Atrial fibrillation following autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: incidence and risk factors.

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) often develops in patients with multiple myeloma following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), but the exact incidence of, and the risk factors for AF have not been described. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence of AF in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing ASCT.

Methods: Patients who received ASCT for multiple myeloma between January 2000 and December 2009 were identified using the ICD-9 codes for multiple myeloma and ASCT, and formed the basis of this report.

Use of clopidogrel in coronary artery disease.

Clopidogrel has an established and important role in the management of patients with coronary artery disease after an acute event. It is generally a well-tolerated drug. The major common problem associated with its use is the increased incidence of bleeding complications during or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery when clopidogrel is used within five days before surgery.