Corticosteroids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

Feasibility of Corticosteroid in the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Double-Blind Randomized Multicenter Trial

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia to occur after cardiac surgery. Inflammatory response may be one etiological factor.

We hypothesized that intravenous corticosteroid administration after cardiac surgery prevents AF after cardiac surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled to undergo their first on-pump CABG, aortic valve replacement or combined aortic valve replacement and CABG were enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous episodes of AF or flutter
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Systemic mycotic infection
• Active tuberculosis
• Cushing's syndrome
• Psychotic mental disorder
• Herpes Simplex keratitis
• Serum creatinine exceeding 200 µg/ml
• Patients were also excluded if they had a history of previous peptic ulcer or thrombophlebitis.