Does treatment with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery?

作者：Heidarsdottir Ragnhildur; Arnar David O; Skuladottir Gudrun V; Torfason Bjarni; Edvardsson Vidar; Gottskalksson Gizur; Palsson Runolfur; Indridason Olafur S^*

来源：Europace, 2010, 12(3): 356-363.

DOI：10.1093/europace/eup429

• Atrial fibrillation
• Post-operative
• Open heart surgery
• n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Randomized controlled trial

Aims To examine the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) treatment on the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF).
Methods and results A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular repair surgery. The patients received either n-3 PUFA capsules, containing a daily dose of 1240 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 1000 mg docosahexaenoic acid, or olive oil capsules for 5-7 days prior to surgery and post-operatively until hospital discharge. The endpoint was POAF, defined as an episode detected by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, lasting >5 min. A total of 170 patients were enrolled in the study, and 168 patients underwent surgery. Their median age was 67 (range 43-82) years, and 79.2% were males. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the n-3 PUFA group (n = 83) and the placebo group (n = 85), and the incidence of POAF was 54.2 and 54.1% (P = 0.99), respectively. Factors associated with POAF included advanced age, peak post-operative C-reactive protein level, valvular surgery, lower body mass index, and non-smoking, but n-3 PUFA concentration in plasma lipids was not associated with POAF.
Conclusion There is no evidence for a beneficial effect of treatment with n-3 PUFA on the occurrence of POAF in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

• 出版日期2010-3