The purpose of this study was to study the IL-4 plasma concentrations in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) (< 48 hours). The marker was investigated in 51 patients (26 males, 25 females; mean age 59.84±1.60 years) at their hospital admission as well as twenty-four hours and twenty-eight days after sinus rhythm restoration. Fifty-two controls (26 males, 26 females; 59.50±1.46 years) were selected. Sinus rhythm was restored by means of propafenone. The IL-4 concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit. The mean duration of AF episodes till the hospitalization was 8.14 hours. On admission, the IL-4 concentrations were elevated as compared to those of the controls (54.26±1.89 vs 35.20±1.55 pg/mL, p<0.001). Twenty-four hours after rhythm regularization, the changes persisted (48.62±1.17 vs 35.20±1.55 pg/mL, p<0.001). On the twenty-eighth day, no significant difference was observed (37.90±2.05 vs 35.20±1.55 pg/mL, p=0.2). The logistic regression analysis indicated that IL-4 was a statistically significant predictor for PAF. The specific dynamics of IL-4 levels is indicative of a marked inflammatory and fibrosis activity still in the early hours of PAF, whose consequences cumulate even after rhythm regulation. IL-4 has a predictive value for PAF that may help in the management of the disease.
 

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