Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is probably a consequence of inflammation. Vitamin D is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D levels on the incidence of POAF. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, patients were monitored for the occurrence of POAF during the first 5 days after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in Tehran Heart Center. Those with concomitant valvular surgeries were excluded. Thereafter, they were divided into 2 groups: with or without POAF. Vitamin D levels were assessed in all the patients. The relationship between the vitamin D level and the incidence of POAF was evaluated and compared between the groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The study population comprised of 156 patients. The mean age was 62.8±8.6 years, and 105 (67.3%) patients were male. Of the 156 patients, 29 (19%) developed POAF. The median preoperative vitamin D level was 15.3 in the group with POAF and 25.3 in the group without POAF (P=0.07). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated no significant relationship between vitamin D levels and the occurrence of POAF.
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Coronary artery bypass; Vitamin D deficiency.