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Published on: July 20, 2022
D-dimer can predict survival in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation
Isabelle Mahé1, Ludovic Drouet, Guy Simoneau
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lariboisière University Hospital, Paris, France. isabelle.mahe@lrb.ap-hop-paris.fr
Insights
High levels of D-dimers (DD) predict survival in atrial fibrillation patients. Low DD levels and oral anticoagulant therapy are independently linked to better survival outcomes over two years.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Elevated D-dimers (DD) are observed in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.
- The predictive value of DD for prognosis in AF requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictive value of D-dimers (DD) for survival in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 125 consecutive chronic atrial fibrillation patients (mean age 78).
- D-dimers (DD) quantified at inclusion using Liatest.
- Patients followed for a mean of 2 years.
Main Results:
- Patients who died had significantly higher DD and age at inclusion.
- Low DD (P=0.03) and oral anticoagulant therapy (P=0.0192) were independently associated with survival.
- Age was not significantly related to prognosis (P=0.36).
Conclusions:
- A single D-dimer (DD) measurement can strongly predict 2-year survival in AF patients.
- DD may aid in risk stratification and guiding antithrombotic therapy choices for high-risk individuals.
Abstract:
High mean levels of D-dimers (DD), markers of fibrin product and degradation, have been reported in patients with atrial fibrillation. In order to determine the predictive value of DD, 125 consecutive patients (mean age, 78 years) with chronic atrial fibrillation without acute disease were prospectively included. DD were quantified by Liatest at inclusion. Patients were followed for a mean duration of 2 years. DD and age at inclusion were significantly higher in patients who would die (n = 54) than in those who would not (n = 65). After multiple analysis of variance, age was not significantly related to prognosis (P = 0.36); low DD (P = 0.03) and oral anticoagulant therapy (P = 0.0192) were independently related to survival. In conclusion, a single determination of DD can strongly predict survival over the following 2 years. It may contribute to the risk stratification and perhaps to the choice of the antithrombotic therapy in high-risk patients with elevated DD.
