The role of adenosine challenge in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Aims Adenosine may unmask dormant PV conduction and facilitate consolidation of PV isolation. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the impact of adenosine administration on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PVI. Methods References and electronic databases reporting AF ablation and adenosine following PVI were searched through to 22nd November 2015. The impact of adenosine on freedom from AF was assessed in twenty publications after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and in four publications after cryoablation to achieve PVI. Relative risks were calculated and combined in a meta-analysis using random effects modeling. Results In patients undergoing RFA with adenosine challenge, there was a significant reduction in freedom from AF in patients with versus without adenosine induced reconnection (RR 0.86; 95%CI 0.77–0.98; p = 0.02) particularly if no further ablation was performed (RR 0.66; 95%CI 0.50–0.87; p < 0.01). There was no difference when comparing outcomes in studies of routine adenosine challenge vs no adenosine (RR 1.07; 95%CI 0.93–1.22; p = 0.36). There was a non-significant trend to an increase in freedom from AF in patients receiving routine adenosine challenge (RR 1.18 95%CI 0.99–1.42; p = 0.07) in non-randomized studies using cryoablation. Conclusion Adenosine induced PV reconnection following PVI is associated with a significant increase in AF recurrence, particularly if the reconnection sites are not targeted for ablation. The routine use of adenosine may be beneficial in AF ablation if given early post-PVI, at sufficient dose and reconnection is ablated.