Pharmacokinetics of Magnesium in Cardiac Surgery: Implications for Prophylaxis Against Atrial Fibrillation

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common cardiovascular complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The risk of POAF depends on the type of procedure, and ranges from 30% in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery to 50% in those undergoing combined procedures. Patients who develop POAF have an increased risk of a number of other complications, including stroke and a prolonged hospital stay, and have a higher risk of death during long-term follow-up.1 The precise mechanism of POAF is unknown, but it is obvious that numerous preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors might influence the development of this complication.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research