Postoperative atrial fibrillation following non-cardiac surgery: Predictors and risk of mortality

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a major complication that follows both cardiac and non-cardiac procedures. Many studies have explored POAF after cardiac procedures, however POAF following non-cardiac procedures has been understudied.

National Inpatient Sample database was utilized to conduct a retrospective study of hospitalizations with diagnosis of POAF following non-cardiac procedures between 2010 and 2015.

294,112 patients met the inclusion criteria. Advanced age, male gender, colonic resections, coagulopathy, fluid and electrolyte disorders and history of congestive heart failure are major predictors of POAF and in-hospital mortality. Race, type of insurance, income quartile and weekend admissions are independent determinants of mortality following POAF.

Development of POAF and mortality is dependent upon a wide range of factors not limited to age and medical comorbidities. Although a patient may be at an increased risk for POAF this does not mean they are at an increased risk for mortality.