Pathogen detection and analysis in patients with sepsis complicated with new- onset atrial fibrillation: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Patients with sepsis are prone to complications such as cardiac damage and arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous studies have suggested an association between certain pathogens and new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in sepsis, but a detailed and comprehensive analysis is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect and analyze pathogens in patients with sepsis complicated by NOAF to provide a scientific basis for its prevention. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we selected 123 septic patients with NOAF as the case group and 2000 septic patients without AF as the control group. NOAF was detected only during hospitalization; post-discharge events were excluded. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory indicators, pathogenic microorganisms, hospital course, and outcomes were compared between groups. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for NOAF. RESULTS: In the adjusted multivariable analysis, infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 4.163; 95 % CI 2.199-7.880) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (OR 5.729; 95 % CI 1.666-19.706), infection through central venous catheterization (OR 3.954; 95 % CI 1.651-9.470) were identified as independent risk factors for NOAF in sepsis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond traditional risk factors, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and central venous catheter infection also contributed to the risk of NOAF in sepsis patients. NOAF was associated with increased in-hospital mortality and higher hospitalization costs.