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Are prophylactic ß-blockers of benefit in reducing the incidence of AF following coronary bypass surgery?

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE7 7AZ, UK

^* Corresponding author. Tel.: +44-780-154-8122. (E-mail: joeldunning{at}doctors.org.uk).

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether prophylactic beta-blockers effectively reduces the incidence of atrial fibrillation post-cardiac surgery. Altogether 113 papers were found using the reported search, of which 8 represented the best evidence on this topic. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses were tabulated. We conclude that prophylactic beta-blockers clearly reduce the incidence of AF with a number needed to treat of only seven to prevent one episode of AF. The optimal beta-blocker or the benefits to patients with impaired ejection fraction are less clear.

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