Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Traumatic brain injury is associated with the subsequent risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
Authors' conclusion
We found that an episode of TBI, particularly penetrating TBI, significantly increased the risk for AF/AFL.
Study context
- Population
- Post-9/11 US servicemembers and veterans369,891 (19.2%) with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Participants
- 1,924,900 participants
- Exposure
- TBI vs no TBI
- Outcome
- Subsequent diagnosis of AF/atrial flutter (AF/AFL)
Methodological detailsFine-Gray competing risks models
- Fine-Gray competing risks models
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
AF/AFL, adjusted
Each group vs no TBIHazard ratio (95% CI)P value
Mild TBI
1.27(1.22–1.32)
P < 0.001Moderate/severe TBI
1.34(1.24–1.44)
P < 0.001Penetrating TBI
1.82(1.65–2.02)
P < 0.001- AF/AFL diagnosed (all participants)
- 22,087
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | HR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF/AFL, univariatePenetrating TBIvs No TBIOnly penetrating TBI associated on univariate analysis | 2.02 (1.84–2.23) | P < 0.001 | |
| 0.512Hazard ratio (log scale) |
AF/AFL by sex and age (post hoc)
- Risk of AF/AFL concentrated in female and younger patients
- Post hoc analyses
Original publication
Traumatic brain injury is associated with the subsequent risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Heart Rhythm. Published 13 September 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →