P5152The prognostic potential of natriuretic peptides on the development of post-operative atrial fibrillation after elective cardiac surgery

Background: Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) represents a common complication after cardiac valve and/or coronary artery bypass graft surgery associated with major cardiac adverse events and poor patient-outcome. Despite its frequent incidence in clinical practice, data on its pathophysiological ethology remain inconclusive, but seem of utmost importance for risk prediction and secondary prevention. While the natriuretic peptides BNP (brain-natriuretic peptide) and ANP (atrial-natriuretic peptide) represent valid marker mirroring cardiac function and strain, its prognostic potential on the development of POAF has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association of the natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP on the development of POAF. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 270 patients undergoing elective cardiac valve and/or coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients had to be free of any type of atrial fibrillation at the time of study-enrolment. Preoperative blood samples were assessed to elucidate MR-proANP values via an automated immunofluorescent assay. NT-proBNP was routinely measured at the time of hospital admission and assessed via the patients' digital medical records. Patients were followed prospectively via continuous electrocardiogram leads for 9 days after the surgical intervention and screened for the development of POAF. Binary regression analysis were performed to investigate the association of natriuretic peptides on the development of POAF.