Usefulness of troponin I for prediction of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: This study aims to evaluate the ability of cardiac troponin I to predict high-risk for AF development after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Between September 2013 and November 2013, hemodynamically stable and preoperatively in sinus rhythm 74 consecutive patients (65 males, 9 females; mean age 62.1 +/- 9.5 years; range, 44 to 75 years) who underwent elective and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were included in the study. Blood samples were prospectively taken the day before and the next day after surgery to measure cardiac troponin I levels. Atrial fibrillation was documented by electrocardiogram daily and when necessary, until the hospital discharge. The patients were divided into two groups as atrial fibrillation group and sinus rhythm group. Results: Atrial fibrillation was detected in 15 patients (20%). There was no significant difference between the mean ages of the atrial fibrillation group and sinus rhythm group (p=0.114). Neither cross-clamp time nor cardiopulmonary bypass pump time significantly varied across between two groups (p=0.861, p=0.468, respectively). The incidence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.225, p=0.385, p=0.318, respectively). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital and intensive care unit stay between two groups (p=0.929, p=0.186, respectively). Preoperative and postoperative cardiac troponin I levels were not associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation development (p=0.763, p=0.336 respectively). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that cardiac troponin I is not a definite predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.