Introduction : Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus and has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. There are no data about the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in the population with DAN.
Material and methods : We analysed the data of 100 patients with PAF. The study population was divided into three groups: group I: 28 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and DAN, group II: 34 patients with DM without DAN, and group III: 38 patients without DM. P-wave duration (FPD) and dispersion (PWD) were measured during sinus rhythm and AF episodes were counted during 12 months of follow-up.
Results : Recurrence of PAF was higher in group I (47 episodes/year) compared to groups II and III (26 and 22 episodes/year) – p < 0.01. The FPD was longer in group I (137.4 ±12.0 ms vs. 126 ±23.0 ms in II group and 129 ±18.3 ms in group III; p < 0.001). The PWD was longer in patients with DAN (53 ±19 ms vs. 36 ±18 ms and 34 ±20 ms, p < 0.001).
Conclusions : The results showed that the presence of DAN caused a significant increase in P-wave duration and dispersion, which might be responsible for the recurrence of AF.