Patient-reported and clinical outcomes after first-time atrial fibrillation ablation in older patients: a real-world retrospective single-center study - Report - MDSpire
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Patient-reported and clinical outcomes after first-time atrial fibrillation ablation in older patients: a real-world retrospective single-center study
Outcomes Reported by Patients and Clinicians Following Initial Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Elderly Individuals
Overview
This study evaluates patient-reported outcomes and clinical results following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in older patients. A higher recurrence rate was observed in patients aged ≥70 years.
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly prevalent among older adults, yet this demographic is often underrepresented in clinical studies. Understanding the outcomes of catheter ablation in this population is crucial for informing treatment decisions and improving patient-centered care. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential for assessing the subjective experience of treatment and its impact on quality of life.
Data Highlights
Age Group
ΔmEHRA
Complication Rate
AF Recurrence
≥70 years
−1.42 ± 1.29
5%
59%
60–65 years
−1.78 ± 1.17
7%
47%
Key Findings
Both age groups reported significant symptom relief one year after ablation (p < 0.001).
The younger group (60–65 years) had a greater absolute reduction in symptoms compared to the older group (p = 0.021).
Median mEHRA scores were identical between groups at follow-up, indicating low symptom severity.
A greater proportion of older patients reported any improvement in symptoms (p = 0.034).
AF recurrence was higher in the older cohort (59% vs 47%, p = 0.042).
Complication rates were not significantly different between the two age groups (5% vs 7%, p = 0.62).
Clinical Implications
The findings suggest that catheter ablation can provide meaningful symptom relief for older patients with atrial fibrillation, despite a higher recurrence rate. Clinicians should consider incorporating PROMs into routine assessments to better understand treatment impacts on quality of life.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of evaluating both clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes in older patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. The results support the continued use of ablation in this demographic, despite the challenges of higher recurrence rates.
by Pernille Borch, Ole-Gunnar Anfinsen, Finn Hegbom, Knut Sevre, Torbjørn Holm, Trine Synnøve Fink, Lars Andreas Dejgaard, Erik Kongsgård, Mathis Korseberg Stokke, Erik Lyseggen
