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FISH: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats did not reduce post-CABG AF

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Heart Rhythm Society 31st Annual Scientific Sessions

DENVER — Results from a late-breaking trial presented here today do not support the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids reduce AF after CABG.

Numerous small studies have reported conflicting results regarding the benefit of omega-3 for this patient population, according to Chirag M. Sandesara, MD, of Virginia Cardiovascular Associates in Manassas, Va. “To our knowledge, this study is the largest, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention of postoperative AF to be reported to date,” Sandesara said.

He and colleagues from several other U.S. sites prospectively enrolled patients undergoing CABG at 10 large volume bypass graft centers and randomly assigned them to either 2 g oral purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fat supplements (n=130), twice daily, or matched placebo (n=130) for at least 24-hours before surgery. Treatment was continued for up to two weeks or until AF occurred.

Any patient aged 18 and 85 year who required bypass or concomitant valve surgery was included in the study. Patients were excluded if they required an emergency bypass graft surgery, had unstable angina or unstable HF; required a surgical MAZE procedure or surgical pulmonary main isolation at the time of surgery; or who were on antiarrhythmic drugs at the time of screening.

The researchers found no statistical differences between either group for the primary endpoint of post-CABG AF (30% vs. 33%; P=.67). Furthermore, there were no statistical differences between groups for any of the secondary endpoints, including postoperative length of hospital stay (6 vs. 5 days; P=.27) and rates of rehospitalization for AF (1% vs. 2%; P=1.0).

“Omega-3 fatty acids did not have any benefit for the reduction of our primary endpoint of post CABG AF,” Sandesara said. “There were also no differences in any of the three specified outcomes that were measured.” – by Nicole Blazek

For more information:

• Sandesara CM. LBCT II. Presented at: Heart Rhythm Society 31st Annual Scientific Sessions; May 12-15, 2010; Denver.

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