One of the common complications after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is arrhythmia. The most common arrhythmia in this patients is atrial fibrillation (AF). Postoperative AF can lead to hemodynamic instability, palpitation, thromboembolism, higher risk of stroke after surgery, increase length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and consequently increased costs .
So far there have been many efforts to reduce the incidence of AF in these high risk patients. In recent years, several studies have demonstrate the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of postoperative AF. Therefore, to prevent it they recommend the use of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
In such cases, one of the drugs which has been used used is N-acetylcystein (NAC). It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There are only few studies about the effects of NAC on prevention of post-operative AF after CABG, with conflicting results.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NAC on prevention of AF after CABG surgery to reduce the incidence of this arrhythmia and its complications, consequently reduce the costs of patients hospital stay.
This study is a randomized double-blinded clinical trial. Participants of this study are patients who will admit in the Mazandaran heart center for elective CABG surgery.
After taking essential agreements, we will select 150 patients using randomized numerous schedule.
In the intervention group, after induction of anesthesia, we will infuse 50 mg/kg NAC in 30 minutes and repeat it every day for two days after surgery. We will use normal saline infusion as placebo in the control group, in the same time interval.
In addition, before and 3 days after surgery a blood sample is taken to assess serum hsCRP level. All patients will be evaluated for occurrence of any postoperative AF. Also other variables including length of ICU and hospital stay will be assessed.