Postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with delayed early rehabilitation after heart valve surgery: a multicenter study.

Objective: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery. The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the relationship between POAF and patients' progress in early rehabilitation after heart valve surgery.

Methods: We enrolled 302 patients (mean age, 69±10 years) who had undergone heart valve surgery. POAF was monitored using continuous electrocardiogram telemetry, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to assess lower-extremity function before surgery and at the time of discharge. Progress in early rehabilitation was evaluated by the duration from the surgery to independent walking. We determined factors associated delayed early rehabilitation and evaluated the interplay of POAF and delayed early rehabilitation in increasing the risk of decline in lower-extremity function from preoperatively to hospital discharge.

Results: Multivariate analysis determined POAF to be independent predictors of delayed early rehabilitation after heart valve surgery (OR: 3.906, P = .01). The association between delayed early rehabilitation and decline in lower extremity function was stronger in patients with POAF (OR: 2.73, P = .041) than in those without (OR: 2.22, P = .052).

Conclusions: POAF was clinical predictors of delayed early rehabilitation in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. The combination of POAF with delayed early rehabilitation conferred a high risk of decline in lower-extremity function during hospitalization.