Metoprolol for prophylaxis of postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a potentially lethal and morbid complication after open heart surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate metoprolol compared with other treatments for prophylaxis against POAF.

Methods: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial registries for randomised controlled trials that evaluated metoprolol for preventing the occurrence of POAF after surgery against other treatments or placebo.