Age is a strong risk factor for atrial fibrillation after pulmonary lobectomy

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary lobectomy can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as increased costs. Methods: The records of 360 patients who underwent lobectomy between 2004 and 2008 at a single institution were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify whether any recorded parameters served as prognostic variables in the development of AF. Results: The overall incidence of AF was 18% (65 of 360). Univariate/multivariate analyses showed that age and preoperative history of AF/antiarrhythmic medications were strongly predictive for the development of AF (P ≤ .001). Conclusions: Age and pre-existing cardiac disease/arrhythmias are strong risk factors for AF after pulmonary lobectomy by both univariate and multivariate analyses. This study suggests that the elderly are at increased risk for AF. Therefore, this population should be monitored closely or targeted for prophylactic therapy.