Prevention Of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Gut microbiota metabolism disturbance is associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Gut microbiota and its metabolites have been implicated in the development of AF. However, whether the gut–host metabolic interaction contributes to POAF is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the POAF-associated gut microbiota metabolism biomarkers and related risk model. The POAF (N = 30) patients and non-POAF (N = 60) patients from the discovery cohort exhibited significantly different microbiome and metabolome profiles. The differentiated features were mainly implicated in the bile acids (BAs) and short-chain fatty acids metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Random forest analysis identified the combination of five secondary BAs showed a powerful performance on predicting POAF in the discovery cohort, highlighting significant values of area under the curve (AUC = 0.954) and correct classification rate (CCR, 93.3%). In addition, the five secondary BAs-based risk model also exhibited good performance in differentiating the POAF (N = 114) and non-POAF individuals (N = 253) in an independent validation cohort (AUC = 0.872; CCR = 90.4%). This work revealed perturbed microbial and metabolic traits in POAF, providing potential avenues for the prediction and prevention of POAF after CABG.

Transdermal bisoprolol for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

AbstractBackgroundThe transdermal patch of bisoprolol available in Japan has been reported to demonstrate superior efficacy in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation, possibly surpassing its oral counterpart. However, there has been no systematic review and meta‐analysis assessing the efficacy of transdermal bisoprolol.MethodsA comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane to identify all relevant studies assessing the efficacy of transdermal bisoprolol in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation. The search covered studies from inception up to December 4, 2023. For data analysis, Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software was employed, using a random‐effects model to calculate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThree studies, comprising a total of 551 patients (transdermal bisoprolol 228 and control 323), were included. There was a decreased risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation or atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients treated with transdermal bisoprolol (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.67, p = .0002, I2 = 0%).ConclusionTransdermal administration of bisoprolol has consistently shown efficacy, and this pooled analysis supports its effectiveness. The heterogeneity of the included studies limits certain interpretations. Future randomized clinical trials may elucidate the superiority of transdermal administration over oral administration.

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundPostoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Epicardial injection of botulinum toxin may suppress POAF. ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of AGN-151607 for the prevention of POAF after cardiac surgery. MethodsThis phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the safety and efficacy of AGN-151607, 125 U and 250 U vs placebo (1:1:1), for the prevention of POAF after cardiac surgery. Randomization was stratified by age (<65, ≥65 years) and type of surgery (nonvalvular/valve surgery). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of continuous AF ≥30 seconds. ResultsAmong 312 modified intention-to-treat participants (placebo, n = 102; 125 U, n = 104; and 250 U, n = 106), the mean age was 66.9 ± 6.8 years; 17% were female; and 64% had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) only, 12% had CABG + valve, and 24% had valve surgery. The primary endpoint occurred in 46.1% of the placebo group, 36.5% of the 125-U group (relative risk [RR] vs placebo: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.58-1.10; P = 0.16), and 47.2% of the 250-U group (RR vs placebo: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.79-1.37; P = 0.78). The primary endpoint was reduced in the 125-U group in those ≥65 years of age (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.94; P = 0.02) with a greater reduction in CABG-only participants ≥65 years of age (RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27-0.87; P = 0.01). Rehospitalization and rates of adverse events were similar across the 3 groups. ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in the rate of POAF with either dose compared with placebo; however, there was a lower rate of POAF in participants ≥65 years undergoing CABG only and receiving 125 U of AGN-151607. These hypothesis-generating findings require investigation in a larger, adequately powered randomized clinical trial. (Botulinum Toxin Type A [AGN-151607] for the Prevention of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Participants Undergoing Open-chest Cardiac Surgery [NOVA]; NCT03779841); A Phase 2, Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose Ranging Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A [AGN 151607] Injections into the Epicardial Fat Pads to Prevent Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Open-Chest Cardiac Surgery; 2017-004399-68)

Posterior pericardiotomy and the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation and cardiac tamponade in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting – A retrospective analysis

BackgroundPost-Operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent complication of cardiac surgery and is associated with reduced survival, increased rates of cognitive changes and cerebrovascular accidents, heart failure, renal dysfunction, infection, length of stay and hospital costs. Cardiac tamponade although less common, carries high morbidity and mortality. Shed mediastinal blood in the pericardial space is a major source of intrapericardial oxidative stress and inflammation that triggers POAF. The utilisation of a posterior pericardiotomy (PP) aims to shunt blood from pericardium into the pleural space and have a role in the prevention of POAF as well as cardiac tamponade.Methods2168 patients had undergone isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting at Royal Hobart Hospital from 2008 to 2022. They were divided into PP group vs. control group. Patient baseline demographics, intraoperative data and post-operative outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsTotal incidence of new POAF and cardiac tamponade was 24% and 0.74% respectively. Primary outcome of both the incidence of POAF (20.2% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.05) and Cardiac Tamponade (0% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.05) were less in the pericardiotomy group. A subgroup analysis of patients with recent myocardial infarction showed reduced incidence of POAF in the PP group (p < 0.05). Increasing age, Body Mass Index, poor left ventricular ejection fraction (EF < 30%) and return to theatre were independent predictors of developing POAF. There were similar rates of return to theatre for bleeding however, no cases of tamponade in the pericardiotomy group. There were no complications attributable to left posterior pericardiotomy and the time added to the duration of surgery was minimal.ConclusionPosterior pericardiotomy is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of POAF and cardiac tamponade which is safe and efficient.

Partial CArdiac Denervation to Prevent Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (pCAD-POAF): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is commonly seen in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), increasing the risk of morbidity, mortality and hospital expenses. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of partial cardiac denervation, which is achieved by cutting off the ligament of Marshall and resecting the fat pad along the Waterston groove, on the prevention of POAF after CABG. Patients planned for CABG at our center will be screened for eligibility for this study. A total of 430 patients will be randomized into intervention (partial cardiac denervation) group and control group. Intraoperative high-frequency electrical stimulation and further histologic analysis will be performed among certain number of patients to confirm the existence of ganglia. All of the patients will be continuously monitored for the incidence of POAF through electrophysiologic device until the 6th day postoperatively, and required to complete a 30-day follow-up (twelve lead electrocardiogram and echocardiogram assesment) after discharge. The primary endpoint is the incidence of POAF, while the secondary endpoints are the cost-effectiveness and safety outcomes. In conclusion, this trial will evaluate whether partial cardiac denervation through cutting off the ligament of Marshall and resecting the fat pad along the Waterston groove can reduce the incidence of POAF after CABG. If this procedure is revealed to be effective and safe, it may provide a potential therapeutic approach to prevent POAF in this group of patients.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Prevention in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting by Using Perioperative HCN Channel Blockers and Selective Beta Blockers

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Prevention in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting by Using Perioperative HCN Channel Blockers and Selective Beta Blockers

OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS ADMINISTRATION IN PREVENTION OF POSTOPERATIVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DURING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT SURGERY

HighlightsThe appointment of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation during coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with coronary artery disease requires a thorough analysis of the characteristics of a patient and an assessment of clinical and echocardiographic parameters, factors influencing surgical performance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Moreover, the dosage of the drug impacts the risk of atrial fibrillation. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in short-term therapy reduce the frequency of new episodes of this arrhythmia after the intervention, however, this effect is offset by the combined use of statins. AbstractThe article presents the available literature data on the effectiveness of the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease during coronary artery bypass grafting. Possible mechanisms of the drug’s antiarrhythmic action are highlighted, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The reasons for the decrease in the activity of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are discussed.

Efficacy and Safety of Colchicine for the Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients Undergoing Major Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The role of colchicine for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiothoracic surgery is not well-established. We aimed to evaluate its potential in preventing POAF using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A literature search was performed to identify studies reporting POAF as an outcome after cardiac or thoracic surgery in adult patients randomized to either colchicine or placebo. Primary outcome measured was incidence of POAF. Secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects, sepsis, and length of stay. Subgroup analyses based on treatment durations and type of surgery were also performed, as well as regression analyses to control for covariates. We identified a total of 5377 patients (colchicine = 2,689, placebo = 2688). Although colchicine use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of POAF, risk of GI adverse effects were significantly higher. The rates of infection and length of stay were similar across the groups. Subgroup analyses showed that colchicine was effective for POAF prevention in cardiac surgery, but not in thoracic surgery. Prevention of POAF and incidence of GI adverse effects were similar in short-term and long-term colchicine treatment. Colchicine significantly reduces the incidence of POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but not in thoracic surgery.

Modulation of the autonomic nervous system for preventing perioperative atrial fibrillation: a review of literature

Introduction: Autonomic control of the heart is exerted by the neurocardiac axis, which comprises reflexes at three levels of cardiac activity: central (higher structures of the forebrain, brainstem, and spinal cord), intrathoracic extracardiac (stellate and dorsal root ganglia), and intracardiac. Neuromodulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (ganglion plexus ablation, epicardial drug infusion for temporary neurotoxicity, low-level vagus nerve stimulation, stellate ganglion blockade, baroreceptor stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, renal and pulmonary artery nerve fiber denervation) is a new therapeutic approach for managing heart rhythm disorders and cardiovascular pathologies. Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in up to 30% of patients after open cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the long-term follow-up. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the different neuromodulation approaches for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in clinical and experimental settings.Conclusion: ANS neuromodulation techniques have demonstrated high efficacy and safety for preventing POAF. Received 21 August 2023. Revised 16 October 2023. Accepted 31 October 2023. Funding: The study was supported by Russian Science Foundation (project No. 22-25-00672). Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: V.V. Shabanov, A.G. Filippenko, V.V. BeloborodovDrafting the article: V.V. Shabanov, A.G. Filippenko, T.U. Khalkhoghaev, V.I. MurtazinCritical revision of the article: V.V. ShabanovFinal approval of the version to be published: V.V. Shabanov, V.V. Beloborodov, T.U. Khalkhoghaev, V.I. Murtazin, A.G. Filippenko

Abstract 17467: Carvedilol Outperforms Metoprolol in Preventing Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery. Current guidelines suggest beta-blockers for the prevention of POAF. Carvedilol is a nonselective beta-blocker with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and various cationic channel-blocking effects. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy of carvedilol versus metoprolol in the prevention of POAF. Methods: We considered randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and retrospective studies that demonstrated the efficacy of carvedilol versus metoprolol in the prevention of POAF. Pooled data were analyzed using either the fixed-effect or random-effect model in Review Manager 5.3. The incidence of POAF was the primary endpoint, while mortality rate and bradycardia were secondary outcomes. Results: A total of five RCTs and two retrospective studies (1000 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect did not favor either of the two groups in terms of mortality rate [Risk ratio 0.45, 95 % CI (0.1-1.97), P=0.29] as well as incidence of bradycardia [Risk ratio 0.63, 95 % CI (0.32-1.23), P=0.17]. However, the incidence of POAF was lower in patients who received carvedilol compared to metoprolol [Risk ratio 0.54, 95 % CI (0.42-0.71), P &lt; 0.00001]. Conclusion: In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, carvedilol has been shown to successfully minimize the occurrence of POAF. It appeared to be more effective than metoprolol. To definitively establish the efficacy of carvedilol compared to metoprolol and other beta-blockers in the prevention of POAF, large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required.

Abstract 11520: Safety and Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgery Patients: Pulmonary Function Test Results From the Phase 2 NOVA Study

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery. Autonomic neuromodulation, including injection of botulinum toxin into epicardial fat pads, may suppress and/or attenuate atrial fibrillation. The respiratory safety of a potential preventative treatment for AF is critical. Aim: To assess efficacy and pulmonary safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A; AGN-151607) 125U and 250U vs placebo for prevention of POAF after coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery. Methods: NeurOtoxin for the PreVention of post-operative Atrial fibrillation (NOVA; NCT03779841) was a phase 2, international, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients with continuous AF ≥30 seconds within the first 30 days. Respiratory function was assessed via pulmonary function tests (PFTs) performed at baseline and day 30 after treatment. Adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and time to extubation were recorded. Results: A total of 323 patients were randomized: BoNT/A 125U (n=106), 250U (n=109), placebo (n=108). The primary endpoint occurred in 46.1% of the placebo group, 36.5% of the 125U group (relative risk [RR] vs placebo, 0.80 [95% CI: 0.58, 1.10]; P =0.16), and 47.2% of the 250U group (RR vs placebo, 1.04 [95% CI: 0.79, 1.37]; P =0.78). Baseline, day 30, and change from baseline PFT results were similar for active treatment vs placebo ( Table ). Median time to extubation was 9.7, 9.6, and 9.6 h in the placebo, 125U, and 250U groups, respectively. Respiratory AEs were reported in 42.9%, 38.1%, and 50.5% of patients, and respiratory SAEs in 11.4%, 6.7%, and 5.5% of patients in the placebo, 125U, and 250U groups, respectively. Conclusion: In this analysis of respiratory function, there appeared to be no detrimental effect of AGN-151607 compared with placebo, as evidenced by similar outcomes in PFT parameters and respiratory AE/SAE incidences among treatment arms.

Prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery: a quality improvement project

PurposePostoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) has an incidence of 20–60% in cardiac surgery. The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology Practice Advisory have recommended postoperative beta blockers and amiodarone for the prevention of POAF. By employing quality improvement (QI) strategies, we sought to increase the use of these agents and to reduce the incidence of POAF among our patients undergoing cardiac surgery.MethodsThis single-centre QI initiative followed the traditional Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle scientific methodology. A POAF risk score was developed to categorize all patients undergoing cardiac surgery as either normal or elevated risk. Risk stratification was incorporated into a preprinted prescribing guide, which recommended postoperative beta blockade for all patients and a postoperative amiodarone protocol for patients with elevated risk starting on postoperative day one (POD1). A longitudinal audit of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery was conducted over 11 months to track the use of prophylactic medications and the incidence of POAF.ResultsFive hundred and sixty patients undergoing surgery were included in the QI initiative from 1 December 2020 to 1 November 2021. The baseline rate of POAF across all surgical subtypes was 39% (198/560). The use of prophylactic amiodarone in high-risk patients increased from 13% (1/8) at the start of the project to 41% (48/116) at the end of the audit period. The percentage of patients receiving a beta blocker on POD1 did fluctuate, but remained essentially unchanged throughout the audit (34.8% in December 2020 vs 46.7% in October 2021). After 11 months, the overall incidence of POAF was 29% (24.9% relative reduction). Notable reductions in the incidence of POAF were observed in more complex surgical subtypes by the end of the audit, including multiple valve replacement (89% vs 56%), aortic repair (50% vs 33%), and mitral valve surgery (45% vs 33%).ConclusionsThis single-centre QI intervention increased the use of prophylactic amiodarone by 28% for patients at elevated risk of POAF, with no change in the early postoperative initiation of beta blockers (46.7% of patients by POD1). There was a notable reduction in the incidence of POAF in patients at elevated risk undergoing surgery.

Botulinum neurotoxins: Future innovations.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are multi-domain proteins whose potent and selective actions on nerve endings have led to innovations in both basic and clinical science. The various BoNT domains are responsible for binding to gangliosides and proteins associated with nerve cell membranes, internalization into the cell, and cleavage of one or more SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins necessary for vesicle docking and fusion. Novel modifications to BoNT molecules, such as the creation of chimeras, helped identify the protein domains responsible for various aspects of BoNT action, such as localized effects. Other molecular modifications have been introduced in attempts to increase the specificity of BoNTs for autonomic or sensory neurons, with the ultimate goal of optimizing therapeutic selectivity. This research, in turn, has led to the development of BoNT-based proteins that can target non-SNARE substrates such as phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Still others are developing different BoNT serotypes, subtypes, or variants that are longer- or shorter-acting or have faster onset for various clinical purposes. New formulations of BoNTs that provide convenience for both patients and physicians are under investigation. Novel clinical uses are being evaluated for onabotulinumtoxinA, including in the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation. All these innovations capitalize on the unique properties of BoNTs, which continue to intrigue scientists and clinicians across numerous fields of study.

Posterior pericardiotomy for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomised controlled trials.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with postoperative pericardial effusion is the most commonly reported adverse event after cardiac surgery. We aimed to determine the role of posterior pericardiotomy in preventing postoperative AF (POAF). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and EBSCO from inception until 30 June 2022. We included randomised clinical trials (RCTs) that compared posterior pericardiotomy (PP) versus control (no PP) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery. The secondary endpoints were supraventricular arrhythmias, early/late pericardial effusion, pericardial tamponade, pleural effusion, length of hospital/intensive care unit stay, intra-aortic balloon pump use, revision surgery for bleeding, and mortality. Twenty-five RCTs comprising 4,467 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall incidence rate of POAF was 11.7% in the PP group compared with 23.67% in the no PP or control group, with a significant decrease in the risk of POAF following PP (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.61). Compared with the control group, the risk of supraventricular tachycardia (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.43-0.89), early pericardial effusion (OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.22-0.46), late pericardial effusion (OR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.09-0.25), and pericardiac tamponade (OR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10-0.33) were lower in the PP group. PP is an effective intervention for reducing the risk of POAF after cardiac surgery. Also, PP is economically efficient in terms of decreasing the length of hospital stay.

Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Magnesium Sulfate for Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgeries.

Introduction The main goal of this study is to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate on preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries. AF is a type of irregular heartbeat that often occurs after heart surgery and can cause serious complications. We want to see which drug is more effective in reducing the risk of AF in patients who have had CABG surgeries without using a heart-lung machine. Materials and methods This was a randomized clinical study, conducted on patients of ASA classes III and IV who were the candidates for off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgeries, which were conducted in the cardiac operating room from the periodOctober 2020 to April 2021, at the Department of Anaesthesia, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi, Meghe. All patients were aged between 30 and 85 years and with a left ventricular ejection fraction of above 40%. Results When the two groups were compared, the incidence of arrhythmias was more in group D (a group that received injection dexmedetomidine infusion), predominantly AF with an incidence of 50% more as compared to group M (a group that received injection magnesium sulfate infusion). When hemodynamic parameters were compared, events of bradycardiaand hypotension were significantly higher in group Das compared to group M. The heart rate (HR), when compared between the two groups intraoperatively from the duration before induction of anesthesia till during sternum closure, has a significant p-value (0.0001). Similarly, when the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was compared between the two groups intraoperatively, significant hypotension was noted in group D (p-value = 0.0001). Postoperatively, in the intensive care unit when the HR and MAP were compared for 48 hours, bradycardia and hypotension were noted, but drastic changes in the mean values of the HR and MAP were not seen in both groups D and M. Conclusion When comparing the antiarrhythmic properties of the study drugs, it was observed that intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias were less with magnesium sulfate as compared with dexmedetomidine. It was also found that there were higher events of hypotension and bradycardia in the dexmedetomidine group as compared to the magnesium sulfate group.

Safety and efficacy of colchicine for the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that may prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF). The effect of this drug has been inconsistently shown in previous clinical trials. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of colchicine vs. placebo to prevent POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A systematic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted from inception till April 2023. The primary outcome was the incidence of POAF after any cardiac surgery. The secondary outcome was the rate of drug discontinuation due to adverse events and adverse gastrointestinal events. Risk ratios (RR) were reported using the Mantel Haenszel method. A total of eight RCTs comprising 1885 patients were included. There was a statistically significant lower risk of developing POAF with colchicine vs. placebo (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59-0.82; P < 0.01, I2 = 0%), and this effect persisted across different subgroups. There was a significantly higher risk of adverse gastrointestinal events (RR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.38-3.51; P < 0.01, I2 = 55%) with no difference in the risk of drug discontinuation in patients receiving colchicine vs. placebo (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.93-1.89; P = 0.11, I2 = 0%). This meta-analysis of eight RCTs shows that colchicine is effective at preventing POAF, with a significantly higher risk of adverse gastrointestinal events but no difference in the rate of drug discontinuation. Future studies are required to define the optimal duration and dose of colchicine for the prevention of POAF.

Effect of Perioperative Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on In-Hospital Postoperative Medication Costs for Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective, Single-Centre, Randomised Clinical Trial.

Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C might be a promising and effective strategy for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. This study was aimed at evaluating whether vitamin C supplementation is effective in reducing the cost of in-hospital postoperative medication used for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) or valve surgery (±CABG). The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative vitamin C supplementation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on in-hospital postoperative medication costs, while secondary endpoints were the effects on length of stay (LOS) in both the intensive care unit (ICU) and the hospital, and the incidence of POAF. From November 2018 to January 2021, 253 patients planned for CABG or valve surgery (±CABG) in AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, Belgium, and who met the inclusion criteria (≥18 years of age, all having cardiac sinus rhythm, and who provided written informed consent) were randomised into a placebo group or vitamin C group. The medication was administered orally (1g twice daily), starting from 5 days preoperatively until 10 days postoperatively. The medication used, LOS in the hospital/ICU, and development of clinically relevant POAF in the ICU were registered. Mean medication costs were €264.6±98.1 for patients in the vitamin C group and €294.9±267.3 for patients in the placebo group. When stratifying according to the type of surgery (CABG or valve surgery [±CABG]), these costs did not significantly differ. There was no significant difference in LOS or the incidence of clinically relevant POAF. Our data did not identify any short-term financial impact on postoperative medication costs after oral perioperative vitamin C supplementation (1g twice daily) for patients undergoing a CABG procedure or valve surgery (±CABG). No effect was found on the LOS or the incidence of clinically relevant POAF. Potential effects in the longer term, after intravenous administration of vitamin C or in other types of (cardiac) surgery, are still to be investigated. NCT03592680.

The Role of Vitamin D Supplementation Before Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Preventing Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Vitamin D Deficiency or Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aims to evaluate the role of preoperative vitamin D supplementation before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in vitamin D deficient or insufficient patients. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 448 subjects were selected after a detailed search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Embase in December 2022. Analysis was run using RevMan (version 5.4.1; Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). The analysis collected risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) data from the relevant studies, which were then pooled using a random effects model. A significance level of less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was considered significant. Our analysis showed that compared with the standard of care, preoperative vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient and insufficient patients effectively reduced POAF after CABG surgery (RR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4-0.9, P=0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration of hospitalization between the vitamin D supplementation group compared with the control following CABG (mean difference -0.85, 95% CI -2.13 to 0.43, P = 0.19). This meta-analysis shows that preoperative vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient and insufficient patients undergoing CABG can reduce the rate of POAF. As POAF is associated with many complications, providing vitamin D supplementation to individuals with a vitamin D deficiency undergoing CABG can improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes following surgery.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in open heart surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim. To evaluate the literature data on the efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in elective cardiac surgery, including onor off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve replacement and/or repair.Material and methods. The search for studies was carried out using the PubMed database and Google Scholar from 2005 to January 31, 2022. From the initially identified search results, 19 articles were analyzed. The design of articles corresponded to randomized clinical trials. Omega-3 PUFAs was selected as an interventional effect. The studies were to include, as an end point, the assessment of new POAF cases in the early period after open heart surgery.Results. The meta-analysis included 15 studies with 3980 patients, of which 1992 (50,0%) patients took omega-3 PUFAs. POAF occurred in 587 (29,5%) patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs and 679 (34,2%) patients on standard therapy (hazard ratio, 0,8, 0,68-0,93, p=0,004). There is a variation in effect size for POAF patients in the presented randomized clinical trials relative to the axis of the central trend and heterogeneity of studies with a significant number of patients included (I2=51%, p=0,01).Conclusion. Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed the effectiveness of omega-3 PUFAs in the prevention of POAF during open heart surgery.

Effect of Magnesium Sulfate in Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Arrhythmia among Candidates of CABG Surgery with Abnormal P-wave Duration

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, are among the most common early complications of open-heart surgery. Hypomagnesemia is one of the clinical mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of postoperative atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of magnesium sulfate on the prevention of atrial fibrillation in patients with abnormal P-wave duration who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)surgery. Methods: In this clinical trial, 150 patients participated who had undergone CABG surgery at Imam Khomeini hospital in Ahvaz in 2014. According to the inclusion criteria, the intervention and control groups were randomly matched. The intervention group, consisting of 57 patients, received 2.4 g of magnesium sulfate daily for three days and 75 patients of the control group received a placebo. Prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation by magnesium sulfate was evaluated in patients and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The two groups did not have a significant difference in terms of gender, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Also, mean P-wave duration, length of intensive care unit stay, the total length of hospitalization, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), distribution of creatinine, atrial fibrillation, and aortic clamp time in intervention and control groups were not statistically significant. Only, the total pump duration difference was reported to be statistically significant between groups. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the administration of magnesium sulfate alone cannot be helpful in the prevention of atrial fibrillation among patients with long P-wave duration. Trial Registration: https://www.irct.ir/, Identifier: IRCT2015092814190N9