Predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: a prospective observational cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background This study was conducted to determine the effect of certain predictors on the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) during ICU stay after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Results We enrolled 123 patients in this study. The mean age was 57.4 ± 8.7 years, and the mean left atrial diameter was 4.1 ± 0.52 cm with male preponderance (76.4%). The incidence of POAF following CABG was 33.3%. There was no statistically significant association between POAF and smoking (P = 0.123). However, POAF was significantly associated with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (P = 0.002), valve replacement (P < 0.001), and inotropic support (P = 0.005). Moreover, patients with POAF had significantly higher mean age (P = 0.031) and left atrial (LA) diameter (P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that LA diameter (P < 0.001), potassium level at 36 h (P = 0.016), and female gender (P = 0.001) were independent predictors of POAF. Conclusions We had several significant epidemiological, clinical, and operative variables that were significantly associated with post-CABG AF, including older age, female gender, large LA diameter, valve replacement, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, and postoperative inotropic support. However, only LA diameter, female gender, and potassium level at 36 h were independent predictors of POAF. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Keywords

• Atrial fibrillation
• Organ dysfunction scores
• Coronary artery bypass
• Postoperative complications
• Intensive care units
• Prognosis