Influence of diabetes on the maintenance of sinus rhythm after a successful direct current cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine independent risk factors for recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after a successful direct current (DC) cardioversion in patients with and without diabetes.


METHODS
We retrospectively analysed the outcome in patients recently diagnosed with persistent AF.


METHODS
Of 364 patients included, 289 had a successful direct current (DC) cardioversion. We compared 42 (14.5%) patients known to have diabetes to 247 (85.5%) without. Patients were reviewed in outpatient clinic with assessment of heart rhythm clinically and by electrocardiogram. Median follow-up after DC cardioversion was 74 days [interquartile range (IQR) 69-78 days].


RESULTS
When reviewed in outpatient clinic, only 63.7% (185 of 289) were still in sinus rhythm (SR). Of the group without diabetes, 66.8% (165 of 247) remained in SR vs. 45.2% (19 of 42) of the group with diabetes (P = 0.005). Binary logistic regression analysis showed duration of AF (P < 0.0001) and the presence of diabetes (P = 0.019) have been independent risk factors for recurrence of AF.


CONCLUSIONS
Presence of diabetes and the longer duration of AF were independent risk factors for the recurrence of AF after a successful DC cardioversion.
Soran
H
H
Department of Endocrinology, Central Manchester University Hospitals, Oxford road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK. handrean.soran@cmmc.nhs.uk
Younis
N
N
Currie
P
P
Silas
J
J
Jones
I R
IR
Gill
G
G
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome