Key result
In a Tunisian registry of 915 patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular AF remained prevalent (22.4%), anticoagulation quality was suboptimal (mean TTR 48.9%), and 1-year rates of thromboembolism, major bleeding, and death were 1.64%, 5.8%, and 5.7%, respectively.
Why the study?
Contemporary registries on atrial fibrillation are scarce in North African countries.
Observational (n=915)
Yes
In a contemporary Tunisian registry, valvular AF remains prevalent and the quality of anticoagulation is suboptimal, highlighting gaps in stroke prevention in North Africa.
Suboptimal anticoagulation in this valvular AF cohort signals need for closer monitoring; extends real-world outcome data to non-Western populations.
BACKGROUND: Contemporary registries on atrial fibrillation (AF) are scare in North African countries. HYPOTHESIS: In the context of the epidemiological transition, prevalence of valvular AF in Tunisia has decreased and the quality of management is still suboptimal. METHODS: NATURE-AF is a prospective Tunisian registry, involving consecutive patients with AF from March 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017, with a one-year follow-up period. All the patients with an Electrocardiogram-documented AF, confirmed in the year prior to enrolment were eligible. The epidemiological characteristics and outcomes were described. RESULTS: VASC score in nonvalvular AF was 2.4 ± 1.6. Monotherapy with antiplatelet agents was prescribed for 13.8% of the patients. However, 21.7% of the subjects did not receive any antithrombotic agent. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed for half of the patients with a low embolic risk score. In 341 patients, the mean time in therapeutic range was 48.87 ± 28.69%. Amiodarone was the most common antiarrhythmic agent used (52.6%). During a 12-month follow-up period, 15 patients (1.64%) had thromboembolism, 53 patients (5.8%) had major hemorrhage, and 52 patients (5.7%) died. CONCLUSIONS: NATURE-AF has provided systematic collection of contemporary data regarding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as the management of AF by cardiologists in Tunisia. Valvular AF is still prevalent and the quality of anticoagulation was suboptimal.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ouali et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Atrial Fibrillation (n=915). Atrial fibrillation (routine clinical management) was evaluated on 12-month incidence of thromboembolic events, major hemorrhage, and all-cause death. In a Tunisian registry of 915 patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular AF remained prevalent (22.4%), anticoagulation quality was suboptimal (mean TTR 48.9%), and 1-year rates of thromboembolism, major bleeding, and death were 1.64%, 5.8%, and 5.7%, respectively.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: