Progression to chronic atrial fibrillation after pacing: the Canadian Trial of Physiologic Pacing

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effect of physiologic pacing on the development of chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) in the Canadian Trial Of Physiologic Pacing (CTOPP). BACKGROUND: The role of physiologic pacing to prevent CAF remains unclear. Small randomized studies have suggested a benefit for patients with sick sinus syndrome. No data from a large randomized trial are available. METHODS: The CTOPP randomized patients undergoing first pacemaker implant to ventricular-based or physiologic pacing (AAI or DDD). Patients who were prospectively found to have persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting greater than or equal to one week were defined as having CAF. Kaplan-Meier plots for the development of CAF were compared by log-rank test. The effect of baseline variables on the benefit of physiologic pacing was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards modeling. RESULTS: Physiologic pacing reduced the development of CAF by 27.1%, from 3.84% per year to 2.8% per year (p = 0.016). Three clinical factors predicted the development of CAF: age > or =74 years (p = 0.057), sinoatrial (SA) node disease (p < 0.001) and prior AF (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a trend for patients with no history of myocardial infarction or coronary disease (p = 0.09) as well as apparently normal left ventricular function (p = 0.11) to derive greatest benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Physiologic pacing reduces the annual rate of development of chronic AF in patients undergoing first pacemaker implant. Age > or =74 years, SA node disease and prior AF predicted the development of CAF. Patients with structurally normal hearts appear to derive greatest benefits.