| Abstract: |
Background: The mechanisms of postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) are not well defined. Controversy exists as to whether perioperative elevations in markers of inflammation distinguish elderly patients who develop AF after cardiac or thoracic surgery from those who do not. We prospectively studied a consecutive group of patients at risk for AF after thoracic surgery. Methods: In 77 patients gtoreq60 yr scheduled for lobectomy, we measured high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels before surgery (Preop), on arrival to PACU and on the first morning after surgery (POD 1). Continuous telemetry was used for 72 h to detect AF. An interim analysis was performed. Data were log transformed and analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Results: AF occurred in 22/77 (29%) patients. There was no difference in age between patients with or without AF 74+-7 vs. 71+-6 yr, P=0.15, respectively. CRP and IL-6 increased significantly (P<0.001) on the first postoperative day when compared to baseline, Table. However, there were no significant differences in CRP or IL-6 between patients with or without AF (Table). Conclusions: These preliminary findings do not show a significant association between postoperative AF and early markers of inflammation. Due to the large interpatient variability, further patient accrual is necessary to have sufficient power to account for patient's age and medications which may affect inflammatory status.. |
