DR-FLASH score useful tool to predict ideal ablation strategy for patients with AF: study

Modification of arrhythmogenic substrates with extensive ablation comprising linear and/or complex fractional atrial electrogram ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI‐plus) can theoretically reduce the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The DR‐FLASH score (score based on diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, persistent form of atrial fibrillation, left atrial diameter >45 mm, age >65 years, female sex, and hypertension) is reportedly useful for identifying patients with arrhythmogenic substrates. They hypothesized that, in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, the DR‐FLASH score can be used to classify patients into those who require PVI‐plus and those for whom a PVI‐only strategy is sufficient.

This study is a post hoc subanalysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled, noninferiority trial investigating the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein isolation alone for recurrence prevention compared with extensive ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (EARNEST‐PVI trial). This analysis focuses on the relationship between the DR‐FLASH score and the efficacy of different ablation strategies. They divided the population into 2 groups based on a DR‐FLASH score of 3 points.

Results:

• A total of 469 patients were analyzed. Among those with a DR‐FLASH score >3 (N=279), the event rate of atrial arrhythmia recurrence was significantly lower in the PVI‐plus arm than in the PVI‐only arm
• In contrast, among patients with a DR‐FLASH score ≤3 (N=217), no differences were observed in the event rate of atrial arrhythmia recurrence between the PVI‐only arm and the PVI‐plus arm
• There was significant interaction between patients with a DR‐FLASH score >3 and DR‐FLASH score ≤3

Thus, the DR‐FLASH score is a useful tool for deciding the catheter ablation strategy for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Reference:

Taiki Sato, Yohei Sotomi et al. DR‐FLASH Score Is Useful for Identifying Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Who Require Extensive Catheter Ablation Procedures. 5 Aug 2022 https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.024916 Journal of the American Heart Association. 2022;11:e024916