"Oral ascorbic acid in combination with beta blockers in prevention of atrial fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft "

Abstract

Background: Adrenergic beta antagonists are not sufficient to prevent atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid as an adjunct to beta-blockers in prevention of post-CABG atrial fibrillation Methods: Patients who were more than 50 years old and scheduled to undergo CABG were included if they were treated with beta-blockers at least 1 week before surgery. Patients with previous history of atrial fibrillation, AV block, heart rate <50 /min, end-stage renal disease, severe pulmonary or liver disease and those who were taking digoxin or class I and III anti-arrhythmics or had pacemakers were not included. Ascorbic acid group were prescribed 2 gm of ascorbic acid, the night before the surgery, and 1 gm twice daily for 5 days after surgery. Beta blockers continued in both group after surgery. Telemetry monitoring was performed in ICU and Holter monitoring was performed for 4 days. Results: Fifty patients completed the study as ascorbic acid and 50 as control group. The population was 60.19 ± 7.14 years old and 67% were male. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 4% in the ascorbic acid group and 26% in control group (odds ratio=0.119, 95% confidence interval: 0.025 to 0.558, P=0.002) Conclusion: Ascorbic acid is well-tolerated, relatively safe and seems effective. Therefore it can be prescribed as an adjunct to beta-blockers for prophylaxis of post-CABG atrial fibrillation.

Keywords

• Adrenergic beta antagonists