Introduction
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a widely utilized and highly effective
treatment modality for symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial
fibrillation (AF). RF ablation for AF is known to increase serum
biomarkers of inflammation, which may be due to acute myocardial injury
and healing of ablation-related atrial lesions1.
Individuals with early recurrence of AF within the first three months
after AF ablation was shown to have significantly greater odds of having
an increase in serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels at post-ablation
follow-up, suggesting an association between increased inflammation and
early recurrence of AF2.
The effect of peri-procedural administration of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids has been
evaluated3-5. Peri-ablation administration of
intravenous steroids followed by a short course of moderate-intensity
oral steroids has been shown to significantly reduce AF recurrence at 3
months5. There is no evidence regarding the efficacy
of intravenous dexamethasone, and it is unclear if single-dose
administration at the time of ablation for the prevention of
postoperative nausea (PONV) yields a similar reduction in AF recurrence
or inhibits adequate lesions formation and maturation.