High sensitivity C reactive protein levels and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after AF ablation is not uncommon. High sensitivity C reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is a widely used inflammatory marker with a potential property to predict AF recurrence. We conducted a systematic review and a meta‐analysis to find an association between hs‐CRP levels and AF recurrence after ablation. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Wiley‐Cochrane Library from inception to January 2022 for studies that reported hs‐CRP levels in patients who underwent AF ablation. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to evaluate the difference between hs‐CRP levels in post‐ablation AF recurrent and non‐recurrent group. Also, the difference between hs‐CRP levels in pre‐ and post‐ablation was determined. RESULTS: We identified 10 studies, and a total of 789 patients were included (299 recurrent vs. 490 non‐recurrent patients). The mean age was 57.7 years (76.4% male). There was no difference in baseline hs‐CRP levels between AF recurrent and non‐recurrent group (WMD = 0.05, 95% CI = −0.04 to 0.15, p = 0.045). However, higher hs‐CRP levels post‐ablation were found in AF recurrent group (WMD = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.03–0.15, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in baseline hs‐CRP levels between AF recurrent and non‐recurrent patients after AF ablation. However, higher post‐ablation hs‐CRP level was found in AF recurrent group. High Sensitivity C reactive protein may play a role as a predictor of AF recurrence.