Objective: Stratifying patients with paroxysmal or short-term persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at greater risk of developing permanent AF is challenging. Aim of our prospective study was to evaluate association of laboratory parameters (biochemistry and complete blood count (CBC)) together with standard demographic, clinical and echocardiography parameters, with AF progression. Methods: We prospectively recruited 579 patients with AF and divided them into two groups at index hospitalization: paroxysmal or persistent (non-permanent AF), and long-term persistent or permanent AF patients (permanent AF). Clinical, echocardiographic, and relevant CBC parameters were collected. Non-permanent AF patients were selected for follow-up, with a median follow-up time of 21 months. Endpoint was progression to permanent AF. Results: Out of 409 patients with non-permanent AF, 109 (26.6%) progressed within follow-up. In a multivariate Cox regression model only increased left atrium (LA) diameter (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.20–3.87, p = 0.010), and increased red cell distribution width (RDW; HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.39, p = 0.022) showed significant independent association with progression. There were 221/409 patients with both LA ≤45 mm and RDW level ≤14.5% who progressed at a rate of only 17.6%, and showed relative risk of AF progression of 0.47 (95% CI 0.34–0.67; p < 0,001). Conclusion: Together with LA size, RDW was independently associated with AF progression. Patients with both LA size ≤45 mm and RDW level ≤14.5% are most probably the best candidates for rhythm control strategies.

Cytomegalovirus infection is one of the most serious pathogens affecting solid organ transplant recipients. Cytomegalovirus has been identified as a risk factor for graft rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Viral clearance is not achieved in all patients despite standard antiviral therapy; therefore, there is great interest in prevention and treatment strategies, as use of specific cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin, to avoid progression to organ involvement. Dose regimen of specific cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin is not well studied, especially in cytomegalovirus disease. We present the case of late onset of tissue invasive disease, pneumonitis, in young female patient after heart transplantation with acute renal failure, successfully treated with frequent intermittent cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin followed by renal dosed ganciclovir.