Chronic Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. / Anticoagulação Crônica em Pacientes com Fibrilação Atrial e COVID-19: Uma Revisão Sistemática e Metanálise.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability. It remains uncertain whether ongoing anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who later contract COVID-19 improves clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To compare chronic oral anticoagulation with no previous anticoagulation in patients with AF who contracted a COVID-19 infection concerning the outcomes of all-cause mortality, COVID-19 mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and hospitalization. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for eligible studies from inception to December 2022. We included studies comparing COVID-19 outcomes in patients with versus without prior chronic anticoagulation for AF. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed according to Cochrane recommendations. RESULTS: Ten studies comprising 1,177,858 patients with COVID-19 and AF were identified, of whom 893,772 (75.9%) were on prior chronic anticoagulation for AF. In patients with COVID-19, being on chronic anticoagulation for AF significantly reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.99; p = 0.048; I2 = 89%) and COVID-19-related mortality (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.79; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) when compared with no prior anticoagulation. In contrast, there was no difference between groups regarding hospitalization (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.41; p = 0.587; I2 = 95%) or ICU admission (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.09; p = 0.216; I2 = 69%). CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis, chronic anticoagulation for patients with AF who contracted COVID-19 was associated with significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality and COVID-19-related mortality as compared with no previous anticoagulation.

FUNDAMENTO: A doença por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) está associada à hipercoagulabilidade. Permanece incerto se a anticoagulação contínua para fibrilação atrial (FA) em pacientes que posteriormente contraem COVID-19 melhora os desfechos clínicos. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a anticoagulação oral crônica com ausência de anticoagulação prévia em pacientes com FA que contraíram uma infecção por COVID-19 em relação aos desfechos de mortalidade por todas as causas, mortalidade por COVID-19, admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e hospitalização. MÉTODOS: Buscamos sistematicamente no PubMed, Embase e Cochrane Library estudos elegíveis desde o início até dezembro de 2022. Incluímos estudos que compararam desfechos de COVID-19 em pacientes com e sem anticoagulação crônica prévia para FA. Foram agrupadas razões de risco (RR) com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% por meio de um modelo de efeitos aleatórios. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em p < 0,05. As avaliações da qualidade e do risco de viés foram realizadas de acordo com as recomendações da Cochrane. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 10 estudos abrangendo 1.177.858 pacientes com COVID-19 e FA, dos quais 893.772 (75,9%) estavam em anticoagulação crônica prévia para FA. Em pacientes com COVID-19, a anticoagulação crônica para FA reduziu significativamente a mortalidade por todas as causas (RR 0,75; IC 95% 0,57 a 0,99; p = 0,048; I2 = 89%) e a mortalidade relacionada à COVID-19 (RR 0,76; IC 95% 0,72 a 0,79; p < 0,001; I2 = 0%) quando comparada com a ausência de anticoagulação prévia. Em contrapartida, não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à hospitalização (RR 1,08; IC 95% 0,82 a 1,41; p = 0,587; I2 = 95%) ou internação em UTI (RR 0,86; IC 95% 0,68 a 1,09; p = 0,216; I2 = 69%). CONCLUSÕES: Nesta metanálise, a anticoagulação crônica para pacientes com FA que contraíram COVID-19 foi associada a taxas significativamente mais baixas de mortalidade por todas as causas e mortalidade relacionada à COVID-19 em comparação com a ausência de anticoagulação anterior.

Silent brain infarctions in patients with acute cardioembolic stroke.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The advances and the wide use of brain imaging have considerably increased the prevalence of silent brain infarctions (SBI). We aim in this study to determine the prevalence of SBI in patients presenting with acute cardioembolic stroke and the predictive cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 267 patients presenting with acute cardioembolic stroke in the emergency and/or neurology departments of the Hassan II University Hospital Center. Clinical, biological and echocardiographic characteristics were recorded. All patients were screened for SBI by brain imaging. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBI in our series was 46%. A group of 203 non-valvular patients and a group of 64 valvular patients were distinguished. In non-valvular group, the average age was 72.97±10.53years. The prevalence of SBI was 45.3%. Forty-four percent of patients with SBI had atrial fibrillation (AF). In multivariate regression analysis, the history of previous stroke, CHA2DS2-VASc Score≥4, enlarged left atrium (LA), the association of AF with enlarged LA and the lability of International Normalized Ratio in patients initially treated with anticoagulants were significantly associated with the occurrence of SBI (P=0.013, P=0.032, P=0.0001, P=0.01, P=0.03, respectively). Territorial location was significantly the most frequent (P=0.007). In valvular group, the average age was 57.19±14.38years. The prevalence of SBI was 48.4%. In multivariate regression analysis, SBI were significantly associated with moderate or severe mitral stenosis (P=0.02) and with the enlarged LA (P=0.02). In all patients, Modified Rankin Scale at 3 months of discharge from the acute stroke was significantly higher (mRS≥3) in patients with SBI (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: SBI requires good management of associated cardiovascular risk factors in a population presenting with initial cardioembolic stroke.

Effectiveness, utilisation and cost associated with implantable loop recorders versus external monitors after ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are increasingly used for long-term rhythm monitoring after ischaemic and cryptogenic stroke, with the goal of detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and subsequent initiation of oral anticoagulation to reduce risk of adverse clinical outcomes. There is a need to determine the effectiveness of different rhythm monitoring strategies in this context. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of individuals with commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance in Optum Labs Data Warehouse who had incident ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke and no prior cardiovascular implantable electronic device from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2021. Patients were stratified by rhythm monitoring strategy: ILR, long-term continuous external cardiac monitor (>48 hours to 30 days) or Holter monitor (≤48 hours). The primary outcome was risk-adjusted all-cause mortality at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included new diagnosis of AF and oral anticoagulation, bleeding, and costs. RESULTS: Among 48 901 patients with ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke, 9235 received an ILR, 29 103 long-term continuous external monitor and 10 563 Holter monitor only. Mean age was 69.9 (SD 11.9) years and 53.5% were female. During the 12-month follow-up period, patients who received ILRs compared with those who received long-term continuous external monitors had a higher odds of new diagnosis of AF and oral anticoagulant initiation (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 2.09 to 2.48). Compared with patients who received long-term continuous external monitors, those who received ILRs had similar 12-month mortality (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.12), with approximately $13 000 higher costs at baseline (including monitor cost) and $2500 higher costs during 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this large real-world study of patients with ischaemic or cryptogenic stroke, ILR placement resulted in more diagnosis of AF and initiation of oral anticoagulation, but no difference in mortality compared with long-term continuous external monitors.

The left atrial appendage closure by surgery 2 trial: statistical analysis plan for a randomized multicenter trial exploring if the closure of the left atrial appendage during open-heart surgery reduces stroke irrespective of patients' stroke risk and preoperative atrial fibrillation status.

BACKGROUND: Surgical left atrial appendage (LAA) closure concomitant to open-heart surgery prevents thromboembolism in high-risk patients. Nevertheless, high-level evidence does not exist for LAA closure performed in patients with any CHA2DS2-VASc score and preoperative atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) status-the current trial attempts to provide such evidence. METHODS: The study is designed as a randomized, open-label, blinded outcome assessor, multicenter trial of adult patients undergoing first-time elective open-heart surgery. Patients with and without AF and any CHA2DS2-VASc score will be enrolled. The primary exclusion criteria are planned LAA closure, planned AF ablation, or ongoing endocarditis. Before randomization, a three-step stratification process will sort patients by site, surgery type, and preoperative or expected oral anticoagulation treatment. Patients will undergo balanced randomization (1:1) to LAA closure on top of the planned cardiac surgery or standard care. Block sizes vary from 8 to 16. Neurologists blinded to randomization will adjudicate the primary outcome of stroke, including transient ischemic attack (TIA). The secondary outcomes include a composite outcome of stroke, including TIA, and silent cerebral infarcts, an outcome of ischemic stroke, including TIA, and a composite outcome of stroke and all-cause mortality. LAA closure is expected to provide a 60% relative risk reduction. In total, 1500 patients will be randomized and followed for 2 years. DISCUSSION: The trial is expected to help form future guidelines within surgical LAA closure. This statistical analysis plan ensures transparency of analyses and limits potential reporting biases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03724318. Registered 26 October 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03724318 . PROTOCOL VERSION: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2023.06.003 .

Targeting subclinical ventricular dysfunction in atrial fibrillation: What can myocardial work add?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) could impact on left ventricular function leading to a sublinical myocardial dysfunction, as identified by myocardial work parameters in a population-based cohort of AF patients compared with healthy individuals; factors associated with these parameters are also shown. SBP: systolic blood pressure; LAVI: left atrial volume index.

Atrial Fibrillation and Dementia: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.

Numerous longitudinal studies suggest a strong association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment. Individuals with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction, as atrial fibrillation increases the risk of cerebral hypoperfusion, inflammation, and stroke. The lack of comprehensive understanding of the observed association and the complex relationship between these two diseases makes it very hard to provide robust guidelines on therapeutic indications. With this review, we attempt to shed some light on how atrial fibrillation is related to dementia, what we know regarding preventive interventions, and how we could move forward in managing those very frequently overlapping conditions.

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients on peritoneal dialysis, prevalence, treatment and professionals involved.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent chronic arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and now direct oral anticoagulants have been and are the fundamental pillars for the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, there are no randomized clinical trials on the risk-benefit profile of oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on peritoneal dialysis and there is little evidence in the literature in this population. The objective of our study was to know the prevalence, treatment and professionals involved in the management of atrial fibrillation in peritoneal dialysis patients. For this purpose, we performed a descriptive analysis through a survey sent to different peritoneal dialysis units in Spain. A total of 1,403 patients on peritoneal dialysis were included in the study, of whom 186 (13.2%) had non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In addition, the assessment of the scores of thromboembolic and bleeding risks for the indication of oral anticoagulation was mainly carried out by the cardiologist (60% of the units), as well as its prescription (cardiologist 47% or in consensus with the nephrologist 43%). In summary, patients on peritoneal dialysis have a remarkable prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients frequently receive oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists, as well as direct oral anticoagulants. The data obtained regarding the scores used for the assessment of thromboembolic and bleeding risk, treatment and involvement by Nephrology indicates that there is a need for training and involvement of the nephrologist in this pathology.

Large variations in atrial fibrillation screening practice after ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack in Sweden: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is given high priority in clinical guidelines. However, patient selection, electrocardiogram (ECG) modality and screening duration remains undecided and current recommendations vary. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical practice of AF screening after ischemic stroke or TIA at Swedish stroke units. In collaboration with the stakeholders of the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) a digital survey was drafted, then tested and revised by three stroke consultants. The survey consisted of 17 multiple choice/ free text questions and was sent by e-mail to the medical directors at all stroke units in Sweden. RESULTS: All 72 stroke units in Sweden responded to the survey. Most stroke units reported that ≥ 75% of ischemic stroke (69/72 stroke units) or TIA patients (67/72 stroke units), without previously known AF, were screened for AF. Inpatient telemetry ECG was the method of first-choice in 81% of the units, but 7% reported lack of access. A variety of standard monitoring durations were used for inpatient telemetry ECG. The second most common choice was Holter ECG (17%), also with considerable variations in monitoring duration. Other AF screening modalities were used as a first-choice method (handheld and patch ECG) but less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice for AF screening after ischemic stroke or TIA differed between Swedish stroke units, both in choice of AF screening methods as well as in monitoring durations. There is an urgent need for evidence and evidence-based recommendations in this field. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Anticoagulation for Patients With Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation and End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant atrial fibrillation and end-stage renal disease is common and associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Although oral anticoagulants have been well established to prevent thromboembolism, the applicability in patients under long-term dialysis remains debatable. The study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in the dialysis-dependent population. METHODS AND RESULTS: An updated network meta-analysis based on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Studies published up to December 2022 were included. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban 2.5/5 mg twice daily), vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), and no anticoagulation were compared on safety and efficacy outcomes. The outcomes of interest were major bleeding, thromboembolism, and all-cause death. A total of 42 studies, including 3 randomized controlled trials, with 185 864 subjects were pooled. VKAs were associated with a significantly higher risk of major bleeding than either no anticoagulation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.34-1.61) or DOACs (DOACs versus VKAs; HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.64-0.84]). For the prevention of thromboembolism, the efficacies of VKAs, DOACs, and no anticoagulation were equivalent. Nevertheless, dabigatran and rivaroxaban were associated with fewer embolic events. There were no differences in all-cause death with the administration of VKAs, DOACs, or no anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: For dialysis-dependent populations, dabigatran and rivaroxaban were associated with better efficacy, while dabigatran and apixaban demonstrated better safety. No anticoagulation was a noninferior alterative, and VKAs were associated with the worst outcomes.

Atrial fibrillation ablation compared to pacemaker therapy in patients with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome (TBS) is a subtype of sick sinus syndrome characterized by prolonged sinus pause (≥3 s) following termination of tachyarrhythmias, primarily atrial fibrillation (AF). There is controversy regarding whether the long-term prognosis of AF ablation is superior to pacemaker implantation. This study aimed to compare the effects of AF ablation and pacemaker therapy in patients with TBS. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, EmBase, Web of Science, and Chinese BioMedical, up until December 1, 2023. We included studies that reported the effects of AF ablation vs pacemaker therapy in patients with TBS. From this search, we identified 5 studies comprising 843 participants with TBS who underwent catheter AF ablation or pacemaker therapy. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis revealed that AF ablation and pacemaker therapy had similar effects on cardiovascular death (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-2.65), procedural complications (OR = 1.53 and 95% CI: 0.67-3.48), and cardiovascular rehospitalization (OR = 0.57 and 95% CI: 0.26-1.22). However, AF ablation provided greater benefits than pacemaker therapy in terms of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.37 and 95% CI: 0.17-0.82), thromboembolism (OR = 0.25 and 95% CI: 0.12-0.49), stroke (OR = 0.28 and 95% CI: 0.13-0.57), heart failure (OR = 0.27 and 95% CI: 0.13-0.56), freedom from AF (OR = 23.32 and 95% CI: 7.46-72.92), and prevention of progression to persistent AF (OR = 0.12 and 95% CI: 0.06-0.24). Furthermore, AF ablation resulted in a reduced need for antiarrhythmic agents (OR = 0.21 and 95% CI: 0.08-0.59). CONCLUSION: AF ablation can effectively reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, thromboembolism, stroke, heart failure, and progression to persistent AF in patients with TBS. Additionally, it may eliminate the need for further pacemaker therapy in most cases after ablation. Therefore, AF ablation is considered superior to pacemaker therapy in the management of patients with TBS.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles in the Search for Novel Plasma and Thrombus Biomarkers of Ischemic Stroke Etiologies.

Accurate etiologic diagnosis provides an appropriate secondary prevention and better prognosis in ischemic stroke (IS) patients; still, 45% of IS are cryptogenic, urging us to enhance diagnostic precision. We have studied the transcriptomic content of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) (n = 21) to identify potential biomarkers of IS etiologies. The proteins encoded by the selected genes were measured in the sera of IS patients (n = 114) and in hypertensive patients with (n = 78) and without atrial fibrillation (AF) (n = 20). IGFBP-2, the most promising candidate, was studied using immunohistochemistry in the IS thrombi (n = 23) and atrium of AF patients (n = 13). In vitro, the IGFBP-2 blockade was analyzed using thromboelastometry and endothelial cell cultures. We identified 745 differentially expressed genes among EVs of cardioembolic, atherothrombotic, and ESUS groups. From these, IGFBP-2 (cutoff > 247.6 ng/mL) emerged as a potential circulating biomarker of embolic IS [OR = 8.70 (1.84-41.13) p = 0.003], which was increased in patients with AF vs. controls (p < 0.001) and was augmented in cardioembolic vs. atherothrombotic thrombi (p < 0.01). Ex vivo, the blockage of IGFBP-2 reduced clot firmness (p < 0.01) and lysis time (p < 0.001) and in vitro, diminished endothelial permeability (p < 0.05) and transmigration (p = 0.06). IGFBP-2 could be a biomarker of embolic IS and a new therapeutic target involved in clot formation and endothelial dysfunction.

[Applicability of H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF Scores in Chinese Patients Suffering From Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Complicated With Atrial Fibrillation].

Objective To analyze the diagnostic values of H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HFpEF complicated with atrial fibrillation (HFpEF-AF) in Chinese patients and explore the related factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted.A total of 835 consecutive HFpEF patients treated in the Department of Geriatric Cardiology,the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from 2009 to 2020 were selected and assigned to a HFpEF-AF group (n=267) and a HFpEF group (n=568) according to the presence of AF or not.HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores were used for retrospective diagnosis and the diagnostic consistency of the two scores was assessed.One hundred and thirty-six healthy volunteers with age and sex matching the patients during the same period were selected as healthy controls.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established for H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores in diagnosing HFpEF-AF and HFpEF,on the basis of which the diagnostic performance of the two scores was evaluated. Results There was no difference in the HFA-PEFF score between the two groups (P=0.070).However,the HFpEF-AF group had higher mean H2FPEF score and higher proportion of patients with the score no less than 6 than the HFpEF group (P<0.001).According to the ROC curves,HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores demonstrated high performance in diagnosing all HFpEF patients,with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.892 and 0.922 and the optimal cut-offs of 4 and 4,respectively.The HFA-PEFF score showed similar performance in diagnosing HFpEF and HFpEF-AF,with the AUC of 0.899 and 0.911,respectively.The H2FPEF score had higher performance in diagnosing HFpEF-AF (AUC of approximately 1.000) and low performance in diagnosing HFpEF (AUC of 0.885). Conclusions The HFA-PEFF score is applicable in the diagnosis of both HFpEF and HFpEF-AF.The H2FPEF score may underestimate HFpEF in Chinese patients,and its applicability in the Chinese patients with HFpEF alone remains to be investigated.

Serious Bleeding in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Using Diltiazem With Apixaban or Rivaroxaban.

Importance: Diltiazem, a commonly prescribed ventricular rate-control medication for patients with atrial fibrillation, inhibits apixaban and rivaroxaban elimination, possibly causing overanticoagulation. Objective: To compare serious bleeding risk for new users of apixaban or rivaroxaban with atrial fibrillation treated with diltiazem or metoprolol. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study included Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older with atrial fibrillation who initiated apixaban or rivaroxaban use and also began treatment with diltiazem or metoprolol between January 1, 2012, and November 29, 2020. Patients were followed up to 365 days through November 30, 2020. Data were analyzed from August 2023 to February 2024. Exposures: Diltiazem and metoprolol. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was a composite of bleeding-related hospitalization and death with recent evidence of bleeding. Secondary outcomes were ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, major ischemic or hemorrhagic events (ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, intracranial or fatal extracranial bleeding, or death with recent evidence of bleeding), and death without recent evidence of bleeding. Hazard ratios (HRs) and rate differences (RDs) were adjusted for covariate differences with overlap weighting. Results: The study included 204 155 US Medicare beneficiaries, of whom 53 275 received diltiazem and 150 880 received metoprolol. Study patients (mean [SD] age, 76.9 [7.0] years; 52.7% female) had 90 927 person-years (PY) of follow-up (median, 120 [IQR, 59-281] days). Patients receiving diltiazem treatment had increased risk for the primary outcome (RD, 10.6 [95% CI, 7.0-14.2] per 1000 PY; HR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.13-1.29]) and its components of bleeding-related hospitalization (RD, 8.2 [95% CI, 5.1-11.4] per 1000 PY; HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.13-1.31]) and death with recent evidence of bleeding (RD, 2.4 [95% CI, 0.6-4.2] per 1000 PY; HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.05-1.34]) compared with patients receiving metoprolol. Risk for the primary outcome with initial diltiazem doses exceeding 120 mg/d (RD, 15.1 [95% CI, 10.2-20.1] per 1000 PY; HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.19-1.39]) was greater than that for lower doses (RD, 6.7 [95% CI, 2.0-11.4] per 1000 PY; HR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.04-1.24]). For doses exceeding 120 mg/d, the risk of major ischemic or hemorrhagic events was increased (HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.02-1.27]). Neither dose group had significant changes in the risk for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism or death without recent evidence of bleeding. When patients receiving high- and low-dose diltiazem treatment were directly compared, the HR for the primary outcome was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.02-1.26). Conclusions and Relevance: In Medicare patients with atrial fibrillation receiving apixaban or rivaroxaban, diltiazem was associated with greater risk of serious bleeding than metoprolol, particularly for diltiazem doses exceeding 120 mg/d.

Electrocardiogram prediction of atrial fibrillation risk after stroke: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common clinical arrhythmias. This study aims to predict the risk of post-stroke AF through electrocardiographic changes in sinus rhythm. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE databases to identify relevant research articles published until August 2023. Prioritized items from systematic reviews and meta-analyses were screened, and data related to AF detection rate were extracted. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted for data synthesis and analysis. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies involving electrocardiograms (ECG) were included, with a total analysis population of 330,284 individuals. Among them, 16,662 individuals (ECG abnormal group) developed AF, while 313,622 individuals (ECG normal group) did not. ECG patterns included terminal P-wave terminal force V1, interatrial block (IAB), advanced interatrial block, abnormal P-wave axis, pulse rate prolongation, and atrial premature complexes. Overall, 15,762 patients experienced AF during the study period (4.77%). In the ECG abnormal group, the proportion was 14.21% (2367/16,662), while in the control group (ECG normal group), the proportion was 4.27% (13,395/313,622). The pooled risk ratio for developing AF was 2.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.02-2.98, P < .001), with heterogeneity (I2) of 95%. The risk ratio values of alAB, P-wave terminal force V1, interatrial block, abnormal P-wave axis, pulse rate prolongation and atrial premature complexes were 4.12 (95% CI, 2.99-5.66), 1.47 (95% CI, 1.19-1.82), 2.54 (95% CI, 1.83-3.52), 1.70 (95% CI, 0.98-2.97), 2.65 (95% CI, 1.88-3.72), 3.79 (95% CI, 2.12-6.76), respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a significant correlation between ECG patterns and the occurrence of AF. The alAB exhibited the highest level of predictability for the occurrence of AF. These indicators support their use as screening tools to identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from further examinations or empirical anticoagulation therapy following stroke.