Effect of colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, on the chance of developing atrial fibrillation, a fast irregular heart beat, in open heart surgery patients

INTERVENTION: Patients are randomized at least 12 to 24 hours prior to surgery to receive colchicine or no colchicine in an open label format. Randomization was performed by the principal investigator using an online Research Randomizer (www.randomizer.org). Intervention group: Colchicine is administered at a dose of 2 mg 12‐24 hours prior to surgery and 1 mg 4 hours before or immediately after surgery (through a nasogastric tube) and then continued at a dose of 0.5 mg twice daily until hospital discharge. Half the dose is given to patients weighing <70 kg or intolerant to the full dose Control group: Participants receive standard care with no administration of colchicine Partcipants in both groups are continuously monitored using ECG to find the rate of AF. Participants in the intervention group are interviewed daily to evaluate side effects from colchicine administration. CONDITION: Atrial fibrillation post cardiac surgery ; Circulatory System ; Atrial fibrillation post cardiac surgery PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Rate of AF is measured through continuous ECG monitoring until the time of discharge. Episodes of AF lasting for 5 minutes or more are continued significant and are recorded.; 2. Occurrence of side effects is determined through daily patient examinations and patient interviews until the time of discharge INCLUSION CRITERIA: All adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery and cared for by participating cardiologists.