The value of Amino-terminal brain natriuretic peptide and C-Reactive protein serum levels for predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation and/or atrial flutter after ablation radiofrequency catheter ablation.

P.-F. Keller, D. C. Shah, S. Noble, L. Macle, P. Guerra, H. Sunthorn, H. Burri, H. Muller, P. Trigo-Trindade, M. Talajic, J.-C. Tardif.

In view of the complexity of the procedure and the resources required, it is important to study simple markers of a successful outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
The plasma levels of natriuretic peptides, ANP and BNP have been shown to reduce after successful cardioversion of atrial flutter as well as fibrillation and equally elevated levels indicate a higher probability of recurrence after cardioversion. The natriuretic peptides and CRP, a marker of inflammation have not been studied in patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
The aim of this multi-centre study is to determine if plasma levels of NT-proBNP and/or CRP, measured before and ablation for atrial fibrillation can predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation or flutter during a follow-up of 6 months.