Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Septic Shock: A One-Year Observational Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: The negative effect of sepsis on the myocardium affects its electric functionality. this study aims to evaluate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with septic shock, and mortality rate of patients with AF versus patients that maintained sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: This is a one-year observational prospective pilot study. It was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care of Pisa University. Patients with septic shock were enrolled in this study. They were divided in two groups based on the occurrence of AF while in the ICU Data were collected at admission and after 72 hours, and the data consisted of anamnesis, vital parameters, blood results and seventy score. Results: Out of 27 patients, 9 developed AF dining the fist 72 hours At admission and at 72 bouts, SOFA cc s statistically higher in the patients with AF (p=0.012 and p=0.002, respectively:. In the AF group, the overall mortality was 66.7%, whereas, it was 11.1%:(p=0.006 in the patients with SR. Age, rhythm and noradrenaline dosage were univariate predictor's of total mortality. Conclusion: In patients with septic shock. AF has a high incidence, and it correlated with a worse outcome. Patients with higher SOFA score are at a greater risk of developing arrhythmia.