Exploring inflammatory markers and risk factors associated with pericarditis development after ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the association between inflammatory markers and the occurrence of post-atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation pericarditis (PAP), while also examining the PAP’s incidence and contributing factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2021 and November 2023, including patients who underwent successful AF ablation. Inflammatory markers of interest included the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Results: Among the 231 patients examined, 22 (9.52%) were classified as suspected PAP, and 14 (6.06%) as definitive PAP. The median age was 58 years, with no age difference between groups. Males comprised 51.52% of the sample, with male sex frequency significantly higher in the suspected PAP group relative to the other groups (p = 0.007). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that AF duration (p = 0.026) and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation (p = 0.001) were associated with definitive PAP, whereas analysis for any pericarditis (suspected or definitive PAP) revealed independent relationships with CTI ablation (p = 0.003) and sleep apnea (p = 0.008). SII, NLR, and PLR were not associated with PAP. Conclusions: Prolonged AF duration, CTI ablation, and sleep apnea are risk factors for PAP. The inflammatory markers (SII, NLR, and PLR) showed no association, warranting further investigation into other markers.