A systematic review and meta‐analysis of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in the context of COVID‐19 infection

Abstract

New‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in COVID‐19 raises significant clinical and public health issues. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to compile and analyze the current literature on NOAF in COVID‐19 and give a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and outcomes of NOAF in COVID‐19. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using several databases. The random effect model using inverse variance method and DerSimonian and Laird estimator of Tua2 was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and associated 95% confidence interval (CI). Results for outcome analysis were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI and pooled using the Mantel‐Haenszel random‐effects model. The pooled prevalence of NOAF in COVID‐19 was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.54%–9.32%),a pooled estimate from 30 articles (81 929 COVID‐19 patients). Furthermore, our analysis reported that COVID‐19 patients with NOAF had a higher risk of developing severe disease compared with COVID‐19 patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 3.75–6.09) and COVID‐19 patients with a history of pre‐existing atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 2.10–3.59). Similarly, our analysis also indicated that COVID‐19 patients with NOAF had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality compared with, COVID‐19 patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.99–4.92) and COVID‐19 patients with a history of pre‐existing atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.35–3.96). The meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant publication bias. The results indicate a strong correlation between NOAF and a higher risk of severe illness and mortality. These results emphasize the importance of careful surveillance, early detection, and customized NOAF management strategies to improve clinical outcomes for COVID‐19 patients.

COVID-19 pandemic and trends in clinical outcomes and medication use for patients with established atrial fibrillation: A nationwide analysis of claims data

“…Emerging evidence suggests that with a diagnosis of COVID-19 is associated with increased risk of AF [ [26] , [27] , [28] ]. Furthermore, patients experiencing incident AF in the setting of COVID-19 infection appear to be at increased risk of worse clinical outcomes [ [29] , [30] , [31] ]. Previous investigations of our research team documented a decreased incidence of new onset AF in the earlier months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is attributed to the unavailability of health care resources and the risk of contagion [ 9 ].…”

Global burden, trends, and inequalities of atrial fibrillation and flutter among young adults from 1990 to 2019: a population-based study

“…Furthermore, young individuals tend to adhere more effectively to lifestyle modi cations and medical treatments, which enhances disease prevention and management [32]. Yet, with the ongoing spread of COVID-19, an incremental rise in the incidence rate of AF/AFL is anticipated, presenting a signi cant challenge to both public health and societal development [33,34]. It is advisable for governments across various countries and regions to implement effective strategies to mitigate the global burden of AF/AFL.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases—From Expectations to Reality

“…Almost four years ago, medical attention was focused on the management of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in terms of acute features. As the years went by, the novel coronavirus showed its complex nature and generated interest in studying its long-term complications and interactions with other pathologies [1][2][3][4][5].…”