Impact of pre-ablation left appendage flow velocities on long term recurrence of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Despite undergoing a single ablation, many patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) experience a gradually increasing recurrence rate. This study aims to examine the relationship between left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAeV) and filling velocity (LAAfV) profiles and 3-year recurrence of AF after ablation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 658 consecutive PAF patients who underwent their first ablation between January 2018 and December 2019. We collected the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of the patients. LAAeV and LAAfV were obtained from a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) before catheter ablation. Patients were followed at regular intervals to monitor for the primary outcome of AF recurrence. RESULTS: After a median follow-up period of 35.3 months (range, 10.7-36.3), 288 patients (43.8%) experienced AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Patients who experienced AF recurrence had decreased LAAeV and LAAfV (LAAeV: 56.5 ± 21.2 vs. 59.6 ± 20.7 cm/s, p = .052; LAAfV: 47.5 ± 17.9 vs. 51.7 ± 18.2, p = .003). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in the low LAAeV (<55 cm/s) group had a poorer event-free survival rate than those in the high LAAeV (≥55 cm/s) group (log-rank p = .012). Patients with LAAfV <48 cm/s had a significantly higher risk of AF recurrence than those with LAAfV ≥48 cm/s (log-rank p = .003). In the multivariable model, low LAAfV pre-ablation in TEE-guided was significantly independently associated with 3-year recurrence after single radiofrequency ablation in patients with PAF, along with LA dimension and duration of AF. CONCLUSION: This study found an independent association between low LAAfV pre-ablation in TEE-guided and 3-year recurrence after single radiofrequency ablation in patients with PAF.

Impact of age on characteristics, performance measures and outcomes of inpatients for heart failure in Beijing, China.

AIMS: This study aims to provide representative information on heart failure (HF) patients in China, especially older adults aged ≥75 years. We aim to clarify the age-related discrepancies in performance measures and the modifying effect of age on the impact of HF patients' characteristics on clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: All HF patients admitted into five tertiary and four secondary hospitals of the Capital Medical University were divided into two groups according to age: 1419 (53.3%) were <75 years, and 1244 (46.7%) were ≥75 years. Older HF patients were more likely to be women, with higher left ventricular ejection fraction, with co-morbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, anaemia, chronic kidney disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, while obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and valvular heart disease were more prevalent among younger HF patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessment was performed in a similar proportion of patients in the younger and older groups (81.7% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.426), while B-type natriuretic peptide/N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide was tested in a lower proportion in the younger group (84.8% vs. 89%, P = 0.001). At discharge, HF with reduced ejection fraction patients were less likely to receive beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, or combined beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers therapy in the older group (49.74% vs. 63.2%, P = 0.002; 52.9% vs. 64.7%, P = 0.006; and 28.57% vs. 45.5%, P < 0.001, respectively) but were equally likely to receive mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the two age groups (80.8% vs. 84.1%, P = 0.322). Older patients with HF had higher risk of in-hospital and 1 year mortality (2.7% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.011; 21.7% vs. 12.5%; P < 0.001, respectively). Higher body mass index was associated with better outcomes in both age groups. New York Heart Association functional class IV and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were independent predictors of 1 year mortality. The associations between patients' characteristics and risk of mortality were not modified by age. CONCLUSIONS: HF patients aged ≥75 years had distinct clinical profiles, received worse in-hospital therapies and experienced higher in-hospital and 1 year mortality.

Impact of Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels on Outcomes in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study.

BACKGROUND Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction improves cardiovascular outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between lipid levels and outcomes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation by LDL-C quarters. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled from 31 typical hospitals in China. Of 19 515 patients, 6775 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were followed for 5 years or until an event occurred. RESULTS Hyperlipidemia was not an independent risk factor for stroke/thromboembolism and cardiovascular mortality among patients with NVAF (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.7-0.96, P=0.82). When patients were divided into quartiles according to LDL-C levels at the time of enrollment (Q1, <1.95; Q2, 1.95-2.51; Q3, 2.52-3.09; and Q4, >3.09 mmol/L), as LDL-C increased, events tapered off according to Kaplan-Meier curves for patients who were without oral anticoagulants and off statins (non-OAC; log-rank=8.3494, P=0.0393) and for those with oral anticoagulants (OAC; log-rank=6.7668 P=0.0797). This relationship was stronger for patients who were without OAC treatment and off statins than for those with OAC treatment. The relationship was not significant in patients with or without OAC and on statins (log-rank=2.5080, P=0.4738). This relationship also existed in patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores <2 (log-rank=5.893, P=0.1167). For those with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2 (log-rank=6.6163, P=0.0852), the relationship was stronger. CONCLUSIONS In patients with NVAF using standard or no lipid-lowering medication, low plasma LDL-C levels were related to an increased risk of stroke/thromboembolism and cardiovascular mortality.

Incidence and risk factors of post-operative cognitive decline after ablation for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is widely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) management. In this study, we are aimed to investigate the incidence of postprocedural cognitive decline in a larger population undergoing AF ablation under local anesthesia, and to evaluate the associated risk factors. METHODS: This study included 287 patients with normal cognitive functions, with 190 ablated AF patients (study group) and 97 AF patients who are awaiting ablation (practice group). We assessed the neuropsychological function of each patient for twice (study group: 24 h prior to ablation and 48 h post ablation; practice group: on the day of inclusion and 72 h later but before ablation). The reliable change index was used to analyze the neuropsychological testing scores and to identify postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) at 48 h post procedure. Patients in the study group accepting a 6-month follow up were given an extra cognitive assessment. RESULTS: Among the ablated AF patients, 13.7% (26/190) had POCD at 48 h after the ablation procedure. Multivariable analysis revealed that, a minimum intraoperative activated clotting time (ACT) < 300 s (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.48-9.96, P = 0.006) and not taking oral anticoagulants within one month prior to ablation(OR 10.35, 95% CI 3.54-30.27, P < 0.001) were significantly related to POCD at 48 h post-ablation. In 172 patients of the study group accepting a 6-month follow up, there were 23 patients with POCD at 48 h post-ablation and 149 patients without POCD. The global cognitive scores were decreased in 48 h post-operation tests (0 ± 1 vs - 0.15 ± 1.10, P < 0.001) and improved significantly at 6 months post-operation (0 ± 1 vs 0.43 ± 0.92, P < 0.001). In the 23 patients with POCD at 48 h after the procedure, global cognitive performance at 6 months was not significantly different compared with that at baseline (- 0.05 ± 1.25 vs - 0.19 ± 1.33, P = 0.32), while 13 of them had higher scores than baseline level. CONCLUSIONS: Incident of POCD after ablation procedures is high in the short term. Inadequate periprocedural anticoagulation are possible risk factors. However, most POCD are reversible at 6 months, and a general improvement was observed in cognitive function at 6 months after ablation.

A simple and easily implemented risk model to predict 1-year ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of ischemic stroke is required for deciding anticoagulation use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Even though only 6% to 8% of AF patients die from stroke, about 90% are indicated for anticoagulants according to the current AF management guidelines. Therefore, we aimed to develop an accurate and easy-to-use new risk model for 1-year thromboembolic events (TEs) in Chinese AF patients. METHODS: From the prospective China Atrial Fibrillation Registry cohort study, we identified 6601 AF patients who were not treated with anticoagulation or ablation at baseline. We selected the most important variables by the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and developed a simplified risk model for predicting 1-year TEs. The novel risk score was internally validated using bootstrapping with 1000 replicates and compared with the CHA2DS2-VA score (excluding female sex from the CHA2DS2-VASc score). RESULTS: Up to the follow-up of 1 year, 163 TEs (ischemic stroke or systemic embolism) occurred. Using the XGBoost algorithm, we selected the three most important variables (congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction, age, and prior stroke, abbreviated as CAS model) to predict 1-year TE risk. We trained a multivariate Cox regression model and assigned point scores proportional to model coefficients. The CAS scheme classified 30.8% (2033/6601) of the patients as low risk for TE (CAS score = 0), with a corresponding 1-year TE risk of 0.81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41%-1.19%). In our cohort, the C-statistic of CAS model was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65-0.73), higher than that of CHA2DS2-VA score (0.66, 95% CI: 0.62-0.70, Z = 2.01, P = 0.045). The overall net reclassification improvement from CHA2DS2-VA categories (low = 0/high ≥1) to CAS categories (low = 0/high ≥1) was 12.2% (95% CI: 8.7%-15.7%). CONCLUSION: In Chinese AF patients, a novel and simple CAS risk model better predicted 1-year TEs than the widely-used CHA2DS2-VA risk score and identified a large proportion of patients with low risk of TEs, which could potentially improve anticoagulation decision-making. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.chictr.org.cn (Unique identifier No. ChiCTR-OCH-13003729).

Healthcare quality and mortality among patients hospitalized for heart failure by hospital level in Beijing, China.

AIMS: This study sought to compare healthcare quality and 30 day, 90 day, and 1 year mortality rates among patients admitted to secondary and tertiary hospitals for heart failure (HF) in Beijing. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study retrospectively enrolled patients hospitalized with a primary discharge diagnosis of HF during January 2014 to December 2015, from five tertiary and four secondary hospitals, in Beijing, China. Mortality data were extracted from Beijing Death Surveillance Database. HF healthcare quality indices were used to evaluate in-hospital care. Associations between hospital level and mortality rates were assessed using generalized linear mixed models, adjusting for patients' baseline characteristics and intra-hospital correlation. Data from 1413 patients (median [interquartile range] age = 74 [65-80] years, 52.7% female) from secondary hospitals and 1250 patients (median [interquartile range] age = 72 [61-79] years, 43.3% female) from tertiary hospitals were collected. Rates of left ventricular ejection fraction assessment (73.2% vs. 90.1%) and combined use of ß-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (30.1% vs. 49.3%) were lower in secondary hospitals than those in tertiary hospitals, respectively. Patients admitted to secondary hospitals had a higher 90 day mortality [10.8% vs. 5.0%; adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.84, P = 0.024 and a higher 1 year mortality rate [21.0% vs. 12.1%; adjusted OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.02-2.62, P = 0.039], but 30 day mortality rates were not significantly different (5.5% vs. 3.0%; adjusted OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.63-3.52, P = 0.368). CONCLUSIONS: Worse quality of care for patients with HF in secondary hospitals was associated with higher 90 day and 1 year mortality rates. Improving care quality in secondary hospitals is crucial to improve prognosis of patients they served.

Rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery.

BACKGROUND: During the perioperative period, the characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine is effective in improving postoperative rehabilitation. In large-scale hospitals practicing traditional Chinese medicine, there is accumulating experience related to the promotion of fast recovery in the perioperative period. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study included two groups: Treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group and control group received Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique and routine treatment, respectively. Clinical observation regarding postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function was performed, including the times to first passage of flatus, first defecation, and first normal bowel sounds. The comparison between groups was conducted through descriptive analysis, χ 2, t, F, and rank-sum tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the time to postoperative first defecation between the treatment and control group (87.16 ± 32.09 vs 109.79 ± 40.25 h, respectively; P < 0.05). Similarly, the time to initial recovery of bowel sounds in the treatment group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (61.17 ± 26.75 vs 79.19 ± 33.35 h, respectively; P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the time to initial exhaust between the treatment and control groups (51.54 ± 23.66 vs 62.24 ± 25.95 h, respectively; P > 0.05). The hospitalization expenses for the two groups of patients were 62283.45 ± 12413.90 and 62059.42 ± 11350.51 yuan, respectively. Although the cost of hospitalization was decreased in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). This clinical trial was safe without reports of any adverse reaction or event. CONCLUSION: The rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function and is significantly better than standard approach for patients after colorectal surgery.

The safety of discontinuation of oral anticoagulation therapy after apparently successful atrial fibrillation ablation: a report from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the safety of discontinuing oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy after apparently successful atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, using data from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 4512 consecutive patients who underwent successful AF ablation between August 2011 and December 2017. Of them, 3149 discontinued OAC 3 months post-ablation (Off-OAC group) and 1363 continued OAC beyond this period (On-OAC group). Regular follow-up examinations were undertaken to detect AF recurrence, monitor OAC therapy, and measure clinical outcomes. Primary outcomes included thromboembolic and major bleeding (MB) events experienced beyond 3 months after ablation. Low thromboembolic and MB event rates were noted in the on-treatment analysis. The incidence rates for thromboembolism were 0.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.76] and 0.86 (95% CI 0.56-1.30) per 100 patient-years, and that for MB events were 0.19 (95% CI 0.11-0.34) and 0.35 (95% CI 0.18-0.67) per 100 patient-years, for the Off-OAC and On-OAC groups over mean follow-up periods of 24.2 ± 14.7 and 23.0 ± 13.6 months, respectively. Similar results were observed in the intention-to-treat analysis. Previous history of ischaemic stroke (IS)/transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/systemic embolism (SE) [hazard ratio (HR) 3.40, 95% CI 1.92-6.02; P < 0.01] and diabetes mellitus (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.20-3.55, P = 0.01) were independently associated with thromboembolic events, while OAC discontinuation (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.41-1.23, P = 0.21) remained insignificant in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that it may be safe to discontinue OAC in post-ablation patients under diligent monitoring, in the absence of AF recurrence, history of IS/TIA/SE, and diabetes mellitus. However, further large-scale randomized trials are required to confirm this. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-OCH-13003729. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=5831.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is associated with reduced risk of mortality in the elderly: a prospective cohort study and propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) affects the long-term prognosis in the elderly. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between CA and long-term outcomes in elderly patients with AF. METHODS: Patients more than 75 years old with non-valvular AF were prospectively enrolled between August 2011 and December 2017 in the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study. Participants who underwent CA at baseline were propensity score matched (1:1) with those who did not receive CA. The outcome events included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cardiovascular hospitalization. RESULTS: Overall, this cohort included 571 ablated patients and 571 non-ablated patients with similar characteristics on 18 dimensions. During a mean follow-up of 39.75 ± 19.98 months (minimum six months), 24 patients died in the ablation group, compared with 60 deaths in the non-ablation group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-0.79, P = 0.0024]. Besides, 6 ablated and 29 non-ablated subjects died of cardiovascular disease (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61, P = 0.0022). A total of 27 ablated and 40 non-ablated patients suffered stroke/TIA (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.48-1.28, P = 0.3431). In addition, 140 ablated and 194 non-ablated participants suffered cardiovascular hospitalization (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.67-1.04, P = 0.1084). Subgroup analyses according to gender, type of AF, time since onset of AF, and anticoagulants exposure in initiation did not show significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with AF, CA may be associated with a lower incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Control of Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Warfarin: A Study from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry.

BACKGROUND Several factors determine the efficacy of warfarin anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study aimed to use data from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study to assess the control of anticoagulation therapy in Chinese patients with NVAF treated with warfarin. MATERIAL AND METHODS From the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study the anticoagulant use and dosing, the time in therapeutic range (TTR) of the international normalized ratio (INR), and standard deviation of the observed INR values (SDINR), and their influencing factors were evaluated. RESULTS The median INR and SDINR were 2.04 (IQR 1.71-2.41) and 0.50 (IQR, 0.35-0.69), respectively. The median TTR was 51.7% (IQR, 30.6-70.1%) and only 25.1% had a TTR ≥70%. Age was ≥70 years (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94; P=0.015), bleeding history (OR 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-0.89; P=0.029), the use of a single drug (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.92; P=0.016), more than drug (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.88; P=0.009), and lack of assessment of bleeding risk (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.97; P=0.033) were associated with TTR <70% (INR 2.0-3.0). Coronary heart disease (CHD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.90; P=0.007) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62-0.99; P=0.044) were associated with increased variability in INR (SDINR ≥0.5). CONCLUSIONS In Chinese patients with NVAF, warfarin anticoagulation was associated with lower TTR and less stable anticoagulation than in current guidelines, and risk factors for reduced safety and efficacy were identified.

Female Sex as a Risk Factor for Ischemic Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Chinese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From the China-AF Study.

Background Previous studies have provided conflicting results as to whether women are at higher risk than men for thromboembolism in the setting of atrial fibrillation ( AF ). We investigated whether women with AF were at higher risk of ischemic stroke in the China-AF (China Atrial Fibrillation Registry) Study. Methods and Results A total of 19 515 patients were prospectively enrolled between August 2011 and December 2016 in the China- AF Study. After exclusion of patients receiving anticoagulation or ablation therapy, 6239 patients (2574 women) with results from at least 6 months of follow-up were used for the analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to evaluate whether female sex was an independent risk factor for thromboembolism after multivariate adjustment. The primary outcome was the time to the first occurrence of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism. After a mean follow-up of 2.81±1.46 years, 152 female patients reached the primary outcome, as compared with 172 male patients. Crude incidence rates of thromboembolism between women and men were of borderline statistical significance (2.08 versus 1.68 per 100 patient-years, P=0.058). After multivariable analysis, female sex was not independently associated with an increased thromboembolism risk (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.86-1.39). There was no significant difference in thromboembolism risk by sex stratified by age and presence or absence of risk factors ( P for interaction all >0.1). Conclusions Although crude incidence rates of thromboembolism were higher in Chinese female patients with AF compared with male patients, female sex did not emerge as an independent risk factor for thromboembolism on multivariate analysis. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.chictr.org.cn/ . Unique identifier: Chi CTR - OCH -13003729.

Patient-Reported Treatment Satisfaction with Dabigatran versus Warfarin in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in China.

BACKGROUND: Anti-coagulant therapy satisfaction for patients with atrial fibrillation is a critical issue, which impacts on their treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. The disadvantages of long-term warfarin treatment are well-described, and novel oral anti-coagulants have become an alternative option. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared patient-reported treatment satisfaction with dabigatran versus warfarin in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in China. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using the Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS) questionnaire, which included a 12-item ACTS Burdens scale and a 3-item ACTS Benefits scale. RESULTS: Among 834 patients, 246 patients (29.5%) were taking dabigatran and the others were on warfarin. Propensity score matching was employed to identify 182 patient pairs with balanced baseline characteristics. The global ACTS Burdens score and the global ACTS Benefits score were comparable between the dabigatran and warfarin groups (44.86 ± 3.95 vs. 44.28 ± 3.51, p = 0.423; 11.49 ± 2.92 vs. 11.42 ± 3.03, p = 0.194, respectively). The monthly cost of dabigatran was significantly higher compared with that of warfarin due to a lack of insurance coverage (USD 176.78 ± 9.15 vs. USD 2.49 ± 0.76, p = 0.000). The discontinuation rate of dabigatran was significantly higher than warfarin at the 6-month follow-up (33.5% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.003). Adjusted logistic regression showed that dabigatran was associated with a significant greater odds of non-persistence (odds ratio: 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.59, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Dabigatran therapy in patients with NVAF in China associated with no improvement in satisfaction and a higher discontinuation rate compared with warfarin therapy largely due to increased economic burden.

Uptake of evidence-based statin therapy among atrial fibrillation patients in China: A report from the CAFR (Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry) Study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, and hence, statin therapy is indicated in majority of AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry (CAFR) involving 11,496 AF patients from 2011 to 2014. Practice patterns of statin therapy and factors associated with statin underuse were analyzed. Based on the 2013 ACC/AHA cholesterol management guidelines, statins should be recommended for 67.4% (7720/11,461) of AF participants in CAFR, but only 43.4% (3352/7720) with appropriate indications were taking statins. Statin underuse in AF patients was independently associated with male sex, tertiary hospital treatment, outpatient attendance, and absence of 'high risk' cardiovascular risk factors (overweight, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack/peripheral embolism and hypertension). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of Chinese AF patients had indications for statin therapy. Evidence-based statin prescribing was suboptimal in this population. Greater efforts should be made to improve a holistic approach to cardiovascular risk management in the Chinese AF population.

Current Status and Time Trends of Oral Anticoagulation Use Among Chinese Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: The Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reported rates of oral anticoagulation (OAC) use have been low among Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). With improved awareness, changing guidelines, this situation may be changing over time. We aimed to explore the current status and time trends of OAC use in Beijing. METHODS: We used the data set from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry (CAFR), a prospective, multicenter, hospital-based registry study involving 20 tertiary and 12 nontertiary hospitals in Beijing. A total of 11 496 patients with AF were enrolled from 2011 to 2014. RESULTS: Seven thousand nine hundred seventy-seven eligible patients were included in this ancillary study. The proportions of OAC use were 36.5% (2268/6210), 28.5% (333/1168), and 21.4% (128/599) for patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2, 1, and 0, respectively. Persistent AF, history of stroke/transient ischemic attack/peripheral embolism, diabetes mellitus, higher body mass index, and tertiary hospital management were factors positively associated with OAC use, whereas older age, previous bleeding, hypercholesterolemia, and established coronary artery disease were factors negatively associated with OAC use. Among patients with CHADS2 scores ≥2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥2, the proportion of OAC use increased from 31.3% to 64.5% and 30.2% to 57.7%, respectively, from 2011 to 2014. Variation in OAC use was substantial among different hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement of OAC use among Chinese patients with AF in Beijing is observed in recent years although only 36.5% of patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 received OAC. However, variations between different hospitals were large, suggesting that better education and awareness are needed to improve efforts for stroke prevention among AF patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=5831. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-OCH-13003729.

Whether Warfarin Therapy is Associated with Damage on Renal Function in Chinese Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Warfarin is the most common oral anticoagulant to decrease the stroke risk associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). There are very few prospective studies that have explored whether warfarin has an association with damage on renal function in Chinese patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of warfarin on renal function and study the factors associated with kidney dysfunction in Chinese adult NVAF patients without dialysis therapy. METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2013, a total of 951 NVAF patients from 18 hospitals were enrolled. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from baseline and follow-up serum creatinine levels. Kaplan-Meier survival curves compared the survival of a ≥25% decline in eGFR (hereafter, endpoint), while Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HR s) and 95% confidence intervals for this event after adjustment for age, gender, and selected potential risk factors for renal dysfunction. Cox regression analysis of the various clinical potential variables was performed to identify the predictors of a ≥25% decline in eGFR. RESULTS: After a 58-month follow-up, 951 NVAF patients were divided by observation into warfarin (n = 655) and no anticoagulation groups (n = 296) and 120 (12.6%) patients experienced renal endpoint. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the survival period was not different in the two groups (χ2 = 0.178, log-rank P= 0.67), but patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) <140 mmHg have significant difference with patients with SBP ≥140 mmHg (χ2 = 4.903, log-rank P= 0.03). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed baseline eGFR and SBP as independent predictors of the endpoint, with HR s of 1.00, and 1.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with NVAF, eGFR and SBP are associated with the deterioration of kidney function while Warfarin is not the risk factor of the ≥25% decline in eGFR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR-OCH-13003729); http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj = 5831.