Maha Mohammed Arnous
Security Forced Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Title: Association of atrial fibrillation with diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis
Biography
Biography: Maha Mohammed Arnous
Abstract
Background: Many studies have provided evidence for an increased risk of atrial fi brillation among diabetic patients as compared to the non-diabetic population. It is also well known that diabetes predisposes a person to an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy. A few reviews and studies have hinted towards an increased risk of atrial fi brillation among diabetic nephropathy patients. Aim: To conduct a meta-analysis to explore if there is an association between diabetic nephropathy and atrial fi brillation. Methods: Th e available literature was searched for relevant studies from the period of January 1995 to October 2018. Th e following quality assessment criterion were considered for study shortlisting: Clearly defi ned comparison groups, same outcome measured in both comparison groups, known confounders addressed and a suffi ciently long and complete (more than 80%) follow-up of patients. Two independent reviewers searched the databases, formed their search strategies and fi nalized the studies. Data was analyzed to obtain a summary odds ratio along with a forest plot by Cochrane’s RevMan 5.3. Results: Only four studies were found to meet the inclusion criterion for this meta-analysis (total number of study participants: 307330, diabetic nephropathy patients: 22855). Of these, two were retrospective cross-sectional studies, one was a prospective cohort study and one was a case control study. Th ree studies had provided the odds ratio as the measure of eff ect (two retrospective cross-sectional studies and one case control study), with the one cohort study reporting the hazards ratio as the measure of eff ect. Th erefore, the meta-analysis was done excluding the cohort study. Th e summary odds ratio in the present study was 1.32 (0.80-2.18), which was not statistically signifi cant. Due to large heterogeneity among the included studies and their small sample sizes, it was found that the summary estimate shift ed towards the null value. Conclusion: Th e present meta-analysis found no signifi cant association between atrial fi brillation and diabetic nephropathy. However more studies with large sample sizes are required to strengthen the evidence for an association.