Role of ascorbic acid in reduction of the incidence of the atrial fibrillation in patients under B-blocker and undergoing coronary artery bypass graft operation in early post-operative period

Background

The study was done to project the important role of the anti-inflammatory and anti –oxidant properties of Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the early post-operative period after coronary artery bypass graft operation (CABG).

Methods

This prospective randomized study included 100 patients admitted to cardio-thoracic surgery department, Benha University Hospital, Benha, Egypt between 2011 and 2016. Those patients scheduled for CABG, were randomized into two groups of patients: the first; group 1: A fifty CABG patients were given β -blocker (bisoprolol 5 mg o.d.) & ascorbic acid (2 g daily in divided doses qds) for at least three days pre-operatively. The second; group 2: A fifty CABG patients were given β -blocker (bisoprolol 5 mg o.d.) for at least three days pre-operatively. Patients were followed up for AF after (CABG) for the short term of 3 weeks.

Results

The incidence of AF after CABG in1st 48 h and after 1 month was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 with p value 0.022 and 0.025 respectively. Intensive care unit stay, need for inotropic support and ventilator stay were also significantly decreased in Group1 than Group 2 with p value 0.035, 0.045 and 0.048 respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of post CABG AF, intensive care unit stay, need for inotropic support and ventilator stay were decreased by patients intake of vitamin C in combination with β -blockers pre-operatively.