Title

Fish Oil for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery
Fish Oil to Inhibit Supraventricular Arrhythmias After Cardiac Surgery: The Fish Trial
  • Phase

    Phase 4
  • Study Type

    Interventional
  • Intervention/Treatment

    icosapent ethyl ...
  • Study Participants

    260
The primary objective of this study is to determine if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce atrial fibrillation and other outcomes after cardiac surgery. In this placebo-controlled trial, patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with or without valve repair will be treated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids perioperatively. The following hypotheses will be tested: 1. omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery, 2. omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, administered in the perioperative period for cardiac surgery, decreases postoperative complication rates, and 3. omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease intensive care unit and hospital length-of-stay.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after bypass surgery. It is a significant burden to the healthcare system because it is associated with increased hospital costs and a longer hospital length-of-stay. Atrial fibrillation occurring after bypass surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Atrial fibrillation is also associated with an increased risk for strokes, use of potentially harmful drugs, and the need for pacemaker therapy.

This study is for patients who are undergoing elective bypass surgery. Patients who meet study criteria and who consent to participate in the study will be randomized to treatment with omega-3 fatty acids or matching corn oil placebo, prior to surgery. After surgery, treatment will continue until the primary endpoint, atrial fibrillation, is reached, or 14 days, whichever is first.
Study Started
Feb 28
2007
Primary Completion
Dec 31
2009
Study Completion
Jan 31
2010
Results Posted
Oct 10
2018
Last Update
Oct 10
2018

Drug Omega Three Polyunsaturated fatty acids

2 grams orally twice daily pre-operatively and 2 grams orally daily after until primary endpoint or 14 days.

  • Other names: Lovaza, Omega three polyunsaturate ethyl esters

fish oil , corn oil Experimental

Highly purified pharmaceutical grade omega three polyunsaturated fatty acids

placebo Placebo Comparator

olive oil

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Age 18-85 years old.
Elective coronary artery bypass (CABG) operation with or without concomitant valve surgery planned for at least 2 days after enrollment.
Signed, documented informed consent prior to admission to the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Urgent or emergent bypass required to be performed <24 hrs after screening.
Unstable angina, requiring intervention or CABG <24 hrs after screening.
Decompensated congestive heart failure.
Chronic, persistent atrial fibrillation - patient in atrial fibrillation at the time of screening or enrollment or scheduled for a maze procedure or pulmonary vein isolation at the time of surgery.
Known sensitivity to Omacor (0mega-3 acid ethyl esters) and hypersensitivity to fish, fish products or corn oil.
Patients requiring warfarin or Lovenox the 2 days prior to bypass surgery.
Patients on Class I or III antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, flecainide, propafenone, moricizine, dofetilide, sotalol, amiodarone) or who have taken these drugs within 5 elimination half-lives of the drug (or within 2 months for amiodarone).
Patients who are pregnant or nursing.
Patients unable to provide/sign informed consent.
Patients currently enrolled in another clinical trial without a 30 day washout period.
Patients currently taking marine based omega-three fish oil supplements.

Summary

Fish Oil

Corn Oil

All Events

Event Type Organ System Event Term

Number of Participants Who Developed Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

The primary outcome in this study is post-bypass atrial fibrillation documented by ECG or rhythm strip and requiring treatment.

Corn Oil

33.0
participants

Fish Oil

30.0
participants

Total

260
Participants

Age, Continuous

62
years (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.3

Region of Enrollment

Sex: Female, Male

Overall Study

Fish Oil

Corn Oil

Drop/Withdrawal Reasons

Fish Oil

Corn Oil