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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Perioperative supplementation with ascorbic acid does not prevent atrial fibrillation in coronary artery bypass graft

Paul M Bjordahl1, Stephen D Helmer, Dawn J Gosnell

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 929 N. Saint Francis St., Room 3082, Wichita, KS 67214, USA.

American Journal of Surgery
|October 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Perioperative ascorbic acid supplementation did not reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study found no significant difference in atrial fibrillation rates between patients receiving ascorbic acid and those receiving a placebo.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a common complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, occurring in 25-45% of cases.
  • Oxidative stress and electrophysiological remodeling are hypothesized contributors to post-CABG atrial fibrillation.
  • Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant, has been investigated as a potential preventive measure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative ascorbic acid supplementation in preventing atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing CABG.
  • To assess the impact of ascorbic acid on other postoperative complications and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind study.
  • Non-emergency CABG patients were enrolled and monitored for arrhythmias and complications.
  • Eighty-nine patients received ascorbic acid, and 96 received a placebo.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 30.3% in the ascorbic acid group and 30.2% in the placebo group (P = .985).
  • No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications or mortality between the two groups.
  • Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and medication use were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Ascorbic acid supplementation, in addition to standard postoperative care, does not reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation after CABG.
  • Further research may be needed to explore alternative or adjunctive strategies for preventing post-CABG atrial fibrillation.
Abstract

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