Abstract:
Objective: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a common
complication after cardiac surgery, with an incidence as high as
20-50%. Increased age is associated with a significant increase in
postoperative atrial fibrillation risk. This common complication
is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. The aim
of this study was to assess the efficacy of nebivolol in preventing
atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass surgery in
patients over 60 years of age.
Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 200 patients
who were candidates for elective coronary artery bypass surgery
were divided into two groups. The first group was administered
with nebivolol and the second group was administered with
metoprolol. Treatment was initiated four days prior to surgery,
and patients were monitored for atrial fibrillation until discharge.
Forty-one patients recieved 50 mg metoprolol succinate daily,
which was initiated minimum 4 days before surgery.
Results: Demographic data were similar in both groups.
The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in both groups
was similar, with no significant difference being identified
[n=20 (20%); n=18 (18%), P=0.718; respectively]. There were
not any mortality at both groups during study. Inotropic agent
requirement at ICU was similar for both groups [n=12 (12%),
n=18 (18%), P=0.32].
Conclusion: We compared the effectiveness of nebivolol and
metoprolol in decreasing the incidence of postoperative atrial
fibrillation, and determined that nebivolol was as effective as
metoprolol in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation at
patients. Nebivolol may be the drug of choice due to its effects,
especially after elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
