New-onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Background: Mortality in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is high, therefore, it is essential to evaluate the independent effect of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) on mortality in patients with COVID-19. We aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of NOAF in a cohort of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of COVID-19. NOAF was defined as atrial fibrillation that was detected after diagnosis of COVID-19 without a prior history. The primary outcome of the study was the effect of NOAF on mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Results: NOAF incidence was 14.9% (n = 37), and 78% of patients (n = 29) were men in NOAF positive group. Median age of the NOAF group was 79.0 (interquartile range, 71.5-84.0). Hospital mortality was higher in the NOAF group (87% vs 67%, respectively, P = .019). However, in multivariate analysis, NOAF was not an independent risk factor for hospital mortality (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.40-5.09, P = .582). Conclusions: The incidence of NOAF was 14.9% in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Hospital mortality was higher in the NOAF group. However, NOAF was not an independent risk factor for hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the independent effect of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) on mortality in patients with COVID-19. The incidence of NOAF was 14.9% in critically ill COVID-19 patients, and hospital mortality was higher in the NOAF group. However, multivariate analysis showed that NOAF was not an independent risk factor for hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.