Role of Neutrophilllymphocyte Ratio in Assessing The Risk of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Aim. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and complication following coronary bypass surgery. Besides well-known risk factors, inflammatory parameters have gained popularity assessing the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation. In this study, we aimed to document the relation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Methods. Between January 2011 and June 2012, 523 patients on normal sinus rhythm, undergoing elective on-pump coronary bypass operations were prospectively followed up for occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Total and differential white blood cell counts were made immediately before the operation and on postoperative day 2. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was calculated from these measured values.

Results. Ninety-one (17.4%) patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation The mean age of the patients maintaining normal sinus rhythm was lower compared to ones with atrial fibrillation (60.76 +/- 9.59 vs. 65.44 +/- 8.63, P<0.001). Preoperative and postoperative total and differential white blood cell counts did not have any effect on occurrence of atrial fibrillation. There were not statistically significant differences between normal sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation groups when preoperative and postoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were considered (2.90 +/- 2.11 vs. 3.02 +/- 2.30, P=0.619; 10.07 +/- 21.97 vs. 9.34 +/- 6.73, P=0.752, respectively).

Conclusion. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was not found to be a predictor for new onset atrial fibrillation following coronary bypass surgery..