Incidence, characteristics, and prognostic significance of early recurrences after different ablation approaches for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Background: Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) is common after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The specific clinical and arrhythmia characteristics of ERAT influencing late recurrence risk in persistent AF are unclear. In addition, the impact of different ablation strategies on the incidence and prognostic significance of ERAT remains unknown.

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Phenotypes and Ablation Outcomes: Persistent From Outset vs Progression From Paroxysmal AF.

Background: Many patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) have progressed from an initial paroxysmal phenotype; however, there are patients in whom atrial fibrillation (AF) is persistent at diagnosis. Relatively little is known about this subgroup, but prior observational studies have suggested these patients have worse outcomes with ablation.

Objectives: This study sought to: 1) assess demographic and electrophysiologic characteristics of patients with PsAF at first diagnosis compared with those with who have progressed from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF); and 2) assess the impact of pattern of AF at diagnosis on recurrence post ablation.

Prehospital factors predicting mortality in patients with shock: state-wide linkage study.

Background: Patients with shock treated by emergency medical services (EMS) have high morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of prehospital factors predicting outcomes in patients with shock remains limited. We aimed to describe the prehospital predictors of mortality in patients with non-traumatic shock transported to hospital by EMS.