Quantitative electrocardiography for predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is a common marker of poor outcomes. Quantitative electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements may be valuable predictors of postoperative AF.

METHODS

We evaluated clinical and ECG predictors of postoperative AF in 13,356 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in sinus rhythm.

RESULTS

A total of 4724 patients (35%) developed postoperative AF. P-wave amplitude in leads aVR and V(1) were the strongest ECG predictors. A less negative P-wave amplitude in lead aVR was associated with increased risk for postoperative AF (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-1.61), as was a more positive or a more negative P-wave amplitude in lead V(1) (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.36) after adjusting for clinical and procedural predictors of postoperative AF. Reclassification analysis showed a 7% discrimination improvement (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

P-wave amplitude in lead aVR and lead V(1) are powerful predictors of postoperative AF and, in combination with other clinical predictors, can guide application of prophylactic interventions.