Grant: Project Grant

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm that is common in critically ill patients. This rhythm can cause many problems for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) such as low blood pressure and exposure to drugs with potential negative side effects. Patients who develop AF in the ICU are at higher risk of having a recurrence of AF, stroke, heart failure, and death both in-hospital and within five years of their discharge. The objective of this project is to determine the feasibility of conducting a larger trial for the prevention of atrial fibrillation using magnesium compared to placebo. We will evaluate several metrics such as recruitment, compliance, and ability to follow-up to ensure a definitive trial is possible. Critically ill patients who require life support will be enrolled in this study. Patients in the treatment arm be treated with magnesium and patients in the control arm with sodium chloride (salt water). All patients will wear a cardiac monitor to detect AF. Patients will be monitored for outcomes such as time in the ICU, stroke, and death until discharge or 28 days. There will be follow-up at 90-days and one-year to evaluate long-term outcomes. This innovative project focuses on prevention of AF. There are many potential benefits to preventing AF including avoiding complications, avoiding medications that may have unwanted side effects, and prevention of strokes, heart failure, and increased risk of death. Additionally, prevention of AF may result in fewer days in the ICU and hospital and risk of rehospitalization with complications, representing potential cost-savings. The outcome of this research has the potential to greatly impact the health and quality of life for critically ill patients who are at risk of developing AF. This study will provide important information to inform a larger study that could definitively address the question of prevention of AF using magnesium sulphate.