ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide. However, there is no data on AF inpatient management strategies and clinical outcomes in Syria. OBJECTIVES: The study aims were to review the inpatient management of patients with AF and assess cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a tertiary cardiology centre in Latakia, Syria. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at Tishreen's University Hospital, Latakia, Syria, from June 2021 to June 2023. Patients ≥16 years of age presenting and being treated for AF as the primary diagnosis with or without a thromboembolic event were included. Medical records were examined for patients' demographics, laboratory results, treatment plans and inpatient details. Studied outcomes include inpatient all-cause and CV mortality, ischemic and bleeding events, and conversion to sinus rhythm (SR). RESULTS: The study included 596 patients. The median age was 58, and 61% were males. 121 patients (20.3%) were known to have AF. A rhythm control strategy was pursued in 39% of patients. Ischemic and bleeding events occurred in 62 (11%) and 12 (2%), respectively. CV and all-cause mortality occurred in 28 (4.7%) and 31 patients (5%), respectively. The presence of valvular heart disease (VHD) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 9.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7 to 55.1, p < .001), thyroid disease (aOR: 9.7, 95% CI = 1.2 to 91.6, p < .001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 82, 95% CI: 12.7 to 71, p < .001) were independent risk factors of increased CV inpatient mortality. CONCLUSION: Syrian inpatients admitted with AF in Latakia are relatively younger than those in other countries. Active thyroid disease, COPD and VHD were independent risk factors of inpatient CV mortality with AF.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The pandemic of COVID-19 is a global crisis that is considered a stressful event directly and indirectly (via prophylactic measures taken) for people in any society. It can have an impact on mental health resulting in a plethora of symptoms. METHOD: This study measures the psychological impact, demonstrated by the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. An online semi-structured questionnaire has been used with all participants, and with the measure The Arabic version of The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21). The study design was cross-sectional. Which was conducted in April-May 2020. The sample was (n=1115) from Bahrain's population, (1081 Bahraini) and (33 non-Bahraini), aged 18 and above, 701 females, most of them were graduated and employed. Results showed 30% were with depressive symptoms, 18.2% have exhibited symptoms, and 30.8% reported stress symptoms. Females were higher than males in depressive and anxiety symptoms. While no gender differences in stress symptoms. The younger age group showed more distress across the board with symptoms reported decreasing with age. Students were also noticed to be the group reporting the highest symptoms, together with people with the lowest income. ConclusionThe study has demonstrated a high psychological impact on the population of Bahrain with around a third of the population demonstrating some level of distress.
