Standard and novel biomarkers as predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoablation: a 48-month follow-up in a low-volume center

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify biomarkers, as well as clinical and echocardiographic parameters, as predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following cryoablation at a low-volume center. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted involving 120 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. Collected data included laboratory findings, demographic and echocardiographic measurements, comorbidities, and clinical data. Patients were followed for 48 months and recurrence was defined as any documented episode of AF during the follow-up period. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. During the 48-month follow-up recurrence of AF was observed in 37 patients (30.8%). The mean age of the subjects was 61.9 ± 6.7 years and 70.0% of the participants were male. The majority of patients had persistent AF (65.0%). Univariate and multivariate binary analyses showed that patients with AF recurrence had significantly higher values of body mass index (BMI), uric acid (UA), creatinine, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), the uric acid-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio (UHR) and triglycerides as well as lower levels of albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Biomarkers such as high BMI, creatinine, NTproBNP, UA, UHR and triglycerides, as well as low albumin and HDL-C levels are potentially predictors of AF recurrence after cryoablation. Cryoablation has demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation in a low-volume center.