Effect of Preablation Glycemic Control on Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Following Valvular Surgery Combined With the Cox-Maze IV Procedure

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to assess the effect of preablation glycemic control on atrial fibrillation recurrence rates after heart valve surgery concomitant with Cox-Maze IV ablation. METHODS: Twelve-month preablation trends in glycemic control were studied. Recurrence and clinical outcome data were obtained during a mean follow-up period of 36.7 ± 23.3 months postablation. RESULTS: Higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at the time of ablation was associated with higher postablation recurrence rates. The cumulative atrial fibrillation recurrence-free survival of patients with HbA1c ≥7.5% at the time of operation at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months was 97.1, 78.3, 54.2, and 36.3%, respectively (P < 0.001), and 100, 84.9, 37.2, and 16.2% for patients who preoperatively had an upward trend in HbA1c, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Maintaining a downward trend in HbA1c during the 12-month period before the operation and an HbA1c value < 7.5% at the time of the operation reduced the recurrence of AF among patients who underwent heart valve surgery concomitant with the Cox-Maze IV procedure.