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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17379911&dopt=Abstract\">Some patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation should carry flecainide or propafenone to self treat.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://bmj.com/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17379911\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-standard-bmj_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17379911\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Some patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation should carry flecainide or propafenone to self treat.</b></p>        <p>BMJ. 2007 Mar 24;334(7594):637</p>        <p>Authors:  Camm AJ, Savelieva I</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 17379911 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17307507&dopt=Abstract\">Guidelines for reporting data and outcomes for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0003-4975(06)02404-0\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17307507\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Guidelines for reporting data and outcomes for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Ann Thorac Surg. 2007 Mar;83(3):1225-30</p>        <p>Authors:  Shemin RJ, Cox JL, Gillinov AM, Blackstone EH, Bridges CR,  </p>        <p>Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disturbance, affecting an estimated 2.5 million people in the United States. Atrial fibrillation may occur with or without structural heart disease. The medical and surgical literature has seen an exponential growth in reports of ablation techniques and the Cox-Maze procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. There has been no agreement or standards on the proper reporting of these techniques and results. The current literature is in disarray, and this report is an attempt to provide a framework for the necessary elements to be included in reports on this subject. The Workforce on Evidence Based Surgery of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons encourages the adoption of these guidelines for reporting clinical results derived from patients undergoing surgical procedures for atrial fibrillation. Adoption of these guidelines will greatly facilitate the comparison between the reported experiences of various authors treating different cohorts of patients at different times with different techniques and energy sources. These guidelines are also appropriate for catheter-based treatment of atrial fibrillation. Thus, more reliable evaluation and comparisons of results will advance our knowledge and further the development and application of these procedures.</p>        <p>PMID: 17307507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17307485&dopt=Abstract\">Unusual complication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after mitral valve surgery: spontaneous rupture of spleen.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0003-4975(06)01700-0\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17307485\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Unusual complication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after mitral valve surgery: spontaneous rupture of spleen.</b></p>        <p>Ann Thorac Surg. 2007 Mar;83(3):1172-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Mitchell C, Riley CA, Vahid B</p>        <p>A 64-year-old man presented with cardiac tamponade 2 weeks after mitral valve surgery. The patient was anticoagulated for persistent atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. A pericardial catheter was placed. Five days after presentation the patient was started on intravenous heparin infusion. The patient had abdominal pain and hypotension develop. A splenic hematoma was diagnosed and a splenectomy was performed. Pathology showed multiple fibrin thrombi in the spleen. The heparin-associated antibodies were detected. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a potentially fatal condition in patients requiring heparin after cardiac surgery. Evaluation for heparin-associated antibodies in these patients may be warranted before heparin therapy.</p>        <p>PMID: 17307485 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17243937&dopt=Abstract\">Pharmacological therapy of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17243937\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Pharmacological therapy of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Feb;16(2):169-79</p>        <p>Authors:  Patton KK, Page RL</p>        <p>Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Present pharmacological options are limited by inefficacy, proarrhythmia and end-organ toxicity. Enhanced understanding of the underlying causes of this pleotropic entity may allow the creation of targeted drugs that avoid the pitfalls of current options. This review concentrates on both the classical and novel pharmacological therapies aimed at maintaining sinus rhythm.</p>        <p>PMID: 17243937 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17113780&dopt=Abstract\">Postoperative outcome of patients undergoing lung resection presenting with new-onset atrial fibrillation managed by amiodarone or diltiazem.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1010-7940(06)00974-2\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17113780\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Postoperative outcome of patients undergoing lung resection presenting with new-onset atrial fibrillation managed by amiodarone or diltiazem.</b></p>        <p>Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2007 Jan;31(1):70-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Bobbio A, Caporale D, Internullo E, Ampollini L, Bettati S, Rossini E, Carbognani P, Rusca M</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after thoracic surgery. The objective of the study was to prospectively evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients undergoing lung resection and presenting with new onset of AF. The postoperative course of AF was also evaluated in relation to either amiodarone or diltiazem employed as anti-arrhythmic agents. METHODS: A prospective observational study during a 3-year period was designed to evaluate all patients presenting AF as a complication of anatomic lung resections. The absence of a history of heart rhythm disease was an inclusion criterion. Amiodarone was employed as the anti-arrhythmic drug during the first 18 months, and diltiazem in the second half of the study. Anti-arrhythmic drugs were started intravenously; when rhythm was restored or after 48h of treatment, they were administered orally. AF duration, recurrences and the postoperative outcome of patients were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. No deaths occurred; median hospital stay was 10 days (range 6-37). AF presented as a solitary complication in 17 patients; in 10 patients it was associated with a respiratory complication and in the last three patients in one case each with pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure and chylothorax respectively. AF occurred on median post-operative day 2 (range: 1-9). Sinus rhythm restoration within the first 24h was observed in 11 (70%) out of the 15 patients receiving diltiazem and in 10 (67%) out of the 15 receiving amiodarone. After 48h, in 80% of patients in both groups cardioversion was achieved. AF recurrence occurred in 11 patients (37%). In 10 out of these 11 patients iterative intravenous treatment was attempted and in all a permanent cardioversion was achieved. Fisher\'s exact test indicated AF recurrence as being significantly correlated to the presence of a respiratory complication (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Postoperative outcome of patients undergoing lung surgery with new onset of AF resulted as being significantly complicated by AF recurrence in the case of an associated respiratory complication. The pharmacological strategies tested during this pilot study led to no differences in the postoperative course of AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 17113780 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17081766&dopt=Abstract\">A biophysical model of atrial fibrillation to define the appropriate ablation pattern in modified maze.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1010-7940(06)00942-0\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17081766\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>A biophysical model of atrial fibrillation to define the appropriate ablation pattern in modified maze.</b></p>        <p>Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2007 Jan;31(1):65-9</p>        <p>Authors:  Ruchat P, Dang L, Virag N, Schlaepfer J, von Segesser LK, Kappenberger L</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: The surgical Maze III procedure remains the gold standard in treating atrial fibrillation (AF); however due to clinical difficulties and higher risks, less invasive ablation alternatives are clinically investigated. The present study aims to define more efficient ablation patterns of the modified maze procedure using a biophysical model of human atria with chronic AF. METHODS: A three-dimensional model of human atria was developed using both MRI-imaging and a one-layer cellular model reproducing experimentally observed atrial cellular properties. Sustained AF could be induced by a burst-pacing protocol. Ablation lines were implemented in rendering the cardiac cells non-conductive, mimicking transmural lines. Lines were progressively implemented respectively around pulmonary veins (PV), left atrial appendage (LAA), left atrial isthmus (LAI), cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI), and intercaval lines (SIVC) in the computer model, defining the following patterns: P1=PV, P2=P1+LAA, P3=P2+LAI, P4=P3+CTI, P5=P3+SIVC, P6=P5+CTI. Forty simulations were done for each pattern and proportion of sinus rhythm (SR) conversion and time-to-AF termination (TAFT) were assessed. RESULTS: The most efficient patterns are P5, P6, and Maze III with 100% success. The main difference is expressed in decreasing mean TAFT with a correlation coefficient R=-0.8. There is an inflexion point for 100% success rate at a 7.5s TAFT, meaning that no additional line is mandatory beyond pattern P5. CONCLUSIONS: Our biophysical model suggests that Maze III could be simplified in his right atrial pattern to a single line joining both vena cavae. This has to be confirmed in clinical settings.</p>        <p>PMID: 17081766 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17186395&dopt=Abstract\">Misuse of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation patients: frequent, pervasive and persistent.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11239-006-9012-9\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17186395\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Misuse of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation patients: frequent, pervasive and persistent.</b></p>        <p>J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2007 Feb;23(1):65-71</p>        <p>Authors:  Fornari LS, Calderaro D, Nassar IB, Lauretti C, Nakamura L, Bagnatori R, Ageno W, Caramelli B</p>        <p>PURPOSE: To assess the use of antithrombotic therapy among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in a Brazilian University Heart Hospital (InCor). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a cross-sectional study we analyzed the charts of all patients treated at InCor in five separate days of 2002 (Phase 1). To assess the impact of admission to a cardiology hospital, a follow-up of the AF patients selected in Phase 1 was carried out after 1 year (Phase 2). The prevalence of AF in the 3,764 assessed charts was 8.0% (301 patients). In Phase 1, antiplatelets were prescribed to 21.2% and anticoagulant therapy (ACT) to 46.5% of AF patients; in Phase 2, to 19.9 and 57.8%, respectively. Thus, 32.2% (Phase 1) and 22.2% (Phase 2) of AF patients were not receiving any antithrombotic drug. Among AF patients with previous ischemic stroke (17.6%), only 49% (Phase 1) and 60.4% (Phase 2) were receiving ACT. As many as 34 and 22.6%, respectively, were not receiving any antithrombotic drug. After follow-up, a new acute embolic event was documented in 5.6% of patients, 17% died. CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulation is underused in AF patients and neither the fact of being treated by cardiologists in a University Hospital, nor the learning time-window of 1 year seemed to improve the antithrombotic care significantly.</p>        <p>PMID: 17186395 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17174155&dopt=Abstract\">Modification of the Cox-Maze III procedure using bipolar radiofrequency ablation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1443-9506(06)00220-4\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-images-PubMedLink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17174155\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Modification of the Cox-Maze III procedure using bipolar radiofrequency ablation.</b></p>        <p>Heart Lung Circ. 2007 Feb;16(1):37-49</p>        <p>Authors:  Yii M, Yap CH, Nixon I, Chao V</p>        <p>The Cox-Maze III procedure remains the yardstick by which all treatments for atrial fibrillation are measured. This procedure is not widely adopted because of its perceived technical complexity, invasiveness and longer procedural time. Efforts have been made by various investigators to reproduce Dr Cox\'s results using alternative lesion sets and energy sources. Bipolar radiofrequency (BPRF) ablation avoids the morbidity of cut-and-sew lesions, reduces procedural time and increases the likelihood of transmurality and continuity of lesions created compared to unipolar devices. Initial results are encouraging. We present our surgical technique and early experience using BPRF modification of the Cox-Maze III procedure using the Medtronic Cardioblate BP system.</p>        <p>PMID: 17174155 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17091323&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillation with hyperthyroidism in a 14-year-old male.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00246-006-1409-x\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17091323\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillation with hyperthyroidism in a 14-year-old male.</b></p>        <p>Pediatr Cardiol. 2006 Nov-Dec;27(6):772-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Takasugi H, Ao K, Sato T, Maeda A, Okada T, Wakiguchi H</p>        <p>Atrial fibrillation is an uncommon feature of hyperthyroidism in childhood. We report a 14-year-old male who was referred to our hospital with hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation. He had a family history of atrial fibrillation. Spontaneous conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm occurred 20 weeks after achieving euthyroid state by an antithyroid agent and a beta-blocker. Atrial fibrillation reoccurred after reduction of antithyroid medication and persisted for 19 weeks. Successful electrical cardioversion was performed resulting in conversion of heart rhythm to sinus. Usually, hyperthyroidism associated atrial fibrillation spontaneously reverts to sinus rhythm several weeks after achieving a euthyroid state. Control of thyroid function and heart rate is the goal of therapy for this type of atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17091323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17061959&dopt=Abstract\">Warfarin: almost 60 years old and still causing problems.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&amp;sid=nlm:pubmed&amp;issn=0306-5251&amp;date=2006&amp;volume=62&amp;issue=5&amp;spage=509\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.blackwell-synergy.com-templates-jsp-_synergy-images-synergy_linkout.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17061959\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Warfarin: almost 60 years old and still causing problems.</b></p>        <p>Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Nov;62(5):509-11</p>        <p>Authors:  Pirmohamed M</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 17061959 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16966344&dopt=Abstract\">Anti-inflammatory effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers: Potential benefits for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16966344\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16966344\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Anti-inflammatory effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers: Potential benefits for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Oct;27(19):2370-1; author reply 2371</p>        <p>Authors:  Liu T, Li G</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16966344 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17312857&dopt=Abstract\">Comparison of polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits with leukocyte filtration and reduced heparinization protocol on heparin-bonded circuits in different risk cohorts.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17312857\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Comparison of polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits with leukocyte filtration and reduced heparinization protocol on heparin-bonded circuits in different risk cohorts.</b></p>        <p>Perfusion. 2006 Nov;21(6):329-42</p>        <p>Authors:  Gunaydin S, McCusker K, Vijay V, Isbir S, Sari T, Onur MA, Gurpinar A, Sezgin A, Sargon MF, Tezcaner T, Zorlutuna Y</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: The relative benefits of strategic leukofiltration on polymer-coated and low-dose heparin protocol on heparin-coated circuits were studied across EuroSCORE patient risk strata for three different cohorts. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized study, 270 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were allocated into three groups (n = 90): Group 1 - polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits + leukocyte filters; Group 2 - polypeptide-based heparin-bonded circuits with reduced heparinization; and Group 3--Control: uncoated circuits. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 30), with respect to low- (EuroSCORE 0-2), medium- (3-5), and high- (6+) risk patients. Blood samples were collected at T1: following induction of anesthesia; T2: following heparin administration; T3: 15 min after CPB; T4: before cessation of CPB; T5: 15 min after protamine reversal; and T6: ICU. RESULTS: In high-risk cohorts, leukocyte counts demonstrated significant differences at T4 and T5 in Group 1, and at T4 in Group 2. Platelet counts were preserved significantly better at T4 and T5 in both groups (p &lt; 0.05 versus control). Serum IL-2 and C3a levels were significantly lower at T3, T4 and T5 in Group 1, and T4 and T5 in Group 2 (p &lt; 0.05). Postoperative bleeding, respiratory support time and incidence of atrial fibrillation were lower in the study groups versus control. Cell counts on filter mesh and heparin-coated fibers/ circuits were significantly higher in the high-risk cohorts versus uncoated fibers. Phagocytic capacity increased on filter mesh, especially in high-risk specimens. SEM evaluation demonstrated better preserved coated circuits. CONCLUSION: Leukofiltration and coating reduced platelet adhesion, protein adsorption, atrial fibrillation and reduced heparinization acted via modulation of systemic inflammatory response in high-risk groups.</p>        <p>PMID: 17312857 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16799180&dopt=Abstract\">The impact of long-term warfarin on the quality of life of elderly people with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16799180\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16799180\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>The impact of long-term warfarin on the quality of life of elderly people with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Age Ageing. 2007 Jan;36(1):95-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Das AK, Willcoxson PD, Corrado OJ, West RM</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16799180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17312857&dopt=Abstract\">Comparison of polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits with leukocyte filtration and reduced heparinization protocol on heparin-bonded circuits in different risk cohorts.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17312857\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Comparison of polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits with leukocyte filtration and reduced heparinization protocol on heparin-bonded circuits in different risk cohorts.</b></p>        <p>Perfusion. 2006 Nov;21(6):329-42</p>        <p>Authors:  Gunaydin S, McCusker K, Vijay V, Isbir S, Sari T, Onur MA, Gurpinar A, Sezgin A, Sargon MF, Tezcaner T, Zorlutuna Y</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: The relative benefits of strategic leukofiltration on polymer-coated and low-dose heparin protocol on heparin-coated circuits were studied across EuroSCORE patient risk strata for three different cohorts. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized study, 270 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were allocated into three groups (n = 90): Group 1 - polymethoxyethylacrylate-coated circuits + leukocyte filters; Group 2 - polypeptide-based heparin-bonded circuits with reduced heparinization; and Group 3--Control: uncoated circuits. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n = 30), with respect to low- (EuroSCORE 0-2), medium- (3-5), and high- (6+) risk patients. Blood samples were collected at T1: following induction of anesthesia; T2: following heparin administration; T3: 15 min after CPB; T4: before cessation of CPB; T5: 15 min after protamine reversal; and T6: ICU. RESULTS: In high-risk cohorts, leukocyte counts demonstrated significant differences at T4 and T5 in Group 1, and at T4 in Group 2. Platelet counts were preserved significantly better at T4 and T5 in both groups (p &lt; 0.05 versus control). Serum IL-2 and C3a levels were significantly lower at T3, T4 and T5 in Group 1, and T4 and T5 in Group 2 (p &lt; 0.05). Postoperative bleeding, respiratory support time and incidence of atrial fibrillation were lower in the study groups versus control. Cell counts on filter mesh and heparin-coated fibers/ circuits were significantly higher in the high-risk cohorts versus uncoated fibers. Phagocytic capacity increased on filter mesh, especially in high-risk specimens. SEM evaluation demonstrated better preserved coated circuits. CONCLUSION: Leukofiltration and coating reduced platelet adhesion, protein adsorption, atrial fibrillation and reduced heparinization acted via modulation of systemic inflammatory response in high-risk groups.</p>        <p>PMID: 17312857 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16799180&dopt=Abstract\">The impact of long-term warfarin on the quality of life of elderly people with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16799180\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16799180\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>The impact of long-term warfarin on the quality of life of elderly people with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Age Ageing. 2007 Jan;36(1):95-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Das AK, Willcoxson PD, Corrado OJ, West RM</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16799180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17288958&dopt=Abstract\">[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.revespcardiol.org/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/cardio/mrevista_cardio.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0113&amp;vol=60&amp;num=1&amp;pag=68\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.doyma.es-pubmed-cardioeng.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17288958\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</b></p>        <p>Rev Esp Cardiol. 2007 Jan;60(1):68-71</p>        <p>Authors:  Pastor A, Núñez A, Magalhaes A, Awamleh P, García-Cosío F</p>        <p>Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic foci that trigger atrial fibrillation has been established as a curative method for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although the majority of these foci are located in and around the pulmonary veins, other less common locations have been identified. Recognition that foci can lie outside the pulmonary veins is important for ensuring therapeutic success. The most frequently reported foci of ectopic activity outside the pulmonary veins are in the superior vena cava and the posterior wall of the left atrium. Here we report our experience with the ablation of ectopic foci located in the superior vena cava in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17288958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17224982&dopt=Abstract\">An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17224982\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</b></p>        <p>Methods Inf Med. 2007;46(1):57-62</p>        <p>Authors:  de Lusignan S</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: To report the lessons learned from eight years of feeding back routinely collected cardiovascular data in an educational context METHODS: There are distinct educational and technical components. The educational component provides peer-led learning opportunities based on comparative analysis of quality of care, as represented in computer records. The technical part ensures that relevant evidence-based audit criteria are identified; an appropriate dataset is extracted and processed to facilitate quality improvement. Anonymised data are used to provide inter-practice comparisons, with lists of identifiable patients who need interventions left in individual practices. RESULTS: The progressive improvement in cholesterol management in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is used as an exemplar of the changes achieved. Over three iterations of the cardiovascular programme the standardised prevalence of IHD recorded in GP computer systems rose from 3.8% to 4.0%. Cholesterol recording rose from 47.6% to 89.0%; and the mean cholesterol level fell from 5.18 to 4.67 mmol/L; while statin prescribing rose from 46% to 57% to 68%. The atrial fibrillation, heart failure and renal programmes (more people with chronic kidney disease go on to die from cardiovascular cause than from end-stage renal disease) are used to demonstrate the range of cardiovascular interventions amenable to this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Technical progress has meant that larger datasets can be extracted and processed. Feedback of routinely collected data in an educational context is acceptable to practitioners and results in quality improvement. Further research is needed to assess its utility as a strategy and cost-effectiveness compared with other methods.</p>        <p>PMID: 17224982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17143039&dopt=Abstract\">Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001573-200701000-00004\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17143039\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Cardiol. 2007 Jan;22(1):11-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Khaykin Y</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a rapidly evolving field. It has been adopted at many institutions worldwide. This review compares the efficacy and cost of catheter ablation and medical therapy in atrial fibrillation patients. RECENT FINDINGS: There is emerging evidence for clinical superiority of catheter ablation over medical therapy for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients. Early analyses of costs related to catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation suggest that medical therapy and catheter ablation become cost-equivalent at about 5 years of follow-up. A recent cost-effectiveness study concluded that catheter ablation is a cost-effective alternative to medical care in younger and older patients at low and moderate risk of stroke, assuming that restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm with ablation would have some protective effect with respect to embolic events. SUMMARY: Catheter ablation is a potentially cost-effective strategy in select patients with atrial fibrillation. Long-term randomized studies that compare it to conventional care and focus on outcomes of morbidity and mortality are necessary prior to widespread application of this technique.</p>        <p>PMID: 17143039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16956916&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16956916\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16956916\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2201-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Holmqvist F, Stridh M, Waktare JE, Sörnmo L, Olsson SB, Meurling CJ</p>        <p>AIMS: The study set out to explore whether an index of atrial electrical electrophysiology can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse, and if the predictive properties differ as a result of arrhythmia duration. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study comprised 175 consecutive patients with persistent AF (median duration 94 days, range 2 to 1044) referred for cardioversion. Twenty-nine patients had arrhythmia duration under 30 days (median 5 days, range 2-26). Atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) was estimated using a frequency power spectrum analysis of QRST-cancelled ECG. At 1-month follow-up, 56% of the patients had relapsed to AF. The pre-cardioversion mean AFR of those patients was 399+/-52 fibrillations per minute (fpm) compared with 363+/-63 fpm among patients maintaining SR (P&lt;0.0001). In patients with short AF duration, the difference was even more pronounced (424+/-52 vs. 345+/-65 fpm, P&lt;0.01). In this group, a finding of an AFR above the mean value of the study population predicted AF relapse with high accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent AF, AF relapse is predicted by a higher AFR. A stronger association is seen in patients with short arrhythmia duration, reflecting either rapid remodelling or pre-existing changes in those who relapse to AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16956916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935870&dopt=Abstract\">Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935870\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935870\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2224-31</p>        <p>Authors:  Lombardi F, Borggrefe M, Ruzyllo W, Lüderitz B,  </p>        <p>AIMS: Treatment of atrial fibrillation remains a major clinical challenge owing to the limited efficacy and safety of anti-arrhythmic drugs, particularly in patients with structural heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the efficacy of azimilide, a new class III anti-arrhythmic drug, we studied 658 patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation, adequate anticoagulant therapy, and planned electrical cardioversion. Patients were randomized to placebo, azimilide (125 mg o.d.), or sotalol (160 mg b.i.d.). Primary efficacy analysis was based on event recurrence, which was defined as atrial fibrillation lasting&gt;24 h, or requiring DC cardioversion. Median time to recurrence was 14 days for azimilide, 12 days for placebo, and 28 days for sotalol (P=0.0320 when comparing azimilide with placebo; P=0.0002 when comparing azimilide with sotalol). The placebo-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 1.291 (95% CI: 1.022-1.629) and the sotalol-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 0.652 (95% CI: 0.523-0.814). Adverse events causing patient withdrawal were more frequent (P&lt;0.01) in patients on azimilide (12.3%) and on sotalol (13.9%) than on placebo (5.4%). Eight patients in the sotalol (3.5%) and 16 in the azimilide (7.6%) group interrupted the study because of QTc prolongation. Torsade de pointes was reported in five patients of the azimilide group. The percentage of patients who completed the 26 week study period without events were 19% for azimilide, 15% for placebo, and 33% for sotalol (P&lt;0.01). Unsuccessful day 4 cardioversion, arrhythmia recurrence, and adverse events were the main causes of withdrawal from the study. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of azimilide is slightly superior to placebo but significantly inferior to sotalol in patients with persistent AF. The modest anti-arrhythmic efficacy and high rate of torsade de pointes and marked QTc prolongation limit azimilide utilization for the treatment of AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935870 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935869&dopt=Abstract\">Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935869\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935869\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2217-23</p>        <p>Authors:  Monte S, Macchia A, Pellegrini F, Romero M, Lepore V, D\'Ettorre A, Saugo M, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G</p>        <p>AIMS: To assess the use of antithrombotic treatment (ATT) after hospitalization with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the attributable effectiveness of ATT during follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of record linkage of administrative registers, 1812 patients discharged with AF were identified and followed-up for major clinical events up to 1 year. Mean age was 79 years. After hospitalization, 56% of the patients received ATT: 29% anticoagulants, 22% antiplatelets (APs), and 5% both agents. Among patients without comorbidities, 63.0% were exposed to ATT. Several factors significantly influence the use of antithrombotic agents, including increasing age [odds ratio (OR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-0.95)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [0.77 (0.59-1.00)], malignancy [0.57 (0.39-0.82)], and previous use of ATT [4.56 (3.67-5.67)]. A significantly lower mortality was observed in patients exposed to ATT [hazard ratio (HR) 0.36 (95% CI, 0.28-0.47)], both to anticoagulants [0.23 (0.15-0.35)] and to APs [0.66 (0.50-0.86)]. ATT was associated with the reduction of thrombo-embolic events [0.52 (0.25-1.07)]. Major bleeding did not contribute to increased morbidity. Subgroups analysis, propensity score (PS), and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that ATT was underused, also in patients without comorbidities. Exposure to ATT is associated with improved survival among elderly high-risk community patients hospitalized with AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16893919&dopt=Abstract\">Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16893919\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16893919\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2034-5</p>        <p>Authors:  Goette A, Schotten U</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16893919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16891381&dopt=Abstract\">Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16891381\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td></tr></table>        <p><b>Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2062-8</p>        <p>Authors:  Dagres N, Karatasakis G, Panou F, Athanassopoulos G, Maounis T, Tsougos E, Kourea K, Malakos I, Kremastinos DT, Cokkinos DV</p>        <p>AIMS: Left atrial (LA) stunning, the transient impairment of LA function, is responsible for an increased thrombo-embolic risk after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) attenuate atrial remodelling in AF and could theoretically influence LA stunning. We studied the effect of Irbesartan on LA stunning. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively assigned 50 patients from the outpatient clinic undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF with duration of &gt;4 weeks, into two matched groups: 25 patients were treated with Irbesartan (228+/-93 mg/day) for at least 2 weeks prior to cardioversion (Irbesartan group); 25 patients did not receive ARBs (control group). The groups did not differ concerning age (64+/-13 vs. 63+/-13 years, respectively), AF duration (20+/-18 vs. 20+/-19 weeks), underlying disease, LA diameter (46+/-7 vs. 47+/-9 mm), left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction (47.7+/-11.6 vs. 49.7+/-14.5%). We assessed LA appendage emptying velocities (LAAEV) and LA spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transoesophageal echocardiography before and after cardioversion and at 2 weeks, and the A-wave by transthoracic echocardiography after cardioversion, at 2 and at 4 weeks. LA stunning was significantly attenuated in the Irbesartan group. The reduction of LAAEV immediately after cardioversion was significantly less in the Irbesartan group (LAAEV reduction of 9+/-49% from 28+/-9 cm/s before cardioversion to 25+/-13 cm/s immediately afterwards) than in the control group (reduction of 48+/-20% from 34+/-15 cm/s before cardioversion to 16+/-6 cm/s afterwards) (P = 0.048). New or increased LASEC occurred in eight patients (32%) in the Irbesartan vs. 16 patients (64%) in the control group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Irbesartan significantly attenuates LA stunning after electrical cardioversion of AF. Therefore, ARBs may represent an important pharmacological supplementation in patients being prepared for cardioversion.</p>        <p>PMID: 16891381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17288958&dopt=Abstract\">[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.revespcardiol.org/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/cardio/mrevista_cardio.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0113&amp;vol=60&amp;num=1&amp;pag=68\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.doyma.es-pubmed-cardioeng.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17288958\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</b></p>        <p>Rev Esp Cardiol. 2007 Jan;60(1):68-71</p>        <p>Authors:  Pastor A, Núñez A, Magalhaes A, Awamleh P, García-Cosío F</p>        <p>Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic foci that trigger atrial fibrillation has been established as a curative method for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although the majority of these foci are located in and around the pulmonary veins, other less common locations have been identified. Recognition that foci can lie outside the pulmonary veins is important for ensuring therapeutic success. The most frequently reported foci of ectopic activity outside the pulmonary veins are in the superior vena cava and the posterior wall of the left atrium. Here we report our experience with the ablation of ectopic foci located in the superior vena cava in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17288958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17224982&dopt=Abstract\">An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17224982\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</b></p>        <p>Methods Inf Med. 2007;46(1):57-62</p>        <p>Authors:  de Lusignan S</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: To report the lessons learned from eight years of feeding back routinely collected cardiovascular data in an educational context METHODS: There are distinct educational and technical components. The educational component provides peer-led learning opportunities based on comparative analysis of quality of care, as represented in computer records. The technical part ensures that relevant evidence-based audit criteria are identified; an appropriate dataset is extracted and processed to facilitate quality improvement. Anonymised data are used to provide inter-practice comparisons, with lists of identifiable patients who need interventions left in individual practices. RESULTS: The progressive improvement in cholesterol management in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is used as an exemplar of the changes achieved. Over three iterations of the cardiovascular programme the standardised prevalence of IHD recorded in GP computer systems rose from 3.8% to 4.0%. Cholesterol recording rose from 47.6% to 89.0%; and the mean cholesterol level fell from 5.18 to 4.67 mmol/L; while statin prescribing rose from 46% to 57% to 68%. The atrial fibrillation, heart failure and renal programmes (more people with chronic kidney disease go on to die from cardiovascular cause than from end-stage renal disease) are used to demonstrate the range of cardiovascular interventions amenable to this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Technical progress has meant that larger datasets can be extracted and processed. Feedback of routinely collected data in an educational context is acceptable to practitioners and results in quality improvement. Further research is needed to assess its utility as a strategy and cost-effectiveness compared with other methods.</p>        <p>PMID: 17224982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17143039&dopt=Abstract\">Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001573-200701000-00004\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17143039\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Cardiol. 2007 Jan;22(1):11-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Khaykin Y</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a rapidly evolving field. It has been adopted at many institutions worldwide. This review compares the efficacy and cost of catheter ablation and medical therapy in atrial fibrillation patients. RECENT FINDINGS: There is emerging evidence for clinical superiority of catheter ablation over medical therapy for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients. Early analyses of costs related to catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation suggest that medical therapy and catheter ablation become cost-equivalent at about 5 years of follow-up. A recent cost-effectiveness study concluded that catheter ablation is a cost-effective alternative to medical care in younger and older patients at low and moderate risk of stroke, assuming that restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm with ablation would have some protective effect with respect to embolic events. SUMMARY: Catheter ablation is a potentially cost-effective strategy in select patients with atrial fibrillation. Long-term randomized studies that compare it to conventional care and focus on outcomes of morbidity and mortality are necessary prior to widespread application of this technique.</p>        <p>PMID: 17143039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16956916&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16956916\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16956916\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2201-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Holmqvist F, Stridh M, Waktare JE, Sörnmo L, Olsson SB, Meurling CJ</p>        <p>AIMS: The study set out to explore whether an index of atrial electrical electrophysiology can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse, and if the predictive properties differ as a result of arrhythmia duration. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study comprised 175 consecutive patients with persistent AF (median duration 94 days, range 2 to 1044) referred for cardioversion. Twenty-nine patients had arrhythmia duration under 30 days (median 5 days, range 2-26). Atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) was estimated using a frequency power spectrum analysis of QRST-cancelled ECG. At 1-month follow-up, 56% of the patients had relapsed to AF. The pre-cardioversion mean AFR of those patients was 399+/-52 fibrillations per minute (fpm) compared with 363+/-63 fpm among patients maintaining SR (P&lt;0.0001). In patients with short AF duration, the difference was even more pronounced (424+/-52 vs. 345+/-65 fpm, P&lt;0.01). In this group, a finding of an AFR above the mean value of the study population predicted AF relapse with high accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent AF, AF relapse is predicted by a higher AFR. A stronger association is seen in patients with short arrhythmia duration, reflecting either rapid remodelling or pre-existing changes in those who relapse to AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16956916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935870&dopt=Abstract\">Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935870\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935870\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2224-31</p>        <p>Authors:  Lombardi F, Borggrefe M, Ruzyllo W, Lüderitz B,  </p>        <p>AIMS: Treatment of atrial fibrillation remains a major clinical challenge owing to the limited efficacy and safety of anti-arrhythmic drugs, particularly in patients with structural heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the efficacy of azimilide, a new class III anti-arrhythmic drug, we studied 658 patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation, adequate anticoagulant therapy, and planned electrical cardioversion. Patients were randomized to placebo, azimilide (125 mg o.d.), or sotalol (160 mg b.i.d.). Primary efficacy analysis was based on event recurrence, which was defined as atrial fibrillation lasting&gt;24 h, or requiring DC cardioversion. Median time to recurrence was 14 days for azimilide, 12 days for placebo, and 28 days for sotalol (P=0.0320 when comparing azimilide with placebo; P=0.0002 when comparing azimilide with sotalol). The placebo-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 1.291 (95% CI: 1.022-1.629) and the sotalol-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 0.652 (95% CI: 0.523-0.814). Adverse events causing patient withdrawal were more frequent (P&lt;0.01) in patients on azimilide (12.3%) and on sotalol (13.9%) than on placebo (5.4%). Eight patients in the sotalol (3.5%) and 16 in the azimilide (7.6%) group interrupted the study because of QTc prolongation. Torsade de pointes was reported in five patients of the azimilide group. The percentage of patients who completed the 26 week study period without events were 19% for azimilide, 15% for placebo, and 33% for sotalol (P&lt;0.01). Unsuccessful day 4 cardioversion, arrhythmia recurrence, and adverse events were the main causes of withdrawal from the study. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of azimilide is slightly superior to placebo but significantly inferior to sotalol in patients with persistent AF. The modest anti-arrhythmic efficacy and high rate of torsade de pointes and marked QTc prolongation limit azimilide utilization for the treatment of AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935870 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935869&dopt=Abstract\">Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935869\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935869\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2217-23</p>        <p>Authors:  Monte S, Macchia A, Pellegrini F, Romero M, Lepore V, D\'Ettorre A, Saugo M, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G</p>        <p>AIMS: To assess the use of antithrombotic treatment (ATT) after hospitalization with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the attributable effectiveness of ATT during follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of record linkage of administrative registers, 1812 patients discharged with AF were identified and followed-up for major clinical events up to 1 year. Mean age was 79 years. After hospitalization, 56% of the patients received ATT: 29% anticoagulants, 22% antiplatelets (APs), and 5% both agents. Among patients without comorbidities, 63.0% were exposed to ATT. Several factors significantly influence the use of antithrombotic agents, including increasing age [odds ratio (OR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-0.95)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [0.77 (0.59-1.00)], malignancy [0.57 (0.39-0.82)], and previous use of ATT [4.56 (3.67-5.67)]. A significantly lower mortality was observed in patients exposed to ATT [hazard ratio (HR) 0.36 (95% CI, 0.28-0.47)], both to anticoagulants [0.23 (0.15-0.35)] and to APs [0.66 (0.50-0.86)]. ATT was associated with the reduction of thrombo-embolic events [0.52 (0.25-1.07)]. Major bleeding did not contribute to increased morbidity. Subgroups analysis, propensity score (PS), and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that ATT was underused, also in patients without comorbidities. Exposure to ATT is associated with improved survival among elderly high-risk community patients hospitalized with AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16893919&dopt=Abstract\">Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16893919\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16893919\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2034-5</p>        <p>Authors:  Goette A, Schotten U</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16893919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16891381&dopt=Abstract\">Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16891381\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td></tr></table>        <p><b>Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2062-8</p>        <p>Authors:  Dagres N, Karatasakis G, Panou F, Athanassopoulos G, Maounis T, Tsougos E, Kourea K, Malakos I, Kremastinos DT, Cokkinos DV</p>        <p>AIMS: Left atrial (LA) stunning, the transient impairment of LA function, is responsible for an increased thrombo-embolic risk after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) attenuate atrial remodelling in AF and could theoretically influence LA stunning. We studied the effect of Irbesartan on LA stunning. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively assigned 50 patients from the outpatient clinic undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF with duration of &gt;4 weeks, into two matched groups: 25 patients were treated with Irbesartan (228+/-93 mg/day) for at least 2 weeks prior to cardioversion (Irbesartan group); 25 patients did not receive ARBs (control group). The groups did not differ concerning age (64+/-13 vs. 63+/-13 years, respectively), AF duration (20+/-18 vs. 20+/-19 weeks), underlying disease, LA diameter (46+/-7 vs. 47+/-9 mm), left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction (47.7+/-11.6 vs. 49.7+/-14.5%). We assessed LA appendage emptying velocities (LAAEV) and LA spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transoesophageal echocardiography before and after cardioversion and at 2 weeks, and the A-wave by transthoracic echocardiography after cardioversion, at 2 and at 4 weeks. LA stunning was significantly attenuated in the Irbesartan group. The reduction of LAAEV immediately after cardioversion was significantly less in the Irbesartan group (LAAEV reduction of 9+/-49% from 28+/-9 cm/s before cardioversion to 25+/-13 cm/s immediately afterwards) than in the control group (reduction of 48+/-20% from 34+/-15 cm/s before cardioversion to 16+/-6 cm/s afterwards) (P = 0.048). New or increased LASEC occurred in eight patients (32%) in the Irbesartan vs. 16 patients (64%) in the control group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Irbesartan significantly attenuates LA stunning after electrical cardioversion of AF. Therefore, ARBs may represent an important pharmacological supplementation in patients being prepared for cardioversion.</p>        <p>PMID: 16891381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17288958&dopt=Abstract\">[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.revespcardiol.org/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/cardio/mrevista_cardio.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0113&amp;vol=60&amp;num=1&amp;pag=68\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.doyma.es-pubmed-cardioeng.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17288958\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</b></p>        <p>Rev Esp Cardiol. 2007 Jan;60(1):68-71</p>        <p>Authors:  Pastor A, Núñez A, Magalhaes A, Awamleh P, García-Cosío F</p>        <p>Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic foci that trigger atrial fibrillation has been established as a curative method for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although the majority of these foci are located in and around the pulmonary veins, other less common locations have been identified. Recognition that foci can lie outside the pulmonary veins is important for ensuring therapeutic success. The most frequently reported foci of ectopic activity outside the pulmonary veins are in the superior vena cava and the posterior wall of the left atrium. Here we report our experience with the ablation of ectopic foci located in the superior vena cava in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17288958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17224982&dopt=Abstract\">An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17224982\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</b></p>        <p>Methods Inf Med. 2007;46(1):57-62</p>        <p>Authors:  de Lusignan S</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: To report the lessons learned from eight years of feeding back routinely collected cardiovascular data in an educational context METHODS: There are distinct educational and technical components. The educational component provides peer-led learning opportunities based on comparative analysis of quality of care, as represented in computer records. The technical part ensures that relevant evidence-based audit criteria are identified; an appropriate dataset is extracted and processed to facilitate quality improvement. Anonymised data are used to provide inter-practice comparisons, with lists of identifiable patients who need interventions left in individual practices. RESULTS: The progressive improvement in cholesterol management in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is used as an exemplar of the changes achieved. Over three iterations of the cardiovascular programme the standardised prevalence of IHD recorded in GP computer systems rose from 3.8% to 4.0%. Cholesterol recording rose from 47.6% to 89.0%; and the mean cholesterol level fell from 5.18 to 4.67 mmol/L; while statin prescribing rose from 46% to 57% to 68%. The atrial fibrillation, heart failure and renal programmes (more people with chronic kidney disease go on to die from cardiovascular cause than from end-stage renal disease) are used to demonstrate the range of cardiovascular interventions amenable to this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Technical progress has meant that larger datasets can be extracted and processed. Feedback of routinely collected data in an educational context is acceptable to practitioners and results in quality improvement. Further research is needed to assess its utility as a strategy and cost-effectiveness compared with other methods.</p>        <p>PMID: 17224982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17143039&dopt=Abstract\">Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001573-200701000-00004\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17143039\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Cardiol. 2007 Jan;22(1):11-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Khaykin Y</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a rapidly evolving field. It has been adopted at many institutions worldwide. This review compares the efficacy and cost of catheter ablation and medical therapy in atrial fibrillation patients. RECENT FINDINGS: There is emerging evidence for clinical superiority of catheter ablation over medical therapy for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients. Early analyses of costs related to catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation suggest that medical therapy and catheter ablation become cost-equivalent at about 5 years of follow-up. A recent cost-effectiveness study concluded that catheter ablation is a cost-effective alternative to medical care in younger and older patients at low and moderate risk of stroke, assuming that restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm with ablation would have some protective effect with respect to embolic events. SUMMARY: Catheter ablation is a potentially cost-effective strategy in select patients with atrial fibrillation. Long-term randomized studies that compare it to conventional care and focus on outcomes of morbidity and mortality are necessary prior to widespread application of this technique.</p>        <p>PMID: 17143039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16956916&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16956916\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16956916\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2201-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Holmqvist F, Stridh M, Waktare JE, Sörnmo L, Olsson SB, Meurling CJ</p>        <p>AIMS: The study set out to explore whether an index of atrial electrical electrophysiology can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse, and if the predictive properties differ as a result of arrhythmia duration. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study comprised 175 consecutive patients with persistent AF (median duration 94 days, range 2 to 1044) referred for cardioversion. Twenty-nine patients had arrhythmia duration under 30 days (median 5 days, range 2-26). Atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) was estimated using a frequency power spectrum analysis of QRST-cancelled ECG. At 1-month follow-up, 56% of the patients had relapsed to AF. The pre-cardioversion mean AFR of those patients was 399+/-52 fibrillations per minute (fpm) compared with 363+/-63 fpm among patients maintaining SR (P&lt;0.0001). In patients with short AF duration, the difference was even more pronounced (424+/-52 vs. 345+/-65 fpm, P&lt;0.01). In this group, a finding of an AFR above the mean value of the study population predicted AF relapse with high accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent AF, AF relapse is predicted by a higher AFR. A stronger association is seen in patients with short arrhythmia duration, reflecting either rapid remodelling or pre-existing changes in those who relapse to AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16956916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935870&dopt=Abstract\">Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935870\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935870\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2224-31</p>        <p>Authors:  Lombardi F, Borggrefe M, Ruzyllo W, Lüderitz B,  </p>        <p>AIMS: Treatment of atrial fibrillation remains a major clinical challenge owing to the limited efficacy and safety of anti-arrhythmic drugs, particularly in patients with structural heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the efficacy of azimilide, a new class III anti-arrhythmic drug, we studied 658 patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation, adequate anticoagulant therapy, and planned electrical cardioversion. Patients were randomized to placebo, azimilide (125 mg o.d.), or sotalol (160 mg b.i.d.). Primary efficacy analysis was based on event recurrence, which was defined as atrial fibrillation lasting&gt;24 h, or requiring DC cardioversion. Median time to recurrence was 14 days for azimilide, 12 days for placebo, and 28 days for sotalol (P=0.0320 when comparing azimilide with placebo; P=0.0002 when comparing azimilide with sotalol). The placebo-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 1.291 (95% CI: 1.022-1.629) and the sotalol-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 0.652 (95% CI: 0.523-0.814). Adverse events causing patient withdrawal were more frequent (P&lt;0.01) in patients on azimilide (12.3%) and on sotalol (13.9%) than on placebo (5.4%). Eight patients in the sotalol (3.5%) and 16 in the azimilide (7.6%) group interrupted the study because of QTc prolongation. Torsade de pointes was reported in five patients of the azimilide group. The percentage of patients who completed the 26 week study period without events were 19% for azimilide, 15% for placebo, and 33% for sotalol (P&lt;0.01). Unsuccessful day 4 cardioversion, arrhythmia recurrence, and adverse events were the main causes of withdrawal from the study. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of azimilide is slightly superior to placebo but significantly inferior to sotalol in patients with persistent AF. The modest anti-arrhythmic efficacy and high rate of torsade de pointes and marked QTc prolongation limit azimilide utilization for the treatment of AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935870 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935869&dopt=Abstract\">Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935869\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935869\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2217-23</p>        <p>Authors:  Monte S, Macchia A, Pellegrini F, Romero M, Lepore V, D\'Ettorre A, Saugo M, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G</p>        <p>AIMS: To assess the use of antithrombotic treatment (ATT) after hospitalization with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the attributable effectiveness of ATT during follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of record linkage of administrative registers, 1812 patients discharged with AF were identified and followed-up for major clinical events up to 1 year. Mean age was 79 years. After hospitalization, 56% of the patients received ATT: 29% anticoagulants, 22% antiplatelets (APs), and 5% both agents. Among patients without comorbidities, 63.0% were exposed to ATT. Several factors significantly influence the use of antithrombotic agents, including increasing age [odds ratio (OR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-0.95)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [0.77 (0.59-1.00)], malignancy [0.57 (0.39-0.82)], and previous use of ATT [4.56 (3.67-5.67)]. A significantly lower mortality was observed in patients exposed to ATT [hazard ratio (HR) 0.36 (95% CI, 0.28-0.47)], both to anticoagulants [0.23 (0.15-0.35)] and to APs [0.66 (0.50-0.86)]. ATT was associated with the reduction of thrombo-embolic events [0.52 (0.25-1.07)]. Major bleeding did not contribute to increased morbidity. Subgroups analysis, propensity score (PS), and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that ATT was underused, also in patients without comorbidities. Exposure to ATT is associated with improved survival among elderly high-risk community patients hospitalized with AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16893919&dopt=Abstract\">Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16893919\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16893919\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2034-5</p>        <p>Authors:  Goette A, Schotten U</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16893919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16891381&dopt=Abstract\">Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16891381\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td></tr></table>        <p><b>Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2062-8</p>        <p>Authors:  Dagres N, Karatasakis G, Panou F, Athanassopoulos G, Maounis T, Tsougos E, Kourea K, Malakos I, Kremastinos DT, Cokkinos DV</p>        <p>AIMS: Left atrial (LA) stunning, the transient impairment of LA function, is responsible for an increased thrombo-embolic risk after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) attenuate atrial remodelling in AF and could theoretically influence LA stunning. We studied the effect of Irbesartan on LA stunning. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively assigned 50 patients from the outpatient clinic undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF with duration of &gt;4 weeks, into two matched groups: 25 patients were treated with Irbesartan (228+/-93 mg/day) for at least 2 weeks prior to cardioversion (Irbesartan group); 25 patients did not receive ARBs (control group). The groups did not differ concerning age (64+/-13 vs. 63+/-13 years, respectively), AF duration (20+/-18 vs. 20+/-19 weeks), underlying disease, LA diameter (46+/-7 vs. 47+/-9 mm), left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction (47.7+/-11.6 vs. 49.7+/-14.5%). We assessed LA appendage emptying velocities (LAAEV) and LA spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transoesophageal echocardiography before and after cardioversion and at 2 weeks, and the A-wave by transthoracic echocardiography after cardioversion, at 2 and at 4 weeks. LA stunning was significantly attenuated in the Irbesartan group. The reduction of LAAEV immediately after cardioversion was significantly less in the Irbesartan group (LAAEV reduction of 9+/-49% from 28+/-9 cm/s before cardioversion to 25+/-13 cm/s immediately afterwards) than in the control group (reduction of 48+/-20% from 34+/-15 cm/s before cardioversion to 16+/-6 cm/s afterwards) (P = 0.048). New or increased LASEC occurred in eight patients (32%) in the Irbesartan vs. 16 patients (64%) in the control group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Irbesartan significantly attenuates LA stunning after electrical cardioversion of AF. Therefore, ARBs may represent an important pharmacological supplementation in patients being prepared for cardioversion.</p>        <p>PMID: 16891381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
document.write('</div>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17288958&dopt=Abstract\">[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.revespcardiol.org/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/cardio/mrevista_cardio.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0113&amp;vol=60&amp;num=1&amp;pag=68\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.doyma.es-pubmed-cardioeng.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17288958\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</b></p>        <p>Rev Esp Cardiol. 2007 Jan;60(1):68-71</p>        <p>Authors:  Pastor A, Núñez A, Magalhaes A, Awamleh P, García-Cosío F</p>        <p>Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic foci that trigger atrial fibrillation has been established as a curative method for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although the majority of these foci are located in and around the pulmonary veins, other less common locations have been identified. Recognition that foci can lie outside the pulmonary veins is important for ensuring therapeutic success. The most frequently reported foci of ectopic activity outside the pulmonary veins are in the superior vena cava and the posterior wall of the left atrium. Here we report our experience with the ablation of ectopic foci located in the superior vena cava in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17288958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17224982&dopt=Abstract\">An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17224982\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</b></p>        <p>Methods Inf Med. 2007;46(1):57-62</p>        <p>Authors:  de Lusignan S</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: To report the lessons learned from eight years of feeding back routinely collected cardiovascular data in an educational context METHODS: There are distinct educational and technical components. The educational component provides peer-led learning opportunities based on comparative analysis of quality of care, as represented in computer records. The technical part ensures that relevant evidence-based audit criteria are identified; an appropriate dataset is extracted and processed to facilitate quality improvement. Anonymised data are used to provide inter-practice comparisons, with lists of identifiable patients who need interventions left in individual practices. RESULTS: The progressive improvement in cholesterol management in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is used as an exemplar of the changes achieved. Over three iterations of the cardiovascular programme the standardised prevalence of IHD recorded in GP computer systems rose from 3.8% to 4.0%. Cholesterol recording rose from 47.6% to 89.0%; and the mean cholesterol level fell from 5.18 to 4.67 mmol/L; while statin prescribing rose from 46% to 57% to 68%. The atrial fibrillation, heart failure and renal programmes (more people with chronic kidney disease go on to die from cardiovascular cause than from end-stage renal disease) are used to demonstrate the range of cardiovascular interventions amenable to this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Technical progress has meant that larger datasets can be extracted and processed. Feedback of routinely collected data in an educational context is acceptable to practitioners and results in quality improvement. Further research is needed to assess its utility as a strategy and cost-effectiveness compared with other methods.</p>        <p>PMID: 17224982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17143039&dopt=Abstract\">Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001573-200701000-00004\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17143039\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Cardiol. 2007 Jan;22(1):11-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Khaykin Y</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a rapidly evolving field. It has been adopted at many institutions worldwide. This review compares the efficacy and cost of catheter ablation and medical therapy in atrial fibrillation patients. RECENT FINDINGS: There is emerging evidence for clinical superiority of catheter ablation over medical therapy for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients. Early analyses of costs related to catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation suggest that medical therapy and catheter ablation become cost-equivalent at about 5 years of follow-up. A recent cost-effectiveness study concluded that catheter ablation is a cost-effective alternative to medical care in younger and older patients at low and moderate risk of stroke, assuming that restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm with ablation would have some protective effect with respect to embolic events. SUMMARY: Catheter ablation is a potentially cost-effective strategy in select patients with atrial fibrillation. Long-term randomized studies that compare it to conventional care and focus on outcomes of morbidity and mortality are necessary prior to widespread application of this technique.</p>        <p>PMID: 17143039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16956916&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16956916\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16956916\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2201-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Holmqvist F, Stridh M, Waktare JE, Sörnmo L, Olsson SB, Meurling CJ</p>        <p>AIMS: The study set out to explore whether an index of atrial electrical electrophysiology can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse, and if the predictive properties differ as a result of arrhythmia duration. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study comprised 175 consecutive patients with persistent AF (median duration 94 days, range 2 to 1044) referred for cardioversion. Twenty-nine patients had arrhythmia duration under 30 days (median 5 days, range 2-26). Atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) was estimated using a frequency power spectrum analysis of QRST-cancelled ECG. At 1-month follow-up, 56% of the patients had relapsed to AF. The pre-cardioversion mean AFR of those patients was 399+/-52 fibrillations per minute (fpm) compared with 363+/-63 fpm among patients maintaining SR (P&lt;0.0001). In patients with short AF duration, the difference was even more pronounced (424+/-52 vs. 345+/-65 fpm, P&lt;0.01). In this group, a finding of an AFR above the mean value of the study population predicted AF relapse with high accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent AF, AF relapse is predicted by a higher AFR. A stronger association is seen in patients with short arrhythmia duration, reflecting either rapid remodelling or pre-existing changes in those who relapse to AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16956916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935870&dopt=Abstract\">Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935870\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935870\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2224-31</p>        <p>Authors:  Lombardi F, Borggrefe M, Ruzyllo W, Lüderitz B,  </p>        <p>AIMS: Treatment of atrial fibrillation remains a major clinical challenge owing to the limited efficacy and safety of anti-arrhythmic drugs, particularly in patients with structural heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the efficacy of azimilide, a new class III anti-arrhythmic drug, we studied 658 patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation, adequate anticoagulant therapy, and planned electrical cardioversion. Patients were randomized to placebo, azimilide (125 mg o.d.), or sotalol (160 mg b.i.d.). Primary efficacy analysis was based on event recurrence, which was defined as atrial fibrillation lasting&gt;24 h, or requiring DC cardioversion. Median time to recurrence was 14 days for azimilide, 12 days for placebo, and 28 days for sotalol (P=0.0320 when comparing azimilide with placebo; P=0.0002 when comparing azimilide with sotalol). The placebo-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 1.291 (95% CI: 1.022-1.629) and the sotalol-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 0.652 (95% CI: 0.523-0.814). Adverse events causing patient withdrawal were more frequent (P&lt;0.01) in patients on azimilide (12.3%) and on sotalol (13.9%) than on placebo (5.4%). Eight patients in the sotalol (3.5%) and 16 in the azimilide (7.6%) group interrupted the study because of QTc prolongation. Torsade de pointes was reported in five patients of the azimilide group. The percentage of patients who completed the 26 week study period without events were 19% for azimilide, 15% for placebo, and 33% for sotalol (P&lt;0.01). Unsuccessful day 4 cardioversion, arrhythmia recurrence, and adverse events were the main causes of withdrawal from the study. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of azimilide is slightly superior to placebo but significantly inferior to sotalol in patients with persistent AF. The modest anti-arrhythmic efficacy and high rate of torsade de pointes and marked QTc prolongation limit azimilide utilization for the treatment of AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935870 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935869&dopt=Abstract\">Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935869\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935869\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2217-23</p>        <p>Authors:  Monte S, Macchia A, Pellegrini F, Romero M, Lepore V, D\'Ettorre A, Saugo M, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G</p>        <p>AIMS: To assess the use of antithrombotic treatment (ATT) after hospitalization with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the attributable effectiveness of ATT during follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of record linkage of administrative registers, 1812 patients discharged with AF were identified and followed-up for major clinical events up to 1 year. Mean age was 79 years. After hospitalization, 56% of the patients received ATT: 29% anticoagulants, 22% antiplatelets (APs), and 5% both agents. Among patients without comorbidities, 63.0% were exposed to ATT. Several factors significantly influence the use of antithrombotic agents, including increasing age [odds ratio (OR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-0.95)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [0.77 (0.59-1.00)], malignancy [0.57 (0.39-0.82)], and previous use of ATT [4.56 (3.67-5.67)]. A significantly lower mortality was observed in patients exposed to ATT [hazard ratio (HR) 0.36 (95% CI, 0.28-0.47)], both to anticoagulants [0.23 (0.15-0.35)] and to APs [0.66 (0.50-0.86)]. ATT was associated with the reduction of thrombo-embolic events [0.52 (0.25-1.07)]. Major bleeding did not contribute to increased morbidity. Subgroups analysis, propensity score (PS), and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that ATT was underused, also in patients without comorbidities. Exposure to ATT is associated with improved survival among elderly high-risk community patients hospitalized with AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16893919&dopt=Abstract\">Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16893919\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16893919\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2034-5</p>        <p>Authors:  Goette A, Schotten U</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16893919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16891381&dopt=Abstract\">Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16891381\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td></tr></table>        <p><b>Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2062-8</p>        <p>Authors:  Dagres N, Karatasakis G, Panou F, Athanassopoulos G, Maounis T, Tsougos E, Kourea K, Malakos I, Kremastinos DT, Cokkinos DV</p>        <p>AIMS: Left atrial (LA) stunning, the transient impairment of LA function, is responsible for an increased thrombo-embolic risk after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) attenuate atrial remodelling in AF and could theoretically influence LA stunning. We studied the effect of Irbesartan on LA stunning. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively assigned 50 patients from the outpatient clinic undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF with duration of &gt;4 weeks, into two matched groups: 25 patients were treated with Irbesartan (228+/-93 mg/day) for at least 2 weeks prior to cardioversion (Irbesartan group); 25 patients did not receive ARBs (control group). The groups did not differ concerning age (64+/-13 vs. 63+/-13 years, respectively), AF duration (20+/-18 vs. 20+/-19 weeks), underlying disease, LA diameter (46+/-7 vs. 47+/-9 mm), left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction (47.7+/-11.6 vs. 49.7+/-14.5%). We assessed LA appendage emptying velocities (LAAEV) and LA spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transoesophageal echocardiography before and after cardioversion and at 2 weeks, and the A-wave by transthoracic echocardiography after cardioversion, at 2 and at 4 weeks. LA stunning was significantly attenuated in the Irbesartan group. The reduction of LAAEV immediately after cardioversion was significantly less in the Irbesartan group (LAAEV reduction of 9+/-49% from 28+/-9 cm/s before cardioversion to 25+/-13 cm/s immediately afterwards) than in the control group (reduction of 48+/-20% from 34+/-15 cm/s before cardioversion to 16+/-6 cm/s afterwards) (P = 0.048). New or increased LASEC occurred in eight patients (32%) in the Irbesartan vs. 16 patients (64%) in the control group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Irbesartan significantly attenuates LA stunning after electrical cardioversion of AF. Therefore, ARBs may represent an important pharmacological supplementation in patients being prepared for cardioversion.</p>        <p>PMID: 16891381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17288958&dopt=Abstract\">[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.revespcardiol.org/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/cardio/mrevista_cardio.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0113&amp;vol=60&amp;num=1&amp;pag=68\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.doyma.es-pubmed-cardioeng.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17288958\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[The superior vena cava as a site of ectopic foci in atrial fibrillation]</b></p>        <p>Rev Esp Cardiol. 2007 Jan;60(1):68-71</p>        <p>Authors:  Pastor A, Núñez A, Magalhaes A, Awamleh P, García-Cosío F</p>        <p>Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic foci that trigger atrial fibrillation has been established as a curative method for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although the majority of these foci are located in and around the pulmonary veins, other less common locations have been identified. Recognition that foci can lie outside the pulmonary veins is important for ensuring therapeutic success. The most frequently reported foci of ectopic activity outside the pulmonary veins are in the superior vena cava and the posterior wall of the left atrium. Here we report our experience with the ablation of ectopic foci located in the superior vena cava in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17288958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17224982&dopt=Abstract\">An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17224982\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>An educational intervention, involving feedback of routinely collected computer data, to improve cardiovascular disease management in UK primary care.</b></p>        <p>Methods Inf Med. 2007;46(1):57-62</p>        <p>Authors:  de Lusignan S</p>        <p>OBJECTIVES: To report the lessons learned from eight years of feeding back routinely collected cardiovascular data in an educational context METHODS: There are distinct educational and technical components. The educational component provides peer-led learning opportunities based on comparative analysis of quality of care, as represented in computer records. The technical part ensures that relevant evidence-based audit criteria are identified; an appropriate dataset is extracted and processed to facilitate quality improvement. Anonymised data are used to provide inter-practice comparisons, with lists of identifiable patients who need interventions left in individual practices. RESULTS: The progressive improvement in cholesterol management in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is used as an exemplar of the changes achieved. Over three iterations of the cardiovascular programme the standardised prevalence of IHD recorded in GP computer systems rose from 3.8% to 4.0%. Cholesterol recording rose from 47.6% to 89.0%; and the mean cholesterol level fell from 5.18 to 4.67 mmol/L; while statin prescribing rose from 46% to 57% to 68%. The atrial fibrillation, heart failure and renal programmes (more people with chronic kidney disease go on to die from cardiovascular cause than from end-stage renal disease) are used to demonstrate the range of cardiovascular interventions amenable to this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Technical progress has meant that larger datasets can be extracted and processed. Feedback of routinely collected data in an educational context is acceptable to practitioners and results in quality improvement. Further research is needed to assess its utility as a strategy and cost-effectiveness compared with other methods.</p>        <p>PMID: 17224982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17143039&dopt=Abstract\">Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001573-200701000-00004\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17143039\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Cost-effectiveness of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Cardiol. 2007 Jan;22(1):11-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Khaykin Y</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is a rapidly evolving field. It has been adopted at many institutions worldwide. This review compares the efficacy and cost of catheter ablation and medical therapy in atrial fibrillation patients. RECENT FINDINGS: There is emerging evidence for clinical superiority of catheter ablation over medical therapy for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients. Early analyses of costs related to catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation suggest that medical therapy and catheter ablation become cost-equivalent at about 5 years of follow-up. A recent cost-effectiveness study concluded that catheter ablation is a cost-effective alternative to medical care in younger and older patients at low and moderate risk of stroke, assuming that restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm with ablation would have some protective effect with respect to embolic events. SUMMARY: Catheter ablation is a potentially cost-effective strategy in select patients with atrial fibrillation. Long-term randomized studies that compare it to conventional care and focus on outcomes of morbidity and mortality are necessary prior to widespread application of this technique.</p>        <p>PMID: 17143039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16956916&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16956916\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16956916\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillatory rate and sinus rhythm maintenance in patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2201-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Holmqvist F, Stridh M, Waktare JE, Sörnmo L, Olsson SB, Meurling CJ</p>        <p>AIMS: The study set out to explore whether an index of atrial electrical electrophysiology can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse, and if the predictive properties differ as a result of arrhythmia duration. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study comprised 175 consecutive patients with persistent AF (median duration 94 days, range 2 to 1044) referred for cardioversion. Twenty-nine patients had arrhythmia duration under 30 days (median 5 days, range 2-26). Atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) was estimated using a frequency power spectrum analysis of QRST-cancelled ECG. At 1-month follow-up, 56% of the patients had relapsed to AF. The pre-cardioversion mean AFR of those patients was 399+/-52 fibrillations per minute (fpm) compared with 363+/-63 fpm among patients maintaining SR (P&lt;0.0001). In patients with short AF duration, the difference was even more pronounced (424+/-52 vs. 345+/-65 fpm, P&lt;0.01). In this group, a finding of an AFR above the mean value of the study population predicted AF relapse with high accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing cardioversion of persistent AF, AF relapse is predicted by a higher AFR. A stronger association is seen in patients with short arrhythmia duration, reflecting either rapid remodelling or pre-existing changes in those who relapse to AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16956916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935870&dopt=Abstract\">Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935870\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935870\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Azimilide vs. placebo and sotalol for persistent atrial fibrillation: the A-COMET-II (Azimilide-CardiOversion MaintEnance Trial-II) trial.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2224-31</p>        <p>Authors:  Lombardi F, Borggrefe M, Ruzyllo W, Lüderitz B,  </p>        <p>AIMS: Treatment of atrial fibrillation remains a major clinical challenge owing to the limited efficacy and safety of anti-arrhythmic drugs, particularly in patients with structural heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the efficacy of azimilide, a new class III anti-arrhythmic drug, we studied 658 patients with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation, adequate anticoagulant therapy, and planned electrical cardioversion. Patients were randomized to placebo, azimilide (125 mg o.d.), or sotalol (160 mg b.i.d.). Primary efficacy analysis was based on event recurrence, which was defined as atrial fibrillation lasting&gt;24 h, or requiring DC cardioversion. Median time to recurrence was 14 days for azimilide, 12 days for placebo, and 28 days for sotalol (P=0.0320 when comparing azimilide with placebo; P=0.0002 when comparing azimilide with sotalol). The placebo-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 1.291 (95% CI: 1.022-1.629) and the sotalol-to-azimilide hazard ratio was 0.652 (95% CI: 0.523-0.814). Adverse events causing patient withdrawal were more frequent (P&lt;0.01) in patients on azimilide (12.3%) and on sotalol (13.9%) than on placebo (5.4%). Eight patients in the sotalol (3.5%) and 16 in the azimilide (7.6%) group interrupted the study because of QTc prolongation. Torsade de pointes was reported in five patients of the azimilide group. The percentage of patients who completed the 26 week study period without events were 19% for azimilide, 15% for placebo, and 33% for sotalol (P&lt;0.01). Unsuccessful day 4 cardioversion, arrhythmia recurrence, and adverse events were the main causes of withdrawal from the study. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of azimilide is slightly superior to placebo but significantly inferior to sotalol in patients with persistent AF. The modest anti-arrhythmic efficacy and high rate of torsade de pointes and marked QTc prolongation limit azimilide utilization for the treatment of AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935870 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16935869&dopt=Abstract\">Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16935869\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16935869\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Antithrombotic treatment is strongly underused despite reducing overall mortality among high-risk elderly patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(18):2217-23</p>        <p>Authors:  Monte S, Macchia A, Pellegrini F, Romero M, Lepore V, D\'Ettorre A, Saugo M, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G</p>        <p>AIMS: To assess the use of antithrombotic treatment (ATT) after hospitalization with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the attributable effectiveness of ATT during follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of record linkage of administrative registers, 1812 patients discharged with AF were identified and followed-up for major clinical events up to 1 year. Mean age was 79 years. After hospitalization, 56% of the patients received ATT: 29% anticoagulants, 22% antiplatelets (APs), and 5% both agents. Among patients without comorbidities, 63.0% were exposed to ATT. Several factors significantly influence the use of antithrombotic agents, including increasing age [odds ratio (OR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-0.95)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [0.77 (0.59-1.00)], malignancy [0.57 (0.39-0.82)], and previous use of ATT [4.56 (3.67-5.67)]. A significantly lower mortality was observed in patients exposed to ATT [hazard ratio (HR) 0.36 (95% CI, 0.28-0.47)], both to anticoagulants [0.23 (0.15-0.35)] and to APs [0.66 (0.50-0.86)]. ATT was associated with the reduction of thrombo-embolic events [0.52 (0.25-1.07)]. Major bleeding did not contribute to increased morbidity. Subgroups analysis, propensity score (PS), and sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that ATT was underused, also in patients without comorbidities. Exposure to ATT is associated with improved survival among elderly high-risk community patients hospitalized with AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 16935869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16893919&dopt=Abstract\">Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16893919\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16893919\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptors reduces atrial stunning and spontaneous echo contrast after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2034-5</p>        <p>Authors:  Goette A, Schotten U</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16893919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16891381&dopt=Abstract\">Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16891381\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td></tr></table>        <p><b>Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Sep;27(17):2062-8</p>        <p>Authors:  Dagres N, Karatasakis G, Panou F, Athanassopoulos G, Maounis T, Tsougos E, Kourea K, Malakos I, Kremastinos DT, Cokkinos DV</p>        <p>AIMS: Left atrial (LA) stunning, the transient impairment of LA function, is responsible for an increased thrombo-embolic risk after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) attenuate atrial remodelling in AF and could theoretically influence LA stunning. We studied the effect of Irbesartan on LA stunning. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively assigned 50 patients from the outpatient clinic undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF with duration of &gt;4 weeks, into two matched groups: 25 patients were treated with Irbesartan (228+/-93 mg/day) for at least 2 weeks prior to cardioversion (Irbesartan group); 25 patients did not receive ARBs (control group). The groups did not differ concerning age (64+/-13 vs. 63+/-13 years, respectively), AF duration (20+/-18 vs. 20+/-19 weeks), underlying disease, LA diameter (46+/-7 vs. 47+/-9 mm), left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction (47.7+/-11.6 vs. 49.7+/-14.5%). We assessed LA appendage emptying velocities (LAAEV) and LA spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) by transoesophageal echocardiography before and after cardioversion and at 2 weeks, and the A-wave by transthoracic echocardiography after cardioversion, at 2 and at 4 weeks. LA stunning was significantly attenuated in the Irbesartan group. The reduction of LAAEV immediately after cardioversion was significantly less in the Irbesartan group (LAAEV reduction of 9+/-49% from 28+/-9 cm/s before cardioversion to 25+/-13 cm/s immediately afterwards) than in the control group (reduction of 48+/-20% from 34+/-15 cm/s before cardioversion to 16+/-6 cm/s afterwards) (P = 0.048). New or increased LASEC occurred in eight patients (32%) in the Irbesartan vs. 16 patients (64%) in the control group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Irbesartan significantly attenuates LA stunning after electrical cardioversion of AF. Therefore, ARBs may represent an important pharmacological supplementation in patients being prepared for cardioversion.</p>        <p>PMID: 16891381 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17319469&dopt=Abstract\">Ximelagatran: direct thrombin inhibitor.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17319469\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Ximelagatran: direct thrombin inhibitor.</b></p>        <p>Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2006;2(1):49-58</p>        <p>Authors:  Ho SJ, Brighton TA</p>        <p>Warfarin sodium is an effective oral anticoagulant drug. However, warfarin has a narrow therapeutic window with significant risks of hemorrhage at therapeutic concentrations. Dosing is difficult and requires frequent monitoring. New oral anticoagulant agents are required to improve current anticoagulant therapy. Furthermore, while warfarin is effective in venous disease, it does not provide more than 60% risk reduction compared with placebo in venous thrombosis prophylaxis and considerably lower risk reduction in terms of arterial thrombosis. Ximelagatran is an oral pro-drug of melagatran, a synthetic small peptidomimetic with direct thrombin inhibitory actions and anticoagulant activity. As an oral agent, ximelagatran has a number of desirable properties including a rapid onset of action, fixed dosing, stable absorption, apparent low potential for medication interactions, and no requirement for monitoring of drug levels or dose adjustment. It has a short plasma elimination half-life of about 4 hours in cases of unexpected hemorrhage or need for reversal. Its main toxicity relates to the development of abnormal liver biochemistry and/or liver dysfunction with \"long-term\" use of the drug. This usually occurs within the first 6 months of commencing therapy, with a small percentage of patients developing jaundice. The biochemical abnormality usually resolves despite continuation of the drug. The cause of this toxicity remains unknown. Clinical studies to date have shown that ximelagatran is noninferior to warfarin in stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, noninferior to standard therapy as acute and extended therapy of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and superior to warfarin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism post-major orthopedic surgery. It has also been shown to be more effective than aspirin alone for prevention of recurrent major cardiovascular events in patients with recent myocardial infarction.</p>        <p>PMID: 17319469 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17309423&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/186_04_190207/med11193_fm.html\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.mja.com.au-mjalink.jpg\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17309423\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Med J Aust. 2007 Feb 19;186(4):197-202</p>        <p>Authors:  Medi C, Hankey GJ, Freedman SB</p>        <p>The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation are increasing because of both population ageing and an age-adjusted increase in incidence of atrial fibrillation. Deciding between a rate control or rhythm control approach depends on patient age and comorbidities, symptoms and haemodynamic consequences of the arrhythmia, but either approach is acceptable. Digoxin is no longer a first-line drug for rate control: beta-blockers and verapamil and diltiazem control heart rate better during exercise. Anti-arrhythmic drugs have only a 40%-60% success rate of maintaining sinus rhythm at 1 year, and have significant side effects. The selection of optimal antithrombotic prophylaxis depends on the patient\'s risk of ischaemic stroke and the benefits and risks of long-term warfarin versus aspirin, but is independent of rate or rhythm control strategy. Ischaemic stroke risk is best estimated with the CHADS2 score (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age &gt; or = 75 years, Diabetes, 1 point each; prior Stroke or transient ischaemic attack, 2 points). For patients with valvular atrial fibrillation or a CHADS(2) score &gt; or = 2, anticoagulation with warfarin is recommended (INR 2-3, higher for mechanical valves) unless contraindicated or annual major bleeding risk &gt; 3%. Aspirin or warfarin may be used when the CHADS(2) score = 1. Aspirin, 81-325 mg daily, is recommended in patients with a CHADS(2) score of 0 or if warfarin is contraindicated. Stroke rate is similar for paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent atrial fibrillation, and probably for atrial flutter.</p>        <p>PMID: 17309423 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17309417&dopt=Abstract\">Management of warfarin in atrial fibrillation: views of health professionals, older patients and their carers.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/186_04_190207/baj10154_fm.html\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.mja.com.au-mjalink.jpg\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17309417\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Management of warfarin in atrial fibrillation: views of health professionals, older patients and their carers.</b></p>        <p>Med J Aust. 2007 Feb 19;186(4):175-80</p>        <p>Authors:  Bajorek BV, Ogle SJ, Duguid MJ, Shenfield GM, Krass I</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: To identify the views of health professionals, patients and their carers on strategies to improve the use and management of warfarin in older patients with atrial fibrillation. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on analysis of group interviews. SETTING: A major metropolitan teaching hospital, from 1 March to 30 April 2003. PARTICIPANTS: 14 patients (&gt;/= 65 years) with established atrial fibrillation and taking warfarin, three carers, 12 specialists, eight general practitioners, six community pharmacists, nine hospital pharmacists, and 11 nurses volunteered in response to flyers promoting the study. RESULTS: Suggested strategies to improve warfarin management targeted support services for GPs and patients. Hospital-based clinicians felt that dissemination of trial evidence to GPs to support treatment recommendations is required, and that GPs need to enlist allied health professionals in the management of patients taking warfarin. GPs preferred access to practical advice from expert colleagues on the day-to-day management. Patients requested more information about warfarin therapy, as access to information is inadequate, particularly from primary sources (GPs, community pharmacists). Verbal and written information are equally important, but a single counselling session or supply of a booklet was viewed as inadequate. Participants identified various interventions for all levels of warfarin management; from the collective input, a framework for management strategies was developed. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals and patients require more customised information to support warfarin use and management.</p>        <p>PMID: 17309417 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17255547&dopt=Abstract\">Secondary stroke prevention with ximelagatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation: pooled analysis of SPORTIF III and V clinical trials.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17255547\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-strokeaha-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17255547\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Secondary stroke prevention with ximelagatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation: pooled analysis of SPORTIF III and V clinical trials.</b></p>        <p>Stroke. 2007 Mar;38(3):874-80</p>        <p>Authors:  Akins PT, Feldman HA, Zoble RG, Newman D, Spitzer SG, Diener HC, Albers GW</p>        <p>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk for recurrent stroke. We investigated whether ximelagatran was noninferior to warfarin in patients with prior stroke or TIA. METHODS: We analyzed pooled data from the SPORTIF III and V trials in patients with prior stroke/TIA. The primary outcome was the composite annual rate of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and systemic embolic events. Secondary analyses considered ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes separately, bleeding, and nonrandomized, concomitant therapy with aspirin &lt; or =100 mg/d. RESULTS: Patients from SPORTIF III (n=3407) and SPORTIF V (n=3922) trials were categorized by prior stroke/TIA (21%) versus no prior stroke/TIA (79%) and by treatment group (ximelagatran vs warfarin). The primary event rate in patients with prior stroke/TIA was 2.83%/y with ximelagatran and 3.27%/y with warfarin (absolute difference, -0.44%; 95% CI, -1.88 to1.01; P=0.625). In those without prior stroke/TIA, the primary event rate was 1.31%/y with ximelagatran and 1.26%/y with warfarin (P=NS). Ischemic strokes outnumbered cerebral hemorrhages with both warfarin (31 of 36) and ximelagatran (30 of 32) treatment (difference between treatments was not significant). Combining aspirin with either anticoagulant was associated with higher rates of major bleeding (1.5%/y with warfarin and 4.95%/y with warfarin plus aspirin, P=0.004; 2.35%/y with ximelagatran and 5.09%/y with ximelagatran plus aspirin, P=0.046) but not lower rates of primary events. CONCLUSIONS: Ximelagatran was at least as effective as well-controlled warfarin for the secondary prevention of stroke. The nonrandomized, concomitant treatment with aspirin and anticoagulation was associated with increased bleeding without evidence of a reduction in primary outcome events.</p>        <p>PMID: 17255547 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17240604&dopt=Abstract\">Atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17240604\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Anesthesiol Clin. 2006 Sep;24(3):509-22</p>        <p>Authors:  Garwood S</p>        <p>Over 2 million people in the Untied States are known to have AF, and this number is expected to rise to 5 to 6 million in the next 50 years. In spite of advances in detection and treatment of AF, it is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment currently consists of rhythm management and prevention of embolic events (anticoagulation). Although two strategies of rhythm management exist (heart rate control and heart rhythm control), a distinct advantage of one over the other has not yet been determined. Because of the increasing numbers of patients who have AF in the general population and newer surgical approaches to dealing with AF, the anesthesiologist encounters patients who have AF on an almost daily basis. Fortunately, national and international guidelines exist for the treatment of pre-existing AF and dealing with anticoagulated patients in the perioperative period, clearly indicating whether a patient is adequately managed or not by current standards of practice. With respect to the new development of AF in the perioperative period, cardiac and thoracic surgeries are particularly associated with this phenomenon. Guidelines have been published for the perioperative management of AF after cardiac surgery, and are in accordance with the findings from studies in thoracic surgery. Beta-blockers and amiodarone are strongly recommended for the pre-emptive treatment of AF in high-risk patients, whereas amiodarone and sotalol are the agents of choice in those patients developing AF after surgery not requiring urgent cardioversion. The recent discoveries of properties of statins other than their lipid-lowering abilities has sparked wide interest in the possibility of this family of drugs having a protective role against AF in many scenarios. It remains to be seen whether statins will prove to be adjunct in patients at high risk for AF in the perioperative period.</p>        <p>PMID: 17240604 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17215642&dopt=Abstract\">Uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot in an 86-year-old patient.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17215642\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot in an 86-year-old patient.</b></p>        <p>Am J Geriatr Cardiol. 2007 Jan-Feb;16(1):38-41</p>        <p>Authors:  Alonso A, Downey BC, Kuvin JT</p>        <p>This report describes the presentation and evaluation of an elderly man with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot. The patient had remained fairly asymptomatic for much of his life. He presented to the hospital at age 86 with new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed infundibular pulmonic stenosis with a ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy, findings consistent with unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot. Severe right ventricular pressure overload was also present. Coronary angiography revealed nonobstructive coronary artery disease. It was felt that the rapid atrial fibrillation resulted in right ventricular subendocardial ischemia that improved following restoration of sinus rhythm. After a systematic literature search, the authors believe this case represents the oldest reported patient with the diagnosis of uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot and serves as an example of a well-balanced congenital shunt.</p>        <p>PMID: 17215642 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17195405&dopt=Abstract\">[Arrhythmia-induced dilated cardiomyopathies]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17195405\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Arrhythmia-induced dilated cardiomyopathies]</b></p>        <p>Bull Acad Natl Med. 2006 Jun;190(6):1225-35; discussion 1235-6</p>        <p>Authors:  Bounhoure JP, Boveda S, Albenque JP</p>        <p>Arrhythmic cardiomyopathies are due to ventricular dysfunction following prolonged or chronic tachycardia; the clinical pictures one of congestive heart failure, which is totally reversible after the treatment of tachycardia and the restoration of sinus rhythm. Since Whipple\'s first description of this model of heart failure, several teams have shown that ventricular or atrial pacing at rates exceeding 220 beats per minute produces a profound and largely reversible depression of ventricular function, and a constellation of neuroendocrine abnormalities and metabolic, electrophysiological and anatomic alterations of the myocardium. The associated heart failure generally starts to improve within days of achieving ventricular rhythm control, but clinical recovery may take several weeks or months. All forms of chronic tachycardia may induce heart failure, but the onset of cardiomyopathy depends more on the heart rate and the duration of the arrhythmia than on its type. The pathophysiological mechanisms are multiple and complex, and include abnormalities in the structure and function of cardiomyocytes and disturbances in excitation-contraction coupling. Treatment consists of restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm, or at least of controlling the ventricular rate. Because of its curative effect, selective radiofrequency ablation is the treatment of choice when the arrhythmogenic substrate is localized. Control of the ventricular rate by radiofrequency modification of atrioventricular conduction is the treatment of choice for chronic atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17195405 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17194429&dopt=Abstract\">[Guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Executive summary]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.revespcardiol.org/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/cardio/mrevista_cardio.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0113&amp;vol=59&amp;num=12&amp;pag=1329\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.doyma.es-pubmed-cardioeng.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17194429\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Executive summary]</b></p>        <p>Rev Esp Cardiol. 2006 Dec;59(12):1329</p>        <p>Authors:  Fuster V, Rydén LE, Cannom DS, Crijns HJ, Curtis AB, Ellenbogen KA, Halperin JL, Le Heuzey JY, Neal Kay G, Lowe JE, Bertil Olsson S, Prystowsky EN, Tamargo JL, Wann S</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 17194429 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed\">');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296879&dopt=Abstract\">Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296879\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296879\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):246-52</p>        <p>Authors:  Glazer NL, Dublin S, Smith NL, French B, Jackson LA, Hrachovec JB, Siscovick DS, Psaty BM, Heckbert SR</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend the use of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but compliance with such guidelines has not been widely studied among patients with newly detected AF. Our objective was to assess compliance with antithrombotic guidelines and to identify patient characteristics associated with warfarin use. METHODS: A population-based study of newly detected AF (patient age, 30-84 years) was conducted within a large health plan. Cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions, medication use, and international normalized ratios were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by embolic risk according to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) criteria. We analyzed the proportion of patients with AF receiving warfarin or aspirin (&gt; or =325 mg/d) during the 6 months following AF. Relative risk regression estimated the association of risk factors and patient characteristics with warfarin use. RESULTS: Overall, 73% of patients (418/572) with newly detected AF had evidence of antithrombotic use after AF onset. Among the 76% (437/572) of patients with AF at high risk for stroke, 59% (257/437) used warfarin, 28% (123/437) used aspirin, and 24% (104/437) used neither. The major predictor of warfarin use was AF classification; intermittent or sustained AF had relative risks for warfarin use of 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.6) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7), respectively, compared with transitory AF. CONCLUSIONS: Three quarters of the patients with newly detected AF received antithrombotic therapy, yet many at high risk of stroke did not receive warfarin. Atrial fibrillation classification, rather than stroke risk factors, was strongly associated with warfarin use.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296879 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296878&dopt=Abstract\">Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296878\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296878\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):239-45</p>        <p>Authors:  White HD, Gruber M, Feyzi J, Kaatz S, Tse HF, Husted S, Albers GW</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Warfarin sodium reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, but international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring is required. Target INRs are frequently not achieved, and the risk of death, bleeding, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke or systemic embolism event (SEE) may be related to INR control. METHODS: We analyzed the relationship between INR control and the rates of death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE among 3587 patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to receive warfarin treatment in the SPORTIF (Stroke Prevention Using an Oral Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation) III and V trials. The mean+/-SD follow-up was 16.6 +/- 6.3 months. Patients were divided into 3 equal groups (those with good control [&gt;75%], those with moderate control [60%-75%], or those with poor control [&lt;60%]) according to the percentage time with an INR of 2.0 to 3.0. Outcomes were compared according to INR control. The main outcome measures were death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE. RESULTS: The poor control group had higher rates of annual mortality (4.20%) and major bleeding (3.85%) compared with the moderate control group (1.84% and 1.96%, respectively) and the good control group (1.69% and 1.58%, respectively) (P&lt;.01 for all). Compared with the good control group, the poor control group had higher rates of MI (1.38% vs 0.62%, P = .04) and of stroke or SEE (2.10% vs 1.07%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, the risks of death, MI, major bleeding, and stroke or SEE are related to INR control. Good INR control is important to improve patient outcomes.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296878 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17249543&dopt=Abstract\">[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17249543\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</b></p>        <p>Kyobu Geka. 2007 Jan;60(1):72-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Ueyama K, Tsuda Y, Kambara A, Ueyama T</p>        <p>We treated a 62-year-old male who had previously undergone a mitral valve plasty and aorto-coronary bypass. One year after the operation, he underwent pacemaker implantation for atrial fibrillation. Two months following implantation, the pacemaker generator was exposed due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. We selected a new catheter route from the right saphenous vein, and implanted a generator under the fascia of the external oblique abdominal muscle. Thereafter, the pacemaker is functioning without trouble and there is no evidence of infection.</p>        <p>PMID: 17249543 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16083621&dopt=Abstract\">[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16083621\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</b></p>        <p>Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2005 Jul 15;43(14):918-20</p>        <p>Authors:  Zheng SH, Sun YQ, Meng X, Gao F, Huang FH</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of left atrial plication (LAP) in patients with giant left atrium (GLA) associated with mitral valve disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with left atrial diameter (LAD) over 8.0 cm were enrolled. All cases underwent valve replacement and LAP between November 1993 and November 2004 were studied retrospectively. According to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 15 belonged to class III, 8 to class IV. Mitral valve replacements were performed in 18 patients (mechanical valve in 17 and biological valve in 1), double value replacement in 5, tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) in 15, atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation in 2. RESULTS: Low output syndrome happened in 3, respiratory failure in 2. The early death was in 3 cases (operative mortality 13%). The causes of death were: heart failure in 2 cases and stroke in 1. LAD was decreased significantly in patients after operation. CONCLUSIONS: LAP has considerably beneficial effects on improvement of postoperative respiratory and cardiac function, reducing operative mortality. Atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation is effective in patients with GLA associated with valve disease. It may be recommended for patients with GLA during mitral valve surgery, especially for patients with LAD &gt; 8.0 cm.</p>        <p>PMID: 16083621 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
document.write('</div>');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed\">');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296879&dopt=Abstract\">Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296879\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296879\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):246-52</p>        <p>Authors:  Glazer NL, Dublin S, Smith NL, French B, Jackson LA, Hrachovec JB, Siscovick DS, Psaty BM, Heckbert SR</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend the use of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but compliance with such guidelines has not been widely studied among patients with newly detected AF. Our objective was to assess compliance with antithrombotic guidelines and to identify patient characteristics associated with warfarin use. METHODS: A population-based study of newly detected AF (patient age, 30-84 years) was conducted within a large health plan. Cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions, medication use, and international normalized ratios were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by embolic risk according to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) criteria. We analyzed the proportion of patients with AF receiving warfarin or aspirin (&gt; or =325 mg/d) during the 6 months following AF. Relative risk regression estimated the association of risk factors and patient characteristics with warfarin use. RESULTS: Overall, 73% of patients (418/572) with newly detected AF had evidence of antithrombotic use after AF onset. Among the 76% (437/572) of patients with AF at high risk for stroke, 59% (257/437) used warfarin, 28% (123/437) used aspirin, and 24% (104/437) used neither. The major predictor of warfarin use was AF classification; intermittent or sustained AF had relative risks for warfarin use of 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.6) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7), respectively, compared with transitory AF. CONCLUSIONS: Three quarters of the patients with newly detected AF received antithrombotic therapy, yet many at high risk of stroke did not receive warfarin. Atrial fibrillation classification, rather than stroke risk factors, was strongly associated with warfarin use.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296879 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296878&dopt=Abstract\">Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296878\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296878\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):239-45</p>        <p>Authors:  White HD, Gruber M, Feyzi J, Kaatz S, Tse HF, Husted S, Albers GW</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Warfarin sodium reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, but international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring is required. Target INRs are frequently not achieved, and the risk of death, bleeding, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke or systemic embolism event (SEE) may be related to INR control. METHODS: We analyzed the relationship between INR control and the rates of death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE among 3587 patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to receive warfarin treatment in the SPORTIF (Stroke Prevention Using an Oral Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation) III and V trials. The mean+/-SD follow-up was 16.6 +/- 6.3 months. Patients were divided into 3 equal groups (those with good control [&gt;75%], those with moderate control [60%-75%], or those with poor control [&lt;60%]) according to the percentage time with an INR of 2.0 to 3.0. Outcomes were compared according to INR control. The main outcome measures were death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE. RESULTS: The poor control group had higher rates of annual mortality (4.20%) and major bleeding (3.85%) compared with the moderate control group (1.84% and 1.96%, respectively) and the good control group (1.69% and 1.58%, respectively) (P&lt;.01 for all). Compared with the good control group, the poor control group had higher rates of MI (1.38% vs 0.62%, P = .04) and of stroke or SEE (2.10% vs 1.07%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, the risks of death, MI, major bleeding, and stroke or SEE are related to INR control. Good INR control is important to improve patient outcomes.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296878 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17249543&dopt=Abstract\">[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17249543\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</b></p>        <p>Kyobu Geka. 2007 Jan;60(1):72-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Ueyama K, Tsuda Y, Kambara A, Ueyama T</p>        <p>We treated a 62-year-old male who had previously undergone a mitral valve plasty and aorto-coronary bypass. One year after the operation, he underwent pacemaker implantation for atrial fibrillation. Two months following implantation, the pacemaker generator was exposed due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. We selected a new catheter route from the right saphenous vein, and implanted a generator under the fascia of the external oblique abdominal muscle. Thereafter, the pacemaker is functioning without trouble and there is no evidence of infection.</p>        <p>PMID: 17249543 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16083621&dopt=Abstract\">[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16083621\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</b></p>        <p>Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2005 Jul 15;43(14):918-20</p>        <p>Authors:  Zheng SH, Sun YQ, Meng X, Gao F, Huang FH</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of left atrial plication (LAP) in patients with giant left atrium (GLA) associated with mitral valve disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with left atrial diameter (LAD) over 8.0 cm were enrolled. All cases underwent valve replacement and LAP between November 1993 and November 2004 were studied retrospectively. According to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 15 belonged to class III, 8 to class IV. Mitral valve replacements were performed in 18 patients (mechanical valve in 17 and biological valve in 1), double value replacement in 5, tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) in 15, atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation in 2. RESULTS: Low output syndrome happened in 3, respiratory failure in 2. The early death was in 3 cases (operative mortality 13%). The causes of death were: heart failure in 2 cases and stroke in 1. LAD was decreased significantly in patients after operation. CONCLUSIONS: LAP has considerably beneficial effects on improvement of postoperative respiratory and cardiac function, reducing operative mortality. Atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation is effective in patients with GLA associated with valve disease. It may be recommended for patients with GLA during mitral valve surgery, especially for patients with LAD &gt; 8.0 cm.</p>        <p>PMID: 16083621 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
document.write('</div>');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed\">');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296879&dopt=Abstract\">Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296879\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296879\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):246-52</p>        <p>Authors:  Glazer NL, Dublin S, Smith NL, French B, Jackson LA, Hrachovec JB, Siscovick DS, Psaty BM, Heckbert SR</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend the use of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but compliance with such guidelines has not been widely studied among patients with newly detected AF. Our objective was to assess compliance with antithrombotic guidelines and to identify patient characteristics associated with warfarin use. METHODS: A population-based study of newly detected AF (patient age, 30-84 years) was conducted within a large health plan. Cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions, medication use, and international normalized ratios were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by embolic risk according to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) criteria. We analyzed the proportion of patients with AF receiving warfarin or aspirin (&gt; or =325 mg/d) during the 6 months following AF. Relative risk regression estimated the association of risk factors and patient characteristics with warfarin use. RESULTS: Overall, 73% of patients (418/572) with newly detected AF had evidence of antithrombotic use after AF onset. Among the 76% (437/572) of patients with AF at high risk for stroke, 59% (257/437) used warfarin, 28% (123/437) used aspirin, and 24% (104/437) used neither. The major predictor of warfarin use was AF classification; intermittent or sustained AF had relative risks for warfarin use of 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.6) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7), respectively, compared with transitory AF. CONCLUSIONS: Three quarters of the patients with newly detected AF received antithrombotic therapy, yet many at high risk of stroke did not receive warfarin. Atrial fibrillation classification, rather than stroke risk factors, was strongly associated with warfarin use.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296879 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296878&dopt=Abstract\">Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296878\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296878\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):239-45</p>        <p>Authors:  White HD, Gruber M, Feyzi J, Kaatz S, Tse HF, Husted S, Albers GW</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Warfarin sodium reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, but international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring is required. Target INRs are frequently not achieved, and the risk of death, bleeding, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke or systemic embolism event (SEE) may be related to INR control. METHODS: We analyzed the relationship between INR control and the rates of death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE among 3587 patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to receive warfarin treatment in the SPORTIF (Stroke Prevention Using an Oral Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation) III and V trials. The mean+/-SD follow-up was 16.6 +/- 6.3 months. Patients were divided into 3 equal groups (those with good control [&gt;75%], those with moderate control [60%-75%], or those with poor control [&lt;60%]) according to the percentage time with an INR of 2.0 to 3.0. Outcomes were compared according to INR control. The main outcome measures were death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE. RESULTS: The poor control group had higher rates of annual mortality (4.20%) and major bleeding (3.85%) compared with the moderate control group (1.84% and 1.96%, respectively) and the good control group (1.69% and 1.58%, respectively) (P&lt;.01 for all). Compared with the good control group, the poor control group had higher rates of MI (1.38% vs 0.62%, P = .04) and of stroke or SEE (2.10% vs 1.07%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, the risks of death, MI, major bleeding, and stroke or SEE are related to INR control. Good INR control is important to improve patient outcomes.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296878 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17249543&dopt=Abstract\">[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17249543\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</b></p>        <p>Kyobu Geka. 2007 Jan;60(1):72-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Ueyama K, Tsuda Y, Kambara A, Ueyama T</p>        <p>We treated a 62-year-old male who had previously undergone a mitral valve plasty and aorto-coronary bypass. One year after the operation, he underwent pacemaker implantation for atrial fibrillation. Two months following implantation, the pacemaker generator was exposed due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. We selected a new catheter route from the right saphenous vein, and implanted a generator under the fascia of the external oblique abdominal muscle. Thereafter, the pacemaker is functioning without trouble and there is no evidence of infection.</p>        <p>PMID: 17249543 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16083621&dopt=Abstract\">[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16083621\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</b></p>        <p>Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2005 Jul 15;43(14):918-20</p>        <p>Authors:  Zheng SH, Sun YQ, Meng X, Gao F, Huang FH</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of left atrial plication (LAP) in patients with giant left atrium (GLA) associated with mitral valve disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with left atrial diameter (LAD) over 8.0 cm were enrolled. All cases underwent valve replacement and LAP between November 1993 and November 2004 were studied retrospectively. According to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 15 belonged to class III, 8 to class IV. Mitral valve replacements were performed in 18 patients (mechanical valve in 17 and biological valve in 1), double value replacement in 5, tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) in 15, atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation in 2. RESULTS: Low output syndrome happened in 3, respiratory failure in 2. The early death was in 3 cases (operative mortality 13%). The causes of death were: heart failure in 2 cases and stroke in 1. LAD was decreased significantly in patients after operation. CONCLUSIONS: LAP has considerably beneficial effects on improvement of postoperative respiratory and cardiac function, reducing operative mortality. Atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation is effective in patients with GLA associated with valve disease. It may be recommended for patients with GLA during mitral valve surgery, especially for patients with LAD &gt; 8.0 cm.</p>        <p>PMID: 16083621 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
document.write('</div>');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed\">');
document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296879&dopt=Abstract\">Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296879\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296879\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Newly detected atrial fibrillation and compliance with antithrombotic guidelines.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):246-52</p>        <p>Authors:  Glazer NL, Dublin S, Smith NL, French B, Jackson LA, Hrachovec JB, Siscovick DS, Psaty BM, Heckbert SR</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend the use of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but compliance with such guidelines has not been widely studied among patients with newly detected AF. Our objective was to assess compliance with antithrombotic guidelines and to identify patient characteristics associated with warfarin use. METHODS: A population-based study of newly detected AF (patient age, 30-84 years) was conducted within a large health plan. Cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions, medication use, and international normalized ratios were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by embolic risk according to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) criteria. We analyzed the proportion of patients with AF receiving warfarin or aspirin (&gt; or =325 mg/d) during the 6 months following AF. Relative risk regression estimated the association of risk factors and patient characteristics with warfarin use. RESULTS: Overall, 73% of patients (418/572) with newly detected AF had evidence of antithrombotic use after AF onset. Among the 76% (437/572) of patients with AF at high risk for stroke, 59% (257/437) used warfarin, 28% (123/437) used aspirin, and 24% (104/437) used neither. The major predictor of warfarin use was AF classification; intermittent or sustained AF had relative risks for warfarin use of 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.6) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7), respectively, compared with transitory AF. CONCLUSIONS: Three quarters of the patients with newly detected AF received antithrombotic therapy, yet many at high risk of stroke did not receive warfarin. Atrial fibrillation classification, rather than stroke risk factors, was strongly associated with warfarin use.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296879 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17296878&dopt=Abstract\">Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17296878\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-archinte-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17296878\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.</b></p>        <p>Arch Intern Med. 2007 Feb 12;167(3):239-45</p>        <p>Authors:  White HD, Gruber M, Feyzi J, Kaatz S, Tse HF, Husted S, Albers GW</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Warfarin sodium reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, but international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring is required. Target INRs are frequently not achieved, and the risk of death, bleeding, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke or systemic embolism event (SEE) may be related to INR control. METHODS: We analyzed the relationship between INR control and the rates of death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE among 3587 patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to receive warfarin treatment in the SPORTIF (Stroke Prevention Using an Oral Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation) III and V trials. The mean+/-SD follow-up was 16.6 +/- 6.3 months. Patients were divided into 3 equal groups (those with good control [&gt;75%], those with moderate control [60%-75%], or those with poor control [&lt;60%]) according to the percentage time with an INR of 2.0 to 3.0. Outcomes were compared according to INR control. The main outcome measures were death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE. RESULTS: The poor control group had higher rates of annual mortality (4.20%) and major bleeding (3.85%) compared with the moderate control group (1.84% and 1.96%, respectively) and the good control group (1.69% and 1.58%, respectively) (P&lt;.01 for all). Compared with the good control group, the poor control group had higher rates of MI (1.38% vs 0.62%, P = .04) and of stroke or SEE (2.10% vs 1.07%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, the risks of death, MI, major bleeding, and stroke or SEE are related to INR control. Good INR control is important to improve patient outcomes.</p>        <p>PMID: 17296878 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17249543&dopt=Abstract\">[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17249543\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Pacemaker implanted in right inguinal region following removal of infected generator; report of a case]</b></p>        <p>Kyobu Geka. 2007 Jan;60(1):72-4</p>        <p>Authors:  Ueyama K, Tsuda Y, Kambara A, Ueyama T</p>        <p>We treated a 62-year-old male who had previously undergone a mitral valve plasty and aorto-coronary bypass. One year after the operation, he underwent pacemaker implantation for atrial fibrillation. Two months following implantation, the pacemaker generator was exposed due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. We selected a new catheter route from the right saphenous vein, and implanted a generator under the fascia of the external oblique abdominal muscle. Thereafter, the pacemaker is functioning without trouble and there is no evidence of infection.</p>        <p>PMID: 17249543 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16083621&dopt=Abstract\">[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16083621\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Left atrial plication for left atrium associated with mitral valve disease]</b></p>        <p>Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2005 Jul 15;43(14):918-20</p>        <p>Authors:  Zheng SH, Sun YQ, Meng X, Gao F, Huang FH</p>        <p>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of left atrial plication (LAP) in patients with giant left atrium (GLA) associated with mitral valve disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with left atrial diameter (LAD) over 8.0 cm were enrolled. All cases underwent valve replacement and LAP between November 1993 and November 2004 were studied retrospectively. According to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 15 belonged to class III, 8 to class IV. Mitral valve replacements were performed in 18 patients (mechanical valve in 17 and biological valve in 1), double value replacement in 5, tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) in 15, atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation in 2. RESULTS: Low output syndrome happened in 3, respiratory failure in 2. The early death was in 3 cases (operative mortality 13%). The causes of death were: heart failure in 2 cases and stroke in 1. LAD was decreased significantly in patients after operation. CONCLUSIONS: LAP has considerably beneficial effects on improvement of postoperative respiratory and cardiac function, reducing operative mortality. Atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation is effective in patients with GLA associated with valve disease. It may be recommended for patients with GLA during mitral valve surgery, especially for patients with LAD &gt; 8.0 cm.</p>        <p>PMID: 16083621 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17288698&dopt=Abstract\">Potential mechanisms of stroke benefit favoring losartan in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://openurl.ingenta.com/content/nlm?genre=article&amp;issn=0300-7995&amp;volume=23&amp;issue=2&amp;spage=443&amp;aulast=Devereux\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--images.ingentaselect.com-images-linkout-ingentaconnect.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17288698\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Potential mechanisms of stroke benefit favoring losartan in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study.</b></p>        <p>Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Feb;23(2):443-57</p>        <p>Authors:  Devereux RB, Dahlöf B</p>        <p>INTRODUCTION: The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study is the first, and, so far, the only endpoint trial in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) to show a divergent therapeutic outcome of one treatment modality over another with equivalent blood pressure control. The purpose of this article is to review post hoc sub-analyses of LIFE study data and other clinical studies that offer some insight into possible treatment-related differences contributing to the superior stroke outcome of losartan versus atenolol beyond blood pressure reduction. METHODS: Relevant randomized clinical trials and review articles were identified through a MEDLINE search of English-language articles published between 1990 and 2006 using the search terms losartan, atenolol, LIFE, hypertension, and LVH. Articles describing major clinical studies, new data, or mechanisms pertinent to the LIFE study were selected for review. RESULTS: Differences in blood pressure or in the distribution of add-on medications were not evident between study groups in the LIFE study. Thus, the observed outcomes benefits favoring losartan may involve other possible mechanisms, including differential effects of losartan and atenolol on LVH regression, left atrial diameter, atrial fibrillation, brain natriuretic peptide, vascular structure, thrombus formation/platelet aggregation, serum uric acid, albuminuria, new-onset diabetes, and lipid metabolism. Alternative explanations for the LIFE study findings have also been put forward, including the choice of atenolol as an appropriate active comparator and differential effects between treatment groups on central pulse pressure. Additional clinical trials are needed to determine if the beneficial effects of losartan seen in LIFE are shared by other inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system. CONCLUSION: Sub-analyses of the LIFE study data suggest that losartan\'s stroke benefit may arise from a mosaic of mechanisms rather than a single action. Further studies are expected to continue to delineate the mechanisms of differential responses to treatments in LIFE.</p>        <p>PMID: 17288698 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17211168&dopt=Abstract\">Non-antiarrhythmic agents for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation: role of statins.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001503-200702000-00012\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17211168\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Non-antiarrhythmic agents for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation: role of statins.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2007 Feb;20(1):53-6</p>        <p>Authors:  Blanchard L, Collard CD</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery, having both serious medical and socioeconomic consequences. Although there are established antiarrhythmic agents for preventing and treating postoperative atrial fibrillation, these therapies are neither 100% reliable, nor without risks and limitations. Thus, there remains a strong need for non-antiarrhythmic, adjunctive therapies for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation. RECENT FINDINGS: Long-term statin administration in ambulatory patients is associated with a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal dysfunction and atrial fibrillation. Recent evidence suggests, however, that statins may also reduce the risk of acute adverse outcomes following invasive procedures, including postoperative atrial fibrillation. Although the exact mechanisms by which statins may reduce postoperative atrial fibrillation are unclear, accumulating evidence suggests that statins exert multiple effects independent of their effect on LDL cholesterol. For example, in patients with acute coronary syndromes, statin therapy has been shown to modulate remodeling of the cardiac extracellular matrix and to reduce markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-6. SUMMARY: Perioperative statin therapy may represent an important non-antiarrhythmic, adjunctive therapeutic strategy for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation.</p>        <p>PMID: 17211168 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17211166&dopt=Abstract\">Postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?an=00001503-200702000-00010\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.lwwonline.com-pt-pt-core-template-journal-lwwgateway-images-pmlogo.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17211166\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2007 Feb;20(1):43-7</p>        <p>Authors:  Amar D</p>        <p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rapid atrial arrhythmias affect the elderly who undergo cardiac or noncardiac operations annually and have been associated with prolonged hospital stays. This article focuses on new issues leading to the improved understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of postoperative atrial arrhythmias. RECENT FINDINGS: New risk factors and a prediction rule for postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation are discussed. Settings in which amiodarone prophylaxis against atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is appropriate are contrasted with evidence for postthoracotomy atrial fibrillation. Once atrial fibrillation develops, rate versus rhythm control strategies are reviewed. The most recent recommendations of the American Heart Association Task Force on the management of patients with atrial fibrillation are highlighted. SUMMARY: Recent approaches directed at prophylaxis and acute therapy of atrial arrhythmias are discussed as are recommendations to prevent thromboembolic events.</p>        <p>PMID: 17211166 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17019641&dopt=Abstract\">Common ostium of the inferior pulmonary veins in a patient undergoing left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9013-9\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17019641\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Common ostium of the inferior pulmonary veins in a patient undergoing left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2006 Apr;15(3):203</p>        <p>Authors:  Sra J, Malloy A, Shah H, Krum D</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 17019641 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17019636&dopt=Abstract\">Long-term single procedure efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9005-9\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17019636\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Long-term single procedure efficacy of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2006 Apr;15(3):145-55</p>        <p>Authors:  Cheema A, Vasamreddy CR, Dalal D, Marine JE, Dong J, Henrikson CA, Spragg D, Cheng A, Nazarian S, Sinha S, Halperin H, Berger R, Calkins H</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Two important limitations of the data regarding the outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) are the short-term follow-up used in most published studies and the lack of single-procedure outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to report the long-term single-procedure outcomes at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient population was comprised of 200 consecutive patients who underwent ablation (133 men; age 56 +/- 11 years). Atrial fibrillation was paroxysmal in 92 (46%). Success was defined as absence of symptomatic AF, off antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) after a single procedure. RESULTS: After a follow-up of 26 +/- 11 months, the single-procedure long-term success rate was 28% with an additional 7% of patients demonstrating improvement. After including repeat procedures in 64 patients, the overall long-term success rate was 41% with 11% demonstrating improvement. Further subgroup analysis of 48 paroxysmal AF patients considered to be optimal candidates for the procedure, revealed a long-term success rate of 69% with an additional 4% demonstrating improvement. A major complication occurred in 7.9% of patients. CONCLUSION: The results reveal that the long-term single-procedure success rate of catheter ablation of AF in a cohort of patients with predominantly non-paroxysmal AF is less than 40%. The inclusion of redo procedures resulted in an improvement in outcomes. A much higher success rate of 69% was achieved in patients with paroxysmal AF considered to be optimal candidates for this procedure. These results make it clear that further advances in the technique of catheter ablation of AF are needed to improve the safety and efficacy of this procedure. In order to be able to compare outcomes of various techniques in differing patient populations, we urge investigators to report long-term single procedure outcomes.</p>        <p>PMID: 17019636 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16955362&dopt=Abstract\">Predictors of early recurrence and delayed cure after segmental pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9003-y\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16955362\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Predictors of early recurrence and delayed cure after segmental pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease.</b></p>        <p>J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2006 Apr;15(3):157-63</p>        <p>Authors:  Jiang H, Lu Z, Lei H, Zhao D, Yang B, Huang C</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) and delayed cure are commonly observed after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of ERAF and delayed cure after a single pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) performed in paroxysmal AF patients without structural heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 108 consecutive patients (93 men, 15 women; mean age 51 +/- 8 years) with paroxysmal AF and no structural heart disease, segmental PVI guided by a Lasso catheter was performed. Forty-one percent (44/108) AF patients had ERAF after a single PVI. Univariate analysis revealed that left atrial diameter (p = 0.004), age (p = 0.024) and P-wave dispersion (p = 0.045) were significantly related to ERAF. Logistic regression analysis revealed that left atrial enlargement was the only independent predictor of ERAF (odds ratio [OR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.30, p = 0.006). Delayed cure occurred in 32% (14/44) patients with ERAF. P-wave dispersion (p = 0.001), left atrial diameter (p = 0.008) were significantly related to delayed cure. P-wave dispersion was the only independent predictive factor of delayed cure (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.97, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with left atrial enlargement and a high dispersion of P wave are susceptible to ERAF after a single PVI. Left atrial enlargement is the only independent predictor of ERAF. Among patients with ERAF, those with less P-wave dispersion and less left atrial diameter have a higher probability of delayed cure. P-wave dispersion can independently predict delayed cure.</p>        <p>PMID: 16955362 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16917731&dopt=Abstract\">Combined use of 1C and III agents for highly symptomatic, refractory atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9002-z\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16917731\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Combined use of 1C and III agents for highly symptomatic, refractory atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2006 Apr;15(3):175-8</p>        <p>Authors:  Narayan G, Akhtar M, Sra J</p>        <p>BACKGROUND: Despite advances in non-pharmacologic therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), some patients remain highly refractory. OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with the unique combined use of 1C and III agents in patients with highly refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with symptomatic AF (three persistent) were selected after failing multiple antiarrhythmic medications and radiofrequency ablation. They were started on flecainide or propafenone and sotalol or dofetilide during three days of inpatient monitoring. No patient had coronary artery disease. All patients had loop recorder follow-up and ECG recordings during clinic visits for a mean follow-up of 9 +/- 11 months. RESULTS: After therapy, all patients had complete, sustained control of their symptoms with no evidence of AF or proarrhythmia on monitoring. One patient had recurrence of AF after stopping sotalol and was started back on the drug with complete control. CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy with a 1C and III agent may be an effective alternative for the treatment of selective, highly refractory AF. Careful patient selection and hospitalization for initiation is necessary to minimize potential proarrhythmic effects. As this is a short-term therapy, further study is needed to assess the extent of efficacy in a larger number of patients.</p>        <p>PMID: 16917731 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16909315&dopt=Abstract\">Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a treatment frontier.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10840-006-9024-6\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td></tr></table>        <p><b>Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a treatment frontier.</b></p>        <p>J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2006 Apr;15(3):141-3</p>        <p>Authors:  Domanski M, Waldo AL</p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 16909315 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16896700&dopt=Abstract\">Assessment of pulmonary venous stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation by magnetic resonance angiography: A comparison of linear and cross-sectional area measurements.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0358-3\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--production.springer.de-OnlineResources-Logos-springerlink.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16896700\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Assessment of pulmonary venous stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation by magnetic resonance angiography: A comparison of linear and cross-sectional area measurements.</b></p>        <p>Eur Radiol. 2006 Dec;16(12):2757-67</p>        <p>Authors:  Tintera J, Porod V, Cihák R, Mlcochová H, Rolencová E, Fendrych P, Kautzner J</p>        <p>One of the recognised complications of catheter ablation is pulmonary venous stenosis. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of evaluation of pulmonary venous diameter for follow-up assessment of the above complication: (1) a linear approach evaluating two main diameters of the vein, (2) semiautomatically measured cross-sectional area (CSA). The study population consists of 29 patients. All subjects underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CeMRA) of the pulmonary veins (PVs) before and after the ablation; 14 patients were also scanned 3 months later. PV diameter was evaluated from two-dimensional multiplanar reconstructions by measuring either the linear diameter or CSA. A comparison between pulmonary venous CSA and linear measurements revealed a systematic difference in absolute values. This difference was not significant when comparing the relative change CSA and quadratic approximation using linear extents (linear approach). However, a trend towards over-estimation of calibre reduction was documented for the linear approach. Using CSA assessment, significant PV stenosis was found in ten PVs (8%) shortly after ablation. Less significant PV stenosis, ranging from 20 to 50% was documented in other 18 PVs (15%). CeMRA with CSA assessment of the PVs is suitable method for evaluation of PV diameters.</p>        <p>PMID: 16896700 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16825288&dopt=Abstract\">Prospective randomized study comparing amiodarone vs. amiodarone plus losartan vs. amiodarone plus perindopril for the prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16825288\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16825288\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Prospective randomized study comparing amiodarone vs. amiodarone plus losartan vs. amiodarone plus perindopril for the prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Aug;27(15):1841-6</p>        <p>Authors:  Yin Y, Dalal D, Liu Z, Wu J, Liu D, Lan X, Dai Y, Su L, Ling Z, She Q, Luo K, Woo K, Dong J</p>        <p>AIMS: The purpose of this trial was to compare the long-term efficacy of low-dose amiodarone with losartan and perindopril (both combined with low-dose amiodarone) for the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in patients with lone paroxysmal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-seven patients with lone paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: group 1 received low-dose amiodarone alone, group 2 received low-dose amiodarone plus losartan, and group 3 received low-dose amiodarone plus perindopril. Left atrial diameter was measured with transthoracic echocardiogram at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after randomization. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF documented by 12-lead ECG or Holter after 14 days and within 24 months after randomization. The primary endpoint was reached in 24 patients (41%) in group 1, 11 (19%) in group 2, and 14 (24%) in group 3 (P = 0.02). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in AF recurrence in group 2 (P = 0.006, log-rank test) as well as in group 3 (P = 0.04, log-rank test) when compared with group 1. No difference in the AF recurrence-free survival was found between group 2 and group 3. After 24 months follow-up, the left atrial diameter in group 2 and group 3 was significantly smaller than that in group 1 (36 +/- 2.3 and 35 +/- 2.4 vs. 38 +/- 2.4 mm, P &lt; 0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the combination of perindopril or losartan with low-dose amiodarone is more effective than low-dose amiodarone alone for the prevention of AF recurrence in patients with lone paroxysmal AF. Adding losartan or perindopril to amiodarone can inhibit left atrial enlargement in this group of patients.</p>        <p>PMID: 16825288 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=16760210&dopt=Abstract\">Amiodarone prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation of high-risk patients after coronary bypass grafting: a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized study.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=16760210\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-custom-oxfordjournals_final.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=16760210\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Amiodarone prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation of high-risk patients after coronary bypass grafting: a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized study.</b></p>        <p>Eur Heart J. 2006 Jul;27(13):1584-91</p>        <p>Authors:  Budeus M, Hennersdorf M, Perings S, Röhlen S, Schnitzler S, Felix O, Reimert K, Feindt P, Gams E, Lehmann N, Wieneke H, Sack S, Erbel R, Perings C</p>        <p>AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs often in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and can result in increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies using P-wave signal-averaged electrocardiogram (P-SAECG) have shown that patients with a longer filtered P-wave duration (FPD) have a high risk of AF after CABG. We have shown that patients with an FPD &gt; or = 124 ms and a root-mean-square voltage of the last 20 ms of the P-wave 20 &lt; or = 3.7 microV have an increased risk of AF after surgery. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate whether or not prophylactic peri-operative administration of amiodarone could reduce the incidence of AF in this high-risk group undergoing CABG identified by P-SAECG. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized study, 110 patients received either amiodarone (n = 55) or placebo (n = 55). During CABG, two patients of both groups died. Amiodarone was given as 600 mg oral single dose one day before and from days 2 through 7 after surgery. In addition, amiodarone was also administered intravenously during surgery in a 300-mg bolus for 1 h and as a total maintenance dose of 20 mg/kg weight over 24 h on the first day following surgery. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of AF after CABG. The secondary endpoint was the hospitalization length of stay after CABG. The baseline characteristics were similar in both treatment groups. The incidence of post-operative AF was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the amiodarone group (85 vs. 34% of patients, P &lt; 0.0001). The prophylactic therapy with amiodarone significantly reduced the intensive care (1.8 +/- 1.7 vs. 2.4 +/- 1.5 days, P = 0.001) and hospitalization length of stay (11.3 +/- 3.4 vs. 13.0 +/- 4.3 days, P = 0.03). In the amiodarone group, concentrations of amiodarone and desethylamiodarone differed significantly between patients with AF and sinus rhythm (amiodarone: 0.96 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.4 microg/mL, P = 0.02; desethylamiodarone: 0.65 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.48 +/- 0.1 microg/mL, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The incidence of post-operative AF among high-risk patients was significantly reduced by a prophylactic amiodarone treatment resulting in a shorter time of intensive care unit and hospital stay. Our data supports the prophylactic use of amiodarone in peri-operative period in patients at high risk for AF after CABG.</p>        <p>PMID: 16760210 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17194876&dopt=Abstract\">Reduced poststroke mortality in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with anticoagulants: results from a Danish quality-control registry of 22,179 patients with ischemic stroke.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17194876\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-strokeaha-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17194876\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Reduced poststroke mortality in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with anticoagulants: results from a Danish quality-control registry of 22,179 patients with ischemic stroke.</b></p>        <p>Stroke. 2007 Feb;38(2):259-63</p>        <p>Authors:  Andersen KK, Olsen TS</p>        <p>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The preventive effect of anticoagulation in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) is documented only in trials of minor stroke. Although anticoagulation reduced stroke recurrence, those trials did not demonstrate an influence of anticoagulation on survival. METHODS: A nationwide registry that was started in 2001 with the aim of registering all hospitalized stroke patients in Denmark now includes 24 791 patients. We studied the survival of patients with ischemic stroke and AF with respect to anticoagulation treatment. All underwent an evaluation for stroke severity (according to the Scandinavian Stroke Scale), computed tomography scan, and an evaluation for cardiovascular risk factors. Follow-up duration was 4 years (mean, 1.2 years). RESULTS: Of all patients, 22 179 (89.4%) experienced an ischemic stroke. In total, 3670 (16.5%) had AF, and 1909 had no contraindication to anticoagulation treatment. Anticoagulation treatment was initiated in 1149 of these patients (60.2%) but omitted in 760 (39.8%) despite no contraindication to such treatment. Of the patients so treated, 18.9% died during follow-up versus 45.2% without treatment. Patients who received treatment were younger (76.7+/-9.5 versus 80.7+/-9.0 years, P&lt;0.0001) and had less severe strokes (Scandinavian Stroke Scale score, 42.0+/-15.0 versus 33.6+/-18.2, P&lt;0.0001). A Cox proportional-hazards model was built to study the effect of anticoagulation on survival in patients without contraindications to treatment while controlling for stroke severity, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients without anticoagulation treatment were at greater risk of dying (hazard ratio=1.91, 95% CI=1.44 to 2.52) compared with patients who received anticoagulation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that anticoagulation treatment reduces poststroke mortality in patients with ischemic stroke and AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 17194876 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17181669&dopt=Abstract\">A review of the literature on atrial fibrillation: rate reversion or control?</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&amp;sid=nlm:pubmed&amp;issn=0962-1067&amp;date=2007&amp;volume=16&amp;issue=1&amp;spage=77\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.blackwell-synergy.com-templates-jsp-_synergy-images-synergy_linkout.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17181669\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>A review of the literature on atrial fibrillation: rate reversion or control?</b></p>        <p>J Clin Nurs. 2007 Jan;16(1):77-83</p>        <p>Authors:  Lee G</p>        <p>AIMS: The aim of this paper is to review the current literature describing the aetiology of atrial fibrillation and to examine the evidence for rate reversion and rate control. BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly seen arrhythmia within the clinical setting. Treatment depends on severity of symptoms, which are predominantly palpitations and shortness of breath. The primary complications from atrial fibrillation are thrombo-embolic events (such as a pulmonary embolus or stroke). OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review on atrial fibrillation, rate reversion and rate control was undertaken to examine the incidence of atrial fibrillation, to review research on management of atrial fibrillation and to determine if rate reversion was superior to rate control in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Many studies have been carried out to determine the best treatment for this condition. The choices are currently pharmacological and electrical cardioversion in conjunction with anticoagulant therapy. Drug therapies are not without their problems, especially toxicity and the need for close clinical monitoring. Transaesophageal echocardiography has been used to establish the presence of left atrial thrombi and aims to reduce the anticoagulation time and reduce the risk of thrombo-embolic events. A randomized comparative study of transaesophageal echocardiography and conventional anticoagulation therapy prior to cardioversion demonstrated statistically significant reduction in haemorrhagic events and a shorter time to cardioversion in those in the transaesophageal echocardiography group compared with the conventional group. For those with persistent atrial fibrillation, surgery is an option with valve repair or replacement carried out in conjunction with a bi-atrial surgical ablation. CONCLUSIONS: The management of atrial fibrillation is dependent on many factors and to date there are no proven clinical rationale for rate control or reversion. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Atrial fibrillation requires immediate attention in order to avoid thrombo-embolic complications and the use of transaesophageal echocardiography and conventional anticoagulation therapy can significantly reduce these complications.</p>        <p>PMID: 17181669 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('</ul>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
document.write('<ul class=\"rss_item_list\">');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17194876&dopt=Abstract\">Reduced poststroke mortality in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with anticoagulants: results from a Danish quality-control registry of 22,179 patients with ischemic stroke.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&amp;pmid=17194876\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--highwire.stanford.edu-icons-externalservices-pubmed-notfree-strokeaha-entrez.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17194876\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Reduced poststroke mortality in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation treated with anticoagulants: results from a Danish quality-control registry of 22,179 patients with ischemic stroke.</b></p>        <p>Stroke. 2007 Feb;38(2):259-63</p>        <p>Authors:  Andersen KK, Olsen TS</p>        <p>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The preventive effect of anticoagulation in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) is documented only in trials of minor stroke. Although anticoagulation reduced stroke recurrence, those trials did not demonstrate an influence of anticoagulation on survival. METHODS: A nationwide registry that was started in 2001 with the aim of registering all hospitalized stroke patients in Denmark now includes 24 791 patients. We studied the survival of patients with ischemic stroke and AF with respect to anticoagulation treatment. All underwent an evaluation for stroke severity (according to the Scandinavian Stroke Scale), computed tomography scan, and an evaluation for cardiovascular risk factors. Follow-up duration was 4 years (mean, 1.2 years). RESULTS: Of all patients, 22 179 (89.4%) experienced an ischemic stroke. In total, 3670 (16.5%) had AF, and 1909 had no contraindication to anticoagulation treatment. Anticoagulation treatment was initiated in 1149 of these patients (60.2%) but omitted in 760 (39.8%) despite no contraindication to such treatment. Of the patients so treated, 18.9% died during follow-up versus 45.2% without treatment. Patients who received treatment were younger (76.7+/-9.5 versus 80.7+/-9.0 years, P&lt;0.0001) and had less severe strokes (Scandinavian Stroke Scale score, 42.0+/-15.0 versus 33.6+/-18.2, P&lt;0.0001). A Cox proportional-hazards model was built to study the effect of anticoagulation on survival in patients without contraindications to treatment while controlling for stroke severity, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients without anticoagulation treatment were at greater risk of dying (hazard ratio=1.91, 95% CI=1.44 to 2.52) compared with patients who received anticoagulation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that anticoagulation treatment reduces poststroke mortality in patients with ischemic stroke and AF.</p>        <p>PMID: 17194876 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17181669&dopt=Abstract\">A review of the literature on atrial fibrillation: rate reversion or control?</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&amp;sid=nlm:pubmed&amp;issn=0962-1067&amp;date=2007&amp;volume=16&amp;issue=1&amp;spage=77\"><img src=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/egifs/http:--www.blackwell-synergy.com-templates-jsp-_synergy-images-synergy_linkout.gif\" border=\"0\"/></a> </td><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17181669\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>A review of the literature on atrial fibrillation: rate reversion or control?</b></p>        <p>J Clin Nurs. 2007 Jan;16(1):77-83</p>        <p>Authors:  Lee G</p>        <p>AIMS: The aim of this paper is to review the current literature describing the aetiology of atrial fibrillation and to examine the evidence for rate reversion and rate control. BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly seen arrhythmia within the clinical setting. Treatment depends on severity of symptoms, which are predominantly palpitations and shortness of breath. The primary complications from atrial fibrillation are thrombo-embolic events (such as a pulmonary embolus or stroke). OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review on atrial fibrillation, rate reversion and rate control was undertaken to examine the incidence of atrial fibrillation, to review research on management of atrial fibrillation and to determine if rate reversion was superior to rate control in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Many studies have been carried out to determine the best treatment for this condition. The choices are currently pharmacological and electrical cardioversion in conjunction with anticoagulant therapy. Drug therapies are not without their problems, especially toxicity and the need for close clinical monitoring. Transaesophageal echocardiography has been used to establish the presence of left atrial thrombi and aims to reduce the anticoagulation time and reduce the risk of thrombo-embolic events. A randomized comparative study of transaesophageal echocardiography and conventional anticoagulation therapy prior to cardioversion demonstrated statistically significant reduction in haemorrhagic events and a shorter time to cardioversion in those in the transaesophageal echocardiography group compared with the conventional group. For those with persistent atrial fibrillation, surgery is an option with valve repair or replacement carried out in conjunction with a bi-atrial surgical ablation. CONCLUSIONS: The management of atrial fibrillation is dependent on many factors and to date there are no proven clinical rationale for rate control or reversion. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Atrial fibrillation requires immediate attention in order to avoid thrombo-embolic complications and the use of transaesophageal echocardiography and conventional anticoagulation therapy can significantly reduce these complications.</p>        <p>PMID: 17181669 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17326274&dopt=Abstract\">Abrupt onset of dementia with digoxin.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17326274\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Abrupt onset of dementia with digoxin.</b></p>        <p>Prescrire Int. 2007 Feb;16(87):15</p>        <p>Authors: </p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 17326274 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17195610&dopt=Abstract\">[Cardiac arrhythmias in the elderly]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17195610\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Cardiac arrhythmias in the elderly]</b></p>        <p>Bull Acad Natl Med. 2006 Apr-May;190(4-5):827-41; discussion 873-6</p>        <p>Authors:  Guize L, Piot O, Lavergne T, Le Heuzey JY</p>        <p>In the elderly, cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are characterized by their high frequency, diagnostic difficulties, low tolerance, and delicate treatment. Atrial fibrillation, the prevalence of which exceeds 10% after 80 years, is usually related to hypertensive or ischemic heart disease, and is the cause or the consequence of heart failure. It is first and foremost a cause of thromboembolic events, and especially cerebrovascular embolism. In elderly patients, sinus node dysfunction and AV block are often induced or aggravated by drugs. The iatrogenic risk associated with antiarrhythmic drugs (especially class I) and antithrombotic drugs is elevated in the elderly, and these agents must thus be used with great care. Ventricular rate control is often a safer option than sinus rhythm control for atrial fibrillation. Ablative methods and cardiac pacing techniques are other therapeutic options.</p>        <p>PMID: 17195610 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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document.write('<div class=\"rss_feed_title\">PubMed: Atrial fibrillation[...</div>');
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document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17326274&dopt=Abstract\">Abrupt onset of dementia with digoxin.</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17326274\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>Abrupt onset of dementia with digoxin.</b></p>        <p>Prescrire Int. 2007 Feb;16(87):15</p>        <p>Authors: </p>        <p></p>        <p>PMID: 17326274 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
document.write('<li class=\"rss_item\"><span class=\"rss_item_title\"><a class=\"rss_item_link\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=17195610&dopt=Abstract\">[Cardiac arrhythmias in the elderly]</a></span> <span class=\"rss_item_desc\">	<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\"><tr><td align=\"left\"/><td align=\"right\"><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&amp;cmd=Display&amp;dopt=PubMed_PubMed&amp;from_uid=17195610\">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table>        <p><b>[Cardiac arrhythmias in the elderly]</b></p>        <p>Bull Acad Natl Med. 2006 Apr-May;190(4-5):827-41; discussion 873-6</p>        <p>Authors:  Guize L, Piot O, Lavergne T, Le Heuzey JY</p>        <p>In the elderly, cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are characterized by their high frequency, diagnostic difficulties, low tolerance, and delicate treatment. Atrial fibrillation, the prevalence of which exceeds 10% after 80 years, is usually related to hypertensive or ischemic heart disease, and is the cause or the consequence of heart failure. It is first and foremost a cause of thromboembolic events, and especially cerebrovascular embolism. In elderly patients, sinus node dysfunction and AV block are often induced or aggravated by drugs. The iatrogenic risk associated with antiarrhythmic drugs (especially class I) and antithrombotic drugs is elevated in the elderly, and these agents must thus be used with great care. Ventricular rate control is often a safer option than sinus rhythm control for atrial fibrillation. Ablative methods and cardiac pacing techniques are other therapeutic options.</p>        <p>PMID: 17195610 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</p>    </span></li>');
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