Plasma myeloperoxidase: association with atrial fibrillation progression and recurrence after catheter ablation

BackgroundMyeloperoxidase (MPO), released by activated neutrophils, is significantly increased in atrial fibrillation (AF). MPO may play a role in the progression of atrial fibrillation and further involved in AF recurrence after catheter ablation. We compared plasma MPO levels in paroxysmal and persistent AF and explored their role in AF recurrence after catheter ablation. MethodsPlasma MPO levels were measured in consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF (n = 225) and persistent AF (n = 106). Samples of patients were collected from the femoral vein during catheter ablation and all patients included were followed up after catheter ablation. ResultsPlasma MPO levels increased from paroxysmal AF to persistent AF patients (56.31 [40.33-73.51] vs. 64.11 [48.65-81.11] ng/ml, p