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Research Article
Kelvin N.V. Bush
San Antonio Military Medical Center
Corresponding Author
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
INTRODUCTION
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a recognized disqualifying condition for United States military pilots impacting deployments and retention. This study aims to characterize United States active duty (AD) pilots with AF and review deployment and retention rates associated with medical and ablative therapies.
METHODS
An observational analysis was performed to assess AD pilots diagnosed with AF in the largest military regional healthcare system from 2004 to 2019. Baseline characteristics and AF management were reviewed.
RESULTS
27 AD pilots (mean age, 37.3±7.9 years; mean BMI, 27.3±3.1 kg/m2; 100% male sex) were diagnosed with AF during the study dates. 17 (63%) were Air Force pilots with hypertension as the most common risk factor (26%) and overall low CHA2DS2-VASc scores (mean 0.29±0.47). 22 (82%) pilots evenly received medical rate and rhythm strategies (41% and 41%, respectively). 16 (59%) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with zero complications. 11 (41%) pilots received warfarin and 5 (19%) received a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for stroke prevention. After diagnosis 12 (44%) pilots deployed and 25 (93%) were military retained. PVI was not associated with a change in subsequent deployments rates (PVI, 38% vs No PVI, 55%; p=0.3809) or retention rates (PVI, 94 % vs no PVI, 91%; p=0.7835).
CONCLUSIONS
United States military pilots diagnosed with AF are younger patients with few traditional AF risk factors. They receive medical rate and rhythm strategies equally. Many pilots maintain deployment eligibility and most remain on AD status after diagnosis. PVI is not associated with changes in retention or deployment rates.
Keywords
atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, pilots, military, ablation, pulmonary vein isolation
No competing interests reported.
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Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 09 Apr, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 12 May, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 11 May, 2021
Reviews received
Received 02 May, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 18 Apr, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 18 Apr, 2021
Editor assigned
On 11 Apr, 2021
Editor invited
On 08 Apr, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 08 Apr, 2021
First submitted
On 06 Apr, 2021
Metrics
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PDF Downloads: ...
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A new preprint design is coming!
We have improved readability, clarity, accessibility, and opportunities for engagement.
This preprint is under consideration at BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research Article
Kelvin N.V. Bush
San Antonio Military Medical Center
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 09 Apr, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major revision
On 12 May, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 11 May, 2021
Reviews received
Received 02 May, 2021
Reviewers agreed
On 18 Apr, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 18 Apr, 2021
Editor assigned
On 11 Apr, 2021
Editor invited
On 08 Apr, 2021
Submission checks complete
On 08 Apr, 2021
First submitted
On 06 Apr, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
INTRODUCTION
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a recognized disqualifying condition for United States military pilots impacting deployments and retention. This study aims to characterize United States active duty (AD) pilots with AF and review deployment and retention rates associated with medical and ablative therapies.
METHODS
An observational analysis was performed to assess AD pilots diagnosed with AF in the largest military regional healthcare system from 2004 to 2019. Baseline characteristics and AF management were reviewed.
RESULTS
27 AD pilots (mean age, 37.3±7.9 years; mean BMI, 27.3±3.1 kg/m2; 100% male sex) were diagnosed with AF during the study dates. 17 (63%) were Air Force pilots with hypertension as the most common risk factor (26%) and overall low CHA2DS2-VASc scores (mean 0.29±0.47). 22 (82%) pilots evenly received medical rate and rhythm strategies (41% and 41%, respectively). 16 (59%) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with zero complications. 11 (41%) pilots received warfarin and 5 (19%) received a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for stroke prevention. After diagnosis 12 (44%) pilots deployed and 25 (93%) were military retained. PVI was not associated with a change in subsequent deployments rates (PVI, 38% vs No PVI, 55%; p=0.3809) or retention rates (PVI, 94 % vs no PVI, 91%; p=0.7835).
CONCLUSIONS
United States military pilots diagnosed with AF are younger patients with few traditional AF risk factors. They receive medical rate and rhythm strategies equally. Many pilots maintain deployment eligibility and most remain on AD status after diagnosis. PVI is not associated with changes in retention or deployment rates.
No competing interests reported.
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