Leukocytosis and Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation After General Thoracic Surgery

Increments in WBC were greater in patients with AF and coincided with the peak onset of AF. These prospective data support an important role for stress-mediated autonomic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AF after major thoracic surgery. We aim to examine further whether WBC elevations on postoperative day one can help further risk stratify patients younger than 60 years or those with the highest risk who could benefit from one or more AF prevention strategies.