Pharmacological Cardioversion Research Articles

Impact of Body Mass Index in the Cardioverter Efficacy of Amiodarone in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic drug that has extensive tissue distribution and substantial storage in the fat tissue. Different studies have described some implications of body fat composition in its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, no clinical studies have described its implications for clinical efficacy. Methods: We studied 878 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with a regimen of amiodarone and referred to electrical cardioversion (ECV), included prospectively in two Spanish registries. We analyzed the influence of body mass index (BMI), as well as overweight and obesity, in the efficacy of amiodarone for achieving pharmacologic cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) before ECV. Results: A total of 185 patients (21.1%) reverted to SR before ECV. Patients who reverted to SR had a lower BMI than those who did not revert (27.45 ± 4.36 kg/m2 vs. 29.11 ± 4.09 kg/m2; p < 0.001). We observed a progressively lower probability of reverting to SR in overweight and obese patients (normal weight 28.3%, overweight 21.3%, obesity 13.1%; p < 0.001). In the logistic regression, BMI (kg/m2) adjusted for other related variables remained as the main factor inversely related to reversion to SR (OR = 0.904 × kg/m2); CI 75% 0.864–0.946). Conclusions: We observed a negative relationship between an increased BMI and the efficacy of amiodarone for reversion to SR, suggesting a negative clinical impact of excess body fat in its efficacy.

Cavutilide (Refralon) for pharmacological cardioversion of early recurrence atrial fibrillation and flutter in blanking period after pulmonary veins isolation

Objective. Evaluate efficacy and safety of cavutilide (Refralon) for pharmacological cardioversion in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL), in 90days blanking period of catheter ablation.Materials and methods. included 56 patients: 46 patients with recurrent paroxysmal AF/AFL and 10 patients with recurrent persistent AF/AFL. In 45 patients (80.3%), sinus rhythm (SR) restoration was performed within 7 days from the moment of catheter ablation. Intraoperative confirmation of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was noted in 85.7% cases (n=48). After excluding contraindications, cavutilide was administrated in the intensive care unit according to a 4-stage protocol (5 µg/kg – 5 µg/kg-10 µg/ kg – 10 µg/kg). Effectiveness of pharmacological cardioversion was assessed as the fact of restoring SR and the fact of preservation of SR 24 hours after cavutilide administration. Safety points – QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmogenic effects, pauses and bradyarrhythmias.Results. The overall effectiveness of cavutilide among all included patients reached 98.2% (n=55), and preservation of SR 24 hours after cavutilide administration was observed in 94.5% (n=53) patients. All the patients with recurrent persistent AF/AFL successfully restored and maintained SR 24 hours after cavutilide administration 100% (n=10). In patients with recurrent paroxysmal AF/AFL restoration of SR observed in 97.8% (n=45) and preservation of SR after 24 hours – in 93.4% (n=43), respectively. The effectiveness of cavutilide did not depend on the results of the catheter ablation. Recurrences of AF/AFL after SR restoration were more common in patients without successful PV isolation. QT prolongation >500ms observed in 8.9% (n=5) of cases, including 1 case of self-terminating torsade de pointes, managed by MgSO4 infusion. Bradyarrhythmias that did not require urgent therapy were noted in 10.7% (n=6) of cases.Conclusion. Pharmacological cardioversion with Cavutilide (Refralon) is highly effective and safe method of SR restoration in patients with recurrent AF/AFL in 90days blanking period after catheter ablation.

Efficacy of smart device heart rhythm monitoring to detect spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm in patients scheduled for electric cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Kardiover Study

Abstract Introduction the management of patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is to achieve sinus rhythm (SR) by electrical or pharmacological cardioversion (CV). However, frequently SR is spontaneously restored, making scheduled admission and/or transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) unnecessary and therefore causing misutilization of healthcare resources. Emerging medical technology has allowed for monitoring of heart rhythm abnormalities. Objective A prospective multicenter study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of a smart device ECG monitor to detect spontaneous conversion to SR in AF patients, preventing unnecessary admission and providing an earlier management. Methods A prospective multicenter study was designed including patients with first diagnosed, paroxysmal or persistent AF scheduled for ambulatory electrical cardioversion in cardiology departments of 7 hospitals of Spain. Patients were asked to submit ECG recordings to a central Corelab daily, twice a day and whenever they present symptoms, until cardioversion (spontaneous or scheduled) and a week afterwards. Whenever a spontaneous conversion to SR was detected, investigators were contacted to confirm SR and abort admission, likewise when AF recurrence after cardioversion was detected. Patients’ satisfaction was evaluated using a test for perceived utility and value, convenience, and accessibility. Results A total of 62 patients were enrolled (age 62±10 years). Baseline characteristics of the study population are described in the Table. Fifteen patients (24%) did not undergo CV as they showed spontaneous conversion to SR. Among 47 patients admitted for CV, it was successful in 41 (87%). One patient aborted CV because of atrial thrombus on TEE. During follow up after conversion to SR (spontaneous or electrical), recurrences of AF occurred in 20 of 56 patients (36%) correctly detected by the devices. At the end of the follow-up 41 of 56 patients (73%) remained in SR. Due to the early detection of spontaneous conversion to SR, a total of 15 admissions and 9 TEE were prevented and these resources used for other patients. Adherence was high with a rate of ECG transmission over 80% in 56 patients (90%). Perceived satisfaction was also high with an overall punctuation of 9 over 10 in the patient’s feedback test. Conclusion Digital devices for heart rhythm monitoring can optimize the management of AF patients scheduled for CV, avoiding unnecessary admissions and providing a more rational use of healthcare resources.Table

Predictive value of procalcitonin for early atrial fibrillation recurrence post-cardioversion at the emergency department

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation (AF) in the emergency department (ED) has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment strategy that allows direct discharge from the ED thereby reducing avoidable hospitalizations. However, early AF recurrence may present a limitation, thereby necessitating the identification of predictors of AF recurrence post-ED cardioversion. Methods 117 patients with acute AF (first detected or recurrent paroxysmal) of <48 hours duration, managed by pharmacological (PC) or electrical cardioversion (EC) at the ED were prospectively enrolled upon ED presentation. Clinical, echocardiography, routine laboratory and NT-proBNP and procalcitonin assessments were performed upon presentation. We investigated the utility of inflammatory biomarker procalcitonin as predictor of acute success of cardioversion and early AF recurrence up to 30 days post-cardioversion. Results Study group consisted of 50% males, of mean(±SD) age 67±12years, 41% with first episode and 59% with paroxysmal AF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 54±7% and left atrial diameter (LAD) 39±5mm. Median (IQR) creatinine, NTproBNP, hsTroponinT and procalcitonin were: 0.9(0.8-1.1)mg/dl, 517(137-1454)pg/ml, 11.8(6.7-19)pg/ml and 0.03(0.02-0.05)pg/ml, respectively. Of the total group, 59% had paroxysmal and 41% first-episode AF, whereas 70% received EC and 30% PC. Acute cardioversion success was achieved in 81%, while sinus rhythm was maintained in 84% at 8 days and in 86% in 30 days post-cardioversion. In univariate regression analysis, lower procalcitonin levels were associated with higher acute cardioversion success [HR, 95%CI: 0.208(0.050-0.863), p=0.031] as well as lower risk of AF recurrence at 8 days [HR, 95%CI: 0.142(0.028-0.730), p=0.019] and 30 days post-cardioversion [HR, 95%CI: 0.190(0.044-0.818), p=0.026]. Predictive value of procalcitonin was maintained after adjustment for LAD in multivariate regression (all p<0.05). Conclusions In acute AF managed by cardioversion in the ED, procalcitonin, a marker of inflammatory stimulation, may predict acute non-response as well as early AF recurrence up to 30 days post-cardioversion.

Antazoline for pharmacologic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: teaching an old drug new tricks.

Antazoline for pharmacologic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: teaching an old drug new tricks.

Effectiveness of antazoline versus amiodarone, flecainide and propafenone in restoring sinus rhythm at the emergency department

PurposeLittle is known about the effectiveness of pharmacological cardioversion (PCV) with antazoline in comparison to flecainide. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antazoline in restoring sinus rhythm (SR) versus amiodarone, flecainide and propafenone in a group of emergency department (ED) patients. Materials/methodsThis was a single-centre retrospective analysis of patient records from an ED in a large hospital in Poland. We analysed a total of 1878 patient records, divided based on the anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) administered during PCV: antazoline (n ​= ​1080), antazoline ​+ ​β-blocker (n ​= ​479), amiodarone (n ​= ​129), flecainide (n ​= ​102), propafenone (n ​= ​88). Of the patients, 63.5 ​% were female (median 65 years, [19–100]). ResultsThe percentage of successful PCV was significantly higher in the antazoline group (84.3 ​%) than in the antazoline ​+ ​β-blocker (75.8 ​%, p ​= ​0.0001), propafenone (75.6 ​%, p ​= ​0.0364) and amiodarone (68.8 ​%, p ​< ​0.0001) groups. Post-hoc analysis revealed that patients who received PCV with antazoline, antazoline ​+ ​β-blocker, flecainide and propafenone had significantly shorter time to SR than those who received amiodarone (p ​< ​0.0001). Univariate regression analysis revealed that patients who underwent PCV with antazoline were almost twice as likely to return to SR compared to the other groups (p ​< ​0.0001, OR 1.81, 95 ​% CI 1.44–2.27). ConclusionsThis is the first study comparing the effectiveness of antazoline in PCV versus flecainide in addition to the previously studied amiodarone and propafenone. Our results indicate that antazoline is more effective in restoring SR than amiodarone, flecainide and propafenone. In addition, antazoline restored SR significantly faster than amiodarone or propafenone.

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II) deficiency responsible for refractory cardiac arrhythmias, acute multiorgan failure and early fatal outcome

BackgroundCarnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II) deficiency is a rare inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism with autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Its phenotype is highly variable (neonatal, infantile, and adult onset) on the base of mutations of the CPT II gene. In affected subjects, long-chain acylcarnitines cannot be subdivided into carnitine and acyl-CoA, leading to their toxic accumulation in different organs. Neonatal form is the most severe, and all the reported patients died within a few days to 6 months after birth. Hereby, we report on a male late-preterm newborn who presented refractory cardiac arrhythmias and acute multiorgan (hepatic, renal, muscular) injury, leading to cerebral hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, cardiovascular failure and early (day 5 of life) to death. Subsequently, extended metabolic screening and target next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis allowed the CPT II deficiency diagnosis.Case presentationThe male proband was born at 36+ 4 weeks of gestation by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Parents were healthy and nonconsanguineous, although both coming from Nigeria. Family history was unremarkable. Apgar score was 9/9. At birth, anthropometric measures were as follows: weight 2850 g (47th centile, -0.07 standard deviations, SD), length 50 cm (81st centile, + 0.89 SD) and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) 35 cm (87th centile, + 1.14 SD). On day 2 of life our newborn showed bradycardia (heart rate around 80 bpm) and hypotonia, and was then transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). There, he subsequently manifested many episodes of ventricular tachycardia, which were treated with pharmacological (magnesium sulfate) and electrical cardioversion. Due to the critical conditions of the baby (hepatic, renal and cardiac dysfunctions) and to guarantee optimal management of the arrythmias, he was transferred to the Pediatric Cardiology Reference Center of our region (Sicily, Italy), where he died 2 days later. Thereafter, the carnitines profile evidenced by the extended metabolic screening resulted compatible with a fatty acid oxidation defect (increased levels of acylcarnitines C16 and C18, and low of C2); afterwards, the targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed the known c.680 C > T p. (Pro227Leu) homozygous missense mutation of the CPTII gene, for diagnosis of CPT II deficiency. Genetic investigations have been, then, extended to the baby’s parents, who were identified as heterozygous carriers of the same variant. When we meet again the parents for genetic counseling, the mother was within the first trimester of her second pregnancy. Therefore, we offered to the couple and performed the prenatal target NGS analysis on chorionic villi sample, which did not detect any alterations, excluding thus the CPT II deficiency in their second child.ConclusionsCPTII deficiency may be suspected in newborns showing cardiac arrhythmias, associated or not with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidneys, brain malformations, hepatomegaly. Its diagnosis should be even more suspected and investigated in cases of increased plasmatic levels of creatine phosphokinase and acylcarnitines in addition to kidney, heart and liver dysfunctions, as occurred in the present patient. Accurate family history, extended metabolic screening, and multidisciplinary approach are necessary for diagnosis and adequate management of affected subjects. Next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques allow the identification of the CPTII gene mutation, essential to confirm the diagnosis before or after birth, as well as to calculate the recurrence risk for family members. Our report broads the knowledge of the genetic and molecular bases of such rare disease, improving its clinical characterization, and provides useful indications for the treatment of patients.

Revolutionizing Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: The Robotic Convergent Plus Procedure.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely accepted to be the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an increasing incidence over time. This is thought to be due to the aging population across the world. AF occurs when abnormal electrical foci result in disorganization of atrial depolarization, though the exact pathophysiology leading to these abnormal foci is not well understood. A range of interventions exist for AF - pharmacological therapies (anti-arrhythmic or negative chronotropic medications), cardioversion, or ablations to interrupt the abnormal conduction pathways. Ablation may be via a catheter-based approach, via a surgical approach using the "Maze" procedure (Cox-Maze IV), or more recently, via a hybrid approach. This first involves a surgical epicardial ablation, with catheter-based endocardial ablation following a few weeks later to ensure durable transmural lesion sets via the "Convergent" procedure. We describe the use of the Da Vinci Xi™ robotic platform to improve the procedure, allowing continuous and improved visualization of the anatomy without the need for potentially harmful retraction of the atrial appendage or the back of the left atrium, as well as increased precision with our mapping tools and more complete ablation. Here, we highlight the advantages over a non-robotic (subxiphoid) Convergent procedure, while outlining the key operative steps in undertaking the "Robotic Convergent Plus" procedure using the Da Vinci Xi™ robotic surgical system.

Weekly journal scan: the KCa2 potassium channel as a promising target for the pharmacologic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

Weekly journal scan: the KCa2 potassium channel as a promising target for the pharmacologic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

New possibilities of antiarrhythmic therapy of atrial fibrillation: A review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder. According to current recommendations, the treatment of AF includes 3 main directions: "A" – the appointment of anticoagulant therapy with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, "B" – control of arrhythmia symptoms, choice of a strategy for rhythm control or control of ventricular contractions, "C" – treatment of concomitant diseases and correction of risk factors. The rhythm control strategy includes performing cardioversion, prescribing long-term antiarrhythmic therapy, or performing radiofrequency catheter ablation. According to the latest recommendations of 2020, antiarrhythmic drugs of IC and III classes are currently used for pharmacological cardioversion of AF and long-term retention of sinus rhythm. The choice of a specific antiarrhythmic drug is based on its safety and effectiveness. â-Blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and digoxin are used to control CHS. The results of modern research have significantly expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying various forms of AF. Currently, the search for new drugs is actively underway that will allow preventing the development of AF and its progression at the molecular level.

Assessment of physician compliance to the CAEP 2021 Atrial Fibrillation Best Practices Checklist for rate and rhythm control in the emergency department.

Acute atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL) are common arrhythmias treated in the emergency department (ED). The 2021 CAEP Best Practices Checklist provides clear recommendations for management of patients with acute AF/AFL. This study aimed to evaluate physician compliance to Checklist recommendations for risk assessment and ED management of AF/AFL. This health records review assessed the management of adult patients presenting to two tertiary care EDs for management of acute AF/AFL from January to August, 2022. All ECGs demonstrating AF/AFL with a heart rate greater than 100 were compiled to capture primary and secondary causes. All visits were assessed for rate and rhythm control management, adverse events, return to ED, and safety criteria. Study physicians classified safety criteria from the Checklist into high and moderate concerns. The primary outcome was the proportion of cases with safety concerns and adverse events occurring during management in the ED. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. We included 429 patients with a mean age of 67.7years and 57.1% male. ED management included rate control (20.4%), electrical (40.1%), and pharmacological (20.1%) cardioversion. Adverse events occurred in 9.5% of cases: 12.5% in rate control, 13.4% in electrical cardioversion, and 6.9% in pharmacologic cardioversion. Overall, 7.9% of cases had management safety concerns. Moderate safety concerns occurred in 4.9% of cases including failure to attain recommended heart rate at time of discharge (3.9%). Severe concerns were identified in 3.0% of cases including failure to cardiovert unstable patients (1.2%). The 30-day return-to-ED rate was 16.5% secondary to AF/AFL. ED management of AF/AFL was consistent with the CAEP Checklist and was safe overall. Opportunities for optimizing care include attaining recommended targets during rate control, avoidance of calcium channel and beta blockers in patients with systolic dysfunction, and earlier cardioversion for clinically unstable patients.

Use of C-reactive protein for prediction of sinus rhythm maintenance after pharmacologic cardioversion in patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Background Approximately 50% of patients undergoing cardioversion present with a recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation ( AF) within 3–6 months of cardioversion despite ongoing antiarrhythmic treatment (AAD). Inflammation has been involved in the pathogenesis of both metabolic syndrome (MS) and atrial fibrillation. Evidence has indicated that inflammatory changes is essential for recurrence of AF. Therefore, identifying patients at high risk of AF recurrence remains challenging. Objective We tested the hypothesis: increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with a greater risk of AF recurrence after pharmacologic cardioversion (PCV) Methods We conducted a multicenter observational cross-sectional study. 215 consecutive adult participants (≥18 and &lt;65years of age) were recruited with MS and symptomatic AF (paroxysmal and persistent). They were admitted at six general cardiology Health Care Clinics, underwent PCV, and during a one calendar year follow-up period, were stratified into two groups according to CRP levels (105 participants (50 females and 55 males) with level of CRP ≥3mg/L and 110 (58 females and 52 males) with level of CRP &lt;3mg/L). Recurrence of AF during follow-up period was defined as the study end-point. Results After the follow-up of one year, only (31.8%) of patients with MS and CRP levels above the cut-off of 3 mg/L remain in sinus rhythm, compared to (64. 7%) of patients with MS and CRP levels below the cut-off of 3 mg/L (p=0. 002). Conclusions CRP, an easily determined marker in everyday clinical practice, may provide significant prognostic information regarding sinus rhythm maintenance and could be useful for predicting the recurrence of AF after successful pharmacologic cardioversion in clinical practice.

Safety and Effectiveness of Antidysrhythmic Drugs for Pharmacologic Cardioversion of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: a Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-analysis.

The available evidence to determine which antidysrhythmic drug is superior for pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset (onset within 48h) atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. We aimed to identify the safest and most effective agent for pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset AF in the emergency department. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to February 21, 2023 (PROSPERO: CRD42018083781). Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that enrolled adult participants with AF ≤ 48h, compared a guideline-recommended antidysrhythmic drug with another antidysrhythmic drug or a different formulation of the same drug or placebo and reported specific adverse events. The primary outcome was immediate, serious adverse event - cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachydysrhythmia, atrial flutter 1:1 atrioventricular conduction, hypotension, and bradycardia. Additional analyses included the outcomes of conversion to sinus rhythm within 4h and 24h. We extracted data according to PRISMA-NMA and appraised trials using Cochrane RoB 2. We performed Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method with random-effect model and vague prior distribution to calculate odds ratios with 95% credible intervals. We assessed confidence using CINeMA. We used surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to rank agent(s). The systematic review initially identified 5545 studies. Twenty-five studies met eligibility criteria, and 22 studies (n = 3082) provided data for NMA, which demonstrated that vernakalant (SUCRA = 70.9%) is most likely to be safest. Additional effectiveness NMA demonstrated that flecainide (SUCRA = 89.0%) is most likely to be superior for conversion within 4h (27 studies; n = 2681), and ranolazine-amiodarone IV (SUCRA 93.7%) is most likely to be superior for conversion within 24h (24 studies; n = 3213). Confidence in the NMA estimates is variable and limited mostly by within-study bias and imprecision. Among guideline-recommended antidysrhythmic drugs, the combination of digoxin IV and amiodarone IV is definitely among the least safe for cardioversion of recent onset AF; flecainide, vernakalant, ibutilide, propafenone, and amiodarone IV are definitely among the most effective for cardioversion within 4h; flecainide is definitely among the most effective for cardioversion within 24h. Further, randomized controlled trials with predetermined and strictly defined, hemodynamic adverse event outcomes are recommended.

Modern management of acute atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

This clinical review is intended to assist emergency physicians manage patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute/recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter (AFL). This article is based primarily on the 2021 Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Acute Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Best Practices Checklist. We encourage readers to download the open access CAEP Checklist article (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43678-021-00167-y) and the free smartphone app (CAEP Atrial Fibrillation Guide). We focus on four key elements of ED care: assessment and risk stratification, rate and rhythm control, short-term and long-term stroke prevention, and disposition and follow-up. It is important to determine if AF/AFL with rapid ventricular response is a primary arrhythmia or secondary to medical causes. While it is unusual for patients with primary AF to be unstable, urgent cardioversion is occasionally required. The criteria for when cardioversion is safe have recently changed and it is essential that physicians are well versed in them. When rhythm control is not safe, provide effective and safe IV rate control. When rhythm control is safe, either pharmacological or electrical cardioversion acceptable, per patient and physician preference. Rapid ventricular pre-excitation (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome) usually, but not always, requires urgent electrical cardioversion. ED physicians should prescribe oral anticoagulants at discharge if indicated. No specific direct oral anticoagulant is preferred, and references should be freely consulted for optimal dosing. Hospital admission is rarely required for acute AF/AFL patients, who should be given good discharge instructions.

Results of a prospective randomized study comparing efficacy and safety of refralon and amiodarone for cardioversion in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter

Aim. To compare efficacy and safety of refralon and amiodarone for cardioversion in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL). Methods. The study included 60 patients (32 men and 28 women) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF/AFL. All patients underwent a preliminary examination to exclude contraindications to cardioversion. The procedure of pharmacological cardioversion was carried out in the intensive care unit. By the method of envelope randomization, patients were divided into equal groups of refralon and amiodarone, 30 participants each. Both groups did not differ significantly in terms of main clinical characteristics. Cardioversion with refralon consisted of four subsequent iv injections: 5-5 - 10-10 µg/kg of body weight at intervals of 15 minutes. Patients of the second group were intravenously administered amiodarone at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight for 20-60 minutes, depending on the tolerability of the drug. In case of AF/AFL maintaining after 60 minutes from the start of administration, the infusion of amiodarone 100 mg/h continued until restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) or until the maximal total dose of 1200 mg/day was reached. Patients were observed for 24 hours.Results. SR restored in 96.7% (29 of 30) of patients in the refralon group, of which 56.7% (17 of 30) - after a dose of 5 μg / kg. In the amiodarone group SR restored in 53.3% (16 of 30) patients (p&lt;0.001). Median time to arrhythmia conversion in refralon group was 14 [7;23] min, while in amiodarone group it was 150 [82;240] min (p&lt;0.001). Within 60 minutes SR was restored in 26 patients in group of refralon and only in 4 patients in group of amiodarone (p&lt;0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of major adverse cardiac events, bradyarrhythmias, lowering of blood pressure, and QT prolongation between the groups.Conclusion. In randomized trial Refralon demonstrated higher rate of successful AF/AFL conversion and shorter time to SR restoration than amiodarone. The most of patients restored SR after administration of the lowest dose of refralon, that ensures the safety of cardioversion.

Comparison of efficacy of pharmacological cardioversion with antazoline and propafenone versus electrical cardioversion in atrial fibrillation during cryoablation.

Antazoline with propafenone may be an alternative to electrical cardioversion (ECV) in restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), including during balloon cryoablation. To compare the efficacy of antazoline with propafenone and ECV in restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm at discharge in patients with AF during cryoablation with special regard to type of AF. The study retrospectively analyzed 196 patients who underwent elective cryoablation. Eighty-nine patients who developed AF in the perioperative period were selected as the study group (32 women and 57 men). The study group was divided into two groups - 46 (51.7%) patients were given pharmacological cardioversion with 70 mg of propafenone and 100 or 200 mg of antazoline, whereas the other 43 (48.3%) patients underwent ECV. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding: left atrial area, left atrium diameter, right atrial area and right atrium diameter. In the overall population, ECV was more effective than antazoline with propafenone therapy (31 [72.1%] vs. 20 [43.5%]; p = 0.01). A similar relationship was demonstrated in patients with persistent AF (13 [59.1%] vs. 3 [12.5%]; p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the group of patients with paroxysmal AF (18 (85.6%) vs. 17 (77.3%); p = 0.7). In AF during the cryoablation procedure ECV appears to be more effective in restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm at discharge than antazoline with propafenone in the general AF patient population, especially in patients with persistent AF.

Heterogeneity in the role of emergency physicians and treatment of acute atrial fibrillation in emergency departments—results of the International Atrial Fibrillation Background (AFiB) Study

The consept of emergency departments (EDs) with specialized teams of emergency physicians originated in the United Kingdom and the United States during the 1970s and was expanded across most European countries in the twenty-first century. Among the various cardiac arrhythmias encountered in EDs, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent, contributing to ED congestion. Existing guidelines offer multiple treatment options for acute-onset AF occurring within 48 hours. The aim of The Atrial Fibrillation Background Study is to evaluate treatment strategies, practices and the role of emergency physicians in managing acute-onset AF in Western medical tradition across Europe, the United States and China (Hong Kong). The data for this nonexperimental survey were collected through a questionnaire administered to the medical director or a senior physician at each of the 12 participating EDs. We obtained information regarding the total number of physicians employed in these EDs, their respective specialties, and the patient caseloads they managed. Additionally, we gathered data on the diagnostic and treatment protocols employed for atrial fibrillation (AF). In the investigated EDs in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States, patients were treated by emergency physicians. Comparatively, many European EDs primarily relied on physicians with traditional medical specialties. Diagnostic methods employed for acute AF ranged from point-of-care testing to comprehensive laboratory panels and echocardiography. In terms of AF treatment, rate control was the preferred approach in Hong Kong and the USA EDs, while rhythm control was preferred in European settings. Regarding rhythm control, there were considerable variations in preferences between pharmacological and electrical cardioversion methods. Findings from the AFiB Study highlight the growing significance of emergency physicians in the management of acute AF, as well as the divergent treatment approaches for acute AF observed in EDs between Europe and the United States.

Electrical Injury-induced Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with significant morbidity and mortality risks. Electrical shocks can elicit adverse cardiac effects, including arrhythmias, although AF following electrical injuries remains relatively rare. We present the case of a 45-year-old man who developed AF after accidentally touching a live cable carrying 220 volts during home construction. The patient exhibited palpitations and shortness of breath and was admitted to the emergency department. Electrocardiographic monitoring confirmed AF with an irregular heart rate of 106 bpm. Echocardiographic examination revealed AF with normal ejection fraction. Successful pharmacological cardioversion using digoxin restored normal sinus rhythm within 6 h. The mechanisms underlying AF after electrical injury are not fully understood, but they likely involve arrhythmogenic foci formation and alterations in cardiac ion channels. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial, with digoxin proving effective in this case. AF is a rare but clinically significant occurrence following low-voltage electrical shocks. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential in resolving the arrhythmia and optimizing patient outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and risk factors associated with this rare occurrence and explore long-term outcomes and potential complications.

Impact of Various Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Strategies on Length of Stay in the Emergency Department and Early Complications-3 Years of a Single-Center Experience.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia presenting in emergency departments (EDs), vastly increasing mainly due to society's lifestyles leading to numerous comorbidities. Its management depends on many factors and is still not unified. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare different AF management strategies in the ED and to evaluate their influence on the length of stay (LOS) in the ED and their safety. We analyzed medical records over 3 years of data collection, including age, primary AF diagnosis, an attempt to restore sinus rhythm, complications, and length of stay. Patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment method received: only pharmacological cardioversion (MED), only electrical cardioversion (EC), and patients who received medications followed by electrical cardioversion (COMB). We included 599 individuals in the analysis with a median age of 71. The restoration of sinus rhythm and LOS were as follows: MED: 64.95%, 173 min; COMB: 87.91%, 295 min; SH: 92.40%, 180 min. The difference between the MED and EC strategies, as well as MED and COMB, was statistically significant (p < 0.001 in both). The total number of complications was 16, with a rate of 32.67%. The majority of them followed a drug administration, and the most common complication was bradycardia. Electrical cardioversion is a safe and effective treatment strategy in stable patients with AF in the ED. It is associated with a shortened LOS. Medication administration preceded the majority of complications.

Antiarrhythmic drugs for pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and sex differences: Insights from the CANT II Study.

Data on sex differences in terms of action of antiarrhythmic agents (AADs) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and efficacy and safety of AADs used for pharmacological cardioversion (PCV) of AF. This research was a sub-analysis of the retrospective multicenter Cardioversion with ANTazoline II (CANT) registry, which comprised 1365 patients with short-duration AF referred for urgent PCV with the use of AAD. Patients were categorized according to and compared in terms of clinical parameters and PCV outcomes. The primary endpoint was return of sinus rhythm within 12 hours after drug infusion, and the composite safety endpoint involved bradycardia <45 bpm, hypotension, syncope, or death. The sex distribution of patients qualified for PCV was even (men, n = 725; 53.1%). Females were older and more symptomatic and had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, higher prevalence of tachyarrhythmia, and higher use of chronic anticoagulation. The overall efficacy (71.4% vs. 70.1%; P = 0.59) and safety (5.2% vs. 4.6%; P = 0.60) of PCV was comparable in men and women. Amiodarone (68.3% vs. 65.9%; P = 0.66) and antazoline (77.1% vs. 80.0%; P = 0.19) had similar efficacy in men and women, but propafenone had a lower rate of rhythm conversion in men (64.7% vs. 79.3%; P = 0.046). None of the assessed AADs differed in terms of safety profile in both sexes. Female patients with AF have different clinical profiles but similar efficacy and safety of AADs as compared to male participants. Propafenone has significantly lower efficacy in men, which requires further investigation.