Trial: Association Between C-Reactive Protein and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Successful Electrical Cardioversion: A Meta-analysis

Authors: Liu T;  Li G;  Li L; and Korantzopoulos P.

Reference: J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;49:1642-8

Purpose: To examine the association between baseline C-Reactive protein levels and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful cardioversion.

Number of Patients: 420 patients

Number of Studies: 7 Prospective observational cohort studies

Design: Meta-analysis

Authors Conclusion: In patients who have been successfully cardioverted,  increased CRP levels are associated with a greater risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation.

Key words: Atrial fibrillation

Comment: This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients who develop recurrent atrial fibrillation following cardioversion had higher serum levels of C-Reactive protein, though there was significant heterogeneity across the studies that comprised the analysis. The role in CRP in predicting successful cardioversion will require further study.

Ongoing Related Studies:

1. Use of Fish Oils to Reduce Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Following DC Cardioversion
2. KONVERT-AF: Relevance of Point in Time for Conversion of Acute Atrial Fibrillation
3. The Use of DIOVAN to Reduce Post-Cardioversion Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Trial (the DRAFT Trial)
4. Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
5. Study to Determine the Efficacy of Perindopril to Prevent the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Essential Hypertension (CTAF-2)
6. Flecainide-Short Long Study (Flec-SL)
7. Mode Evaluation in Sick Sinus Syndrome Trial (MODEST)
8. Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Atrial Fibrillation


Summary written by Eric Grubman, MD