ组相比,Ⅲ组降低了54％的房颤复发风险（RR=0．46,95％可信区间0．225～0．953,P：0．036）,Ⅰ组降低了59％的房颤复发风险（RR=0．41,95％可信区间0．200～0．848,P：0．016）。三组间不良事件的发生率分别为3．9％、9．6％和7．8％,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论节段性肺静脉电隔离和胺碘酮联合氯沙坦对孤立性阵发性房颤患者窦律的维持疗效相当,均明显优于单用胺碘酮治疗。     

Clinical value of left atrial appendage flow for prediction of long-term sinus rhythm maintenance in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the role of various clinical and echocardiographic parameters, including the left atrial appendage (LAA) anterograde flow velocity, for prediction of the long-term preservation of sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with successful cardioversion (CV) of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic parameters for assessing long-term SR maintenance after successful CV of nonvalvular AF are not accurately defined. METHODS: Clinical, transthoracic echocardiographic and transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) data--measured in AF lasting >48 h--of 186 consecutive patients (116 men, mean age: 65 +/- 9 years) with successful CV (electrical or pharmacologic) were analyzed for assessment of one-year maintenance of SR. RESULTS: At one-year follow-up, 91 of 186 (49%) patients who underwent successful CV continued to have SR. Mean LAA peak emptying flow velocity was higher in patients remaining in SR for one year than in those with AF relapse (41.7 +/- 20.2 cm/s vs. 27.7 +/- 17.0 cm/s; p < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the mean LAA peak emptying velocity >40 cm/s (p = 0.0001; chi(2): 23.9, odds ratio [OR] = 5.2, confidence interval [CI] 95% = 2.7 to 10.1) and the use of preventive antiarrhythmic drug treatment (p = 0.0398; chi(2): 4.2; OR = 2.0, CI 95% = 1.0 to 3.8) predicted the continuous preservation of SR during one year, outperforming other univariate predictors such as absence of left atrial spontaneous echocardiographic contrast during TEE, the left atrial parasternal diameter <44 mm, left ventricular ejection fraction >46% and AF duration <1 week before CV. The negative and positive predictive values of the mean LAA peak emptying velocity >40 cm/s for assessing preservation of SR were 66% (CI 95% = 56.9 to 74.2) and 73% (CI 95% = 62.4 to 83.3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In TEE-guided management of nonvalvular AF, high LAA flow velocity identifies patients with greater likelihood to remain in SR for one year after successful CV. Low LAA velocity is of limited value in identifying patients who will relapse into AF.     

胺碘酮与美托洛尔联合应用对非瓣膜病心房颤动的疗效及安全性观察

观察静脉胺碘酮与美托洛尔联合应用对非瓣膜病心房颤动 (简称房颤 )的疗效及安全性。 49例冠心病伴发房颤的患者 ,按既往是否常规服用美托洛尔或氨酰心安而分入A组 ( 2 5例 )、B组 ( 2 4例 )。全部病例先给予胺碘酮负荷量 ( 3～ 5mg/kg)静脉推注 1 0min ,然后以 60 0 μg/min的速度静滴 48h ,B组同时口服美托洛尔 6.2 5～ 2 5mg ,2次/日。行心电、血压监测 ,观察 48h房颤转复率。B组 48h后转复率为 83.3% ( 2 0 /2 4 ) ,A组为 76% ( 1 9/2 5 ) ,P >0 .0 5。A、B两组转复时间、胺碘酮用量及转复后心率比较 ,差异有显著性 ( 1 7.2± 1 0 .6hvs 9.4± 9.2h ;880 .2±395 .3mgvs5 76.4± 331 .9mg ;86.3± 1 8.2次 /分vs76.8± 1 7.9次 /分 ,P均 <0 .0 5 )。副反应发生率A组为 8.0 % ,B组为 8.3% ,P >0 .0 5。结论 :静脉胺碘酮与美托洛尔联合应用对非瓣膜病房颤安全有效 ;与单用胺碘酮相比 ,转复时间短、胺碘酮用量少。     

Left atrial deformation imaging with ultrasound based two-dimensional speckle-tracking predicts the rate of recurrence of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation after successful ablation procedures

Predict AF. Objective: Since predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation procedures are poorly defined, this prospective study was conducted to assess the value of left atrial (LA) deformation imaging with two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking (2D‐ST) to predict AF recurrences after successful ablation procedures. Methods and results: One hundred and three consecutive patients (age 58.1 ± 16.6 years, 72.8% male) with AF (76 paroxysmal, 27 persistent) and 30 matched controls underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 2D‐ST‐LA‐deformation analysis with assessment of LA‐radial and LA‐longitudinal strain (Sr, Sl), and velocities derived from the apical 4‐ and 2‐chamber views (4CV, 2CV). AF recurrence was assessed during 6 months of follow‐up. For determination of AF‐related LA changes, AF patients were compared to controls and patients with AF recurrences after ablation procedures (n = 30, 29.1%) were compared with patients who maintained sinus rhythm (n = 73, 70.9%). Atrial deformation capabilities were significantly reduced (P < 0.0005) in patients with AF (4CVSl 17.8 ± 13.5%; 4CVSr 22.3 ± 14.9%; 4CV‐velocities 2.53 ± 0.97 seconds) when compared with controls (4CVSl 31.3 ± 12.4%; 4CVSr 30.3 ± 9.1%; 4CV‐velocities 3.48 ± 1.01 cm/s). Independent predictors for AF recurrence after ablation procedures were 2CV‐LA‐global‐strain (Sr, P = 0.03; Sl, P = 0.003), 4CV‐LA‐gobal‐strain (Sr, P = 0.03; Sl, P = 0.02), and regional LA‐septal wall‐Sl (P = 0.008). LA‐global‐strain parameters were superior to regional LA function analysis for the prediction of AF recurrences, with cutoff values (cov), hazard ratios (HR), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were: 4CVSl cov, 10.79% (HR 27.8, P < 0.0005; PPV 78.8%, NPV 93.9%), 4CVSr cov, ?16.65% (HR 24.8, P < 0.0005; PPV 69.4%, NPV 96.6%), 2CVSl cov, 12.31% (HR 22.7, P < 0.0005; PPV 75.8%, NPV 95.3%), and 2CVSr cov, ?14.9% (HR 12.9, P < 0.0005; PPV 64.3%, NPV 93.2%). Conclusion: Compared with controls, AF itself seems to decrease LA deformation capabilities. The assessment of global LA strain with 2D‐ST identifies patients with high risk for AF recurrence after ablation procedures. This imaging technique may help to improve therapeutic guiding for patients with AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 p. 247‐255, March 2012.)     

普罗帕酮治疗心房颤动的Meta分析

应用Meta分析评价普罗帕酮转复心房颤动 (简称房颤 )和 (或 )心房扑动及药物、电转复后抑制房颤复发的疗效。应用检索公开发表的相关的英、中文文献建立数据库 ,应用Meta统计分析方法按观察时间、给药途径对数据进行综合分析。结果 :普罗帕酮转复阵发性房颤的疗效随时间延长而增加 ,静脉转复率 1h为 3 7.0 %( 95 %可信区间3 2 .9%～ 4 1.2 %)、8h为 61.4 %( 4 8.2 %～ 74 .5 %) ;口服普罗帕酮转复房颤疗效在 2 ,4 ,8h分别达到 4 .0 %( 3 .8%～4 .2 %)、4 7.3 %( 4 3 .8%～ 5 0 .8%)、72 .6%( 62 .8%～ 82 .4 %) ,2 4h为 81.4 %( 5 2 .0 %～ 10 0 %)、4 8h为 76.5 %( 5 4 .1%～ 98.8%)。前 4h静脉用药比口服起效迅速。口服普罗帕酮与安慰剂对比 ,转复房颤的差异在用药后 8h最显著[3 7.7%( 2 9.4 %～ 4 5 .9%) ,P <0 .0 0 1],在 2 4h两者之差减少为 17.3 %( - 5 .0 %～ 3 9.7%) (P =0 .13 )。药物或直流电转复后普罗帕酮长期应用预防复发、维持窦性的疗效 ,在给药后 1个月的病人中为 63 .80 %( 5 8.2 %～ 69.4 %) ,6个月后为 5 4 .70 %( 4 8.0 %～ 61.4 %)。结论 :普罗帕酮能安全有效转复房颤 ,长期应用可预防转复后复发 ,耐受性好。     

电复律前后超敏C-反应蛋白浓度与远期心房颤动复发的关系

目的探讨电复律前、后高敏C反应蛋白（highsensitivityreactivepmtein,hs-CRP）浓度与远期心房颤动（房颤）复发之间的关系。方法选择确诊为持续性房颤而进行电复律治疗有效的患者102例为研究对象。复律前及复律后第1、3、7及28天检测所有患者hs-CRP浓度、12导联心电图及动态心电网,随访时间为24个月。根据房颤是否复发分为两组：窦律维持组（67例）及房颤复发组（35例）,并对两组相关资料进行比较分析。结果两组除心房内径比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）外,其他基础临床资料比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。复律前房颤复发组的hs-CRP浓度显著高于窦律维持组,差异有统计学意义[（16．1±5．4）mg／L vs（11．2±4．2）mg／L,P〈0．05]。复律后第1天两组的hs-CRP浓度下降幅度比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。复律后第3、7、28天,窦律维持组hs-CRP浓度与复律前相比显著性下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;房颤复发组有下降,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。Cox多元回归分析结果显示,左心房内径（OR=1．11,95％CI：1．01～1．18）、基线hs-CRP浓度（OR=1．39,95％CI：1．20～3．40）及复律后第3天的hs-CRP浓度（OR=1．13,95％CI：0．92～2．36）与房颤复发呈正相关。结论复律前、后hs-CRP浓度对远期房颤复发均具有预测价值。     

老年人509例病理资料分析心房颤动与冠心病的关系

目的根据老年人尸体解剖资料探讨心房颤动（房颤）与冠心病的关系。方法查阅院内56年1012例老年连续尸体解剖病例的临床及病理资料,入选有生前心电图记录者540例,其中31例缺少心脏解剖资料。结果（1）房颤发生率随年龄的增长而显著增加（Cochran-Armitage趋势检验,P〈0．01）。（2）房颤患者冠心病发病率显著增加（P=0．0028）;房颤组心肌梗死发病率明显高于窦性心律组（P=0．0144）;房颤组冠状动脉病变程度较窦性心律组明显严重（P=0．0121）。（3）经多元Logistic回归分析,发现年龄（OR=1．34,95％CI为1．11～1．60）、男性（OR=5．71,95％CI1．87～17．39）、慢性心功能不全（OR=1．87,95％CI1．27～2．76）可能是房颤的独立危险因素,冠心病（OR=1．47,95％C10．91～2．39）并非房颤的独立危险因素。结论老年人房颤发病率随着年龄增加而显著增加,老年房颤患者冠心病发病率明显增加,但冠心病并非房颤的独立危险因素。     

脑钠肽对老年人心房颤动复律和复发的评价作用

目的 通过测定老年人窦性心律（窦律）患者和心房颤动（房颤）患者复律前后的血清脑钠肽（BNP）浓度，探讨其对老年房颤患者的评价作用及在房颤复律前后中的应用价值。方法 选择心功能正常的老年患者102例，其中阵发性房颤28例，持续性房颤40例，窦律34例，采用放射免疫方法测定窦律患者血清BNP浓度，同时对房颤患者进行复律，测定复律前、复律后24h及30d的血清BNP浓度。结果 老年房颤患者的血清BNP浓度显著高于窦律患者，并在复律后显著降低，差异有统计学意义。窦律维持组的血清BNP浓度低于房颤复发组[（238．24±97．45）pg／ml vs（323．24±62．78）pg／ml，P〈0．05]。单因素分析显示年龄、左心房内径、房颤持续时间及BNP浓度与房颤的复发有关，多因素回归分析显示BNP浓度和年龄是复律后房颤复发的独立影响因子。结论 BNP的检测可能对老年人房颤的诊断和评估、预测复律的疗效及房颤的复发具有重要的临床价值。     

Is Pursuit of Termination of Atrial Fibrillation During Catheter Ablation of Great Value in Patients with Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

Termination of Atrial Fibrillation During Catheter Ablation Predicts Better Outcome . Background: The reliable endpoint for ablation of longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LPAF) has not been clearly established. Methods and Results: This study included 140 patients who underwent catheter ablation for drug‐refractory LPAF. A stepwise ablation approach included circumferential pulmonary vein isolation followed by left atrial and right atrial complex fractionated electrogram‐guided ablation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was terminated by radiofrequency application during catheter ablation in 95 patients (67.9%). Among them, 33 patients (23.6%) converted to sinus rhythm directly, whereas 62 patients (44.3%) via atrial tachycardias (ATs). Patients in whom AF terminated during the index procedure had a lower recurrence rate of atrial arrhythmia than patients in whom AF did not terminate (45.3% vs 68.9%, P = 0.009, follow‐up 18.7 ± 7.6 months). Among patients in whom AF terminated, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate according to the termination mode, whether converted to AT or not (P = NS). However, patients who converted to AT had a higher recurrence rate of AT (54.8% vs 81%; P = 0.016). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that termination of AF during ablation (HR 0.440; 95% CI: 0.200–0.969, P = 0.041) and structural heart disease (HR 2.633; 95% CI: 1.211–5.723; P = 0.015) were significant independent factors predicting the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia. Conclusions: Termination of AF during catheter ablation is associated with a better clinical outcome in patients with LPAF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 pp. 1051‐1058, October 2012)     

Clinical evaluation of a policy of early repeated internal cardioversion for recurrence of atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION: The clinical value of cardioversion (CV) of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited by the high rate of early AF recurrence, which may be related to the persistence of atrial electrical remodeling. We examined the hypothesis that the likelihood of maintaining sinus rhythm after CV of persistent AF is significantly enhanced by a policy of early repeated CV. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with persistent AF underwent internal CV (CV 1). Those patients cardioverted were monitored with daily transtelephonic ECG. In the event of AF recurrence, these patients were admitted rapidly for repeat CV (CV 2) and, if further recurrence occurred, a third CV (CV 3) was performed. Daily ECG monitoring was continued until 1 month of sinus rhythm was maintained or a total of three CVs were performed. Of the 59 patients undergoing CV 1, 43 were discharged in sinus rhythm and 29 subsequently had AF recurrence during monitoring. Twenty-three of these underwent CV 2 and 11 of these underwent CV 3. Of those having repeated CVs, only 4 patients maintained sinus rhythm for 1 month (3 after CV 2 and 1 after CV 3). The remaining patients had repeated AF recurrence during the monitoring period. Mean time from AF recurrence to CV 2 was 20+/-13 hours and from AF recurrence to CV 3 was 13+/-7.2 hours. Atrial effective refractory periods increased from 189+/-16 msec at CV 1 to 215+/-18 msec at CV 3 (P < 0.05), indicating reversal of atrial electrical remodeling during this period. CONCLUSION: A policy of early repeated CVs for AF recurrence has very limited clinical value despite evidence of reversal of atrial electrical remodeling. The time between AF recurrence and repeat CV may need to be reduced further if such a policy is to succeed.