Why did you (and your colleagues) write this paper? What was its main purpose?

Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) represents a common complication after cardiac surgery which is associated with major adverse events and poor patient-outcome. In the era of personalized patient care the measurement of atrial-natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) represents an easily assessable biomarker picturing atrial function and strain before the surgical Intervention that potentially allows risk stratification for POAF.

What are the main conclusions? 

FELIX HOFER, PATRICK SULZGRUBER AND ANDREAS HAMMER

Atrial-natriuretic peptide proved to be a strong and independent predictor of POAF development within the present prospective observational study. The performed CART analysis revealed a well delimitable cut-off value for MR-proANP of >170 pmol/l as high risk for POAF development.

What are the paper's implications? - to the public? -to medical professionals?

FELIX HOFER, PATRICK SULZGRUBER AND ANDREAS HAMMER

MR-proANP enhances risk stratification through improved identification of patients at risk for POAF development and therefore may impact on both reduction of in-hospital stay and thromboembolic adverse events during the post-operative course. In order to provide a personalized diagnostic and prognostic pre-operative work-up, a standardized pre-operative evaluation of MR-proANP levels should be considered to identify these POAF susceptible individuals before cardiac surgery.diac surgery.