The prognostic value of a new left bundle branch block in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Heart Lung. 2017 Mar-Apr;46(2):85-91. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2016.11.002. Epub 2016 Dec 10.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of new left bundle branch block (LBBB) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Background: LBBB develops in many cardiac conditions, including AMI. The empirical evidence for the contribution of LBBB to mortality in AMI is not consistent.

Methods: Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched. Inverse variance meta-analysis was performed with odds ratios as the effect estimates. The I2 statistic and risk of bias were assessed.

Results: Eight studies involving 105,861 participants were eligible. New LBBB was associated with higher mortality at 30 days (OR: 2.10, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.48) and 1-year follow up (OR: 2.81, 95% CI 1.64 to 4.80), and increased heart failure risk (OR: 2.64, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.77).

Conclusions: AMI patients with new LBBB are a high risk group and must be treated accordingly. Yet, more research is needed given the limitations of studies.

Keywords: Acute myocardial infarction; Bundle branch block; Meta-analysis; Mortality; Prognosis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Bundle-Branch Block* / diagnosis
  • Bundle-Branch Block* / epidemiology
  • Bundle-Branch Block* / etiology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Myocardial Infarction / complications*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Survival Rate / trends