Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients treated with BTK inhibitors in hematologic malignancies: a systematic review and metanalysis.
Giuseppe Boriani, Jacopo Francesco Imberti, Annachiara Valenti et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy. Analyzing 23 studies with 2839 patients, the researchers found that 14% of AF events were asymptomatic, with a pooled AF prevalence of 9%. Extended rhythm monitoring significantly increased detection rates of asymptomatic AF.
Key findings
- The pooled prevalence of atrial fibrillation during BTKi therapy was 9% (95% CI: 6-13%).
- 14% of AF events were asymptomatic (95% CI: 8-24%).
- Extended rhythm monitoring detected asymptomatic AF in 64% of cases (95% CI: 38-84%).
- No significant associations were found between asymptomatic AF and age, sex, or BTKi type.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence of asymptomatic AF in patients receiving BTKi therapy is crucial for clinicians, as it may influence monitoring strategies and management of potential cardiovascular complications in this population.