Prophylaxis Of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Designing Microneedle Patch for Prophylaxis of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery, which often occurs within 30 postoperative days, especially peaking at 2-3 days. Antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone are recommended in clinical practice for the prophylaxis and treatment of POAF. However, conventional oral administration is hindered due to delayed drug action and high risks of systemic toxicity, and emerging localized delivery strategies suffer from a limited release duration (less than 30 days). Herein, we develop a microneedle (MN) patch for localized delivery of amiodarone to the atria in a "First Rapid and Then Sustained" dual-release mode. Specifically, this patch is composed of a needle array integrated with an amiodarone-loaded reservoir for a sustained and steady release for over 30 days; and an amiodarone-containing coating film deposited on the needle surface via the Langmuir-Blodgett technique for a rapid release at the first day. Upon this design, only one MN patch enables a higher drug accumulation in the atrial tissue at the first day than oral administration and simultaneously remains therapeutical levels for over 30 days, despite at a significantly reduced drug dosage (5.08 mg in total versus ∼10 mg per day), thereby achieving ideal preventive effects and safety in a rat model. Our findings indicate that this MN device provides a robust and efficient delivery platform for long-term prophylaxis of POAF.

Amiodarone versus beta-blockers for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background: Amiodarone and beta-blockers are widely used as prophylaxis for postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). The current recommendations from society guidelines are inconclusive, leading to differing practices among physicians. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of both agents in preventing postoperative AF after cardiac surgery. Methods: We explored online medical databases, such as CINAHL, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing amiodarone and beta-blocker for prevention of AF after cardiac surgery. Outcomes analysed in this study were AF number of events and duration, hospital stay, and mean ventricular rate. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² test, and publication bias was analysed using Egger’s test. Results: In total, eight RCTs comprising 1370 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis showed that patients in both groups had no significant difference in both AF episodes (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.04, p=0.10) and AF duration (SMD 0.46, 95% CI -1.14 to 2.05, p=0.57). Furthermore, secondary outcome analysis on mean ventricular rate and mean hospital length of stay in both groups showed no significant difference (MD -4.48, 95% CI -14.36 to 5.39, p=0.37 and MD 0.29, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.63, p=0.11, respectively). Conclusions: Amiodarone and beta-blockers are equally effective in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, with no difference in AF episode and duration, mean ventricular rate, and hospital length of stay.

Abstract 12351: Perioperative Interventions for Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication of cardiac surgery, which increases the risk of stroke and death, the length of hospital stays, and costs. Guidelines recommendations on the use of β-blockers (BBs) have only a modest influence on overall rates of POAF. The key clinical outcomes such as stroke and death have not been improved. The best approach to prophylaxis remains obscure. Method: We used Bayesian network meta-analysis to synthesize evidences from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared interventions for POAF prophylaxis. The primary outcomes were incidence of POAF hypotension and bradycardia. Results: We included 262 RCTs with 52636 participants (age > 18, undergoing CABG, valvular or combined surgery), in which 14 different interventions were investigated. For the incidence of POAF, sotalol, amiodarone, BBs, posterior pericardiotomy, atrial pacing, magnesium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, colchicine, glucocorticoid and statin had positive results compared to placebo with statistical significance. The best three therapeutics were sotalol (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.21-0.41; probability of being best 84.6%), amiodarone (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.31-0.48) and BBs (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.31-0.49). For safety, BBs (OR 4.09, 95% CI 2.10-7.96), magnesium (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.09-5.76) and sotalol (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.06-4.05) were associated with higher incidence of hypotension. Sotalol (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.66-4.74) and amiodarone (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.66-3.10) were associated with higher incidence of bradycardia. For secondary outcomes, no significant effect on all-cause or cardiovascular mortality was observed. Amiodarone was the only intervention that reduced stroke rate (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.96). Conclusions: Sotalol appeared to be superior in efficiency compared with others. BBs do not work as well as we expected with the highest incidence of hypotension.Further studies are required to define the better interventions

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: Features, Mechanisms, and Clinical Management.

Advances in atrial fibrillation (AF) management, perioperative medicine, and surgical techniques have reignited an interest in postoperative AF (POAF). POAF results from the interaction among subclinical atrial substrate, surgery-induced substrate, and transient postoperative factors. Prophylaxis for POAF after cardiac surgery is well established but the indications for preoperative treatment in noncardiac surgery need further investigation. A rate-control strategy is adequate for most asymptomatic patients with POAF and anticoagulation should be initiated for POAF more than 48 to 72 hours postsurgery. Research is needed to improve evidence-based management of POAF and guide long-term management in view of the substantial late recurrence-rate.

Metoprolol versus low-dose sotalol for prevention of high-risk post coronary artery bypass grafting atrial fibrillation

Background: The optimal therapeutic strategy for high-risk postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains less well defined. Our objectives were to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic metoprolol versus low-dose sotalol regimens to prevent high-risk atrial fibrillation (AF) following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
 Methods: We assigned 113 consecutive patients referred for CABG to either metoprolol or low-dose sotalol regimen. The primary end-point was the frequency of POAF during the 6-week follow-up.
 Results: Out of 113 patients enrolled, 52.2% % received metoprolol (n= 59) while 44.8% received sotalol (n= 54). The frequency of POAF at follow-up was significantly higher among the metoprolol group (59.3 % versus 50 %; P=0.017). The predictors of POAF were: age > 60 years (OR: 1.86 (1.01-4.41); P= 0.03), EF (OR: 2 (1.05-3.83); P= 0.02), and sotalol was protective against POAF (OR= 0.49%; (95% CI=0.25 -0.97); P=0.02). The length of hospital stay was significantly higher in the metoprolol group (7.5±1.3 % versus 6.1±1.2 days; P<0.001).
 Conclusion: Prophylactic low-dose sotalol could be superior to metoprolol for the prophylaxis of POAF in high-risk patients. However, Larger prospective multicenter randomized trials are needed to confirm our findings.

To determine the Effectiveness of current management for the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgeries

To determine the Effectiveness of current management for the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgeries

Metoprolol for prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PurposePostoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a potentially lethal and morbid complication after open heart surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate metoprolol compared with other treatments for prophylaxis against POAF.MethodsWe searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial registries for randomised controlled trials that evaluated metoprolol for preventing the occurrence of POAF after surgery against other treatments or placebo. Random-effects model was used for estimating the risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% CIs.ResultsNine trials involving 1570 patients showed metoprolol reduced POAF compared with placebo (416 patients; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.66; I²=21%; risk difference (RD) –0.19, 95% CI –0.28 to –0.10). However, metoprolol increased the risk of POAF compared with carvedilol (159 patients; RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.12; I²=4%; RD 0.13, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.20). There was no difference when compared with sotalol or amiodarone. The occurrence of cardiovascular conditions after drugs administration or death between the groups was not different. The overall quality of evidence was moderate to high. Subgroup analysis and funnel plot were not performed.ConclusionsMetoprolol is effective in preventing POAF compared with placebo and showed no difference with class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Death and thromboembolism are associated with open heart surgery, but not significant in relation to the use of metoprolol.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019131585.

Amiodarone for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Lung Cancer Patients: A 6-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: The preventive effect of prophylactic amiodarone on postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery has previously been demonstrated. Meanwhile, the long-term effect remains unknown. We investigated the long-term effect of prophylactic amiodarone, in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer, along with the long-term prognosis of patients with POAF within 6 years of follow-up. Methods: Using data from national databases, we retrospectively analysed 250 patients included and randomized, in the randomized control trial, PASCART, in which patients were allocated to receive either amiodarone or placebo as prophylaxis for POAF. Prophylactic groups, and subgroups, were compared on a number of outcomes. Long-term overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards models were used for multivariable analysis. Competing risk analysis was used to evaluate time-to-event data in presence of competing risk. Results: When comparing the prophylactic groups, prophylaxis with amiodarone was not convincingly related to a higher frequency of long-term side effects. Patients who developed POAF, were more likely to develop late atrial fibrillation (AF) and POAF was associated with an increased risk of late AF in both the competing risk analysis hazard rate (HR) 4.80 [95% 1.75; 13.18] and multivariable analysis of the Cox regression, HR 5.03 [95% 1.80; 14.10]. When comparing the Kaplan Meier survival curves between groups, we found no statistically significant difference in the long-term overall survival. Conclusions: Intravenous prophylactic amiodarone is safe in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. POAF is associated with an increased risk of late AF.

Amiodarone Prophylaxis for Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Bypass—12 Years Follow-Up

Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and might be avoided with amiodarone prophylaxis. We investigated the long-term effect of prophylactic amiodarone, in patients undergoing isolated, elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), as well as the long-term prognosis of patients with POAF. Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients included in the randomized, control trial RASCABG allocated to either placebo or amiodarone as POAF prophylaxis. Several outcomes were evaluated using national databases. Patients were stratified and compared by prophylactic groups and rhythm. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used for multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to assess the probability of survival and cumulative incidence curves. Results: Prophylactic amiodarone was not related to long-term side effects in comparison to placebo. Patients who developed POAF, were more likely to develop late AF, and had a worse overall survival. There was no difference in the overall survival between prophylactic groups. In the competing risk analysis, amiodarone and POAF was not associated with an increased risk of readmission, but POAF was associated with an increased risk of late AF HR 2.28 [95% CI 1.15; 4.55]. In the multivariable analysis, amiodarone was not associated with late AF, readmission or long-term mortality. Further, no association was found between POAF and late AF, readmission or long-term mortality. Conclusion: Amiodarone is a safe drug for the prevention of POAF in the RASCABG-setting. POAF is related to long-term worse prognosis regarding late AF and mortality.

Immediate Preoperative Transthoracic Echocardiography for the Prediction of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery

The present study aimed to validate the utility of bedside cardiac ultrasound to identify patients for the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients. Single-center tertiary referral center. After Institutional Review Board consent, 169 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were enrolled in the study. A preoperative transthoracic echocardiographic interrogation assessing diastolic function was performed. Measurements were assessed offline with experienced echocardiographers blinded to clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was POAF during the first 72 hours after surgery. A total of 169 patients completed the study, 44 of whom (26.0%) developed POAF, and 39 (25.2%) had diastolic dysfunction. Patients with POAF had a higher rate of postoperative heart failure, reintubation within 24 hours of surgery, and length of stay (p = 0.002, 0.01, and 0.0006, respectively). Predictors significant for POAF included increasing age, left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVI), and diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.02, 0.0001, and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate spline regressions demonstrated a nonlinear correlation between increasing LAVI and risk of POAF. Left atrial volume can be assessed efficiently preoperatively to provide superior risk stratification over clinical factors and diastolic parameters alone for the prediction of POAF. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that the cutoffs of chamber quantification currently used do not appropriately capture the increased risk of POAF. Thus, LAVI provides a simple measure to identify patients who are in need of targeted prophylaxis for POAF.

Prophylaxis for postoperative atrial fibrillation: A quality initiative study exploring adherence to NICE guidance in a UK tertiary cardiothoracic intensive care unit.

Acute onset atrial fibrillation is a common dysrhythmia experienced by patients following cardiac surgery which can often cause morbidity and extended hospital length of stay. The primary aim of the study was to explore adherence to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance which suggests the need for prophylaxis for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Secondary aims were to explore factors contributing to the development POAF and the impact of POAF on patient-centred outcomes. An analysis consisting of descriptive statistics and regression models was conducted using 138 patient's records who underwent cardiac surgery between January and March 2017. We identified 83 (62%) patients on prophylactic rate control medications prior to surgery. During the study period, a total of 50 patients (36%) developed POAF, of which 28 were on prophylactic medication prior to surgery. Patients who developed POAF had significantly prolonged hospital length of stay compared to those who did not develop POAF. Our study identified a significant proportion of patients not being offered prophylactic rate control prior to cardiac surgery. It is clear that poor patient outcomes are associated with the development of POAF and therefore there is an important need to ensure preventative measures are implemented in guidance relating to the management of these patients. Our results also suggest that tight management of clinical and physiological risk factors prior and during cardiac surgery may improve outcomes in this group of patients and could be considered in future enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery protocols.

Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Atrial Fibrillation After Surgical Myocardial Revascularization.

Introduction:Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications and mortality, as well as with longer hospitalization and increased treatment costs. We have designed and performed a randomized, trial of pharmacological prophylaxis in which the event of interest is POAF.Aim:The aim of this study is to reduce the risk of postoperative, complications associated with this arrhythmia.Methods:We included 240 stable patients with a coronary heart disease, who were referred to elective surgical revascularization of the myocardium. The patients were assigned into three groups of 80 patients each: group A (BB, beta blocker, comparator), group B (BB+ Amiodarone) and group C (BB + Rosuvastatin). The goal was to establish whether intervention by combination therapy was more useful than a comparator.Results:An event of interest (POAF) has occurred in 66 of the total 240 patients. Number of new POAF cases is the lowest in Group B, 14 (17.5%) compared to 25 (31.25%) new cases in the comparator group, and 27 new cases (33.75%) in group C. Absolute risk reduction was 13.75%, ≈14% less POAF in group B compared to comparator. Relative risk reduction was 56% (RR 0.56, p = 0.04). Number Needed to Treat was 7.27. In group C, 33.75% of patients developed POAF. Absolute risk was insignificantly higher in group C (2.5%, NS) compared to the comparator .The number needed to harm was high, 40.Conclusion:The results of our research show that prophylaxis of POAF with combined therapy BB + Amiodarone was the most efficient one.

Preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc Score Predicts Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Lobectomy.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) affects 10 to 20% of noncardiac thoracic surgeries and increases patient morbidity and costs. The purpose of this study is to determine if preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc score can predict POAF after pulmonary lobectomy for nonsmall cell lung cancer. Patients with complete CHA2DS2-VASc data who underwent lobectomies from January 2007 to January 2016 at a single institution were analyzed in a retrospective case-control study using a prospective database. An independent samples t-test was used to compare the mean CHA2DS2-VASc scores of POAF and non-POAF groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis (MVA) evaluated the independent contribution of variables of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting POAF. Chi-square test with univariate odds ratios (ORs) was used to determine a statistically significant cutoff score for predicting POAF. Of 525 total patients, 82 (15.6%) developed POAF (mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 2.7) and 443 (84.4%) did not develop POAF (mean score: 2.3). Mean difference between these groups was significant at 0.43 (p = 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.76). In the MVA, significant predictors of POAF were age 65 to 74 years (adjusted OR [aOR] = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.31-4.70; p = 0.006) and age ≥75 years (aOR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.62-5.95; p = 0.0006). Patients with CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥5 had significantly increased OR for POAF (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.22-5.50). Preoperatively calculated CHA2DS2-VASc score can predict POAF in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. Age is the most statistically significant independent predictor, and patients with scores ≥5 have significantly increased risk. Trials for POAF prophylaxis should target this population.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a persistent complication.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common, expensive and potentially morbid complication following cardiac surgery. POAF occurs in around 35% of cardiac surgery cases and has a peak incidence on postoperative day 2. Patients who develop POAF incur on average $10000-$20000 in additional hospital treatment costs, 12-24 h of prolonged ICU time, and an additional 2 to 5 days in the hospital. POAF has been identified as an independent predictor of numerous adverse outcomes, including a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of stroke, reoperation for bleeding, infection, renal or respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, cerebral complications, need for permanent pacemaker placement, and a 2-fold increase in all-cause 30-day and 6-month mortality. The pathogenesis of POAF is incompletely understood but likely involves interplay between pre-existing physiological components and local and systemic inflammation. POAF is associated with numerous risk factors including advanced age, pre-existing conditions that cause cardiac remodelling and certain non-cardiovascular conditions. Clinical management of POAF includes both prophylactic and therapeutic measures, although the efficacy of many interventions remains in question. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the pathogenesis of POAF, outlines current clinical guidelines for POAF prophylaxis and management, and discusses new avenues for further investigation.

PERIOPERATIVE ADMINISTRATION OF AMIODARONE OR BETA BLOCKERS IN CARDIAC SURGERY: WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING POSTOPERATIVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Background: Optimum prophylaxis for post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF) in cardiac surgery patients is controversial. We aimed to compare the utility of amiodarone (A) versus beta blockers (BB) in decreasing the postoperative incidence of AF. Methods: Online search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE,

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Prophylaxis and Lung Resection – Our Experience with 608 Consecutive Patients

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a common complication after lung resection. It is burdened by increased mortality and morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and higher resource utilization in thoracic surgery patients. Therefore, some kind of pharmacological prophylaxis is recommended. In our patients, diltiazem, a calcium antagonist, is administered. We collected data on all 608 patients having undergone lung resection (no less than lobectomy) between November 2012 and May 2015. This period included patients having received diltiazem during their postoperative stay in our Intensive Care Unit and surgical ward, and those that did not receive it. Patients having had atrial fibrillation before the surgery and patients with cardiac pacemaker were excluded from the trial. Other patients were divided into three groups: patients with some kind of antiarrhythmic therapy before and continued after the surgery; patients with diltiazem prophylaxis; and patients without any antiarrhythmic prophylaxis. The data collected were statistically analyzed. We found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation among the groups (p<0.05).

Improving Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery Using Simplified Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains a major risk after cardiac surgery. Twelve percent patients admitted to this unit postcardiac surgery experienced POAF, which led to hemodynamic instability, increased risk of stroke, and increased length of postoperative intensive care unit stay. Our aim was to decrease the incidence of POAF in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit by the end of April 2014. Design-Retrospective data analysis. Settings-Postcardiac surgery intensive care in a tertiary hospital. Postcardiac surgery patients. Intervention-A clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed to promote early prevention and to improve adherence to POAF prophylaxis recommendations. Patient's charts were our key performance indicator. Primary outcome measure-Percentage of patients who developed episodes of POAF within the first 24 hours of cardiac surgery. Process measures-compliance with the newly developed CPG and early postoperative patient assessment. Balance measure-early administration of β-blocker. We were able to decrease POAF to 8% after intervention. Compliance with early assessment improved from 25% to 87%. Compliance with adherence to the CPG was 80%. Adherence to the newly developed paper form was the major challenge that could be overcome by an electronic form. We hope to decrease the incidence of POAF to 6% and develop an electronic form by the end of December 2014. This quality improvement project changed the strategy and succeeded in decreasing the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery. It also improved early assessment of risk factors.

Use of short-term steroids in the prophylaxis of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids in the prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting or valvular heart surgery in terms of reducing its incidence and decreasing the length of hospital stay. MethodsThis prospective double blinded randomized study was conducted at Queen Alia Heart Institute (Amman, Jordan) from June 2014 to June 2015 on 340 patients who underwent their first on-pump elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone or combined with valvular surgery. Inclusion criteria consisted of elective first time CABG or combined with valvular surgery, use of β-adrenergic blockade, and normal sinus rhythm. Exclusion criteria included a history of heart block, previous episodes of AF or flutter, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, history of peptic ulcer disease, systemic bacterial or mycotic infection, permanent pacemaker, and any documented or suspected supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias. Patients were randomized into two equal groups (n=170 each), then each group was subdivided into patients who underwent CABG alone (n=120), and patients underwent valvular heart surgery with or without CABG (n=50). In the treatment group, patients were given 1g of methylprednisolone before cardiopulmonary bypass then 100mg of hydrocortisone every 8 hours for the first 3days postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the overall occurrence of postoperative AF. ResultsAF developed in 21.1% (36 patients) in the treatment group in contrast to 38.2% (65 patients) in the control group (p<0.05). In the subdivided groups (CABG only), approximately 20% (24 patients) developed AF in the treatment group in contrast to 35% (42 patients) in the control group (p<0.05). In the other group, (CABG+VALVE) 24% (12 patients) developed AF compared with 46% (23 patients) in the control group (p<0.05). The length of hospital stay was 6.02±11.23days in the treatment group while it was 5.98±1.86days in the control group, which was found to be statistically nonsignificant. No statistical significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications including mediastinitis as well superficial wound infections was observed between the two groups. ConclusionProphylactic short-term use of steroids both intraoperatively and postoperatively proved to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative AF in patients undergoing CABG alone or combined with valve surgery.

Efficacy of atorvastatin in prevention of atrial fibrillation after heart valve surgery in the PROFACE trial (PROphylaxis of postoperative atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac surgEry)

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy of perioperative atorvastatin administration for prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after heart valve surgery. MethodsOur study included 90 patients with heart valve disease who were scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery. Cases with previous AF or preoperative beta-blocker therapy were excluded. Patients were randomized into the atorvastatin group, which included 47 patients who received 40mg/day of atorvastatin 7 days before and after the surgery and the control group, which included 43 patients. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of POAF. Secondary endpoints included modifications in the preoperative and postoperative levels of the markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]), myocardial injury (ultrasensitive troponin T and creatinine phosphokinase MB [CPK-MB]), and cardiac dysfunction (pro-brain natriuretic peptide [proBNP]) related to POAF and changes in the echocardiographic parameters, such as atrial electromechanical interval, A wave, E/A ratio, and Doppler imaging systolic velocity wave amplitude, related to POAF. ResultsNo relationship between atorvastatin administration and reduction in the incidence of POAF was observed (42.6% in the atorvastatin vs. 30.2% in the control group) (p=0.226). No difference in the levels of CPK-MB, ultrasensitive troponin T, CRP, or proBNP and in the analyzed echocardiographic parameter was detected between both groups. ConclusionsAtorvastatin in the described dose, was not adequate for the prophylaxis of POAF after heart valve surgery. It was ineffective in controlling the inflammatory phenomena, myocardial injury, and echocardiographic predictors of POAF.

Effect of green tea on amiodarone-induced lung injury in albino rats

Introduction Amiodarone (AM) is an antiarrhythmic agent used in the treatment and prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation. It has some serious side effects, including pulmonary toxicity. Green tea is among the most popular beverages. It is characterized by the presence of catechins, a subgroup of polyphenols, known as a powerful antioxidant. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the toxic effects of AM as an animal model on lung injury and evaluate the possible role of green tea extract against these effects in albino rats. Materials and methods The study included 21 adult male albino rats weighing 180–200 g. They were divided into three equal groups, comprising seven rats each. Group I was considered the control group. Group II rats were given AM orally at 30 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks. Group III rats were given green tea extract orally at 150 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks concomitantly with AM as in group II. The lungs were dissected out and processed for histological and immunohistochemical study. Morphometric and statistical studies were also carried out. Results Administration of AM in group II resulted in obvious distortion to the lung architecture. Collapsed alveoli, vacuolar degeneration of pneumocytes type II, thickening of interalveolar septa, and significant increase in collagen deposition were observed. Significantly increased number of macrophages was observed in group II. However coadministration of green tea extract with AM in group III showed obvious preservation of the lung architecture. Conclusion Administration of AM in rats induced severe lung damage, whereas concomitant administration of green tea extract effectively ameliorated lung tissue damage.