1. |
- Doehner, Wolfram, et al.
(author)
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Interaction of heart failure and stroke : A clinical consensus statement of the ESC Council on Stroke, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis
- 2023
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 25:12, s. 2107-2129
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heart failure (HF) is a major disease in our society that often presents with multiple comorbidities with mutual interaction and aggravation. The comorbidity of HF and stroke is a high risk condition that requires particular attention to ensure early detection of complications, efficient diagnostic workup, close monitoring, and consequent treatment of the patient. The bi-directional interaction between the heart and the brain is inherent in the pathophysiology of HF where HF may be causal for acute cerebral injury, and - in turn - acute cerebral injury may induce or aggravate HF via imbalanced neural and neurovegetative control of cardiovascular regulation. The present document represents the consensus view of the ESC Council on Stroke, the Heart Failure Association and the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis to summarize current insights on pathophysiological interactions of the heart and the brain in the comorbidity of HF and stroke. Principal aspects of diagnostic workup, pathophysiological mechanisms, complications, clinical management in acute conditions and in long-term care of patients with the comorbidity are presented and state-of-the-art clinical management and current evidence from clinical trials is discussed. Beside the physicians perspective, also the patients values and preferences are taken into account. Interdisciplinary cooperation of cardiologists, stroke specialists, other specialists and primary care physicians is pivotal to ensure optimal treatment in acute events and in continued long-term treatment of these patients. Key consensus statements are presented in a concise overview on mechanistic insights, diagnostic workup, prevention and treatment to inform clinical acute and continued care of patients with the comorbidity of HF and stroke.
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2. |
- Padeletti, Luigi, et al.
(author)
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Duration of P-wave is associated with atrial fibrillation hospitalizations in patients with atrial fibrillation and paced for bradycardia
- 2007
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In: PACE. - : Wiley. - 1540-8159. ; 30:8, s. 961-969
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: A trial fibrillation (AF) is a common problem in pacemaker patients. We conducted a prospective observational study in patients paced for bradycardia with associated paroxysmal or persistent AF, to determine whether P-wave duration may stratify patients at higher risk for AF recurrences and AF-related hospitalizations. The patients were evaluated for the prevalence, cause, and predictors of hospitalization. Methods: We studied 660 consecutive patients (50% male, 72 +/- 9 years) who received a dual-chamber pacemaker. Median value of baseline P-wave duration was equal to 100 ms (25%-75% quartile range equal to 80-120 ms). We used this cut-off to divide the patients into group A (P <= 100 ms), composed of 385 (58.3%) patients, and group B (P > 100 ms), composed of 275 (41.7%) patients. Results: In a median follow-up of 19 months, 173 patients were hospitalized for all causes, 130 for cardiovascular causes, and 85 for AF-related hospitalizations. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that P-wave duration > 100 ms identified patients at higher risk (OR = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (1.1-2.8), P = 0.044) for AF-related hospitalizations. Patients in group B (P > 100 ms) more frequently suffered AF-related hospitalizations (16.4% vs 10.4%, P = 0.02) and underwent more frequent cardioversions (14.5% vs 9.1%, P = 0.029) compared with group A (P < 100 ms). Conclusions: P-wave duration may define the risk of persistent AFrequiring cardioversion or AF-related hospitalization in patients with a pacemaker for bradycardia with associated paroxysmal or persistent AF.
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3. |
- Aktaa, Suleman, et al.
(author)
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European Society of Cardiology Quality Indicators for the care and outcomes of cardiac pacing : developed by the Working Group for Cardiac Pacing Quality Indicators in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology
- 2022
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 24:1, s. 165-172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: To develop a suite of quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the care and outcomes for adults undergoing cardiac pacing.METHODS AND RESULTS: Under the auspice of the Clinical Practice Guideline Quality Indicator Committee of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the Working Group for cardiac pacing QIs was formed. The Group comprised Task Force members of the 2021 ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines on Cardiac Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, members of the European Heart Rhythm Association, international cardiac device experts, and patient representatives. We followed the ESC methodology for QI development, which involved (i) the identification of the key domains of care by constructing a conceptual framework of the management of patients receiving cardiac pacing, (ii) the development of candidate QIs by conducting a systematic review of the literature, (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs using a modified-Delphi method, and (iv) the evaluation of the feasibility of the developed QIs. Four domains of care were identified: (i) structural framework, (ii) patient assessment, (iii) pacing strategy, and (iv) clinical outcomes. In total, seven main and four secondary QIs were selected across these domains and were embedded within the 2021 ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization therapy.CONCLUSION: By way of a standardized process, 11 QIs for cardiac pacing were developed. These indicators may be used to quantify adherence to guideline-recommended clinical practice and have the potential to improve the care and outcomes of patients receiving cardiac pacemakers.
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4. |
- Blomström-Lundqvist, Carina, 1954-, et al.
(author)
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European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections : endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)
- 2020
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 22:4, s. 515-516ag
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are potentially life-saving treatments for a number of cardiac conditions, but are not without risk. Most concerning is the risk of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity, increased hospitalizations, reduced survival, and increased healthcare costs. Recommended preventive strategies such as administration of intravenous antibiotics before implantation are well recognized. Uncertainties have remained about the role of various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures such as skin antiseptics, pocket antibiotic solutions, anti-bacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, and others. Guidance on whether to use novel device alternatives expected to be less prone to infections and novel oral anticoagulants is also limited, as are definitions on minimum quality requirements for centres and operators and volumes. Moreover, an international consensus document on management of CIED infections is lacking. The recognition of these issues, the dissemination of results from important randomized trials focusing on prevention of CIED infections, and observed divergences in managing device-related infections as found in an European Heart Rhythm Association worldwide survey, provided a strong incentive for a 2019 International State-of-the-art Consensus document on risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections.
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5. |
- Blomström-Lundqvist, Carina, et al.
(author)
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European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections-endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS), International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases (ISCVID) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). : European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) international consensus document on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiac implantable electronic device infections.
- 2020
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In: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1873-734X. ; 57:1, s. 1-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are potentially life-saving treatments for a number of cardiac conditions, but are not without risk. Most concerning is the risk of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection, which is associated with significant morbidity, increased hospitalizations, reduced survival, and increased healthcare costs. Recommended preventive strategies such as administration of intravenous antibiotics before implantation are well recognized. Uncertainties have remained about the role of various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures such as skin antiseptics, pocket antibiotic solutions, anti-bacterial envelopes, prolonged antibiotics post-implantation, and others. Guidance on whether to use novel device alternatives expected to be less prone to infections and novel oral anticoagulants is also limited, as are definitions on minimum quality requirements for centres and operators and volumes. Moreover, an international consensus document on management of CIED infections is lacking. The recognition of these issues, the dissemination of results from important randomized trials focusing on prevention of CIED infections, and observed divergences in managing device-related infections as found in an European Heart Rhythm Association worldwide survey, provided a strong incentive for a 2019 International State-of-the-art Consensus document on risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CIED infections.
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6. |
- Blomström Lundqvist, Carina, et al.
(author)
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The use of imaging for electrophysiological and devices procedures : a report from the first European Heart Rhythm Association Policy Conference, jointly organized with the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the Council of Cardiovascular Imaging and the European Society of Cardiac Radiology
- 2013
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 15:7, s. 927-936
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Implantations of cardiac devices therapies and ablation procedures frequently depend on accurate and reliable imaging modalities for pre-procedural assessments, intra-procedural guidance, detection of complications, and the follow-up of patients. An understanding of echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear cardiology, X-ray computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and vascular ultrasound is indispensable for cardiologists, electrophysiologists as well as radiologists, and it is currently recommended that physicians should be trained in several imaging modalities. There are, however, no current guidelines or recommendations by electrophysiologists, cardiac imaging specialists, and radiologists, on the appropriate use of cardiovascular imaging for selected patient indications, which needs to be addressed. A Policy Conference on the use of imaging in electrophysiology and device management, with representatives from different expert areas of radiology and electrophysiology and commercial developers of imaging and device technologies, was therefore jointly organized by European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the Council of Cardiovascular Imaging and the European Society of Cardiac Radiology (ESCR). The objectives were to assess the state of the level of evidence and a first step towards a consensus document for currently employed imaging techniques to guide future clinical use, to elucidate the issue of reimbursement structures and health economy, and finally to define the need for appropriate educational programmes to ensure clinical competence for electrophysiologists, imaging specialists, and radiologists.
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7. |
- Bongiorni, Maria G, et al.
(author)
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2018 EHRA expert consensus statement on lead extraction : recommendations on definitions, endpoints, research trial design, and data collection requirements for clinical scientific studies and registries: endorsed by APHRS/HRS/LAHRS
- 2018
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 20:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The number of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations has increased over recent years as a result of population growth, increasing life expectancy, adoption of guidelines, and better access to healthcare. Transvenous lead extraction (TLE), as a part of an overall lead management strategy, has also been increasing, not only as a consequence of this growth, but also because of increasing rates of infection, lead failure, awareness of indications for lead management, and development of extraction tools. Clinical research is essential for understanding efficacy and risks of TLE, which has important implications regarding decision-making and therapeutic strategies in patients who are candidates for this procedure. Data on TLE have mainly come from retrospective series, with variable reporting of endpoints. Recently, the ELECTRa registry conducted by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), has reported the largest prospective experience on lead extraction published to date in 3555 patients recruited from 19 European countries. There remain unresolved issues, which is a strong incentive for conducting further specifically-designed clinical trials to answer important questions in this area. In addition to clinical studies, national registries are potentially useful for evaluating epidemiology of TLE as well as for quality control and understanding resource implications. Standardization of definitions and reporting of parameters are paramount in order to analyse, compare, and pool data for scientific purposes. Expert consensus statements on lead extraction have been published by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) in 2009 and 2017, and by EHRA in 2012. Experience from the ELECTRa registry has been valuable for identifying challenges faced with conducting scientific studies in this field, and provides a framework for future endeavours.This writing group has been commissioned by EHRA to provide recommendations for designing scientific studies, reports and registries relating to lead extraction.
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8. |
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9. |
- Boriani, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Plateau waveform shape allows a much higher patient shock energy tolerance in AF patients.
- 2007
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In: Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology. - : Wiley. - 1540-8167 .- 1045-3873. ; 18:7, s. 728-34
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible pain reduction of the plateau waveform in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that reduced amplitude waveforms would be less painful than a conventional (65/65% tilt) biphasic waveform. Computer modeling suggested that a moderately long (10-12 msec) plateau (flat topped) shock waveform would deliver equivalent effectiveness with the lowest possible peak amplitude. METHODS: We enrolled 27 patients at two sites with persistent AF with a total of 220 shocks delivered during internal atrial cardioversion using an interleaved crossover design. Patient response was scored in three ways: (1) a verbally reported discomfort score, (2) visual analog scale (VAS), and (3) a blinded observer reporting a contraction score. RESULTS: All scores were significantly reduced (P < 0.0001) by the plateau waveform with impressive statistics: Verbal discomfort (3.51 +/- 0.13 to 2.89 +/- 0.12), VAS (7.00 +/- 0.56 to 5.91 +/- 0.36), and contraction scores (1.94 +/- 0.12 to 1.62 +/- 0.12). The average pain threshold shift (TS) for the Verbal score was 2.34, while that for the VAS score was 2.30. (This means that the patient typically could tolerate 2.34 times as much energy with the plateau waveform for the same level of verbally reported discomfort.) The contraction TS was less at 1.57. Response scores were also corrected for the shock sequence number to control for the sensitization effect from multiple shocks. This increased the TS for the Verbal score to 3.58, but the shock number was not significant for the VAS. A pulmonary artery electrode return was associated with lower pain compared with a coronary sinus position. CONCLUSION: A plateau shaped biphasic waveform resulted in significantly increased shock energy pain tolerances. Controlling for session sensitization, patients tolerated over three times as much energy for the same verbally reported discomfort score.
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10. |
- Boriani, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Safety and efficacy of dronedarone from clinical trials to real-world evidence : implications for its use in atrial fibrillation
- 2019
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press. - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 21:12, s. 1764-1775
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Efficacy and safety of dronedarone was shown in the ATHENA trial for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Further trials revealed safety concerns in patients with heart failure and permanent AF. This review summarizes insights from recent real-world studies and meta-analyses, including reports on efficacy, with focus on liver safety, mortality risk in patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF, and interactions of dronedarone with direct oral anticoagulants. Reports of rapidly progressing liver failure in dronedarone-prescribed patients in 2011 led to regulatory cautions about potential liver toxicity. Recent real-world evidence suggests dronedarone liver safety profile is similar to other antiarrhythmics and liver toxicity could be equally common with many Class III antiarrhythmics. Dronedarone safety concerns (increased mortality in patients with permanent AF) were raised based on randomized controlled trials (RCT) (ANDROMEDA and PALLAS), but comedication with digoxin may have increased the mortality rates in PALLAS, considering the dronedarone-digoxin pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction. Real-world data on apixaban-dronedarone interactions and edoxaban RCT observations suggest no significant safety risks for these drug combinations. Median trough plasma concentrations of dabigatran 110 mg during concomitant use with dronedarone are at acceptable levels, while PK data on the rivaroxaban-dronedarone interaction are unavailable. In RCTs and real-world studies, dronedarone significantly reduces AF burden and cardiovascular hospitalizations, and demonstrates a low risk for proarrhythmia in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. The concerns on liver safety must be balanced against the significant reduction in hospitalizations in patients with non-permanent AF and low risk for proarrhythmias following dronedarone treatment.
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11. |
- Brandes, Axel, et al.
(author)
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Consumer-Led Screening for Atrial Fibrillation : Frontier Review of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration
- 2022
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 146:19, s. 1461-1474
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The technological evolution and widespread availability of wearables and handheld ECG devices capable of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), and their promotion directly to consumers, has focused attention of health care professionals and patient organizations on consumer-led AF screening. In this Frontiers review, members of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration provide a critical appraisal of this rapidly evolving field to increase awareness of the complexities and uncertainties surrounding consumer-led AF screening. Although there are numerous commercially available devices directly marketed to consumers for AF monitoring and identification of unrecognized AF, health care professional-led randomized controlled studies using multiple ECG recordings or continuous ECG monitoring to detect AF have failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in stroke. Although it remains uncertain if consumer-led AF screening reduces stroke, it could increase early diagnosis of AF and facilitate an integrated approach, including appropriate anticoagulation, rate or rhythm management, and risk factor modification to reduce complications. Companies marketing AF screening devices should report the accuracy and performance of their products in high- and low-risk populations and avoid claims about clinical outcomes unless improvement is demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. Generally, the diagnostic yield of AF screening increases with the number, duration, and temporal dispersion of screening sessions, but the prognostic importance may be less than for AF detected by single-time point screening, which is largely permanent, persistent, or high-burden paroxysmal AF. Consumer-initiated ECG recordings suggesting possible AF always require confirmation by a health care professional experienced in ECG reading, whereas suspicion of AF on the basis of photoplethysmography must be confirmed with an ECG. Consumer-led AF screening is unlikely to be cost-effective for stroke prevention in the predominantly young, early adopters of this technology. Studies in older people at higher stroke risk are required to demonstrate both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The direct interaction between companies and consumers creates new regulatory gaps in relation to data privacy and the registration of consumer apps and devices. Although several barriers for optimal use of consumer-led screening exist, results of large, ongoing trials, powered to detect clinical outcomes, are required before health care professionals should support widespread adoption of consumer-led AF screening.
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13. |
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14. |
- Camm, A. John, et al.
(author)
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AIM-AF : A Physician Survey in the United States and Europe
- 2022
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In: Journal of the American Heart Association. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 2047-9980. ; 11:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Guideline recommendations are the accepted reference for selection of therapies for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to understand physicians' treatment practices and adherence to guidelines.Methods and Results: The AIM-AF (Antiarrhythmic Medication for Atrial Fibrillation) study was an online survey of clinical cardiologists and electrophysiologists that was conducted in the United States and Europe (N=629). Respondents actively treated >= 30 patients with AF who received drug therapy, and had received or were referred for ablation every 3 months. The survey comprised 96 questions on physician demographics, AF types, and treatment practices. Overall, 54% of respondents considered guidelines to be the most important nonpatient factor influencing treatment choice. Across most queried comorbidities, amiodarone was selected by 60% to 80% of respondents. Other nonadherent usage included sotalol by 21% in patients with renal impairment; dofetilide initiation (16%, United States only) outside of hospital; class Ic agents by 6% in coronary artery disease; and dronedarone by 8% in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Additionally, rhythm control strategies were frequently chosen in asymptomatic AF (antiarrhythmic drugs [AADs], 35%; ablation, 8%) and subclinical AF (AADs, 38%; ablation, 13%). Despite guideline algorithms emphasizing safety first, efficacy (48%) was selected as the most important consideration for AAD choice, followed by safety (34%).Conclusions: Despite surveyed clinicians recognizing the importance of guidelines, nonadherence was frequently observed. While deviation may be reasonable in selected patients, in general, nonadherence has the potential to compromise patient safety. These findings highlight an underappreciation of the safe use of AADs, emphasizing the need for interventions to support optimal AAD selection.
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15. |
- Ding, Wern Yew, et al.
(author)
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Clinical utility and prognostic implications of the novel 4S-AF scheme to characterize and evaluate patients with atrial fibrillation : a report from ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry
- 2022
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 24:5, s. 721-728
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: The 4S-AF classification scheme comprises of four domains: stroke risk (St), symptoms (Sy), severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) burden (Sb), and substrate (Su). We sought to examine the implementation of the 4S-AF scheme in the EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry and compare outcomes in AF patients according to the 4S-AF-led decision-making process.Methods and results: Atrial fibrillation patients from 250 centres across 27 European countries were included. A 4S-AF score was calculated as the sum of each domain with a maximum score of 9. Of 6321 patients, 8.4% had low (St), 47.5% EHRA I (Sy), 40.5% newly diagnosed or paroxysmal AF (Sb), and 5.1% no cardiovascular risk factors or left atrial enlargement (Su). Median follow-up was 24 months. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of all-cause mortality were (St) [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 8.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.60-25.9], (Sb) (aHR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08-1.35), and (Su) (aHR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14-1.41). For CV mortality and any thromboembolic event, only (Su) (aHR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.45-2.06) and (Sy) (aHR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.00-1.66) were statistically significant, respectively. None of the domains were independently linked to ischaemic stroke or major bleeding. Higher 4S-AF score was related to a significant increase in all-cause mortality, CV mortality, any thromboembolic event, and ischaemic stroke but not major bleeding. Treatment of all 4S-AF domains was associated with an independent decrease in all-cause mortality (aHR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.92). For each 4S-AF domain left untreated, the risk of all-cause mortality increased substantially (aHR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16-1.56).Conclusion: Implementation of the novel 4S-AF scheme is feasible, and treatment decisions based on this scheme improve mortality rates in AF.
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16. |
- Ding, Wern Yew, et al.
(author)
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Impact of ABC (Atrial Fibrillation Better Care) pathway adherence in high-risk subgroups with atrial fibrillation : A report from the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF long-term general registry
- 2023
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In: European journal of internal medicine. - : Elsevier. - 0953-6205 .- 1879-0828. ; 107, s. 60-65
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Effects of Atrial Fibrillation Better Care (ABC) adherence among high-risk atrial fibrillation (AF) subgroups remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ABC adherence on clinical outcomes in these high-risk patients.Methods: EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry is a prospective, observational registry from 250 centres across 27 European countries. High-risk patients were defined as those with either CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2), elderly patients (>= 75 years) or prior thromboembolism. Primary outcome was a composite event of all-cause death, thromboembolism and acute coronary syndrome.Results: 6646 patients with AF were screened (median age was 70 [IQR 61 - 77] years; 40.2% females). There were 3304 (54.2%) patients with either CKD (n = 1750), older age (n = 2236) or prior thromboembolism (n = 728). Among these, 924 (28.0%) were managed as adherent to ABC. At 2-year follow-up, 966 (14.5%) patients reported the primary outcome. The incidence of the primary outcome was significantly lower in high-risk patients managed as adherent to ABC pathway (IRR 0.53 [95%CI, 0.43 - 0.64]). Consistent results were obtained in the individual subgroups. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, ABC adherence in the high-risk cohort was independently associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome (aHR 0.64 [95%CI, 0.51 - 0.80]), as well as in the CKD (aHR 0.51 [95%CI, 0.37 - 0.70]) and elderly subgroups (aHR 0.69 [95%CI, 0.53 - 0.90]). Overall, there was greater reduction in the risk of primary outcome as more ABC criteria were fulfilled, both in the overall high-risk patients (aHR 0.39 [95%CI, 0.25 - 0.61]), as well as in the individual subgroups.Conclusion: In a large, contemporary cohort of patients with AF, we demonstrate that adherence to the ABC pathway was associated with a significant benefit among high-risk patients with either CKD, advanced age (>75 years old) or prior thromboembolism.
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17. |
- Ding, Wern Yew, et al.
(author)
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Impact of diabetes on the management and outcomes in atrial fibrillation : an analysis from the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry
- 2022
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In: European journal of internal medicine. - : Elsevier. - 0953-6205 .- 1879-0828. ; 103, s. 41-49
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation(AF) and diabetes mellitus is rising to epidemic proportions. We aimed to assess the impact of diabetes on the management and outcomes of patients with AF. Methods: The EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry is a prospective, observational registry from 250 centres across 27 European countries. Outcomes of interest were as follows: i)rhythm control interventions; ii)quality of life; iii)healthcare resource utilisation; and iv)major adverse events. Results: Of 11,028 patients with AF, the median age was 71 (63-77) years and 2537 (23.0%) had diabetes. Median follow-up was 24 months. Diabetes was related to increased use of anticoagulation but less rhythm control interventions. Using multivariable analysis, at 2-year follow-up, patients with diabetes were associated with greater levels of anxiety (p = 0.038) compared to those without diabetes. Overall, diabetes was associated with worse health during follow-up, as indicated by Health Utility Score and Visual Analogue Scale. Healthcare resource utilisation was greater with diabetes in terms of length of hospital stay (8.1 (+/- 8.2) vs. 6.1 (+/- 6.7) days); cardiology and internal medicine/general practitioner visits; and emergency room admissions. Diabetes was an independent risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; HR 1.26 [95% CI, 1.04-1.52]), all-cause mortality (HR 1.28 [95% CI, 1.08-1.52]), and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.41 [95% CI, 1.09-1.83]). Conclusion: In this contemporary AF cohort, diabetes was present in 1 in 4 patients and it served as an independent risk factor for reduced quality of life, greater healthcare resource utilisation and excess MACE, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. There was increased use of anticoagulation therapy in diabetes but with less rhythm control interventions.
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18. |
- Ding, Wern Yew, et al.
(author)
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Impact of renal impairment on atrial fibrillation : ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry.
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Clinical Investigation. - : Wiley. - 0014-2972 .- 1365-2362. ; 52:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and renal impairment share a bidirectional relationship with important pathophysiological interactions. We evaluated the impact of renal impairment in a contemporary cohort of patients with AF.METHODS: We utilised the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry. Outcomes were analysed according to renal function by CKD-EPI equation. The primary endpoint was a composite of thromboembolism, major bleeding, acute coronary syndrome and all-cause death. Secondary endpoints were each of these separately including ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic event, intracranial haemorrhage, cardiovascular death and hospital admission.RESULTS: A total of 9,306 patients were included. The distribution of patients with no, mild, moderate and severe renal impairment at baseline were 16.9%, 49.3%, 30.0% and 3.8%, respectively. AF patients with impaired renal function were older, more likely to be females, had worse cardiac imaging parameters and multiple comorbidities. Among patients with an indication for anticoagulation, prescription of these agents was reduced in those with severe renal impairment,p<0.001. Over 24 months, impaired renal function was associated with significantly greater incidence of the primary composite outcome and all secondary outcomes. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between eGFR and the primary outcome (HR 1.07[95% CI,1.01-1.14] per 10 mL/min/1.73m2 decrease), that was most notable in patients with eGFR <30mL/min/1.73m2 (HR 2.21[95% CI,1.23-3.99] compared to eGFR ≥90mL/min/1.73m2 ).CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients with AF suffer from concomitant renal impairment which impacts their overall management. Furthermore, renal impairment is an independent predictor of major adverse events including thromboembolism, major bleeding, acute coronary syndrome and all-cause death in patients with AF.
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19. |
- Ding, Wern Yew, et al.
(author)
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Outcomes of digoxin vs. beta-blocker in atrial fibrillation : report from ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry
- 2022
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In: European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. - : Oxford University Press. - 2055-6837 .- 2055-6845. ; 8:4, s. 372-382
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: The safety of digoxin therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains ill-defined. We aimed to evaluate the effects of digoxin over beta-blocker therapy in AF.Methods and results: Patients with AF who were treated with either digoxin or beta-blocker from the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were included. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, non-CV mortality, quality of life and number of patients with unplanned hospitalisations. Of 6377 patients, 549(8.6%) were treated with digoxin. Over 24 months, there were 550(8.6%) all-cause mortality events and 1304(23.6%) patients with unplanned emergency hospitalisations. Compared to beta-blocker, digoxin therapy was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.90 [95%CI,1.48-2.44], CV mortality (HR 2.18 [95%CI,1.47-3.21] and non-CV mortality (HR 1.68 [95%CI,1.02-2.75] with reduced quality of life (Health Utility Score 0.555[±0.406] vs. 0.705[±0.346], P<0.001) but no differences in emergency hospitalisations (HR 1.00 [95%CI,0.56-1.80]) or AF-related hospitalisations (HR 0.95 [95%CI,0.60-1.52]).On multivariable analysis, there were no differences in any of the outcomes between both groups, after accounting for potential confounders. Similar results were obtained in the subgroups of patients with permanent AF and coexisting heart failure. There was no differences in outcomes between AF patients receiving digoxin with and without chronic kidney disease.Conclusion: Poor outcomes related to the use of digoxin over beta-blocker therapy in terms of excess mortality and reduced quality of life are associated with the presence of other risk factors rather than digoxin per se. The choice of digoxin or beta-blocker therapy had no influence on the incidence of unplanned hospitalisations.
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20. |
- Eklund, Michaela, 1995-, et al.
(author)
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The budget impact of implementing atrial fibrillation-screening in European countries
- 2024
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In: European Heart Journal, Supplement. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1520-765X .- 1554-2815. ; 26:Supplement_4, s. iv19-iv32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A budget impact analysis estimates the short-term difference between the cost of the current treatment strategy and a new treatment strategy, in this case to implement population screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to estimate the financial impact of implementing population-based AF-screening of 75-year-olds compared with the current setting of no screening from a healthcare payer perspective in eight European countries. The net budget impact of AF-screening was estimated in country-specific settings for Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden. Country-specific parameters were used to allow for variations in healthcare systems and to reflect the healthcare sector in the country of interest. Similar results can be seen in all countries AF-screening incurs savings of stroke-related costs since AF treatment reduces the number of strokes. However, the increased number of detected AF and higher drug acquisition will increase the drug costs as well as the costs of physician- and control visits. The net budget impact per invited varied from 10 in Ireland to 122 in the Netherlands. The results showed the increased costs of implementing AF-screening were mainly driven by increased drug costs and screening costs. In conclusion, across Europe, though the initial cost of screening and more frequent use of oral anti-coagulants will increase the healthcare payers' costs, introducing population screening for AF will result in savings of stroke-related costs.
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21. |
- Freedman, Ben, et al.
(author)
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Screening for Atrial Fibrillation A Report of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration
- 2017
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In: Circulation. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 135:19, s. 1851-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Approximately 10% of ischemic strokes are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) first diagnosed at the time of stroke. Detecting asymptomatic AF would provide an opportunity to prevent these strokes by instituting appropriate anticoagulation. The AF-SCREEN international collaboration was formed in September 2015 to promote discussion and research about AF screening as a strategy to reduce stroke and death and to provide advocacy for implementation of country-specific AF screening programs. During 2016, 60 expert members of AF-SCREEN, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, health economists, and patient advocates, were invited to prepare sections of a draft document. In August 2016, 51 members met in Rome to discuss the draft document and consider the key points arising from it using a Delphi process. These key points emphasize that screen-detected AF found at a single timepoint or by intermittent ECG recordings over 2 weeks is not a benign condition and, with additional stroke factors, carries sufficient risk of stroke to justify consideration of anticoagulation. With regard to the methods of mass screening, handheld ECG devices have the advantage of providing a verifiable ECG trace that guidelines require for AF diagnosis and would therefore be preferred as screening tools. Certain patient groups, such as those with recent embolic stroke of uncertain source (ESUS), require more intensive monitoring for AF. Settings for screening include various venues in both the community and the clinic, but they must be linked to a pathway for appropriate diagnosis and management for screening to be effective. It is recognized that health resources vary widely between countries and health systems, so the setting for AF screening should be both country-and health system-specific. Based on current knowledge, this white paper provides a strong case for AF screening now while recognizing that large randomized outcomes studies would be helpful to strengthen the evidence base.
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24. |
- Gorenek, Bulent, et al.
(author)
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European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) position paper on arrhythmia management and device therapies in endocrine disorders, endorsed by Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS)
- 2018
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 20:6, s. 895-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Endocrine disorders are associated with various tachyarrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and bradyarrhythmias. Along with underlying arrhythmia substrate, electrolyte disturbances, glucose, and hormone levels, accompanying endocrine disorders contribute to development of arrhythmia. Arrhythmias may be life-threatening, facilitate cardiogenic shock development and increase mortality. The knowledge on the incidence of tachy-and bradyarrhythmias, clinical and prognostic significance as well as their management is limited; it is represented in observational studies and mostly in case reports on management of challenging cases. It should be also emphasized, that the topic is not covered in detail in current guidelines. Therefore, cardiologists and multidisciplinary teams participating in care of such patients do need the evidence-based, or in case of limited evidence expert-opinion based recommendations, how to treat arrhythmias using contemporary approaches, prevent their complications and recurrence in patients with endocrine disorders. In recognizing this close relationship between endocrine disorders and arrhythmias, the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) convened a Task Force, with representation from Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulacion Cardiaca y Electrofisiologia (SOLAECE), with the remit of comprehensively reviewing the available evidence and publishing a joint consensus document on endocrine disorders and cardiac arrhythmias, and providing up-to-date consensus recommendations for use in clinical practice.
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