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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Janet McComb
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Aims This study examined the factors associated with the development of chronic (or permanent) atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who had undergone atrioventricular (AV) node ablation with permanent pacing because of paroxysmal AF. Methods A retrospective review of case notes of all 65 consecutive patients identified as having had paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias, AV node ablation and permanent pacemaker implantation was performed. Atrial rhythm was established from all pacing records and from the surface EGG. Treatment with anti-arrhythmic drugs and with warfarin was recorded. A multivariate analysis was undertaken. using atrial rhythm on final ECG and chronic AF as outcome measures. Results During a mean follow-up of 30 months, 42% of patients with paroxysmal AF had developed chronic AF. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing age, history of electrical cardioversion and VVI pacing all contributed to the development of chronic AF. 25/62 patients were taking warfarin, and four had had strokes (2.5%/year). Conclusion The majority of patients with paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias treated with AV node ablation and pacing develop chronic BF eventually. Stroke remains a risk, particularly in those who develop chronic AF.
Author(s): McComb JM, Gribbin GM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Europace
Year: 1999
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Pages: 30-34
Print publication date: 01/01/1999
ISSN (print): 1099-5129
ISSN (electronic): 1532-2092
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/eupc.1998.0009
DOI: 10.1053/eupc.1998.0009
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