Association Between HALP Score and Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a primary treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF).
• High recurrence rates after RFCA necessitate improved prognostic tools.
• The prognostic value of the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score for AF recurrence is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the independent association between preoperative HALP score and AF recurrence after RFCA.
• To evaluate the HALP score's utility in risk stratification for AF recurrence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 686 patients undergoing first RFCA for AF.
• Analysis of preoperative HALP scores categorized into quartiles.
• Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, multivariate Cox models, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis.
• Assessment of model discrimination and reclassification using ROC curves, NRI, and IDI.

Main Results:

• Lower HALP score quartiles were associated with significantly higher AF recurrence rates (log-rank p < 0.001).
• Adjusted analysis showed reduced recurrence risk in higher HALP score quartiles (Q3: HR=0.45, Q4: HR=0.18).
• RCS analysis confirmed a linear inverse association between HALP score and recurrence risk.
• The HALP score demonstrated significant discriminatory ability (AUC=0.71) and improved a baseline model's discrimination (AUC increased from 0.78 to 0.81) and reclassification (NRI=0.19, IDI=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Preoperative HALP score is an independent predictor of AF recurrence post-RFCA.
• Lower HALP scores are linked to increased AF recurrence risk.
• The HALP score can enhance risk stratification models for patients undergoing RFCA for AF.