title: The value of P dispersion on predicting atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery: effect of magnesium on P dispersion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  AF is a frequent arrhythmia complicating CABG, and it is well known that dispersion and prolongation of P wave increases the risk of AF. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of magnesium (Mg) treatment on P-wave duration and dispersion in patients undergoing CABG.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 148 consecutive patients (33 women, 115 men; mean age 62.1 +/- 7.0 years) undergoing CABG who were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A consisted of 93 patients to whom 1.5 g daily MgSO(4) infusion was applied the day before surgery, just after operation, and 4 days following surgery, and group B consisted of 55 control patients. From the preoperative and postoperative fourth day, 12-lead ECG recordings, duration of the P waves, and P-wave dispersions were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences between the two groups with regard to age, sex, and blood Mg level. Comparison of the baseline and day 4 ECG measurements showed no difference as far as heart rates, duration of PQ, and QRS intervals were concerned. AF developed in 2 (2%) cases in group A and in 20 (36%) cases in group B (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups when average basal P max, P min, P dispersion, and day 4 P min values were compared. In group A, fourth day P max (94.3 +/- 11.8 vs 101.0 +/- 13.2 ms; P = 0.0025) and P dispersion (38.2 +/- 9.2 vs 44.9 +/- 10.9 ms; P = 0.0002 ) were significantly lower as compared to group B. Comparing the patients who developed AF, and who did not, no difference was detected with regard to baseline P max, P min, P dispersion, and day 4 P min. Day 4 P max (95.1 +/- 11.8 vs 106.4 +/- 14.0 ms, P = 0.0015) and P dispersion (38.9 +/- 8.8 vs 50.7 +/- 13.0 ms, P = 0.001) of patients who developed AF were significantly higher. Baseline Mg levels were similar in patients who developed AF, and who did not, but the day 4 Mg level was significantly lower in AF group (2.0 +/- 0.23 vs 2.15 +/- 0.26 mg/dL, P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perioperative Mg treatment reduces P dispersion and the risk of developing AF in patients undergoing CABG.
authors.affiliation: Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. sinandagdelen@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sinan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dagdelen
authors.forename: Fevzi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Toraman
authors.forename: Hasan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Karabulut
authors.forename: Cem
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alhan
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017678:Sex Distribution
chemical_list: D008278:Magnesium Sulfate