[New onset atrial fibrillation in patients with sepsis]

Atrial fibrillation is the most common new onset arrhythmia in patients hospitalized with sepsis; however, there are no specific treatment guidelines and the ideal therapeutic approaches still remain unclear.

To begin with the current state of knowledge concerning the underling mechanisms, the incidence and prognostic impact of new onset atrial fibrillation during sepsis are presented. Then a possible therapeutic algorithm for the special situation of sepsis is derived with respect to the currently existing atrial fibrillation guidelines. Finally necessary future research topics are outlined.

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE. All publications (reviews and studies) relevant for the summary of the current knowledge regarding new onset atrial fibrillation in septic patients were included.

The underlying patchomechanism is primarily systemic inflammation. Approximately 8% of patients with sepsis and more than 20% of patients with septic shock develop new onset atrial fibrillation. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The necessity of rhythm control therapy is dependent on the hemodynamic stability. The success rate of electrical cardioversion can be increased by the administration of amiodarone. The necessity of systemic anticoagulation is based on the individual risk of thromboembolism.

Further research is needed to unveil the optimal therapeutic strategies for patients with new onset atrial fibrillation during sepsis.