A Pooled Analysis of the Prognostic Significance of Brugada Syndrome with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Guidelines have previously suggested that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmic death in Brugada syndrome (BrS) patients. However, only two articles consisting of 17 AF patients with BrS supported these views. The risk stratification of BrS patients with AF remains controversial. Thus, a meta-analysis is used to estimate the risk stratification of BrS patients with AF. Methods: We searched for relevant studies published from 2000 to December 30, 2018. A total of 1712 patients with BrS from five studies were included: 200 patients (12%) were reported with AF, among whom 37 patients (19%) had arrhythmic events. Results: BrS patients with AF in all studies (OR 1.92, 95% CI:0.91 to 4.04, P = 0.09; Heterogeneity: P = 0.03, I-2 = 61%) and some European studies (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.18 to 6.94, P = 0.91; Heterogeneity: P = 0.006, I-2 = 80%) did not display a higher risk of arrhythmic events than those without AF, but BrS patients with AF in Japanese studies (OR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.37 to 3.93, P = 0.002; Heterogeneity: P = 0.40, I-2 = 0%) had a higher risk of arrhythmic events than those without AF. The proportion of BrS patients with AF was greater in Japanese studies than in some European studies (16% vs. 9%, P<0.001). Conclusion: On the whole, BrS patients with AF showed no higher risk of arrhythmic events than those without AF, but BrS patients with AF in Japan had a higher risk of arrhythmic events than those without AF.