Neth Heart J
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Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (PNAF) is very common after cardiac surgery and postoperative inflammation may contribute to PNAF by inducing atrial dysfunction. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and may thus reduce atrial dysfunction and PNAF development. This study aimed to determine whether dexamethasone protects against left atrial dysfunction and PNAF in cardiac surgical patients. ⋯ Postoperative left atrial diameter was 4.6 and 4.3 cm, respectively (difference 0.3; 95 % CI -0.2 to 0.7; P = 0.19). The incidence of PNAF was 30 % in the dexamethasone group and 39 % in the placebo group (P = 0.47). Intraoperative high-dose dexamethasone did not protect against postoperative left atrial dysfunction and did not reduce the risk of PNAF in cardiac surgical patients.