Assessment of the Risk Factors and Outcomes for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

backgroundAtrial fibrillation is the most common complication of cardiac surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recognizing patients at high risk for developing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) may help identify those who could benefit from strategies to prevent POAF. This study was conducted to delineate outcomes and to assess risk factors for POAF among Taiwanese patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

methodsFrom January 2009 until February 2012, this prospective study included 266 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with coronary artery disease. All patients underwent isolated CABG. Patients with preoperative permanent atrial fibrillation and concomitant surgery were excluded. Multiple risk factors associated with the incidence of POAF were collected and evaluated.

resultsPOAF occurred in 126 of 226 patients (47.37%). Univariate analysis revealed that significant risk factors for the condition were age, gender, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, impaired renal function, impaired cardiac function, and increased serum electrolytes. Multivariate analysis showed dyslipidemia [hazard ratio (HR): 0.418; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.190-0.915, p = 0.029], impaired renal function as indicated by an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (HR: 3.174; 95% CI: 1.432-7.037, p = 0.004), and serum sodium (HR: 1.112; 95% Cl: 1.047-1.182, p = 0.001) prior to cardiopulmonary bypass as significant. Moreover, POAF was associated with lower 30-day, 1- and 3-year cumulative survival rates and higher early postoperative complications.

conclusionsPatients with isolated CABG who were administered β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers treatment, and lipid therapy before CABG were associated with reduced POAF, while those with impaired renal function and higher serum sodium before CABG predisposed POAF in a Taiwanese population. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation (AF); Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); Coronary artery disease (CAD); Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF).