New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in older patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although many comorbidities are associated with NOAF, the effect of anemia on the onset of atrial fibrillation is still unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that anemia is associated with an increased risk of developing NOAF in critically ill patients in intensive care. We performed a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients who underwent routine hemoglobin and electrocardiography monitoring in the ICU. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined the hemoglobin (Hb) value that triggered NOAF formation. Bivariate correlation was used to determine the relationship between anemia and NOAF. The incidence of NOAF was 9.9% in the total population, and 12.8% in the patient group with anemia. Analysis of 1931 patients revealed a negative association between anemia and the development of NOAF in the ICU. The stimulatory Hb cut-off value for the formation of NOAF was determined as 9.64 g/dL. Anemia is associated with the development of NOAF in critically ill patients in intensive care.
Keywords: anemia; atrial fibrillation; blood transfusion; critically ill patients; intensive care unit; red blood cell.