Effect of statins on atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: A duration- and dose-response meta-analysis

Objective This meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials evaluated effects of statins on postoperative atrial fibrillation risk after cardiac surgery. Methods Randomized, controlled trials evaluating statins in cardiac surgery were selected from MEDLINE (1996–August 2009), Cochrane CENTRAL Register, and manual review of references without any language restrictions. End points examined included postoperative atrial fibrillation, intensive care unit stay, and total hospital stay. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to determine whether statins' effects were duration or dose dependent. A random-effects model was used in all instances. Results Eight trials (n = 774) were identified and subjected to meta-analysis. Statins reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation risk (relative risk 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.72, P