title: The effect of diabetic autonomic neuropathy on P-wave duration, dispersion and atrial fibrillation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus and has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. There are no data about the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in the population with DAN.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analysed the data of 100 patients with PAF. The study population was divided into three groups: group I: 28 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and DAN, group II: 34 patients with DM without DAN, and group III: 38 patients without DM. P-wave duration (FPD) and dispersion (PWD) were measured during sinus rhythm and AF episodes were counted during 12 months of follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recurrence of PAF was higher in group I (47 episodes/year) compared to groups II and III (26 and 22 episodes/year) - p<0.01. The FPD was longer in group I (137.4 ±12.0 ms vs. 126 ±23.0 ms in II group and 129 ±18.3 ms in group III; p<0.001). The PWD was longer in patients with DAN (53 ±19 ms vs. 36 ±18 ms and 34 ± 20 ms, p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that the presence of DAN caused a significant increase in P-wave duration and dispersion, which might be responsible for the recurrence of AF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Invasive Cardiology and Cardiodiabetology, Medical University, Lodz, Poland.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bissinger
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Grycewicz
authors.forename: Wlodzimierz
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grabowicz
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lubinski