Approximately 6-20% of patients with severe sepsis develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). \u00a0Although the risks of chronic AF are well documented, the relationship between new-onset AF in the setting of sepsis and prognosis has not previously been well studied, partly due to the complex nature of this group of patients.<\/p>\n
Using a database of patients hospitalised with severe sepsis, Walkey et al. examined the in-hospital stroke and mortality rates of patients developing new-onset AF. \u00a0Severe sepsis (n=49,082) was defined according to ICD-9-CM 995.92. \u00a0Cases of AF present at admission were excluded.<\/p>\n
The authors found that new-onset AF occurred in 5.9% of patients with severe sepsis. \u00a0When these patients were compared with severe sepsis patients without new-onset AF, they were noted to have a greater risk of in-hospital stroke (2.6% vs 0.6%; P<0.001) and in-hospital mortality (56% vs 39%; P<0.001). \u00a0These findings persisted after sensitivity analysis and adjustment for confounding variables.<\/p>\n
Conclusions:<\/strong><\/p>\n New-onset AF in patients with severe sepsis indicates a group at increased risk of in-hospital stroke and death.<\/p>\n