Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Improves the Quality of Life Measured with a Short Form-36 Questionnaire in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
The main purpose of performing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is to improve the quality of life (QoL) and alleviate AF-related symptoms. We aimed to determine the qualitative and quantitative effects of RFCA on the QoL in AF patients.


METHODS
We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis using a random effects model. We searched for the studies that reported the physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) of the short form-36, a validated system to assess and quantify the QoL, before and after RFCA in AF patients. PCS and MCS are T-scores with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10.


RESULTS
Of the 470 studies identified through systematic search, we included 13 studies for pre-RFCA vs. the post-RFCA analysis and 5 studies for treatment success vs. AF recurrence analyses. In the pre-RFCA vs. post-RFCA analysis, RFCA was associated with a significant increase in both the PCS (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 6.33 [4.81-7.84]; p < 0.001) and MCS (WMD = 7.80 [6.15-9.44]; p < 0.001). The ΔPCS (post-RFCA PCS-pre-RFCA PCS) and ΔMCS values were used for the treatment success vs. AF recurrence analysis. Patients with successful ablation had a higher ΔPCS (WMD = 7.46 [4.44-10.49]; p < 0.001) and ΔMCS (WMD = 7.59 [4.94-10.24]; p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
RFCA is associated with a significant increase in the PCS and MCS in AF patients. Patients without AF recurrence after RFCA had a better improvement in the PCS and MCS than patients who had AF recurrence.
From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Yun Gi
YG
Kim
From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Jaemin
J
Shim
From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Jong-Il
JI
Choi
From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Young-Hoon
YH
Kim
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