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Impact of electric cardioversion on platelet activation.

Authors :: Haidl H
Gaugler J
Cvirn G
Jasser-Nitsche H
Schwinger W
Pohl S
Bisping E
Gallistl S
Schlagenhauf A
Source :: PloS one [PLoS One] 2021 Apr 22; Vol. 16 (4), pp. e0250353. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Apr 22 (Print Publication: 2021).
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) comes along with high risk of stroke. This risk continues even after re-establishing sinus rhythm with cardioversion. Aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of electric cardioversion (EC) to platelet activation and procoagulatory tendency.<br />Methods: Extent of platelet activation before and after electric cardioversion was quantified using flow cytometry, impedance aggregation measurements with Multiplate®, and quantification of serum levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and ß-thromboglobulin (ß-TG) in patients with AF (N = 10).<br />Results: No significant differences were observed in any of the measured parameters comparing the values from before and after cardioversion. Geometric means of P-selectin expression and integrin αIIbβ3 activation were 0.27 (+/- 0.07) and 2.30 (+/- 2.61) before EC and 0.28 (+/- 0.17) and 1.67 (+/- 1.82) after EC. Levels of ß-TG were 110.11 ng/ml (+/- 3.78) before and 110.51 ng/ml (+/- 2.56) after EC, levels of PF4 were 35.64 ng/ml (+/- 12.94) before and 32.40 ng/ml (+/- 4.95) after EC. Platelet aggregation triggered with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid, collagen, Ristocetin, or thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) revealed results within the normally expected ranges without significant changes before and after EC.<br />Discussion: Electric cardioversion has no influence on platelet activation markers which is in agreement with other studies reporting electrical cardioversion to be safe.<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.