Piotr Lodziński

Association between Variants on Chromosome 4q25, 16q22 and 1q21 and Atrial Fibrillation in the Polish Population

Background Genome-wide studies have shown that polymorphisms on chromosome 4q25, 16q22 and 1q21 correlate with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the distribution of these polymorphisms differs significantly among populations. Objective To test the polymorphisms on chromosome 4q25, 16q22 and 1q21 in a group of patients (pts) that underwent catheter ablation of AF. Methods Four hundred and ten patients with AF that underwent pulmonary vein isolation were included in the study. Control group (n = 550) was taken from healthy population, matched for age, sex and presence of hypertension. All participants were genotyped for the presence of the rs2200733, rs10033464, rs17570669, rs3853445, rs6838973 (4q25), rs7193343 (16q22) and rs13376333 (1q21) polymorphisms. Results All the polymorphisms tested (except rs17570669) correlated significantly with AF in univariate analysis (p values between 0.039 for rs7193343 and 2.7e-27 for rs2200733), with the odds ratio (OR) 0.572 and 0.617 for rs3853445 and rs6838973, respectively (protective role) and OR 1.268 to 3.52 for the other polymorphisms. All 4q25 SNPs tested but rs3853445 were independently linked with AF in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In haplotype analysis six out of nine 4q25 haplotypes were significantly linked with AF. The T allele of rs2200733 favoured increased number of episodes of AF per month (p = 0.045) and larger pulmonary vein diameter (recessive model, p = 0.032). Conclusions Patients qualified for catheter ablation of AF have a significantly higher frequency of 4q25, 16q22 and 1q21 variants than the control group. The T allele of rs2200733 favours larger pulmonary veins and increased number of episodes of AF.

Does a blanking period after pulmonary vein isolation impact long-term results? Results after 55 months of follow-up.

BACKGROUND The aims of the study are 1) to assess antiarrhythmic prophylaxis efficacy during the first 2 months after radiofrequency ablation (ARF) due to AF; 2) to define risk factors for early AF recurrence (EAFR) after ARF; 3) to determine the long-term follow-up results and risk factors for late AF recurrence (LAFR). METHODS A total number of 210 consecutive patients who had undergone ARF due to AF were analyzed. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group 1 (G1), without any anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD); Group 2 (G2), with amiodarone or sotalol; Group 3 (G3), with last ineffective AAD. The study was designed to analyze two periods: short-term observation, the first 2 months after ARF; and at least 2 years of long-term follow-up. RESULTS After 2 months, clinical data were collected from 171 patients (123 males, mean age of 50.3 years; persistent AF in 19.8%; lone AF in 36.6%). Sinus rhythm (SR) was maintained in 84 (49.1%) patients; 35 (20.4%) patients presented with a single episode of AF, 39 (23%) patients experienced a reduction in number of AF episodes, and 13 (7.5%) patients showed no improvement. No predisposing factor for early recurrence was found. After a mean follow-up of 55 months, clinical data were collected in 137 patients, of which 47 (34%) maintained SR. Those more likely to sustain SR were: males (82.9% vs. 62.2%; p = 0.018), younger patients (44.8 ± 12.7 vs. 52.5 ± 9.9; p = 0.0001), patients with smaller left atrium diameter (4.05 ± ± 0.49 cm vs. 4.25 ± 0.51 cm; p = 0.04), and those without any AF recurrence during the first 2 months after ARF (78.7% vs. 35.6%; p < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors for LAFR were hypertension (p < 0.001) and persistent AF (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Antiarrhythmic prophylaxis does not affect the number of AF recurrences during the first 2 months after ablation. SR maintenance during a blanking period after AF ablation is a positive prognostic factor in long-term follow-up. Persistent AF and hypertension are independent risk factors for late AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation.

The 4q25, 1q21, and 16q22 polymorphisms and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation.

Introduction The efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is well documented. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with AF, mainly in the 4q25 locus, but also in 16q22 and 1q21. The aim of our study was to test the association between those SNPs and short- and long-term results of PVI. Material and methods Patients with AF who underwent PVI between 2006 and 2009 were included in the study. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed using a 4-mm non-irrigated ablation catheter, circular mapping catheter, and the LocaLisa system. All patients were genotyped for the 4q25, 16q22, and 1q21 SNPs. Results Two-hundred and thirty-eight patients were included. The median follow-up was 45 months. Six-month efficacy was 59.7%. None of the polymorphisms was linked with the risk of AF recurrence after 6 months in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis rs2200733 in the recessive model was linked significantly with AF recurrence (odds ratio 1.87, p = 0.008). None of the polymorphisms predicted AF recurrence in long-term follow-up. Conclusions There is a trend in the relationship between TT genotype of the rs2200733 polymorphism and increased rate of AF recurrence after PVI in short-term (6 months) follow-up. None of the tested SNPs 4q25, 16q22, and 1q21 correlated with the results of a single AF ablation in long-term follow-up.

Antazoline for termination of atrial fibrillation during the procedure of pulmonary veins isolation

PURPOSE Pulmonary vein isolation is a well established method of definite treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Periprocedural onset of AF usually terminates spontaneously within minutes, but not in all cases. Antazoline is an antihistaminic agent with antiarrhythmic properties. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of antazoline in termination of AF in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive 141 patients who received antazoline to terminate AF during pulmonary vein isolation were analyzed. The antazoline was administered at the rate of 30-50mg/min (max. 500mg) after the circumferential ablation in the ostia of pulmonary veins and before confirmation of isolation. Success was defined as restoration of sinus rhythm within 20min after antazoline infusion. RESULTS The efficacy of antazoline was 83.6% in paroxysmal and 31.1% in persistent AF patients. Clinical variables that were independently predictive of antazoline ineffectiveness were female (odds ratio [OR]: 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-14.3; p=0.018) and AF at the beginning of procedure (OR 28.4; 95% CI 3.89-208.0; p=0.001). Due to antazoline related side effects infusion was discontinued in 7 patients (5%). CONCLUSIONS Antazoline seems to be safe agent in termination of AF in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. We also observed satisfying efficacy, which needs to be proved in a randomized clinical trial.

Radiofrequency ablation without the use of fluoroscopy – in what kind of patients is it feasible?

Introduction The aim of the study was to describe the experience in performing ablation without fluoroscopy. Material and methods From 575 ablation procedures with CARTO performed in the period 2003–2008, 108 (42 M; age 40 ±16 years) were done without fluoroscopy. One patient had ablation using the Localisa system. There was one man with thrombocytopenia and two pregnant women. Results Right ventricular (RV) outflow tract arrhythmias and other RV arrhythmias were noted in 38 patients (35%) and 17 patients (15%), respectively. There were 5 (4.6%) left ventricular (LV) outflow tract arrhythmias and 19 (17.5%) other LV tachycardias; right accessory pathways in 17 patients (20%), in the middle cardiac vein in 1, Mahaim fibres in 1, and 3 cases of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardias. One patient with CRT had AV node ablation (Localisa). In 3 patients there were also other arrhythmias treated: slow AV nodal pathway, typical flutter isthmus and right atrial tachycardia. In 2004, 1/96 CARTO procedures was done without fluoroscopy, in 2006 2/97, in 2007 19 (2 in LV) of 93, in 2008 87 (22 in LV) of 204. The percentage of ablations without fluoroscopy in every hundred CARTO procedures was: 1%, 1%, 8%, 23%, 46%, 28% (mean 18%). There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusions It is feasible to perform ablations within both right and left sides of the heart without fluoroscopy. The number and type of non-fluoroscopic procedures depends on the operators experience. Pregnant patients, with malignant history or with hematologic diseases should be ablated without fluoroscopy in centres that specialise in these kinds of procedures.

Catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy without fluoroscopy: A case control retrospective study

BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias are common in pregnant women. In most cases, they do not require treatment other than rest, electrolyte supplementation and avoidance of strong coffee and tea. Persistent arrhythmia or the ventricular rate running at a high frequency may cause hemodynamic deterioration in the fetus or in both the fetus and the mother. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of arrhythmias in pregnant women who qualified for ablation as well as the feasibility and specific features of these interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 11 pregnant women (16-32 Hbd) aged 31 + 6. The control group consisted of 111 women aged 15-50 years (34 + 10), scheduled for ablation in 2012. The medical records of the selected study and control groups were analyzed and the following data was retrieved: age, the reason the ablation procedure was performed, the ablation duration, the number of radiofrequency applications, the total duration of radiofrequency applications, gravity, and comorbidities. RESULTS In the study group, accessory pathway related arrhythmias or atrial tachycardia (AT) accounted for 62% of cases, whereas in the control group for 32% (p = 0.042). All the procedures in the study group were performed with an electroanatomical system without fluoroscopy. All of the patients, but one, had no recurrence of arrhythmia. There were no complications and no overt effects were noted in the fetus. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of arrhythmias during pregnancy is rare. An experienced surgeon using electroanatomical system is usually able to ablate arrhythmic substrate without the use of X-ray fluoroscopy. The most prevalent causes of arrhythmias in pregnant women requiring ablation are accessory pathway and AT focus.

Study design and rationale for biomedical shirt-based electrocardiography monitoring in relevant clinical situations: ECG-shirt study

BACKGROUND Today, the main challenge for researchers is to develop new technologies which may help to improve the diagnoses of cardiovascular disease (CVD), thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving the quality of life for patients. This study aims to show the utility of biomedical shirt-based electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring of patients with CVD in different clinical situations using the Nuubo® ECG (nECG) system. METHODS An investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective observational study was carried out in a cardiology (adult and pediatric) and cardiac rehabilitation wards. ECG monitoring was used with the biomedical shirt in the following four independent groups of patients: 1) 30 patients after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), 2) 30 cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients, 3) 120 patients during cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction, and 4) 40 pediatric patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) before electrophysiology study. Approval for all study groups was obtained from the institutional review board. The biomedical shirt captures the electrocardiographic signal via textile electrodes integrated into a garment. The software allows the visualization and analysis of data such as ECG, heart rate, arrhythmia detecting algorithm and relative position of the body is captured by an electronic device. DISCUSSION The major advantages of the nECG system are continuous ECG monitoring during daily activities, high quality of ECG recordings, as well as assurance of a proper adherence due to adequate comfort while wearing the shirt. There are only a few studies that have examined wearable systems, especially in pediatric populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier NCT03068169. (Cardiol J 2018; 25, 1: 52-59).

Comparison of clinical characteristics of real-life atrial fibrillation patients treated with vitamin K antagonists, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban: results from the CRAFT study

BACKGROUND The first-line drugs for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) are non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which are preferred over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). There is some evidence that there are dis-crepancies between everyday clinical practice and the guidelines. AIM The study aimed to compare the characteristics of patients on VKAs, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban in everyday practice (i.e. baseline characteristics, drug doses, risk factors for bleeding and thromboembolic events). Additionally, we assessed the frequency of prescription of different oral anticoagulants (OACs) in recent years. METHODS This study consisted of data from the multicentre CRAFT (MultiCentre expeRience in AFib patients Treated with OAC) study (NCT02987062). This was a retrospective analysis of hospital records of AF patients (hospitalised in the years 2011-2016) treated with VKAs (acenocoumarol, warfarin) and NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban). A total of 3528 patients with non-valvular AF were enrolled in the CRAFT study. RESULTS The total cohort consisted of 1973 patients on VKA, 504 patients on dabigatran, and 1051 patients on rivaroxaban. Patients on rivaroxaban were older (70.5 ± 13.1 years) and more often female (47.9%), compared with those on VKAs (67.0 ± 12.8 years, p < 0.001; 35.5%, p < 0.001) and on dabigatran (66.0 ± 13.9 years, p < 0.001; 38.9%, p = 0.001). Among NOACs, patients with persistent and permanent AF were more likely to receive rivaroxaban (54.7% and 73.4%, re-spectively) than dabigatran (45.3%, p < 0.001 and 26.6%, p = 0.002, respectively). Patients on rivaroxaban had higher risk of thromboembolic events (CHA2DS2VASc 3.9 ± 2.0, CHADS2 2.2 ± 1.4) than those on VKAs (3.3 ± 2.0, 1.9 ± 1.3) and on dabigatran (3.1 ± 2.0, 1.8 ± 1.3). Patients on rivaroxaban had also a higher rate of prior major bleeding (11.2%) than those on VKAs (6.7%, p < 0.001) and on dabigatran (7.3%, p = 0.02). Patients on lower doses of dabigatran and rivaroxaban had a significantly higher risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events. Use of VKAs in the year 2011 was reported in over 96% of patients on OACs, but this proportion decreased to 34.6% in 2016. In the last analysed year (2016) AF patients were treated mainly with NOACs - dabigatran (24.2%) and rivaroxaban (41.3%). CONCLUSIONS The prescription of VKAs declined significantly after the introduction of NOACs. Patients treated with different OACs demonstrated a distinct baseline clinical profile. The highest risk of thromboembolic events and incidence of major bleedings was observed in patients on rivaroxaban, in comparison to patients on VKAs and dabigatran. Among NOACs, patients treated with lower doses of dabigatran and rivaroxaban were older and had a significantly higher risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events.

Initial experience of catheter ablation for cardiac arrhythmias in children and adolescents at a newly built ablation centre

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation (CA) therapy is the first-choice treatment in adults with heart rhythm disturbances. Arrhythmias in adults are mainly conditioned by coronary artery disease. Aetiology of arrhythmias in children is mostly associated with inherited heart disorders. According to the current guidelines, CA is widely used in children, indicating the need to make it more achievable in the paediatric population. AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of CA in children with different types of arrhythmias on the initial learning curve at a newly built Ablation Centre in the Independent Paediatric Hospital of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. METHODS The study population comprised 32 children with supraventricular tachycardias, asymptomatic pre-excitation syndrome, or ventricular ectopic beats undergoing CA. The mean age of the study population was 14.1 ± 2.4 years. In all patients, electrophysiological study (EPS) and CA were performed. Analysis with respect to procedure duration, fluoroscopy exposure duration, location of accessory pathways (AP), success rate, recurrences, and complications was performed. RESULTS The mean procedure duration was 105.4 ± 41.4 min (range 40-175 min). The mean fluoroscopy duration was 8:34 ± 5:01 min (range 1:28-21:01). The mean exposure to ionising radiation was 4.7 ± 3.2 mcG/kg. EPS revealed signifi¬cantly more frequent presence of AP in the left side (57.1%). The radiofrequency ablation procedure was successful in 26 of 32 (81.3%) children, and cryoablation was successful in two of four patients. In two (6.3%) children minor complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Catheter ablation may be effectively performed without major complications in the initial phase of the learning curve if a reasonable approach with a gradual increase of the procedural complexity is taken.

First-in-man percutaneous pulmonary vein isolation enhanced by augmented reality system

Address for correspondence: Paweł Balsam, BA, MD, PhD, 1st Department of Cardiology, Warsaw Medical University, ul. Banacha 1a, 02–097 Warszawa, Poland, tel: +48 22 599 19 58, fax: +48 22 599-19-57, e-mail: pawel@balsam.com.pl Conflict of interest: J. Kamiński is employed by MedApp SA. Kardiologia Polska Copyright