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Red cell distribution width predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting
Gökhan Ertaş1, Cemalettin Aydin, Osman Sönmez
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, İstanbul, Turkey. drgokhanertas@yahoo.com.tr
Insights
Preoperative red cell distribution width (RDW) predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Higher preoperative RDW levels are associated with increased AF incidence post-CABG.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease.
- The predictive role of RDW for new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between preoperative red cell distribution width (RDW) and the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 132 patients undergoing non-emergency CABG.
- Exclusion of patients with prior atrial arrhythmia or concurrent valve surgery.
- Measurement of red cell distribution width (RDW) preoperatively and on postoperative Day 1.
Main Results:
- Preoperative RDW levels were significantly higher in patients who developed AF compared to those who did not (p = 0.03).
- No correlation was found between postoperative RDW levels and AF incidence.
- A preoperative RDW cut-point of 13.45 showed 61% sensitivity and 60% specificity for predicting AF.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative red cell distribution width (RDW) serves as a predictor for new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- This finding is relevant for patients without a prior history of AF.
Introduction:
Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the role of RDW in prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aimed to investigate the relation between the RDW and postoperative AF in patients undergoing CABG.
Methods:
A total of 132 patients undergoing nonemergency CABG were included in the study. Patients with previous atrial arrhythmia or requiring concomitant valve surgery were excluded. We retrospectively analyzed 132 consecutive patients (mean age, 60.55 ± 9.5 years; 99 male and 33 female). The RDW level was determined preoperatively and on postoperative Day 1.
Results:
Preoperative RDW levels were significantly higher in patients who developed AF than in those who did not (13.9 ± 1.4 vs. 13.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.03). There was not any correlation between postoperative RDW levels and AF. Using a cutpoint of 13.45, the preoperative level correlated with the incidence of AF with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 60%.
Conclusion:
Preoperative RDW level predicts new-onset AF after CABG in patients without histories of AF.
