Adjunctive Pharmacotherapy for Elective Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Abstract
Methods: A retrospective cohort was to study of AF patients attending or DCCV between Jan 2010 and Feb 2012. The data were analysed using multivariate logistical regression models. Initial success of DCCV was the dependent variable in the first analysis. Maintenance of sinus rhythm at follow up was the dependent variable in the second analysis.
Results: One hundred and thirty patients were included in the first analysis, and 71 patients were included in the second analysis. The only association observed was a positive association between flecainide and an increased odds of maintaining sinus rhythm at follow up (OR 2.14, SE 0.93, P = 0.02) .Other antiarrhythmic drugs and RAAS inhibiting drugs had no association with an increased odds of successful DCCV or maintenance of sinus rhythm thereafter.
Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate an association between flecainide and a increased odds of maintaining sinus rhythm after DCCV in the long term. This warrants further research, and should be taken into account when choosing adjunctive antiarrhythmic therapy for elective DCCV for AF.
Cardiol Res. 2012;3(4):158-163
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr198w