Evaluation of the effect of crocin on prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve replacement: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crocin on the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients who were scheduled for CABG or heart valve replacement surgeries were randomly assigned into two groups of treatment and placebo. In the treatment group, patients received crocin tablets from three days prior to surgery and on the first three postoperative days (for a total of six days). During the first three days after surgery, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was assessed by electrocardiogram monitoring. Prooxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB) and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also assessed. RESULTS: POAF developed in 7 patients in the treatment group versus 18 patients in the control (p=0.02). PAB levels were significantly lower in the crocin group (p<0.001), while differences in CRP levels were insignificant (p=0.39). CONCLUSION: It seems that prophylactic use of crocin is effective in reducing the incidence of POAF in patients undergoing heart surgeries.