Title | Sex-based differences in outcomes, 30-day readmissions, and costs following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: the United States Nationwide Readmissions Database 2010-14. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Cheung JW, Cheng EP, Wu X, Yeo I, Christos PJ, Kamel H, Markowitz SM, Liu CF, Thomas G, Ip JE, Lerman BB, Kim LK |
Journal | Eur Heart J |
Volume | 40 |
Issue | 36 |
Pagination | 3035-3043 |
Date Published | 2019 09 21 |
ISSN | 1522-9645 |
Abstract | AIMS: Although catheter ablation has emerged as an important therapy for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), there are limited data on sex-based differences in outcomes. We sought to compare in-hospital outcomes and 30-day readmissions of women and men undergoing AF ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the United States Nationwide Readmissions Database, we analysed patients undergoing AF ablation between 2010 and 2014. Based on ICD-9-CM codes, we identified co-morbidities and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression and inverse probability-weighting analysis were performed to assess female sex as a predictor of endpoints. Of 54 597 study patients, 20 623 (37.7%) were female. After adjustment for age, co-morbidities, and hospital factors, women had higher rates of any complication [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.39; P < 0.0001], cardiac perforation (aOR 1.39; P = 0.006), and bleeding/vascular complications (aOR 1.49; P < 0.0001). Thirty-day all-cause readmission rates were higher for women compared to men (13.4% vs. 9.4%; P < 0.0001). Female sex was independently associated with readmission for AF/atrial tachycardia (aOR 1.48; P < 0.0001), cardiac causes (aOR 1.40; P < 0.0001), and all causes (aOR 1.25; P < 0.0001). Similar findings were confirmed with inverse probability-weighting analysis. Despite increased complications and readmissions, total costs for AF ablation were lower for women than men due to decreased resource utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of age, co-morbidities, and hospital factors, women have higher rates of complications and readmissions following AF ablation. Sex-based differences and disparities in the management of AF need to be explored to address these gaps in outcomes. |
DOI | 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz151 |
Alternate Journal | Eur. Heart J. |
PubMed ID | 30927423 |
Grant List | UL1 TR002384 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States |