Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Group Research Articles

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Reduced by Intraoperative and Postoperative Cell Saver System in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Objective:Postoperative atrial fibrillation is commonly seen after cardiac surgery. One of the contributing factors is mediastinal shed blood and inflammation. Cell salvage techniques can reduce allogenic blood transfusion and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reduction of postoperative atrial fibrillation by using the cell-salvage system.Methods:Patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (n = 498) were analyzed retrospectively in 2 groups. Postoperative atrial fibrillation group (n = 75) and non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group (n = 423). Preoperative and postoperative demographic and clinical data were compared between the 2 groups, respectively. Postoperative atrial fibrillation and possible contributing factors were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression analysis.Results:In the postoperative atrial fibrillation group, the patients’ age and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (Euroscore)were higher than in the non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group (P = .001 and P = .003, respectively). Postoperative intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were longer in the postoperative atrial fibrillation group than in the non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group (P = .001 and P = .046, respectively). There were no statistical differences in mortality between groups. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation decreased with the use of cell saver system and low Euroscore.Conclusion:The use of a cell salvage device intraoperatively and during the early postoperative period can decrease the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation group.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics and risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with critical burns

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients with critical burns. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. From January 2017 to December 2021, two hundred and twenty-seven critically burned aldult patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, including 173 males and 54 females, aged 19-83 (43±14) years. The admission years of patients were collected, and the percentage of patients complicated with POAF in each year was calculated. According to whether the patients were complicated with POAF or not, they were divided into POAF group (n=17) and non-POAF group (n=210). Following data were collected in patients in POAF group, including operation methods, duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss before occurrence of POAF each time, occurrence time and times of POAF, postoperative body temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin, blood glucose, blood lactate, sepsis, and electrolyte, and type, duration, and treatment of POAF. General data of patients in the two groups including age, gender, burn reason, total burn area, full-thickness burn area, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) and sepsis-related organ failure evaluation (SOFA) scores on admission, combined with underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and other types of arrhythmias), and sepsis were collected and analyzed. The mortality and factors influencing the prognosis of patients in the two groups such as mechanical ventilation time, operations times, and burn intensive care unit (BICU) length of stay were also collected and analyzed. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test or Kruskal-Wallis H test. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the general data with statistically significant differences between the two groups, and the independent risk factors influencing the onset of POAF in 227 patients with critical burns were screened. Results: From 2017 to 2021, the percentage of critically burned patients complicated with POAF increased year by year. In POAF group, eschar debridement in limbs was the main surgical procedure prior to POAF complication, with the operation time of (3.5±1.2) h and the intraoperative blood loss volume of (365±148) mL.The POAF occurred 25 times in total in patients of POAF group, mostly within one week after the injury and within 6 hours after the operation with most of these patients having POAF only once. When POAF happened, the patients were often complicated with hypothermia, anemia, hyperglycemia, high blood lactate, sepsis, and electrolyte disturbance, and few patients had complications of hypotension. The POAF lasted (5±3) h, with all being paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and most of POAF patients were reverted to sinus rhythm after amiodarone intervention. Most patients in the two groups suffered from flame burn, and the gender, age, and SOFA score on admission of patients in the two groups were similar (P>0.05); the APACHEⅡ score on admission, total burn area, full-thickness burn area, incidence proportion of sepsis, combined with diabetes and hypertension and other types of arrhythmias of patients in POAF group were significantly higher or larger than those in non-POAF group (t=3.47, with χ2 values of 7.44, 10.86, 12.63, 14.65, 6.49, and 7.52, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The full-thickness burn area, combined with other types of arrhythmias, and sepsis were the independent risk factors for POAF in 227 critically burned patients (with odds ratios of 4.45, 0.04, and 3.06, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals of 2.23-8.87, 0.01-0.22, and 1.77-5.30, respectively, P<0.01). Compared with those in non-POAF group, the mechanical ventilation time, BICU length of stay, number of operations, and mortality rate of patients in POAF group were significantly increased (Z=3.89, Z=2.57, t=3.41, χ2=3.72, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: POAF is a common postoperative complication in critically burned patients, and the incidence is increasing year by year, which seriously affects the prognosis of patients. The full-thickness burn area together with other types of arrhythmias and sepsis are the high-risk factors for POAF complication in patients with critical burns.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue-Derived IL-1β Triggers Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Background and aims: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF), defined as new-onset AF in the immediate period after surgery, is associated with poor adverse cardiovascular events and a higher risk of permanent AF. Mechanisms leading to POAF are not completely understood and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) inflammation could be a potent trigger. Here, we aim at exploring the link between EAT-secreted interleukin (IL)-1β, atrial remodeling, and POAF in a population of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Methods: We collected EAT and atrial biopsies from 40 CAD patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Serum samples and EAT-conditioned media were screened for IL-1β and IL-1ra. Atrial fibrosis was evaluated at histology. The potential role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in promoting fibrosis was explored in vitro by exposing human atrial fibroblasts to IL-1β and IL-18. Results: 40% of patients developed POAF. Patients with and without POAF were homogeneous for clinical and echocardiographic parameters, including left atrial volume and EAT thickness. POAF was not associated with atrial fibrosis at histology. No significant difference was observed in serum IL-1β and IL-1ra levels between POAF and no-POAF patients. EAT-mediated IL-1β secretion and expression were significantly higher in the POAF group compared to the no-POAF group. The in vitro study showed that both IL-1β and IL-18 increase fibroblasts’ proliferation and collagen production. Moreover, the stimulated cells perpetuated inflammation and fibrosis by producing IL-1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Conclusion: EAT could exert a relevant role both in POAF occurrence and in atrial fibrotic remodeling.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in the RICCADSA Cohort.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in 20–50% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also common in adults with CAD, and may contribute to POAF as well to the reoccurrence of AF in patients at long-term. In the current secondary analysis of the Randomized Intervention with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in Coronary Artery Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (RICCADSA) trial (Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; No: NCT 00519597), we included 147 patients with CABG, who underwent a home sleep apnea testing, in average 73 ± 30 days after the surgical intervention. POAF was defined as a new-onset AF occurring within the 30 days following the CABG. POAF was observed among 48 (32.7%) patients, occurring within the first week among 45 of those cases. The distribution of the apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) categories < 5.0 events/h (no-OSA); 5.0–14.9 events/h (mild OSA); 15.0–29.9 events/h (moderate OSA); and ≥30 events/h (severe OSA), was 4.2%, 14.6%, 35.4%, and 45.8%, in the POAF group, and 16.2%, 17.2%, 39.4%, and 27.3%, respectively, in the no-POAF group. In a multivariate logistic regression model, there was a significant risk increase for POAF across the AHI categories, with the highest odds ratio (OR) for severe OSA (OR 6.82, 95% confidence interval 1.31–35.50; p = 0.023) vs. no-OSA, independent of age, sex, and body-mass-index. In the entire cohort, 90% were on β-blockers according to the clinical routines, they all had sinus rhythm on the electrocardiogram at baseline before the study start, and 28 out of 40 patients with moderate to severe OSA (70%) were allocated to CPAP. During a median follow-up period of 67 months, two patients (none with POAF) were hospitalized due to AF. To conclude, severe OSA was significantly associated with POAF in patients with CAD undergoing CABG. However, none of those individuals had an AF-reoccurrence at long term, and whether CPAP should be considered as an add-on treatment to β-blockers in secondary prevention models for OSA patients presenting POAF after CABG requires further studies in larger cohorts.

Role of LA strain assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in predicting patients who develop POAF after a coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the correlation between left atrial dysfunction assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography and development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. To determine the role of coronary risk factors in development of POAF. Method Patients undergoing CABG from January 2019 till June 2020 in Apollo institute, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included.Total of 200 patients were followed.They were subjected to LA strain and strain rate analysis by speckle tracking. Results The incidence of POAF in our study was 24% (n=48). The mean age of this study population was 59.13 years. The patients who developed POAF were older (68.5±9.048 vs 58.39±9.74 years, p value=0.05) than those with no POAF. POAF occurred in 2 phases. the highest proportion of POAF occurrence noticed on postoperative day 2. Among the total POAF cases 79.% occurred within the first 48 hours and 20.8% occurred later (p=0.001). Among the 48 patients who developed POAF, 5 of them developed recurrence during their hospital stay. They had reverted to sinus rhythm following anti-arrhythmic medication for a duration of &amp;gt;24 hours, but went on to develop recurrence of AF at a later. 4 among them reverted to sinus rhythm at discharge while 1 continued to remain in AF at discharge.The duration of hospital stay for patients with POAF group was 10.4 days compared with 10.04 days for those without POAF. Similarly the post-operative stay in the hospital was 7.4 days for the POAF group and 7.04 days for the NO POAF.There was no added economic impact secondary to AF.Comparing the values of left atrial volume index of both the groups it was derived that the mean LAVI value of the POAF group was 26.84+3.654 ml/m2 and that for the NO POAF group was 26.6+3.037ml/m2. Though the patients with POAF had larger LA volume, the chi square test analysis did not yield any clinically significant relationship between LAVI and POAF in our study (p=0.3). The mean LA global strain for the patients with POAF was 29.73+3.695%. And for the patients with no POAF was 36.3+4.854%. LA global strain was reduced in patients who developed POAF (P&amp;lt;0.001) which indicated a strong correlation between LA strain and POAF. Conclusion There is significant correlation between Global Left Atrial Strain and POAF in patients undergoing CABG (P&amp;lt;0.001).There is no significant correlation between patient factors like age, BMI, and the conventional coronary risk factors with POAFThere is no significant correlation between the conventional echocardiographic parameters like LA diameter, LAVI, LVDD, LVSD, LVEF and transmitral flow velocities with POAF. To conclude, preoperative speckle tracking assessment of LA has a strong predictive role in determining the occurrence of POAF in patients undergoing Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Total Arch Repair Is Associated With Increased In-Hospital Mortality.

BackgroundIt is well established that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes after major cardiac operations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of new‐onset POAF after successful total arch repair surgery and the association between POAF and in‐hospital mortality.Methods and ResultsAll consecutive patients undergoing total arch repair from September 2012 to December 2019 in Fuwai hospital were enrolled (n=1280). Patients diagnosed with preoperative atrial fibrillation were excluded. POAF was diagnosed as the new‐onset atrial fibrillation or flutter for more than 5 minutes based on continuous electrocardiogram monitoring. A logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of in‐hospital mortality. Multivariable adjustment, inverse probability of treatment weighting, and propensity score matching were used to adjust for confounders. POAF was diagnosed in 32.3% (411/1271) of this cohort population. The occurrence of new‐onset POAF was associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04–1.06; P<0.001), male sex (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52–0.98; P=0.035), and surgery duration (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.12–1.28; P<0.001). The in‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with POAF than those without POAF (10.7% versus 2.4%, P<0.001). Inverse probability of treatment weighting and propensity score matching analyses confirmed the results. The increased in‐hospital mortality in POAF group still existed among subgroup analysis based on different age, sex, hypertension, smoking, and hypokalemia, combined with cardiac surgery, and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.ConclusionsMore careful attention should be given to POAF after total arch repair surgery. The incidence of POAF after total arch repair surgery was 32.3% and associated with increased in‐hospital mortality. The elderly female patient who experienced longer operation duration was at highest risk for POAF.

Early pharmacologic conversion of atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early amiodarone-based pharmacological cardioversion for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCAB).MethodsA total of 507 patients who underwent OPCAB between 2015 and 2017 were categorized into POAF (n=94) and no-POAF (n=413) groups. Patients in the POAF group were treated according to the following institutional protocol: 150 mg loading dose of intravenous amiodarone, followed by oral administration with sequential maintenance doses at 600, 400, and 200 mg per day. If sinus rhythm was restored before discharge, patients were discharged without amiodarone or anticoagulants, except for dual antiplatelets.ResultsBefore discharge at index hospitalization, 97.8% of POAF patients had restored sinus rhythm. Independent risk factors for POAF were age, unstable angina, prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and left atrial diameter. The mean follow-up duration was 41.1±12.8 months. Freedom from overall mortality and composite events, including mortality, major bleeding requiring admission and cerebrovascular events, were similar between the 2 groups. Results were consistent after propensity-score matching.ConclusionsAmiodarone-based rapid pharmacological cardioversion of POAF resulted in a high sinus rhythm conversion rate (97.9%). Rate of late adverse cardiovascular events including stroke, were low even without anticoagulation. As optimal treatment and anticoagulation guidelines for POAF after OPCAB have not yet been established, amiodarone-based treatment protocols may be considered as a useful option.

Analysis on severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus infection combined with atrial fibrillation under digital model detection

To heighten the diagnostic efficiency, in this study, the algebraic reconstruction technology (ART)-based echocardiography (ECG) was used to analyze severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (SFTSV) complicated by atrial fibrillation. From Jan. 2015 to Dec. 2019, 200 elderly patients with SFTSV infection and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) admitted to our hospital were selected as the observation group, and 20 healthy volunteers were in the control group. Then 200 patients were randomly divided into two groups with 100 people in each group. One group received routine clinical observation after surgery, and the other group received artificial intelligence atrial fibrillation monitoring. ECG displayed the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end diastolic volume index (EDVI), and end systolic volume index (ESVI) of patients. The accuracy and satisfaction of different methods in observation were recorded. The risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with HCM were evaluated, and changes in their white blood cell levels were detected. The results showed that, there was a significant difference in ECG between normal people and patients after surgery. Also, differences were noted in accuracy and satisfaction of the two methods in observation group (P < 0.05). The atrial fibrillation group and the non-atrial fibrillation group showed notable differences in smoking history and age (P < 0.05); the white blood cell content of the atrial fibrillation group was 8.64 × 109, and that in non-atrial fibrillation group was 3.25 × 109. The content of ST-2 in postoperative atrial fibrillation group was 21.3 g/mL, and the content of Gal-3 was 9.57 g/mL, while the content of ST-2 in non-atrial fibrillation group was 17.24 g/mL, and the content of Gal-3 was 5.21 g/mL. There was no significant difference in LVEF, LVMI, EDVI, ESVI between postoperative atrial fibrillation and the non-atrial fibrillation group. In summary, ECG can effectively detect HCM, and the digital model demonstrated superb capabilities in monitoring atrial fibrillation after cardiac sympathetic block. The atrial fibrillation group showed a higher level of white blood cells after surgery and was more likely to develop SFTSV infection. Measures should be taken to prevent infection.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass: A Single-Center, 5-Year Follow-Up Study.

To evaluate the risk factors and explore the mid-term outcomes of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). A total of 165 patients, who underwent isolated MIDCAB from 2012 to 2015, were enrolled in the study and retrospectively reviewed. Patients with preoperative arrhythmia, concomitant surgical procedures were excluded. All patients were continuously monitored for POAF until discharge, and two groups were formed: the non-POAF group (140 patients, 71.4% men, mean age 58.83±10.3 years) and the POAF group (25 patients, 84.0% men, mean age 64.52±9.0 years). Early and mid-term outcomes were evaluated, perioperative factors associated with POAF were analyzed with a binary logistic regression model, and the relationship between POAF and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was analyzed with Cox regression model. The incidence of POAF in this study was 15.15%. Patients in the POAF group had a significant higher risk of re-entry to ICU (2 cases: 2 cases=8.0%: 1.4%, P = 0.049), renal failure (2 cases: 1 case=8.0%: 0.7%, P = 0.018), and death (1 case: 0 case=4.0%: 0%, P = 0.018). Binary logistic regression showed gender (male), age were independent risk factors of POAF (P = 0.038, 95% confidence interval 1.082-16.286; P = 0.011, 95% confidence interval 1.015-1.117, respectively), preoperative ACEI or ARB usage was a protective factor of POAF (P = 0.010, 95% confidence interval 0.113-0.748). With a 5-year follow up, the overall MACE rate showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.067). POAF after MIDCAB was related to postoperative morbidities, such as re-entry to ICU, renal failure, and death. Gender (male) and age were independent risk factors, while preoperative ACEI or ARB usage was a protective factor. POAF has not associated the occurrence of MACE with a mid-term follow-up.

Does the volume of atrial epicardial adipose tissue predict the likelihood of postoperative atrial fibrillation?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) is involved in the early pathophysiological process of atrial fibrillation (AF). Its role in the occurrence of post-operative AF (POAF) is less well investigated. The transient occurrence of POAF suggests that surgery-induced triggers unmask a pre-existing AF substrate. Purpose As EAT induces structural changes in the atria, it is interesting to evaluate whether EAT also contributes to the substrate underlying the occurrence of early POAF (&amp;lt;30 days). We hypothesized that patients with high EAT volumes are more likely to develop POAF after cardiac surgery than patients with low EAT volumes. Methods Retrospective quantification of left atrial (LA) EAT was performed on pre-operative coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography scans of patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2009 and 2017. Patients with a history of AF or with mitral valve disease were excluded, as well as thoracic CT scans. Analysis was based on the Hounsfield Units using custom made software. Results Of the 52 included patients 28 developed POAF. Neither the percentage of EAT in the left atrial (LA) wall nor normalized EAT volumes differed between the POAF and sinus rhythm group (all P &amp;gt; 0.05). After multivariate analysis, age was the only independent predictor for early POAF (OR:1.087 [1.000–1.181]). Conclusion A role for EAT in the occurrence of early POAF was not demonstrated. This might suggest that acute, surgical factors are more important in the onset of early POAF than chronic processes associated with EAT. More and larger trials are needed to confirm these results. EAT-V in the LA wallPOAF (n = 28)SR (n = 24)P-valueEAT-V (ml)0.77 (0.41 - 1.26)0.62 (0.36 - 1.13)0.425MYO-V (ml)3.24 (2.57 - 4.80)2.89 (2.14 - 3.76)0.121% EAT LA wall17.39 ± 8.2418.33 ± 8.400.687EAT-V (ml) / BSA (m&amp;sup2;)0.42 (0.19 - 0.60)0.32 (0.22 - 0.73)1.000EAT-V (ml) / BMI (kg/m&amp;sup2;) (%)2.67 (1.13 - 4.43)2.48 (1.66 - 4.56)0.927EAT-V (ml) / LAVI (ml/m&amp;sup2;) (%)1.92 (1.00 - 4.43)1.51 (1.12 - 2.41)0.583EAT-V (ml) / MYO-V (ml) (%)21.63 (9.54 - 30.18)23.85 (16.75 - 32.79)0.244The percentage of EAT in the LA wall, EAT-V and indexed EAT-V to BSA, BMI, LAVI and MYO-V, based on post-operative rhythm outcome. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or mean ± standard deviation. EAT-V: epicardial adipose tissue volume; MYO-V; myocardial volume; LA: left atrial; BSA: body surface area; BMI: body mass index; LAVI: left atrial volume index.Abstract Figure. EAT and MYO measurements

The Prognostic Potential of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide on the Development of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiac Surgery.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) represents a common complication after cardiac surgery associated with major adverse events and poor patient outcome. Tools for risk stratification of this arrhythmia remain scarce. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) represents an easily assessable biomarker picturing atrial function and strain; however, its prognostic potential on the development of POAF has not been investigated so far. Within the present investigation, 314 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative mid-region proANP (MR-proANP) values were assessed before the surgical intervention. Patients were followed prospectively and continuously screened for the development of arrhythmic events. A total of 138 individuals (43.9%) developed POAF. Median concentrations of MR-proANP were significantly higher within the POAF group (p < 0.001). MR-proANP showed a strong association with the development of POAF with a crude odds ratio (OR) of 1.68 per 1 standard deviation (1-SD; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-2.15; p < 0.001), which remained stable after comprehensive adjustment for confounders with an adjusted OR of 1.74 per 1-SD (95% CI: 1.17-2.58; p = 0.006). The discriminatory power of MR-proANP for the development of POAF was validated by the category-free net reclassification improvement (0.23 [95% CI: 0.0349-0.4193]; p = 0.022) and integrated discrimination increment (0.02 [95% CI: 0.0046-0.0397], p = 0.013). MR-proANP proved to be a strong and independent predictor of the development of POAF. Considering a personalized diagnostic and prognostic preoperative work-up, a standardized preoperative evaluation of MR-proANP levels might help to identify patients at risk for development of POAF after cardiac surgery.

Frontal plane QRS-T angle may be a predictor for post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery atrial fibrillation

New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmia following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization, stroke, and mortality. The frontal plane QRS-T [f(QRS-T)] angle, which is defined as the angle between the directions of ventricular depolarization (QRS-axis) and repolarization (T-axis), is a novel marker of ventricular repolarization heterogeneity. The f(QRS-T) angle is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. In light of these findings, in this study, we aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the f(QRS-T) angle and POAF. 180 patients who underwent CABG between August 2017 and September 2018 were included in the study retrospectively. Two groups were established as patients who preserved postoperative sinus rhythm (n=130) and those who developed POAF (n=50). The f(QRS-T) angle and all other data were compared between groups. The fF(QRS-T) angle (p<0.001), SYNTAX score (p=0.039), serum high-sensitivity CRP levels (p=0.026), mean age (p<0.001), electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy rate (LVH) (p=0.019), and hypertension rate (p=0.007) were higher, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p<0.001) was lower in the POAF group. Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that lower LVEF (p=0.004), LVH (p=0.041), and higher age (p=0.008) and f(QRS-T) angle (p<0.001) were independently associated with POAF. High f(QRS-T) angle level is closely associated with the development of POAF. The f(QRS-T) angle can be a potential indicator of POAF.

Pericardial Mitochondrial DNA Levels Are Associated With Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inflammation has been implicated as an etiology of POAF. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been shown to initiate inflammation. This study analyzed inflammatory mechanisms of POAF by evaluating mtDNA, neutrophils, and cytokines/chemokines in the pericardial fluid and blood after cardiac surgery. Blood and pericardial fluid from patients who underwent coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery, or both, were collected intraoperatively and at 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify mtDNA in the pericardial fluid and blood. A Luminex (Luminex Corp, Austin, TX) assay was used to study cytokine and chemokine levels. Flow cytometry was used to analyze neutrophil infiltration and activation in the pericardial fluid. Samples from 100 patients were available for analysis. Postoperatively, mtDNA and multiple cytokine levels were higher in the pericardial fluid versus blood. Patients who had POAF had significantly higher levels of mtDNA in the pericardial fluid compared with patients who did not (P < .001, area under the curve 0.74). There was no difference in the mtDNA concentration in the blood between the POAF group and non-POAF group (P= .897). Neutrophil concentration increased in the pericardial fluid over time from a baseline of 0.8% to 56% at 48 hours (P < .01). The pericardial space has a high concentration of inflammatory mediators postoperatively. Mitochondrial DNA in the pericardial fluid was strongly associated with the development of POAF. This finding provides insight into a possible mechanism of inflammation that may contribute to POAF, and may offer novel therapeutic targets.

Investigation of the Effect of Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia, Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine Levels on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation on Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery Patients.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) is one of the most common complications to occur after open heart surgery. It has been shown that hypoalbuminemia accompanies some cardiovascular disorders. The present study evaluates the effects of pre-procedural albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels on PoAF. The data of 81 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery was evaluated. Patients who developed atrial fibrillation (AF) in the first 48 hours post surgery constituted the PoAF (+) group, while those without AF constituted the PoAF (-) group. The pre-procedural hematological parameters of patients in both groups were included in the analysis. The PoAF (+) group was comprised of 57 patients (70.3%) with a mean age of 65.5 ± 9.8 years, while the PoAF (-) group was comprised of 24 patients (29.7%) with a mean age of 60.6 ± 9.6 years. A comparison of the demographic characteristics of the two groups showed that age (P = .036), frequency of renal failure (P = .007), and frequency of DM (P = .001) were higher in the PoAF (+) group. An examination of the laboratory data revealed a negative correlation between Hct (P = .001) and albumin (P = .000) levels and presence of PoAF. Also, the MPV (P = .02), BUN (P = .007), and Cr (P = .043) values were higher in the PoAF (+) group. The present study, whose focus was on the effects of albumin levels on the occurrence of PoAF, found that low levels of pre-procedural albumin, as one of the major proteins in the blood, is a risk factor for the development of PoAF.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Lung Cancer Lobectomy-Analysis of Risk Factors and Prognosis.

The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after pulmonary lobectomy ranges from 6.4 to 12.6%. This study aimed to analyze the postoperative risk factors and prognosis for POAF in lobectomy for lung cancer. Data were collected from patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy from April 2010 to March 2019. We analyzed risk factors for POAF among perioperative factors and compared postoperative complications or overall survival between POAF and non-POAF groups. We classified POAF as either the temporary or non-temporary type and compared perioperative factors, postoperative complications, and overall survival. POAF was identified in 49 (5.2%) of the 947 lobectomies. The POAF group included more males, patients with poor performance status (PS), history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and intraoperative blood transfusions. Poor PS, COPD, previous paroxysmal AF, and intraoperative blood transfusion were independent risk factors for POAF in multivariate analysis. The POAF group had a poorer prognosis than the non-POAF group (p = 0.0045). POAF was divided into 29 temporary and 20 non-temporary types. The onset date of non-temporary-type POAF was significantly later than that of the transient type (P < 0.01), and diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in non-temporary-type POAF. Non-temporary-type POAF had a significantly poorer prognosis in terms of overall survival (p = 0.005). Poor PS, COPD, history of PAF, and intraoperative blood transfusion were independent risk factors for POAF. Non-temporary-type POAF occurred significantly later than transient type and caused poorer prognosis after lobectomy for lung cancer.

Predictors of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia following open heart surgery and it contributes to prolonged hospital stay, increased prevalence of thromboembolic complications and overall increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this prospective observational follow-up study was to determine the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, to identify predisposing risk factors for its occurrence in the immediate preoperative period and to assess its effect on the postoperative outcome in patients at the University Clinic for Cardiac Surgery in Skopje, North Macedonia. Material and methods: The study included patients at the University Clinic for Cardiac Surgery in Skopje, North Macedonia undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The experimental group included patients developing POAF, whereas the control group those who did not develop the primary outcome. All patients were followed up for a period of 30 days postoperatively. Results: POAF was registered in 38% of the patient population and more frequently in the elderly. Patients developing POAF had significantly higher left atrial volume index, as well as higher CHADS2-VASC2, HATCH and Euroscore I values. Average time to POAF occurrence was 48-72 hours postoperatively. There were death outcomes, thromboembolic events, longer hospital stay, need for antiarrhythmic and oral anticoagulant therapy in the POAF group. Conclusion: POAF significantly increases postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Age, higher CHADS2-VASC2, HATCH and Euroscore I values and left atrial volume were found to be significant predictors of POAF after coronary artery bypass surgery.

What Influences the Patients with Left Atrial Myxoma: From Embolism to Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Preoperative embolism and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) are two important factors associated with impaired health conditions and increased economic burden in patients with left atrial (LA) myxoma. The aim of this study was to analyze embolic events, identify predictors of POAF, and evaluate the risk of late-term survival in patients with LA myxoma. From December 2009 to December 2019, 177 consecutive patients with LA myxoma who met the selection criteria were included in the retrospective analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of POAF. Propensity score matching was used for confounder control, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the risk of late-term mortality. The study population comprised of 125 patients in non-POAF group and 52 patients in POAF group. Preoperative embolism was present in 27.1% of the all cases. By multivariate analysis, age, NYHA functional class III, LA diameter, and cross-clamp time were identified as independent predictors of in-hospital POAF. The overall survival at 1, 5, and 10years for the 177 patients was 98.9%, 93.7%, and 84.4%, respectively. There was no statistical difference in late-term survival between the two groups in the Cox proportion-adjusted survival curve. After propensity score 1:1 matching, patients with POAF had a longer postoperative hospital stay and Kaplan-Meier survival curve also showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Patients with LA myxoma after surgical treatment had a favorable prognosis. In-hospital POAF was not independently associated with late-term mortality in patients with LA myxoma.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is related to a worse outcome in patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture.

Few information exist about incidence and prognostic significance of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. In the period comprised between January 2012 and December 2016, we evaluated 3129 patients referred for hip fracture. At hospital admission 277 were in permanent atrial fibrillation and were excluded from the study. POAF was defined as symptomatic or asymptomatic AF of duration > 10min occurring during hospitalization after hip surgery. In-hospital and 1-year outcomes of POAF patients were compared to that of an age- and sex-matched hip fracture control group. Survival rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves and differences between groups compared by log-rank test. One hundred and four patients (mean age 83.7years, men 27%) developed POAF (3.6%). Time of onset after surgery was on average 2days after surgery. Eight POAF patients died during hospitalization. 81.7% were discharged in sinus rhythm. Patients with POAF had a longer time to surgery (3.8 ± 3.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.6days, p = 0.0007) and length of hospital stay (19.7 ± 10.4 vs. 14.4 ± 5.1days p < 0.0001) in comparison to control group. Eight patients had AF recurrence during follow-up. 1-year mortality was significantly higher in POAF group in comparison to control group (39.3. vs 20.9%, p < 0.001). Postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery is associated with a longer length of hospital stay in comparison to patients who maintain stable sinus rhythm. Moreover, these patients had a significant higher mortality at 1-year follow-up.

Fragmented QRS complexes are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation development after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) is one of the most frequent complications and a major risk factor of morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) on a 12-lead surface ECG is recently gained increasing attention as a simplified noninvasive ECG marker with diagnostic and prognostic value in various cardiac conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between development of PoAF and presence of fQRS on admission ECG in patients undergoing CABG surgery. A total of 242 patients who underwent CABG between February 2016 and June 2018 were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups as developing and nondeveloping PoAF groups in the postoperative period. fQRS was defined as the presence of various RSR' patterns including an additional R wave, notching of the R or S waves, or the presence of more than one fragmentation in two contiguous leads. In-hospital mortality was higher in PoAF (+) group compared to PoAF (-) group (20.5 vs. 6.4%, P = 0.004). PoAF rate was higher in fQRS (+) group than fQRS (-) group (25.3 vs. 9.8%, P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the presence of fQRS complexes on admission ECG [odds ratio (OR) 2.801, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.262-6.211, P = 0.011) and hemoglobin (OR 0.794; 95% CI, 0.641-0.985; P = 0.036) were identified as independent predictors of PoAF after CABG surgery. The presence of fQRS on admission ECG was found to be an independent predictor of PoAF in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: Electrophysiological Mechanism and Outcome

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with an inferior outcome. The high cure rate compared with non-POAF raises questions regarding the electrophysiologic mechanism. Despite being common, until now the electrophysiologic mechanism of POAF was never assessed. Ten patients (5 men; mean age, 75 ± 5 years) with POAF underwent noninvasive 3-dimensional beat-by-beat mapping and were compared with 10 patients (6 men; mean age, 70 ± 10 years) with preoperative persistent AF (PEAF) undergoing open heart procedures. Three-dimensional mappings were compared by the nature and location of focal and rotor activity using the validated Bordeaux classification. Rotor activity was present in both atria of all patients; 299 rotors (mean, 30 ± 12) were mapped in the POAF group and 289 (mean, 29 ± 22) in the PEAF group. The most common region for macro reentry in both groups was the pulmonary vein area. Left atrium and left atrial appendage activity accounted for 59% (177/299 POAF group) and 62% (180/289 PEAF group) of all drivers. Rotor activity in the right atrium was documented in all patients. Focal activity was captured in only 2 patients in the POAF group and in 6 patients in the PEAF group. The mechanism of POAF is comparable with that of PEAF. Rotor activity was similar in both groups, but focal activity was numerically less common in the POAF group, which may be related to differences in atrial tissue remodeling. In POAF, transient substrate changes seem to facilitate the development of AF. A better understanding of atrial tissue changes by mapping and tissue analysis should lead to better preventive approaches.