Key result
Preoperative use of metformin in diabetic patients undergoing thoracic surgery was not associated with a lower risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation compared to diabetic nonusers (OR 1.03).
Why the study?
Metformin has been associated with reduced atrial fibrillation in the general population, but its effects on atrial fibrillation occurring after noncardiac thoracic surgery are unknown.
Does preoperative use of metformin reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in diabetic patients undergoing noncardiac thoracic surgery?
Observational (n=2,813)
No
Does preoperative use of metformin reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in diabetic patients undergoing noncardiac thoracic surgery?
Odds Ratio: 1.03 (95% CI 0.52–2.05)
Absolute Event Rate: 11.4% vs 10.9%
p-value: p=>0.9
Preoperative metformin use in diabetic patients undergoing major thoracic surgery does not significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Should not support metformin for postoperative AF prevention in diabetic thoracic surgery patients; leaves open effects in other populations.
Metformin has been associated with a reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation in the general population, potentially by means of anti-inflammatory mechanisms, but its effects on atrial fibrillation occurring after noncardiac thoracic surgery are unknown.
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Kampton et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Postoperative atrial fibrillation (n=2,813). Preoperative metformin vs. Nonuse of metformin in diabetic patients was evaluated on New onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) within 7 days of surgery (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.52-2.05, p=>0.9). Preoperative use of metformin in diabetic patients undergoing thoracic surgery was not associated with a lower risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation compared to diabetic nonusers (OR 1.03).
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