Work

Gender differences in one-year unplanned readmissions in atrial fibrillation: Trends from a conflict-stricken country

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide, yet long-term outcomes in conflict-affected regions are poorly understood. Gender-based disparities in AF outcomes have been reported in high-income countries but remain unexplored in fragile healthcare systems. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Latakia's University Hospital in Latakia, Syria between June/2021-November/2023. Adult patients admitted with primary AF were followed for 1 year to assess unplanned readmissions. Data on unplanned readmissions were defined as non-elective hospitalisations occurring within 1 year after index discharge. These were unscheduled admissions, usually prompted by recurrence of symptoms, acute decompensation, or cardiovascular events. Data were collected from medical records. Results Of the included 657 patients (52% male, median age 60 years), 422 (64%) had at least one unplanned readmission within 1 year. Cardiac causes accounted for 67% of readmissions, with recurrent AF responsible for 75% of those. Females had higher all-cause (73% vs 56%) and cardiovascular (53% vs 34%) readmission rates than males (both p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of readmission included female sex (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.0), age ≥60 (HR 3.7, 95% CI 2.9–4.6), diabetes mellites (DM) (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.8), and congestive heart failure (CCF) (HR 3.3, 95% CI 2.6–4.6). Females were more likely to have two (44%) or three or more (44%) readmissions than males. Conclusions One-year readmissions after AF admission were high, particularly among females. Female gender was an independent risk factor, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive follow-up strategies in resource-limited settings.

Source: Perfusion

DOI: 10.1177/02676591251407291