Clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation screening: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

<p><b>Background:</b> Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the benefits of atrial fibrillation (AF) screening. However, since none have shown a significant reduction in stroke rates, the impact of screening on clinical outcomes remains uncertain.<br></p><p><b>Materials and methods:</b> We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs reporting clinical outcomes of systematic AF screening in participants without known AF. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) were computed for all-cause stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality, comparing screening with no screening.<br></p><p><b>Results:</b> Seven RCTs encompassing 76 458 participants were identified. One trial utilized implantable loop recorders for rhythm monitoring, while the others employed non-invasive screening methods. Pooled results indicated that AF screening was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause stroke or systemic embolism (RR 0.932, 95% CI 0.873-0.996, I2 = 0%, p = 0.037), but had no effect on major bleeding (RR 0.996, 95% CI 0.935-1.060, I2 = 0%, p = 0.876) or all-cause mortality (RR 0.987, 95% CI 0.945-1.031, I2 = 0%, p = 0.550). We estimated a number needed to screen of 148 to prevent one stroke or systemic embolism over a 10-year period in a population of 75-year-olds. When only non-invasive screening methods were considered, the reduction in strokes was not statistically significant (RR 0.942, 95% CI 0.880-1.008, I2 = 0%, p = 0.083).<br></p><p><b>Conclusions: </b>Systematic AF screening is associated with a modest yet statistically significant 7% relative reduction in stroke and systemic embolism, with no observed impact on major bleeding or all-cause mortality.</p>