A meta-analysis of colchicine in prevention of atrial fibrillation following cardiothoracic surgery or cardiac intervention

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiothoracic surgery or cardiac intervention. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory agent that was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, its effect on POAF prevention was inconsistent across studies. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of colchicine in prevention of POAF. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library database and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), using terms "atrial fibrillation” and “colchicine". The primary end point was the occurrence of clinically diagnosed atrial fibrillation. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Estimates were pooled using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. We also performed subgroup analyses based on the duration and dose of colchicine treatment. Results A total of 9 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 2031 patients. Colchicine significantly reduces the incidence of POAF (RR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52–0.74, P < 0.001, I 2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the protective effect of colchicine on POAF was almost the same ( P = 0.71) in the long-duration group (RR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48–0.75, P < 0.001, I 2 = 0%) and the short-duration group (RR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49–0.86, P < 0.001, I 2 = 0%). Conclusion Colchicine is effective in preventing the occurrence of POAF. The efficacy of colchicine cannot be slightly increased over treatment duration, with no obvious adverse reactions.