Activation of generalised inflammatory reaction following electrical cardioversion.
BACKGROUND
Restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of thrombo-embolic complications due to delayed return of the left atrial and left atrial appendage systolic function. Direct current cardioversion (DC), used for AF termination, may cause myocardial injury and subsequent activation of inflammatory response. A C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific marker of inflammation.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of external DC of AF or atrial flutter (AFlut) on inflammatory processes.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 35 patients (20 females and 15 males, mean age 67.9+/-9.7 years, range 46-83 years) with paroxysmal or persistent AF/AFlut who underwent elective DC. CRP plasma concentration was measured before and 24 hours after DC.


RESULTS
The mean total DC energy was 431.2 J. CRP plasma concentration increased significantly following DC - from 3.9+/-3.4 ng/ml before DC to 7.2+/-6.7 ng/ml after DC (p<0.0001). CRP level correlated with body mass index (r=0.34, p<0.05), however, this correlation became non-significant after inclusion of the presence of diabetes into the statistical model. There was also a positive correlation between CRP values before and after DC (r=0.72, p<0.0001). No correlation between CRP and gender, total power of DC nor the number of DC shocks was detected.


CONCLUSIONS
External DC of AF/Aflut causes activation of inflammatory processes measured as a significant increase in the CRP plasma concentration.
Gajek
Jacek
J
Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Wroclaw, Poland.
Zyśko
Dorota
D
Mysiak
Andrzej
A
Mazurek
Walentyna
W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000628:therapy*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein