Atrial fibrillation in emergency department: prevalence of sinus rhythm 1 week after discharge

Emerg Med J. 2012 Apr;29(4):284-6. doi: 10.1136/emj.2010.107581. Epub 2011 Mar 25.

Abstract

Background: Current guidelines do not provide definitive indications about the treatment in emergency departments (ED) of patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: A multicentre observational study involving four general hospitals of the same metropolitan area was conducted. All consecutive adult patients admitted to the ED with recent symptoms of AF (<48 h duration) and discharged home were considered. Patients who underwent ED early cardioversion were enrolled in group A. Patients managed with ventricular rate control were enrolled in group B.

Results: On the 24 h Holter recordings at 1-week follow-up, stable sinus rhythm was detected in 46/58 (79.3%; 95% CI 68.9 to 89.7) patients in group A and 8/33 (24.2%; 95% CI 9.6 to 38.9) patients in group B (p<0.01).

Conclusion: According to the study results, rhythm at the time of ED discharge is a poor indicator of the short-term evolution of AF.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Electric Countershock
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents