Prognostic impact of hs-CRP and IL-6 in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of inflammatory markers in patients with paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation.

METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients, mean age 55 years (range 31 - 81 yrs), with paroxysmal or persistent AF were treated with either segmental or circumferential pulmonary vein isolation ablation technique. All patients presented with sinus rhythm on inclusion. Holter monitoring lasting at least 14 days was performed before ablation and after 3 months. Recurrent symptomatic AF or atrial tachycardia >10 minutes was considered failure and patients were offered a second ablation session. Interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured prior to ablation and at follow-up visits.

RESULTS: After a maximum of two ablations, 19 patients (41%) had SR without recurrence of AF after 12 months. Patients in SR had significantly lower left atrium diameter (p = 0.007) and lower values of both IL-6 (p = 0.007) and hs-CRP (p = 0.018) at baseline before ablation. IL-6 concentration prior to ablation was an independent predictor of recurrent AF (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION: In patients with a history of paroxysmal or persistent AF treated with RF catheter ablation, elevated levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP before ablation are independent predictors of recurrence of AF.