Atrial fibrillation endpoints: Hospitalization

In summary, hospitalization rate for AF constitutes a complex outcome measure, both as a primary and secondary trial endpoint. It is difficult to classify for the reasons discussed. It is subject to confounding factors, primarily influenced by subject selection and comorbidities and by variations in practice patterns and coding. Hospitalization rates for AF also may be influenced by regional variations in practice patterns, coding, and reimbursement both within the Unites States and internationally. Hospitalization rate is not a proven surrogate for other hard clinical endpoints such as stroke or mortality associated with AF and may be potentially misleading if not carefully defined and interpreted. The potential utility of hospitalization rate for AF as part of a composite primary endpoint for AF intervention trials remains to be evaluated prospectively. Appropriately defined, it does constitute an important and clinically meaningful secondary endpoint that should be considered in any AF intervention trial. © 2002 Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.