High Frequency of AF Recurrence in Hospitalized Patients with New-onset AF

Dr. Watson Clinical question: What is the frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in patients with new-onset AF, detected while hospitalized for a noncardiac medical illness or surgery, that returns to sinus rhythm prior to discharge? Background: AF is frequently detected for the first time in patients hospitalized for a noncardiac medical illness or surgery and may be considered a provoked and transient phenomenon (rather than a paroxysmal one) in these instances. The frequency of AF recurrence and appropriate medical management in this population is unclear. Study design: Matched cohort study Setting: Three academic hospitals in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Synopsis: The study screened for hospitalized patients with a first episode of AF detected during a hospitalization for a noncardiac medical illness or surgery who returned to sinus rhythm (either spontaneously or via cardioversion) prior to discharge. Each patient was matched with a control patient of the same sex and within 10 years of their age on their ward. The study results evaluated 278 patients (139 matched pairs) with a mean age of 71 years (standard deviation, 10) and a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3.0 (standard deviation, 1.5). Women represented 41% of participants. Patients were followed for one year with three telephone assessments at one, six, and 12 months, and with 14-day continuous ECG patch monitoring at the one- and six-month assessments. The risk of AF was approximately seven times higher in the ...
Source: The Hospitalist - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Cardiology In the Literature Source Type: research