New-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the commonest lower respiratory tract infection, often complicated by cardiovascular events and cardiac arrythmias, such as new-onset Atrial Fibrillation (noAF). NoAF, a new or first detactable episode of chaotic irregular atrial rhythm, has been associated with increased mortality in CAP patients, especially critically-ill ones. However, prevalence noAF patients still unclear. Purpose We aimed to estimate pooled through systematic review meta-analysis literature. Methods PubMed EMBASE were systematically searched from inception 27th January 2022. All studies reporting included. The noAF, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) Prediction (PI), computed using generalized linear mixed models. inconsistency index (I2) was calculated measure heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses according study design geographical location also performed. A protocol for this registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022307422). Results retrieved 4,947 records literature search, 11 finally included, total 346,192 patients; 5 (45%) conducted Europe, while 4 (36%) prospective studies. Pooled population 6.6% (95% CI 4.1–10.6, PI 1.0–33.6, I2=99%) [Figure 1]. No significant difference included found at subgroup analyses. Conclusions NoAF common being 1 out 15 CAP, pointing towards potential higher specific clinical scenarios. differences observed location. Funding Acknowledgement Type funding sources: None.