PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - S Miller AU - E Crystal AU - M Garfinkle AU - C Lau AU - I Lashevsky AU - S J Connolly TI - Effects of magnesium on atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis AID - 10.1136/hrt.2004.033811 DP - 2005 May 01 TA - Heart PG - 618--623 VI - 91 IP - 5 4099 - http://heart.bmj.com/content/91/5/618.short 4100 - http://heart.bmj.com/content/91/5/618.full SO - Heart2005 May 01; 91 AB - Objectives: To assess the efficacy of the administration of magnesium as a method for the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and to evaluate its influence on hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality. Methods: Literature search and meta-analysis of the randomised control studies published since 1966. Results: 20 randomised trials were identified, enrolling a total of 2490 patients. Study sample size varied between 20 and 400 patients. Magnesium administration decreased the proportion of patients developing postoperative AF from 28% in the control group to 18% in the treatment group (odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 0.75). Data on LOS were available from seven trials (1227 patients). Magnesium did not significantly affect LOS (weighted mean difference −0.07 days of stay, 95% CI −0.66 to 0.53). The overall mortality was low (0.7%) and was not affected by magnesium administration (odds ratio 1.22, 95% CI 0.39 to 3.77). Conclusion: Magnesium administration is an effective prophylactic measure for the prevention of postoperative AF. It does not significantly alter LOS or in-hospital mortality.