Vol 17, No 1 (2010)
Original articles
Published online: 2010-01-26

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Prognostic significance of new onset atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome patients treated conservatively

Artur Dziewierz, Zbigniew Siudak, Tomasz Rakowski, Jacek Jąkała, Jacek S. Dubiel, Dariusz Dudek
Cardiol J 2010;17(1):57-64.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) and in-hospital management and mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.
Methods: We assessed data concerning in-hospital management and mortality of 24 patients with, and 977 patients without, new onset of AF from the Krakow Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes database.
Results: Patients with new onset of AF were older and more likely to have diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiogenic shock and chest pain on admission, and a shorter time from the onset of symptoms to admission. These patients more frequently received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, thrombolytics, and were less likely to be treated with statins during their hospital stay. Risk of AF occurrence was lower in patients treated with statins (1.9% vs 5.2%; p = 0.021). Among patients treated conservatively, in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with new onset of AF (8.1% vs 33.3%; p = 0.001). Independent predictors of inhospital death in this group of patients were: new onset of AF, age, cardiogenic shock, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of renal insufficiency, and discharge diagnosis.
Conclusions: New onset of AF is associated with excessive in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients staying on conservative treatment in community hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.
(Cardiol J 2010; 17, 1: 57-64)

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