Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of various agents on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the elderly over 75 years old.Methods Totally 264 in-patients (75-91 years old, 185 males and 79 females) wi...Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of various agents on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the elderly over 75 years old.Methods Totally 264 in-patients (75-91 years old, 185 males and 79 females) with atrial fibrillation history of less than 7 days were enrolled in this study.A total of 611 atrial fibrillation episodes were recorded, but 130 episodes (22.3%) of atrial fibrillation were auto-converted to sinus rhythm.The rest 481 episodes of atrial fibrillation were divided into six groups based on the drug used.Results The cardioversion ratio of atrial fibrillation were 9.5%, 46.9%, 71.7%, 55.9%, 32.7%, and 73.6% in control, cedilanid, amiodarone, propafenone, verapamil, and quinidine groups, respectively.Ventricular rate control were 5.4%, 83.6%, 84.9%, 77.9%, 78.8%, and 11.3% in those groups, respectively.The total effective rates of amiodarone and cedilanid groups were the highest. When the ventricular rate was controlled to below 90 bpm, the patients would almost complain of no discomfort. No severe side-effect was observed in each group.Conclusion Amiodarone and cedilanid may be the proper drugs for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the elderly.The above antiarrhythmics in each therapeutic group were relatively safe and effective.展开更多
Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and is associated with increased risk of death. Randomized studies suggest improved quality of life for patients with AF after su...Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and is associated with increased risk of death. Randomized studies suggest improved quality of life for patients with AF after successful catheter ablation compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The value of ablation in long-term risk of ischemic stroke, however, has not been assessed. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether AF ablation reduces the long-term risk of stroke compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in randomized controlled trials. Methods ＆ Results PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register were searched for randomized trials from January 1990 to December 2014 comparing AF catheter ablation to drug therapy. The results are reported as risk differences （RDs） and 95% CI. Thirteen trials were analyzed with 1097 patients treated by catheter ablation and 855 patients received antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Overall, seven patients （0.64%） in the catheter ablation group had ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks vs. two patients （0.23%） in the drug therapy group. No difference was shown in the rate of stroke or transient ischemic attack between ablation and drug therapy （RD： 0.003, 95% CI： -0.006 to 0.012, P = 0.470）, and no evidence of heterogeneity was observed （I^2 = 0, P = 0.981）. No potential publication bias was found. There was also no difference in mortality between the two groups （RD： -0.004, 95% CI： -0.014 to 0.006, P = 0.472）. Conclusions This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed similar rates of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and death in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation compared to drug therapy. A larger prospective randomized trial to confirm this finding is warranted.展开更多
The incidence of both atrial fibrillation(AF)and coronary artery disease(CAD)increases with advancing age.They share common risk factors and very often coexist.Evidence points to an intricate relationship between atri...The incidence of both atrial fibrillation(AF)and coronary artery disease(CAD)increases with advancing age.They share common risk factors and very often coexist.Evidence points to an intricate relationship between atrial tissue excitability and neuronal remodeling with ischemia at the microcirculatory level.In this review,we delineated this complex relationship,identified a common theme between the two,and discussed how the knowledge of this relationship translates into a positive and meaningful impact in patient management.Recent research indicates a high prevalence of CAD among AF patients undergoing coronary angiography.Further,the incidence of AF is much higher in those suffering from CAD compared to age-matched adults without CAD underlying this reciprocal relationship.CAD adversely affects AF by promoting progression via re-entry and increasing excitability of atrial tissue as a result of ischemia and electrical inhomogeneity.AF in turn accelerates atherosclerosis via endothelial dysfunctional and inflammation and together with enhanced thrombogenicity and hypercoagulability contribute to micro and macrothrombi throughout cardiovascular system.In a nutshell,the two form a vicious cycle wherein one disease promotes the other.Most AF recommendations focuses on rate/rhythm control and prevention of thromboembolism.Very few studies have discussed the importance of unmasking coexistent CAD and how the treatment of underlying ischemia will impact the burden of AF in these patients.Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction remain central to both disease processes and form a handsome therapeutic target in the management of the two diseases.The relationship between AF and CAD is complex and much more than mere coincidence.The two diseases share common risk factor and pathophysiology.Hence,it is impractical to treat them in isolation.Accordingly,we share the implications of managing underlying ischemia and inflammation to positively impact and improve quality of life among AF patients.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation(AF)is a very common arrhythmia in clinical practice.Its incidence and prevalence are age-related and are growing in the last years.Age is a risk factor also for coronary artery disease(CAD),and wit...Atrial fibrillation(AF)is a very common arrhythmia in clinical practice.Its incidence and prevalence are age-related and are growing in the last years.Age is a risk factor also for coronary artery disease(CAD),and with the evolution of preventive care,the first event(acute coronary syndrome(ACS)or percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI))takes place at a later age.If elderly patients with AF and CAD undergo ACS or PCI,they have indication to assume triple therapy.Triple therapy(oral anticoagulation(OAC)plus dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT))exposes patients to high bleeding risk.In the last 10 years,several clinical trials have tested dual therapy(OAC plus single antiplatelet therapy)in AF patients who undergo ACS or elective PCI.WOEST trial has tested warfarin+clopidogrel against triple therapy.PIONEER AF-PCI trial has tested low-dose rivaroxaban+P2Y12 inhibitor or very low-dose rivaroxaban+DAPT against standard triple therapy with warfarin.RE-DUAL PCI trial has tested two doses of dabigatran+P2Y12 inhibitor against standard triple therapy with Warfarin.AUGUSTUS trial has tested apixaban against warfarin both in dual therapy with P2Y12 inhibitor and in triple therapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin.ENTRUST-AF PCI,last published study,has tested edoxaban+P2Y12 inhibitor against triple therapy.All these trials show dual therapy reduces significantly bleeding risk than triple therapy.In this paper,we analyze these clinical trials to understand if dual therapy results can be applied to elderly patients and what is probably the better approach in elderly AF patients undergo to ACS or PCI.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the trend of change in the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation compared with antiarrhythmic drug therapy （ADT） for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation （AF） over time. Met...Objective To evaluate the trend of change in the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation compared with antiarrhythmic drug therapy （ADT） for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation （AF） over time. Methods The online databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies. STATA software （version 12.0） was used to perform the meta-analysis and meta-regression. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials including 2249 patients with AF were identified. The pooled results showed that catheter ablation was associated with a 52% reduction in the risk of AF recurrence compared with ADT [risk ratio （RR） = 0.48, 95% confidence interval （CI）： 0.40-0.57, I2 = 70.7%）. Subgroup analyses showed that catheter ablation exhibited less efficacy in studies after 2011 compared to studies before 2011 （RR = 0.61, 95% CI： 0.54-0.68, I2 = 9.3% and RR = 0.34, 95% CI： 0.24-0.47, I2 = 69.9%, respectively）, and the safety outcome showed a 1.08-fold higher incidence of adverse events （14.2% vs. 7.3%; RR = 1.08, 95% CI： 1.04-1.13） in studies after 2011. Conclusions Catheter ablation appears to be superior to ADT for rhythm control. However, less efficacy and a higher rate of adverse events were observed in studies after 2011 compared to studies before 2011.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated that by 2010, approximately 2.6 million people will be affected in USA;by 2050, that number may increase to 10 million patients. Generally, rate control alone is reasonable in som...Atrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated that by 2010, approximately 2.6 million people will be affected in USA;by 2050, that number may increase to 10 million patients. Generally, rate control alone is reasonable in some AF patients, especially asymptomatic patients. Restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) may be achieved by means of cardioversion, drugs or/ and catheter ablation. Pharmacological therapy can be useful to maintain SR and prevent tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. All patients with AF regardless of whether a rhythm or rate control strategy recommend anticoagulant, antiplatelet or both combined therapy for prevention of thromboembolism, except those with lone AF or contraindications. Drug selection should be based upon the absolute risk of stroke, bleeding, the relative risk and benefit for a given patient. Biventricular pacing may overcome many of the adverse hemodynamic effects associated with RV pacing alone. A target individual ectopic foci ablation within the pulmonary vein (PV) has evolved to circumferential electrical isolation of the entire PV musculature. Cavotricuspid isthmus should be considered as first-line therapy for patients with typical atrial flutter. Completely non-fluoroscopic ablation guided by Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RTMRI) using a steerable and non-ferromagnetic catheter is a promising novel technology in interventional electrophysiology.展开更多
Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common arrhythmia in elderly population,with age being one of the most important factors involved in its pathogenesis.Conduction disturbances may be present on the surface electrocar...Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common arrhythmia in elderly population,with age being one of the most important factors involved in its pathogenesis.Conduction disturbances may be present on the surface electrocardiogram before AF onset in some patients.Once this arrhythmia is diagnosed,antithrombotic therapy is mandatory in most cases,as this is the only treatment that has demonstrated to improve survival.Age increases both the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications,while benefits from anticoagulant therapy outweigh that from bleeding in most scenarios,also in very elderly patients.However,elderly patients with AF are often undertreated.Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants have emerged as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists,with significant less adverse events and better profile in terms of efficacy and safety.Other conditions related to age should be carefully evaluated in these patients(including frailty,comorbidity and polypharmacy)to ensure an individualized clinical and therapeutic approach.展开更多
Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） and coronary artery disease （CAD） often coexist, however, the clinical characteristics and the impact of stable CAD on the outcomes in Chinese patients with AF has not been well...Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） and coronary artery disease （CAD） often coexist, however, the clinical characteristics and the impact of stable CAD on the outcomes in Chinese patients with AF has not been well understood. Methods Consecutive AF patients in 20 hospitals in China from November 2008 to October 2011 were enrolled. The primary endpoints included 1-year all-cause mortality, stroke, non-central nervous system （non-CNS） embolism, and major bleeding. Results A total of 1947 AF patients were analyzed, of whom 40.5% had stable CAD. The mean CHADS2 scores in CAD patients were significantly higher than that of non-CAD patients （2.4 - 1.4 vs. 1.4 - 1.2, P 〈 0.001）. During follow-up period, warfarin use is low in both groups, with relatively higher proportion in non-CAD patients compared with CAD patients （22.3% vs. 10.7%, P 〈 0.001）. Compared with non-CAD patients, CAD patients had higher one-year all-cause mortality （16.8% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.017） and incidence of stroke （9.0% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.030）, while the non-CNS embolism and major bleeding rates were comparable between the two groups. After multivariate adjustment, stable CAD was independently associated with increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality （HR = 1.35, 95% CI： 1.01-1 .80, P = 0.040）, but not associated with stroke （HR = 1.07, 95% CI： 0.72-1.58, P = 0.736）. Conclusions Stable CAD was prevalent in Chinese AF patients and was independently associated with increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality. Chinese AF patients with stable CAD received inadequate antithrombotic therapy and this grim status of antithrombotic therapy needed to be improved urgently.展开更多
Anti-arrhythmic properties of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, at least in part mediated by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic power, have been widely proved. Effect of fish oil on atrial fibrillation, ...Anti-arrhythmic properties of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, at least in part mediated by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic power, have been widely proved. Effect of fish oil on atrial fibrillation, both in primary and in secondary prevention and after cardiac surgery, are controversial, mostly due to lack of homogeneity between studies but also due to individual variability in response to fatty acids administration. Inclusion of measurement of incorporation of fish oil into cell membranes, appears to be essential in future studies, to assess their antiarrhythmic effect.展开更多
BACKGROUND Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.Numerous major and minor complications have been reported following this procedure.The incidence of major ...BACKGROUND Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.Numerous major and minor complications have been reported following this procedure.The incidence of major postoperative complications is approximately 0.5%and includes respiratory depression,pneumothorax,pulmonary edema,pneumonia,airway obstruction and cardiorespiratory arrest.Minor complications include vasovagal reactions,cardiac arrhythmias,hemorrhage,pneumothorax,aphonia,nausea,vomiting and fever.However,to our knowledge,a case of atrial fibrillation(AF)concomitant with fatal arterial embolism in the upper extremities following diagnostic bronchoscopy has never been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old female patient presented with a history of rheumatic heart disease beginning at 10 years of age and an approximately 10-year history of hypertension.The patient was transferred from the cardiology department to the respiratory department due to recurrent coughing,pneumonia,and fever.She underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the respiratory department.Approximately 2 h after completion of bronchoscopy,she complained of left arm numbness and weakness.Physical examination detected cyanosis of the left upper extremity,grade III weakened limb muscle strength,and undetectable left brachial artery pulsation.Auscultation indicated AF.B-mode ultrasound examination of the blood vessels showed hyperechoic material in the left subclavian,axillary and brachial arteries,and parallel veins.As our hospital has no vascular surgery capability,the patient was transferred to a specialized hospital for emergency thrombectomy that day.A tracking investigation found that the patient’s conditions improved after successful thrombectomy.CONCLUSION Thromboembolism following bronchoscopy is rare,and only a few cases of cerebral air embolism after bronchoscopy have been reported.展开更多
文摘Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of various agents on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the elderly over 75 years old.Methods Totally 264 in-patients (75-91 years old, 185 males and 79 females) with atrial fibrillation history of less than 7 days were enrolled in this study.A total of 611 atrial fibrillation episodes were recorded, but 130 episodes (22.3%) of atrial fibrillation were auto-converted to sinus rhythm.The rest 481 episodes of atrial fibrillation were divided into six groups based on the drug used.Results The cardioversion ratio of atrial fibrillation were 9.5%, 46.9%, 71.7%, 55.9%, 32.7%, and 73.6% in control, cedilanid, amiodarone, propafenone, verapamil, and quinidine groups, respectively.Ventricular rate control were 5.4%, 83.6%, 84.9%, 77.9%, 78.8%, and 11.3% in those groups, respectively.The total effective rates of amiodarone and cedilanid groups were the highest. When the ventricular rate was controlled to below 90 bpm, the patients would almost complain of no discomfort. No severe side-effect was observed in each group.Conclusion Amiodarone and cedilanid may be the proper drugs for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the elderly.The above antiarrhythmics in each therapeutic group were relatively safe and effective.
基金Acknowledgments This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30801213 and No. 81170167）, International Collaboration Projects of Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province （No., 2011c14027） and the foundation from Zhejiang Provincial Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine （2011ZQ013）. The corresponding author is sponsored by Zhejiang Provincial Program for the Cultivation of High-level Innovative Health talents.
文摘Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and is associated with increased risk of death. Randomized studies suggest improved quality of life for patients with AF after successful catheter ablation compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The value of ablation in long-term risk of ischemic stroke, however, has not been assessed. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether AF ablation reduces the long-term risk of stroke compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in randomized controlled trials. Methods ＆ Results PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register were searched for randomized trials from January 1990 to December 2014 comparing AF catheter ablation to drug therapy. The results are reported as risk differences （RDs） and 95% CI. Thirteen trials were analyzed with 1097 patients treated by catheter ablation and 855 patients received antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Overall, seven patients （0.64%） in the catheter ablation group had ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks vs. two patients （0.23%） in the drug therapy group. No difference was shown in the rate of stroke or transient ischemic attack between ablation and drug therapy （RD： 0.003, 95% CI： -0.006 to 0.012, P = 0.470）, and no evidence of heterogeneity was observed （I^2 = 0, P = 0.981）. No potential publication bias was found. There was also no difference in mortality between the two groups （RD： -0.004, 95% CI： -0.014 to 0.006, P = 0.472）. Conclusions This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed similar rates of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and death in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation compared to drug therapy. A larger prospective randomized trial to confirm this finding is warranted.
文摘The incidence of both atrial fibrillation(AF)and coronary artery disease(CAD)increases with advancing age.They share common risk factors and very often coexist.Evidence points to an intricate relationship between atrial tissue excitability and neuronal remodeling with ischemia at the microcirculatory level.In this review,we delineated this complex relationship,identified a common theme between the two,and discussed how the knowledge of this relationship translates into a positive and meaningful impact in patient management.Recent research indicates a high prevalence of CAD among AF patients undergoing coronary angiography.Further,the incidence of AF is much higher in those suffering from CAD compared to age-matched adults without CAD underlying this reciprocal relationship.CAD adversely affects AF by promoting progression via re-entry and increasing excitability of atrial tissue as a result of ischemia and electrical inhomogeneity.AF in turn accelerates atherosclerosis via endothelial dysfunctional and inflammation and together with enhanced thrombogenicity and hypercoagulability contribute to micro and macrothrombi throughout cardiovascular system.In a nutshell,the two form a vicious cycle wherein one disease promotes the other.Most AF recommendations focuses on rate/rhythm control and prevention of thromboembolism.Very few studies have discussed the importance of unmasking coexistent CAD and how the treatment of underlying ischemia will impact the burden of AF in these patients.Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction remain central to both disease processes and form a handsome therapeutic target in the management of the two diseases.The relationship between AF and CAD is complex and much more than mere coincidence.The two diseases share common risk factor and pathophysiology.Hence,it is impractical to treat them in isolation.Accordingly,we share the implications of managing underlying ischemia and inflammation to positively impact and improve quality of life among AF patients.
文摘Atrial fibrillation(AF)is a very common arrhythmia in clinical practice.Its incidence and prevalence are age-related and are growing in the last years.Age is a risk factor also for coronary artery disease(CAD),and with the evolution of preventive care,the first event(acute coronary syndrome(ACS)or percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI))takes place at a later age.If elderly patients with AF and CAD undergo ACS or PCI,they have indication to assume triple therapy.Triple therapy(oral anticoagulation(OAC)plus dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT))exposes patients to high bleeding risk.In the last 10 years,several clinical trials have tested dual therapy(OAC plus single antiplatelet therapy)in AF patients who undergo ACS or elective PCI.WOEST trial has tested warfarin+clopidogrel against triple therapy.PIONEER AF-PCI trial has tested low-dose rivaroxaban+P2Y12 inhibitor or very low-dose rivaroxaban+DAPT against standard triple therapy with warfarin.RE-DUAL PCI trial has tested two doses of dabigatran+P2Y12 inhibitor against standard triple therapy with Warfarin.AUGUSTUS trial has tested apixaban against warfarin both in dual therapy with P2Y12 inhibitor and in triple therapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin.ENTRUST-AF PCI,last published study,has tested edoxaban+P2Y12 inhibitor against triple therapy.All these trials show dual therapy reduces significantly bleeding risk than triple therapy.In this paper,we analyze these clinical trials to understand if dual therapy results can be applied to elderly patients and what is probably the better approach in elderly AF patients undergo to ACS or PCI.
文摘Objective To evaluate the trend of change in the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation compared with antiarrhythmic drug therapy （ADT） for rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation （AF） over time. Methods The online databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies. STATA software （version 12.0） was used to perform the meta-analysis and meta-regression. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials including 2249 patients with AF were identified. The pooled results showed that catheter ablation was associated with a 52% reduction in the risk of AF recurrence compared with ADT [risk ratio （RR） = 0.48, 95% confidence interval （CI）： 0.40-0.57, I2 = 70.7%）. Subgroup analyses showed that catheter ablation exhibited less efficacy in studies after 2011 compared to studies before 2011 （RR = 0.61, 95% CI： 0.54-0.68, I2 = 9.3% and RR = 0.34, 95% CI： 0.24-0.47, I2 = 69.9%, respectively）, and the safety outcome showed a 1.08-fold higher incidence of adverse events （14.2% vs. 7.3%; RR = 1.08, 95% CI： 1.04-1.13） in studies after 2011. Conclusions Catheter ablation appears to be superior to ADT for rhythm control. However, less efficacy and a higher rate of adverse events were observed in studies after 2011 compared to studies before 2011.
文摘Atrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated that by 2010, approximately 2.6 million people will be affected in USA;by 2050, that number may increase to 10 million patients. Generally, rate control alone is reasonable in some AF patients, especially asymptomatic patients. Restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) may be achieved by means of cardioversion, drugs or/ and catheter ablation. Pharmacological therapy can be useful to maintain SR and prevent tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. All patients with AF regardless of whether a rhythm or rate control strategy recommend anticoagulant, antiplatelet or both combined therapy for prevention of thromboembolism, except those with lone AF or contraindications. Drug selection should be based upon the absolute risk of stroke, bleeding, the relative risk and benefit for a given patient. Biventricular pacing may overcome many of the adverse hemodynamic effects associated with RV pacing alone. A target individual ectopic foci ablation within the pulmonary vein (PV) has evolved to circumferential electrical isolation of the entire PV musculature. Cavotricuspid isthmus should be considered as first-line therapy for patients with typical atrial flutter. Completely non-fluoroscopic ablation guided by Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RTMRI) using a steerable and non-ferromagnetic catheter is a promising novel technology in interventional electrophysiology.
文摘Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common arrhythmia in elderly population,with age being one of the most important factors involved in its pathogenesis.Conduction disturbances may be present on the surface electrocardiogram before AF onset in some patients.Once this arrhythmia is diagnosed,antithrombotic therapy is mandatory in most cases,as this is the only treatment that has demonstrated to improve survival.Age increases both the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications,while benefits from anticoagulant therapy outweigh that from bleeding in most scenarios,also in very elderly patients.However,elderly patients with AF are often undertreated.Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants have emerged as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists,with significant less adverse events and better profile in terms of efficacy and safety.Other conditions related to age should be carefully evaluated in these patients(including frailty,comorbidity and polypharmacy)to ensure an individualized clinical and therapeutic approach.
文摘Background Atrial fibrillation （AF） and coronary artery disease （CAD） often coexist, however, the clinical characteristics and the impact of stable CAD on the outcomes in Chinese patients with AF has not been well understood. Methods Consecutive AF patients in 20 hospitals in China from November 2008 to October 2011 were enrolled. The primary endpoints included 1-year all-cause mortality, stroke, non-central nervous system （non-CNS） embolism, and major bleeding. Results A total of 1947 AF patients were analyzed, of whom 40.5% had stable CAD. The mean CHADS2 scores in CAD patients were significantly higher than that of non-CAD patients （2.4 - 1.4 vs. 1.4 - 1.2, P 〈 0.001）. During follow-up period, warfarin use is low in both groups, with relatively higher proportion in non-CAD patients compared with CAD patients （22.3% vs. 10.7%, P 〈 0.001）. Compared with non-CAD patients, CAD patients had higher one-year all-cause mortality （16.8% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.017） and incidence of stroke （9.0% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.030）, while the non-CNS embolism and major bleeding rates were comparable between the two groups. After multivariate adjustment, stable CAD was independently associated with increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality （HR = 1.35, 95% CI： 1.01-1 .80, P = 0.040）, but not associated with stroke （HR = 1.07, 95% CI： 0.72-1.58, P = 0.736）. Conclusions Stable CAD was prevalent in Chinese AF patients and was independently associated with increased risk of 1-year all-cause mortality. Chinese AF patients with stable CAD received inadequate antithrombotic therapy and this grim status of antithrombotic therapy needed to be improved urgently.
文摘Anti-arrhythmic properties of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, at least in part mediated by anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic power, have been widely proved. Effect of fish oil on atrial fibrillation, both in primary and in secondary prevention and after cardiac surgery, are controversial, mostly due to lack of homogeneity between studies but also due to individual variability in response to fatty acids administration. Inclusion of measurement of incorporation of fish oil into cell membranes, appears to be essential in future studies, to assess their antiarrhythmic effect.
文摘BACKGROUND Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.Numerous major and minor complications have been reported following this procedure.The incidence of major postoperative complications is approximately 0.5%and includes respiratory depression,pneumothorax,pulmonary edema,pneumonia,airway obstruction and cardiorespiratory arrest.Minor complications include vasovagal reactions,cardiac arrhythmias,hemorrhage,pneumothorax,aphonia,nausea,vomiting and fever.However,to our knowledge,a case of atrial fibrillation(AF)concomitant with fatal arterial embolism in the upper extremities following diagnostic bronchoscopy has never been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old female patient presented with a history of rheumatic heart disease beginning at 10 years of age and an approximately 10-year history of hypertension.The patient was transferred from the cardiology department to the respiratory department due to recurrent coughing,pneumonia,and fever.She underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the respiratory department.Approximately 2 h after completion of bronchoscopy,she complained of left arm numbness and weakness.Physical examination detected cyanosis of the left upper extremity,grade III weakened limb muscle strength,and undetectable left brachial artery pulsation.Auscultation indicated AF.B-mode ultrasound examination of the blood vessels showed hyperechoic material in the left subclavian,axillary and brachial arteries,and parallel veins.As our hospital has no vascular surgery capability,the patient was transferred to a specialized hospital for emergency thrombectomy that day.A tracking investigation found that the patient’s conditions improved after successful thrombectomy.CONCLUSION Thromboembolism following bronchoscopy is rare,and only a few cases of cerebral air embolism after bronchoscopy have been reported.
