OBJECTIVETo determine the predictive value of HATCH score on recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

METHODSThe data of 123 consecutive AF patients (74 paroxysmal and 49 persistent AF) who underwent RFCA between April 2009 and December 2010 in our department were retrospectively analyzed. Of theses patients, 65 (52.9%) patients had HATCH score = 0, 41 (33.3%) patients had HATCH score = 1, and 17 (13.8%) patients had HATCH score ≥ 2 (HATCH = 2 in 11 patients, HATCH = 3 in 5 patients, HATCH = 4 in 1 patient). The recurrence was defined as atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting more than 30 seconds after 3 months post RFCA. The patients were divided into recurrence group and no recurrence group. Relationship between HATCH score and recurrence was observed.

RESULTSThere were 43 cases in recurrence group and 80 cases in no recurrence group. After 12 months follow-up, HATCH score was significant higher in recurrence group than in non-recurrence group [(0.91 ± 0.94) score vs. (0.53 ± 0.80) score, P < 0.05]. The ratio of patients with HATCH ≥ 2 in recurrence group was higher than in non-recurrence group [23.3% (10/43) vs. 8.8% (7/80), P < 0.01]. The sensitivity and specificity of HATCH ≥ 2 to define the risk of recurrence was 25.0%, 92.4% respectively. Cumulative non-recurrence rate of patients with HATCH score ≥ 2 was lower than patients with HATCH score = 0 and 1 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHigher HATCH score is associated with increased risk of AF recurrence post RFCA.