The Effect of Silymarin on the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a frequent complication after coronary artery bypass grafting and is associated with increased mortality. The effects of various drugs on the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation have been studied, but no one has looked into the effect of silymarin on the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. This prospective experimental study included 160 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The experimental group received 400 mg of silymarin orally three days before the surgery, while the control group did not. The occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was monitored. Patients' clinical data and postoperative characteristics were investigated to elucidate their impact on postoperative atrial fibrillation. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in significantly fewer patients in the experimental group (14 vs. 30, P=0.008). There were also lower mean values of postoperatively measured C-reactive protein (P