Atrial Fibrillation - Research Paper Example

The purpose of the study “Refining Clinical Risk Stratification for Predicting Stroke and Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation Using a Novel Risk Factor-Based Approach” is to refine the 2006 Birmingham/NICE stroke risk stratification schema into a risk factor-based approach, by reclassifying and/or incorporating additional new risk factors as relevantto thromboembolism (Lip, Nieuwlaat, Pisters& Lane, 2010, 264). Statistical Procedures The study involves analysis of the 2006 Birmingham classification thus, comparisons with other schema such as the Euro Heart Survey on Atrial Fibrillation population were done as part of the analysis and statistical procedures.

The study selected 1,084 patients without mitral stenosis, history of heart valve surgery, or use of vitamin K antagonists or heparin at discharge of qualifying visit. Other stroke risk stratification schemas used are the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/European Society of Cardiology (ACC/AHA/ESC) guidelines, and the eighth American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines. . refinement of the 2006 Birmingham schema has took consideration of a risk factor-based approach taking account different potential factors for atrial fibrillation such as history of stroke, cardiac dysfunction, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, female gender, and age.

Descriptive analyses are used in the study with proportions, means, and standard deviations. Binomial approximation is used in the event rates, logistic regression in each schema, C-statistics for predicting probability of correct classification, and multivariable logistic regressions for the assessment of individual risk factors. Results of the statistical procedures are presented in tabular form. Analyses are derived from the tabular form presentation differentiating the univariate and multivariate analyses versus the designated level of significance (?). Then, patients or samples are categorized according to statistical results and are compared with other schemas.

Strengths and Weaknesses The content of the study offered an array of strengths which can be beneficial not only to the healthcare industry but to the public as well. One of its strength is the identification of other potential risk factors for the development of stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. In this way, the public will gain awareness on how to reduce their risks of the said diseases. In addition, the comparisons made in the existing schema in the real world of atrial fibrillation have made the study valid and applicable for present conditions and have made the study stronger in avoiding biases.

The exploration of the effects of single and multiple factors using univariate and multivariate analyses also contributes to the avoidance of biases. Done statistically, results are