Associations of Inflammatory Biomarkers With the Risk of Morbidity and Mortality After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with cardiovascular events in nonsurgical settings, these associations have not been systematically addressed in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This review aimed to evaluate the relationships of inflammatory markers with mortality and adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: Medline, Embase, and Central databases were systematically searched for studies reporting pre- or postoperative levels of inflammatory biomarkers in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Outcomes of interest were postoperative mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Studies reporting multivariable adjusted risk estimates were included. Risk estimates were pooled with the use of random-effects models and reported as summary odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Among 14,465 citations identified, 29 studies including 29,401 participants met the eligibility criteria. The average follow-up time after surgery was 31 months. Preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.60-2.20; I2 = 19%; 11 studies) and MACE (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34-2.24; I2 = 0%; 3 studies). CRP levels measured on postoperative day 6 (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.90-18.88, 1 study) and day 10 (OR 11.8, 95% CI 3.50-39.78, 1 study) were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Less, but overall similar, information was available for other inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: In this large meta-analysis, inflammatory biomarkers measured before or after cardiac surgery were associated with mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Anticoagulation use in perioperative atrial fibrillation after noncardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death after noncardiac surgery. Anticoagulation therapy is effective for stroke prevention in nonsurgical atrial fibrillation, but its efficacy and safety in perioperative atrial fibrillation are unknown. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from database inception until January 2022. We included studies comparing anticoagulation versus no anticoagulation use in patients with perioperative atrial fibrillation after noncardiac surgery. Our study outcomes included stroke ± systemic embolism, bleeding, mortality, myocardial infarction, and venous thromboembolism. We pooled studies using fixed-effects models. We reported summary risk ratios (RRs) for studies reporting multivariable-adjusted results. RESULTS: Seven observational studies but no randomised trials were included. Of the 27,822 patients, 29.1% were prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation. Anticoagulation use was associated with a lower risk of stroke ± systemic embolism (RR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.85; I2 = 81%; 3 studies) but a higher risk of bleeding (RR 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.25; 1 study). There was a lower risk of mortality associated with anticoagulation use (RR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.40-0.51; I2 = 80%; 2 studies). There was no difference in the risk of myocardial infarction (RR 2.19; 95% CI, 0.97-4.96; 1 study). The certainty of the evidence was very low across all outcomes. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulation is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and death but an increased risk of bleeding. The quality of the evidence is very poor. Randomised trials are needed to better determine the effects of anticoagulation use in this population.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 10-A Novel Biomarker to Predict Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) face an increased risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We aimed to assess the predictive value of the novel atrial-specific biomarker BMP10 (bone morphogenetic protein 10) for death and MACE in patients with AF in comparison with NT-proBNP (N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide). Methods and Results BMP10 and NT-proBNP were measured in patients with AF enrolled in Swiss-AF (Swiss Atrial Fibrillation Study), a prospective multicenter cohort study. A total of 2219 patients were included (median follow-up 4.3 years [interquartile range 3.9, 5.1], mean age 73±9 years, 73% male). In multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) associated with 1 ng/mL increase of BMP10 was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.37-1.87) for all-cause death, and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.35-1.76) for MACE. For all-cause death, the concordance index was 0.783 (95% CI, 0.763-0.809) for BMP10, 0.784 (95% CI, 0.765-0.810) for NT-proBNP, and 0.789 (95% CI, 0.771-0.815) for both biomarkers combined. For MACE, the concordance index was 0.732 (95% CI, 0.715-0.754) for BMP10, 0.747 (95% CI, 0.731-0.768) for NT-proBNP, and 0.750 (95% CI, 0.734-0.771) for both biomarkers combined. When grouping patients according to NT-proBNP categories (<300, 300-900, >900 ng/L), higher aHRs were observed in patients with high BMP10 in the categories of low NT-proBNP (all-cause death aHR, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.15-4.52], MACE aHR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.07-3.28]) and high NT-proBNP (all-cause death aHR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.14-2.26], MACE aHR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.07-1.80]). Conclusions BMP10 strongly predicted all-cause death and MACE in patients with AF. BMP10 provided additional prognostic information in low- and high-risk patients according to NT-proBNP stratification. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02105844.

Rationale and design of the colchicine for the prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery (COP-AF) trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) are common complications after noncardiac surgery. Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The COP-AF trial tests the hypothesis that colchicine reduces the incidence of perioperative AF and MINS in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 'COlchicine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation' (COP-AF) trial is an international, blinded, randomized trial that compares colchicine to placebo in patients aged at least 55 years and undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery with general anesthesia. Exclusion criteria include a history of AF and a contraindication to colchicine (eg, severe renal dysfunction). Oral colchicine at a dose of 0.5 mg or matching placebo is given within 4 hours before surgery. Thereafter, patients receive colchicine 0.5 mg or placebo twice daily for a total of 10 days. The 2 independent co-primary outcomes are clinically important perioperative AF (including atrial flutter) and MINS during 14 days of follow-up. The main safety outcomes are sepsis or infection and non-infectious diarrhea. We aim to enroll 3,200 patients from approximately 40 sites across 11 countries to have at least 80% power for the independent evaluation of the 2 co-primary outcomes. The COP-AF main results are expected in 2023. CONCLUSIONS: COP-AF is a large randomized and blinded trial designed to determine whether colchicine reduces the risk of perioperative AF or MINS in patients who have major noncardiac thoracic surgery.

Mechanisms and Clinical Manifestations of Cognitive Decline in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Potential Implications for Preventing Dementia.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients face an approximate 1.5-fold increased risk of cognitive decline compared with the general population. Among poststroke AF patients, the risk of cognitive decline is even higher with an estimated threefold increase. This article provides a narrative review on the current evidence and highlights gaps in knowledge and areas for future research. Although earlier studies hypothesized that the association between AF and cognitive decline is mainly a consequence of previous ischemic strokes, more recent evidence also suggests such an association in AF patients without a history of clinical stroke. Because AF and cognitive decline mainly occur among elderly individuals, it is not surprising that both entities share multiple risk factors. In addition to clinically overt ischemic strokes, silent brain infarcts and other brain injury are likely mechanisms for the increased risk of cognitive decline among AF patients. Oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in AF patients with additional stroke risk factors is one of the only proven therapies to prevent brain injury. Whether a broader use of oral anticoagulation, or more intense anticoagulation in some patients are beneficial in this context needs to be addressed in future studies. Although direct studies are lacking, it is reasonable to recommend optimal treatment of comorbidities and risk factors for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.

Bleeding and ischaemic events after first bleed in anticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients: risk and timing.

AIMS: To determine the risk of subsequent adverse clinical outcomes in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who experienced a new bleeding event. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anticoagulated AF patients were followed in two prospective cohort studies. Information on incident bleeding was systematically collected during yearly follow-up visits and events were adjudicated as major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or all-cause death. Time-updated multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were used to compare outcomes in patients with and without incident bleeding. Median follow-up was 4.08 years [interquartile range (IQR): 2.93-5.98]. Of the 3277 patients included (mean age 72 years, 28.5% women), 646 (19.7%) developed a new bleeding, 297 (9.1%) a major bleeding and 418 (12.8%) a CRNMB. The incidence of the primary outcome was 7.08 and 4.04 per 100 patient-years in patients with and without any bleeding [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-1.61; P < 0.001; median time between a new bleeding and a primary outcome 306 days (IQR: 23-832)]. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 126 patients [incidence, 8.65 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 7.26-10.30)]. In patients with and without a major bleeding, the incidence of the primary outcome was 11.00 and 4.06 per 100 patient-years [aHR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.69-2.46; P < 0.001; median time to a primary outcome 142 days (IQR: 9-518)], and 59 had recurrent bleeding [11.61 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 8.99-14.98)]. The incidence of the primary outcome was 5.29 and 4.55 in patients with and without CRNMB [aHR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.76-1.15; P = 0.53; median time to a composite outcome 505 days (IQR: 153-1079)], and 87 had recurrent bleeding [8.43 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 6.83-10.40)]. Patients who had their oral anticoagulation (OAC) discontinued after their first bleeding episode had a higher incidence of the primary composite than those who continued OAC (63/89 vs. 159/557 patients; aHR: 4.46, 95% CI: 3.16-6.31; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In anticoagulated AF patients, major bleeding but not CRNMB was associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes, part of which may be explained by OAC discontinuation. Most events occurred late after the bleeding episode, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-up in these patients.

Use of Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients With Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Perioperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery is associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, the efficacy and safety of using anticoagulation therapy in this population are unknown. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing use of anticoagulation therapy vs no anticoagulation therapy in patients with POAF after cardiac surgery. Outcomes included arterial thromboembolism (ie, stroke ± systemic embolism) and bleeding. Data were pooled using fixed-effects models. We reported summary risk ratios (RRs) for studies with multivariable adjustment and estimated absolute risk differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Nine observational studies met eligibility criteria. No randomized trials were identified. Of the 254,200 POAF patients included, 27.3% received anticoagulation. Six studies reported outcomes after long-term follow-up (median 5.0 years; range 4.2-10.0). The risk of arterial thromboembolism was lower in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy (RR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99; I2 = 57%; P = 0.04; 6 studies). The estimated short-term and long-term absolute risk reductions in arterial thromboembolism with use of anticoagulation therapy were 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4-1.4) and 2 events per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 0-4), respectively. The risk of bleeding was higher in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy (RR 3.22; 95% CI, 2.82-3.68; I2 = 98%; P < 0.001; 2 studies). The estimated short-term and long-term absolute risk increases in bleeding with use of anticoagulation therapy were 0.5% (95% CI, 0.4-0.6) and 42 events per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 35-51), respectively. Conclusions: Use of anticoagulation therapy is associated with a small reduction in the risk of arterial thromboembolism, but also an increased risk of bleeding. Randomized controlled trials are needed to address this issue.

Introduction: La fibrillation auriculaire périopératoire (FAPO) après l'intervention chirurgicale au cœur est associée à une augmentation du risque d'accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC). Toutefois, on ne connaît pas l'efficacité et l'innocuité de la l'anticoagulothérapie de cette population. Méthodes: Nous avons réalisé une revue systématique et une méta-analyse d'études qui comparaient l'utilisation de l'anticoagulothérapie vs l'absence d'anticoagulothérapie chez les patients atteints de FAPO après l'intervention chirurgicale au cœur. Les résultats étaient notamment la thromboembolie artérielle (c.-à-d. l'AVC ± l'embolie systémique) et les hémorragies. Nous avons regroupé les données à l'aide de modèles à effets fixes. Nous avons rapporté les risques relatifs (RR) sommaires d'études avec l'ajustement multivarié et l'estimation des différences du risque absolu avec des intervalles de confiance (IC) à 95 %. Résultats: Neuf études observationnelles répondaient aux critères d'admissibilité. Aucun essai à répartition aléatoire n'a été trouvé. Parmi les 254 200 patients atteints de FAPO sélectionnés, 27,3 % avaient reçu une anticoagulation. Six études révélaient des résultats après le suivi à long terme (médiane 5,0 ans ; fourchette 4,2-10,0). Le risque de thromboembolie artérielle était plus faible chez les patients qui avaient reçu une anticoagulothérapie (RR 0,83 ; IC à 95 %, 0,69-0,99 ; I2 = 57 % ; P = 0,04 ; six études). Les estimations de réduction du risque absolu à court terme et à long terme lors de thromboembolie artérielle avec l'utilisation de l'anticoagulothérapie étaient respectivement de 0,8 % (IC à 95 %, 0,4-1,4) et de deux événements par 1000 personnes-années (IC à 95 %, 0-4). Le risque d'hémorragie était plus élevé chez les patients qui avaient reçu une anticoagulothérapie (RR 3,22 ; IC à 95 %, 2,82-3,68 ; I2 = 98 % ; P < 0,001 ; deux études). Les estimations d'augmentation du risque absolu à court terme et à long terme des hémorragies avec l'utilisation de l'anticoagulothérapie étaient respectivement de 0,5 % (IC à 95 %, 0,4-0,6) et de 42 événements par 1000 personnes-années (IC à 95 %, 35-51). Conclusions: L'utilisation de l'anticoagulothérapie est associée à une réduction minime du risque de thromboembolie artérielle, mais aussi à une augmentation du risque d'hémorragie. Des essais cliniques à répartition aléatoire sont nécessaires pour aborder cette question.

Cardiovascular imaging following perioperative myocardial infarction/injury.

Patients developing perioperative myocardial infarction/injury (PMI) have a high mortality. PMI work-up and therapy remain poorly defined. This prospective multicenter study included high-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery within a systematic PMI screening and clinical response program. The frequency of cardiovascular imaging during PMI work-up and its yield for possible type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI) was assessed. Automated PMI detection triggered evaluation by the treating physician/cardiologist, who determined selection/timing of cardiovascular imaging. T1M1 was considered with the presence of a new wall motion abnormality within 30 days in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), a new scar or ischemia within 90 days in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), and Ambrose-Type II or complex lesions within 7 days of PMI in coronary angiography (CA). In patients with PMI, 21% (268/1269) underwent at least one cardiac imaging modality. TTE was used in 13% (163/1269), MPI in 3% (37/1269), and CA in 5% (68/1269). Cardiology consultation was associated with higher use of cardiovascular imaging (27% versus 13%). Signs indicative of T1MI were found in 8% of TTE, 46% of MPI, and 63% of CA. Most patients with PMI did not undergo any cardiovascular imaging within their PMI work-up. If performed, MPI and CA showed high yield for signs indicative of T1MI.Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02573532 .

Biomarkers associated with rhythm status after cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Biomarkers may help to improve our knowledge about the complex pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study we sought to identify significant changes in biomarkers and clinical measures in patients with and without AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion. We measured 21 conventional and new biomarkers before and 30 days after electrical cardioversion and assessed the associations of changes in biomarker levels with rhythm status at follow-up. Significant between-group changes were observed for bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and total bilirubin. Their respective changes were - 10.4%, - 62.0% and - 25.6% in patients with sinus rhythm, and 3.1%, 1.1% and - 9.4% in patients with recurrent AF, for a between-group difference of - 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] - 19.3% to - 7.6%; P < 0.001), - 63.1% (95% CI - 76.6% to - 49.6%; P < 0.001) and - 16.3% (95% CI - 27.9% to - 4.7%; P = 0.007). In multivariable models, the reductions of BMP10 and NT-proBNP were significantly associated with follow-up rhythm status (ß coefficient per 1 - SD decrease, - 3.85; 95% CI - 6.34 to - 1.35; P = 0.003 for BMP10 and - 5.84; 95% CI - 10.22 to - 1.47; P = 0.009 for NT-proBNP. In conclusion, changes in BMP10 und NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with rhythm status after cardioversion, suggesting that these markers may be dependent on the actual heart rhythm.

Silent brain infarcts impact on cognitive function in atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the association of clinically overt and silent brain lesions with cognitive function in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 1227 AF patients in a prospective, multicentre cohort study (Swiss-AF). Patients underwent standardized brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 2 years. We quantified new small non-cortical infarcts (SNCIs) and large non-cortical or cortical infarcts (LNCCIs), white matter lesions (WML), and microbleeds (Mb). Clinically, silent infarcts were defined as new SNCI/LNCCI on follow-up MRI in patients without a clinical stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) during follow-up. Cognition was assessed using validated tests. The mean age was 71 years, 26.1% were females, and 89.9% were anticoagulated. Twenty-eight patients (2.3%) experienced a stroke/TIA during 2 years of follow-up. Of the 68 (5.5%) patients with ≥1 SNCI/LNCCI, 60 (88.2%) were anticoagulated at baseline and 58 (85.3%) had a silent infarct. Patients with brain infarcts had a larger decline in cognition [median (interquartile range)] changes in Cognitive Construct score [-0.12 (-0.22; -0.07)] than patients without new brain infarcts [0.07 (-0.09; 0.25)]. New WML or Mb were not associated with cognitive decline. CONCLUSION: In a contemporary cohort of AF patients, 5.5% had a new brain infarct on MRI after 2 years. The majority of these infarcts was clinically silent and occurred in anticoagulated patients. Clinically, overt and silent brain infarcts had a similar impact on cognitive decline. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02105844, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02105844.

Long-term risk of adverse outcomes according to atrial fibrillation type.

Sustained forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) may be associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, but few if any long-term studies took into account changes of AF type and co-morbidities over time. We prospectively followed 3843 AF patients and collected information on AF type and co-morbidities during yearly follow-ups. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke or systemic embolism (SE). Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction, hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF), bleeding and all-cause mortality. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were used to compare hazard ratios (HR) according to AF type. At baseline 1895 (49%), 1046 (27%) and 902 (24%) patients had paroxysmal, persistent and permanent AF and 3234 (84%) were anticoagulated. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 3.0 (1.9; 4.2) years, the incidence of stroke/SE was 1.0 per 100 patient-years. The incidence of myocardial infarction, CHF, bleeding and all-cause mortality was 0.7, 3.0, 2.9 and 2.7 per 100 patient-years, respectively. The multivariable adjusted (a) HRs (95% confidence interval) for stroke/SE were 1.13 (0.69; 1.85) and 1.27 (0.83; 1.95) for time-updated persistent and permanent AF, respectively. The corresponding aHRs were 1.23 (0.89, 1.69) and 1.45 (1.12; 1.87) for all-cause mortality, 1.34 (1.00; 1.80) and 1.30 (1.01; 1.67) for CHF, 0.91 (0.48; 1.72) and 0.95 (0.56; 1.59) for myocardial infarction, and 0.89 (0.70; 1.14) and 1.00 (0.81; 1.24) for bleeding. In this large prospective cohort of AF patients, time-updated AF type was not associated with incident stroke/SE.

Subclinical thyroid function and cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if subclinical thyroid dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Swiss-AF is a prospective cohort of community-dwelling participants aged ≥ 65 years with AF. Primary outcome was a composite endpoint of CV events (myocardial infarctions, stroke/transitory ischemic events, systemic embolism, heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, CV deaths). Secondary outcomes were component endpoints, total mortality, and AF-progression. Exposures were thyroid dysfunction categories, TSH and fT4. Sensitivity analyses were performed for amiodarone use, thyroid hormones use, and competing events. RESULTS: 2415 patients were included (mean age: 73.2 years; 27% women). 196 (8.4%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 53 (2.3%) subclinical hyperthyroidism. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction was not associated with CV events, during a median follow-up of 2.1 years (max 5 years): age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR) of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.69-1.41) for subclinical hypothyroidism and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.23-1.32) for subclinical hyperthyroidism. Results remained robust following multivariable adjustment and sensitivity analyses. In euthyroid patients, fT4 levels were associated with an increased risk for the composite endpoint and HF (adjHR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04-2.05; adjHR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.08-2.66, respectively, for the highest quintile vs the middle quintile). Results remained similar following multivariable adjustment and remained significant for HF in sensitivity analyses. No association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and total mortality or AF-progression was found. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical hypothyroidism was not associated with increased CV risk in AF patients. Higher levels of fT4 with normal TSH were associated with a higher risk for HF.

Association of Heart Rate Variability With Silent Brain Infarcts in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Purpose: Silent brain infarcts (SBI) are frequently detected in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but it is unknown whether SBI are linked to autonomic dysfunction. We aimed to explore the association of autonomic dysfunction with SBI in AF patients. Methods: 1,358 AF patients without prior stroke or TIA underwent brain MRI and 5-min resting ECG. We divided our cohort into AF patients who presented in sinus rhythm (SR-group, n = 816) or AF (AF-group, n = 542). HRV triangular index (HRVI), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, mean heart rate, root mean square root of successive differences of normal-to-normal intervals, 5-min total power and power in the low frequency, high frequency and very low frequency range were calculated. Primary outcome was presence of SBI in the SR group, defined as large non-cortical or cortical infarcts. Secondary outcomes were SBI volumes and topography. Results: Mean age was 72 ± 9 years, 27% were female. SBI were detected in 10.5% of the SR group and in 19.9% of the AF group (p < 0.001). HRVI <15 was the only HRV parameter associated with the presence of SBI after adjustment for clinical covariates in the SR group [odds ratio (OR) 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.70; p = 0.037]. HRVI <15 was associated with larger brain infarct volumes [ß (95% CI) -0.47 (-0.84; -0.09), p = 0.016] in the SR group and was more frequently observed in patients with right- than left-hemispheric SBI (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Impaired HRVI is associated with SBI in AF patients. AF patients with autonomic dysfunction might undergo systematic brain MRI screening to initiate intensified medical treatment. Clinical Trials Gov Identifier: NCT02105844.

Biomarkers of Inflammation and Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is very common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that biomarkers of inflammation can identify patients with AF at increased risk of this important complication. Methods and Results Patients with established AF were prospectively enrolled. Levels of hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and interleukin-6 were measured from plasma samples obtained at baseline. We calculated an inflammation score ranging from 0 to 4 (1 point for each biomarker between the 50th and 75th percentile, 2 points for each biomarker above the 75th percentile). Individual associations of biomarkers and the inflammation score with HF hospitalization were obtained from multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 3784 patients with AF (median age 72 years, 24% prior HF) were followed for a median of 4.0 years. The median (interquartile range) plasma levels of hs-CRP and interleukin-6 were 1.64 (0.81-3.69) mg/L and 3.42 (2.14-5.60) pg/mL, respectively. The overall incidence of HF hospitalization was 3.04 per 100 person-years and increased from 1.34 to 7.31 per 100 person-years across inflammation score categories. After multivariable adjustment, both biomarkers were significantly associated with the risk of HF hospitalization (per increase in 1 SD, adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.34 for log-transformed hs-CRP; adjusted HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.35-1.62 for log-transformed interleukin-6). Similar results were obtained for the inflammation score (highest versus lowest score, adjusted HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.80-3.30; P value for trend <0.001). Conclusions Biomarkers of inflammation strongly predicted HF hospitalization in a large, contemporary sample of patients with AF. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02105844.

Heart rate and adverse outcomes in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal target heart rate in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between heart rate and adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of patients with prevalent AF. METHODS: From two prospective cohort studies, we included stable AF outpatients who were in AF on the baseline ECG. The main outcome events assessed during prospective follow-up were heart failure hospitalisation, stroke or systemic embolism and death. The associations between heart rate and adverse outcomes were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression models. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 1679 patients who had prevalent AF at baseline. Mean age was 74 years, and 24.6% were women. The mean heart rate on the baseline ECG was 78 (±19) beats per minute (bpm). The median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 2.2-5.0). Heart rate was not significantly associated with heart failure hospitalisation (adjusted HR (aHR) per 10 bpm increase, 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.07, p=0.95), stroke or systemic embolism (aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.07, p=0.38) or death (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p=0.66). There was no evidence of a threshold effect for heart rates <60 bpm or >100 bpm. CONCLUSIONS: In this large contemporary cohort of outpatients with prevalent AF, we found no association between heart rate and adverse outcome events. These data are in line with recommendations that strict heart rate control is not needed in otherwise stable outpatients with AF.

The Admit-AF risk score: A clinical risk score for predicting hospital admissions in patients with atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: To develop and externally validate a risk score for all-cause hospital admissions in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used a prospective cohort of 2387 patients with established atrial fibrillation as derivation cohort. Independent risk factors were selected from a broad range of variables using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method fit to a Cox model. The risk score was validated in a separate prospective cohort of 1300 atrial fibrillation patients. The incidence of all-cause hospital admission was 19.1 per 100 person-years in the derivation cohort and it was 26.1 per 100 person-years in the validation cohort. The most important predictors for admission were age (75-79 years: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.78; 80-84 years: aHR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.11-2.03; ≥85 years: aHR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.36-2.62), prior pulmonary vein isolation (aHR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58-0.88), hypertension (aHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.99-1.36), diabetes (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17-1.62), coronary heart disease (aHR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02-1.36), prior stroke/transient ischaemic attack (aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.18-1.47), heart failure (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03-1.39), peripheral artery disease (aHR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08-1.67), cancer (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.57), renal failure (aHR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99-1.37) and previous falls (aHR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.13-1.74). A risk score with these variables was well calibrated, and achieved a C-index of 0.64 in the derivation and 0.59 in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple risk factors were associated with hospital admissions in atrial fibrillation patients. This prediction tool selects high-risk patients who may benefit from preventive interventions.

Frailty to predict unplanned hospitalization, stroke, bleeding, and death in atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and frailty are common, and the prevalence is expected to rise further. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty and the ability of a frailty index (FI) to predict unplanned hospitalizations, stroke, bleeding, and death in patients with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with known AF were enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Switzerland. Information on medical history, lifestyle factors, and clinical measurements were obtained. The primary outcome was unplanned hospitalization; secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, bleeding, and stroke. The FI was measured using a cumulative deficit approach, constructed according to previously published criteria and divided into three groups (non-frail, pre-frail, and frail). The association between frailty and outcomes was assessed using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models. Of the 2369 included patients, prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty was 60.7% and 10.6%, respectively. Pre-frailty and frailty were associated with a higher risk of unplanned hospitalizations [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49-2.22; P < 0.001; and aHR 3.59, 95% CI 2.78-4.63, P < 0.001], all-cause mortality (aHR 5.07, 95% CI 2.43-10.59; P < 0.001; and aHR 16.72, 95% CI 7.75-36.05; P < 0.001), and bleeding (aHR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11-2.13; P = 0.01; and aHR 2.46, 95% CI 1.61-3.77; P < 0.001). Frailty, but not pre-frailty, was associated with a higher risk of stroke (aHR 3.29, 95% CI 1.2-8.39; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Over two-thirds of patients with AF are pre-frail or frail. These patients have a high risk for unplanned hospitalizations and other adverse events. These findings emphasize the need to carefully evaluate these patients. However, whether screening for pre-frailty and frailty and targeted prevention strategies improve outcomes needs to be shown in future studies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier number: NCT02105844.

Blood Pressure and Brain Lesions in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

The association of blood pressure (BP) and hypertension with the presence of different types of brain lesions in patients with atrial fibrillation is unclear. BP values were obtained in a multicenter cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation. Systolic and diastolic BP was categorized in predefined groups. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and neurocognitive testing. Brain lesions were classified as large noncortical or cortical infarcts, small noncortical infarcts, microbleeds, or white matter lesions. White matter lesions were graded according to the Fazekas scale. Overall, 1738 patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this cross-sectional analysis (mean age, 73 years, 73% males). Mean BP was 135/79 mm Hg, and 67% of participants were taking BP-lowering treatment. White matter lesions Fazekas ≥2 were found in 54%, large noncortical or cortical infarcts in 22%, small noncortical infarcts in 21%, and microbleeds in 22% of patients, respectively. Compared with patients with systolic BP <120 mm Hg, the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for Fazekas≥2 was 1.25 (0.94-1.66), 1.41 (1.03-1.93), and 2.54 (1.65-3.95) among patients with systolic BP of 120 to 140, 140 to 160, and ≥160 mm Hg (P for linear trend<0.001). Per 5 mm Hg increase in systolic and diastolic BP, the adjusted ß-coefficient (95% CI) for log-transformed white matter lesions was 0.04 (0.02-0.05), P<0.001 and 0.04 (0.01-0.06), P=0.004. Systolic BP was associated with small noncortical infarcts (odds ratios [95% CI] per 5 mm Hg 1.05 [1.01-1.08], P=0.006), microbleeds were associated with hypertension, but large noncortical or cortical infarcts were not associated with BP or hypertension. After multivariable adjustment, BP and hypertension were not associated with neurocognitive function. Among patients with atrial fibrillation, BP is strongly associated with the presence and extent of white matter lesions, but there is no association with large noncortical or cortical infarcts. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02105844.

Association of psychosocial factors with all-cause hospitalizations in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: A high burden of cardiovascular comorbidities puts patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk for hospitalizations, but the role of other factors is less clear. HYPOTHESIS: To determine the relationship between psychosocial factors and the risk of unplanned hospitalizations in AF patients. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study of 2378 patients aged 65 or older with previously diagnosed AF across 14 centers in Switzerland. Marital status and education level were defined as social factors, depression and health perception were psychological components. The pre-defined outcome was unplanned all-cause hospitalization. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 2.0 years, a total of 1713 hospitalizations occurred in 37% of patients. Compared to patients who were married, adjusted rate ratios (aRR) for all-cause hospitalizations were 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-1.69) for singles, 1.31 (95%CI, 1.06-1.62) for divorced patients, and 1.02 (95%CI, 0.82-1.25) for widowed patients. The aRRs for all-cause hospitalizations across increasing quartiles of health perception were 1.0 (highest health perception), 1.15 (95%CI, 0.84-1.59), 1.25 (95%CI, 1.03-1.53), and 1.66 (95%CI, 1.34-2.07). No different hospitalization rates were observed in patients with a secondary or primary or less education as compared to patients with a college degree (aRR, 1.06; 95%CI, 0.91-1.23 and 1.05; 95%CI, 0.83-1.33, respectively). Presence of depression was not associated with higher hospitalization rates (aRR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.68-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that psychosocial factors, including marital status and health perception, are strongly associated with the occurrence of hospitalizations in AF patients. Targeted psychosocial support interventions may help to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02105844.