Risk Factors and Prognostic Implications of New-Onset Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Hospitalized with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients hospitalized with ICH and determine whether the new-onset PAF had influenced functional outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed a database of all consecutive patients with ICH from October 2013 to May 2022. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for new-onset PAF in patients with ICH. Multivariate models were also constructed to assess whether the new-onset PAF was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome, as measured using the modified Rankin scale. RESULTS: This study included 650 patients with ICH, among whom 24 patients had new-onset PAF. In the multivariable model, older age (OR per 10-y increase, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.52–3.35]; P<0.001), hematoma volume (OR per 10-mL increase, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.26–2.57]; P=0.001), and heart failure (OR, 21.77 [95% CI, 5.52–85.91]; P<0.001) were independent risk factors for new-onset PAF. In a sensitivity analysis restricted to 428 patients with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), older age, larger hematoma volume, heart failure, and increased NT-proBNP were associated with new-onset PAF. After adjusting for baseline variables, new-onset PAF was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome (OR, 10.35 [95% CI, 1.08–98.80]; P=0.042). CONCLUSION: Older age, larger hematoma volume, and heart failure were independent risk factors for new-onset PAF after ICH. Increased NT-proBNP is correlated with higher risks for new-onset PAF when their information is available at admission. Furthermore, new-onset PAF is a significant predictor of poor functional outcome.