Table 2 Definition and monitoring of POAF used in the included trials of the meta-analysis
First author/Year of publication | Definition of POAF | Monitoring of POAF |
|---|---|---|
Jideus/2001 [15] | The absence of consistent P waves before each QRS complex and with an irregular ventricular rate, lasting 30 seconds or longer | Twenty-four hour Holter ECG performed on the first 4 consecutive days, or until clinically documented sustained atrial fibrillation |
Nygard/2004 [16] | New-onset atrial fibrillation (irrespective of treatment), an irregular narrow complex rhythm with absence of P waves | Twenty-four hour Holter ECG performed on the first 5 consecutive days |
Bakhtiary/2007 [17] | An episode of atrial fibrillation or flutter lasting for more than 30 seconds | Continuous ECG performed for 48 hours, then, twice daily 12-lead ECG performed until hospital discharge |
Tenenbein/2008 [18] | A need for pharmacologic treatment | Holter ECG performed on the first three postoperative days |
Caputo/2009 [19] | New onset of atrial fibrillation not present preoperatively | Continuous ECG performed in the intensive care unit, high-dependency unit, and ward, and daily 12-lead ECG analysis |