ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have suggested that postoperative atrial fibrillation [AF] occurs in 30 to 50% of patients, leading to significant morbidity, including hypotension, heart failure, thromboembolic complications, prolonged hospital stay and increased hospital costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative administration of prophylactic IV single and loading doses of Amiodarone, Digoxin and Hydrocortisone [DHA] in the prevention of new onset postoperative AF in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] without cardiopulmonary bypass facility. In this prospective study, 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups: 50 patients [study group] received intravenous Amiodarone in a dose of 300 mg, Digoxin 0.5 mg and Hydrocortisone 200 mg, and 50 patients treated routinely in control group. Preoperative patient characteristics and operative variables were similar in two groups. Postoperative AF occurred in 4 patients [%8] in study group and in 12 patients [%24] in control group. Preoperative intravenous single and loading dose of Amiodarone, Digoxin and Hydrocortisone appears to be effective and safe in the prevention of new onset AF after off-pump CABG