1.Comprehensive clinical evaluation of phosphate-lowering drugs in the treatment of chronic kidney disease with hyperphosphatemia
Lu LIU ; Cangsang SONG ; Xingde LI ; Chunni HAN ; Run SUN ; Chunjie YU ; Yalin LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1918-1924
OBJECTIVE To conduct a comprehensive clinical evaluation of phosphate-lowering drugs in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with hyperphosphatemia, and to provide evidence-based support for clinical drug decision-making. METHODS Relevant studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrieved, a comprehensive evaluation of efficacy, safety and economics was conducted based on existing study results. Innovation was analyzed from three aspects including filling the clinical gap, and suitability was assessed from two aspects including technical suitability. Accessibility was evaluated based on the survey data from 37 medical institutions in Kunming, combined with information from the National Reimbursement Drug List and national centralized drug procurement. RESULTS A total of 10 meta-analyses and 2 pharmacoeconomic studies were included. In terms of efficacy, all three categories of phosphate-lowering drugs (calcium-based phosphate binders, non-calcium-based phosphate binders, sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3 inhibitors) effectively reduced serum phosphorus levels. Calcium-based phosphate binders elevated serum calcium levels more significantly; sevelamer was superior to calcium-based phosphate binders in reducing intact parathyroid hormone levels; iron-based phosphate binders improved iron metabolism and anemia-related indicators. In terms of safety, iron-based phosphate binders had the highest incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, followed by lanthanum carbonate. In terms of economics, sevelamer demonstrated economic advantages over calcium-based phosphate binders and lanthanum carbonate. In terms of innovation, non-ca lcium-based phosphate binders addressed the clinical limitation of hypercalcemia associated with calcium-based phosphate binders; iron-based phosphate binders met the treatment needs of patients with comorbid iron deficiency anemia; tenapanor exhibited an innovative phosphorus-lowering mechanism. In terms of suitability, all three categories showed good suitability in various aspects. In terms of accessibility, sevelamer had the highest availability rate, while tenapanor was not yet available in medical institutions. All three categories have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List ; the prices of lanthanum carbonate and sevelamer decreased substantially following centralized procurement with improved affordability. CONCLUSIONS For CKD patients with hyperphosphatemia, non-calcium-based phosphate binders are preferred, among which sevelamer is recommended as the first-line choice. Lanthanum carbonate may be considered for patients with gastrointestinal intolerance; iron-based phosphate binders are preferred for patients with comorbid iron deficiency anemia; tenapanor may be considered for patients with poor response to or intolerance of conventional regimens; calcium-based phosphate binders are not recommended as long-term first-line therapy.
2.The role of bile acid dynamics in inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Si-Rui Yu ; Run Sun ; Mei-Ya Shi ; Mei Yang ; Kun Chen ; Qiong Pan ; Ling Zhao ; Ming-Yue Wu ; Jin Chai
Liver Research 2026;10(1):35-50
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is higher among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Emerging evidence indicates that the development of MASLD in patients with IBD may occur independently of traditional metabolic risk factors, suggesting a unique pathophysiological mechanism distinct from conventional MASLD pathways. Bile acids (BAs), which act as critical signaling molecules in enterohepatic circulation, play an essential role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis through bidirectional gut–liver axis communication. These molecules are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators in the progression of both MASLD and IBD. While previous studies have characterized the dynamics of BA in blood or fecal samples under both conditions, a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic profiles and the associated interactions within the gut–liver axis is still lacking. This review synthesizes current evidence from studies employing BA metabolomics to investigate IBD and MASLD. By focusing on BA signatures, we summarize conserved alterations between these two conditions and their potential mechanisms of disease progression. Our review advances understanding of BA-mediated pathways in IBD and MASLD, providing a foundation for assessing their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of MASLD in patients with IBD.
3.Qishen Liuwei Prescription Combined with Conventional Antihypertensive Therapy in Intervention of Senile Primary Hypertension Complicated with Frailty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Hanxi CHAN ; Yanran HUI ; Lijun HUANG ; Linbo YU ; Huali XIAO ; Kun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):162-170
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the Qishen Liuwei presoription for senile hypertension complicated with frailty (of Qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern, or deficiency of both spleen and kidney pattern). MethodsA single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial design was employed in this study. Sixty-four eligible patients, treated at the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine between June 2024 and February 2025, were randomly allocated into an observation group or a control group, with 32 patients in each group. Both groups received standard conventional antihypertensive therapy, while the observation group additionally received the Qishen Liuwei Formula (one dose per day, in separate servings in the morning and evening). For both groups, a treatment course consisted of 4 weeks, followed by a 2-month follow-up period. Then, the primary indicator (Fried frailty phenotype scores), along with secondary indicators including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and changes in blood pressure were observed before and after treatment. ResultsRegarding Fried frailty phenotype scores, the observation group exhibited significantly improved grip strength, 4.57 m walk time, the duration of weekly walks, ''effort required for any activity'', and ''inability to walk forward'' after treatment, while only the latter two indicators were significantly improved in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group demonstrated significantly superior improvement in the duration of weekly walks, ''effort required for any activity'', and frailty (P<0.05). For total TCM syndrome scores, both groups displayed significantly decreased total TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05) after treatment, and the decrease was more significant in the observation group (P<0.05). Regarding office blood pressure, both groups showed significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure after treatment, while the observation group also showed significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (P<0.05). During treatment, one case of facial rash occurred in the observation group, representing an adverse reaction rate of 3.13% (1/32). The rash resolved one week after discontinuation of medication. No adverse reactions occurred in the control group during treatment. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionFor senile hypertension complicated with frailty, the Qishen Liuwei presoription effectively improves physical activity, muscle strength, frailty-related symptoms, and TCM syndrome remission. When combined with Western medicine, the Formula contributes to stable blood pressure control and demonstrates a favorable clinical safety profile, indicating its clinical application potential.
4.Early results and indications of Stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion in lumbar lesions.
Zhong-You ZENG ; Xing ZHAO ; Wei YU ; Yong-Xing SONG ; Shun-Wu FAN ; Xiang-Qian FANG ; Fei PEI ; Shi-Yang FAN ; Guo-Hao SONG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(5):454-464
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the early clinical results and safety of Stand-alone OLIF application of lumbar lesions, and explored its surgical indications.
METHODS:
Total of 92 cases of lumbar spine lesions treated with Stand-alone OLIF at two medical centers from October 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 30 males and 62 females with an average age of (61.20±12.94) years old ranged from 32 to 83 years old. There were 20 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 15 cases of lumbar disc degeneration, 11 cases of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, 6 cases of discogenic low back pain, 7 cases of giant lumbar disc herniation, 13 cases of primary lumbar discitis, 6 cases of adjacent vertebral disease after lumbar internal fixation surgery, and 14 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Pre-operative dual energy X-ray bone density examination 31 cases' T-values ranged from -1 to -2.4, 8 cases' T-values ranged from -2.5 to -3.5, and the rest had normal bone density. The number of fusion segments: 68 cases of single segment, 9 cases of two segment, 12 cases of three segment , and 3 cases of four segment. Fusion site:L1,2 1 case, L2,3 4 cases, L3,4 10 cases, L4,5 53 cases, L2,3-L3,4 3 cases, L3,4-L4,5 6 cases, L1,2L2,3L3,4 1 case, L1,2L3,4L4,5 1 case, L2,3L3,4L4,5 10 cases, L1,2L2,3L3,4L4,5 3 cases. The clinical results and imaging results of this group of cases were observed, as well as the complications.
RESULTS:
The surgical time ranged from 40 to 140 minutes with an average of (60.92±27.40) minutes. The intraoperative bleeding volume was 20 to 720 ml with an average of (68.22±141.60) ml. The patients had a follow-up period of 6 to 84 months with an average of (38.50±12.75) months. The height of the intervertebral space recovered from (9.23±1.94) mm in preoperative to (12.68±2.01) mm in postoperative, and (9.11±1.72) mm at the last follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference(F=6.641, P=0.008);there was also a statistically significant difference between the postoperative and preoperative height of the intervertebral space(t=9.27, P<0.000 1);and there was also a statistically significant difference (t=10.06, P<0.000 1) between the last follow-up and postoperative height of the intervertebral space. At the last follow-up, cage subsidence grading was as follows:level 0 in 69 cases (76 segments), levelⅠin 17 cases (43 segments), level Ⅱin 5 cases (14 segments), and level Ⅲ in 1 case (1 segment);according to the number of segments, normal subsidence accounts for 56.72%, abnormal subsidence accounts for 43.28%. Bone mineral desity of normal subsidence groups was -0.50±0.07 whinch was better than that the abnormal subsidence groups -2.10±0.43, and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=2.275, P=0.014). As well as there was a statistically significant difference in the patient's VAS of backache from (6.28±2.11) in preoperative to (1.48±0.59) in last follow-up(t=8.56, P<0.05). The ODI recovered from (36.30±7.52)% before surgery to (10.20±2.50)% at the last follow-up, with a statistically significant difference (t=7.79, P<0.000 1). Complications involved 4 cases of intraoperative vascular injury, 21 cases of endplate injury, and 4 cases of combined vertebral fractures. The incision skin has no necrosis or infection. There were 4 cases of left sympathetic chain injury, 4 cases of transient left hip flexion weakness, 2 cases of left thigh anterolateral numbness with quadriceps femoris weakness, and 1 case of incomplete intestinal obstruction;8 cases were treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation due to fusion cage settlement accompanied by stubborn lower back pain, and 6 cases were treated with fusion cage settlement and lateral displacement. According to the actual number of cases, there were 38 complications, with an incidence rate of 41.3%.
CONCLUSION
The application of Stand alone OLIF in lumbar spine disease fusion has achieved good early results, with obvious clinical advantages, but also there are high probability of complications. It is recommended to choose carefully. It is necessary to continuously summarize and gradually clarify and complete the surgical indications and specific case selection criteria.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Spinal Fusion/methods*
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries*
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged, 80 and over
5.Bone loss in patients with spinal cord injury: Incidence and influencing factors.
Min JIANG ; Jun-Wei ZHANG ; He-Hu TANG ; Yu-Fei MENG ; Zhen-Rong ZHANG ; Fang-Yong WANG ; Jin-Zhu BAI ; Shu-Jia LIU ; Zhen LYU ; Shi-Zheng CHEN ; Jie-Sheng LIU ; Jia-Xin FU
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(6):477-484
PURPOSE:
To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of bone loss in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
METHODS:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Patients with SCI in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2023 were collected. According to the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites, the patients were divided into the lumbar spine group and the hip joint group. According to the BMD value, the patients were divided into the normal bone mass group (t > -1.0 standard deviation) and the osteopenia group (t ≤ -1.0 standard deviation). The influencing factors accumulated as follows: gender, age, height, weight, cause of injury, injury segment, injury degree, time after injury, start time of rehabilitation, motor score, sensory score, spasticity, serum value of alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus. The trend chart was drawn and the influencing factors were analyzed. SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis. Correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between the BMD values of the lumbar spine and bilateral hips. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of osteoporosis after SCI. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS:
The incidence of bone loss in patients with SCI was 66.3%. There was a low concordance between bone loss in the lumbar spine and the hip, and the hip was particularly susceptible to bone loss after SCI, with an upward trend in incidence (36% - 82%). In this study, patients with SCI were divided into the lumbar spine group (n = 100) and the hip group (n = 185) according to the BMD values of different sites. Then, the lumbar spine group was divided into the normal bone mass group (n = 53) and the osteopenia group (n = 47); the hip joint group was divided into the normal bone mass group (n = 83) and the osteopenia group (n = 102). Of these, lumbar bone loss after SCI is correlated with gender and weight (p = 0.032 and < 0.001, respectively), and hip bone loss is correlated with gender, height, weight, and time since injury (p < 0.001, p = 0.015, 0.009, and 0.012, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of bone loss after SCI was high, especially in the hip. The incidence and influencing factors of bone loss in the lumbar spine and hip were different. Patients with SCI who are male, low height, lightweight, and long time after injury were more likely to have bone loss.
Humans
;
Spinal Cord Injuries/complications*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Incidence
;
Adult
;
Bone Density
;
Middle Aged
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Osteoporosis/etiology*
;
Lumbar Vertebrae
;
Bone Diseases, Metabolic/etiology*
;
Aged
;
Risk Factors
6.Application of superficial ultrasonography in diagnosing and guiding management of a refractory scalp wound complicated by epidural abscess.
Yu LING ; Hongyang HU ; Gang XIANG ; Panpan LYU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(5):637-640
A middle-aged patient presented with persistent purulent discharge from a scalp incision five years after undergoing craniotomy with artificial dura mater implantation. The wound showed no significant improvement despite a month of systemic antibiotic therapy and local debridement. Subsequent superficial ultrasonography revealed complete separation of the artificial dura mater implant area from the surrounding flap tissue, with a loss of local blood supply. Based on these findings, the artificial dura mater was surgically removed, and a free skin flap transplantation was performed to successfully cover the wound. The wound was well-healed at the 10-month postoperative follow-up.
Humans
;
Scalp/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Epidural Abscess/etiology*
;
Ultrasonography
;
Surgical Flaps
;
Surgical Wound Infection/surgery*
;
Dura Mater/surgery*
7.He's Yangchao decoction ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency by regulating 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 in mice.
Renxin HU ; Ying ZHAO ; Yu WU ; Yuting ZHANG ; Qing LIU ; Fangxuan LIN ; Qin ZHANG ; Chenyun MIAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;():1-11
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the molecular mechanism by which He's Yangchao Decoction (HSYC) improves ovarian function in a mouse model of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
METHODS:
Forty ICR mice were used to establish a POI model via intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and were randomly assigned to four groups: model control group, low-dose HSYC group, high-dose HSYC group, and estradiol group (positive control). Additionally, 10 age-matched ICR mice were selected as the blank control group. After intragastric intervention, the ovarian index, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and ovarian tissue expression of the FSH receptor (FSHR) were measured. A POI cell model was established by treating the human granulosa tumor cell line (KGN) with 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide. The cells were divided into four groups: solvent control group, HSYC group, inhibitor control group, and inhibitor+HSYC group, which were respectively treated with TH5487 (an OGG1 inhibitor) and HSYC-containing serum. The expressions of OGG1, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidative damage markers, and pyroptosis-related proteins were detected by molecular docking, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank control group, the model control group showed a decreased ovarian index (P<0.05) and increased serum FSH levels (P<0.01). The ovarian index was higher in both the low- and high-dose HSYC groups compared with the model control group (both P<0.05). FSHR expression in ovarian tissue was lower in the model control group than that in the blank control group, but was higher in the high-dose HSYC group compared with the model control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinity between the active components of HSYC and OGG1 (binding energy: -6.3 to -8.3 kcal/mol). Western blotting analysis revealed that OGG1 protein expression in the ovaries of the model control group was significantly reduced compared with the blank control group, while it was increased in the low-dose HSYC group and the estradiol group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the expression levels of mito-chondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) were decreased in the model control group compared with the blank control group (P<0.01), whereas their expressions were significantly elevated in the high-dose HSYC group and the estradiol group (all P<0.01). Cell experiments showed that TH5487 intervention increased the expression of 8-oxoguanine (8-OxoG) (P<0.01), while HSYC-containing serum intervention reduced 8-OxoG expression and increased TFAM expression (P<0.01). The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, N-GSDMD, caspase-1, IL-1β) increased after TH5487 intervention (P<0.05), whereas HSYC-containing serum suppressed their expression (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
HSYC improves POI by upregulating OGG1 expression, mitigating mtDNA oxidative damage, and inhibiting granulosa cell pyroptosis.
8.Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Cold Agglutinin Disease Patients with Positive Results of Acidified-Serum Lysis Test.
Zhao WANG ; Xiao-Xue WANG ; Run-Lin AN ; Li-Jin BO ; Yu-Ping ZHAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):575-579
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the clinical features and laboratory characteristics of patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD)/cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS) who were positive for acidified-serum lysis test (Ham test), and to compare them with Ham test negative CAD/CAS patients and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients, in order to provide references for the differential diagnosis of these diseases.
METHODS:
53 patients diagnosed with CAD/CAS and 67 patients diagnosed with classic PNH in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped according to clinical diagnosis and results of cold agglutinin test (CAT), direct antiglobulin test (DAT), Ham test and PNH clone detection. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of each group were compared.
RESULTS:
The patients were grouped as follows: Ham- CAD/CAS group, CAD/CAS patients negative for Ham test (n=36); Ham+ CAD/CAS group, CAD/CAS patients positive for Ham test (n=17); classic PNH group (n=67). Compared with the classic PNH group, the Ham+ CAD/CAS group had a higher median age (P =0.024), weaker positivity of Ham test, higher positive rates of CAT and DAT, and lower positive rate of PNH clone detection (all P <0.001). The proportions of patients with splenomegaly and cyanosis in Ham+ CAD/CAS group were significantly higher than those in classic PNH group (P =0.002 and P <0.001). Ham+ CAD/CAS group displayed lower red blood cell count (RBC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level (P =0.007 and P <0.001), and higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) level (P =0.003, P =0.004 and P =0.006) than those in classic PNH group. The levels of serum complement C3 and C4 in Ham+ CAD/CAS group were lower than those in classic PNH group (P =0.001 and P <0.001). The positive rate of urinary occult blood in Ham+ CAD/CAS group was lower than that in classic PNH group (P =0.010). The clinical and laboratory characteristics of Ham+ CAD/CAS group were similar to those of Ham- CAD/CAS group, except for median age, hemoglobin (Hb), MCHC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), reticulocyte ratio (Ret), Ham test results, DAT positive types, and proportion of splenomegaly.
CONCLUSION
Some clinical features and laboratory indicators of CAD/CAS patients with positive results of Ham test are different from those of classic PNH patients, but relatively similar to those of CAD/CAS patients with negative results of Ham test. These results may provide a reference for differential diagnosis of related diseases.
Humans
;
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/blood*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/diagnosis*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Coombs Test
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
9.Preparation and Evaluation of Clinical-Grade Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells with High Expression of Hematopoietic Supporting Factors.
Jie TANG ; Pei-Lin LI ; Xiao-Yu ZHANG ; Xiao-Tong LI ; Fu-Hao YU ; Jia-Yi TIAN ; Run-Xiang XU ; Bo-Feng YIN ; Li DING ; Heng ZHU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):892-898
OBJECTIVE:
To prepare clinical-grade human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) with high expression of hematopoietic supporting factors and evaluate their stem cell characteristics.
METHODS:
Fetal umbilical cord tissues were collected from healthy postpartum women during full-term cesarean section. Wharton's jelly was mechanically separated and hUC-MSCs were obtained by explant culture method and enzyme digestion method in an animal serum-free culture system with addition of human platelet lysate. The phenotypic characteristics of hUC-MSCs obtained by two methods were detected by flow cytometry. The differences in proliferation ability between the two groups of hUC-MSCs were identified through CCK-8 assay and colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay. The differences in multilineage differentiation potential between the two groups of hUC-MSCs were identified through induction of adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. The mRNA expression levels of hematopoietic supporting factors such as SCF, IL-3, CXCL12, VCAM1 and ANGPT1 in the two groups of hUC-MSCs were identified by real-time fluorescence quantiative PCR(RT-qPCR).
RESULTS:
The results of flow cytometry showed that hUC-MSCs obtained by the two methods both expressed high levels of CD73, CD90 and CD105, while lowly expressed CD31, CD45 and HLA-DR. The results of CCK-8 and CFU-F assay showed that the proliferation ability of hUC-MSCs obtained by explant culture method was better than those obtained by enzyme digestion method. The results of the triple lineage differentiation experiment showed that there was no significant difference in multilineage differentiation potential between the two grous of hUC-MSCs. The results of RT-qPCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of hematopoietic supporting factors SCF, IL-3, CXCL12, VCAM1 and ANGPT1 in hUC-MSCs obtained by explant cultrue method were higher than those obtained by enzyme digestion method.
CONCLUSION
Clinical-grade hUC-MSCs with high expression levels of hematopoietic supporting factors were successfully cultured in an animal serum-free culture system.
Humans
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Umbilical Cord/cytology*
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Female
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Chemokine CXCL12/metabolism*
;
Angiopoietin-1/metabolism*
;
Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism*
;
Stem Cell Factor/metabolism*
;
Flow Cytometry
;
Pregnancy
10.Exploring urban versus rural disparities in atrial fibrillation: prevalence and management trends among elderly Chinese in a screening study.
Wei ZHANG ; Yi CHEN ; Lei-Xiao HU ; Jia-Hui XIA ; Xiao-Fei YE ; Wen-Yuan-Yue WANG ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Quan-Yong XIANG ; Qin TAN ; Xiao-Long WANG ; Xiao-Min YANG ; De-Chao ZHAO ; Xin CHEN ; Yan LI ; Ji-Guang WANG ; FOR THE IMPRESSION INVESTIGATORS AND COORDINATORS
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):246-254
BACKGROUND:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate urban-rural disparities in its prevalence and management in elderly Chinese.
METHODS:
Consecutive participants aged ≥ 65 years attending outpatient clinics were enrolled for AF screening using handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from April 2017 to December 2022. Each ECG rhythm strip was reviewed from the research team. AF or uninterpretable single-lead ECGs were referred for 12-lead ECG. Primary study outcome comparison was between rural and urban areas for the prevalence of AF. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of clinical characteristics between rural and urban participants, while the Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare between-group proportions. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AF and various patient characteristics.
RESULTS:
The 29,166 study participants included 13,253 men (45.4%) and had a mean age of 72.2 years. The 7073 rural participants differed significantly (P ≤ 0.02) from the 22,093 urban participants in several major characteristics, such as older age, greater body mass index, and so on. The overall prevalence of AF was 4.6% (n = 1347). AF was more prevalent in 7073 rural participants than 22,093 urban participants (5.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01), before and after adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and prior medical history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overweight/obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) in urban areas and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.93) in rural areas as specific risk factors for prevalent AF. In patients with known AF in urban areas (n = 781) and rural areas (n = 338), 60.6% and 45.9%, respectively, received AF treatment (P < 0.01), and only 22.4% and 17.2%, respectively, received anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
In China, there are urban-rural disparities in AF in the elderly, with a higher prevalence and worse management in rural areas than urban areas. Our study findings provide insight for health policymakers to consider urban-rural disparity in the prevention and treatment of AF.


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