title: Incidence and Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Sepsis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the mortality rate among patients with sepsis is declining, the incidence of both sepsis and sepsis-related deaths is increasing, likely due to its presence in a growing elderly population. As atrial fibrillation is more common in the elderly, we hypothesize that its presence will be associated with greater mortality among patients with sepsis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) database of a large tertiary care medical center was queried for sepsis-related codes and atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Atrial fibrillation was associated with older age and a higher mortality in this series of patients with sepsis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Whether atrial fibrillation is a marker of disease severity or contributes to mortality is uncertain. Further studies are necessary to determine optimal management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine-Section on Cardiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Gretchen L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine-Section on Pulmonary/Critical Care, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Morris
keywords: Arrhythmia; Atrial fibrillation; Elderly; Mortality; Sepsis