Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyMeta-analysis
Safety and efficacy of colchicine for the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors' conclusion
This meta-analysis of eight RCTs shows that colchicine is effective at preventing POAF, with a significantly higher risk of adverse gastrointestinal events but no difference in the rate of drug discontinuation.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing cardiac surgery
- Participants
- 1,885 patients · 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Colchicine vs placebo
- Outcome
- Incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after any cardiac surgery
Pooled result
POAF
Relative risk
0.70
95% CI 0.59–0.82
P < 0.01
Colchicine vs Placebo
RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.59–0.82); P < 0.01
As reported in the abstract
Safety
| Outcome | RR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse gastrointestinal events · I2 = 55% | 2.20 (1.38–3.51) | P < 0.01 | |
| Drug discontinuation due to adverse events · I2 = 0% | 1.33 (0.93–1.89) | P = 0.11 | |
| 0.20.5125Relative risk (log scale) |
Original publication
Safety and efficacy of colchicine for the prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Europace. Published 21 June 2023. doi:10.1093/europace/euad169
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it