N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation: updated meta-analysis and systematic review

Pharmacological preventions and treatments for pericardial complications after open heart surgeries

BACKGROUND

Pericardial complications following cardiac surgery are common and debilitating, significantly impacting patients' survival. We performed this network meta-analysis to identify the most effective and safest preventions and treatments for pericardial complications following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to 22 January 2024. Pairs of reviewers screened eligible studies. They included randomised controlled trials that enrolled adults undergoing major cardiac surgeries and reported postpericardiotomy syndrome, pericardial effusion and pericarditis as primary or secondary outcomes. We summarised the effects of interventions using relative risks and corresponding 95% CIs. We performed a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis using the restricted maximum likelihood estimator.

RESULTS

We included 39 trials that enrolled a total of 6419 participants. Our network meta-analysis demonstrates colchicine reduces the risk of postpericardiotomy syndrome (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.73). Beta-blockers probably prevent atrial fibrillation with a large magnitude of effect (RR 0.4, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.81) and may prevent postoperative pericarditis (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.97) compared with control. Fish oil (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.90), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.59) and colchicine (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.59) may reduce the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation. We found no evidence of a difference in the risk of pleural effusion, all-cause mortality, serious adverse events or postoperative ICU stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study highly recommend colchicine use to reduce the risk of the postpericardiotomy syndrome and beta-blocker use to reduce postoperative atrial fibrillation. Additionally, our study suggests that further research is needed to investigate other interventions and to evaluate newly proposed interventions in large, high-quality trials, as the current evidence for some interventions is relatively weak.

Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Agents to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background

Preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) as one of the most significant complications of cardiovascular surgeries remains a major clinical challenge. We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, to identify the most effective and safe anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent new-onset POAF.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched without language or publication-date restriction on August 8, 2022 (updated on August 8, 2023). We assessed the risk of bias of included trials using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2.0 tool. We conducted a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis in R, and we assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

Results

A total of 85 trials reported the incidence of new-onset POAF, including 18,981 patients. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (relative risk [RR] 0.37 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.59]) and statins (RR 0.56 [95% CI 0.45-0.7]) potentially reduced the risk of POAF compared with placebo (both with a moderate certainty level). Use of fish oil in combination with vitamins C and E (RR 0.30 [95% CI 0.13-0.68]) may reduce the risk of POAF, compared with placebo (low level of certainty). Use of colchicine (RR 0.62 [95% CI 0.45- 0.85]), corticosteroids (RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.59-0.82]), and N-acetylcysteine (RR 0.69 [95% CI 0.49- 0.98]) may reduce the risk of POAF (all with a low level of certainty). None of the interventions had a significant effect on mortality rate or risk of serious adverse effects.

Conclusions

Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and statins probably are effective in preventing new-onset POAF, with a moderate level of certainty, compared to placebo.

Diet and risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Comprehensive modification of established AF risk factors combined with dietary interventions and breaking deleterious habits has been shown to reduce AF burden and recurrence. Numerous AF risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity or hypertension can be partially related to dietary and lifestyle choices. Therefore, dietary interventions may have potential as a therapeutic approach in AF. Based on available data, current guidelines recommend alcohol abstinence or reduction to decrease AF symptoms, burden, and progression, and do not indicate the need for caffeine abstention to prevent AF episodes (unless it is a trigger for AF symptoms). Uncertainty persists regarding harms or benefits of other dietary factors including chocolate, fish, salt, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and micronutrients. This article provides a systematic review of the association between AF and both dietary patterns and components. Additionally, it discusses potentially related mechanisms and introduces different strategies to assess patients' nutrition patterns, including mobile health solutions and diet indices. Finally, it highlights the gaps in knowledge requiring future investigation.

Sex-Specific Cardiometabolic Determinants of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic diseases increase the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a complication leading to higher long-term risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE). It remains unknown whether the effect of these risk factors differs according to sex. We sought to evaluate the sex-specific predictors of POAF after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

In a prospective registry of patients undergoing isolated CABG, we compared predictors of POAF between sexes with logistic regression models. Because of high prevalence of abdominal obesity in women, > 80% having a waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm, median WC values were used to define abdominal obesity (men ≥ 102 cm, women ≥ 100 cm).

RESULTS

This analysis included 6177 individuals (17% women). Mean age was 65.6 ± 8.9 years. POAF occurred in 32% of men and 28% of women (P < 0.05). Compared with men, women with POAF had similar WC; higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes; lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol; and higher glucose, triglyceride, low- density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and C-reactive protein levels (all P < 0.05). After adjustment, age and abdominal obesity were associated with POAF in both sexes (P < 0.05). The interaction of WC with sex suggested a worse impact of WC on POAF risk among women (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-2.62 vs in men 1.33; 95% CI, 1.17-1.50; P for interaction = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Abdominal obesity is a major predictor of POAF in both sexes, with higher risk in women. These results emphasize the need for enhanced strategies to manage abdominal obesity and its cardiometabolic consequences in the general population and the potential to develop sex-specific preventive interventions to reduce risk of POAF.

[Cardiovascular effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: position of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Russian and international guidelines. Council of Experts]

This Expert Council focuses on the meta-analysis of studies on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and of data on the omega-3 PUFA treatment in patients with cardiovascular and kidney diseases.The major statements of the Expert Council: the meta-analysis of AF risk in patients taking omega-3 PUFA showed an increased risk of this arrhythmia. However, it should be taken into account that the risk of complications was low, and there was no significant increase in the risk of AF when omega-3 PUFA was used at a dose of ≤1 g and a standard dose of the only omega-3 PUFA drug registered in the Russian Federation, considering all AF episodes in the ASCEND study.At the present time, according to Russian and international clinical guidelines, the use of omega-3 PUFA can be considered in the following cases: • for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction as a supplement to the basic therapy (2B class of recommendations according to the 2020 Russian Society of Cardiology guidelines (RSC) and the 2022 AHA / ACC / HFSA guidelines); • for patients with hypertriglyceridemia (&gt;1.5 mmol/l) as a part of combination therapy (IIb class of recommendations and B level of evidence according to the 2021 European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention, etc.); • for adult patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), long-chain omega-3 PUFA 2 g/day is recommended for reducing the level of triglycerides (2C class of recommendations). Data on the use of omega-3 PUFA for other indications are heterogenous, which can be partially explained by using different form and doses of the drugs.

Methotrexate-Induced Alteration of Renal Aquaporins 1 and 2, Oxidative Stress and Tubular Apoptosis Can Be Attenuated by Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation

Methotrexate (MTX) is a potent anti-cancer drug, commonly associated with nephrotoxicity via the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis with alteration of renal water channel proteins, namely aquaporins (AQPs). Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) have shown cytoprotective effects through their anti-oxidant and antiapoptotic activities. The present study aims for the first time to explore the role of LC-PUFA against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into the following groups: saline control, LC-PUFA control, MTX, MTX + LC-PUFA (150 mg/kg), or MTX + LC-PUFA (300 mg/kg). Then, H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining for the anti-apoptosis marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), the apoptosis marker BCL2-Associated X Protein (BAX), the proinflammatory marker Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), AQPs 1 and 2 were performed in kidney sections with an assessment of renal oxidative stress. The MTX caused a renal histopathological alteration, upregulated renal BAX and NF-kB, downregulated Bcl-2 and AQP1, altered the distribution of AQP2, and caused oxidative stress. The LC-PUFA attenuated the pathological changes and decreased renal BAX and NF-kB, increased BCL-2 and AQP1, restored the normal distribution of AQP2, and decreased the oxidative stress. Therefore, LC-PUFA is a good adjuvant to MTX to prevent its adverse effects on kidneys through its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effect and its role in the restoration of the expression of AQPs 1 and 2.

The Effects of Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Diseases: Systematical Evaluation and Recent Advance

Fish oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which are widely distributed in the body such as heart and brain. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that unsaturated fatty acids may have effects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, protecting vascular endothelial cells, thrombosis inhibition, modifying autonomic nerve function, improving left ventricular remodeling, and regulating blood lipid. Given the relevance to public health, there has been increasing interest in the research of potential cardioprotective effects of fish oil. Accumulated evidence showed that fish oil supplementation may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and, in specific, it may have potential benefits in improving the prognosis of patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or heart failure; however, some studies yielded inconsistent results. In this article, we performed an updated systematical review in order to provide a contemporary understanding with regard to the effects of fish oil on cardiovascular diseases.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: the Role in Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Aim. To estimate the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) administration in atrial fibrillation (AF) prevention after planned coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Material and Methods. Studied were 306 patients divided into two groups: patients of group I didn’t receive PUFAs (158 patients, 82.7% males) and patients of group II received PUFAs (148 patients, 89.3% males). PUFAs were prescribed in daily dose 2000 mg 5 days before surgery and in daily dose 1000 mg in postoperative period during 21 days.

Results. Postoperative AF (POAF) occurred in 29.7% patients in group I and in 16.9% patients in group II (р=0.009). We found that after CABG in patients of the I group median IL-6 level was 39.3% higher (p=0.001), interleukin-10 – 20.2% higher (p=0.01), superoxide dismutase – 78.9% higher (р<0.001), malondialdehyde – 33.8% higher (p=0.03), docosahexaenoic acid – 31.8% lower (p=0.01) and omega-3 index – 43.4%    lower (p=0.04) than in patients of the II group.

According to multivariate regression analysis we found significant association between the factors of inflammation, oxidative stress and the risk POAF development.

Conclusions. In patients who took PUFAs, we found less activation of inflammation, oxidative stress, the increasing of docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 index accompanied by the decreasing of POAF development rates up to 12.8%.

A double-blind randomised controlled trial on the effect of Tocovid, a tocotrienol-rich capsule on postoperative atrial fibrillation at the National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur: an interim blinded analysis

INTRODUCTION

Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poorer outcomes, increased resource utilisation, morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is initiated by systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. It is hypothesised that a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent such as tocotrienol, an isomer of Vitamin E, could reduce or prevent POAF.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to determine whether a potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agent, Tocovid, a tocotrienol-rich capsule, could reduce the incidence of POAF and affect the mortality and morbidity as well as the duration of ICU, HDU and hospital stay.

METHODS

This study was planned as a prospective, randomised, controlled trial with parallel groups. The control group received placebo containing palm superolein while the treatment group received Tocovid capsules. We investigated the incidence of POAF, the length of hospital stay after surgery and the health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Recruitment commenced in January 2019 but the preliminary results were unblinded as the study is still ongoing. Two-hundred and two patients have been recruited out of a target sample size of 250 as of January 2021. About 75% have completed the study and 6.4% were either lost during follow-up or withdrew; 4% of participants died. The mean age group was 61.44 ± 7.30 years with no statistical difference between the groups, with males having a preponderance for AF. The incidence of POAF was 24.36% and the mean time for developing POAF was 55.38 ± 29.9 h post-CABG. Obesity was not a predictive factor. No statistically significant difference was observed when comparing left atrial size, NYHA class, ejection fraction and the premorbid history. The mean cross-clamp time was 71 ± 34 min and the mean bypass time was 95 ± 46 min, with no difference between groups. There was a threefold increase in death among patients with POAF (p = 0.008) and an increase in the duration of ICU stay (p = 0.01), the total duration of hospital stay (p = 0.04) and reintubation (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

A relatively low incidence rate of POAF was noted although the study is still ongoing. It remains to be seen if our prophylactic intervention using Tocovid would effectively reduce the incidence of POAF. Clinical Registration Number: US National Library of Medicine. Clinical Trials - NCT03807037. Registered on 16th January 2019. Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03807037.

Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids attenuate methotrexate-induced apoptosis and suppression of splenic T, B-Lymphocytes and macrophages with modulation of expression of CD3, CD20 and CD68

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer and autoimmune disorders. MTX may cause multi-organ affections. However, few studies examined MTX-induced splenic suppression and therapeutic modalities against it. This is the first study to explore the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids; Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) against MTX-induced splenic suppression and its effect on splenic macrophages and lymphocytes. Five groups of Sprague Dawley rats were used. Group 1 received saline; group 2: omega-3 only; group 3: a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg); groups 4 and 5: MTX (20 mg/kg) + either omega-3 (150) or (300 mg/kg) once daily, respectively, given for two days before MTX and three days after it. Splenic tissues were then removed, evaluated for oxidative stress markers; GSH, MDA, and for mRNA expression of the apoptotic marker caspase-3, the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 and the inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Moreover, H&E stain, Prussian blue stain for iron, and immunohistochemical staining for TNFα, T lymphocyte marker; CD3, B lymphocyte marker; CD20, and macrophage marker; CD68, were performed with morphometric analysis. EPA and DHA could decrease the MTX-induced increase in the histopathological injury score, splenic hemosiderin, splenic MDA, mRNA expression of TNFα, caspase-3 and could increase the MTX-induced decrease in Splenic GSH and mRNA expression for Bcl-2. It also decreased the MTX-induced elevation in the immunopositive area of TNFα, and increased the area percentage of CD3+, CD20+ and CD68+ cells. Therefore, omega-3 can be a promising adjuvant to help MTX action with prevention of its deleterious effects on spleen.

Posterior pericardiotomy to prevent new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with adverse events after cardiac surgery. Multiple studies have reported that posterior pericardiotomy (PP) may be effective for preventing AF after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but some conflicting results have been reported and the quality of evidence from previous meta-analyses has been limited. The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of PP for preventing AF after CABG in adults.

METHODS

We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before May 31, 2021. The primary outcome was AF after CABG under cardiopulmonary bypass. Secondary outcomes included early pericardial effusion, late pericardial effusion, pericardial tamponade, pleural effusion, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, pulmonary complications, intra-aortic balloon pump use, revision surgery for bleeding, and mortality.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with 1829 patients (910 in the PP group and 919 in the control group) were included in the current meta-analysis. The incidence of AF was 10.3% (94/910) in the PP group and 25.7% (236/919) in the control group. A random-effects model indicated that incidence of AF after CABG significantly lower in the PP group than in the control group (risk ratio = 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.64, P < 0.0001). PP also effectively reduced the post-CABG occurrence of early pericardial effusion (RR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.50; P < 0.05), late pericardial effusion (RR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.02-0.16; P < 0.05), and pericardial tamponade (RR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.33; P < 0.05) as well as the length of ICU stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.91,95% CI 0.57-1.24; P < 0.05), while increasing the occurrence pleural effusion (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.19-1.92; P < 0.05). No significant differences length of hospital stay (WMD =  - 0.45, 95% CI - 2.44 to 1.54, P = 0.66), pulmonary complications (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.71-1.39, P = 0.97), revision surgery for bleeding (RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.43-1.63, P = 0.60), use of IABP (RR = 1, 95% CI 0.61-1.65, P = 1.0), or death (RR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.07-3.03, P = 0.41) were observed between the PP and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PP may be a safe, effective, and economical method for preventing AF after CABG in adult patients.

Novel Combined Antioxidant Strategy against Hypertension, Acute Myocardial Infarction and Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a physiological role in the modulation of several functions of the vascular wall; however, increased ROS have detrimental effects. Hence, oxidative stress has pathophysiological impacts on the control of the vascular tone and cardiac functions. Recent experimental studies reported the involvement of increased ROS in the mechanism of hypertension, as this disorder associates with increased production of pro-oxidants and decreased bioavailability of antioxidants. In addition, increased ROS exposure is found in ischemia-reperfusion, occurring in acute myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation, among other settings. Although these effects cause major heart damage, at present, there is no available treatment. Therefore, it should be expected that antioxidants counteract the oxidative processes, thereby being suitable against cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, although numerous experimental studies agree with this notion, interventional trials have provided mixed results. A better knowledge of ROS modulation and their specific interaction with the molecular targets should contribute to the development of novel multitarget antioxidant effective therapeutic strategies. The complex multifactorial nature of hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, and postoperative atrial fibrillation needs a multitarget antioxidant strategy, which may give rise to additive or synergic protective effects to achieve optimal cardioprotection.

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.

The 2020 Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Comprehensive Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines program was developed to aid clinicians in the management of these complex patients, as well as to provide direction to policy makers and health care systems regarding related issues. The most recent comprehensive CCS AF guidelines update was published in 2010. Since then, periodic updates were published dealing with rapidly changing areas. However, since 2010 a large number of developments had accumulated in a wide range of areas, motivating the committee to complete a thorough guideline review. The 2020 iteration of the CCS AF guidelines represents a comprehensive renewal that integrates, updates, and replaces the past decade of guidelines, recommendations, and practical tips. It is intended to be used by practicing clinicians across all disciplines who care for patients with AF. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system was used to evaluate recommendation strength and the quality of evidence. Areas of focus include: AF classification and definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, screening and opportunistic AF detection, detection and management of modifiable risk factors, integrated approach to AF management, stroke prevention, arrhythmia management, sex differences, and AF in special populations. Extensive use is made of tables and figures to synthesize important material and present key concepts. This document should be an important aid for knowledge translation and a tool to help improve clinical management of this important and challenging arrhythmia.

[Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment]

This review focuses on the issue of atrial fibrillation (AF) following coronary bypass surgery in patients with ischemic heart disease. Risk factors of this complication are discussed in detail. The authors addressed the effect of diabetes mellitus on development of postoperative AF. Data on current methods for prevention and treatment of AF are provided.

Impact of expanded FDA indication for icosapent ethyl on enhanced cardiovascular residual risk reduction

Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) demonstrated that the purified, stable ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid, icosapent ethyl (IPE), added to statins reduced CVD events by 25% (p < 0.001), leading to an expanded indication in the USA. IPE is now approved as an adjunct to maximally tolerated statins to reduce CVD event risk in adults with triglyceride (TG) levels ≥150 mg/dl and either established CVD or diabetes mellitus plus ≥2 additional CVD risk factors. The new indication allows co-administration of IPE for elevated TG levels with statin treatment, enabling effective residual risk reduction in a broader at-risk population beyond what can be achieved with intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control alone.

Postoperative complications associated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery and their therapeutic interventions

Coronary artery disease is one of the commonest surgery demanding cardiovascular diseases. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is practiced all over the world for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Systemic trauma during the surgery is associated with a wide range of complications, some of which are fatal. Preoperative risk factors such as age, previous illness and obesity are common predictors of these adverse events. Advances in therapeutic medicine have allowed timely treatment of these adverse events and co-morbidities. This review summarizes some of the most occurring complications associated with coronary artery bypass graft and corresponding treatment options.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Following Cardiac Surgery: From Pathogenesis to Potential Therapies

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a major complication after cardiac surgery which can lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality, an enhanced length of hospital stay, and an increased cost of care. POAF is postulated to be a multifactorial phenomenon; however, some major pathogeneses have been proposed, including inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and autonomic dysfunction. Genetic studies also showed that inflammatory pathways, beta-1 adrenoreceptor variants, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 gene variants, and non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 4q25 chromosomal locus are involved in this phenomenon. Moreover, several predisposing factors lead to the development of POAF, consisting of pre-, intra-, and postoperative contributors. The main predisposing factors comprise age, prior history of major cardiovascular risk factors, and ischemia-reperfusion injury during surgery. The management of POAF is based on the usual therapies used for non-surgical AF, including medications for either rate control or rhythm control in hemodynamically unstable patients. The perioperative administration of β-blockers and some antiarrhythmic agents has been recommended in major international guidelines. In addition, upstream therapies consisting of colchicine, magnesium, statins, and antioxidants have attenuated the incidence of POAF; however, some uncomfortable side effects developed in large randomized trials. The use of anticoagulation has also resulted in less mortality in patients with POAF at higher risk of thromboembolic events. Despite these recommendations, the actual regimen for the prevention of POAF remains controversial. In this review, we highlight the pathogenesis, predisposing factors, and potential therapeutic options for the management of patients at risk for or with POAF following cardiac surgery.

New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Patients After Cardiac Surgery

Purpose of Review

An overview of recent literature regarding pathophysiology, risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in post-cardiac surgical patients.

Recent Findings

AF is the most frequent adverse event after cardiac surgery with significant associated morbidity, mortality, and financial cost. Its causes are multifactorial, and models to stratify patients into risk categories are progressing but a consistent, evidence-based system has not yet been developed. Pharmacologic and surgical interventions to prevent and treat this complication have been an area of ongoing research and recent societal guidelines reflect this.

Summary

Inconsistencies remain surrounding how to best identify higher-risk AF patients, which interventions should be used to prevent and treat AF, and which patient groups should receive these interventions. The evidence for these available strategies and their place in contemporary guidelines are summarized.