Key result
High atrial Na,K-ATPase concentration was significantly associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (302 vs 261; p=0.03).
Why the study?
Are higher atrial Na,K-ATPase concentrations and perioperative plasma potassium increases associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing open chest cardiac surgery?
Observational (n=67)
Are higher atrial Na,K-ATPase concentrations and perioperative plasma potassium increases associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing open chest cardiac surgery?
p-value: p=0.03
Higher atrial Na,K-ATPase concentrations and sudden perioperative increases in plasma potassium are associated with an increased risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
High atrial Na,K-ATPase may identify higher postoperative AF risk but should not change practice; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation.
BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a common complication to cardiac surgery. Na,K-ATPase is of major importance for the resting membrane potential and action potential. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the importance of Na,K-ATPase concentrations in human atrial biopsies and plasma potassium concentrations for the development of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Atrial myocardial biopsies were obtained from 67 patients undergoing open chest cardiac surgery. Na,K-ATPase was quantified using vanadate-facilitated 3H-ouabain binding. Plasma potassium concentration was measured with ion-selective electrode. RESULTS: In patients with preoperative sinus rhythm, 3H-ouabain-binding site concentration was 16% higher in patients developing postoperative atrial fibrillation compared to patients maintaining sinus rhythm [302 +/- 15 pmol/g wet weight (n = 20) vs. 261 +/- 11 mmol/g wet weight (n = 33), p = 0.03]. Also with multivariable analysis, 3H-ouabain-binding site concentration was significantly associated with the development of atrial fibrillation. High increase in plasma potassium concentration during the perioperative period and surgery was associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports the increasing evidence of dysregulation of the potassium homeostasis as an important factor in the development of cardiac arrhythmias. High atrial Na,K-ATPase and sudden plasma potassium concentration increase may contribute to precipitate atrial fibrillation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Tran et al. (2009) conducted an observational in Postoperative atrial fibrillation (n=67). High atrial Na,K-ATPase concentration and plasma potassium increase vs. Lower Na,K-ATPase concentration and stable potassium was evaluated on Development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (p=0.03). High atrial Na,K-ATPase concentration was significantly associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (302 vs 261; p=0.03).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: