Cited 3 times since 2017 (0.4 per year) source: EuropePMC Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, Volume 32, Issue 8, 1 1 2017, Pages 1409-1414 Echocardiographic associates of atrial fibrillation in end-stage renal disease. Hensen LCR, Delgado V, van Wijngaarden SE, Leung M, de Bie MK, Buiten MS, Schalij MJ, Van de Kerkhof JJ, Rabelink TJ, Rotmans JI, Jukema JW, Bax JJ

Background

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is relatively high. The present study evaluated the association between left atrial (LA) remodelling, including an increased size and myocardial fibrosis, and slow LA conduction and the occurrence of AF.

Methods

In 171 ESRD patients enrolled in the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Dialysis patients (ICD2) trial, the LA dimensions, LA conduction delay [as reflected by the time difference between P-wave onset on surface electrocardiogram and A'-wave on tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI)] and LA function were compared between patients who exhibited AF versus patients without AF. Based on ICD remote monitoring or clinical records, the occurrence of AF was detected.

Results

Of 171 patients, 47 (27%) patients experienced AF. Despite comparable left ventricular ejection fraction and prevalence of significant mitral regurgitation, patients with AF had significantly larger LA volume index (mean ± standard deviation) (29 ± 11 versus 23 ± 10 mL/m2, P = 0.001), longer PA-TDI duration (144 ± 30 versus 131 ± 27 ms, P = 0.010) and reduced late diastolic mitral annular velocity (A') (7.1 ± 2.8 versus 8.2 ± 2.4 cm/s, P = 0.012) compared with patients without AF. On multivariable analysis, larger LA volume index [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.08, P = 0.017], longer PA-TDI duration (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, P = 0.025) and reduced A' (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98, P = 0.025) were independently associated with AF after adjusting for age and left ventricle diastolic relaxation.

Conclusion

ESRD patients with AF show more advanced changes in the LA substrate than ESRD patients without AF.

Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2017 8;32(8):1409-1414