New atrial fibrillation diagnosed perioperatively-anticoagulation practices in a secondary hospital

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia encountered perioperatively in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. There is emerging evidence suggesting high risk of ischaemic stroke. There are no clear guidelines surrounding initiation of anticoagulation in this setting. This study evaluates current practice in anticoagulant management of new perioperative AF at Hutt Hospital.

We have undertaken a retrospective study of 3,558 patients aged 60 years and over admitted for non-cardiac surgery at Hutt Hospital in 2014, to assess incidence of new AF/flutter and review how they were managed in regards to anticoagulation.

We identified 28 patients as having "new AF/flutter" with CHA2DS2-VASc scores between 1 and 8. Anticoagulation management was inconsistent, with only some patients receiving anticoagulation if using CHA2DS2-VASc score as a marker of indication for treatment.

There is insufficient evidence and lack of clear guidelines in this area to enable consistent and evidence-based management of patients with new AF identified perioperatively. Until such guidelines are available we suggest all such patients are individually assessed and treated depending on their individual risk/benefit analysis. Multiple factors such as bleeding risk, CHA2DS2-VASc score and perhaps duration of AF need to be considered.