Observational study of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients treated with Ivabradine alone versus Ivabradine and β-blocker drug (The BetaBrad Study)

Abstract

Introduction: Ivabradine is a heart rate lowering agent by inhibiting Iƒ current in sinus node. It is approved for use in patients with angina and heart failure for heart rate control. Recently, the concern has grown over increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with Ivabradine. Aims: We observed critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, treated with Ivabradine alone versus Ivabradine plus a β-blocking agent, and compared the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Settings and Design: This was an observational, single-center study. Materials and Methods: We observed 40 patients who were divided into two groups. One group of patients was treated with Ivabradine (no other heart rate-controlling agent) and the other group was treated with Ivabradine plus a β-blocker drug. We studied the incidence of atrial fibrillation in an observation period of 7 days in the intensive care unit along with other patient characteristics. We used appropriate analytical protocol to compare the two groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Student’s unpaired t test and Fisher’s exact probability test were applied. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Although one patient treated with Ivabradine (and no other rate/rhythm controlling drug) had new-onset atrial fibrillation, there was no statistically significant increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients (during the observation period) treated with Ivabradine versus Ivabradine plus β-blocker drug. Conclusion: Our preliminary research suggests the use of Ivabradine for heart rate control in critically ill patients is not associated with an increased incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation. However, we recommend a further larger study on this subject.