Study Limitations
This investigation has several limitations. First, it was a
retrospective single-center study with a small number of subjects, and
therefore, the power is limited. Second, selection bias is a potential
problem. The renal and hepatic transplant recipients selected for CA
might have been healthier and more symptomatic than those who were not
selected, and they might also have been more likely to be cared for by
arrhythmia specialists. Thus, our patient population may not be
representative of the broader population of patients with kidney and
liver transplantation. Finally, the rate of absence of AF after CA might
be overestimated because of possibility of missing an asymptomatic
recurrence of AF. Conclusions
In conclusion, CA for AF is safe and effective in renal and hepatic
transplant recipients and may be a
suitable treatment for AF in transplant recipients. Larger studies are
needed to confirm these results and to investigate the long-term effects
of CA in renal and hepatic transplant recipients.