Brendan Gray
Research Mentor: Steven Bolling
Mentor Department: The Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medicine
Author(s): Brendan Gray, Steven Bolling
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 95
Abstract
Background: Despite extensive research and attempted treatments, post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains the most common complication following cardiac surgery. POAF is defined as the onset of atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heart rhythm, in a patient with no history of AF prior to surgery, affecting 20-50% of all patients. The patients who develop POAF are associated with increased morbidity, increased mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and higher medical expenses. Current literature suggests that inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart tissue play significant roles in the development of POAF. Due to anthocyanins’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it has the potential to reduce inflammation and therefore the risk of POAF when supplemented through diet. Methods: In this single-blind study, participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to groups receiving either the anthocyanin-rich freeze-dried table grape powder or a table grape placebo, both supplied by the California Table Grape Commission. Eligible participants are adults aged 50-79 years who are in normal sinus rhythm with no history of AF, and are undergoing elective mitral valve repair with or without CABG and/or tricuspid valve repair. Patients undergoing a Cox MAZE procedure were excluded. These participants must also meet additional predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes: The study’s primary outcome monitors the occurrence of POAF-related events during the patient’s initial hospital stay and within the first 30 days after surgery. The study’s second primary outcome is a laboratory analysis of the atrial tissue collected during the operation, which assesses NF?B activation as well as other inflammatory markers through RNA isolation. Secondary outcomes include time spent in the hospital for 60 days after surgery, postoperative clinical events, and economic burden related to the patient’s care. Results: The group is currently recruiting participants for the trial, but it is expected that participants receiving the anthocyanin-rich table grape powder will have reduced instances of POAF and reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared to the control group.
