Preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc Score Predicts Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Lobectomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) complicates 10-20% of noncardiac thoracic surgeries.
• POAF increases patient morbidity and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive capability of the preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc score for POAF following pulmonary lobectomy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study of 525 patients undergoing lobectomy.
• CHA2DS2-VASc scores were analyzed using independent samples t-test and multivariable logistic regression.
• Statistical significance for predicting POAF was determined using chi-square tests and odds ratios.

Main Results:

• POAF occurred in 15.6% of patients (82/525).
• Higher mean CHA2DS2-VASc scores were observed in the POAF group (2.7 vs. 2.3).
• Age (≥65 years) and CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥5 were significant predictors of POAF.

Conclusions:

• The preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc score is a valuable tool for predicting POAF after pulmonary lobectomy.
• Age is the strongest independent predictor; patients with scores ≥5 have a substantially increased risk.
• Targeting high-risk patients (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥5) for POAF prophylaxis is recommended.