The Role of BNP and CRP in Predicting the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Objective. To evaluate the association of BNP and CRP with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Methods. The series consists of 125 patients (aged 65 ± 9 years), who underwent isolated CABG-surgery. BNP and CRP levels were measured pre- and 24 hours postoperatively and their correlation to the development of postoperative AF was analyzed. Results. Forty-four patients (35%) developed AF postoperatively. They were significantly older (68 ± 8 versus 63 ± 9, P = 0.01) and predominantly nonsmokers (18% versus 46%, P = 0.004), compared to the non-AF cases. In addition they showed significant higher preoperative mean BNP levels of 629 versus 373 pg/mL (P = 0.019). Postoperative BNP levels were significantly higher in both groups (AF-group: 1032 pg/mL versus non-AF group: 705 pg/mL; P < 0.001), while there was a trend of more increased postoperative levels in AF-cases (P = 0.065). AF-episodes appeared significantly more frequent in the two highest quartiles of BNP levels with 44% (P = 0.035). On the contrary pre- and postoperative CRP levels were not associated with AF. Multivariable analysis revealed only increased preoperative BNP levels as independent predictor for postoperative AF (P = 0.036). Conclusion. Elevated preoperative BNP serum levels are associated with the development of post-CABG AF, while CRP does not seem to be influential.